《Realm Eternal》
Prologue : Ragnar?k
Realm Eternal - 01
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Chapter 0
Prologue
VRMMORPG C Virtual Reality Massive Multi-player Online Role-Player Game; a Revolution that spread through the modern digital culture and imbedded its self in the consciousness of every person with a digital communication device.
It began with 3D movies which created interest in 3D TVs which in turn created interest in 3D Goggles / Glasses and 3D Helmets. A research paper from the London School of Economics espousing the potential future benefits to Public Education caught the interest of the UN Secretary General; It is at this point that Governments became actively involved.
Failing to garner support at the UN the Secretary General gave a proposal to the G20 Governments at their summit for a Consortium to investigate the potential benefits of 3D Technology & Virtual Reality. The G20 Governments Agreed to each Contribute $225 million (USD) Biannually for 6 years and to jointly own the patent rights to any resulting technologies under the Advent Consortium.
With $4.2Billion invested 2 Universities from each of the G20 were chosen to conduct the Research & Development for the Advent Consortium. After 5 years of R&D the Advent Consortium produced a number of breakthrough technologies but the major ones were the 2 types of Virtual Reality Capsules and the Artificial Intelligence Virtual Reality Engine (AIVRE)
It was determined that even though further miniaturization was possible the Capsule Pod was indispensable in creating the sensory deprivation necessary for Full Immersion. Capsule Pods had the size for the system to be built robust and with multiple layers of redundancy. Thanks to the Capsule Pod size other systems including healthcare systems could be included.
The 2 types of Virtual Reality Capsules:
? The first type of Virtual Reality Capsule is the Hypnotic Induction Full Immersion Capsule Pod. Named; Hipno Pod
? Puts the individual into a Hypnotic state that allows Full Immersion into a Digitally constructed Virtual Reality
? Entry and Exit of the Virtual Reality Construct is Quick since the Individual remains Conscious
? Max time compression is 3 times Normal
? Minimum sleep requirement is 4 hours a day to prevent mental fatigue
? The second type of Virtual Reality Capsule is the Hypnotic REM-Sleep Induction Full Immersion Capsule Pod. Named; REM-Sleep Pod
? Puts the individual into a Hypnotic REM-Sleep state that allows Full Immersion into a Digitally constructed Virtual Reality
? VR Entry takes 10 to 15 minutes and Exit of the Virtual Reality Construct takes 20 C 30 minutes since the Individual is in Deep REM-Sleep
? Max time compression is 5 times Normal
? No sleep requirement since the User is actually sleeping.
Designed to be temper proof each AIVRE consisted of a Minimum of 10000 Desktop size 15 Teraflop Computer with 10 Terabytes Read Only Memory. AIVRE was designed to be installed in any building of sufficient size and cooling Systems. The Size and number of external storage memory Drives would be left to the owner.
The US and 3 others demanded that Production & Commercialization of Technologies be handed over to the private sector but those demands fell on deaf ears since the G20 Governments all had an equal stake in the Advent Consortium. With a $15Billion Loan from the other G20 Governments already secured the US and the 3 others Reluctantly offered a further $4Billion in cheap loans to the Advent Consortium.
The G20 Governments Agreed to establish Self-sufficient 3D Printing Factories in each of the G20 countries capable of producing 400 Capsule Pods a day; all work-share would be distributed equally; giving a maximum Daly capacity of 8000 Capsule Pods. The 20 Factories would share the production work of every Artificial Intelligence Virtual Reality Engine (AIVRE).
Initially each AIVRE had a production cost of over $200million, but with every G20 Nation compelled to purchase 5 AIVRE units economics of Scale brought the cost down to $125million. As expected the First customers were the G20 Governments themselves but the other Governments quickly placed orders
Each AIVRE order had to include an additional order of 10000 Hipno Pods or REM-Sleep Pods. Governments bought an equal amount of Hipno Pods and REM-Sleep Pods, but from initial private sector testing the Hipno Pod was a clear winner with over 95% of initial private sector orders.
The Hipno Pods had an initial production cost of $5000 eventualy moderating to $2000 and REM-Sleep Pods had an initial production cost of $8000 eventualy moderating to $5000 due to economics of Scale.
The emergence of the Advent Consortium VR technologies created waves in the Entertainment Industry and Media & Tourism Conglomerates swiftly swallowed the top 50 Gaming Corporations through Mergers, Take-Over and Acquisitions. Using the Advent Consortium VR systems platforms provided for testing and exposure work began on all manner of Virtual Reality Constructs and Games.
By running the Factories 24 hours a day rather than the intended 8 hours a day Advent Consortium was able to more than quadruple Pod production to 35000 Capsule Pods a day; thus by the end of the first year they had produced over 12Million Capsule Pods. The Advent Consortium selling price was fixed at cost + 15%.
The Boom in VR Tourism was soon eclipsed by the Boom in VRMMORPG; the age of Adventuring had returned.
It took about a year for the Major Corporations to produce their first true VRMMORPG and within the space of a month 40 Hipno Pods platform Games went into Open Beta testing lasting from 2 - 6 weeks. Since the Pod isnt tied to a specific Game system users were free to test every available compatible Game.
After Beta testing was completed 10 Clear winners emerged and they gained 80% of the VR Gaming market with their subscription service. The losers of the competition of the VR games would soon be sold and Absorbed into the Larger Corporations. 2 of the winning games were based in China since Information Censorship Restrictions removed their competitors.
Almost unnoticed 25 small regional Gaming Companies who had been left out in the cold during the first round of Corporate Mergers opted to form The Phoenix Consortium and Developed a Simulation built exclusively for the REM-Sleep Pods Platform; offering a Free to Play Model with an Item Mall. The Phoenix Consortium expanded to include over 400 Online businesses and retailers.
The selling point to Online businesses and retailers was that all initial Consumable NPC produced Items would be Identical to real world products produced by partner companies in look taste and feel. NPC produced Clothing and Armour would include partner branding and Logos.
Through this the Phoenix Consortium received $570Million in Funding to Develop the VR Simulation and purchase 3 AIVRE; 1 to handle North and South America, 1 For Asia & Australasia and 1 for Europe & Africa. A month after the Competition of VR Games was conclusively decided the stage was set for the Dark horse to enter.
2 months before Phoenix Consortium VR Simulation Realm Eternal went into Open Beta Phoenix Consortium concluded a Deal with the Advent Consortium; the Advent Consortium would sell 350000 REM-Sleep Pods to the Phoenix Consortium at Half-Price ($2875) and Phoenix Consortium would offer the REM-Sleep Pods to its Beta testers at $1500.
The Advent Consortium would provide a 10 year loan to Phoenix Consortium to purchase the 350000 REM-Sleep Pods. Phoenix Consortium gets 350000 Users and Advent Consortium gets to promote a product that had initially been suffering in sales; both parties take a loss but guarantee a successful launch of their respective products with a shared risk.
Until this point in time the largest customers for the REM-Sleep Pods were the militaries of the world with sales totalling 1.5 million REM-Sleep Pods and another 2 million on the order books. Defence officials valued the fact that there was less mental fatigue over the convenience of being able to quickly log in and out of the Virtual Reality Construct.
Nevertheless the defence sector was a relatively small sector for sustainable production and improvement of the REM-Sleep Pods. But because of strategic military interests the owners of the Advent Consortium would not allow the cancellation of the REM-Sleep Pod program. Thus the Deal the Advent Consortium signed with the Phoenix Consortium was the best hope for the future of REM-Sleep Pods.
With this deal with the Phoenix Consortium the Advent Consortium could now include REM-Sleep Pods in the Factory capacity doubling project. The Advent Consortium had been reinvesting profits in Factory production capacity expansion and the Global production capacity would soon double to 70000 Capsule Pods a day.
While Deals were being made in the background Gamers all over the world were waiting in anticipation for Realm Eternal. While most gamers had firmly committed to one of the top ten Hipno Pod VR games some were waiting for the only REM-Sleep Pod game; Realm Eternal. Granted this was a minority of Gamers but the rumours about the environments of Realm Eternal were tempting & it is Free to Play on top of that.
Over the past 3 months the Phoenix Consortium released several short 20 to 40 minute videos as part of a series of 10 videos detailing the background story to Realm Eternal. The videos are part of the marketing campaign designed to create hype around the start of Realm Eternal. The videos tell the story of Ragnar?k; the fall of Asgard.
First Video:
The video shows Loki murdering Baldr and blaming the killing of the youngest Prince of Asgard on the Gaal (Eagle Humanoids; Head of an eagle, body of a human, eagle wings on their back and the feet of an eagle) by stabbing him with a Mana infused Gall ceremonial knife. Loki then cuts off his head and puts it atop a spear that is planted on the ground. The scene takes place on the planet Ecobar on the outskirts of a village whose people had been slaughtered earlier.
Ecobar is shown to be a planet close to the border with the Gaal but firmly within the area of space controlled and protected by Asgard.
Second Video:
Asgardians are Revealed to come in Red, White, Blue, Green, Golden (Extremely Rare), Black and Brown Skin Colours and they have the physical features of all races of Humans according to clans. Asgard is revealed to be a Continent floating it space; the original home of a mysterious race the Asgardians call the Ancients. Apparently the Ancients created Asgard using Extremely advanced Magic.
A figure of Loki writing in the castle courtyard can be seen; hes been there the whole day, and for five Days hes been coming there to write and prepare his magic scrolls. However that day a messenger arrives with word of Baldrs Death the day before. Somehow Loki managed to be in two places at once; in the eyes of everyone in the Castle hes not involved.
News of the Death of the Prince of Asgard Hits the King & Queen hard; the country descends into deep sadness over the loss of the Beloved Prince of smiles.
Third Video:
In the throne room Odin (King of Asgard) orders Thor (First Prince of Asgard) to Raise an Army and hunt down the killers of Baldr wherever they may be. Thor Vows to hunt down all those responsible for Baldrs death.
Asgardians can be seen signing up to be part of Thors Volunteer Army; Hundreds, then Thousands and then even Hundreds of thousands of men and woman join Thors Volunteer Army. Seeing the size of Thors Volunteer Army Odin grants Thor command of Asgards First & Fifth Armoured Cavalry. 2 of Asgards 5 Elite Armoured BattleMage Cavalry will lead the war against the Gaal.
Asgards 5 Elite Armoured BattleMage Cavalries are Equipped with Armour and weapons made from Uru. The metal Uru is a product of Alchemy through Higher Matter Conversion Synthesis of 10 units of Mithril to produce 1 unit of Uru. Though Uru doesnt have the Highest density it has the Highest Magical properties of any metal making it the best for magic wielders.
Asgards Armoury is Unlocked and Thors Volunteer Army is equipped with Uru weapons and Mithril & Black Steel Armours.
The 1000 strong Starships of the Asgard Fleet can be seen leaving Asgard. The Magic Sigel covered hulls of each submarine like ship is made from an alloy of steel, Mithril and Uru.
Fourth Video:
With the Gaal fleet engaged in battle with the Asgard fleet the Bifr?st Portal opens on the outskirts of the Gaal border Capital, and then Asgards First Armoured BattleMage Cavalry lead by Thor pours out of the Bifr?st Portal. Warriors of Asgards First Armoured BattleMage Cavalry use their Uru weapons to clear the area by defeating all Gaal in the vicinity; thus establishing a Beachhead.
Every member of Asgards 20 thousand strong First Armoured BattleMage Cavalry then reaches into their Magic Inventory Bag and takes out a 2.5m Diameter Teleport Platform. As soon as the Teleport Platforms are Deployed beams of light begin to come out of the Bifr?st Portal and connect with the Teleport Platforms instantaneously teleporting 14 soldiers to every Teleport Platform.
The 280000 soldiers that just Teleported in immediately Equip their Longbows and begin a ranged attack of Gaal Instillations with Magic Sigils covered Rune magic Arrows. The Magic Longbows have a range in the Hundreds of Kilometres depending on the Mana capacity of the user but all the Arrows have Anti-Barrier & Anti-ward Runes and Explosive impact Elemental Magic Runes.
Millions of arrows erase entire Gaal cities in an instant. On another planet Asgards Fifth Armoured BattleMage Cavalry leads another 280000 soldiers to the same effect on that planet. In one day the strategy is carried out on 14 Gaal planets. Thors Army withdraws back to the staging planet before the Gaal can mount a Defence or counterattack.
Its not conquest, its a Raid; Designed to inflict maximum casualty on the Gaal while minimizing Asgards Casualties. In one day the entire Gaal Border collapsed leaving them no choice but to withdraw deeper into their territory were they can mount a defence.
Fifth Video:
Loki informs his allies Surtur & Hrym that Asgard only has 110000 soldiers to defend it against surprise attacks. Hrym informs Loki that the J?tunn Fleet lead by the warship Naglfar is already en-route to Asgard.
Loki poisons Heimdall preventing him from blowing his mighty horn Gj?ll. Loki then uses the Bifr?st to open a portal to Jotunheim allowing a 200000 strong J?tunn Army to come through to Asgard. Loki uses teleport Magic to Teleport the Giant winter wolf Fenrir from its prison through the Bifr?st Portal into the centre of the Asgard capital Valhalla.
Loki uses the same process as with Fenrir to Teleport the Colossal serpent J?rmungandr (the Midgard Serpent.) into the Asgard Capital. J?rmungandr is said to be the product of the rape of a Half-Elf princess of a prominent Midgard kingdom by the Dragon King Surtur, and after a week of pregnancy J?rmungandr killed and consumed his/her mother as it was born; by consuming hundreds of thousands of humans it grew into the Colossal serpent known as the Midgard Serpent.
The Nine Head Hydra Garmr (described here as the "worst of monsters") was also summoned from his bonds in front of Gnipahellir, and once Garmr arrived he began to eat hundreds of Asgardians forcing the legendary BattleMage Tyr to engage him in battle.
Once Dragon King Surtur and his 250000 strong Demon army were Teleported through the Bifr?st Portal into Asgard Loki destroyed the Bifr?st generator to prevent Thors Army from returning to Asgard. Red dragons covered the Sky setting everything Ablaze while Fenrir froze the ground.
All Asgard Ships immediately abandon their positions and open Hyperspace Portals and began to return to Asgard at maximum speed. Sensing a weakness in Asgard the Gaal ships pursue the Asgard Ships back to Asgard.
Sixth Video:
Surtur & the other Red Dragons Cover the ground in fire, causing everything to burn. Odins First wife Freya uses her holy Sword Skirnir to confront Surtur while Freyas Valkyries do battle with the rest of the Red Dragons.
When Odin realizes that Loki destroyed the Bifr?st generator he finally understands that it was Loki who killed Baldr, and that all the Chaos before him has been organized by none other than Loki, and then to make things even more dire Thors Army is cut-off from Asgard. Odin understands that he has no choice but to use the power of the King of Asgard.
Using the Authority of the King of Asgard Odin uses the Sacred Spear Gungnir (Also known as the Spear of Destiny) to reach out to the First Tesseract. It can be seen that Yggdrasil is made through 10 Tesseracts; 9 Tesseracts arranged around the First Tesseract, and through the Tesseracts pathways to every Habitable World in the Galaxy are open and sustained by the Mana energy generated by the Tesseracts.
The Tesseract is a Zero Point Mana Generator; an Artefact of the Ancients. Yggdrasil was built by the Ancients, and Asgard is the heart of Yggdrasil as it served as the home of the Ancients. Odin uses the Mana from the First Tesseract to activate the Royal Crest Sigils on the equipment of the Members of Thors Army to Teleport them through the First Tesseract to Asgard along with any other Asgardians currently on a connected planet.
The arrival of Thors Army turned the situation into a Chaotic Battle. Thor uses his Magical Hammer Mjolnir to battle the Midgard Serpent J?rmungandr.
Odin is weakened by the use of the Authority of the King of Asgard to teleport Thors Army leaving him unable to hold back Fenrirs power.
Fenrir swallows Odin causing his Second wife Frigga her second great sorrow (the first being the death of her son, the prince Baldr). However Frigga continues to Battle Loki until shi kills him.
Thor kills J?rmungandr, yet is poisoned by the serpent, and manages to walk nine steps before falling to the ground dead.
After Fenrir swallows Odin the Spear Gungnir falls to the ground and when Thor dies Odins second son Vearr inherits the Spear Gungnir. Empowered by the Sacred Spear Gungnir Vearr kicks his foot into Fenrir''s lower jaw, grips Fenrir''s upper jaw, and rips apart Fenrir''s mouth, killing Fenrir.
The Asgard Fleet arrived above the skies of Asgard and began attacking the J?tunn Fleet, the Dragons and other Large Magical monsters. But then the Gaal fleet also emerged from Hyperspace bringing with them their Giant Starship; the Gaal Flagship. Another great battle erupted in the skies above Asgard.
Trying to deliver a finishing blow to Asgard the Gaal Flagship fired on the Asgard Capital Valhalla, but Asgards shield Barrier held off the immense power of the Gaal Flagships weapons. The Gaal were surprised that Asgards Shield were holding even at the force of a Tesseract powered Gaal Flagship. Clearly the Gaal had not known that there was another Tesseract on Asgard.
The Gaal Flagship continued to fire its weapons and the Asgards Shield continued to defend. A cardinal rule of the Ancients was being broken; Tesseracts must not be used in close proximity to each other.
The High mages of Asgard recognize that the Gaal Flagship is powered by a Tesseract and Activated The Beacon of Ado; a Ragnar?k contingency.
The energy Discharge of 2 Tesseracts in opposition to each other created a massive Mana Energy build up eventualy creating Mana explosion on the scale of the Supernova of a giant Star.
Everything in the Star system was Vaporized, but that was only the beginning; the Explosion created an Implosion that fused the 2 Tesseracts with Yggdrasil creating a Mana Chain-Reaction that fused the other 9 Tesseracts with Yggdrasil, thus Transforming Yggdrasil into a Zero Point Mana Generator connected to every Habitable World in the Galaxy.
The Mana Chain-Reaction through Yggdrasil releases astronomical amounts of Mana into every Habitable World in the Galaxy. This is the large scale Mana Catastrophe that would later be called the Mana Metastasis. The Mana Metastasis event introduces 1000 times the normal ambient Mana into every Habitable World in the Galaxy.
Before the Mana dissipates into space it is absorbed by the life on the planets; All living things instantly become a hundred times larger; plants animals trees. The massive Mana output activated Teleportation platforms, and then people and monsters are teleported throughout the Galaxy. Humanoids outside of Magic Barriers in Cities are transformed into Giants losing all reason and memories. Once the Mana wave passes Magic Barriers in Cities collapse due to the strain and the waves of Giant monsters attack the Cities, towns and Villages.
Yggdrasils Mana output into every Habitable World in the Galaxy stabilizes at 10 times the normal Ambient Mana of Habitable Worlds.
Seventh Video:
The Beacon of Ado is a Ragnar?k contingency sent to every Asgard Ship and territory in the event of the imminent destruction of Asgard.
Five Asgard warships who due to the damages received during the campaign against the Gaal were slow in arriving with the rest of the fleet received the Beacon of Ado. The Beacon of Ado directed the ships to save as many survivors as they could and then follow the signal to Planet Ado; the final refuge for all Asgardians.
The scale of the devastation on the Asgard Allied Worlds was beyond Imagination billions had been either transformed into violent monsters or killed by monsters and survivors everywhere were calling out for help. The entire Galaxy was in Flames.
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The ships rendezvoused with surviving Asgard Merchant & Cargo ships then went to Vanaheim, Alfheim, Nidavellir, Svartalfheim and then Midgard saving as many as they could then followed the signal to Planet Ado.
In the end they could only save 7458:
Asgardians = 272
Vanaheim = 56
Alfheim = 1685
Nidavellir = 1379
Svartalfheim = 352
Midgard = 3714
Eighth Video:
When the Refugee ships arrived in orbit around Ado an Energy force guided them into the Atmosphere and through a Magic Barrier landing them safely on a hidden Floating continent.
They were met by 5 Asgardian High Mages; their leader Gandor the Great spoke for them.
Gandor : " Welcome to the Asgard Planet Ado; the last vestige of civilization in the Arello Galaxy! We are the Guardians of Ado! I am Gandor! The protection of Ado has been the responsibility of the High Mages of Asgard since its discovery by King Rune; the Golden Skin fourth King of Asgard; a descendent of the High Elves. We believe that Asgardians were created by combining Human, Dwarf, Elf and the Blood of the Ancients to create a Guardian race that would watch over the Galaxy"
The people gathered express shock at Gandors statement. However they cant question the validity of the High Mages since they know that Asgardian High Mages are amongst the most long lived and knowledgeable individuals in the Galaxy; the depth of their knowledge is only rivalled by the long lived Elf-Dragons.
Gandor : " It shouldnt be that big of a surprise given the correlation between Elf Clans and Asgardian Clans; they have the same skin colours. The strength and Durability of a Dwarf, the magic of the Elf, the vitality of the Humans and the Longevity of the Ancients gives you the Asgardian. As for the Ancients, theres really only one candidate for who they could be! the crowd goes silent in anticipation They can only be the only real Myth of this Galaxy!" they seem to wait with abated breath It can only be the Black Dragons!
The mouths of the adults are agape, and only the children seem to murmur. The shock is so severe that the adults forget to breathe. Once they recover they begin to ask questions; mostly referring to the White & Red Dragons.
Gandor : " White & Red Dragons are not pure Dragons otherwise they would be genetically incompatible with Humans and Elves. In all likelihood the White & Red Dragons are a failed attempt by the ancients to create a Guardian race. Black Dragons of myth are said to be more than twice the size of White & Red Dragons, and the Black Dragons are said to have high affinity with all known types of Magic. Asgardian analysis of White & Red Dragons indicates that they correlate with White & Red Elves. Thus we believe that the Ancient Black Dragons dropped their blood into the wombs of pregnant White & Red Elves which produced the first White & Red Dragons, and once they were born the Ancients took them and sought to train and teach them the ways of the wise dragons, but over time new generations of White & Red Dragons grew arrogant and spiteful seeing the Humans, Dwarves and Elves as lesser beings. Legend says that the Ancients who ruled the heavens cast down the White & Red Dragons to the ground. Legend says that when the Black Dragons deemed the life in the Galaxy ready they split the Heavens and all of them left. White & Red Dragons cant fly in space but by all accounts the legendary Black Dragons were able to move through space without the need for ships! Splitting the Heavens seems similar to opening a Hyperspace Portal
The group seem to have been convinced by Gandors reasoning and ask no further questions. Seeing this Gandor decides to move the conversation along.
Gandor : " Our analysis indicates that Ado is where the Ancients landed when they came to this Galaxy! This is evidenced by the Tesseract that powers the Barrier that shields and suspends this continent in the Atmosphere of this planet. The continent itself is 4.2 times the size of Old Asgard and we dont understand the magic by which its held together and suspended in the Atmosphere, and the Tesseract powering it is inaccessible; sealed in a chamber protected by an impenetrable barrier. Ancient warnings about the Tesseracts indicate that they left only 12 Tesseracts in the Arello Galaxy. By proclamation of King Rune if Asgard is Destroyed this Continent is to be Named Asgard. Our analysis indicates that the Ancients attached magic Rune Sigils to asteroids and then brought the asteroids together to form this continent, and as such the dimensions of this continent are a nearly exact Pentagon of 1.5km depth at the edges and 1.2km depth at the centre. The magic of this place makes it impossible to dig more than 2 metres; its as if you reach an impenetrable magic barrier at 2 metres; any construction materials would have to be brought here. If we are all that remains of the noble races of the Galaxy then our first objective must be to increase our numbers!"
There is some murmur as the groups unconsciously begin to count the numbers of the members of their own particular races.
Gandor : " It seems that there are 1751 children below the age of 13; older children would have died in the battle for survival. There seems to be 9 times more women than men, and there are only 5 Asgardian women. It seems unavoidable that the Asgardian race will go extinct! It cant be helped; we can create a new race by all of us working together; a new race that will reclaim the Galaxy! To that End I want all the children to separate and move to my Left, all the men separate and move to my Right and all the women to remain in the centre!"
Despite initial hesitation the over seven thousand strong group begins to separate as instructed by Gandor.
Gandor : " I want the women to choose from the men a Husband!" there is some surprise but most seem to have expected this outcome Please note that there can only be a maximum of 10 women to each man! And if the man already has a wife here only 9 can be added
The women suddenly throw away their hesitation and inhibition and rush towards the Elven men. Once the Elven men are all taken up the women fill the spots around the Asgardian men, then the Dwarf men and lastly the Human men.
Gandor : " Ahhh!"
The High Mage Gandor and the other Guardians of Ado are surprised to each find 10 women around them.
The High Mage Gandor then takes out a large rock from his magic inventory bag.
Gandor : " This is an Artos stone; it is an artefact of the Ancients, and only three were ever found! An Artos stone was used by the Ancients during their marriage ceremonies; it is binding magic of the highest order, but it boosts the fertility, stamina and vitality of those who are joined through marriage!"
Looking at the stone.
Gandor and the other High Mages begin to chant as they channel a tremendous amount of Mana from the Tesseract into the Artos Stone; the stone activate and vanishes in light and then Rune covered rings appear on the left hand ring fingers of all the men and women. Each of the male corresponds to only his wives and the rings of the women only correspond to their Husband.
Gandor : " The Artos Stone fragments are inside all of us and the rings are a Mana manifestation! Unfortunately the Artos Stone permanently binds the heart in what amounts to an incurable love spell resulting in absolute loyalty and fidelity; thus any attempts at infidelity results in excruciating pain. Fortunately the Artos Stone allows the spouse access to the skills and talents of their spouse. Let us work together to rebuild our civilization!"
The children join their respective families.
- - -
Resources are harvested from the planet Ado and homes & fields are built with use of Earth Magic.
As time passes children are born; lots of children. It appears all the women get pregnant on average every 2 years due to the effects of the Artos Stone. Even the Dwarves and the Elves who usually have low fertility have children at the same rate.
A city develops near the lake at the centre of the continent; the City is named Daybreak. A new race of people is born; they are the descendents of all the races but have pronounced Asgardian and Elven features. The new race begins to call itself Alvs. The new Alv Race has Elf ears that are like human & Dwarf but pointy at the top, Magical Affinity & Proficiency correspond to that of the Elves as it relates to skin colour.
The Birth of the Alv Race creates a separation as the Elves, Dwarves and the Humans do not wish to be absorbed by the Alvs. Four new cities are built by each race as a square with the city of Daybreak at the centre. The Alvs construct the City Haven, the Elves construct the City Avalon, Dwarves construct the City Nidavellir and the Humans construct the City Olympus.
Seven hundred years pass and the Five Cities grow to be magnificent.
Ninth Video:
Nine hundred years after the fall of Asgard recorded in the tales as Ragnar?k Ruins of the Ancients were discovered on the surface of Planet Ado. Found at the heart of a great forest the Ruins are protected by Enchantments and Rune Magic; thus for over a hundred metres around the ruins the plants and trees are edible but no monster can enter.
After deciphering the text on the Ruins it was discovered that there is an Ancient Cave on Midgard containing the Eldar Stone. The Eldar Stones come in pairs and form a link across vast Interstellar distances. The Eldar Stones magic makes it indestructible.
An Expedition is formed and the five surviving Asgardian ships set of to Midgard with 2000 warriors. Once on Midgard the warriors fight their way through hordes of monsters and arrive at the Ancient Cave containing the Eldar Stone; yet Another site of the Ancients buried deep inside a mountain and protected by Enchantments and Rune Magic.
The Expedition locates the Eldar Stone which is 25m high and 10m wide. The Ancient writings on the walls of the cave reveal that the Eldar Stone is a pathway of the Body, the Mind and the Soul. The Ancient writings on the walls of the cave also reveal that that particular Eldar Stone connects to the Original Home of the Human Race; a Planet called Earth. There is an Eldar Stone at the bottom of Earths Ocean.
The Expedition transports the Eldar Stone to Ado, and after some examination it is decided to place the Eldar Stone on a platform at the Ruins of the Ancients on the surface of Planet Ado. Once the Eldar Stone is placed on the platform it reacts; confirming that it is meant to rest on that platform as it is similar to the one on Midgard.
After some study the Council of Elders of the Asgard Continent authorized initial testing. The most skilled mages of the Asgard Continent gathered around the Eldar Stone and upon injecting the Eldar Stone with Mana it activated and after a moment began glowing. From the light emerged young people from Earth; all of them seemed to be teenagers.
The Eldar Stone had apparently Teleported 2 fifteen year old men and 2 fifteen year old women from every village on Earth to Ado. 17000 people had been brought to Ado (from the time period 2000BC). However only about 35% of those transported could be classified as Human. Through the use of Appraisal Magic it was determined that the other 65% had been wearing animal skins and the DNA of the animals was fused into them by the Teleport magic of the Eldar Stone.
Thus the Beast Human Races were born.
The Beast Human Races consisted of:
? Foxtails :
o Born from those who had been wearing Fox Skins.
o Basic Characteristics are; a Human face, Fox Ears, 1 to 3 Fox tails, Fox teeth and Fox claws on nails.
? Wolf-fang:
o Born from those who had been wearing Wolf, wild Dogs, Coyotes and Dingoes Skins.
o Basic Characteristics are; a Human face, Wolf Ears, Wolf tail, Wolf teeth and Wolf claws on nails.
? Horned-Folk:
o Born from those who had been wearing Skins of all manner of horned animals like ox, buffalo, dear, rhino etc.
o Basic Characteristics are; a Human face, a Horn on the forehead or 2 on the side of the head or both, a tail and a thick skin.
? Mer-Folk :
o Born from those who had been wearing Skins of all manner of aquatic animals.
o Basic Characteristics are; a Human face, gills on the back, webbed hands and feet, Shark teeth and a tail like the bard of a sting ray.
? Winged-Folk :
o Born from those who had been wearing clothes made from feathers & Skins of all manner of Bird species.
o Basic Characteristics are; a Human face, Wings on the back that start small and grow larger over time, Talons on the feet and eyes of the Eagle.
? Raptors :
o Born from those who had been wearing Skins of all manner of Reptilian species.
o Basic Characteristics are; a Human face, Thick Reptilian skin, Reptilian Eyes, Reptilian Tail, Reptilian Teeth and Reptilian Claws on nails.
? Ape-man :
o Born from those who had been wearing Ape Skins.
o Basic Characteristics are; a Human face, slightly longer Ape Arms, Ape Feet, Ape Tail, Ape Teeth and Ape Ears.
? Rabbit-Ears :
o Born from those who had been wearing Rabbit Skins.
o Basic Characteristics are; a Human face, Rabbit Tail and Rabbit Ears.
? Cat-Ears :
o Born from those who had been wearing Skins of all manner of Cat species.
o Basic Characteristics are; a Human face, Cat Ears, Cat tail, Cat teeth and Cat claws on nails.
It was discovered that all those from Earth had a Soul Power (SP) of 1. The Soul Power factor determines the rate of Mana Regeneration. The Soul Power is something one is born with as a genetic heritage and cannot be changed. Humans of Midgard have an SP of 100 to 150, Dwarves have an SP of 200 to 370, Elves have an SP of 400 to 750 and Alvs have an SP of over 1000. Elf-Dragons also have an SP of over 1000.
Asgardians had an SP of over 2500, and Odin had an SP of over 8000. Red & White Dragons also have an SP of over 2500.
This particular discovery lead to the Humans of Midgard referring themselves as the Midgard Human drawing a clear distinction between themselves and the Earth Human. Thus the Midgard Race was born. The difference in SP between Midgard Human and the Earth Human meant that any offspring from a union would have SP of 1; the same applies for any offspring from a union of Earth Human and Dwarf, Elf and Alv.
Immediately the Council of Elders of the Asgard Continent authorized the construction of a city named Camelot for the newcomers at the Ruins of the Ancients on the surface of Planet Ado. Around the city Camelot 10 villages were built; one for the Humans of Earth, one for the Foxtails of Earth, one for the Wolf-fang of Earth, one for the Horned-Folk of Earth, one for the Mer-Folk of Earth, one for the Winged-Folk of Earth, one for the Raptors of Earth, one for the Ape-man of Earth, one for the Rabbit-Ears of Earth and one for the Cat-Ears of Earth.
Over time the Earth Humans and Human beast races prospered making full use of abundant resources. The Council of Elders of the Asgard Continent had thought them weak because of their inherent SP of 1, but the humans of Earth showed that they too had the Courage of the human heart. They formed hunting parties of 6 to 8 and hunted monsters that were far beyond their individual abilities; adventuring into the unknown.
The Council of Elders of the Asgard Continent decided that they could use the Earth humans to repopulate the Arello Galaxy. The Council of Elders of the Asgard Continent used the Eldar Stone to summon Humans from earth once every 500 years. The Humans grow in number and begin to move out of the territory controlled by the Council of Elders of the Asgard Continent to establish their own kingdoms and nations.
After 2500 years the mages of the Asgard Continental Republic learned to use the Eldar Stones pathway of the Mind to Earth and use Psionic Magic to connect to Minds of people on Earth.
Tenth Video:
Its been over 4900 years since Ragnar?k and the Asgard Continental Republic has become prosperous. The city of Camelot is on Grandeur; the largest Continent on Ado. The Grandeur Continent has a Size Equal to all the land masses of Earth, and there are 16 other Continents that are 45% to 87% the size of Grandeur on Ado. The Asgard Continent has a size that is 70% that of Grandeur.
The Grandeur Continent is divided 60% North / 40% South by Ados equator, and the Asgard Continental Republic controls a Seventh of the Grandeur Continent leaving the rest to independent states, nations and kingdoms. The Asgard Continental Republics domain on the Grandeur Continent is from the Western Coast to 1000km inland along the Coast of the Grandeur Continent centred around Ados equator.
The Asgard Continent floats just 2400km from the Western Coast of the Grandeur Continent. Although the Asgard Continental Republic claims Domain over a Seventh of the Grandeur Continent in reality their actual control does not extent far beyond the thousands of Rune Magic Barrier protected Cities, Towns and Villages theyve established over the millennia.
In truth of the 14.29% of Grandeur Continent the Asgard Continental Republic claims Domain over some 75% is monster territory. The only monsters that seem to recognize the Asgard Republics borders on the Grandeur Continent are the DemiHuman Demon Races; the Orcs, the Goblin, the Trolls, the Lizardmen, the Serpent races, the Devils and the Vampires. The Wyverns on the other hand go wherever they want.
The Mana Metastasis event had amongst other things teleported people and monsters all over the Galaxy. With the Demon King Surtur dead the Demon Races no longer cooperated and each race sought its own objectives. The Mana Metastasis introduced a thousand times more food for grazers, and with plenty of food the Demon races flourished.
Another side effect of the Mana Metastasis is that small animals like rabbits, mice, snakes, frogs, fish etc reached maturity in one week. In just a week a newborn small animal would be ready to breed. The larger animals would need a few months but it was far shorted than it had been in the past. This is why most of the lands were controlled by monsters.
Through the use of the Eldar Stones the Asgard Continental Republics Mages used Psionic Magic to monitor developments on Earth and the Development of VR technology was an opportunity that could not be missed; a chance to turn the tide availed itself. An alliance was formed with the Phoenix Consortium.
Using cloning Magic Loki once used to hide his complicity in Baldrs Death Humans on Earth could pilot bodies on Ado through the Eldar Stones pathway of the Mind. However it was soon discovered that cloned bodies that only used the pathway of the Mind were incapable of Magic, and thus for the Humans on Earth to pilot powerful bodies on Ado the Eldar Stones pathways of both the Mind and of the Soul were necessary.
Fortunately All the inhabitants of Earth without exception had a maximum SP of 1; all the Earth Humans have SP = 1. The Soul Power (SP) factor determines the rate of Mana Regeneration, but it also indicates the size and complexity of the Soul. Since the Humans of Earth have an SP of 1 it meant their souls were very small but very simple. That made the Humans of Earth Ideal for piloting powerful bodies on Ado through the Eldar Stones pathways of both the Mind and of the Soul.
Death while piloting a body on Ado had no risk of Soul corruption since the souls were very small but very simple.
Testing revealed that the Humans of Earth could pilot cloned bodies of Elves, Dwarves, Humans, Beast-Human on Ado since the bodies could be made at SP of 1. However Alvs being of Asgardian Heritage could not be made at SP of 1 and that the Humans of Earth could never pilot Alv bodies. Despite the low SP of the Humans of Earth their true power would be the ability to revive after every Death; Rebirth.
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After the broadcast of the tenth video the Phoenix Consortium and the Advent Consortium held a joint press conference announcing that theyd made a Deal; for Realm Eternal Open Beta the Advent Consortium would sell 350000 REM-Sleep Pods to the Phoenix Consortium at Half-Price ($2875) and Phoenix Consortium would offer the REM-Sleep Pods to its Beta testers at $1500.
The Phoenix Consortium then declared that their VR tourist site Atlantis is now Open and Active. The Phoenix Consortium also revealed that Atlantis is also a Corporate Centre as well as the host City for the First Virtual Reality University. The Phoenix Consortium revealed that the City of Atlantis would be the initial transit location to the Realm Eternal.
Then the Phoenix Consortiums Public Relations Officers (PRO) indicated that all the selectable races and skills had been extensively evaluated and the resulting Data had been published for everyone to see at the Realm Eternal website. The Phoenix Consortium executives explained that Open Beta would last 10 days and that after 10 days the Avatars would be reset, Beta testers would be able to retain their Avatars money.
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Intently watching the joint press conference 27 year old Nabi Elrick is one of the many gamers from all over the world who had been waiting with abated breath for Realm Eternal.
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Chapter 1: Homework First
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Authors Chapter preface
My original plan was for Open Beta to be Chapter 1, but as I read through it I felt that my Protagonist needed a proper introduction so Im making Chapter 1 about introducing my primary Protagonist as well as introducing information about the Alternate Reality Simulation Realm Eternal.
Im not fond of Over-Powered characters so dont expect them; I find them far too easy to write and it makes the story unimaginative. Thus theres no genius fighters or super mages here.
Part of the reason Im introducing so much information at the beginning is to lock-in a canon in order to avoid the temptation of Power Creep. Also putting the SP=1 helps limit the effect an individual can have on the environment.
Everything I include will serve some sort of goal & purpose. Im not gonna string 10 paragraphs together and call it a Chapter! So my Chapter target is set at 5000 words. Tables are a pain in the ass so Im gonna try to simplify them.
= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
Please bear in mind the concept of an Alternate Reality Simulation!
- - -
Chapter 1: Homework First
Intently watching the joint press conference 27 year old Nabi Elrick is one of the many gamers from all over the world who had been waiting with abated breath for Realm Eternal. Nabi Elrick is the epitome of ordinary, average looks & athleticism hes completely indistinguishable from the masses of people in the cities of the world. Other than the fact that Nabi Elrick is of mixed race with a Scottish Father and a Black South African mother Nabi Elrick doesnt stand out.
Nabi Elrick had been in an epic slump as of late; a Deep depression brought on by Events from 25 days earlier, but the press conference related to Realm Eternal roused him from his melancholic abyss.
Nabi Elrick Carefully noted the key points and then hurried to the website to check out the details.
Key points noted from the press conference:
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- Realm Eternal is not a Game its an Alternate Reality Simulation.
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- The Race you choose is as important as choosing a class in VR games.
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- The skin tone is important; Pale skin tone will experience an attribute deBuff under the heat of the suns rays while the Dark Skin tone will experience an attribute Buff under the heat of the suns rays.
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- Gender is automatically set as Real world Gender.
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- There are no levels only experience
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- Every skill that is not Race specific is available to everyone; can be purchased at the Adventurers Guild.
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- Information about Every skill including race specific skills is available at the Adventurers Guild.
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- Everyone starts with the Basic Skills and additional Skills have to be purchased at the Adventurers Guild.
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- Magical Affinity & Proficiency are racial attributes and as such can never change
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- There are no Items that can raise Magical Affinity & Proficiency.
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- Magical Affinity is the additional initial starting value; Affinity is very important for the learning of MageCraft.
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- Magical Proficiency is the additional percentage gain in experience.
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- For Magical Affinity & Proficiency High = 5, Medium = 2.5 and Low = 1
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- There are no Legendary Items with unique properties.
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- Natives of the Realm Eternal are not game NPCs, they dont give out quests; they are real people in the simulation.
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- Educated Natives of the Realm Eternal are aware of Earths history and VR games, and to them the Realm Eternal is as real as Earth and nothing Users do can prove otherwise.
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- Realm Eternal Monsters will behave like animals on earth; they will flee from a dangerous foe & situations.
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- There are no set goals for users in Realm Eternal; everyone has freedom of actions and will suffer the consequences for those choices.
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And on the web site:
World Descriptions;
Alfheim: The planet is the original Home of the Elves
o
- Gold Skinned High Elves also known as the Light Elves (Ljslfar). High Magical Affinity & Proficiency in Light, Fire, Earth, Wind, Sound, Psionic, Alchemy, Appraisal, Enchantments and Rune Magic. Medium Magical Affinity & Proficiency in Water, Ice and Plant Magic. Low Magical Affinity & Proficiency in Shadow Magic.
o
- Dark Skinned Day Elves also known as the Dark Elves (Svartlfar) . High Magical Affinity & Proficiency in Shadow, Psionic and Sound Magic. Medium Magical Affinity & Proficiency in Water, Ice, Earth and Wind Magic. Low Magical Affinity & Proficiency in Light, Fire, Plant, Alchemy, Appraisal, Enchantments and Rune Magic.
o
- Pale White Skinned Elves known as the Night Elves. High Magical Affinity & Proficiency in Ice, Wind Magic. Medium Magical Affinity & Proficiency in Water, Earth and Sound. Low Magical Affinity & Proficiency in Light, Fire, Shadow, Plant, Psionic, Alchemy, Appraisal, Enchantments and Rune Magic.
o
- Brown Skinned Elves known as the Wood Elves (Brown Wood Elves). High Magical Affinity & Proficiency in Earth & Plant Magic. Medium Magical Affinity & Proficiency in Water, Ice, Light, Wind, Sound and Alchemy Magic. Low Magical Affinity & Proficiency in Fire, Psionic, Shadow, Appraisal, Enchantments and Rune Magic.
o
- Blue Skinned Elves known as the Water Elves (Blue Water Elves). High Magical Affinity & Proficiency in Water and Wind Magic. Medium Magical Affinity & Proficiency in Ice, Earth, Light, Fire, Sound, Plant and Alchemy Magic. Low Magical Affinity & Proficiency in Psionic, Shadow, Appraisal, Enchantments and Rune Magic.
o
- Green Skinned Elves known as the Forest Elves (Green Forest Elves). High Magical Affinity & Proficiency in Plant, Water and Earth Magic. Medium Magical Affinity & Proficiency in Light, Wind, Sound and Alchemy Magic. Low Magical Affinity & Proficiency in Ice, Fire, Psionic, Shadow, Appraisal, Enchantments and Rune Magic.
o
- Red Skinned Elves known as the Fire Elves (Red Fire Elves). High Magical Affinity & Proficiency in Fire and Earth Magic. Medium Magical Affinity & Proficiency in Wind, Light, Sound and Alchemy Magic. Low Magical Affinity & Proficiency in Water, Ice, Plant, Psionic, Shadow, Appraisal, Enchantments and Rune Magic.
The planet is also home to the White, Green, Blue, Brown, Red, Black and Golden Elf-Dragons.
The Elf-Dragons were originally from Elf women that had been raped by White & Red Dragons in their Humanoid form; thus introducing Dragon blood into the Elven genetic-pool.
Like other Dragons Elf-Dragons have High Intelligence, High Wisdom, High Affinity & Proficiency in Wind Magic as well as High Affinity with the hereditary Element and High Proficiency in hereditary Element magic, and are able to transform and take a corresponding Elf Humanoid form.
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World Descriptions;
- Old Asgard: The original Home of the Asgardians. Asgard is the name of the planetoid, and its capital city was Valhalla.
- Hell/ Niffleheim: Realm of the Undead. Ruled by Hela. Shadow Magic is their specialty.
- Midgard is the planet of the Humans with many human Kingdoms and Nations. Humans have Low Magical Affinity & Proficiency.
- Nidavellir: Home of the Dwarves. Nidavellir has a very harsh surface. Dwarves are Short and Stocky but have very High Magical Affinity & Proficiency in Earth, Fire & Appraisal Magic. They are excellent Craftsmen.
- Svartalfheim: Colony of the Dark Skinned Day Elves known as the Dark Elves (Svartlfar)
- Vanaheim: Colony of the Asgardians. The Vanir are the same race as the Asgardians though not as advanced in Magical technology as Asgard.
- Jotunheim: Home of the Frost Giants (J?tunn). 3 to 4 metre tall Snow white muscular being who specialize in Ice magic due to their high affinity to the cold.
The planet Jotunheim is also home to the White Dragons: Over 100m long, High Intelligence, High Wisdom, High Affinity & Proficiency in Wind Magic, High Affinity with the cold and High Proficiency in Ice Magic, and are able to transform and take a Pure White skinned, pure Black Hair and Red eyed Humanoid form.
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World Descriptions;
Muspelheim: Home of the Demons. Ruled by Surtur. Most demons have High Magical Affinity & Proficiency in Shadow & Fire Magic and Low Magical Affinity & No Proficiency in other areas.
The Demon Races are a type of Reptilian and include:
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- Goblin race; 1.4m tall with pale, green or brown skin. Hobgoblins; 2m tall with green or brown skin. Both Goblin races can equip any type of weapon.
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- The Orcs; 2.5m to 3m tall, muscular, green skin humanoids. They can equip any type of weapon.
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- Trolls; 4-5m tall, very muscular, likes heavy weapons
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- Lizardmen; humanoid lizards. They can equip any type of weapon.
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- Serpent races; 3m tall humanoid Snakes. They can equip any type of weapon.
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- Devils; winged humanoid that resemble humans with large bat wings on their back.
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- Vampires; humanoid with web-wings on their back, Red Eyes, golden hair and a mouth full of razor sharp teeth & over-developed canines.
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- Wyverns; 10-50m long flying winged creature with a dragon''s head (which may be said to breathe fire or possess a venomous bite) and wings; a reptilian body; two legs (sometimes none); and a barbed tail. They have High Affinity & Proficiency in Wind Magic and High Affinity & Proficiency in Fire Magic.
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- Red Dragons: Over 100m long extremely powerful beings with High Affinity with Fire, High Proficiency in Fire magic, High Affinity & Proficiency in Wind Magic, High Intelligence, High Wisdom, and are able to transform and take a Red skinned, pure white Hair and Blue eyed Humanoid form. The Demon King Surtur belongs to this race.
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Atlantis:
Atlantis is essentially a result of the success of the 10 videos detailing the background story to Realm Eternal. The success of the videos lead to them being broadcast as a regular TV series on public channels all over the world, and this peaked the interest of large financial enterprises and financiers. The Phoenix Consortium gained a number of partnerships from the Banking & Financial sector.
The Phoenix Consortium Developed Atlantis using a free Access Model that uses Realm Eternal currency. Banks could build an Atlantis Branch with links to Real World bank accounts. Hoteliers could establish Hotels in Atlantis. The same applies to restaurateurs, fast food chains, spas and other entertainment facilities.
With the influx of cash the Phoenix Consortium received over $400Million in Funding to Develop Atlantis; thus purchasing 2 AIVRE systems exclusively committed to Atlantis. The Paradise City of Atlantis is an Ultra-Modern Futuristic City complete with Flying Spheres that transports an individual anywhere in the City for a modest fee of 5 Copper Coins.
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Nabi Elrick Carefully used the website to register as a Beta tester which allowed him to order his Phoenix Consortium sponsored REM-Sleep Pod at $1500. Nabi Elrick checked out the details of the Open Beta and thats when he noticed a special business offer to professional gamers taking part in Beta testing of the Alternate Reality Simulation Realm Eternal.
Special Business Offer to Professional Gamers:
? Register a Business that operates in Realm Eternal during the Open beta by paying $10000.
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- Buy 50 linked REM-Sleep Pods at $1100 each, 100 linked REM-Sleep Pods at $1000 each or 150 linked REM-Sleep Pods at $900 each.
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- The linked REM-Sleep Pods have settings that can be controlled by the owner; such as Items acquired by the Avatars belong to the Registered Business, Dedicated communication system, etc.
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- A Registered Business gains all the benefits of a Clan (similar to a Guild in other MMORPG).
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- A Registered Business is recognized by the natives of the Realm Eternal.
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Nabi Elrick understood from the website that the Phoenix Consortium planned to make money through the Item mall and money going into Realm Eternal. Items have an automatic lock that can only be unlocked by auctioning the items at the Item mall for Real World Money (RWM). The Item Mall charges a 10% handling fee on all transactions.
The Phoenix Consortium set a fixed currency exchange of Real World Money to Realm Eternal money at 5 Copper Coins = $1 and RWM can only go into Realm Eternal and not the reverse. The Phoenix Consortium acted as a Reserve bank in this regard by being able to print new money.
The Phoenix Consortium made it clear that because of the rules governing the Realm Eternal simulation they wont be able to print new Items to be sold at the Item Mall and that Items the Phoenix Consortium put for Auction on the Item Mall would be bought from natives of the Realm Eternal with newly printed money. In order to avoid inflation in Realm Eternal the printed new money for buying Items resold on the Item Mall will be restricted.
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Realm Eternal Currency:
1 Platinum Coin = 100 Gold Coins
1 Gold Coin = 100 Silver Coins
1 Silver Coin = 100 Copper Coins
5 Copper Coins = 1 USD
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5 Copper Coins being equal to $1 was based on the fact that in Realm Eternal 5 Copper Coins could buy 2 cheap loafs of bread and a cheap nutritional drink; enough nutrition to survive for one day.
Nabi Elrick saw an opportunity and didnt hesitate to Register a Business that operates in Realm Eternal. He had decided to escape his gloomy reality and enter the world of the Realm Eternal. Next he looked at the Attributes and characteristics of each of the available races. Phoenix Consortium had done a thorough evaluation of each Race.
Key Attributes & Reviews on Designated User Races:
The Magic Skill is free but other Skills & Sub-Skill have to be purchased:
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- Earth, Fire, Wind, Water Magic; considered basic Magic Sub-Skills Each cost 5 Silver Coins.
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- Ice & Plant Magic; considered above basic Magic Sub-Skills Each cost 100 Silver Coins.
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- Light & Shadow Magic; considered Intermediate Magic Sub-Skills Each cost 5 Gold Coins.
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- Appraisal & Alchemy Magic; considered above Intermediate Magic Sub-Skills Each cost 50 Gold Coins.
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- Sound Magic; considered an Advanced Combat Magic Sub-Skills thus costs 100 Gold Coins.
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- Psionic & Enchantments Magic; considered Advanced Magic Sub-Skills Each cost 5 Platinum Coins.
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- Rune Magic; considered an Advanced Ancient Magic Sub-Skills thus costs 10 Platinum Coins.
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Basic Attribute Stats:
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- Strength; would determine your attack damage for melee weapons and the maximum weight that your body can carry.
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- Agility; would determine your movement speed, attack speed, as well your dodge rate.
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- Endurance; would determine abilities such as Stamina, energy, resilience & staying power.
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- Dexterity; would determine your nimbleness & fine motor control and affects Craftsmanship, hit rate as well as damage for range weapons. Can be augmented by the Aiming Skill.
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- Vitality; determines energy, vigour and liveliness which affect Defence Power.
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- Durability; would determine the toughness, robustness & hardiness of the Body.
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- Intelligence; would determine aptitude & astuteness affecting use of magic spells as well as your Mana Power.
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- Knowledge; determined by gained Information Mana points affecting use of magic spells as well as your Mana Power
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- Wisdom; determined by the application of gained knowledge affecting use of magic spells as well as your Mana Power
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- Charisma; would determine your interactions with Natives & Users.
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- Leadership; would determine your ability to lead Natives & Users and boosts given on anyone in your party that you are leading.
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- Reputation; would determine your accomplishments within the game this also increases intimacies with Natives. Reputation can have a negative value. Every Guild point earned at the Adventures Guild adds 1 mini-EXP to Reputation.
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- Awareness; would be determined by alertness, responsiveness & perception affecting knowledge.
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- Sensitivity; would be determined by compassion, sympathy & kindliness to others affecting how they see you and your Reputation.
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- Observation; would determine abilities in scrutiny, surveillance and inspection.
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EXP
EXP = Experience
1 EXP = 1000 micro-EXP
1 micro-EXP = 1000 mini-EXP
Every footstep generates 1 mini-EXP in Strength, Agility and Endurance.
Every use of 1 Mana generates 1 mini-EXP in the Skill the Mana was used.
Every action taken in Realm Eternal generates 1 mini-EXP in any number of Areas for Natives, Users, Demons and Monsters.
Combat Experience generates a percentage increase in EXP gain of Active Attributes and Skills.
If Enemy HP - User/Native HP -10000 then percentage EXP increases 0.000001%
If Enemy HP - User/Native HP = 10000 then percentage EXP increases 100% (Double EXP)
If Enemy HP - User/Native HP = 0 then percentage EXP increases 50%
All other increases can be extrapolated.
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Since EXP is based on the Activity of Attributes and Skills Experience is gained regardless of whether the enemy is killed. However Adventurers Guild points will require that monster carcases or parts thereof be delivered as proof.
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Physical Attack Power Atk = 75% (Strength) + 25% (Agility) + 5% (Dexterity) + 5% (Durability) + 5% (Eyesight) + 0.2% (Intelligence) + 1.5% (Wisdom)
Physical Defence Power Deff= 75% (Durability) + 25% (Vitality) + 25% (Agility) + 0.5% (Observation) + 0.5% (Knowledge) + 0.5% (Awareness) + 0.2% (Intelligence) + 1.5% (Wisdom)
Health Power = Sum of all Attribute EXP + Sum of all Skill EXP
Mana Power = Knowledge EXP + Intelligence EXP + Wisdom EXP + Magic Skill EXP + Mana Shaping EXP.
Skill EXP = Sum of all Sub-Skill EXP + Affinity bonus EXP
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For Users Total initial Stats are:
200 = Sum of all Attribute EXP + Sum of all Affinity + Sum of all Proficiency.
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Human:
HP = 196 MP = 34 Atk = 11.92 Deff = 15.842
Attributes:
Strength = 10 - Agility = 10 - Dexterity = 15 - Durability = 10 - Endurance = 10 - Sensitivity = 20 - Vitality = 22 - Eyesight = 10 - Charisma = 15 - Leadership = 15 - Awareness = 15 - Reputation = 0 - Observation = 10 - Knowledge = 10 - Wisdom = 15 - Intelligence = 10
Skills
Magic Skill = 4
Magic Sub-Skills, Affinity & Proficiency
Earth Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Fire Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Wind Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Water Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1- Ice Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Alchemy Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Appraisal Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Enchantments Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 Light Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Plant Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Psionic Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Rune Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Sound Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Shadow Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0.
Evaluated to be the simplest Avatar type for users
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Beast Human : Evaluated to be the most Melee Combat capable Avatar type for users
Horned-Folk, Ape-man, Winged-Folk & Mer-Folk have nearly the same starting starts with minor differences. Rabbit-Ears have a higher focus on Agility, Endurance, wisdom and vitality.
HP = 196MP = 28Atk = 18.236Deff = 25.566
Attributes:
Strength = 16 - Agility = 16 - Dexterity = 10 - Durability = 20 - Endurance = 25 - Sensitivity = 5 - Vitality = 25 - Eyesight = 12 - Charisma = 5 - Leadership = 6 - Awareness = 18 - Reputation = 0 - Observation = 10 - Knowledge = 8 - Wisdom = 8 - Intelligence = 8
Skills
Magic Skill = 4
Magic Sub-Skills, Affinity & Proficiency
Earth Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Fire Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Wind Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Water Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1- Ice Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Alchemy Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Appraisal Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Enchantments Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 Light Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Plant Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Psionic Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Rune Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Sound Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Shadow Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0.
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Raptors, Foxtails, Cat-Ears & Wolf-fang have nearly the same starting starts with minor differences.
HP = 196MP = 34Atk = 19.12Deff = 22.86
Attributes:
Strength = 16 - Agility = 20 - Dexterity = 8 - Durability = 15 - Endurance = 18 - Sensitivity = 6 - Vitality = 25 - Eyesight = 16 - Charisma = 5 - Leadership = 5 - Awareness = 18 - Reputation = 0 - Observation = 10 - Knowledge = 10 - Wisdom = 10 - Intelligence = 10
Skills
Magic Skill = 4
Magic Sub-Skills, Affinity & Proficiency
Earth Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Fire Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Wind Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Water Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1- Ice Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Alchemy Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Appraisal Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Enchantments Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 Light Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Plant Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Psionic Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Rune Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Sound Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Shadow Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0.
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Dwarf:
Evaluated to be the most Compatible with the crafting profession.
HP = 185MP = 52Atk = 21.2Deff = 17.11
Attributes:
Strength = 22 - Agility = 8 - Dexterity = 25 - Durability = 18 - Endurance = 12 - Sensitivity = 7 - Vitality = 5 - Eyesight = 7 - Charisma = 5 - Leadership = 7 - Awareness = 7 - Reputation = 0 - Observation = 10 - Knowledge = 15 - Wisdom = 12 - Intelligence = 10
Skills
Magic Skill = 15
Magic Sub-Skills, Affinity & Proficiency
Earth Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Fire Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Wind Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Water Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0- Ice Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Alchemy Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Appraisal Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Enchantments Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 Light Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Plant Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Psionic Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Rune Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Sound Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Shadow Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0.
Halfling: Half-Dwarf inheriting the short stature of the dwarf; with medium Magical Affinity & Proficiency in Earth, Fire & Appraisal Magic the values for those stats are half of the Dwarf and that improves other initial stats.
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Half-Elf:
HP = 186MP = 59Atk = 16.205Deff = 12.67
Attributes:
Strength = 14 - Agility = 14 - Dexterity = 14 - Durability = 10 - Endurance = 10 - Sensitivity = 8 - Vitality = 5 - Eyesight = 15 - Charisma = 10 - Leadership = 9 - Awareness = 10 - Reputation = 0 - Observation = 8 - Knowledge = 15 - Wisdom = 15 - Intelligence = 15
Skills
Magic Skill = 14
Magic Sub-Skills, Affinity & Proficiency
Earth Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Fire Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Wind Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Water Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5- Ice Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 0 - Alchemy Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Appraisal Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Enchantments Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 Light Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 0 - Plant Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 0 - Psionic Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 0 - Rune Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Sound Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Shadow Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0.
Evaluated to be the most versatile Avatar type for users
Half-Elf is by far the most highly recommended Avatar type for users; it is the most flexible of all the available Races.
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Elf : The Elf population consists of 7 clans and in order to avoid users distorting the composition of the Elf population users cant choose the type of Elf. Users can choose hair colour and eye colour but the type of Elf they end up becoming is subject to the Probability of Selection.
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For every 1000 users who choose the Elven Race theres a random assignment of 285 Night Elves, 24 Dark Elves, 147 Wood Elves, 151 Water Elves, 240 Forest Elves, 152 Fire Elves and 1 High Elf.
Warning: Elves are tall, thus minimum height is 177cm for both male and Female. Elves have high body symmetry and Male Elves have a feminine like, hermaphrodite or androgynous face and body appearance so features will be automatically altered to fit this mould.
Probability of Selection Percentages:
High Elf = 0.1%
Night Elves = 28.5%
Dark Elves = 2.4%
Wood Elves = 14.7%
Water Elves = 15.1%
Forest Elves = 24%
Fire Elves = 15.2%
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[*] Given that Nabi Elrick intended to be a Magic user in the Realm eternal he decided to do a thorough analysis of the Elven Race.
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
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High Elves: Probability of Selection = 0.1%
Evaluators have named the High-Elf the Cursed Elf and its deemed to be the most difficult Avatar to raise. Ranked as the worst possible choice for an Avatar, and best suitable for merchants.
HP = 141.5MP = 104Atk = 5.305Deff = 2.15
Attributes:
Strength = 5 - Agility = 3 - Dexterity = 5 - Durability = 1 - Endurance = 1 - Sensitivity = 1 - Vitality = 1 - Eyesight = 5 - Charisma = 1 - Leadership = 1 - Awareness = 4 - Reputation = 0 - Observation = 10 - Knowledge = 15 - Wisdom = 15 - Intelligence = 15
Skills:
Magic Skill = 58.5
Magic Sub-Skills, Affinity & Proficiency
Earth Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Fire Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Wind Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Water Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5- Ice Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Alchemy Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Appraisal Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Enchantments Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 Light Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Plant Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Psionic Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Rune Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Sound Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Shadow Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1.
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Next!
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Dark Elves: Probability of Selection = 2.4%
Evaluators have Ranked it as the highest latent potential magic capacity possible choice for an Avatar, and best suitable for shadow mages.
HP = 168MP = 77Atk = 11.755Deff = 7.68
Attributes:
Strength = 10 - Agility = 10 - Dexterity = 10 - Durability = 5 - Endurance = 8 - Sensitivity = 5 - Vitality = 4 - Eyesight = 15 - Charisma = 2 - Leadership = 2 - Awareness = 12 - Reputation = 0 - Observation = 8 - Knowledge = 15 - Wisdom = 15 - Intelligence = 15
Skills:
Magic Skill = 32
Magic Sub-Skills, Affinity & Proficiency
Earth Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Fire Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Wind Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Water Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5- Ice Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Alchemy Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Appraisal Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Enchantments Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 Light Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Plant Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Psionic Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Rune Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Sound Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Shadow Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5.
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Next!
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Night Elves: Probability of Selection = 28.5%
Evaluated to be most user friendly choice for a Magic users Avatar
HP = 173.5MP = 71.5Atk = 11.755Deff = 7.68
Attributes:
Strength = 10 - Agility = 10 - Dexterity = 10 - Durability = 5 - Endurance = 8 - Sensitivity = 5 - Vitality = 4 - Eyesight = 15 - Charisma = 10 - Leadership = 5 - Awareness = 12 - Reputation = 0 - Observation = 8 - Knowledge = 15 - Wisdom = 15 - Intelligence = 15
Skills:
Magic Skill = 26.5
Magic Sub-Skills, Affinity & Proficiency
Earth Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Fire Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Wind Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Water Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5- Ice Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Alchemy Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Appraisal Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Enchantments Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 Light Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Plant Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Psionic Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Rune Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Sound Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Shadow Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1.
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Next!
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Wood Elves: Probability of Selection = 14.7%
Evaluated to be most user friendly choice for woodworking crafters.
HP = 169MP = 76Atk = 11.705Deff = 6.93
Attributes:
Strength = 14 - Agility = 14 - Dexterity = 14 - Durability = 10 - Endurance = 10 - Sensitivity = 8 - Vitality = 5 - Eyesight = 15 - Charisma = 10 - Leadership = 9 - Awareness = 10 - Reputation = 0 - Observation = 8 - Knowledge = 15 - Wisdom = 15 - Intelligence = 15
Skills:
Magic Skill = 14
Magic Sub-Skills, Affinity & Proficiency
Earth Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Fire Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Wind Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Water Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5- Ice Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Alchemy Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Appraisal Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Enchantments Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 Light Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Plant Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Psionic Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Rune Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Sound Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Shadow Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1.
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Next!
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Water Elves: Probability of Selection = 15.1%
Evaluated to be the best choice for Magic users.
HP = 167.5MP = 77.5Atk = 16.205Deff = 12.67
Attributes:
Strength = 8 - Agility = 10 - Dexterity = 8 - Durability = 5 - Endurance = 5 - Sensitivity = 5 - Vitality = 4 - Eyesight = 12 - Charisma = 8 - Leadership = 5 - Awareness = 12 - Reputation = 0 - Observation = 8 - Knowledge = 15 - Wisdom = 15 - Intelligence = 15
Skills:
Magic Skill = 32.5
Magic Sub-Skills, Affinity & Proficiency
Earth Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Fire Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Wind Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Water Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5- Ice Magic Exp = 0 ~ 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Alchemy Magic Exp = 0 ~ 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Appraisal Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Enchantments Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 Light Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Plant Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Psionic Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Rune Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 10 - Sound Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Shadow Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1.
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Next!
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Forest Elves: Probability of Selection = 24%
Evaluated to be the second best choice for Magic users.
HP = 168MP = 77Atk = 11.555Deff = 7.68
Attributes:
Strength = 10 - Agility = 10 - Dexterity = 10 - Durability = 5 - Endurance = 5 - Sensitivity = 5 - Vitality = 4 - Eyesight = 11 - Charisma = 7 - Leadership = 4 - Awareness = 12 - Reputation = 0 - Observation = 8 - Knowledge = 15 - Wisdom = 15 - Intelligence = 15
Skills:
Magic Skill = 32
Magic Sub-Skills, Affinity & Proficiency
Earth Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Fire Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof =1 - Wind Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Water Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5- Ice Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Alchemy Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Appraisal Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Enchantments Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 Light Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Plant Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Psionic Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Rune Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Sound Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Shadow Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1.
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Next!
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Fire Elves: Probability of Selection = 15.2%
Evaluated to be the most Combat capable Avatar for Magic users
HP = 172MP = 75Atk = 11.759Deff = 7.684
Attributes:
Strength = 10 - Agility = 10 - Dexterity = 10 - Durability = 5 - Endurance = 8 - Sensitivity = 2 - Vitality = 4 - Eyesight = 15 - Charisma = 8 - Leadership = 5 - Awareness = 12 - Reputation = 0 - Observation = 8 - Knowledge = 15 - Wisdom = 15 - Intelligence = 17
Skills:
Magic Skill = 28
Magic Sub-Skills, Affinity & Proficiency
Earth Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Fire Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Wind Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Water Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1- Ice Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Alchemy Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Appraisal Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Enchantments Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 Light Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Plant Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Psionic Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 0 - Rune Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Sound Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Shadow Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1.
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- - -
Nabi Elrick Resolved to risk it and take the Elven Race despite everyone on the forums saying that the Half-Elf was the best all rounder & probably the best choice for a BattleMage. Nabi Elrick who went by his fathers surname Elrick had been online for over two days straight and once he made his decision he fell asleep. Elrick slept peacefully for the first time in weeks; something he desperately needed.
The next day Elrick took his first shower in weeks and then put on his business suit and packed the documents hed printed the previous night then headed of to the South African Department of Trade & Industry (DTI). At the DTI Elrick completed changing the name of his Closed Corporation (CC) and upgraded it into Pty Limited Corporation named Starlight Spark .
Elrick had used his CC to sell hand made figurines at comic book conventions, Cosplay events and other related events. The hand made figurines business didnt really make money and it was mostly a hobby, however the Starlight Spark Corporation was a proper business venture that would provide a livelihood for more than himself.
Elrick needed Starlight Spark to be a Pty Limited Corporation in order for it to be registered as a legitimate company with other countries; starting with Britain his other home country. Elrick had plans to capitalize on the opportunity provided by the Phoenix Consortium through Atlantis & the Realm Eternal. Elrick then went to the local branch of his bank in order to sign documents. Elrick then went to his Alma-Mater; the university where he gained his 4 Degrees.
- - -
Elrick was filled with emotions by the wave of nostalgia as he looked upon UCT; the university where he had spent the bulk of his formative years.
Elrick : " I still have friends in this place; its still Home!"
Elrick mutters to himself as he approached the Administration building.
Upon receiving his Academic Record Elrick went to the Science Buildings to visit his friends; Edwin Winston (PhD in Astro-Physics), Jason Zava (PhD in Experimental Astro-Physics) & Carol Ringani (PhD in Geology). Elrick could hardly wait to gaze upon the smiling faces of his friends; the people who Elrick considered his truest friends.
- - -
Theirs was a friendship forge in fire; formed when all the 5 of them were put in the same dorm because they were so close in age. The fifth member of the group Estelle van Onsling (PhD in Microbiology) was in New York working for the CDC. Together they were once known as the Fortunate Five; Fortunate in that they had all received full Scholarships to attend the University.
The Fortunate Five were lead through their first year at university by the oldest amongst them the 15 year old Estelle; the others being 14 years old. Only simple people use the word genius, and they do so because they dont know any better. Academics dont use the word genius because they understand that True Genius is a Myth, and to the scholarly of this world when you say a genius you may as well be talking about big foot.
Academics dont misunderstand talent for genius. The Fortunate Five have talent, but talent is merely the starting point, it is the application of that talent that produces an acute intellect. Unfortunately the Knowledge necessary to produce an acute intellect cannot be spoon-fed, it requires the passion to seek that knowledge; thus the Five are Fortunate because they had the passion for acquiring knowledge.
When faced with a talented individual an IQ test cant tell you the level of an acute intellect; IQ tests simply measure how well an individual is adapted to their environment. One of the things an IQ test cant measure is If youre an over 18 year old monolingual English speaker learning to read, write and speak a language like Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin or Russian poses a technical challenge equivalent to acquiring an MBA.
The Fortunate Five didnt possess magical powers such as Eidetic memory commonly known as photographic memory; that is the stuff of fiction. The very Idea of a photographic memory is absurd, and only people who dont understand that memory is stored in organic living Brain tissue would ever postulate such nonsensical hypotheses.
Yet another thing that made the Five Fortunate was that they had been born in the modern age where the best predictor of success in life is Education. In the modern world being Strong, able to Run-Fast & Long, able to throw/kick a ball, able to climb or able to fight is not as useful. What all countries desire and compete for is people with properly accredited Masters Degrees.
With an accredited science orientated Masters Degree one could theoretically be accepted by any country. The Fortunate Five are such people; they didnt waist their childhoods playing sports for they had the passion to seek that knowledge. There is a reason why individuals with an acute intellect are not particularly athletic, and that is because theres a limit to how quickly humans acquire information.
A child who studies and a child who plays sports develop along divergent Brain Development paths. A young child who reads books stimulates a brain development path that creates an acute intellect. As the old saying goes; you are your information. Thus a child with a passion to seek that knowledge develops a brain that acquires knowledge faster, and that creates an insurmountable gap with other children that is eventualy perceived as prodigy.
Even with the development of VRMMORPG most game developers could not cater to the needs of the intelligent, and thus most games gave an unrealistic so called Balanced scenario where game construct favoured Braun over brain; mle over mage.
- - -
Elrick smiled as he saw his old friends at the caf in the science buildings cluster.
Elrick : " sup!"
Jason : "Ahh! If it isnt the black sheep of the Illustrious Five"
Edwin : " The prodigal son returns!"
Carol : " Nabi!"
Elrick : " When did it become Illustrious?"
Jason : " Well; the four of us are Illustrious, but you on the other hand are .
Carol interrupts Jason
Carol : " Lacking"
Elrick : " Ohh! Is that how it is?"
Edwin : " How are you?"
Elrick : "Better as of 2 days ago"
Carol : " Ah! Realm Eternal?"
Jason : " You always did like your MMO games!"
Edwin : " Weve also signed up for Open Beta"
Carol : " Were currently trying out Hipno pod games looking for the best fit for the four of us and our spouses. Want to join?"
Elrick : " I missed the craze over the Hipno Pod games due to the mess in my life, but now Ive decided to focus all my efforts on Realm Eternal. So Im gonna pass on your kind offer."
Jason : " Besides your crafting play style doesnt really suit our adventuring style. What do you mean by focus all your efforts on Realm Eternal?"
Elrick : " Ohh! Im starting a Farming company called Starlight Spark; look for it! Ive submitted an outline of my Operations Research Doctoral thesis on VR Commerce to the Atlantis University; Ive been provisionally accepted pending submission of my Academic Records."
Edwin : " Bachelors Honours in Engineering, Honours in Operations Research, Masters in Applied Maths and another Masters in Operations Research. Youre all over the place arent you?"
Carol : " Are you finally settling in on Operations Research?"
Elrick : " No! Since I dont intent to do any post-Doctoral work Ill do the Applied Maths Doctoral thesis after I complete the Operations Research Doctoral thesis; the REM-Sleep Pod time dilation officially called time compression should be very useful in this regard."
Edwin : " Very useful indeed! Maybe I should consider another PhD?"
Jason : " I think Ill do one too"
Carol : " Count me in! Estelle is gonna love this!"
Edwin : " The old gang back together"
Elrick : " Wait! This wasnt an invitation!"
Jason : " Its gonna be Epic!"
Nabi Elricks friends completely ignore his protests while excitedly talking about how to combine their fields of studies in their PhDs at Atlantis University.
- - -
Elricks reunion with his friends greatly lifted his spirits and thus gave him the confidence he needed to face the members of his guild. Elrick returned to the home of his uncle; his mothers youngest sibling. Elricks uncle James had always been fond of Elrick, and when Elricks life fell into disarray he amongst the first to offer a helping hand.
And James Dirang having been through a similar trauma offered Elrick the small apartment above his garage rent free while he got his life back together. James had used the small apartment above his garage as storage for junk, and if Elrick cleaned it up it was his rent free. James Dirang is a senior Engineer in the employ of the local Provincial government and so has some travel requirements therefore having Elrick around to potentially aid his housekeeper was a benefit for James.
- - -
And so Elrick logged onto the long running MMORPG game Ancient Magic his favourite online game to meet up with the 27 members of his guild. He had sent a message to all of them to meet him at the guild hall upon reviewing the documents he had couriered to them a day earlier. Elrick knew that the support of the somewhat quirky members of his Guild was crucial to his plans.
One of the eccentricities of the guild members is that they all have names that indicate some sort of crafting specialty; Bowden, Hammerin, Blade, Swordin, Daggerin, Rapier, Staffen, Spear, Chester, Boot, Arrow, Armlet, Ring, Grinder and Axil amongst others. Elrick himself went by Elrick Craft in Ancient Magic.
Upon Elricks avatar entering the conference room of their guild hall Elrick saw that everyone was already there.
Bowden : " Leader; praise be!"
Yet another of their peculiarities is the way they address each other and their mannerisms at the guild. This is all part of their role playing.
Swordin : " Hail Guildmaster!"
All the members repeat the words Hail Guildmaster!
Hammerin : Welcome back Guildmaster!
Elrick : " Thank you master Bowden, master Swordin, master Hammerin"
Grinder : " We have been waiting Guildmaster!"
Swordin : "Indeed "
Bowden : " We await your guidance Guildmaster"
Hammerin : " Lead us!"
Elrick : " I suppose I owe you all an explanation about the packages you received and undoubtedly reviewed"
Grinder : " Yes!"
There is a slight murmur as the others agreed with Grinder.
Elrick : " That you may understand the path Ive chosen for myself I will tell you of the events of the past 2 months"
They all sense that their Guildmaster is about to say something deeply personal and hesitate.
Swordin : " Leader; we will hear you out"
Elrick : " Two months ago, no exactly 11 weeks ago I came upon some information that my Fianc was seen acting cosy with another guy; I wont get into the details of the how I found out except to say that it was a picture taken by someone connected to the spouse of a colleague. I suppose the reason it became such a big issue is that the other guy was my supervisor at work. Elise and I worked for the same company, worked in the same building; in fact she got me the job. She was in the accounting department and I was in the quantitative role. Anyway I find out this thing, and instead of confronting Elise I do the cowardly thing and hire a private investigator to get me physical proof."
Bowden : " Of course!"
The others nod in agreement with Bowdens exclamation.
Elrick : " At the time I didnt know that the guy that my Fianc was seeing was Jack Irving my supervisor. So when the pictures and videos came in I was incensed, and as such acted before I fully comprehended the consequences of my actions. I posted the videos online and sent copies to Jacks wife via a courier!"
Hammerin : " Huh!"
Grinder : " I suppose it couldnt be helped!"
Elrick : " Thats what I said; it couldnt be helped!"
Swordin : " Hahahaha!"
Somehow understanding Elricks point of view the others give a soft laughter.
Elrick : " The next day the proverbial poop hits the fan! Jack punches me in the face in front of everyone at work and calls me a little shit. Fortunately the security restrains him before I get a serious beat-down. God only knows how I stayed conscious throughout the whole thing given the pain from my broken nose!"
Arrow : " Were not built for violence after all!"
Bowden : " Some of you!"
Most of the others seem to agree with Arrow.
Hammerin : " I never imagined your life was so "
Grinder : " Exciting!"
Elrick : " Oh! It gets worse"
Bowden : " Really?"
Elrick : " It turns out that Jacks wife was so pissed-off she waived a gun around, and apparently fired a few shots. The police were called and the whole thing became a legal mess; massive bribes will have to be paid to make the thing go away. As luck would have it Jacks wife turned out to be the granddaughter of the owner of the corporation that is our companys biggest client, and Jack himself belongs to one of the two families that effectively own the company I worked for. The whole thing became far larger than I had anticipated; I was too Na?ve!"
Grinder : " Na?ve?"
Elrick : " Naivety is the curse of the intelligent; especially more so for those of us in South Africa. You see South Africa doesnt have sophisticated sports infrastructure in its schools; so the only way schools can distinguish themselves is with the academic performance of its learners. As such kids with high academic aptitude are the pride of their schools. Thus as you might imagine any attempt to bully such a kid would bring fourth the wrath of God so to speak; by that I mean there would drastic consequences for anyone trying to bully a child with high academic aptitude. I was such kid!"
The others are surprised to learn that smart kids are at the top in SA schools.
Swordin : "You were sheltered?"
Elrick : " Protected and Sheltered to the point where I became Na?ve about the behaviours and reactions of the common man. So when I learned of Elises infidelity I took action without the capability to understand the entirety of the consequences of such actions; my forecast was to Na?ve!"
Bowden : " What happened?"
Elrick : " Needless to say the company that I worked for lost its biggest client! Other clients panicked; Everyone Bailed! As the saying goes; no one wants to be the last man on a sinking ship! No one wants to be left holding the bag! I was blamed, and of course was summarily Fired! Fortunately my attorney pointed out that since I didnt contravene the terms of my employment it amounted to unfair dismissal. Jacks punch to my face was the Coup de Grace that forced the company to pay out the 3 remaining years of my contract at $80000 year amounting to $240000, and Jack paid me $50000 to avoid assault charges and a damages lawsuit. But of course its a Pyrrhic Victory!"
Grinder : " You burned your bridges!"
Elrick : " Yeah! I scorched the Earth!"
Axil : " Scorched the Earth?"
Elrick : " Officially Im Innocent! However unofficially Im the Quantitative Analyst who engineered the near collapse of the major corporation I worked for just to settle a score with one of its major shareholders. And to add insult to injury I left on a Golden Parachute!"
Armlet : " Golden Parachute?"
Swordin : " Its like a Golden Handshake except you get a massive payout and leave while the company is in crisis; other lower level employees leave with nothing."
Elrick : " Hundreds of people will loose their jobs, and because of my Na?ve actions Ill never be able to find work as a corporate Quantitative Analyst. After Tax the $290000 payout was barely enough to cover the balance on the $400000 apartment I had bought to serve as a home for Elise and me after marriage. Revenge really is a double edge sword!"
Bowden : " Which brings us to the reason for this meeting?"
Elrick : " With no employment prospects in my field I have no choice but to branch out. Fortunately the Bifr?st Portal open up and I saw the Glow of the Realm Eternal. Ive been accepted into Atlantis University to do an Operations Research Doctoral thesis on VR Commerce. To that end I launched Starlight Spark Pty Limited to operate as an Item farming Corporation in Realm Eternal. As a bonus for being amongst the first 100 to register a business I got free office space in Atlantis Tower; 2 rooms of 4m X 4m & One 10m X 10m room free forever. Starlight Spark is not restricted to Item farming but I expect this to be the primary business. Ive sent all of the relevant documentation, and I now ask you to join me; become my business partners!
There is a slight murmur causing Elrick to stop and look around.
Elrick : " This is undoubtedly a difficult choice, and Ill understand if you decline, but consider it carefully! When I started playing MMORPG games I chose Ancient Magic as my favourite online partly because of the wide spectrum of its users. When I formed the guild Society of the Invisible Background Characters it brought me into contact with 27 like minded people, and the guild became affectionately known as SotIBc, but now I ask you to abandon every thing weve built in Ancient Magic. When I formed SotIBc I put the restriction that members had to have at least 2 Degrees from an Accredited University in order to guarantee that thered be to stragglers; I was looking for people who would be able to understand me. That restriction was a curse. Locked away in our workshop we create sought after high quality Items at our leisure, but isnt this yet another mirror of our real live? Is this not yet another place where we geek out on game science and tech? RPGs are an opportunity to do things differently, but weve somehow reproduced our reality. When the VR breakthroughs were announced I began selling my Ancient Magic Items, and by liquidating everything I raised $35000
Swordin : " Ah! But at the time they said VR games would take 5 years?"
Elrick : " I admit that at the time my decision was driven by pure excitement! Anyway by selling all your Ancient Magic Items you should be able to raise 5 to 7 thousand USD. The minimum buy-in into Starlight Spark is $5000, and as a shareholder youll have to buy your own Pod, but fortunately open beta Pods are $1500. After paying off the Apartment in JoBurg I was able to sell it for $450000 tax free because its my sole residence, and so Ive already paid $10000 to Register a Business that operates in Realm Eternal during the Open Beta, $135000 for 150 linked REM-Sleep Pods at $900 each, $5000 to register the business in 7 other countries, $1500 to an employment agency to find me 150 unemployed youths between the ages of 18 & 25 willing to work for $200 a month."
Grinder : " $200 a month? That seems a bit low?"
Elrick : " $200 a month is the going rate for unskilled workers in South Africa given the high unemployment. In any case $200 a month is only the baseline; theyll also get 10% of the final value of any Item they recover. My expenses on Starlight Spark so far amount to $151500 and I have to keep $90000 in reserve to cover at least 3 moths in salaries for the workers."
Bowden : " Thats $241500 in total?"
Grinder : " That means you could theoretically operate on you own! Why bring us in on a potentially lucrative project?"
Elrick : " More than the money what Im in need of is your gaming experience in the management of Starlight Spark. I want to devote all the workers to the combat role, and that leaves the management to the crafting role in support of the fighting force. Crafting skills are the most expensive skills in Realm Eternal, followed by Magic Skills and then lastly Combat Skills. Initially there will be a necessary investment in Crafting skills, Magic Skills and Combat Skills in order to give us a head start in Realm Eternal. Since the Employees of Starlight Spark actually own their avatars we cant invest Real World Money in their Skills; we are restricted to equipment in that regard. Expensive skills will require vested interests like that of a shareholder. All this is in the business plan I sent to all of you, and I cant share any further details until I have more than your verbal commitment!
They knew that Elrick would not reveal any further the tactics hed planned to use in Realm Eternal until they invested money and became shareholders of Starlight Spark.
- - -
Chapter 2: Atlantis Bifr?st
- - -
= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
- - -
Chapter 2:
Atlantis Bifr?st
- - -
It took them some time to work it out but in the end 16 members of the Society of the Invisible Background Characters SotIBc chose to buy into Starlight Spark. Elrick, Bowden, Grinder, Axil, Swordin, Hammerin, Blade, Daggerin, Rapier, Staffen, Spear, Chester, Shieldor, Boot, Arrow, Armlet and Ring became the new Executive Managers of Starlight Spark Pty Limited.
Each of the 16 would contribute $8000 and Elrick agreed to offer an Additional $20000 as operating capital. Thus the total capital invested in Starlight Spark is $241500 + $20000 + $128000 = $389500.
Ownership percentage would be Amount Invested/$389500. Thus Elrick owned 67.1373556% and the other 16 each owned 2.053915276% of Starlight Spark. Any further cash flows into Starlight Spark would be in the form of loans to Starlight Spark.
Those who had elected not to invest in Starlight Spark left the conference room allowing the shareholders of Starlight Spark to have their first official meeting. They decided to set the dividend yield at 15% of annual profits and they would all also earn $200 a month as Executive Employees of Starlight Spark.
- - -
With the contracts signed and the appropriate funds transferred to the Corporate Account the mood in the room was more relaxed.
Elrick : " 16 is less than I had hoped for but above the minimum of 15 that was essential! Now that the hard part is out of the way we can move forward to the serious stuff. We need to Buy another 50 linked REM-Sleep Pods at $1100 each in order to plug any potential production gaps."
Bowden : " Thats $55000 from the $148000 and Even if we forgo our own salaries for 3 months we will need an additional $30000 as 3 months of salaries leaving just $63000 as operating capital?"
Grinder : " Leaving just $250 to spend on members of our combat force in skills and equipment! What about skills for crafting and magic?"
Elrick : " The additional 50 workers must be assigned 4 per manager in Asia, North and South America while the rest get 2 workers. I task all of you to find appropriate people amongst your real world circle; people you know and trust as a support base will be an important support structure during difficulties. Having people we know in real life around us will be crucial since I expect that soon tourists will want to adventure from Atlantis to Realm Eternal. All of you are aware that Realm Eternal has a strict age restriction of 18, thus not everybody will have the stomach for the violence while wanting to visit dangerous places; Starlight Spark must be in position to offer protection services at that point. We wont know how much money we need to spent on our combat force until the end of Open Beta. However to avoid going into the red for that month we need to generate the Equivalent of $43400 during the Open Beta; thats 21.7 Gold in Realm Eternal Currency."
Axil : " We need $43400 a month to cover salaries right?"
Elrick : " Earning anything over 21.7 Gold in Realm Eternal Currency means we wont have to put in the money at the end of Open Beta. Having a 200 strong combat force could be an overwhelming advantage over our competition; thus Allowing us to establish ourselves as one of the leading organization operating in Realm Eternal. However we cant avoid spending at least $40 USD per person on the first day of Open Beta to acquire the Archery Skill or the Blade skill as well as the most basic associated tools. The Spear Skill, Archery Skill and the Blade Skill each cost 1 Silver Coins and the basic lance, knife and bow each cost 50 Copper Coins. Furthermore Sub-Skill Combat Arts or Magic Spells cost 50% of the of the Sub-Skill cost. Basic Arrows cost 5 Copper Coins for a set of 15. That means spending a minimum of $8463 during Open Beta!"
Swordin : " One skill per person should be enough"
Elrick : " Given the analysis on the website I estimate that initially the Archery Skill will be far more useful than the Blade Skill. This isnt like the other VR games where youre given a knife and other equipment as a beginner. You start with just the clothes on your back!"
Bowden : " So thats what you didnt want the others to hear? Its all about the Bow?"
Elrick : " According to company testers the small and weak animals like Rabbits, frogs, fish, small rodents and small snakes will flee and only attack when cornered. This means that at the beginning we will have to hunt like in real life; anyone expecting the small and weak animals to fight like in other VR games will be sorely disappointed. Furthermore even the more powerful monsters will choose to flee should the situation turn unfavourable for them; This is actually a Hunting scenario!"
Swordin : " So thats why the EXP system is so different; killing the animals will be as hard as it is in real life!"
Grinder : " Apparently real life combat experience can only give you mental fortitude; it has something to do with piloting a magical body!
Swordin : " The same applies in relation to Martial Arts experience; its completely worthless since the magical body you get has no such training. There is no unique skill creation like in the other VR games!"
Grinder : " It really isnt a game is it?"
Elrick : " And thats whats going to make it so profitable; what you do in Realm Eternal matters!"
Swordin : " We could be Heroes!"
Axil : " Kings!"
Elrick : " Lord Elrick has a nice ring to it!"
Bowden : " If the back story to Realm Eternal isnt just flavour then our actions will have global consequences. I think Ill use personal funds to fortify my Avatar in Realm Eternal
Grinder : " Me too!"
Swordin : " Dido"
Elrick : " Ive already made plans to sell my car, jewellery and nearly all my household possessions to raise money for Realm Eternal activities. I should raise about $35000 for my Avatar!"
Bowden : " Isnt that a bit extreme?"
Grinder : " Maybe! But hes right; we should put all we can into our avatars for our own personal benefit!"
Elrick : " Weve spent far too long being invisible! Hiding in the shadows; its time to step into the light! Out of the Shadows and into the Light; all Hail Starlight Spark!"
Bowden : " Out of the Shadows and into the Light; all Hail Starlight Spark!"
Grinder : " Out of the Shadows and into the Light; all Hail Starlight Spark!"
Axil : " Out of the Shadows and into the Light; all Hail Starlight Spark!"
Swordin : " Out of the Shadows and into the Light; all Hail Starlight Spark!"
Hammerin, Blade, Swordin, Daggerin, Rapier, Staffen, Spear, Chester, Shieldor, Boot, Arrow, Armlet and Ring repeated the phrase; Out of the Shadows and into the Light; all Hail Starlight Spark!
They decided to meet in a few days in Atlantis once they receive their REM-Sleep Pods.
- - -
A little over a week later Elricks REM-Sleep Pod arrived and once it was installed and tested Elrick began the log in sequence. Once the REM-Sleep Pod puts you to sleep you find yourself either sitting or lying down in an empty room and a voice prompts you to begin your avatar creation but before you begin a warning that deleting an existing avatar will cost $250 so think Carefully appears.
Elrick had already decided on the Elf race so he made his choice and then chose Blue hair and green eyes, and since a name and surname is required he chose Elrick Starlight. When he was finished a door appeared and he opened it and stepped through; once he was through the door it disappeared and he found himself in a 10m X 10m office space in a building.
Elrick : " What no log-in light show like the other VR Platforms?"
He muttered to himself.
A System message appeared
~ Ding! ~
Ding!
System Notice!
Welcome to Atlantis Elrick Starlight
? Because you Own Property this is your Default Atlantis Log-In Location.
? Because Atlantis has paradise settings:
?
- Skills are Locked.
?
- Magic is Locked.
?
- Avatar attributes are Locked.
?
- Satiety is Locked.
?
- Waste Bodily Functions are Locked.
?
- Pain is Locked.
?
- Injury and Damage are Locked.
?
- Drowning disabled; all can breathe underwater.
?
- Death is Locked.
|
Bowden : " Master Elrick; you finally made it!"
Grinder : " It took you long enough!"
Suddenly Elrick realised that hes not alone.
Elrick : " Master Bowden, Master Grinder youre already here!"
As Elrick rashes over to Bowden he raises his right hand to shake Bowdens outstretched pale white hand he notices the colour of his own hand; its golden. The sight of his hand causes Elrick to fall into a trance.
Swordin : " Everyone is already here Master Elrick! Though I suppose that we cant call ourselves Masters because we havent earned that title in this reality"
Grinder : " We are Masters no more!"
Bowden : " Elrick?"
Elrick looks at his golden hands and arms.
Elrick : " The Fuck?"
Everyone realises that Elrick has just realised that hes a High Elf and then laugh as Elrick begins to moan and curse.
Swordin : " Here it comes!"
Elrick : " Cursed Elf? Shit! Shit! Fucken Shit Shitty Shit! Shit! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck Fuckidie Fuck! Fuck! Shitty Fucken Cursed Elf!"
At this point Elrick was on his knees banging his head against the ground. And of course the laughter has grown hysterical at the site of Elricks ridiculous breakdown & tantrum. After rolling around for a while Elrick ended up in the foetal position and began muttering things about how he really is cursed. Soon enough sufficient sense returned to Elricks consciousness for him to realise that over 200 pairs of eyes were now gazing upon him with ridicule.
Hammerin : " I think hes ready!
Axil : " Elrick; its really not that bad!"
Elrick : " Says the guy who got the coveted Dark Elf!"
Axil : " Yeah! It is pretty cool!"
Bowden : " Axil; dont rub it in! Elrick; its not that big a deal for you since you never take any combat roles!"
Swordin : " Yeah; it could be an excellent support race!"
Hammerin : " You could always change it!
At that suggestion Elrick fully recovers his faculties.
Elrick : " Im not gonna let this Shitty Fucken Cursed Elf cost me anything more than the damage to my pride that Ive already suffered!"
Elrick looks around the room as he speaks and everyone hastily avoids eye contact with him to hide the pity in their eyes.
Axil : " Alright! Since everyone is here lets get to it"
With that Axil had called everyones attention to them and their eyes naturally followed Axils Eyes as they pointed to Elrick. Even though his mind was still on his embarrassing outburst Elrick understood that it was up to him as the Managing Director of Starlight Spark to say something.
Elrick : " Welcome to the Atlantis Headquarters of Starlight Spark! I trust that everyone here is already familiar with the 17 Executives of Starlight Spark, but just in case I am Nabi Elrick; Managing Director of Starlight Spark. In Realm Eternal all 17 Executives of Starlight Spark will adopt the surname Starlight; thus in Realm Eternal I will be known as Elrick Starlight. Once in Realm Eternal the 200 of you will be known as Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry. Over the next ten days in Real World Time you will go through party selection as well as party training in various Atlantis environments. At the end of the training party assignments will be completed based on Real World location, time zones and how well you work together; 25 parties in total. Starlight Spark has hired a Drill Instructor with Britains Royal Marines to take all of us through combat formations and tactics; so steel yourselves because its going to be a tough 10 days!"
Almost as soon as Elrick was finished they left to meet the Instructor on the beach.
- - -
For the next ten real world days they went through 500 hours of training in Atlantis. Using sticks as spears and swords they went through hours upon hours of gruelling training. They trained in the ocean, at the beach, in the city, in the jungle like nature reserve and other places to familiarize themselves with working as a party, 2 parties, 3 parties and 4 parties which is the standard format of a Full Raid Group.
Atlantis wild life environments were designed such that the wild life could not notice the user avatars and this provided the perfect environment for Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry to practice hunting and tracking of wild animals. Later on Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry divided into Raid Groups and had simulated combat against each other.
At the end of over 500 hours of training Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry had been forged into a proper fighting force with real capability. Parties had been formed and roles were understood; they were itching for a fight, and looking forward to the day when they would be let loose on the wild life of the Realm Eternal. Even the 17 Executives of Starlight Spark had been through the training.
In fact the Executives of Starlight Spark had put themselves into a higher training regiment than the First Ranger Cavalry; putting in 50% more time in training as preparation for the start of Open Beta. The 17 Executives of Starlight Spark were all Elves and 175 of the employees were Half-Elves with the rest being various Beast Humans. The Executives of Starlight Spark had restricted employee race choice to Half-Elves & Beast Humans.
The day before the start of Open Beta it was revealed that Open Beta would take place on the Knox Continent; 70% the size of Grandeur and half a world away. The Knox Continent is a colonial site with 100 new towns and the primary enemy would be the Orcs, Lizardmen and the Serpent races. It was further revealed that Items placed on the Auction Site during Open Beta could not be withdrawn.
It was then revealed that users would never be allowed to choose their starting location and that those who belong to the same Party, Raid Group, Clan and business organization would be teleported to the same location once the Bifr?st activates and the teleport platforms located throughout the City of Atlantis become active. Parties could be formed in Atlantis.
It was now common knowledge that if you died in Realm Eternal youd awaken in Atlantis and would not be allowed passage to Realm Eternal for a full real world day; hence Atlantis is regarded as Paradise. If you log out of Realm Eternal you would always be given an option to log back into Realm Eternal and would not need to go through Atlantis. When logging out of Realm Eternal users would always be given an option to go to Atlantis.
- - -
Just 5 days after the Phoenix Consortium and Advent Consortium offered 350000 REM-Sleep Pods at a discount 270000 had already been sold to eager gamers, and it looked like the rest would take a while to sell. The Advent Consortium had prepared an additional 500000 REM-Sleep Pods to sell at normal price after Open Beta. Nevertheless once Independent Reviews of Atlantis started coming in REM-Sleep Pods started selling like hot cakes.
By the time Phoenix Consortium was ready to go to Open Beta 1.58 million REM-Sleep Pods were logging into Atlantis on a daily basis. The Advent Consortium had been forced to redirect 750000 REM-Sleep Pods that had been meant for the defence sector to the general public. To meet future demand 45% of all capsule production would have to shift to REM-Sleep Pods.
- - -
At the top of the 1.25km high & 2km across octagonal Atlantis Tower is a 200m diameter Ring within a Ring system; the Atlantis Bifr?st. The Ring within a Ring system is similar to the one in the movie Contact. The Rings of the Atlantis Bifr?st had begun to move and were slowly building up speed, and all over the City Teleportation platforms were active and ready to receive queues of people.
- - -
At the base of the Atlantis Tower members of the Starlight Spark Company were also watching the Atlantis Bifr?st. All 217 members of the Starlight Spark Company were wearing a Light Blue military uniform that had Starlight Sparks Seventeen White Stars insignia across the chest.
As the moving Rings of the Atlantis Bifr?st gained momentum the centre of the Bifr?st Ring System began to emit light similar to that of an electric discharge, and the light source grew brighter and it could be seen from all over the City.
There is a burst of energy and the Bifr?st stabilizes. Everyone receives a System Notification.
~ Ding! ~
Ding!
System Notice!
Atlantis Bifr?st Active
The Atlantis Bifr?st is now Active!
To go through the Atlantis Bifr?st you will Require a Bifr?st Realm Key.
Only those in possession of a Realm Key will be allowed to visit other Realms.
To check the Status of your Bifr?st Realm Keys speak the words:
?
- Display Bifr?st Realm Keys.
Into an Open Status Window
|
Bowden : " Huh!"
Grinder : " Display Bifr?st Realm Keys!"
Bowden : " Display Bifr?st Realm Keys!"
Elrick : " Display Bifr?st Realm Keys!"
It seems like everyone opens a Display Bifr?st Realm Keys window.
~ Ding! ~
Ding!
Bifr?st Realm Keys!
Available Bifr?st Realm Keys:
?
- Ado ?Authorized?.
?
- Alfheim?N/A?.
To Teleport to a destination step on the Bifr?st Teleport Platform and then place your hand on the designated Bifr?st Realm Key to begin Teleportation.
|
Axil : " Authorized?"
Grinder : " Alfheim?"
Axil : " Theres a slot for Ado, Alfheim and Svartalfheim on mine!"
Axil uses a show function to display it to the others.
Elrick : " Commander Bowden; its Time!"
Bowden : " Right!"
All Attention goes to Bowden
The military instructor that had been training Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry had recognized Bowdens superior combat sense and put him forward as the force commander. Elrick has the role of Tactician and the other Executives occupy combat support roles while on the battlefield.
The choice of Bowden as Commander of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry was an expected outcome since in Real Life hed been a Corporal in the US Marine Corps and did 2 tours of duty in Afghanistan until he lost his left leg (above the knee) to an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) at age 22. Bowden used his benefits to gain 2 degrees in Bio-Chemistry and now works as a Lab Technician.
[p]
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!.
[/p]
People that are already on the Bifr?st Teleport Platforms are transformed into energy and beamed to the centre of the Bifr?st Ring System. Everyone looks at the extraordinary lightshow with amazement.
Bowden : " Cavalry; Form-Up!"
At the word of Commander Bowden Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry gets into formation forming 6 Full Raid Groups. Those not in the Raid groups take the Rear as support.
Swordin : " Good to go Commander!"
Bowden : " Move out!"
With a well practised manoeuvre they move towards one of the 50m wide Bifr?st Teleport Platforms and with a Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! They disappear.
- - -
The 6 Full Raid Group arrive first and Elrick and the other executives follow with the rear guard. Each Full Raid Group has a Group Captain that leads the four parties into combat.
Elrick and the others emerge into a town. They are near a 200m high smaller version of the Atlantis Tower, and it too is surrounded by Teleport Platforms. They are at the centre of a town.
As soon as Group Captain Vava sees Bowden he rushes over to report.
Vava : " Group Captain Vava of the first Raid group Reporting Sir!"
The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Bowden acknowledges Vava
Bowden : " Situation?"
Vava : " Immediate vicinity secure sir! Weve deployed scouting teams to a radius of 300m around the Central Tower! Sir; we are in a town called Vhon!
Bowden : " Thank you! Briefing in 15 minutes; carry on!"
Vava : " Yes sir!"
Group Captain Vava leaves to rejoin his Raid Group.
Bowden : " Hiring a military Instructor was a Brilliant Idea Swordin, thanks to that we have a fighting force; theyre real Soldiers Now!"
Swordin : " My short time in the US Coast Guard taught me that theres no substitute for a real seasoned instructor!"
Axil : " Its not just them!"
Grinder : " Indeed! Weve also gained immensely from the training"
Hammerin : " The $5000 spent on training is money well spent!
As they talk they open their status and information screens and read information about the town of Vhon.
~ Ding! ~
Ding!
Information!
The Town of Vhon;
?
- A small Town that is slightly larger than a large village. .
?
- Population is estimated at 5500.
?
- Vhon has been recently gifted a Guild Tower by the Asgard Continental Republic as compensation for participating in a trial of a new Adventurer force from Earth. The Guild Tower includes a Teleportation Portal Generator and Teleportation Platforms, and the Guild Tower also generates a Barrier around the Town Vhon that extends 1.5km beyond the wall. .
?
- Vhon is 4km across and is equipped with a 20m high wall that forms a circle around it..
The people of Vhon came to the Knox Continent along with those of other towns as part of a colonization effort by the Vale Kingdom.
The Vale Kingdom is the most powerful of the Independent Nations of Ado and for the past forty years has waged war against the barbaric demon races of the Knox Continent.
|
Bowden : " Ahhh! Elrick?"
Elrick : " What is it?"
Swordin : " Youre Glowing!"
Elrick : " Ohh!"
Swordin : " Your Skin is actually Glowing!"
They notice that Eyes from all around begin to focus in on them; drawn in by the Soft Golden Glow emanating from Elrick.
Elrick : " This could be troublesome! I forgot that High Elves are the Ljslfar; the Light Elves. Its one thing after another with this Cursed Elf; the only way to control the Glow is with the Light Magic Sub-Skill."
Axil : " If I had my Shadow Magic Sub-Skill I could shield you!"
Swordin : " The Shadow Magic Sub-Skill cannot contain the Devine Light Magic of the Ljslfar. Bowden; at night itll be your turn to Glow!"
Bowden : " The Night Elves only glow under Moonlight! So; only if theres Moonlight!"
Axil : " Light Elves Glow under Starlight, Moonlight or Sunlight! Elrick will light up like a Christmas tree regardless of time of day!"
Ha-Ha! Ha-Ha! Ha-Ha! Ha-Ha!
Everyone laughs, and even those nearby who overhear laugh; all at Elricks expense. However Elrick knows its all in good fun so he takes it on the chin like a champ.
- - -
15 minutes have passed and the scouting teams have returned at reported to their Group Captains. Everyone gathers around the executives and the briefing begins.
Grinder : " Since Everything is pretty much as expected we can proceed as planned!"
Swordin : " Director?"
The Natives of the Realm Eternal use the Word Director for someone who holds a company position equivalent to Managing Director (MD).
Elrick : " Vhon has 4 Exits so I need Raid Groups 1 to 4 to each choose a gate and recon the Area within 500m of the wall while moving to re-enter Vhon at the next clockwise gate. I need info about the life in this Area, and while youre at it pick up any thing that can be used as weapon or seems valuable. I need Raid Groups 4 to 6 to set up 4 man teams and do a sweep of this town; politely Ask the Natives Questions about anything pertinent. I want to know about the wildlife, food, demons, security and most importantly the whos who of this town. The rest of the Executives have pre-assigned tasks so well get to them. Regroup here in 2 Hours!"
Bowden : " This is a Recon only mission! Avoid deadly foes; however should a minimum risk target of opportunity avail its self dont hesitate! You have your orders!"
The Group of 217 people wearing the same uniforms dispersed and went off in different directions.
- - -
While the other Executive Managers of Starlight Spark fan out to complete their assigned task Bowden & Elrick as essentially the leaders of Starlight Spark go into the Adventurers Guild building to register a Clan. Even though Starlight Spark gains many of the benefits of a Clan this does not extend to the benefits associated with the Adventurers Guild.
In order to receive Quests Parties have to be Registered with the Adventurers Guild; there arent Quests for Individuals, and if an individual wanted to act alone he/she would have to register a party that has only one person. The analysis on the Phoenix website strongly advised against acting alone; the warning indicated that even the basic Magical Beasts are too powerful for an Individual.
Registering a Clan with the Adventurers Guild required a minimum of 32 people to form a Full Raid Group, and the cost is 50 Silver Coins. Registering a Party with the Adventurers Guild costs 50 Copper Coins. Members of Clan can use User Interface System to form Parties that are Automatically Recognized by the Adventurers Guild. The Natives of the Realm eternal also have an Interface System identical to that of the Users; they can join user clans & vies-versa.
- - -
After a 40 minute wait Bowden & Elrick finally arrive at one of the 10 counters; the Female Clerk looks at Elrick with wonderment.
Elrick : " Hello!"
Theres no response from the Clerk.
Elrick : " Hello! Hi there Im "
Theres still no reaction; only a growing smile plastered on the Clerks face.
Elrick : " Ehh?"
Bowden : "Umm! Excuse me miss?"
Slowly regaining her composure the grin on the Clerks face becomes more severe as sparks light-up in her eyes as she makes eye contact with Bowden. The girl goes into an irrecoverable trance as she begins to swoon over Bowden.
An older male Clerk rushes over and another attendant leads the flustered girl away into the back office.
Clerk : " Sorry about that! Its just that none of us in this Town have ever seen an Elf until today; let alone a Light Elf!"
Bowden : " Oh!"
Clerk : " There are Half-Elves but no true Elves! Women love beautiful things, and as people go none rivals the Elves in beauty!"
Elrick : " Right! Im Elrick Starlight; Director of the corporation Starlight Spark."
Bowden : " And Im Bowden Starlight; Security Chief of the corporation Starlight Spark.
Elrick : " We are here to Register a Clan"
Clerk : " The cost is 50 Silver Coins, and Clans have up to 25 Clan officials; would you like them to be the same as the executive managers of the corporation Starlight Spark?"
Elrick : " Yes please!"
The Clerk then manipulated an interface that was visible to Bowden & Elrick, and as soon as he was finished pop-ups appeared to both Bowden & Elrick.
~ Ding! ~
Ding!
Information!
Clan Created
Name: Starlight Spark Clan
Leader: Elrick Starlight
Number of Members: 217
?
- Members: ?Click? .
?
- Clan Equipment: ?Click? .
?
- Treasury: ?Click?.
?
- Others: ?Click? .
|
Clerk : " Would you like to purchase a Clan communications system for 40 Silver Coins?"
Elrick : " Yes!"
Once again the Clerk then manipulated an interface.
Clerk : " Registration Complete! Anything else?"
Elrick : " Thank you! Would you perhaps know where I might locate an Alchemist?"
Clerk : " Alchemist? What for? If youre in need of potions the Guild has them for sale, or the merchants outside can sell you anything you need. The Plant Mage Herbalist nearby can cook-up almost anything!"
Elrick : " No! Thats not it; Were in need of the skill unique to an Alchemists Skills."
Clerk : " Is that so? There is only one Highly skilled Alchemist in this Town, but hes "
The Clerks Eyes wonder as if making sure that no one can overhear.
Bowden : " Is something wrong?"
Almost hesitantly the clerk speaks.
Clerk : " The person youre looking for is Arvin the Alchemist; hes a Beast Race Half-Elf
Bowden : " Beast Race Half-Elf?"
Clerk : " His mother was a Foxtail and his father is a Night Elf; your kin!"
Elrick : " Whats the problem then?"
Clerk : " Hes a Difficult person! Hes old and set in his ways; Arvin is over a Hundred and twenty years old and apparently even his children thought him a bit odd."
Bowden : " 120 years?"
Clerk : " He is Noble Born after all! Longevity is one of the only things the Nobility inherit from their Continental lineage!"
Bowden : " Noble Born? Continental lineage?"
Elrick : " Could it be ?"
Clerk : " Youve probably guessed right! The Asgard Continental Republic exist almost separately from the rest of us mere mortals on Ado. Continentals as we call them wield incomparable power due to their High SP; chief amongst this being their use of the resurrection Magic spell; a specialty of your Kin."
The Clerk points at Elrick.
Elrick : " My Kin?"
Clerk : " When the Vale Kingdom first Launched a military expedition to the Knox Continent they fought legions upon legions of Demons. In one of the first battles Vale lost over 15000 men; but for the whim of a Golden Elf-Dragon the entire expedition would have been lost."
Elrick : " What did the Elf-Dragon do?"
Clerk : " The Elf-Dragon rumoured to be the king of the High Elves showed up with a 1000 strong army of Steel Golems. The Steel Golems drove back the legions of Demons and the Golden Elf-Dragon used Devine Light Resurrection Magic to restore the lives of Every Vale soldier that died that Day; 17000 survived the day limit, and 4000 were lost forever!"
Elrick : " Right; theres a one day limit on Devine Light Resurrection Magic"
Clerk : " Yes a corpse older than a day can only be revived by Shadow Resurrection Magic as an Undead. So; when you Shape the Light of your Aura remember that you do so In the Name of a Great People!"
Elrick : " Ill always remember! Thank you!"
Bowden & Elrick leave the counter and head over to the self-service terminal where they Purchase the Archery Skill at 1 Silver Coin for Each member and Bow Sub-Skill at 50 Copper Coins for Each member. For all the members of the Starlight Spark Clan the cost totalled 325 Silver Coins & 50 Copper Coins. Total expenditure for the day had reached 415 Silver Coins & 50 Copper Coins; thats $8310.
Elrick & Bowden went off to see Arvin the Alchemist.
- - -
As Elrick & Bowden reached the Alchemists workshop situated about 1.7km from the town centre they could see a clearly displayed Sign.
Ding!
Alchemists Workshop
~ Arvin the Alchemist! ~
?
- I reserve the right to refuse service to Anyone! .
?
- I only work on things that interest me! .
|
Bowden : " He-He! He-He! Ha-Ha! Ha-Ha! This is gonna be a thing!"
Elrick : " You said it!"
Bowden : " This guy is probably just like you"
Elrick : " Whatever do you mean?"
Bowden : " The first time we met I was struggling to grind in Ancient Magic and soloing wasnt working out, and I was considering quitting the Game. Then you showed up and said; [Tough day at the Office? Fate is with you Newbie! For on this Day Fortune smiles upon you! Here take this; my best creations]. You then handed me 2 Rings; a Strength + 10 Ring and an Agility + 10 Ring. Before I could thank you, you had logged out!"
Elrick : " I was going for the Mysterious Crafter Role playing style!"
Bowden : " Those Rings changed everything for me; and not just in the Game! With 3 times the Strength and Agility I could grind at 4 times the previous rate, but that simple eccentric act of yours opened my eyes to the effect people had on others. I was able to open up to people more freely. When I looked for you I learned that you had moved to another in game City. It was over a year later when we came into contact again and by them you had formed the Guild and you wouldnt let me join unless I had 2 university Degrees!"
Elrick : " Well; it looks like its open. Lets find out if he really is similar to me!"
Elrick & Bowden open the door and enter the workshop to find a young boy and a Half-Elf man with the tail of a fox sorting what looks like herbs. The man looks like he might be in his early forties but Elrick & Bowden know that hes over 120 years old.
The man looks over to the door and a smile comes over his face at the sight of the Elves.
Elrick : " Hello! Greetings I am !"
Elrick is interrupted by Arvin.
Arvin : " Welcome! Welcome! As I live and breathe! In all my days I never imagine that I would be granted the opportunity to gaze upon one of the Eastarli"
Bowden : " Eastarli?"
Arvin : " Right; theres no way you would have known! My father once told me that in the old days the High Elves were known as the Eastarli. The Eastarli are Elves of the High Mountains of Eastal. The high altitude region of the east on the main continent of Alfheim is known as the High Mountains of Eastal; and Eastal was the name of the kingdom of the High Elves."
Elrick : " I see!"
Arvin : " So what brings you to my workshop?"
Elrick : " My Clan wishes to undertake a Clan quest to clear a field in the west of Vhon of rodents, snakes, crows pigeons and other pests. So weve come here seeking a method to instantaneously produce large amounts of Carbon Dioxide."
Bowden : " A Carbon Dioxide grenade if you will"
Arvin : " I see! Very clever; a poison that is harmful to animals but does not affect the agricultural product. Very clever indeed!"
Elrick & Bowden look at each other with pleased expressions as Arvin ponders.
Elrick : " It may even improve the agricultural product"
Arvin : " Indeed! Alas I cannot assist you!"
Elrick : " Why-ever not?"
Arvin : " As impressive as your concept of vermin extermination may be; the process of producing the necessary Alchemic chemicals is tedious!"
Bowden : " What?"
Arvin : " It doesnt Interest me"
Elrick : " He-He He-Ha! He-He He-Ha! He-He He-Ha!"
Elrick bursts into laughter.
Bowden : " Really?"
Elrick : " Excellent! Just splendid! HaHaHaHa"
Arvin : " Im glad you can appreciate my position"
An Idea popped into Elricks head as he noticed a sinister smile on Arvins face; ?Elrick: He wants to negotiate because he wants something from us! ?
Elrick : " If I may sir?"
Suddenly a serious look appears on Arvins face.
Arvin : " Go on!"
Elrick : " Is there perhaps some method by which we might persuade you to overlook your aversion to tedious work?"
Arvin : " Im glad you asked that question"
Bowden : " Oh?"
Arvin : " Ill do the tedious work if you agree to sell me 20 litres of your Blood"
Bowden : " Our blood?"
Arvin : " No! Only the Blood of the Light Elf is valuable. The Transparent blood of a Night Elf doesnt have the same properties as the Silver Blood of a Light Elf
Elrick : " How much for a Litre?"
Bowden : " Youre considering this?"
Elrick : " I dont see that we have much of a choice!"
As Elrick looks at Arvin the shrewd Alchemist realised they are resigned to acquiescing to his demands.
Arvin : " If my assessment is correct and you havent acquired the Light Magic Sub-Skill then a litre of your Blood is worth 85 Copper Coins. The value of your Blood would increase by 85 Copper Coins for every unit of EXP in Light Magic; Thus if you were to acquired the Light Magic Sub-Skill a litre of your blood would be worth 510 Copper Coins"
Elrick : " Why is it so valuable?"
Arvin : " Its a potent ingredient of High End Healing Salves and potions that recover both Health and Mana."
Elrick : " Whats the maximum amount of Blood you can take from me at once?"
Arvin : " 2 litres is the Maximum that can be taken at once, but doing so would leave you unconscious for an hour and when you wake up youll feel groggy for another hour. After that itll take 5 hours for your Blood to restore its potency, though thats only possible if you have the Light Magic Sub-Skill; otherwise its 24 hours for your Blood to restore its potency."
Bowden : " Elrick; if you decide to do this the company cant afford to finance your acquisition of the Light Magic Sub-Skill. However if you finance it personally you can keep any of the benefits from the sale of your Blood."
Elrick : " Understood! Ill do it! However Im gonna need enough Carbon Dioxide grenades to cover 40 Fields"
Arvin : " If my math is correct enough Carbon Dioxide grenades to cover a field with a metre high Carbon Dioxide fog will cost 37 Silver Coins. Forty fields should cost 1480 Silver Coins or 14.8 Gold Coins"
Elrick : " Only if you Provide food, water and a place for me to rest while I recover from giving you blood."
Arvin : " Deal"
Elrick and Arvin shake hands.
Bowden : " Elrick; well have to hunt without you while you rest and sleep. And the distance between this place and the Field will be a challenge for you given your stats."
Elrick : " Understood"
Arvin : " I can sell you my old Mana Bicycle for 5 Silver Coins. It consumes about 2 Mana per minute so its less efficient than the newer 1Mana per minute Mana Bicycle which cost upwards of 25 Silver Coins; the really High-End top of the line Mana Bicycle costs 2 Gold Coins and are equipped Mana Crystals that can store 1000 Mana for propulsion. Though for that price you might as well purchase the 5 Gold Coins Mana Powered 5 seat Carriage."
Elrick : " Ill take old Mana Bicycle for 5 Silver Coins; I have plenty of Mana so thats not an issue."
Arvin : " Then Ill get Started on the Carbon Dioxide grenades"
Elrick : " And Ill go acquired the Light Magic Sub-Skill and return"
As they left the workshop Elrick realized that his Knowledge, Wisdom and Intelligence Attributes had all Gained a full unit of EXP.
| Ding!
Attribute Gain!
? Knowledge = 16
? Wisdom = 16
? Intelligence = 16
|
- - -
Chapter 3: Benefits of Open Beta
- - -
Authors Note!:
It gets a bit gory at the End
And also remember that my protagonist is in the world, the world does not revolve around him
= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
- - -
Chapter 3
Benefits of Open Beta
- - -
Part 1: Hunting {Its more like Dynamite fishing}
Elrick & Bowden met up with the Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry and the Managing Executives near the Guild Tower. At the briefing a review of the strategy was laid out, and all 14 of the ?Level = 0? Clan Quests were accepted by the Starlight Spark Clan.
~ Ding! ~
Clan Quest!
?Level = 0?
Vermin Extermination
Quest Reward = 2 gold Coins
Exterminate:
?
- 500 Mice,
?
- 400 Rats
?
- 250 Snakes,
?
- 300 Crows
?
- 300 Pigeons
?
- 250 Rabbits
Present the Heads of the dead Animals at the Adventurers Guild to claim Reward.
|
Elrick then explained that they could then proceed to sell the headless bodies of the dead animals at 75% of the standard going rate
Information!
Standard Reward for Vermin Extermination
Rewards:
?
- Mouse = 2 Copper Coins
?
- Rat = 3 Copper Coins (similar rewards for same size Rodent Species)
?
- Snake = 5 Copper Coins (Giant Snake Species not Included)
?
- Arachnids = 4 Copper Coins
?
- Locust = 1 Copper Coin (similar rewards for same size Insect Species)
?
- Crow = 5 Copper Coins
?
- Pigeon = 5 Copper Coins
?
- Rabbit = 7 Copper Coins
?
- Fox = 20 Copper Coins
?
- Wild Dog = 9 Copper Coins
?
- Wolf = 2 Silver Coins
?
- Ware-Wolf = 25 Silver Coins (Includes other larger Canine Species)
?
- Demon-Wolf = 55 Silver Coins
?
- Lion = 7 Silver Coins
?
- Ware-Lion = 40 Silver Coins
?
- Demon-Lion = 75 Silver Coins
?
- Tiger = 7 Silver Coins
?
- Ware-Tiger = 40 Silver Coins
?
- Demon-Tiger = 75 Silver Coins
?
- Bear = 7 Silver Coins
?
- Ware-Bear = 40 Silver Coins
?
- Demon-Bear = 75 Silver Coins
?
- Small Herbivores = 5 Silver Coins
?
- Medium Herbivores = 10 Silver Coins
?
- Large Herbivores = 20 Silver Coins
?
- Large Demon Herbivores = 40 Silver Coins
?
- Demon Apes = 40 Silver Coins
?
- Lizardmen = 40 - 70 Silver Coins depending on type.
?
- Goblin = 45 - 85 Silver Coins depending on type.
?
- Orc = 50 Silver Coins
?
- Serpent = 40 - 200 Silver Coins depending on type.
?
- All other will depend on location and the need for Extermination
.
|
After talking with every merchant, shopkeeper and general-dealer Grinder, Axil, Swordin and Hammerin concluded a negotiated deal with one of the less prosperous general-dealers. In return for the general-dealer selling to Starlight Spark equipment (including Combat equipment) at cost Starlight Spark would give the general-dealer first purchase option on any carcass Rabbit size and Larger.
Starlight Spark then proceeded to buy equipment from said general-dealer.
Clan & Company Equipment
Equipment List:
?
- Basic Bow X 217
?
- Basic Arrows (3 sets of 15 = 45) 45 X 217
?
- Basic Spears X 75
?
- Basic Inventory Bag X 217
?
- Basic Paralytic Poison X 217
?
- Bread 2 X 217
?
- Roasted Meat X 217
?
- Nutritional Drink 5 X 217
|
Starlight Sparks Cost Evaluation indicated that theyd spent a significant amount of money in just the first 2 hours of open beta. They had planed to spend early to avoid the inevitable prise rises due to high demand.
Starlight Spark Cost Evaluation
Equipment:
? Basic Bow (at 50 Copper Coins) X 217 = 10850 Copper Coins.
? Basic Arrows (set is 5 Copper Coins); (3 sets of 15 = 45) 45 X 217 = 3255 Copper Coins.
? Basic Spears (at 50 Copper Coins) X 75 = 3750 Copper Coins.
? Basic Inventory Bag (at 85 Copper Coins) X 217 = 18445 Copper Coins.
? Basic Paralytic Poison (at 97 Copper Coins) X 217 = 21049 Copper Coins.
? Bread (at 2 Copper Coins); 2 X 217 = 864 Copper Coins.
? Roasted Meat (at 10 Copper Coins) X 217 = 2170 Copper Coins.
? Nutritional Drink (at 1 Copper Coins); 5 X 217 = 1085 Copper Coins.
Equipment Total = 61468 Copper Coins.
Adventurers Guild Purchases:
?
- Clan Registration = 5000 Copper Coins.
?
- Clan communications system at 40 Silver Coins = 4000 Copper Coins.
?
- Archery Skill at 1 Silver Coins for Each member = 21700 Copper Coins.
?
- BowSub-Skill at 50 Copper Coins for Each member = 10850 Copper Coins.
?
- ?Bow Arts?at 25 Copper Coins for 75 member = 5425 Copper Coins.
?
- SpearSub-Skill at 50 Copper Coins for 75 member = 3750 Copper Coins.
?
- ?Spear Arts?at 25 Copper Coins for 75 member = 1875 Copper Coins.
Adventurers Guild Purchases Total = 52600 Copper Coins
Information Purchases:
- Information Total = 2468 Copper Coins.
Other Purchases:
- Carbon Dioxide grenades = 148000 Copper Coins.
Overall Total = 264536 Copper Coins = 26 Gold Coins, 45 Silver Coins & 36 Copper Coins.
|
Total expenditure for the day had reached 264536 Copper Coins = 26 Gold Coins 45 Silver Coins & 36 Copper Coins; thats $52907.2 in RWM.
After the briefing 216 members of Starlight Spark set out to a training Centre to train the BowSub-Skill & ?Bow Arts?, and for those with the SpearSub-Skill & ?Spear Arts?it was an opportunity to get those skills combat Ready.
Elrick understood that the deal he had made with Arvin in order to acquire the Carbon Dioxide grenades would mean that he would fall even further behind in combat skills, so as the others left he diligently went back into the Guild building and used his own personal funds to buy the Light MagicSub-Skill just as he had bought the Mana Bicycle.
Acquiring a physical combat Sub-Skill is relatively straightforward and innocuous, but Acquiring a Magic Sub-Skill is another thing entirely. To Acquire the Light MagicSub-Skill a death is necessary for the Soul has to be Marked with the Light Element.
~ Ding! ~
Skill Upgrade!
You have Acquired the Light MagicSub-Skill
Available Spells:
Since you have not gained a Light MagicElemental Symbiote the only magic spells available are Race Specific inborn talents.
?
- ?Aura Glow?= 1 Mana per minute
?
- ?Aura Burst?= 5 Mana with each use.
To use any other Light Magicyou must Gain a Light MagicElemental Symbiote.
|
Elrick then proceeded to Arvins workshop by riding the Mana bicycle while keeping the ?Aura Glow? Spell Active. Elrick understood that the maximum amount of Mana that could poured be into a Spell = Spell EXP + Affinity. Spell EXP grows as with Every use of 1 Mana generates 1 mini-EXP in the Spell the Mana was used which also counts as Sub-Skill EXP.
Elrick first ate the Delicious food Arvin graciously provided then 2 litres of his blood was taken and 1020 Copper Coins transferred to his Realm Eternal Bank Account (Everyone Automatically gets a Bank Account). With the business concluded Elrick took a nap on a small yet comfortable couch provided by Arvin.
- - -
Elrick woke up 2 hours later and Arvin handed him the batch of Carbon Dioxide grenades, and it was enough to cover 3 Fields in a Carbon Dioxide Fog. Since Arvin had already been paid for the full order Elrick thanked him and left on the Bike to meet up with rest of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry.
By the time Elrick reached the others it was late in the afternoon and Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry was in the grounds just outside the gates and practicing hunting on Field mice. However when Elrick noticed a group of over a thousand people forming a circle; even hes people were amongst those in the circle. When he got to the Circle the gruesome sight came into view.
It was a body; the corpse of a human. Apparently the User had been bitten while trying to kill a Snake with a knife. The Snakes poison stopped his heart in 30 seconds. But the thing that seemed to have put everyone into a state of shock is that the incident took place an hour earlier and the body hadnt disappeared. They were expecting a game system to lessen the shock of Death; but realm Eternal isnt a game!
Elrick knew that the Body would not disappear and ordered one of his subordinates to call for the Town Guards. When the Guards arrived they used Fire Magic to burn the Body to Ashes allowing the wind to carry the ashes away. Elrick could now see a pronounced fear in the eyes of the users; they now understood that although Death was temporary for users it was still very Real.
- - -
When Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry reached the first field Elrick was relieved that the training they had received in Atlantis had steeled the First Ranger Cavalry, and though they were shaken by the earlier gruesome sight they had found their feet by relying on their training. Elrick recognized that now they understood that this would not be a cake walk; this is why they had spent $52907 in order to be prepared.
Arvin had assured him that depending on the wind condition the fog created by the Carbon Dioxide grenades should last between 7 & 10 hours. Starting at edges of the Field they deployed the Carbon Dioxide grenades while moving towards the centre from all directions. Once the Carbon Dioxide grenades were fully deployed they moved back to the edges of the field.
Once the 1.2m high layer of Carbon Dioxide Fog was firmly in place they began to see animal Death on a massive scale. By the time the animals realized that they couldnt get enough oxygen it was already too late. Seeing the success on the first field they deployed the Carbon Dioxide grenades on another 2 Fields to a similar effect.
10 hours later when the Carbon Dioxide Fog began to lift the carnage was self evident. Starlight Spark had completed 3 ?Level = 0?Clan Quest! in less than a day. This was a better start than even Elrick had predicted, but he hypothesized that given the amount of money invested it was not outside the realm of possibility that the first Hunt would be successful.
Loot recovered from the First Field
?
- Mouse X 721; Reward = 0.75(1000) + 442 = 1192 Copper Coins
?
- Rat X 657; Reward = 0.75(1200) + 771 = 1671 Copper Coins
?
- Snake X 473; Reward = 0.75(1250) + 1115 = 2052.5 Copper Coins
?
- Arachnids X 251; Reward = 1044 Copper Coins.
?
- Locust X 265, Ants X 359, Termites X 119; Reward = 743 Copper Coins
?
- Crow X 378; Reward = 0.75(1500) + 390 = 1515 Copper Coins
?
- Pigeon X 617; Reward = 0.75(1500) + 1585 = 2710 Copper Coins.
?
- Rabbit X 492; Reward = 0.75(1750) + 1694 = 3006.5 Copper Coins
?
- Fox X 37; Reward = 740 Copper Coins
?
- Wild Dog X 51; Reward = 459 Copper Coins
?
- Wolf X 7; Reward = 1400 Copper Coins
?
- Small Herbivores X 19; Reward = 9500 Copper Coins
Total Reward = 23170 Copper Coins + 2 Gold Coins = 43170 Copper Coins
.
|
Field 2 Yielded = 45489 Copper Coins
Field 3 Yielded = 51037 Copper Coins
Giving a net daily total of 139696 Copper Coins; which is the equivalent of $27939.2 in USD.
The next RET (Realm Eternal Time) day Starlight Spark Cleared the other 11 Fields collecting a total of 512398 Copper Coins meaning that Starlight Spark had earned 652094 Copper Coins. In just 2 RET days Starlight Spark had began to see a return on the money spent in Realm Eternal, and this was largely thanks to the fact that the hunting grounds were not crowded. This is the advantage of participating in Open Beta.
However with the fields cleared the days of easy hunting were over and the next available fertile grounds were outside the protection of the Barrier.
- - -
On the Third Day RET (Realm Eternal Time) most of Starlight Spark logged off after spending 15 hours in their Capsules. Their first shift was complete and they would not be logging in for at least 7 hour RWT (Real World Time). Those who were still logged in were free to do as they pleased until the Cavalry regroups for the next mission.
A day in Realm Eternal Time is 27 hours which is 5 hours & 24 minutes I RWT. Elrick had resolved to spend 22 hours a day in Realm Eternal; only logging out to Eat, run for an hour on the treadmill and take a bath or shower. Elrick could not afford to be leisurely in his approach to the Realm Eternal; he had invested nearly everything he had in Starlight Spark and the Phoenix Consortium.
After the initial press conference where Atlantis was announced Elrick directed 80% of his Retirement Fund into Phoenix Consortium stock to a total of $407625 in Phoenix Consortium shares. By selling MMORPG Ancient Magic Items Elrick raised $35000 and by selling his car, jewellery and nearly all his household possessions he raised about $37850 combined with $40000 in his savings and 188500 left over from the sale of his JoBurg apartment (minus investments in Starlight Spark ) he had in $301350 Cash.
He needed $50000X2 for university tuition costs + 400X12X4 in Medical Aid expenses for 4 years (similar to Medical Insurance but its Government Regulated) + 200X12X4 in other living expenses for 4 years; leaving Elrick with just $172550 in unallocated Cash. Elrick reasoned that hed need to preserve at least $80000 as a contingency or Hedge against Starlight Sparks Failure leaving him just $92550 to spend on His Avatar; now he was left with just under $82550 to spend on His Avatar after acquiring the Light MagicSub-Skill.
Fortunately for Elrick the 150 employees hired from South Africa needed Starlight Sparks success as much as he did and had individually and privately committed themselves to spending at least 16 hours a day in Realm Eternal; entering at 18H00 and exiting at 11H00. The 150 that formed the bulk of Raid groups 1-5 understood that they owned their Avatars and that it was in their best interests to improve their Avatars.
The next 3 days in Realm Eternal would be devoted entirely to Training at the Guild buildings Holographic Hunting grounds. The goal of the training was to reach a state where all members of a Raid Group can attack a 25cm target with all 32 arrows reaching the target at nearly the same time. The Holographic Hunting grounds cost 5 Silver Coins per Day for a clan, but it was deemed crucial for the cavalry to train on moving targets.
Between the bouts of extensive training they would hunt by baiting predators with Carcases of dead animals. Once the predators showed up they were met with over 200 arrows laced with paralytic poisons. A single arrow fired by even the strongest member of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry could barely cause a scratch to a wolf but volley after volley of over 200 arrows could annihilate an entire wolf pack.
However for the strategy to work Starlight Spark had to spend money on a higher quality of Arrows.
And so the days passed in the Realm Eternal with the Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry gaining in power and confidence.
Part 2: Magic
By any measure Magic Reigns Supreme in the Realm Eternal. However becoming a competent mage is a laborious task; requiring tremendous effort and practice.
There are 3 known types of Magic:
?
- Elemental Magic; Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, Ice, Light, Shadow, Sound, Psionic, Plant and Enchantments Magic.
?
- Mana Shaping Magic; Alchemy, Appraisal, and Rune Magic.
?
- Corporeal Magic; Dragon Shape-Shifting Magic and Attribute enhancement Magic.
Elemental Magic is the most common magic, and To Acquire the Elemental Magic Sub-Skill a death is necessary for the Soul has to be Marked with the Element. This can be accomplished at the Adventurers Guild where one is killed in a Special room that is capable of applying resurrection magic. At the moment of Death a skilled Psionic MagicWizard fuses the Soul with a particular Infinity Element, and then the subject is revived with minimal EXP damage.
Under normal Circumstances there is 5% Across the Board EXP loss for a Death that lasts longer than a Day and the user is deported to Atlantis and wont be allowed in the Realm Eternal for five Days (RET). However this penalty can be reduced in proportion to 5% EXP loss = 27Hours if Resurrection Magic is Used.
However acquiring the Elemental MagicSub-Skill is only Half the requirement of becoming an Elemental MagicUser; for to gain the ability to use Spells other than the innate Race Specific talents a Symbiote is necessary. Symbiotes can only be Acquired at the Academy, and the process involves allowing the Elemental Symbiote to feed on your Elemental Magicuntil its fully satiated which allows a skilled Psionic MagicWizard to bond the Elemental Symbiote to the Soul.
The Elemental Symbiote feeds at a Rate of [Elemental MagicSub-Skill EXP + Elemental Affinity] Mana per second, and the Elemental Magic needs 7 hours to restore its Vitality; so the Elemental Symbiote can only feed once every 7 hours. This is one of the reasons why high Affinity is recommended for those who seek to be mages.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
As one might expect letting an Elemental Symbiote feed on you can be dangerous. A Fire Elemental Symbiote will burn you as it feeds, a Light Elemental Symbiote will Drain you of life as it feeds, an Earth Elemental Symbiote will Drain you of minerals as it feeds and so on and so on. The Damage done to the body will depend on the related Attributes.
Elemental Symbiote Damage is = Effect / [Durability + Vitality + 25% (Endurance)]
To be satiated an Elemental Symbiote needs to feed on 10000 Mana of your Elemental Magicfor the Soul Bonding ritual to be performed by a Psionic MagicWizard.
By that measure it would take a Fire Elf a minimum [(10000 / 75) X (7/27) = 34.568] approximately 35 days [RET] to Acquire a Fire Elemental Symbiote. (Almost 8 full days in RWT).
It is therefore recommended that those with low Durability, Vitality & Endurance not attempt acquiring an Elemental Symbiote until they have raised their relevant Attributes to safe levels or gained Attribute enhancing Magical Items.
This is yet another example of why the High Elf is considered Cursed; because even though they have high Affinities the low Durability, Vitality & Endurance makes it incredibly difficult to acquire an Elemental Symbiote.
Since Elemental Magic is combat Magic there is a Ranking system with appropriate titles for those who achieve the specific rank.
Ranks!
In Descending Order:
?
- God
?
- Saint
?
- King
?
- Master
?
- Expert
?
- Wizard
|
To Earn a Higher Rank one has to Defeat 5 individuals of the same Rank at the same time without the Aid of Magic Items; Essentially defeating 5 individuals who have exactly the same equipment as yourself. The ranking contest takes place within the safety of the Adventurers Guild Arena, and it is the Adventurers Guild that selects the opponents for the Rank-up Applicant.
There is a similar Rank system for the Archery, Blade & Spear though for the Archery Sub-Skill there are 2 tracks one starting with Bow-Man and the other starting with Gunslinger, while for the Blade & Spear start with Blades-Man & Spear-Man. The highest Rank for the BladeSub-Skill is Sword Godor the Blade Goddepending on the level of Skill with all Blades
Denizens of the Realm Eternal consider Psionic & Sound Magic to be the most powerful in combat, and any rank beyond Expert in Psionic & Sound Magic is sufficient for one to be renowned. Though it is called Sound Magic it is in actuality Vibration Magic and it has been used to great effect in many wars. Sound Magic is a very effective counter to Wind, Water, Fire, Ice, Plant and Earth Magic or any combination thereof.
Psionic Magic on the other hand has a wide range of applications from Telepathy, Telekinesis to Psionic Energy Constructs. Psionic mages are most known for using their Telekinesis to fly through the sky, but in combat Psionic Magic has proven to be unequalled. Psionic Magic is said to have been the primary Magic of the Ancients; its one drawback being the high Mana requirements.
The Dark Elves (Svartlfar) blessed with High Magical Affinity & Proficiency in Shadow, Psionic and Sound Magic used the three Magic types in combination to Drive the Red Dragons from Alfheim thus freeing all Elf kind from a thousand years of Slavery. This act Earned the Dark Elves Recognition as the most Powerful of the Elves; power that rivalled that of the Asgardians.
However the rise of Asgard to prominence in the Galaxy lead to the other Elves needing to be less reliant on the Dark Elves for protection, and the Night, Water, Wood and Fire Elves began to look down on the Dark Elves over their high affinity with Shadow Magic; a situation that eventualy lead to the Dark Elves establishing a colony on Svartalfheim.
The Elf-Dragon King of the Dark Elves is said to be the most powerful on Ado with God Rank in Shadow, Psionic and Sound Magic as well as Fire & Wind due to High affinity resulting from the activation of his genetic Dragon Factors, he also has God Rank in Bow, Spear & Blade. Elf-Dragons though few in number are more than a match for even the Alvs one on one. The Alvs however have numbers on their side; giving them a near absolute monopoly on power in Ado.
- - -
Mana Shaping Magic:
Mana Shaping Magic on the other requires extensive Training, Knowledge and Wisdom. Alchemy will require an understanding of the properties of the materials being used, Appraisal will require an astute control of Mana to be able to read residual Mana in any inanimate object as well as read Mana flow in living things. And Rune Magic will require an understanding of Magical Engineering as well as Expertise in all other known forms of Magic.
- - -
Corporeal Magic:
Corporeal Magic; Dragon Shape-Shifting Magic is mysterious Ancient magic that even its users barely understand Other than the fact that its hereditary, and Attribute enhancement Magic is combination magic that draws from relevant magic types.
Part 3: Oasis
Just a few days into Open Beta the researchers at the Phoenix Consortium stumbled upon a revolutionary concept that they Named Oasis.
The Phoenix Consortium would construct Long Term Care Facilities for the Terminally Ill & Aged. Special Capsules equipped with Feeding Tubes and human waste removal systems would be installed thus allowing long term pod use. The Idea was that people are put into a medically induced coma and they spend the rest of their days in both Atlantis and the Realm Eternal.
Upon the Phoenix Consortium announcing the research into an Oasissystem they were inundated with request to be included in an upcoming trial. Once the request reached Hundreds of thousands the question as to whether the Phoenix Consortium would develop an Oasissystem was answered; it became Self-Evident. Even though there would undoubtedly be legal hurdles for the Phoenix Consortium they would proceed.
The Rich & Powerful of the world immediately saw the Oasissystem as a chance at immortality and wanted to take it further by developing an actual biological Stasis System. Of-course the Rich & Powerful wouldnt spend their own money to conduct the necessary research; not when its far easier to direct public State research funding to this area through public agencies such as NASA, DARPA, ESA, JSA and many others.
Part 4: Ruin of the Crimson Hand
Crimson Hand is one of the Famous Guilds from the MMORPG Ancient Magic that had successfully made the Migration to a VR platform relatively intact. With 1200 members in the Realm Eternal they were now one of the largest Clans from Atlantis. The transition had cost them some 600 members who had chosen other VR platforms, but under the leadership of the charismatic Mithriliar they were on their way to Greatness in the Realm Eternal.
Mithriliar is a long time acquaintance of Elrick having known each other since the days they were new players in Ancient Magic; Mithriliar and Elrick belonged to the same Beginners Party and enjoyed many adventures together. When developing a strategy for Realm Eternal Elrick took the existence of the Crimson Hand as an important factor. The Crimson Hand had been a benefactor of Elricks guild in Ancient Magic; purchasing a lot of their crafted goods.
There is little disadvantage to having a powerful Ally from the beginning, and so Elrick hoped to extend the relationship with the Crimson Hand to the Realm Eternal. At the start of Open Beta Elrick considered signing a supply contract with the Crimson Hand in order to guarantee that they end up in the same Town but ultimately decided that it was too early and both sides needed room to fully benefit from participating in Open Beta.
Members of the Crimson Hand grinded hard as soon as they landed in a town 5000km west of Vhon. They started by running around the town while wearing heavy strength training equipment rented from the training centre, and once their stamina was exhausted theyd rest eat & drink to allow their bodies to recover. Once recovered theyd practice martial arts using a heavy Sword rented from the training centre. The process being repeated over and over until logout.
This sort of intense training combined with light hunting Quadrupled their Vitality, Strength, Agility, Durability and Endurance EXP while increasing other various Attribute EXP considerably.
Physical Attack Power Atk = X 3, Physical Defence PowerDeff= X 3
Once they reached this level they began Hunting Wolves and other large predators in forest. Over 1200 Armed people proved to be very intimidating for even the ravenous Forest Wolves and the Crimson Hand was pushing large predators out of their territories. In just a few days the Crimson Hand had earned a reputation as a group of formidable warriors.
As is always the case with overwhelming success the leaders of the Crimson Hand were growing in confidence, and they began to entertain the Idea of hunting herds of Large Herbivores some 25km outside Town. The leaders of the Crimson Hand understood once they started hunting herds of Large Herbivores they would come into competition with dominant predators of the plains.
Pushing through an area of the forest had been easy because large forest predators would never pick a fight with a large number of Adventurers. Only the small and inexperienced animals dared to confront the Crimson Hand and they paid with their lives for making that mistake. Because of this the Crimson Hand collected a large amount of resources in the form of herbs, wood and animal carcases for resale in Town.
And so the Crimson Hand mustered their resources and prepared an expedition on 4th Day of open beta (RWT) and set out to the plains. They set up camp just 2km from the targeted hunting grounds. The Crimson Hand sent out scouts to make a thorough assessment of the Area; in particular they wanted to know the size and relative strengths of the predators of the Area.
The information the scouts were looking for had already been purchased but the leaders of the Crimson Hand wanted first hand information; they wanted to know up to the day information. Their Data needed to be current.
The scouts returned with information of a Goblin Camp just 7km from their position. The scouts reported that the Goblins numbered 307. It would appear that the goblins were aiming for the same herd of Large Herbivores the Crimson Hand was targeting, and if the Crimson Hand attacked the Herd a confrontation with the Goblin troop would be unavoidable.
Embolden by their recent successes the members of the Crimson Hand voted to engage the Goblins.
After all the Phoenix website indicated that at their HP level they needed 3 to one Odds to be successful in an encounter with Goblins
- - -
The members of the Crimson Hand had resolved to raid the Goblin Camp! The Goblins were a far more attractive target so the Crimson Hand prepared its raid groups and organized themselves into 4 Legion Raid Groups; each Legion Raid Group is made-up of 10 Full Raid groups. The lack of magic meant that every party in the Full Raid group had 4 Tanks; giving 16 Tanks per Full Raid group.
The Tanks were equipped the Best Shield and Armour the Crimson Hand could afford, and the Crimson Hand provided the Damage dealers with the best Spears, Swords and Bows they could afford. Within every party was a healer who would distribute Recovery Potions and Salves since there was no Healing Magic. Thus every party had 4 Tanks, 3 Damage dealers and 1 Healer.
With the party arrangements complete the Crimson Hand set out on their mission to Raid the Goblin Camp. Theyd waited for the night to avoid being discovered while approaching. The scouts were in constant communication with the leaders via the Clan communication system, and they were updating the main Crimson Hand force as to the disposition of the Goblins.
As the Goblin camp came into sight the Crimson Hand got into formations; they were going to fight in Full Raid Group formations; 2 legions at the centre and a legion on each Flank.
As the approached the Goblin camp they ran in order to catch the Goblins sleeping.
Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof!
The sound of the dogs barking rang out in the Dead of night. Unexpectedly the Goblins had guard dogs.
Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof!
The Goblin Guards sprang into action.
Wooh! Vooh! Wooh! Vooh! Wooh! Vooh! Wooh! Vooh!
A horn is blown and all the Goblins wake up and ready themselves to fight
Mithriliar being the leader of the Crimson Hand is amongst the first to reach the Goblin camp and as he brings down the heavy Sword upon the Goblin Guard it is easily parried by the Goblins Axe. The counter-attack is swift and it lands on Mithriliars shield, and he feels pain run up his arm to his shoulder forcing him to fall backwards.
The goblin Guards charge is stopped by an attack from one of Mithriliars friends and the Goblin Guards withdraw further inside their Camp.
Members of the Crimson Hand pursue the Goblins deeper inside their camp before Mithriliar can sound the warning. From the exchange with the Guard Mithriliar understood that the Goblins were far stronger than theyd Anticipated. It takes just a few seconds for the rest of the Crimson Hand to come to the same conclusions as Mithriliar.
As soon as members of the Crimson Hand pass the Make-Shift fortifications they were met with Volley after volley of Arrows; some 200 Goblins were firing more than 3 Arrows a second with sufficient power to punch through the armours of the members of the Crimson Hand. The other hundred or so Goblins then finished of the injured members of the Crimson Hand with an Axe, sword or spear.
By the time the leaders of the Crimson Hand sounded the retreat it was already too late; the Goblins having broken through the tanks had formed parties and were skirmishing with the members of the Crimson Hand. The Goblins were tearing through the members of the Crimson Hand like they were made of paper; cleaving away body parts as they moved through. Blood sprayed everywhere.
Aaaaaah! Iyoooo! Eeeeh! Aiya! Aaaaaah! Iyoooo! Eeeeh! Aaaaaah! Iyoooo! Eeeeh! Heee! Aiya! Aaaaaah! Iyoooo! Eeeeh!
Painful Screams rang out as men cried out in pain!
Panic and Fear spread through the members of the Crimson Hand like Wild Fire and they fled for their lives; leaving their friends on the battlefield. Formations collapsed and this only hastened the deaths of the members of the Crimson Hand. Those who turned their backs to the Goblins quickly found an arrow in their backs, and the surviving members of the Crimson Hand understood that their only hope was a retreating battle.
As a Goblin Axe ripped through Mithriliars chest he understood in the moments before his death that the Goblins were over 20 times higher in Vitality, Strength, Agility, Durability and Endurance EXP. Mithriliar knew at that moment that he had lead his friends to certain death.
Those who had fled first and survived only needed to reach a certain distance from their pursuers and they would be able to log-out; this was easier said than done for once the Goblins realized the difference in power it became an orgy of blood and death. The reptilian bloodlust propelled the Goblins to hunt every easy prey they encountered and the members of the Crimson Hand represented a boon.
In the end only 11 made it safely to a log-out zone. The rest were killed and their bodies carried back to the Goblin Camp. At the Goblin Camp bodies were being piled up in one area, and those who were barely alive were being stripped of their Armours and placed on an open flame Grill; the Goblins seemed to thoroughly enjoy the final screams as flesh cooked alive.
Some Goblins who could not wait for the cooking to begin had ripped off limbs from the bodies and were actively eating. Once the Meat was cooked to what ever standards Goblins consider cooking (which isnt much) the Entire Goblin troop began Feasting. They ate and ate and then they ate some more; they ate until they could no longer eat.
Once the Goblin stomachs were full it triggered an effect; male Goblins got erections. Everywhere Goblin penises were erect, standing upright and ready for action. At the sight of Goblin Males fully Aroused the Goblin Females took off their clothes and began rubbing themselves between their legs. Their Vaginas started oozing a red liquid and that sent the Males in to a frenzy.
A Disgusting sight took place! Groans rang out as a blood covered Orgy took place! Everywhere Goblins were Violently Copulating! The entire Goblin Camp was enamoured with Sexual Intercourse.
Those members of the Crimson Hand still clinging to life witnessed all this.
- - -
Apparently some of the 11 who survived sold video footage stored by their Capsule Pods to Broadcasters and Online sites, and news of Crimson Hands folly spread like wildfire across the internet.
When News of the Crimson Hands disaster reached Elrick and the other Executive they left the Cavalry to carry on and logged out to Atlantis to view the available Videos. Upon watching the events that transpired they gasped at the horror before their eyes, and once they recovered their composure they began to analyze the Videos to see where the Crimson Hand went wrong.
Eyes went to Elrick who seemed to have understood the Crimson Hands mistake.
Bowden : " Well?"
Elrick : " Crimson Hand overestimated their Power!"
Axil : " Thats a bit obvious isnt it?"
Elrick : " I mean Crimson Hand overestimated their Battle Power!"
Bowden : " Oh!"
Grinder : " Explain?"
Elrick : " The 3 to 1 ratio only works if you have magic Items! To use magic Items like a Fire Sword you need a Fire Elemental Symbiote. In their current state the Crimson Hand had less than 30% of the recommended Battle Power! If I had to guess Id say they went in with15-20% of what they needed"
Swordin : " Oho!"
Bowden : " Elrick; you knew about this Battle Power issue didnt you? This is why you insisted on us hunting the way weve been Hunting isnt it?"
Axil : " Is that true? Why didnt you warn Mithriliar?"
Elrick : " I tried! But this is the sort of mistake you make when you think of the Realm Eternal as a Game"
Bowden : " We should go see him!"
Grinder : " Who?"
Bowden : " Mithriliar! If we dont help him the Crimson Hand might collapse!"
Swordin : " We cant let that happen! We need the Crimson Hand!"
Elrick : " Mithriliar; what have you done?"
As Elrick murmurs softly they leave their company offices and head out to look for Mithriliar while Bowden tries to contact Mithriliar via the Atlantis Telepathic Communication System.
- - -
Chapter 4 : Genuine Companions
- - -
= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
- - -
Chapter 4
Genuine Companions
- - -
Part 1: Ability to Think Clearly
Part 2: Coward
Part 3: Lady of Nora Lake
Part 4: Hunt
- - -
Part 1: Ability to Think Clearly
As the Executives of Starlight Spark walked through the Beautiful streets of Atlantis they fell into silence; they were still reeling from the sight theyd seen on the web-cast and knew that at some point theyd have to face a similar scenario. Underpinning the sense of uneasiness was fear; a powerful fear that eroded whatever confidence they had amassed through training and hunting.
Part of the fear is that the Item lock only applies to Users, and that means natives and Demons are unaffected by the Item lock. Because of this the Crimson Hand was looking at a total loss in equipment including everything in their inventory bags. This is the reason the Adventurers Guild advices everyone to store their valuables & Gold at the Adventurers Bank located in the Adventurers Guild Building.
It wasnt just the Executives of Starlight Spark who were afraid, all Users were afraid now; they had witnessed the brutal deaths of the members of the Crimson Hand and knew that should they encounter the Demons they would suffer the same fate or worse. Everyone had a glimpse at the horror that awaited them and they were understandably shaken.
Even Elrick was shaken, but Elrick could not permit himself the luxury of sinking into despair; not when he had invested so much of his savings into Starlight Spark. Elrick had tied his financial fate to that of Starlight Spark, and it is for this reason that he could not despair, he could not give-up, he could not waver even for a protracted moment and where others fear to tread he was compelled to step forward.
This was not bravery on the part of Elrick, it was a survival instinct; a will to survive, to rise again and see better days. And so while the other Executives of Starlight Spark wavered Elrick had to be the Beacon of Hope; the unflinching driving force behind Starlight Spark. Even as they walked in silence Elrick was well on his way to recovering from the shock of what happened to the members of the Crimson Hand.
Elrick had understood that in order to achieve the goals they had set for Starlight Spark they had to hunt the Medium and Large Herbivores during Open Beta. Large Herbivores in particular yielded valuable meat, bones and skins that can be processed to produce other products. The Executives of Starlight Spark had agreed that in order to raise the amount of Gold necessary to establish a base in Realm Eternal they needed to hunt the Medium and Large Herbivores.
For Elrick the hunting of Medium and Large Herbivores during Open Beta was unavoidable, and so the solution had to be in mitigating the risks to hunting in the open fields of the plains; he needed countermeasures. As the Executives of Starlight Spark moved towards where members of the Crimson Hand had gathered Elrick began thinking about countermeasures.
Elrick allowed his thoughts to flow freely
?Elrick: I need to construct Combat Simulations?
Starting with an encounter with 5 Demons Elrick began running mental Combat Simulations in order to develop Tactics that could be used as a Countermeasure for the Battle Power Deficit. One of the major components Erick had to take into account was the difference in SP. Low level Demons like Orcs, the Goblins, the Trolls, the Lizardmen, the Serpent races and the Devils have an SP raging from 10 to 50.
Low level Demons mostly used their Mana for Corporeal Magic to enhance their Attributes; this is something done unconsciously. By Elricks reckoning every unit of SP above 1 added 1.5% to the Mana recovery rate, and that gave the Low level Demons up to 75% higher Mana recovery rate than his Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry; a factor that could not be overcome in Mle combat.
?Elrick: I need to increase complexity of the Combat Simulations?
Elrick contemplated the effects of ranged combat against Low level Demons. Elricks Combat Simulation revealed that the current combination of Bows & Arrows equipped by Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry could not break the skins of Low level Demons at long range, and anything less than long range heavy calibre weapons Combat would result in a catastrophic failure.
?Elrick: We need better Equipment; increasing complexity of the Combat Simulations, and adding more Factors?
Elrick needed heavy calibre weapons to counter the Attributes of the Demons and so he began to browse through the lists of Heavy Calibre Long Range Weapons available on the Phoenix Website.
As the Executives of Starlight Spark moved through the streets the City unfolded itself and people parted to allow them passage for they had never seen 17 Elves moving in unison before; people were yet to grow accustomed to the sight of the various races of the Realm Eternal.
However even this sight could not rouse Erick whose attention was fully captivated by the machinations of his mind. Elrick was enthralled by the weapons lists.
Ranged Weapons
Bow & Arrow
Basic Longbow:
?
- Range = 2km
?
- Cost = 20 Silver Coins
?
- Basic Longbow Arrow Cost = 2 Silver Coins per set of 15
Standard Longbow:
?
- Range = 3km
?
- Cost = 80 Silver Coins
?
- Standard Longbow Arrow Cost = 8 Silver Coins per set of 15
Hunters Longbow:
?
- Range = 5km
?
- Cost = 150 Silver Coins
?
- Hunters Longbow Arrow Cost = 15 Silver Coins per set of 15
Military Grade Longbow:
?
- Range = 15km
?
- Cost = 325 Silver Coins
?
- Military Grade Longbow Arrow Cost = 35 Silver Coins per set of 15
Though arrow types can be used on different bows for maximum efficiency it is recommended that arrows be paired with appropriate bows.
Runic Magic Arrows can cost over a hundred times that of normal arrows.
|
.
&
Ranged Weapons
Guns
Basic Gun:
?
- Range = 1km
?
- Cost = 85 Silver Coins
?
- Basic Gun Bullet Cost = 95 Copper Coins per set of 15
Standard Rifle:
?
- Range = 3km
?
- Cost = 170 Silver Coins
?
- Standard Rifle Bullets Cost = 1 Silver Coin per set of 15
Machine Gun Rifle:
?
- Range = 3km
?
- Cost = 465 Silver Coins
?
- Hunters Rifle Bullets Cost = 1 Silver Coin per set of 15
Military Grade Heavy Machine Gun:
?
- Range = 8km
?
- Cost = 70 Gold Coins
?
- Military Grade Heavy Machine Gun Bullets Cost = 3 Silver Coins per set of 15
Military Grade Theatre Defence Artillery:
?
- Range = 20km
?
- Cost = 250 Gold Coins
?
- Military Grade Theatre Defence Artillery Rounds Cost = 85 Silver Coins per set of 15
Military Grade Medium Artillery:
?
- Range = 50km
?
- Cost = 550 Gold Coins
?
- Military Grade Medium Artillery Rounds Cost = 95 Silver Coins per set of 15
Military Grade Heavy Artillery:
?
- Range = 50km
?
- Cost = 1500 Gold Coins
?
- Military Grade Heavy Artillery Rounds Cost = 200 Silver Coins per set of 15
Runic Magic Bullets & Artillery Rounds cost Fifty times that of normal Bullets & Artillery Rounds.
|
.
&
Ranged Weapons
Rail-Guns
Military Grade Theatre Defence Rail-Guns:
?
- Range = 200km
?
- Cost = 5750 Gold Coins
?
- Military Grade Theatre Defence Rail-Guns Rounds Cost = 17 Gold Coins per set of 15000
Military Grade Medium Rail-Guns:
?
- Range = 850km
?
- Cost = 14000 Gold Coins
?
- Military Grade Medium Rail-Guns Rounds Cost = 22 Gold Coins per set of 15000
Military Grade Heavy Rail-Guns:
?
- Range = 4500km
?
- Cost = 45000 Gold Coins
? Military Grade Heavy Rail-Guns Rounds Cost = 25 Gold Coins per set of
- 15000
Runic Magic Rail-Gun Rounds cost a hundred times that of normal Rounds.
|
.
Elrick recognized that things like Rail-Guns and Heavy Artillery were completely out of his reach, but a Military Grade Heavy Machine Gun was exactly what he needed to overpower a Demon Raid Group. However 70 Gold Coins was too steep a price for Starlight Spark to pay at the moment, and the noise generated by the Heavy Machine Gun would make Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry an immediate target for any other Demon group. The Military Grade Heavy Machine Gun would give Away their Position.
Elrick understood what he needed; A cannon with the power of Military Grade Heavy Machine Gun, the Range of Artillery and the Quietness of a Rail-Gun. Explosive Runic Magic Arrows of sufficient Quality and number could give Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry exactly what they needed but the Arrows are expensive single use consumables.
Before Elrick could further develop his Ideas they had arrived where remnants of the Crimson Hand had Gathered.
- - -
Part 2: Coward
Elrick looked upon the sight before his eyes with dismay for before him stood broken men. The brave men of the Crimson Hand were broken; their spirits had been broken by the Goblins.
As Elrick stepped forward his eyes met those of his old friend Mithriliar and what he saw in Mithriliars eyes shook him to the core.
All around them Blameful Eyes stole glances at Mithriliar.
Elrick : " Mithriliar!"
Mithriliar : " Elrick? Is that you?
Elrick : " We have come!"
Bowden : " You are not Alone!"
Axil : " We are here Mithriliar!"
As they spoke the system Identified those in Mithriliars Friend List by placing a Name above their heads.
Hammerin : " Weve come to render Aid!
Grinder : " We stand with you Mithriliar!"
At Grinders statement a murmur of discontent runs through the gathered members of the Crimson Hand.
Elrick : " Ah; so thats how it is!"
Swordin : " Looks like we arrived just in time!"
Elrick : " Indeed!"
Bowden : " Lets get to it then!"
Mithriliar : " Thank you for coming my friends! But I fear it is too late; the deed is done!
Elrick : " How so?"
Mithriliar : " They want to disband!
Bowden : " Disband?"
Elrick moves past Mithriliar and faces over a thousand members of the Crimson Hand, looking them in the eyes to ascertain their resolve.
Elrick : " Is this it?"
Almost surprised; members of the Crimson Hand look at Elrick as he raises his voice so that they can all hear him.
Elrick : " Is this it? Is this the limit of your Courage?"
A voice rang out from amongst the members of the Crimson Hand
What do you know? You werent there!
Others echoed that sentiment, and another voice spoke out.
They ate us!
Other voices rang out.
The Crimson Hand is Finished!
Its bad Leadership!
They lead us to a horrible Death
More and more shouts of complaints rang out from amidst the crowd.
Elrick : " Is that it? Youre going to throw out your toys because the Game isnt going your way? How childish!"
Mithriliar : " Elrick; wait!
Elrick : " No Mithriliar; they need to hear it!"
Bowden : " The Realm Eternal is not a Game!"
The crowd goes silent and all Eyes focus on Elrick.
Elrick : " Is this the day when your Courage Fails and you abandon all bonds of fellowship and friendship? Is this the day when the Legendary Name of the Crimson Hand comes crushing down? An hour of wolves when all youve built is lost forever?"
The crowd is silent; shocked by Elricks rebuke.
Elrick : " If I wasnt a coward I would have made the same mistake as Mithriliar and the other leaders of the Crimson Hand. The price of Bravery is the Risk of a horrible Death. A Horrible Death such as that which all of you have suffered. I have no Strength in real life, and my talent is in Information Analysis and Pattern Recognition"
Elrick pauses for a moment as the members of the Crimson Hand settle down and listen more intently to Him.
Elrick : " Unlike all of you I lack the Courage to stand on the front lines and face down Monstrous Demons! Im a Coward! Not just in VR but in real life! I have no strength of my own, so I have to rely on others to lend me their strength. Because Im a Coward Ive developed a way to operate that minimizes the risk to myself and my Allies. Fortunately the Realm Eternal is not a Game but an Alternate Reality Simulations, and that means that Natural Laws Apply. By that I mean causality is in effect; the environment reacts to you just as you react to the environment. I approach Combat the way one would approach Combat in real life; maximize opportunities while minimizing risks!"
Mithriliar : " Oh!
Suddenly something clicks in the minds of the members of the Crimson Hand and they begin to realize where they may have all gone wrong.
Elrick : " In realm Eternal I fight the way a coward would fight; sneakily, mercilessly and above all ambushing unsuspecting targets. For me Preparation is everything! The outcomes of the battles weve fought were decided beforehand, and that is because we run simulations until we can conduct ourselves properly even at a significant disadvantage. Having never had Strength I dont believe in the power of an individual, I chose to focus instead on collective power, and so most if not all of my Tactics are designed to maximize the output of a group."
Mithriliar : " Raid Tactics!
Elrick : " Yes! But not Raid tactics in the traditional Gaming sense and more like Guerrilla Warfare. I like to take out the enemys ability to respond to my attacks first; Disrupt their formations, Take Out their Command & Control and as they are in disarray deliver the finishing blow. Weve had some success with the use of Ranged Warfare Tactics against wolves and other large predators, and thanks to the Crimson Hand we now know what to expect when we eventualy encounter Demons. Information about the enemy is crucial because a slight miscalculation will result in disaster as you all now know. By my reckoning all of you made a fundamental error that all Brave & Courageous people make!"
Mithriliar : " What error?
Elrick : " Like other Brave & Courageous people you were all Itching for a real fight!"
There are some murmurs as they agree with what Elrick is saying.
Mithriliar : " Yeah!
Elrick : " I have seen it! Any well trained and prepared army tends to Itch for a fight. Our own Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry is often in a hurry to do battle with enemies we cant quantify. And when that happens my Cowardly nature kinks in and I rein them in with caution. All those who wish to disband the Crimson Hand should rather leave the Crimson Hand. There is no place for detractors amongst brothers in Arms! Those who wish to only benefit from a Clan or Guild can only despair in the face of defeat! Those true to the cause of brotherhood reinforce their bonds of fellowship in the face of an overwhelming beating. The pain forges the bonds of fellowship in fire; unwavering, unrelenting and unrepentant!"
Elrick looks in the eyes of the men before him and he sees that some have been provoked into a new resolve by his words.
Elrick : " To those of you who hold true to values of the Crimson Hand I say unto you Stand Tall and be Proud you Noble Knights, you Band of Brothers, you Warriors of Old, you Men of Honour!"
There is an applause from the members of the Crimson Hand and Elrick knows that he has at the very least managed to halt the bleeding of the Crimson Hand. With the spirits uplifted the Execs of Starlight Spark deliver another lifeline.
Swordin : " To help the Crimson Hand re-equip Starlight Spark offers a loan of 25 Gold Coins"
Mithriliar : " Thats $50000 in USD!
Hammerin : " We will supply you with a secret method to produce gas grenades that can kill all the small animals in a field!
There is a gasp from the crowd.
Mithriliar : " Thats a Powerful Secret!
Elrick : " With this you should be able to raise a Hundred Gold by the end of Open Beta"
Bowden : " You should be able to recover the near total loss in equipment to the Goblins"
Relief can be seen in the eyes of the members of the Crimson Hand. Starlight Spark had just handed the Crimson Hand a life line and despair was now being replaced by cheer.
The leaders of the Crimson Hand approach the executives of Starlight Spark amidst the cheers.
Mithriliar : " Until this moment I never understood the Phrase; A Friend in Need!
Elrick : " Im sorry we cant do more!"
Mithriliar : " It is more than we hoped for! Enough to save the Crimson Hand! Thank You!
Elrick : " Good Luck Mithriliar!"
Mithriliar : " Same to you my Friends!
Elrick : " Then were off"
As the executives of Starlight Spark leave they understand that not all will buy into the rebuilding of the Crimson Hand, but they hope that enough members of the Crimson Hand Remain for it to be a useful Ally.
- - -
Part 3: Lady of Nora Lake
As soon as the executives of Starlight Spark arrived back they were met a group of seven people; A blue Elf woman with Sliver Hair, Golden Eyes and wearing a Shining Silver Dress flanked on each side by three people. The other people were all also Elves; three women and three men.
As the blue Elf woman gazed upon the Executives of Starlight Spark Elrick instinctively knelt on one knee and bowed is head. Seeing Elrick humble himself the other Executives of Starlight Spark were taken aback but eventually followed Elricks example and knelt.
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Estelle : " Nabi; I have come!"
Elrick : " It is an Honour to once again be in the presence of the Lady of Nora Lake!"
Axil : " Nora Lake?"
Bowden : " This is the Lady of the Lake?"
Grinder : " The only female player in Ancient Magic to ever gain ownership of a major City!"
Swordin : " The Lady Lorelei! This is indeed a rare Honour and Privilege!"
Estelle : " I am Lorelei Estelle van Onsling! Its a pleasure to meet you all"
The Executives of Starlight Spark didnt hesitate as they began to introduce themselves to Estelle, and then Elrick introduced them to Carol, Jason, Edwin and their Spouses. Once the introductions were done they all went into the offices of Starlight Spark.
Edwin : " So this is your place?"
Jason : " Prime location, sizable space and a decent look; nicely done Nabi!"
Elrick : " Thank You!"
Carol : " We heard about what happened to your friend Mithriliar!"
Edwin : " And we thought you might need our Council"
Estelle : " And so Beloved Nabi; here we are!"
Bowden : " Apologies Ladyship; but weve already been to see Mithriliar, and a solution is in hand."
Elrick : " Thats not why theyre here Bowden!"
Bowden : " Its not?"
Elrick : " They would have immediately recognized my Predicament!"
Bowden : " Predicament?"
Elrick : " We have no choice but to hunt Herbivores on the plains and that increases the risks of encountering Demons. They would have known that I would struggle to develop sufficient countermeasures. They are here to help me think of Tactics to overcome the Power Deficit!"
Bowden : " Oh! In that that case the rest of us will return to the Realm Eternal and continue our training"
Elrick : " Okay"
Bowden : " Ill leave it to you then"
Elrick : " Take care!"
Bowden and the other Executives face Estelles group and begin to say their goodbyes.
Bowden : " My Lady; its been an Absolute pleasure!"
Axil : " Meeting you my Lady has washed away all my Worries!"
Grinder : " Its been an Honour your Ladyship!"
Swordin : " Your alluring presence is magnificent your Ladyship!"
Hammerin : " You are a ray of sunshine your Ladyship!
Estelle : " Thank you All! And please continue to look after Our Beloved Nabi!"
The Executives of Starlight Spark nodded and bowed as they disappeared by logging into the Realm Eternal.
Elrick : " What is it with you and men?"
Estelle : " Whatever do you mean?"
She feigns Ignorance.
Elrick : " By any measure Carol is prettier, but youve always had all the Male Attention! Sure; you are tall and have legs like a Supermodel, but .!"
Estelle : " You Flatter me!"
Elrick : " And where is your Millionaire Architect?"
Estelle : " Agh; Its Over! He thought of me as some kind of trophy!"
Estelle shows Elrick a displeased look and he knows not to enquire any further.
Carol : " Your still as oblivious as ever arent you Nabi?"
Elrick : " Oblivious?"
Carol : " Its Sex Appeal! The long legs, the hourglass figure, the luscious body and lovely hair; Estelle has always had far more Sex Appeal!"
As Carol speaks all eyes turn to Estelle and she strikes up a sexy pose.
Elrick : " Enough of that"
Carol : " Oblivious!"
Edwin : " I dont think he can deal with any of that stuff in his current state."
Jason : " Broken"
Elrick : " What do you mean Broken? Im a man!"
Estelle : " It is true; the light in your eyes had dimmed!"
Estelle looks Elrick in the Eyes as she speaks and approaches until they are face to face.
Elrick : " I "
Estelle : " She deceived us both! And I was convinced that I could entrust you to her, but I was wrong; you deserve far better than that woman!"
A single tear runs down Elricks left Cheek.
Estelle : " I would see you smile with your heart once again Nabi! I would see the light return to your Eyes Again! I would see you live your better days my Beloved!"
Estelle wipes away tears that began to flow in earnest down Elricks face and then proceeds to embrace him; comforting him in a tight Hug.
Once everything settled they began to work on Tactics for Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry.
- - -
Part 4: Hunt
Upon returning to Realm Eternal Elrick and the other executives of Starlight Spark began implementing the Combat Tactics developed by Elrick and his friends. Over 2 days (RET) the Fortunate Five and their spouses developed scenarios and simulations in which they maximized the Combat Power of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry against a number of simulated Demon groups.
The strategy focused on the Basic Longbow armed with 5 sets of Basic Longbow Arrows and Runic Magic Arrows for Basic Longbow. After hunting in the nearby forest using the Carbon Dioxide grenades and Arrows Starlight Spark had gained a little over 262 Gold Coins, and after loaning the Crimson Hand 25 Gold Coins Starlight Spark had 237 Gold Coins.
237 Gold Coins was hardly enough to establish Starlight Spark as a major Clan in the vast Continent of Grandeur; that would require amounts nearing a Thousand Gold Coins. Starlight Spark would never again receive access to such fertile hunting grounds; for in Grandeur Towns the size of Vhon have populations in excess of twenty Thousand. Starlight Spark needed to make the most of the opportunity.
In order to capitalize on the opportunities offered by Open Beta Starlight Spark decided to implement the strategy developed by the Fortunate Five. That meant opening the purse strings and making a number of purchases.
New Starlight Spark Purchases
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- Basic Longbow X 217; Cost = 4340 Silver Coins
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- 7X217 sets of Basic Longbow Arrow at 2 Silver Coins per set of 15; Cost = 3038 Silver Coins
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- 16 sets of Runic Magic Arrows for Basic Longbow at 227 Silver Coins per set of 15; Cost = 3632 Silver Coins
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- Agility + 2 Magic Ring (Item) at 24 Silver Coins X 217; Cost = 5208 Silver Coins
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- Strength + 2 Magic Ring (Item) at 24 Silver Coins X 217; Cost = 5208 Silver Coins
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- Magic Chest with 1000 Storage capacity; cost = 100 Silver Coins.
Custom Built Equipment
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- Gas Powered Grenade Launcher:
Range = 2.218km
Cost = 7 Gold Coins
2 X Gas Powered Grenade Launcher; cost = 14 Gold Coins = 1400 Silver Coins.
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- 10 X Carbon Dioxide Grenades at 37 Silver Coins per set; cost = 370 Silver Coins.
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- 20 X Paralytic Poison Grenades at 20 Silver Coins per set; cost = 400 Silver Coins.
Total Expenditure on New Equipment = 23696 Silver Coins.
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After spending 23696 Silver Coins on new equipment Starlight Spark didnt have enough money to launch an Expedition to the Plains, and so in order to raise the funds necessary to mount a Hunting Expedition to the Plains Starlight Spark tested the new equipment in the nearby forest. Hunting in the nearby forest allowed Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry the opportunity to fine tune the combat Tactics Developed by the Fortunate Five.
One of the unexpectedly useful equipment was the Magic Chest with 1000 Storage capacity. There are 3 types of Magic Storage Items; the Basic Magic Inventory Bag, Magic Bag of Holding and Magic Chest.
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- Basic Inventory Magic Bag; Capacity is 100 Small to Medium Items.
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- Magic Bag of Holding; Capacity Ranges from 3 to 10 Large Items.
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- Magic Chest; Capacity Ranges from 1000 to 10000.
Magic Storage Items create Inter-Dimensional Pockets and as a result the same type of Magic Storage Items dont stack; meaning that a Basic Inventory Magic Bag cannot be put inside another Basic Inventory Magic Bag. A Magic Bag of Holding cant be placed inside a Basic Inventory Magic Bag and vice-versa because both types of Bags have a similar Magical Construct. If the Basic Inventory Magic Bag is placed inside a Magic Chest the particular Magic Chest cant be placed inside a Magic Bag of Holding.
A Magic Chest cant be placed inside a Basic Inventory Magic Bag because of Size restrictions. Fortunately Starlight Spark already had a number of Magic Bags of Holding and after Hunting in the nearby forest enough money was raised to purchase 11 more Magic Chests. Using new Techniques and Tactics Starlight Spark had earned over 40 Gold Coins Hunting in the nearby forest.
Starlight Spark hired 4 native hunting parties as Scouts at 4 Gold Coins per party; this was another one of the Strategies developed by the Fortunate Five. The locals are far more skilled than any user and their EXP level is 20 to 30 times higher, and that made them formidable. Therefore hiring 4 native hunting parties as Scouts at 4 Gold Coins per party was relatively cheap because they werent going that far from Vhon.
The strategy called for scouting parties to watch both the front and the rear of a moving force.
- - -
When Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry arrived on the plains they were greeted by abundance; the entire area was teaming with life. Once the Scouting Parties completed their sweep of the area Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry didnt waist time and began their rather unique hunting methods.
Once a particular Herd was targeted the Gas Powered Grenade Launchers were deployed from the Magic Bag of Holding, and then a combination of Carbon Dioxide Grenades and Paralytic Poison Grenades were fired in such a way that the Herd is Encircled. Most of the animals died without ever noticing the attack. The Medium and Large Herbivores needed a finishing blow and that came in the form of a volley of Basic Longbow Arrows.
The native Scouts were completely dumbfounded by the hunting methods of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry, and upon closer examination they realized that Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry wasnt a hunting force but an Army. The more experienced amongst the native hunters had seen these kinds of Tactics employed by a Punitive Force.
Every now and then Predators would show up but a carefully aimed volley of Basic Longbow Arrows Quickly made short work of any predators trying to move in on the kills of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry. No mercy was shown to the likes of crocodilians coming out of rivers and ponds in search of an easy meal; the poisons weaken them making them easier to kill.
Because the combination of Carbon Dioxide Grenades and Paralytic Poison Grenades kills more than just the targeted Herd the 12 Magic Chests were quickly filled with all manner of animals; Scorpions, Spiders, ants, insects, lizards, snakes, wild dogs, Hyenas, Wolves, small wild cats, Leopards, Lions, Bears and Herbivores. The hunting was so good 2 parties had to be sent back to Vhon to sell the Loot.
About 11.75% of the kills were Small Herbivores, 5.85% Medium Herbivores and 2.186% Large Herbivores. The Loot was sold for 2078384 Copper Coins( = 20783.84 Silver Coins = 207.8384 Gold Coins = 2.078384 Platinum Coins), and from the new funds 115 Magic Chests were bought in anticipation of an even more fruitful bounty as the Ranger Cavalry moved deeper into the plains.
With supplies replenished the hunting resumed and as they moved deeper into the plains the proportion of Herbivores in kills by Starlight Sparks Hunting Strategy reduced by 60% due to smaller herds far from large bodies of water. Starlight Spark had a goal to hunt Large Herbivores and that meant moving to the savannah & wetlands. Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry was now 38km from Vhon, and they all understood that they were in the danger zone.
Fortune smiled upon Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry and they were rewarded with great Herds of Giant Buffalo, Giant Wildebeest and Giant Zebra. Their bravery had been rewarded and they would reap the rewards of their tenacity. Finding the Herds of Large Herbivores was largely thanks to the skill and Experience of the Scouts who are genuine Hunters.
Like before they Encircled a particular Herd and the Gas Powered Grenade Launchers were deployed from the Magic Bag of Holding, and then a combination of Carbon Dioxide Grenades and Paralytic Poison Grenades were fired in such a way that the Herd is boxed in. Like before the Medium and Large Herbivores needed a finishing blow that came in the form of a volley of poison tipped Basic Longbow Arrows.
Competing large Predators met with a volley of poison tipped Basic Longbow Arrows. Again Because the combination of Carbon Dioxide Grenades and Paralytic Poison Grenades kills more than just the targeted Herd Scorpions, Spiders, ants, insects, lizards, snakes, wild dogs, Hyenas, Wolves, small wild cats, Leopards, Lions, bears and Birds were also killed on a large scale.
The Magic Chests were also being filled with rare Cooking herbs and medicinal plants that the Scouts pointed out as part of the contract signed with Starlight Spark and before long all 127 Magic Chests were filled along with all other Storage Items forcing Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry to start their return to Vhon. The Executives of Starlight Spark were pleased with the enormous loot gathered.
About 1.025% of the kills were Small Herbivores, 1.173% Medium Herbivores and 1.132% Large Herbivores. Starlight Spark could expect the Loot to be sold for 6734658 Copper Coins (= 67346.58 Silver Coins = 673.4658 Gold Coins = 6.734658 Platinum Coins).
- - -
On the way back to Vhon the Scouts did their job; scanning the path ahead for potential enemies. The hired Scouts had been organized into a Full Raid Group in order to better integrate with Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry, and the Scouts Full Raid Group leader Ebbing and his deputy Brian remained with the Ranger Cavalry to better coordinate with the scouts.
As they walked Elrick and Bowden talked leisurely.
Bowden : " So why does she call you Beloved"
Elrick : " Who? Estelle?"
Bowden : " Who else?"
Elrick looks slightly uneasy; almost embarrassed.
Elrick : " That? Thats the misadventure from when I turned 17yrs. I once confessed an undying love to her!"
Bowden : " And?"
Elrick : " When I told her that I harboured a Fierce love for her; that my love for her burned with the fire of a thousand Suns her response left me bewildered!"
Bowden : " Bewildered?"
Elrick : " She said she loved me too, but that she could not fully Ascertain the nature of her love for me; whether is was as just a friend, brotherly or Lover. She said trying to confirm which type it was would ruin our relationship, and so that was the End of that!"
Bowden : " Hehehehe! So she shot you down!"
Bowden cant help but laugh at Elrick.
Elrick : " Ever since that day she calls me Beloved!"
Bowden : " Even when you were engaged?"
Elrick : " Youve seen her right? Does she seem like the sort that would stop? It used to frustrate Elis ."
For some reason unknown Elrick couldnt complete his sentence, and it felt like his mind was trying to shut out any further reference to his Ex-Fianc.
Bowden : " Well in any case the Lady Lorelei is an enchanting Creature!"
Elrick : " Dont get sucked into that!"
Bowden : " What? You still have feelings for her?"
Elrick : " Thats not the point! Shes very Experienced with men! She enjoys a lot of Attention from Handsome, Rich and Powerful Men!"
Bowden : " Were hauling over a million dollars in Cargo so soon well be rich!"
Elrick : " Im talking about men worth a hundred times that!"
Just then Ebbing and Brian hurriedly approached Elrick and Bowden and the mood suddenly got serious.
Bowden : " Whats wrong?"
Ebbing : " Weve picked up Demons on our path to Vhon!"
Brian : " Serpent-men!"
Ebbing : " Theyre 57 in number!"
Elrick : " Can we go around?"
Ebbing takes out a map.
Bowden : " Cavalry Halt! Form Ranks!"
The entire group comes to a stop and they begin to organize themselves into their Raid Groups while Commander Bowden calls over the Raid Group Captains and the other Executives.
Ebbing : " There seems to be 4 other Serpent-men groups of equal size positioned 7 to 11km from Vhon; theyre surrounding Vhon!"
Brian : " Theyre up to something! Could they be looking for Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry?"
Elricks stomach is in knots and he can barely fight off the wave of fear trying to overwhelm him.
Elrick : " A Prelude!"
Bowden : " Prelude?"
Ebbing : " Prelude to what?"
Elrick : " If they were just Scouting Vhon one group would be enough!"
Brian : " War?"
Ebbing : " But there hasnt been any major Demon Campaign for over 25 years?"
Elrick : " And then we showed up!"
Bowden : " Disturbing the status-quo!"
Ebbing : " Vhon must be warned!"
Elrick : " Can you Break Through on you own? Could the scouts make it to Vhon if you left us behind?"
Ebbing : " A few might survive!"
Brian : " The Serpent-men are very adept at hunting; more so than Goblins, Orcs and Lizardmen"
Ebbing : " Serpent-men have high Agility, Strength, Awareness, Observation and Stealth! Getting past them without detection is impossible"
Brian : " Given what Ive seen Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry do in the plains we would have a better chance of survival if we broke through together!"
Elrick : " I see!"
Ebbing : " I know you Atlantians can leave Ado at any moment to return and Atlantis! You call it Logging out, but we dont have such an option. You have no reason to fight, and even if you die you can be reborn, but this is the only life we get!"
Bowden : " We understand your situation and we will "
Elrick interrupts Bowden. Elrick tries to muster his courage.
Elrick : " Know this Ebbing son of Volnehil; you are in our employ! We do leave our own behind! We will see you and your Scouts Home! Even if we have to sacrifice ourselves!"
Axil : " Hahahaha! Looks like its gonna be a fight!"
Grinder : " Its about time!"
Elrick : " Breakout the Heavy Gear!"
Bowden : " First Raid Group; Arm Heavy Ordinances! Form Artillery"
Group Captain Vava of the first Raid group responded.
Vava : " Yes Sir!"
Though Elrick had a genuine desire to see the Scouts return to Vhon safely in the back of his mind he was thinking that getting a few of his people carrying all the Magic Chests into Vhon along with the Scouts was the best course of action.
- - -
Chapter 5: Honour
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= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
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Chapter 5
Honour
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Part 1: But is it Honourable?
Part 2: Kill-Box
Part 3: Is it Safe?
- - -
Part 1: But is it Honourable?
The Executives of Starlight Spark and the Raid Group Captains hurriedly formed a War Conference. Maps bought at the behest of the scouts were laid out and planning for a confrontation got underway. From the intelligence gathered by the scouts the Serpent-men had taken the hill overlooking the path to Vhon, and from that they could survey the entire 7km to Vhon at their leisure.
A sense of uneasiness and fear was palpable at the War Conference; everyone there knew that there was no way to Vhon without going through the Serpent-Men. The Serpent-men were using textbook military tactics to seal off Vhon or at the very least observe all movements in and out of Vhon. Elrick understood that time was of the essence, and if human war history was anything to go buy a large Serpent-Men Army was on its way.
Fortunately by taking that particular hill the Serpent-Men left themselves blind to anything hiding behind the larger nearby hills. It was understandable that the Serpent-Men didnt feel the need to watch out for anything coming from outside Vhon, and that is because over forty years of fighting had taught them that reinforcements would come from teleport platforms within the human settlement.
Therefore the Serpent-Men had no reason to worry about an attack from the rear, and since their scent detection range was over 1.8km they would smell any animal coming before they attacked. That being said the Serpent-Men were not complacent and they posted sentries 500m from their camp at all times to watch the radius of their encampment for any potential threats. Fortunately Starlight Spark had purchased ample amounts of scent concealing potions.
The basic battle-plan being developed was to attack from the hill that provided the longest range possible forcing the Serpent-Men down their encamped hill into the valley which would be the kill-box. Once the Serpent-Men were in the Kill-Box the Scouts and 2 Starlight Spark Parties could escape to Vhon while the Serpent-Men are distracted by the Larger Force.
However getting the Serpent-Men into the Kill-Box would be the difficult part of the plan. Serpent-Men are not mindless animals that could easily be lured into a trap. If the Serpent-Men dispersed into smaller parties and scattered it would become infinitely more difficult to break through before Serpent-Men reinforcements arrive to assist their brethren.
To overcome the problem of Serpent-Men intelligence Elrick suggested a Decapitation Strike. Elrick reasoned that by taking out the Serpent-Men commanders it would be possible to reduce the remnants of the 57 strong Serpent-Men scouting force into a rage fuelled instinct driven marauding horde that could be lured into a trap like the Kill-Box being designed.
When the Fortunate Five developed strategies against Demons they did extensive reading of materials on the Demons of the Realm Eternal. It was learnt that demons had an extremely Violent Culture, and that culture of violence was both a strength and a weakness. Due to the extreme nature of their violence Demons could develop combat capabilities relatively easily and quickly, but that came at the expense of magical development which required academic research.
As a result Demons had a relatively underdeveloped level of magic, and in the wars with Humans magic often proved to be a decisive factor. That is not to say that demons didnt have access to magic, because those Demons who were skilled in magic often proved more than a match for their Human Counterparts; this doesnt apply to Continental Midgard Humans.
Once the Executives of Starlight Spark agreed on implementing the Decapitation Strike they began to implement the Battle-Plan.
- - -
The Starlight Spark group was on a mountain 3.4km from the Serpent-Men encamped hill; they had moved into position during the night and as dawn broke they prepared themselves for the fight. Elrick had rejected any idea of fighting at night because the Serpent-Men were primarily nocturnal and fighting at night would give them an unnecessary advantage.
And so at first light the Starlight Spark group formed their raid formations, deployed the Grenade launchers and armed their arrows. 3.4km was just inside the range of customized Hunters Bows used by the scouts, and given their higher Skills and Attributes the Scouts would get the first shot. Using binoculars the Starlight Spark group kept careful a count of the Serpent-Men; never letting even one escape their sight.
Before dawn theyd used grenade launchers to stealthily deploy Carbon Dioxide Gas and Poison Gas across the section of valley designated as the kill-box, and the gas now looked like a mist covering the valley while extending to partially cover both sides of the valley slopes in a light white mist.
After being active nearly all night the Serpent-Men were settling in for an early morning sleep and they would sleep until 2 hours after midday. If an attack had to happen it was most prudent to launch it about 3hours after the Serpent-Men sleep. Elrick had prepared himself for a little wait before what he full expected would be his first death in a Virtual Reality Construct.
Its at this point that something unexpected crawled out of the forest. A User party numbering 44 had broken through the forest that surrounds Vhon and would pass through the valley that had been designated as the kill box on their unconventional way to the plains.
- - -
When spotters noticed the group approaching the valley from the right flank they immediately notified the leaders of the Starlight Spark group.
Staffen : " What the Fuck do they think theyre doing? Leisurely walking into a hot zone without a care in the world!"
Grinder : " They even have girls with them!"
Arrow : " Girls? We should warn them!"
Elrick : " No! This is perfect!"
Swordin : " At this rate the Demons will see them!"
Elrick : " And that works out perfect for us!"
Hammerin : " You want to use them as Bait?
Elrick : " Bowden; Start the Clock!"
Bowden : " Understood! Cavalry; take up positions!"
Staffen : " Wait! . Wait!"
Arrow : " Youre really going to use women as bait?"
Elrick : " Theyre users theyll revive! So its no big deal!"
Staffen : " What?"
Arrow : " This is immoral"
Elrick : " Dont preach to me about morality!"
Staffen : " Its wrong!"
Elrick : " Wrong? Where do you think you are? We do what it takes!"
Arrow : " I know youve had some personal problems but thats no reason to take it out on all women! "
Bowden : " Enough! Theres no time for petty squabbles!"
Elrick looked around him and noticed that it wasnt just Staffen and Arrow who disagreed with using the incoming group as bait.
Axil : " Petty?"
Bowden : " Its not real!"
Arrow : " The pain is real isnt it?"
Elrick : " Oh come on!"
Staffen : " You really dont care do you?"
Elrick : " Alright! We have about 15 minutes until it starts so lets have a quick talk about the facts."
Elrick looks at Bowden and a nod from Bowden allows him to proceed.
Arrow : " Facts?"
Elrick : " Im not now nor was I ever Billy Buttercup"
Axil : " What?"
Grinder : " But its like attacking women!"
Elrick : " Those people are going to die anyway! Im just making sure that their deaths are useful!"
Grinder : " Useful?
Arrow : " Besides its not a given that theyre going to die!"
Elrick : " What do you want to do? Save them?"
Arrow : " At least warn them!"
Elrick : " So your plan is to have the rest of us loose a million dollars just so you can look good in front of some girls?"
The others gasp at Elricks statement.
Arrow : " All Im saying is warn them! Death in this place is too real!"
Elrick : " Do we save them all or Are you just interested in saving just the women?"
Arrow : " What are you implying?"
Elrick : " Youre not some Overpowered Harem Character in a Manga or an Anime!"
Arrow : " Are you saying that just because Im Japanese?"
Staffen : " Is that what you think of us? That were trying to play hero?"
Elrick : " The righteous indignation youre displaying is symptomatic of the Hypocrisy of people in the developed world!"
Arrow : " So now were Hypocrites?"
Elrick : "Starlight Spark is a business! Questions of morality dont apply only legality is consequential! People in developed countries preach about equal rights between the sexes and then proceed to treat women like children; needing to be protected and provided for. I call bullshit on all that! The fact that there are women entering the valley doesnt matter in the least to me because I only see them as users. In developing countries women work as hard as men; a womans place is decidedly not in the kitchen!"
Arrow : " Are you calling us chauvinists?"
Elrick : " Im saying that have some perspective! This is my job and I take it seriously. Im not gonna go hungry so some of you can live some warped masculine Ideal. Realm Eternal is about money for me, and thats the bottom line!"
Bowden : " 8 minutes!"
Elrick : " The world is hardly a fair place! Half the population of Earth lives on 2 dollars a day or less. Some of those poor people are employees of Starlight Spark, and $200 a month is a lifeline for them. None of the Executives of Starlight Spark are poor, we all have a minimum of 2 university degrees and that puts us in the top 7% of the population of the world. I set it up that way so thered be no confusion when I tell you that there is an Enormous Opportunity in Realm Eternal. Atlantis & Realm Eternal together are like Google before it became a multy-billion dollar corporation. There is a possibility for us to make a lot of money very quickly, and at the end of beta therell be a chance to take lots of cash out of the Realm Eternal to the real world as companies invest in Atlantis infrastructure. Like with Facebook, Microsoft, Google and others the spoils go to the first, so we have to be first or at-least be amongst the first to reap the spoils. Never loose Perspective!"
Swordin : " Sorry!"
Axil : " We got a bit carried away"
Grinder : " Yep!"
Elrick : " Alright then!"
Bowden : " 2 minutes!"
They werent completely satisfied but they remembered why they followed Elrick into Realm Eternal and they trusted in his background as a Corporate Financial Quantitative Analyst. And Elrick didnt have to remind them that he was the majority shareholder; a trump card he had avoided playing because once it was played thered be no going back.
Elrick knew that he had effectively bought their acquiescence; buy indicating that there would be a huge pay-off at the End of Open Beta. Elrick had failed to win them over with words so he resorted to bribery; yet another talent he picked-up during his 5 years in the Corporate Financial Sector.
- - -
Part 2: Kill-Box
When the group that had carelessly wondered into Starlight Sparks Combat Theatre of Operations reached the designated point it was time to act.
Bowden : " Pop Smoke!"
The grenade launchers fired round after round of smoke grenades at the opposite mountain side. The smoke was meant to obstruct the Serpent-Mens ability to see the bottom of the Valley. This would in fact shield the unknown user group from a potential ranged attack by Serpent-Men. However the Serpent-Men had already spotted the unknown user group.
Bowden : " Scouts Raid Group; take out Enemy commanders first! Then take out Sentries"
Ebbing : " Got it!"
Brian : " Serpent-Men in Range!"
Ebbing : " Fire!"
Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Vroom!
Hunters Bow Arrows strew through the sky as they cross the valley to find their marks.
Bowden : " Prep Incendiaries!"
Vava : " Preparing Incendiaries!"
Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop!
The grenade launchers begin launching special grenades that upon landing begin releasing a mixture of flammable gasses.
Bowden : " Archers at the ready!"
The entire force readies their bows as the hunters continue to fire across the valley.
- - -
The scene unfolded like a horror movie. Once the Serpent-Men commanders were hit the rest of the Serpent-Men descended down the hill with unbridled rage. As Elrick had predicted their target was the unknown user group. With the unknown user group obscured by the smoke screen the Serpent-Men couldnt tell if the attack actually came from the unknown user group, but in their rage they made the rather obvious assumption that it did come from below.
Had the Serpent-Men commanders survived they would have undoubtedly noticed that the angle of impact suggested that their attackers were at a higher elevation. As the Serpent-Men went down they came under continuous attack from hunters bow arrows so they raised their shields as they ran down the hill. At this point the Serpent-Men knew that there were attackers on the opposite mountain, but they simply assumed that it was part of the unknown user group.
There are no perfectly executed plans, and even though events were unfolding within Elricks forecasts one outliner began to show itself; armour. The Serpent-Men were wearing better Armour than predicted. The initial attack on Serpent-Men commanders and sentries was successful because they were stationary allowing them to be easily sniped; neck & head shots.
Killing a mobile Serpent-Man was an entirely different matter. The Serpent-Men dont have a uniform appearance; some look humanoid with heads of a snake while the more extreme kind look like giant snakes with small hands. Their irregular movements combined with their Serpent-Men armour made them incredibly difficult to kill.
The Serpent-Men armour is an interesting combination of chain-mail, plate and leather that would be difficult to penetrate.
- - -
The Serpent-Men were entering the Kill-Box.
Spotter-1 : " Serpent-Men entering the Kill-Box!"
Bowden : " Ignite Incendiaries!"
Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop!
Grenade launchers launch Explosive Grenades.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! .. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The Serpent-Men were running so fast that by the time the Explosive Grenades hit the ground some of the Serpent-Men are about to Exit the Kill-Box. Once the Grenades hit the entire mountain side goes up like a powder cake throwing Serpent-Men into the Air. The flammable gases had ignited and exploded to a spectacular effect; creating a firestorm.
The entire Kill-Box was littered with Serpent-Men who had the wind knocked out of them.
Bowden : " Enemy Count?"
Spotter-2 : " 38 Serpent-Men!"
Bowden : " Archers; Fire! Canons; Launch Poison & Carbon Dioxide!"
VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! .............. VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! .............. VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! .............. VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! .............. VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! ..............
The Starlight Spark Force fired arrows at the disorientated Serpent-Men making sure that every Starlight Spark Raid Group targeted a single Serpent-Man.
The Arrows of the Basic Longbow could barely break the tough skin of the Serpent-Men let alone their heavy armour, but that wasnt the goal of the arrow attack, and Elrick had always known that they couldnt kill the Serpent-Men with their arrows; poison was the answer to that particular problem.
However Serpent-Men have high resistance to toxins and it would take time for the effects of the toxins to take its toll on the Serpent-Men. The tactics developed by the Fortunate Five involved Damaging Armour, Damaging Skin and knocking Demons to the ground where they would better inhale the combination of Poison & Carbon Dioxide.
The compounded effect of the combination of Poison & Carbon Dioxide had the effect of robbing the enemy of their strength, agility, observation as well as intelligence related Attributes. The explosions damaged armour and skin thus allowing the barrage of arrows to deliver even more poison to stack onto the one already in the body.
The Serpent-Men rallied and broke through reaching the smoke filled valley.
Bowden : " Enemy Count?"
Spotter-2 : " 24 Serpent-Men!"
Elrick : " Hunters should go!"
Speaking to Bowden
Bowden : " Scouting Groups; time to Go!"
Bowden speaks loud enough for all to hear.
If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
Brian : " But we can still .!"
Bowden : " Now!"
Bowden shouts as he interrupts Brian.
Ebbing : " Understood!"
And so the native Hunters Scouting group and 2 Starlight Spark Parties went down the opposite side of the mountain and left the area; moving as quickly as they could.
Bowden : " Prep secondary Kill-Zone!"
Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop!
The grenade launchers launch grenades that release a mixture of flammable gasses onto the side of the mountain the Starlight Spark force was on. The Starlight Spark Force change their formations in order to assume a more defensive posture.
- - -
At the bottom of the valley the 24 surviving Serpent-Men encounter the unknown user group trying to organize themselves and escape the valley amidst the darkness created by the smoke grenades. Some had already scattered running in panic once they saw glimpses of the Serpent-Men running towards them. The leaders of the group did their best to hold things together as they retreated towards the valley exit, but they were cut off.
Once they were cut-off the unknown user group fell into disarray and the Serpent-Men ploughed into them like hounds from hell. Serpent-Men dont fight in a way that is easy to counter; their movements are lightning fast and their Razor sharp teeth carry neurotoxin. As expected the Serpent-Men claw and bite at will as well as use swords, spears, axes and bows.
Some of the Serpent-Men that have a humanoid torso and the body of a giant snake below the waist used their tail like a whip and because the tip of the tail was armed with sharp four sided blades they did incredible damage. By far the most frightening Serpent-Men were those with the ability to spit poison, and that is because they could blind or paralyze you in an instant.
And so blood curdling screams came from the bottom of the Valley as the Serpent-Men seemingly ripped apart the unknown user group. The most disturbing was the screams of the women, and every time a woman was heard screaming some of the executives of Starlight Spark could be seen looking at Elrick with contempt; Eyes that blamed him for the screams were met with cold eyes from Elrick.
To everyone Elrick seemed unmoved but deep inside even Elrick was in turmoil. However something about his High-Elf body allowed him to maintain a calm demeanour.
To help his people focus Elrick decided it was time to throw in a little incentive. So he Raised his voice for all to hear.
Elrick : " To Honour your Courage; the loot gathered from this battle will be placed on the auction site and the proceeds divided amongst the 217 of us!"
As Elricks words sunk in the entire force erupted in cheer. They now understood that cash in their pockets was at hand, and all they needed to do was Win; Victory in this Battle!
- - -
Suddenly there was silence at the bottom of the valley.
Spotter-1 : " Enemy entering Kill-Zone"
Bowden : " Archers!"
VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! .............. VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM!
The 24 surviving Serpent-Men were now making their way up the mountain. Even though the Basic Longbow Arrows werent doing much damage the goal wasnt to kill at this point but to force the Serpent-Men to cluster together in the Kill-Box.
Spotter-1 : " Enemy count; 22 in the Kill-Box!"
Bowden : " Light them up!"
Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop!
Grenade launchers launch Explosive Grenades.
Using the arrows had deceived the Serpent-Men into thinking that there wasnt going to be an explosion on this side of the valley, but they were deceived.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! .. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The Grenades hit and the entire mountain side Explodes once again throwing Serpent-Men into the Air. The flammable gases ignite and exploded into an inferno.
Bowden : " Archers; Shorten the Kill Chain!"
VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! .............. VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM!
While the Serpent-Men are still stunned.
Elrick : " Cannons; Acid Grenades!"
Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop! .. Frop! Frop!
Grenade launchers launch Grenades that explode to release acid.
Smoke, Incendiaries, Acid and other grenade types had been bought while hunting in the forest near Vhon as a way to deal with Boss Monsters, but they were never used since Boss Monsters actively avoided the Starlight Spark Cavalry. The Fortunate Five had found a new use for them.
Bowden : " Artillery Bowmen; Runic Penetraters!"
Vava : " On the way!"
VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! VROOM!
This was the first use of the Expensive Heavy Ordinance Runic Penetraters. The Runic Penetraters are amongst the few weapons that can cause serious damage to the Serpent-Men. However Runic Arrows could do little damage to a heavily armoured Serpent-Man, and so their use had to wait until the armours of the Serpent-Men had taken significant damage.
Spotter-1 : " Enemy Count; 17!"
Now that the Serpent-Men were taking heavy damage they were far more dangerous to the Starlight force and were trying to close the distance by running up the mountain at full speed
Bowden : " Cannons; Explosive Grenades! Artillery Bowmen; Runic Exploders!"
The Explosive Grenades and Runic Exploders were meant to impede the Serpent-Mens attempt to rush up the mountain by constantly knocking them down.
However the Serpent-Men were more resilient and were steadily making their way up the mountain.
Bowden : " Archers; Fire!"
Spotter-4 : " Enemy at 800 meters and closing!"
Elrick : " Raid group 3; Equip Shields & Spears!"
Elrick then proceeded to stand behind the entire force at the highest point, and everyone knew what was about to happen.
Spotter-4 : " Enemy at 500 meters!"
Elrick knows that 500 meters is within the throwing range of the Serpent-Men and takes action.
Elricks role had been to design a Battle-Plan, and in this Battle his role is to Read the Flow of Battle and where necessary make adjustments and inputs that can affect the Flow of Battle Positively.
Elrick : " 20 Chain ?Aura Burst?!
Elrick uses the race specific magical spell ?Aura Burst?, but he chains 20 ?Aura Burst? spells together to create a spectacular cumulative effect that temporarily blinds the Serpent-Men.
Using so much Mana at once leaves Elrick on the verge of collapse.
Bowden : " Cannons; Explosive Grenades! Artillery Bowmen; Runic Exploders! Archers; Fire!"
Nonetheless the Serpent-Men throw their spears, knives and Axes causing casualties and injuries to the Third Raid Group which is tasked with the Defence.
The intensity & pace of the Battle leaves no time to notice even as members of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry are impaled by a spear and limb is ripped off by a thrown axe. The Battle rages on even as the person next to suddenly collapses due to a thrown knife piercing the eye. Everything happens so fast that they hardly have time to notice and despair.
Across Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry Mountain perch yells can be heard ringing out.
Spotter-X : " Contact 2 Oclock!"
Raid Group Captains can be heard yelling FIRE!
Range 550!
FIRE
Spotter-X : " Contact 7 Oclock!"
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Target Left Flank; FIRE!
Covery FIRE!
Incoming!
Bowden : " Cannons; Explosive Grenades! Artillery Bowmen; Runic Exploders on my mark! FIRE!"
Elrick finally understands what war is like; controlled Chaos!
Throughout the Battle Bowdens calm and steady voice becomes a calming influence on the men letting them know that every thing is under control.
- - -
Fortunately that is the decisive moment of the Battle, and the charge of the Serpent-Men up the mountain is halted and only 4 Serpent-Men make it all the way to the Starlight Spark position and by that time they are in such a weakened state that they are no match for the Arrows and Spears.
Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry quickly loots the valley; putting all the corpses in the one remaining magic chest, that was filled with insects. Of-course some insect loot had to be discarded to make room for the bodies of the Serpent-Men.
Though Elrick was tempted to loot the bodies of the unknown user group he couldnt do it without his friends thinking less of him so he abandoned that Idea.
Once the looting was done the Starlight Spark First Ranger Cavalry ran as fast as they could towards Vhon. They avoided taking the main road choosing instead to cut through the forest as it was the shortest path. The animals naturally moved out of the way of a running large human force. All this was done to avoid any further contact with Serpent-Men.
All in all Elricks group had killed 52 of the 57 Serpent-Men force, and so Elrick believed that the survivors would have undoubtedly sought assistance from other nearby Serpent-Men groups. Even if they didnt seek assistance from the other Serpent-Men groups they would have heard the sound of explosions and would come to investigate.
To keep up with the running force Elrick was wearing 8 agility rings, 6 taken from 6 of the 23 members of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry that had died during the final phase of the battle.
By right as Clan Leader Elrick named the battle theyd fought; The Battle of Twin Peaks.
- - -
Part 3: Is it Safe?
Members of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry finally found relief when they moved through the Psionic Barrier protecting Vhon. Some collapsed on the ground laughing hysterically in relief.
The mood in Vhon was sombre and sirens could be heard ringing. Elrick had instructed the Scouts and the parties that left with them to inform the Adventurers guild and town authorities of the encounter with the Serpent-Men as well as the movements of the Serpent-Men groups. Because of that soldiers were on the Wall and all adventuring outside the wall had seized.
Elrick didnt hesitate and Transferred 28 Silver Coins to the Realm Eternal spending account of each of all 217 members of Starlight Spark as their share on the bodies of the Serpent-Men. The Serpent-Men items would be repaired and placed for Auction.
Elrick : " To you Noble Warriors; my sincere gratitude! Take the rest of the day off and have fun at the pubs & taverns to your hearts content!"
They erupt in cheer and begin to form small groups and move off to find their pleasure.
Elrick knows that theyll drink, eat and finally find their way to the nearest Brothel. 7 Silver Coins can buy you a night with a cheap Courtesan.
- - -
The Executives of Starlight Spark still had plenty to do but Elrick was content to leave it to the other Executives he was on his way to see Arvin the Alchemist to supply him with blood and restock on grenades. 2 of the Starlight Spark Executives sent ahead with the hunters were still at the adventures guild selling the loot from the plains and the other would join them to include the last magic chest.
Executives of Starlight Spark would need to visit the general dealer to restock on Arrows foods and other essential. There was still 2 days RWT of Open Beta and that meant 9 days in RET; plenty of time to earn more gold. But with the Serpent-Men roaming the outskirts of Vhon hunting would be limited to within the barrier or just outside it.
Bowden had elected to go walk with Elrick for a moment before he logged out.
Bowden : " You had me worried for a while there!"
Elrick : " When?"
Bowden : " The time you were indifferent to the Screams!"
Elrick : " I was surprisingly calm throughout the battle; I find it easy to control my emotions"
Bowden : " Do you think it has something to do with the body you''re in right now?"
Elrick : " Perhaps!"
Bowden : " Be careful! The Light elf has low sensitivity and youre spending way too much time in the Realm Eternal as it is, it may start to affect who you are!"
Elrick : " Oh!"
Bowden : " The Sensitivity Attribute supposedly deals with compassion, sympathy & kindliness to others affecting how they see you and your Reputation. Would the system somehow restrict your ability to experience those emotions?"
Elrick : " I hadnt thought of that! I must make a conscious effort to feel things while Im in Realm Eternal or I could end up cold and detached! Thanks!"
Bowden : " Why do you suppose its necessary for Light Elves to be so cold and calculating?"
Elrick : " Hell if I know!"
Bowden : " Answering those questions may unlock the strengths of the Race!"
Elrick : " What? Like higher levels of focus?"
Bowden : " I watched you out there; you performed like a machine! Like you had military experience; calm in the face of chaos!"
Elrick : " Ill look into it!"
After that Bowden logged out. Bowden had become legendary in Vhon thanks to the hunters Starlight Spark hired as scouts; they attributed their safe return to Vhon to Bowdens leadership on the battlefield. This raised Bowdens reputation with everyone who heard the story; culminating in Bowdens reputation Attribute rising.
- - -
Alone with his thoughts Elrick began to mentally review the encounter with the Serpent-Men. In Elricks mind he recognized that without the presence of the unknown user group to draw the attention of the Serpent-Men they would have been wiped out. The Serpent-Men were faster and more resilient than predicted and to make things worse they were wearing far better equipment than the Realm Eternal website suggested.
?Elrick : " We got lucky!"?
Elrick knew that he couldnt depend on luck. Had the unknown user group not been there the Serpent-Men would have made the Starlight Spark Force their first target and that meant that the Serpent-Men would have arrived at the mountain top with more than twenty warriors. Perhaps the Serpent-Men would have dispersed into smaller groups and used the terrain.
?Elrick : " The Native hunters had the effect of doubling our battle power when integrated into the force!"?
Elrick also noted another problem
?Elrick : " Most of the Executives of Starlight Spark dont belong on the battlefield"?
The near rebellion over the possibility of women being killed taught Elrick something important about the Executives of Starlight Spark
?Elrick : " They cant be trusted to make the hard choices!"?
For the first time Elrick regretted bringing some of his friends into Starlight Spark as Executives. Having to rebuke his friends was something Elrick didnt look forward to and the experience of the encounter with the Serpent-Men Demons clearly showed that he need to put them back in the workshop where they belonged.
?Elrick : " Bowden is the backbone of Starlight Spark"?
Elrick acknowledged to himself that without Bowden he wouldnt have been able to venture beyond the nearby forest. Vava and the other Raid Group Captains would be able to take over from Bowden, but Elrick understood that at this moment Bowden was indispensable.
- - -
Arvin was delighted to learn that his grenades were useful against even the feared Serpent-Men and he was glad that Elrick and his people returned safely. Unsurprisingly Arvin was clued up on military matters and he assured Elrick that this particular Psionic barrier would hold.
Apparently there are many types of Town/City barriers and the one installed on Vhon by the Continentals was the Highest Class; not even Dragon-Fire could bring it down. The previous barrier that protected Vhon relied heavily on Mana Crystals and that meant that over time a prolonged siege could bring down the Barrier. However the current Barrier had multiple sources of Mana including ambient Mana; making it difficult to defeat.
As they chatted holographic displays (the equivalent of TV & internet combined) all over the town and in homes started showing images of town 9521km from Vhon. Of particular interest is the Flock of Wyverns over the skies of the town.
Arvin : " Wyverns! They may not be true Dragons but they have Dragon-Fire! "
- - -
Chapter 6: Efforts & Rewards
- - -
= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
- - -
Chapter 6
Efforts & Rewards
- - -
Part 1: Dragon-Fire
Part 2: Boardroom
Part 3: Cash is King
- - -
Part 1: Dragon-Fire
Windhoff; a Town 9521km from Vhon. A Flock of Wyverns circles the skies over the Town and that causes the Towns Military Grade Heavy Machine Gun & Military Grade Theatre Defence Artillery to roar to life. Taking aim at the Wyverns the Towns weapons released their fury, but the Wyverns simply moved higher in preparation for their attack.
A Wyverns skin is tough enough to withstand even Military Grade Theatre Defence Artillery for a short period of time, and boosted by a Mana Shield only a Military Grade Heavy Artillery can convince the Wyverns to move away from that particular target. As such the Wyverns barely noticed Windhoffs defensive weapons and began to attack.
Dragon Fire strewed down from the Heavens creating a loud BOOOM as it collided with Windhoffs Barrier.
BOOOM! BOOOM! BOOOM! BOOOM!
The inhabitants of Windhoff seem to understand that there is no Salvation and the Teleport Platforms around the Adventurers Guild Tower become active. An evacuation is ordered.
- - -
Carefully watching at Arvins Workshop Elrick is surprised by the evacuation.
Elrick : " Ah! I thought you said the Psionic Barrier would hold?"
Arvin : " It will Hold!"
Elrick : " Then why the ?"
Arvin predictably anticipates Elricks question.
Arvin : " Evacuation?"
Elrick : " Yes!"
Arvin : " The short answer is Dragon-Fire!"
Elrick : " But you said "
Again Arvin knows what Elrick is about to ask.
Arvin : " Against 2 or 3 True Dragons the Psionic Barrier would be fine, but that Flock of Wyverns numbers over Fifty!"
Elrick : " But theyre not True Dragons?"
Arvin : " But they still have Dragon-Fire, and that is not to be taken lightly!"
Elrick : " Does Dragon-Fire make that much of a difference?"
Arvin : " Dragon-Fire is a Reverse Conversion Mana Chain!"
Elrick : " Reverse Conversion Mana Chain?"
Arvin : " Right! Few of you Atlantians have bothered to study Magic because your bodies will be reset to the level of 8 year olds by the end of the test deployment you call Open Beta."
Elrick : " 8 year old?"
Suddenly something clicked in Elricks mind and he now understood the context of the power difference between Users and Natives.
Arvin : " What? Did you think your strength level was the norm?"
Elrick : " Well? "
Arvin : " Hehehehe! It doesnt surprise me! Your bodies may look like those of adults but in terms of experience theyre similar to children. And thats probably related to the complex relationship between EXP and soul"
BOOOM! BOOOM! BOOOM! BOOOM!
Their attention goes back to the visuals of Windhoff as the Wyverns continue to pour down Dragon-Fire. Screams of people rushing to the Guild Tower can be heard with every impact.
Elrick : " No!"
Arvin : " They are a despicable lot Wyverns, and armed with Dragon-Fire they are an impossible enemy for most of us! Because Dragon-Fire is a Reverse Conversion Mana Chain its the highest level Fire Magic. Most magic Spells release Mana into the environment as concentrated Mana converts into ambient Mana, but Dragon-Fire converts ambient Mana into Magic Fire; thats why its classed as Reverse Conversion Mana Chain."
Elrick : " Like the Psionic Barrier?"
Arvin : " Yes!"
As the impacts of Dragon-Fire on the Barrier continue the town seems covered in fire.
Elrick : " Its the Heat"
Arvin : " Yes!"
Elrick : " The Psionic Barrier can stop Magic Fire but the heat it generates."
Arvin : " And thats why in this situation Evacuation is the only option."
Elrick : " Ice! Why not use Ice magic?"
Arvin : " When you study magic youll understand why Ice cannot shield you from Dragon-Fire!"
Elrick : " Steam?"
Arvin : " Magic cant materialize something from nothing! Magic has to obey the laws of Physics and that means that to make Ice you need water, and forming Ice uses Mana to extract heat from water. High quality Ice can be used as a weapon against fire magic wielders but its a terribly poor shield against Magic Fire."
Elrick : " I see!"
Arvin : " Small Towns have no defence against Dragon-Fire!"
Elrick : " Are they teleporting back to Grandeur?"
Arvin : " The Evacuation protocol sends you to the nearest available location; its not a directed teleport as such but an emergency manoeuvre!"
Elrick : " What happens to Atlantians?"
Arvin : " Since all of you have Bifr?st Realm Keys to access other worlds you can choose to evacuate straight to Atlantis!"
Elrick : " Will the Wyverns come to Vhon?"
Arvin : " I dont know! I dont even know why theyre attacking Windhoff! Although theyre sentient Demons Wyverns dont normally cooperate with other Demons; Wyverns can be considered high ranking Demons. Since the Ragnar?k Demons tend to stick to their own kin and are antagonistic to Demons not belonging to their type or race. So why are the Serpent-Men acting in concert with Wyverns?"
Elrick : " Havent they worked together before?"
Arvin : " Yes! Orcs, Goblins, Serpent-Men, Lizardmen, Trolls and various DemiHuman Hybrid Demon Races have on occasion combined forces against us, but Wyverns only answer to the call of Dragons"
Elrick : " Are you saying that there are Dragons on the Knox Continent?"
Arvin : " No Dragon would be stupid enough to come to Ado!"
Elrick : " Stupid?"
Arvin : " Dragons are probably the only Demons that pose a direct threat to the Continentals; so any action by Dragons would solicit an immediate and Violent Response! In particular the Alvs and the Dark Elves! The Dark Elves have proven to be particularly adept at killing Draconic Species, and past incursions by Dragons on Ado were annihilated by the Dark Elves."
Elrick : " Would the Dark Elves respond to the Wyverns?"
Arvin : " Only to a large scale Wyvern attack!"
Elrick : " Really? They would just stand on the sidelines?"
Arvin : " Both the Alvs and the Dark Elves rarely leave the Asgard Continent! In fact until the arrival of Atlantians we hadnt seen a Dark Elf for thousands of years. Though Im told that the Alvs and the Dark Elves actively join expeditions to other worlds in order to frustrate the ambitions of the enemies of the Asgard Continental Republic."
They watched in silence as the temperature of Windhoff steadily rose causing paper to spontaneously ignite. The people of Windhoff had no choice but to flee abandoning everything theyd built.
- - -
Before Elrick fell asleep he used the clan communication system to instruct Grinder to use the Guild Tower to teleport back to Atlantis with the Serpent-Men Items as soon as they were repaired. The clan communication is like a Voice Mail system and doesnt offer true telepathy as that requires Psionic Magic. However for 2 Gold Coins one can purchase a Magic Item similar to a Cell-Phone for communication.
The Item Auction Centre is on Atlantis and to list Items for Auction they have to be transported through the Atlantis Bifr?st since logging out of Realm Eternal simply puts the Body in an Inter-Dimensional Pocket. Bringing Items to the Auction house situated in Atlantis requires passage through the Bifr?st which Costs 50 Silver coins while teleporting within Realm Eternal Costs 100 Silver coins.
And so after supplying Arvin with his High Elf Blood Elrick made preparation to safeguard assets in case the situation in Vhon turned for the worst. The situation around the Towns in the Knox was tense after everyone watched the town of Windhoff essentially destroyed by Dragon-Fire. Everyone was afraid and with good reason, but the natives were more scared as their lives were at stake.
Elrick admitted to himself that he had taken the encirclement of Vhon like an event, but after seeing the effects of Dragon-Fire he knew that the Army approaching Vhon was no Game-like Event. A life and death struggle would take place with the fate of the Knox continent in the balance, and to make things worse the Users would undoubtedly abandon the natives to their Fate.
?Elrick : " Decisions have to be made; do we Stay or Run?"?
- - -
Part 2: Boardroom
The talk with Arvin had shown Elrick that he had vast gaps in information regarding the history of the planet Ado, and up until this point he had assumed that the Asgard Continental Republic had kept a tight lid on Demon activities, but now he knew that there were times in the past when the Continentals were either unable or unwilling to put down Demon incursions.
But the frightening part of the scenario was the prospect of all the Demon groups being controlled by a single authority; possibly a Dragon. This would mean that Elrick had made a dangerous miscalculation about Starlight Sparks ability to earn money through Realm Eternal. If the Demons are organized by Dragons they would become far too dangerous to deal with on a regular basis.
That meant Starlight Spark could not venture into the less secure regions, but thats exactly where Starlight Spark needed to go to earn massive profits quickly. But if it means being wiped out every time you encounter Demons then Starlight Spark will find it hard to turn a profit after Open Beta. Elrick knew that he couldnt count on the resolve of the employees thanks to the high pain setting in Realm Eternal.
The pain setting in Realm Eternal isnt like the other VR platforms in that the System only mitigates the highest level of pain. A punch to the face feels like a punch to the face, a cut feels like a cut, but a broken bone would only feel like 80% of what would be experienced in real life. Serious Burns would have 75% of what would be experienced in real life.
The Avatar in Realm Eternal is designed to feel as real as possible and the fear of pain is a very real component of the Alternate Reality Simulation, and despite complaints from professional gamers Phoenix Consortium would not back down from the concept of an Alternate Reality Simulation; Consistently stating that Realm Eternal is not a Game.
A lot of famous professional gamers rated Realm Eternal negatively after a few days of Open Beta claiming that Realm Eternal offers the worst Avatar growth path of all VR platforms. The fact that most famous professional gamers rated Realm Eternal negatively was used as a positive in advertising campaigns of the Phoenix Consortium by emphasizing that Realm Eternal is not a Game.
Elrick had realized ahead of time that the Phoenix Consortium wasnt aiming Realm Eternal at the MMO gaming community but at the Sci-Fi & Fantasy community. It was a choice between 120 million active online gamers and over a Billion Sci-Fi & Fantasy fans, and since there were already over 10 Top Class VRMMORPG in the market the Phoenix Consortium made the logical choice.
People used to the online gaming environment found Realm Eternal incredibly frustrating during Open Beta and they had many complaints; monsters would run when attacked, animals made sneak attacks, there are hardly any item drops from monsters, its hard to gain EXP, when you die you loose all equipped items and natives can even take your inventory, its to hard and so on and so on.
What the Online Gaming Community was experiencing was an environment that didnt revolve around them. In a way Realm Eternal was similar to the real world and the Online Gaming Community didnt like it, and that had to do with the fact that many of them were used to a relatively easy environment that catered to their every whim without consequences.
However Realm Eternal was different and the capacity of users to affect the environment was limited by numbers, skills, wealth and their efforts. Just like in real life the amount of money spent affected the outcomes, and users who bought high quality equipment and Items were able to quickly hunt more lucrative prey yielding larger rewards.
The power of money was not the exclusive right of users and natives of the Realm Eternal who had the wherewithal used their wealth to gain an advantage in Hunting, Magic and Crafting. Just like in real life the children of the wealthy had an enormous advantage over those less fortunate than themselves, and that meant users who are similarly resourced would have a similar advantage.
Fortunately the things the Online Gamers didnt like about Realm Eternal were what interested the Sci-Fi & Fantasy community. Without the gaming architecture the Sci-Fi & Fantasy community could immerse themselves in the Culture and Customs of the Realm Eternal.
- - -
In the aftermath of the Wyvern attack on Windhoff the atmosphere in Vhon was tense and after leaving Arvins Workshop Elrick wondered the streets of Vhon noting the reactions of the natives to the current situation. Just as Elrick had predicted the users were preparing to leave Vhon and many of them were gathered near the Adventurers Guild Tower.
Elrick was waiting for the other Executives of Starlight Spark to log back in and the 4 to 5 Hours RWT while most of them were eating, bathing and relaxing amounted to 20 to 25 hours in RET. Elrick himself only logged out for 2 hours a day, and that meant a long wait for the Starlight Spark members to regroup. Companionship was one of the major reasons Elrick invited his friends to be Executives of Starlight Spark.
The Executives of Starlight Spark had all taken 10 days of unpaid leave from work in order to focus the full attention on Open Beta. However after Open Beta the situation would get more complicated and Elrick would have to design methods to pass the time in Realm Eternal.
Elrick was slightly relieved when the Clan communication system indicated that most of the Executives of Starlight Spark had returned and they could begin their meeting.
- - -
The Executives of Starlight Spark had rented a conference room at the Adventurers Guild Tower and thats where they were holding their Board-meeting. They could have held the Board-meeting in Atlantis but they didnt want to risk a lock-out in the event of an attack on Vhon. Of course Elrick is the Chairman of the Board.
After the formalities were completed Elrick was getting to the heart of the discussions.
Elrick : " All in all Our Realm Eternal Account stands at 7904657 Copper Coins in RWM its $1580931.6 USD. If we take into account the 386 Gold Coins in Combat Equipment weve generated $2352931.6 in USD in less than ten days"
Bowden : " 2.35 million dollars in less than 9 days!"
Elrick : " We will need to keep about half in Realm Eternal, but Ive already made arrangements to convert half into Real World Money."
The room goes silent as they realize that there could be a large payout for them.
Armlet : " Are you planning a dividend?"
Boot : " How are you getting it out?"
Axil : " Phoenix doesnt convert REM into RWM"
Elrick : " Third party transactions"
Arrow : " You want to sell Gold at a discount?"
Spear : " It depends on the discount!"
Elrick : " The discount should be around 2% in the Current Environment."
Grinder : " Current Environment?"
Elrick : " Right! Because Im a Phoenix Consortium shareholder I receive quarterly updates, and the quarterly report I received 2 days ago stated that users have spent an average of $507 on their Avatars generating a little over $750million in revenue for the Phoenix Consortium."
Staffen : " Why would they reveal it so early? Oh!"
Staffen realised the answer to his own question.
Elrick : " Phoenix Consortium revealed their cash inflows to attract investments into Atlantis! Since the release of the numbers businesses have tripled their investments in Atlantis, and almost every Major Corporation is setting up an office in Atlantis."
Swordin : " That would mean a massive cash injection for Phoenix Consortium!"
Hammerin : " Probably more than the users put in!
Elrick : " By my Estimation businesses should put in over a billion dollars in Atlantis Real Estate property in the coming months"
Bowden : " A billion?"
Elrick : " Virtual Reality isnt like the traditional MMORPG; the difference is like night and day! In the traditional MMORPG youre looking at a screen and that means that youre detached from the Avatar, as such spending hard earned money on an Avatar is difficult, and most would be content to Grind, but in Virtual Reality you are your Avatar. What I mean is in Virtual Reality it doesnt feel like your spending money on an Avatar it feels like your spending money on yourself and that is a world of difference!"
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Axil : " So people are more willing to spend Real World Money!"
Grinder : " They would have to have money to spend in the first place!"
Elrick : " And they do! The people who can afford to by capsules are by no means poor. Even the Hipno Pods at $2000 are beyond the reach of 65% of the population of the world, but that means that nearly all the people in Virtual Reality platforms belong to the Middle Class and higher. To put it in context the Top 1% owns over 40% of the wealth in the world, and by the same measure the Top 35% own over 90% of the planets wealth. Therefore for the Top 35% spending a few hundred dollars a month in Virtual Reality isnt a noticeable financial spend. That means the Virtual Reality industry will be worth over a trillion Dollars USD by the end of the Fifth year. All thanks to the higher LSM!"
Swordin : " So its not a question of numbers of people but the right kind of people?"
Elrick : " Exactly! The wealthy need a place where they can indulge their eccentricities without being judged and platforms like Atlantis & Realm Eternal are perfect for someone with a few hundred thousand a year in leisure spending to indulge themselves without risks. They can travel to exotic locations without risking real life & limb, and they can buy extravagant property and live like kings in Realm Eternal without worrying about negative publicity."
Hammerin : " The rich will pour money into Realm Eternal; thereby taking the opportunity to purchase slightly cheaper gold!
Elrick : " Phoenix Consortium has concluded agreement with nearly every major Financial Corporation and because of this nearly all Major Banks are opening branches in Atlantis and Realm Eternal in order to link client bank accounts with Realm Eternal accounts, but the goal is to facilitate the exchange of Realm Eternal Money for Real World Money. This infrastructure isnt in place yet so after Open Beta Ill be travelling to London to meet some of my contacts in order to set up transaction accounts. Of course thats only One of the Goals, and Ill be soliciting some protection business form them and their clients."
Bowden : " Protection Business?"
Axil : " Are you talking about a Bodyguard Service?"
Elrick : " After Open Beta hunting revenues could be as low as 7% of what they are now, and so well need to explore every potentially profitable avenue. I have already Started the process of recruiting a number of Street walkers to act as Starlight Spark Courtesans.
Theyre all shocked by what Elrick has just said.
Grinder : " Hookers?"
Elrick : " We will provide whatever service is needed, and Ill basically be rescuing these girls from the streets and giving them valid legitimate employment that doesnt put their lives at risk. The rest of Starlight Spark will do whatever it takes to earn income! While Im on the subject we cant have a repeat of what happened at the Battle of Twin Peaks; I cant have any of you questioning my judgement in front of the employees and in the middle of an enemy encounter! As Executives of Starlight Spark you have a right to question me as the MD as well as Chairman of the Board, but that has to happen within the Boardroom!"
Arrow : " We cant even voice our opinions?"
Elrick : " You can voice your opinions within the Boardroom! The next time any of you breaks protocol I will remove you as Executives of Starlight Spark!"
They all look at Elrick and realize that hes serious, and they shouldnt push him on this issue. For the first time they feel like they are talking to Elrick the Quantitative Analyst and now MD & Chairman of Starlight Spark.
Bowden : " Do we Stay or Go?"
Grinder : " Staying is needlessly risky!"
Elrick : " I agree why risk the money weve already earned."
Swordin : " I think we need to stay; even if its only to observe the battle!"
Elrick : " Does all of Starlight Spark need to stay? Wouldnt the Executives be enough?"
Hammerin : " They need to watch whatever battle takes place!
Bowden : " Its a learning opportunity!"
Axil : " We can always evacuate if things get dangerous for us!"
Grinder : " And there might be opportunities to loot Items!"
Elrick : " Then its decided; we Stay!"
- - -
Part 3: Cash is King
When the Executives of Starlight Spark came out of the Adventurers Guild Tower they were met by the sight of a Town in panic. There were emergency notices everywhere.
Elrick and the other Executives of Starlight Spark read the Notice.
Emergency!
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- An estimated 10000 strong Serpent-Men Army has been sighted 37km North-East of Vhon.
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- Lord Marques Vhon has Declared a State of Emergency.
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- Lord Marques Vhon has Ordered the Evacuation of Children and the Elderly.
?
- Please do not Panic!
?
- Requesting Volunteers to Aid in the Defence of Vhon.
Volunteers Compensation:
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- 2 Gold Coins
?
- Recognition of Service by the Kingdom of Vale
|
Axil : " Just 2 Gold Coins?"
Bowden : " Thats $4000 isnt it?"
Grinder : " But youd have to risk your equipment!"
Elrick : " I guess more information is necessary!"
Just then one of the Vhon Guards stood before them.
Guard : " Lord Marques Vhon has requested that all Clan Chiefs gather at his home immediately for consultations. Im to be your guide."
Though the Guard said Request Elrick understood that he didnt have a choice; attendance was compulsory.
Elrick : " Am I aloud to bring people?"
Guard : " Every Clan Chief is allowed 2 attendants!"
Elrick : " Bowden, Axil; with me! The rest of you; make the necessary preparations!"
The other Executives of Starlight Spark nodded or said Understood in acknowledgement.
Bowden turned to look at the Guard.
Bowden : " Shall we go?"
Guard : " Please follow me!"
And so they followed the Guard to the Lords House.
- - -
Surprisingly Lord Marques Vhons Mansion wasnt the largest in Town, but it was certainly the Oldest. The Lords Mansion was filled with beautiful artworks indicative of the standing of a Lord. The walls were adorned with paintings detailing the long Noble history of the Vhon Family. Apparently the first Lord of Vhon was Marques Vhons Father, but the Vhon family holds domain over a number of Villages in the Grandeur Continent in the territory of the Vale Kingdom.
As they reached the hall Elrick could see that over a hundred and seventy people were already in the hall indicating over Fifty Clan Chiefs are present. Elrick estimated that a little over half were users.
Once all the Clan Chiefs arrive Lord Marques Vhons steps onto the podium.
Lord Vhon : " Thank you all for coming! I am Marques Vhon; Lord of this humble Town. For forty years the hearty folk of Vhon have eked out a living here on the frontiers, and together we have faced countless incursions by the vile Demonic Species. But in all that time we have never faced the numbers that are upon us now; at least not since the Great War that opened the Knox Continent as a new frontier. Back then the armies of Vale with the full backing of the kingdom and the tacit support of the Continentals drove back the Demon Armies in bloody battles until the stalemate was finally broken by the intervention of the Elf-Dragon King of the High Elves. Since then we established Towns and Vale armies have fought off Demon Raid after Demon Raid."
Lord Vhon takes a pause to drink some water.
Lord Vhon : " With the installation of the Adventurers Guild Towers in Towns of the Knox Continent a new dawn broke out in the Knox Continent. The Asgard Continental Republic gifted Vale Kingdom the Adventurers Guild Towers in recognition of Vales efforts to take the frontiers from the Demons. And for our part we agreed to host Atlantians as the Continentals test the efficacy of this new strategy against the Demons."
Again Lord Vhon takes a pause to drink some water.
Lord Vhon : " I must confess that After seeing your Attribute Stats when you Arrived I doubted that you would be as instrumental to the fight against the Demons as the Continentals Proclaimed! But I stand corrected! All Atlantians started with the Attribute Stats of an 8 year Old, but through shear Effort most of you have raised your Attribute Stats to that of 12 year olds, and some have even reached the Attribute Stats of 15 year olds. The pace of your hunting is something weve never seen; some of you hunt day and night continuously. To grow so much in just 35 days is unheard of, and its probably a side effect of your Immortality in this Realm; you have no fear of death so you risk your lives hunting dangerous monsters."
Again Lord Vhon takes a pause to drink some water, and this time he can see pride in the faces of the Atlantians.
Lord Vhon : " Just yesterday I heard something impossible, and were it not for the Serpent-Men Bodies I never would have believed it! The Starlight Spark Clan Chief Elrick Starlight named it The Battle of Twin Peaks. Something unbelievable took place just 7km outside Vhon; Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry numbering 217 partly supported by 32 local hunters fought and defeated a 57 strong Serpent-Men Scouting Group. Its like a group of Children Defeating a Battle hardened Army?"
While Lord Vhon takes a pause the other people in the room turn their gazes to the trio of Elrick, Bowden and Axil.
Lord Vhon : " Lead by their Notable Commander Bowden Starlight the enigmatic Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry fought a high tempo battle and overcame seemingly insurmountable Odds and defeated a well armed and well trained Serpent-Men Scouting Group. I can only conclude that wherever you Atlantians come from you are familiar with large scale warfare and you are knowledgeable in combined arms warfare tactics. It is that Capability I seek now; that tremendous capacity for Courage!"
People like being praised and Lord Vhon can see pride in the faces of the Atlantians, he knows that he has convinced most of the Atlantians.
Lord Vhon : " All of you in this room have at your command formidable warriors, and though I believe the Psionic Barrier will hold as Lord of Vhon I must prepare for the worst. Vale Kingdom authorities also believe that the Psionic Barrier will hold, and because of that 2 Gold Coins is all Im allowed to offer you in Monetary Remuneration. Every Clan that participates will receive recognition from Vale Kingdom, and those who distinguish themselves in battle will be recommended for Knighthood. I will personally send the Letter that will Arrive long after the Atlantian Attributes Stats & Skills have been reset. Vale has 200 Soldiers Stationed in Vhon, and Vhon has 245 Guards; hardly enough to fight off an entire Army. And so I humble myself and beg your Aid!"
There is sum murmur as a consensus is formed in the room, and Elrick could see a lot of nods and he understood them to mean that most had elected to fight. Eyes turned to Elrick to see what hell do.
In his normal state Elrick would have been vulnerable to the emotional effects of a Noble Lord pleading for help, but Elrick was wearing the immature body of a High Elf and in this form Elrick is dead to all logic that does not advance his own goals. Elrick could see that Bowden and Axil had been swept up in the emotions of the moment and it was up to him to rein them in.
And so Elrick raised his hand and Lord Vhon acknowledges him.
Lord Vhon : " Speak!"
Elrick : " Forgive my interruption your Lordship; I have some queries the answers to which will affect my decision."
Lord Vhon : " Go on!"
Elrick : " I can understand the remuneration restrictions placed upon your Lordship by the State, but in the world I come from I have a Fiduciary Duty to make sure that Starlight Spark remains solvent, and thus I would be remiss if I dont enquire about other avenues of remuneration."
Lord Vhon : " Other avenues?"
Elrick : " Lordship; When the Demons come within range of Vhons guns and Artillery you will attack?"
Lord Vhon : " Yes! But an Army that size will have a mobile Barrier Shield!"
Elrick : " In the Event that your guns kill the Demons would we be allowed to loot the Demons?"
Lord Vhon now understands what Elrick meant by other avenues of remuneration.
Lord Vhon : " Naturally!"
Elrick : " Lordship; how many Sorcerers would it take to bring down the Barrier?"
Lord Vhon : " Minimum; 700 expert level Mages!"
Elrick : " Lordship; the little Ive learned about Demons indicates that they are not stupid. They didnt move 10000 soldiers across land without a plan to somehow defeat the Psionic Barrier. That means to counter whatever plan they have we may have to engage them outside the barrier, and that means putting our people at tremendous risk. To mitigate that risk we have to invest in equipment; at least Level 1 Magic Armour which cost 2 Gold Coins. Given the financial restrictions placed on your Lordship we would have to Finance our own equipment. Im willing to Forgo the recognition from Vale Kingdom and any recommendation for Knighthood if your Lordship buys my Combat & Combat Related Equipment at market price."
There is slight murmur.
The hall went silent and the other Clan Chiefs are flabbergasted by what they just heard. To the other Clan Chiefs the recognition from Vale Kingdom and the possible recommendation for Knighthood are extremely valuable incentives but Elrick just threw them away in exchange for Lord Vhon purchasing Starlight Spark Combat & Combat Related Equipment at market price.
The other Clan Chiefs knew they were missing an important piece of the puzzle that justified Elricks actions. Lord Vhon however knew about Starlight Sparks Deal with the General Dealer.
Lord Vhon : " Ill only buy equipment that has been used in battle against the Demons!"
This was to make sure Starlight Spark doesnt simply order massive amounts of equipment and have Lord Vhon Buy it for Vale kingdom at market retail price. Elrick immediately understood what Lord Vhon was doing.
Elrick : " Deal!"
Lord Vhon : " Then youre in?"
Elrick : " Lordship; before the Battle of Twin Peaks I allowed an Unknown Group of Atlantian Adventurers to get slaughtered because I didnt want to give away our position. I am haunted by their screams! I know it was the correct tactical decision, but in my heart I feel dishonoured. I relish the opportunity to redeem myself and restore my Honour! We will kill these vile Demons and keep killing them until they loose their thirst for blood; we will cover the land with their corpses!"
It was all a lie of course; Elrick was putting on a show.
Lord Vhon : " We welcome you as Brothers in Arms!"
Elrick : " Lordship; As of this moment Im in your Service!"
After Elrick spoke he used the racial Magic Skill ?Aura Glow? to emphasize his resolve.
With Starlight Spark signed up the other Clan Chiefs quickly signed on even if for some it was only to learn the secrets of Starlight Sparks success.
- - -
Elrick didnt hesitate to sell all of the current Starlight Spark Combat Equipment at market retail price since it had been used against Demons giving 14% profit and bringing in 465 Gold Coins to the Cash reserves.
Elrick ordered 217 sets of Level 1 Magic Armour, 217 Military Grade Longbow & Arrows and 217 sets of Shield and Spears.
The cost would be of (217)X(3.25 + 2 + 0.56 + 0.62)X(0.86) = 1199.99666 Gold Coins.
The expenditure was massive but Elrick considered it minimal risk since the Lord of Vhon would purchase it all at 14% premium before the end of Open Beta.
- - -
Chapter 7: Precursor to War
- - -
= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
- - -
Chapter 7
Precursor to War
- - -
Part 1: Rules of Engagement
Part 2: Preparation meets Opportunity
Part 3: Courage
- - -
Part 1: Rules of Engagement
Elrick had made a significant investment in equipment without adequately consulting his Executives, but given how Elrick had been acting the Executives of Starlight Spark werent too concerned; they reasoned that Elrick wouldnt risk everything theyd Earned just to protect Vhon. They were right on the money; money being the operative word here.
The Elrick the Executives of Starlight Spark were seeing was different from the Quirky Guild Master they had known for years, and they wondered if this as perhaps the real Elrick or maybe the Result of a Confluence of Events. The consensus was that tragic circumstances with Elricks EX Elise, the Low sensitivity of the Immature High Elf and Elricks professional circumstances had combined to produce Elrick the Chairman & MD of Starlight Spark.
Elrick the Chairman & MD of Starlight Spark had proven to be reasonably Cold and Calculating; setting aside all emotional entanglements in order to have singular Focus on Achieving his Goals. And so the purchase of large amounts of expensive equipment in anticipation of a war with Demons that Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry couldnt beat in Mle had to have an extremely profitable angle.
The Executives of Starlight Spark understood that before his fall from grace Elrick had been a Rising Star of the Corporate Financial Sector in both London and Johannesburg. Elrick would have been in line for an Extremely Lucrative Employment Contract complete with Share Options in about 3 years, but all that went up in smoke when his Love-Life Blew Up.
- - -
The General Dealer couldnt buy the Level 1 Magic Armour and Military Grade Longbows in Vhon so he had to travel to the Vale Capital Valencia in order to purchase the desired equipment. This trip provided the General Dealer an opportunity to sell all the High Quality carcasses he had acquired from Starlight Spark at almost double the market price; double what he had paid for them.
Thanks to the dealings with Starlight Spark the General Dealer had been elevated in the business sector; A side effect that Elrick predicted. Thanks to the purchase order of Military equipment the General Dealer was now considered a serious businessman, and he could now get a lot of discounts on all other products he was buying for resale. However any further purchases would happen after the current security Crisis in Vhon.
The association with Starlight Spark had been very profitable for the General Dealer.
- - -
Once the General Dealer returned with the Equipment it was distributed to the members of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry. As Elrick inspected the new equipment he was wearing he noticed that all eyes were on him and he knew that it was time for him to explain his tactics, but such explanations would have to wait until he was certain that the new equipment had the correct properties.
Once again he read the Item descriptions.
|
~ Ding! ~
Level 1 Magic Armour
Level 1 Magic Armour is the Basic Recommended Military Combat protective Equipment. The Level 1 Magic Armour draws Mana from the installed 1000 Mana Crystal and uses it to create a Psionic Barrier around the wearer at a cost of 1 Mana per minute thus shielding against anything that does not exceed the Defensive Capacity of the Psionic Barrier.
The Level 1 Magic Armour also adds 5 EXP to Strength, Agility and Endurance when the Boost System is Active. The Owner should take caution with the use of the Boost System as it consumes 5 Mana per minute and extended use of the Boost System could deplete the Level 1 Magic Armours Mana Crystal. Owner is advised to have adequate supplies of 1000 Mana Crystals at hand.
Installed Components:
Active Systems:
|
And
~ Ding! ~
Level 1 Military Grade Longbows
Military Grade Longbow:
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- Max Range = 15km
?
- Recommended Armaments = Military Grade Longbow Arrows
Installed Components:
Active Systems:
?
- Targeting System
?
- Arrow Power Boost System
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- Arrow Guide System
Level 1 Military Grade Longbow is the Basic Recommended Military Combat Longbow. The Level 1 Military Grade Longbow draws Mana from the installed 1000 Mana Crystal and uses it to create a Psionic Targeting System at a cost of 1 Mana per minute thus allowing the user to Acquire and Designate Targets for Guided Runic Arrows. The Targeting System can also be used for standard Arrows.
Level 1 Military Grade Longbow also has an Arrow Power Boost System that adds EXP to Strength at a cost of 5 Mana per minute for every additional EXP added to Strength when Active. The Arrow Guide System that adds EXP to Dexterity at a cost of 5 Mana per minute for every additional EXP added to Dexterity when Active.
Owner is advised to have adequate supplies of 1000 Mana Crystals at hand.
|
Elrick : " Huh! Adequate supplies of 1000 Mana Crystals at hand?"
- - -
After making sure that things are as expected Elrick was now ready to unveil his Military Tactics. Elrick knew that the Executives of Starlight Spark were a little uneasy about spending nearly all their cash on equipment to combat a Vast and Terrifying Serpent-Men Army. However Elricks calm demeanour had served to assure them that everything would be fine.
Elrick was now ready to speak.
Elrick : " Its time to lay down the Rules of Engagement!"
The Executives of Starlight Spark and Raid Group Captains gather around Elrick.
Elrick : " Situational Awareness! That is whats going to determine the nature of our Engagements with our Serpent-Men Demon Adversary."
Bowden : " The Observation Attribute?"
Elrick : " The Observation Attribute would determine abilities in Scrutiny, Surveillance and Inspection. As Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry is dependent on Ranged Attacks Situational Awareness is critical; it enables First Look, First Shot. Unsurprisingly the large enemy Army also needs Situational Awareness, and that is why they sent Scouts ahead of the main Group. They need a constant assessment of Vhons War-Making capacity. And that makes them vulnerable to a Preamptive Attack! I suspect over the years of Combat the Demons have laid siege to Towns while the Humans coward inside Towns behind the safety of the Psionic Barriers. This pattern probably repeated itself hundreds of times; the Serpent-Men are likely to expect a repeat of other incidents in this regard."
Bowden : " You want to flip the script?"
Elrick : " Its a great chance!"
Axil : " The risk is Significant!"
Elrick : "Indeed!"
Grinder : " Then why risk it?"
Elrick : " While the risk is Significant it is not beyond our ability to mitigate!"
Swordin : " Whats the plan?"
Elrick : " The first thing we must do is limit the Situational Awareness of the Serpent-Men!"
Bowden : " Are you saying we should defeat the Scouts before the Army arrives? Is that the mitigation? The Serpent-Men Scouts are formidable!
Elrick : " Indeed; the Serpent-Men Scouts are formidable! In all likelihood their forces combined they are far beyond our ability to defeat; Hell even a group like the last one would be beyond us at close range. So we have to play to our strength. Force the enemy to make mistakes that turn the advantage in our favour."
Hammerin : " I take it you have a plan?
Elrick : " The Serpent-Men enemy will probably stage from just outside the range of Vhons Military Grade Theatre Defence Artillery, and that means the Serpent-Men Scouts are far more valuable than they seem; they are the Eyes and Ears of the Serpent-Men Army. It is the tactical weak-point of the Serpent-Men Army!"
Bowden : " Oh shit!"
Axil : " What?"
Bowden : " I know why he wants to remove the Serpent-Men Scouts!"
Swordin : " Well?"
Bowden looks at Elrick with a bold smile.
Bowden : " You want to move them Forward dont you?"
Grinder : " Move what Forward?"
Hammerin : " Vhons Military Grade Theatre Defence Artillery!
Elrick : " Its the only logical step!"
Bowden : " Will Lord Vhon agree to this?"
Elrick : " Im not talking about moving all of them; just 3 Theatre Defence Artillery Batteries and 3 Heavy Machine Guns."
Grinder : " 3 of the 12 Theatre Defence Artillery Batteries and 3 of the 18 Heavy Machine Guns isnt that bad!"
Elrick : " This only works if we catch them with their pants down, and that means removing the Serpent-Men Scouts."
Bowden : " How do we do that?"
Elrick : " We do the same thing we did at Twin Peaks; just on a larger scale! Use ourselves as bait to lure the enemy within Sight & Range of Vhons guns. First we have to cover the whole area around Vhon in smoke; force the Enemy Demons to move closer to fulfil their objectives. If we have to set fire to the whole area then thats what we have to do! We take away their cover and force them out into the open."
Bowden : " What if they dont take the bait?"
Elrick : " They can come closer or they can go further away; either way it achieves our objectives"
Bowden : " I see!"
Elrick : " Bowden; while I present my plans to the Lord and his military Heads as well as other Chiefs I want you to hire a few Local Scouts and Hunt in the nearby Forest; familiarize yourselves with the new equipment."
Bowden : " Isnt that a bit Dangerous?"
Elrick : " Not if you stay close to Vhons barrier! Besides the Serpent-Men Scouts are on an Observation mission and thus unlikely to initiate hostilities; they dont want to give away their positions. However in case they do attack fall back to within line of sight of Vhons Heavy Machine Guns. There is a forest out there thats Empty for fear of the Serpent-Men!"
Axil : " This new equipment is Mana Intensive we could Deplete the Mana Crystals before the real Battle begins? The 1000 Mana Crystals cost 25 Silver Coins Each!"
Grinder : " Hardly Cheap!"
Elrick : " Fortunately Vhons Security forces have a over 5000 basic 1000 Mana Crystals in store and "
Elrick is interrupted.
Hammerin : " And by joining Vhons defence militia we gain access to such Mana Crystals Supplies!
Elrick : " That includes Arrows! The official Vhon security forces equip Level 2 Gear or higher so they dont use the basic 1000 Mana Crystals anymore, and the Soldiers and Guards favour Machine Gun Rifles; so we have all the ammunition we need.
Swordin : " So thats why you bought this particular Equipment?"
Bowden : " Probably why you joined the Militia as well?"
Hammerin : " How did you come by this Information?
Elrick : " People who Greedily try to hold on to every cent will never understand the true Value & Power of Money!"
Axil : " Which is?"
Elrick : " What it buys!"
Grinder : " In this case information!"
Elrick : " I paid some people some money, and they paid officials for some tactical information."
Swordin : " Based on this you could make informed decisions. Ive always underestimated the value of information."
Elrick : " Money doesnt just buy goods and information it buys influence!"
Axil : " And in so doing Buys Power!"
Elrick : " Exactly!"
It was now clear what needed to be done, and Elrick headed off to meet with the other leaders while Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry went hunting.
- - -
Part 2: Preparation meets Opportunity
Upon arrival at the Lords manor Erick realised that he wasnt as early as hed hoped, and that meant he had missed his chance to present his plan privately. All if not most of the other Clan Chiefs were already there and he would have to weave through yet another round of endless introductions and Noble Courtesies before the meeting begins.
While examining the setting he was ushered to Lord Vhon and his military Heads for greetings.
Lord Vhon : " Ah! Chief Elrick; May I present my nephew Norin Vhon."
Elrick places his Right hand on his chest and bows.
Elrick : " It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Sir Vhon"
Sir Vhon : " Likewise Chief Elrick!"
Lord Vhon : " Norin is a Knight of Vale and the Commander of Vhons Guards!"
Elrick nods as Lord Vhon turns to his left.
Lord Vhon : " And this Noble Gentleman to my left is Sir Jove Valding; Knight of Vale holding the Rank of Lieutenant Colonel and is the Commander of Vales garrison in Vhon!"
Again Elrick places his Right hand on his chest and bows.
Elrick : " It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Sir Valding.
Sir Valding : " Good to meet you Chief Elrick!"
The mood relaxes but Elrick can sense that the two knights are not entirely pleased to have to exchange pleasantries with one officially not of their Social Rank.
Sir Vhon : " Whats it like Chief Elrick?"
Elrick : " What?"
Sir Vhon : " The body of a High Elf!"
Sir Valding : " Its incredibly puzzling that people can just wear the body of a being so well regarded and Noble!"
Elrick : " Speaking Honestly; its more than a little Disconcerting!"
Lord Vhon : " How so?"
Elrick : " Compared to my true body it has some unexpected properties."
Lord Vhon : " Does that mean you Regret choosing the High Elves of Light?"
Elrick : " We dont actually get to choose the type of Elf; just the Elf as a Race."
Lord Vhon : " Then its Fate!"
Elrick : " Your Lordship is correct in that regard!"
Lord Vhon : " Which on did you desire?"
Elrick : " Dark Elf!"
Lord Vhon : " Aha! You sought power!"
Elrick : " Yes your Lordship! I did not want to be weak in such an unforgiving world."
Lord Vhon : " Though it was not your hearts desire the High Elves of Light are Extremely Well Regarded and by that measure wield tremendous influence; which is also a type of power!"
Elrick : " Im beginning to understand that youre Lordship."
If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
The Lord continued to tell Elrick stories of High Elves healing the sick and abandoned, and to Elrick the High Elves began to sound more and more like Clergy.
- - -
Elrick laid out his plans before a War Council organized by Lord Marques Vhon. Until this point the Lord Vhon and his military Heads had simply assumed that they would come up with a Defence Plan and freely use the Clan Chiefs as needed; for that matter the other Clan Chiefs were prepared to go along with whatever Battle Plan Lord Vhon and his military Heads came up with.
As Elrick had predicted Lord Vhon and his military Heads were initially opposed to even listening to his Battle Plan let alone consider it as the main Battle Plan. However Elrick didnt give them the option of refusing to listen to his plan because even though they would not let him present his plan he pointed out so many holes in the Defence Plan being presented by Lord Vhon and his military Heads that they had no choice but to ask What would you do?
Thus in Answering their question Elrick Presented his Battle Plan. Elrick expected a lot of resistance to his Battle Plan from other users since his contribution would far exceed theirs, but his decision to forgo any recognition from Vale Kingdom and the possible recommendation for Knighthood had served to pacify their resistance; in their eyes he would do all the work and they would gain all the rewards.
Clever Tactical Manoeuvring on the part of Elrick had practically guaranteed that the other User Clan Chiefs would support him when the time came, and his actions to save the Local Hunters at the Battle of Twin Peaks bought him the respect of the local Clan Chiefs. Elrick had already outmanoeuvred Lord Vhon and his military Heads before the War Council even began.
Elrick had no qualms about expending that much political capital since his analysis indicated that it would be lost regardless, and instead he wanted to exchange it for something tangible; like Gold. Though like all Clan Chiefs he had received a system notice about preserving Clans after Open Beta for a modest fee of 10 Gold Coins Elrick didnt value the relationship with Lord Vhon and his military Heads beyond Open Beta.
To Elrick it was more important to reap the Benefits of Open Beta while preserving the Reputation of Starlight Spark than worrying about whether some Town lord felt Slighted. In Elricks mind if the Town of Vhon survived through the efforts of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry Lord Vhon and his military Heads would forgive him for any Slight.
Fortunately Lord Vhon whos Town was in a precarious situation recognized the validity of Elricks point of view and would not let his pride risk the potential survival of his fiefdom; much to the dismay of his military Heads. However once cooler heads prevailed the Vhon military Heads realized that Elricks Plan significantly reduce the risk to lives of their men, and that they welcomed wholeheartedly.
Elrick had somehow wormed his way to the centre, and his Battle Plan was now Vhons Defence Plan. Now the fortunes of thousands of inhabitants of Vhon rested on the quality of Elricks planning.
- - -
Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry returned to Vhon after the days hunting, and the hunting had been very successful; pleasing the Executives of Starlight Spark. The fact that they had no competition in the forests around Vhon gave them the best opportunity to hunt the best prey, and the fact that they were wearing Level 1 Military Gear meant that each Raid Group could hunt in a different location in relative safety.
Elrick had foreseen this circumstance, and the fact that Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry could gain over 70 Gold Coins from a single day of hunting was within his calculations. However Elrick recognized that training was the Goal, and he remembered that the fruitful hunting of the day was a Fortunate coincidence of when Preparation Meets Opportunity.
- - -
Part 3: Courage
With the members of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry joined by 2 Raid Groups from the Town Guards and 12 Scouts from the Hunters Clan the first phase of Vhons Defence Plan could begin. Thus at first light the group of 293 men set out to perform what would be a critical mission in the Area around Vhon; they could not afford to fail in this first task.
Despite the tension in the air Elrick seemed as calm as ever, but Bowden knew that deep down Elrick must be troubled.
Bowden spoke privately to Elrick.
Bowden : " How are you handling the Pressure?"
Elrick : " If it wasnt for this body I would be shitting my pants!"
Bowden : " Hahahaha! Is it really that bad?"
Elrick : " With the locals watching I have to put on this fa?ade of a Cool and Calm Clan Chief; is exhausting!"
Bowden : " Ill bet! But the body of the High Elf helps?"
Elrick : " I wouldnt be able to do this without it!"
Bowden : " So its not cursed after all!"
Elrick : " Oh its Definitely Cursed! But some curses have a level of usefulness."
Bowden : " And theyve certainly been useful to you!"
Elrick : " However if we encounter a Demon Strike-Force I will in all likelihood be amongst the first to die."
Bowden : " Is that what worries you?"
Elrick : " Im basically useless in Combat, and Ive made sure that members of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry understand that my death in combat isnt disastrous, but the Locals may react to my death in an unpredictable way; I hate unquantifiable intangibles!"
Bowden : " Youll just have to stay at the back where its safe."
Elrick : " Thats the other problem; I cant look like a coward in-front of the locals."
Bowden : " Sucks to be you! Hahahaha!"
Laughing out loud Bowden draws everyones attention; much to Elricks displeasure.
- - -
When the entire force is a kilometre outside the Barrier the Starlight Spark Force starts deploying Smoke Grenades releasing black smoke that concealed the entire group. Once concealed they began to dig holes measuring half a metre deep, and in the holes they placed Runic Mines. The Runic Mines placed in the holes could be remotely detonated so they were safe to handle.
Moving methodically they covered a 4km wide area around Vhon starting a kilometre from Vhons Barrier with mines. The black smoke concealed their activities from the Serpent-Men Scouts. Though the Serpent-Men Scouts undoubtedly knew that something was going on they could not risk coming into range of Vhons defensive instillations.
In the forest the Starlight Spark Force also deployed an unreasonable amount of Runic Mines that had been disguised to look like Ordinary Rocks. The forest around Vhon were covered with Runic Mines that when remotely activated would generate Runic Fire; essentially setting the entire area around Vhon alight with a fire that even rain could not quench.
The 1km area just outside the barrier had already been covered with small Runic Mines disguised as rocks; this was standard practise. Explosions immediately outside the barrier had to be small to avoid seismic damage to the Towns, so it was standard practise to use small Runic Mines disguised as rocks. What Elrick had done was simply to expand on that concept.
- - -
Phase 2 of Elrick required more than a Little Courage. First the Starlight Spark Force with the aid of other Clans deployed Smoke Grenades all over Vhon and that effectively covered all of Vhon in black smoke. The reason for covering Vhon in black smoke was to conceal the movement of Artillery emplacement positions. Ultimately this was the ace in the hole in favour of Elricks plans.
Rather than move the 3 Theatre Defence Artillery Batteries and 3 Heavy Machine Guns Lord Vhon decided to spend the 550 Gold Coins on a single 50km Range Military Grade Medium Artillery to fulfil Elricks Requirements. Even though the Military Grade Medium Artillery has the range to hit the Serpent-Men Army encampment a single Artillery Battery could not provide the saturation power necessary to force the Serpent-Mens withdrawal.
In the End Lord Vhon agreed to move 1 Theatre Defence Artillery Battery and 2 Heavy Machine Guns. And so while the Artillery emplacements were being repositioned the User Clans would have to provide a diversion. This is where a Little Courage became necessary because not everyone was keen to pick a fight with the Serpent-Men Scouts.
Elrick theorized that the Serpent-Men Scouts would not fight when pushed by the Force of User Clans numbering over 1700 supported by over 1900 Local Hunters. This was a show of force meant to intimidate the Serpent-Men Scouts into pulling back to at least 10km from Vhon; placing them more than half way between Vhon and the Serpent-Men Army Encampment.
The Serpent-Men Army was Encamped 25.67km from Vhon, and Arial Recognisance had revealed that they had settled in behind a mountain and were preparing themselves for a long drawn-out siege. Vhon mages were using Bird familiars for Arial Recognisance and because of this they could keep careful watch of the main Serpent-Men Army.
The Serpent-Men Scouts were a lot harder to track, and after the encounter with Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry the Serpent-Men Scouts were more cautious; moving their camps on a daily basis and always choosing hidden locations. To locate the Serpent-Men Scouts the Vhon mages deployed Dog, Fox, Rodent and Insect familiars to search all nearby hidden locations.
Gaining an animal familiar is high level Psionic Magic, and fortunately Psionic Magic isnt a Serpent-Men forte. Being a violent species the Demons would not invest precious resources such as the skills of a Psionic Mage in generating familiars of small animals. The Demons preferred Familiars that could be used in combat like Demon Wolves, Demon Bears and others.
And so the 3600 force set off from Vhon in groups of 900 on a search and destroy mission. Using dogs to track the scent of the Serpent-Men they were able to push the Serpent-Men Scouts from their position to over 11km from Vhon. As the Vhon militia moved they placed Runic Detectors equipped with Spell wards that are keyed to Demons.
No rational thinking creature would needlessly rush to their deaths, and so just as Elrick predicted the Serpent-Men Scouts didnt put up any kind of resistance to being pushed out of Vhons range. Elrick However found the lack of resistance from the Serpent-Men Scouts troubling; they seemed far too compliant in Elricks opinion. This wasnt characteristic behaviour from members of the Demon Race.
- - -
When the force returned to Vhon they celebrated the successful mission, and while the men & women went to pubs and taverns the Leaders met ad the lords manor. Elrick and Bowden were at the War Council to go over the finer details of the Defence plans.
Elricks quietness solicits an enquiry from Lord Vhon.
Lord Vhon : " You dont seem like a man pleased with his work? Everything has gone as planned; you should be relieved?"
Elrick : " Everything has gone as planned? My Lord; thats the problem!"
Lord Vhon : " Oh! You expected problems?"
Elrick : " Yes your Lordship! There should have been countermeasures from the Serpent-Men Scouts. They should have circled back but they havent!"
Lord Vhon : " Why is that a problem?"
Elrick : " Because it may mean that Ive overestimated the importance of the Serpent-Men Scouts!"
Sir Valding : " What are you saying? Everything weve done so far has been aimed at blinding the Serpent-Men army by removing their Scouts! We have hidden an Artillery 10km from Vhon at your urging?"
Lord Vhon : " Are you saying it may have been unnecessary?"
Elrick : " No! Lordship; everything weve done is necessary regardless of their tactics. What worries me is what their eventual battle plan will be? Why are they waiting to launch their attack?"
Sir Valding : " You could drive yourself crazy trying to decipher what goes on in the mind of a demon!"
Elrick : " Are there no other methods other than to breach the barrier?"
Sir Vhon : " None that is known to us!"
Elrick : " Their Runic Penetrators cant breach the barrier?"
Sir Vhon : " Not this Barrier!"
Sir Valding : " The Psionic Barrier has 2 layers; the first layer is the screener and the second is the Reactive Wall. The first layer triggers the penetration Runic Sigils and the Reactive Wall blocks what comes through. This is the Magical Technology of the Continentals after All!"
Elrick : " What about Chemical Weapons? Or even Biological Weapons?"
Sir Vhon : " The screener would pick them up and the Reactive Wall would enact necessary countermeasures!"
Elrick : " What about Runic Fire Artillery rounds?"
Sir Valding : " The screener would pick them up and the Reactive Wall would stop them and theyd bounce off giving the Machine guns the opportunity to destroy them!"
Elrick : " Something doesnt Add Up!"
Lord Vhon : " What are you looking for?"
Elrick : " Something that explains why the Serpent-Men Scouts would pull back."
Bowden : " Is it possible that they are expecting Heavy Fire support in the form of Dragon-Fire?"
Sir Vhon : " We havent detected Wyverns within a thousand kilometre range!"
Sir Valding : " The clock is ticking; the countdown has begun! We attack first!"
Lord Vhon : " This is your plan Chief Elrick!"
Sir Vhon : " If it works it will change how Vale deals with future Demon Attacks!"
Elrick : " Im worried that Im thinking conventionally rather than laterally! That because of it Im missing something crucial. The Demons are aware that you have Arial Recognisance?"
Lord Vhon : " There is nothing conventional about your thinking; it is the definition of lateral thinking."
Sir Vhon : " And yes they know that we maintain Arial Recognisance!"
Sir Valding : " However they make extensive use of Shadow Magic; so we dont know what they brought with them!"
Elrick : " So the question is what did they bring with them that can defeat a Town with a Psionic Barrier?"
Bowden : " How would you do it? How would you defeat a Town with a Psionic Barrier?"
Elrick : " The simplest option would be to Drop a mountain on the Town using Shadow Magic to drain my 10000 strong army of their Mana in order to power the Psionic levitation."
Everyone is surprised by how quickly Elrick came up with an effective way to defeat a Towns defences.
Sir Vhon : " Ah!"
Sir Valding : " Huh!"
Elrick : " The other options involve poisoning the water sources, infecting the local wildlife with infectious diseases and digging underneath the Town and placing a massive amount of explosives thus creating a seismic event. There are a number of other options but they are all essentially Scorched Earth policies."
Lord Vhon : " You can be very dangerous if you need to be?"
Elrick : " Lordship; I have found that people can do horrible things under the right circumstances."
Bowden : " I take it youve covered all the avenues you can think of in your plans?"
Elrick : " Yes; but I still get the feeling Im missing something."
Sir Vhon : " Theres nothing to be done about that now!"
Sir Valding : " The attack begins in 5 hours! All we can do now is prepare as best we can."
Elrick : " I suppose we have to trust that we have done enough to mitigate against all possible risks."
Lord Vhon : " Youve done exemplary work Chief Elrick!"
Elrick : " Thank you your Lordship!"
Elrick still had a nagging suspicion that he had missed one crucial detail, but he understood that this was not the time to go looking under rocks for answers. At his urging the Vhon Security Forces had planed to launch a surprise ranged attack on the Serpent-Men Army Encampment; a decisive first move.
- - -
Chapter 8: The Strands Linking Good and Evil
- - -
= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
- - -
Chapter 8
The Strands Linking Good and Evil
- - -
Part 1: Intervention
Part 2: Duty
Part 3: Carnage
- - -
Part 1: Intervention
At the Phoenix Consortiums Monitoring Centre they run an uninterrupted 24 hour schedule. The over 80000 units of the 8 AIVRE Systems distributed throughout the Major Financial Centres of the world are coordinated at Phoenix Consortiums Monitoring Centre. The AIVRE Systems are located at the Major Financial Centres in order to Guarantee Electricity and Internet Connectivity.
The Phoenix Consortium had spent an incredulous 1.25 Billion Dollars on 8 AIVRE Systems while other VR platform operators bought 1 or 2 AIVRE Systems. Simulating an entire galaxy required a ridiculous amount of computing power and the 8 AIVRE Systems with over 80000 units arranged to parallel process were barely enough to meet Phoenix Consortiums requirements.
Realm Eternal had to succeed. The Phoenix Consortium and others had invested an unreasonable amount of money in Realm Eternal and thousands of employees livelihoods were at stake; the leaders of Phoenix Consortium had to make Realm Eternal a financial success.
- - -
And so at Phoenix Consortiums Monitoring Centre there was a little more than consternation and concern as they watched the current situation unfold; a major war was brewing in the Realm Eternal and the system supervisors and operators at every level held a crisis meeting.
There are at least 75 line managers in the room. COO John Bernard signals that everyone whos supposed to be there has arrived; CEO Donald Wiseman speaks once everyone is in the room.
CEO : " So how bad is it?"
COO : " It looks like a war is about to break out in the middle of Open Beta"
CEO : " No chance the users will simply take it as something we put together?"
Manager 01 : " Sir; Realm Eternal is supposed to be a simulation, and so it will look bad if people think we can create something like a large scale war!"
Manager 21 : " Sir; The selling point has been that Realm Eternal is not a Game!"
Manager 41 : " The Users must be made to understand that we cant control what happens in the Realm Eternal."
CEO : " Why did we make it so that we have no environmental Control?"
COO : " It was the only way to create a Simulation that the Natives of the Realm Eternal would believe to be real"
Manager 07 : " We tried other methods but the AIs quickly picked up on the inconsistencies."
Manager 15 : " So we put together a completely realistic Alternate reality simulation."
COO : " To the Native Inhabitants the Arello Galaxy is real!"
CEO : " From what I understand thats the problem isnt it?"
Manager 01 : " Yes; the Demons are reacting to the introduction of users!"
Manager 03 : " The Demons were planning an attack but events forced their hand!"
CEO : " You didnt see this coming?"
Manager 09 : " The Data coming out of Realm Eternal is enormous! We didnt build a God program because we didnt want the problems associated with an overarching control program that the other VR platforms are experiencing."
COO : " We wanted it to look and feel like a natural occurrence!"
CEO : " I see why the others chose to make VR Games!"
COO : " Unlike an Alternate Reality Simulation VR Games are relatively easy to manage and construct."
Manager 51 : " You could populate a VR Game with simplistic NPCs that dont break their constraints."
Manager 67 : " The First group of Natives were actually Users Employed by us, and we used their brief time in Realm Eternal to map their personalities in order to use it as a basis for the Real Natives of Realm Eternal."
CEO : " And the Natives dont remember?"
Manager 34 : " To the Natives that was more than 3000 years ago"
CEO : " We cant use those options again?"
Manager 01 : " Once the Alternate Reality Simulation went active we could no longer interfere."
CEO : " If a large scale War breaks out a lot of users will have a Bad Experience; Bad Experiences are Bad for Business!"
COO : " Weve employed 32000 people at $450 a month to act as our Eyes & Ears and where necessary our Hands. They are like other users in the employment of companies, and the use the bulk of our 40000 linked Pods.
Manager 01 : " However the Phoenix Legions wont be combat capable for at least a year in Realm Eternal"
CEO : " Then we have to warn the Users!"
Manager 21 : " Warning them may interfere with their role playing experience, but if we dont warn then the natives will use them as cannon fodder."
COO : " Our Intel says that in 9 Towns the Users have all but taken control of the Towns defence."
CEO : " Famous Guilds from MMOs?"
Manager 42 : " In 8 of the cases but the ninth is an enigma"
Manager 37 : " Starlight Spark; Its the only User Clan to survive an encounter with Demons."
COO : " Didnt some of our Legions survive encounters?"
Manager 42 : " Yes but our legions have some of the best Gear money can buy; so Starlight Spark achieved what can be called a real victory"
Manager 37 : " 2 of the other 8 User Clans use similar tactics to Starlight Spark"
CEO : " Which ones?"
Manager 12 : " That would be The Crimson Hand and Winged Sage Falcros."
COO : " Isnt Winged Sage Falcros lead by the woman they call the Lady of Nora Lake?"
Manager 17 : " The very same! She was famous in Ancient Magic and was declared a Supreme Beauty at COMICON 2 years ago."
CEO : " You said something about similar tactics?"
Manager 37 : " They use poison Gas Grenades; all three have generated over 500 Gold using this method"
CEO : " Are we looking at an Alliance of Clans?"
COO : " If they gain more influence than our Phoenix Legions we will have no choice but to ask them for assistance in the future. We must make sure that our Phoenix Legions have the most influence with the Natives!"
CEO : " Are you thinking about starting a User War?"
Manager 05 : " The Phoenix Legions might get a Bad Reputation and we would loose our ability to influence the events."
Manager 01 : " A better option is to cooperate with this Alliance of Clans and any Future Alliances. Theres no gain for us if our Phoenix Legionnaires are sent to Chaos Island for Unlawfully Killing Users or worse Natives."
COO : " Then we reach out to them!"
CEO : " Especially this Lady of Nora Lake; someone with that kind of Star Power amongst Users can be very useful."
Manager 01 : " Understood!"
CEO : " Warn the Users about the War!"
COO : " Thats all for today!"
The crisis meeting was brought to an end.
- - -
Part 2: Duty
In the bunker that is the headquarters of the Vhon Garrison Elrick, Lord Marques Vhon, Sir Norin Vhon, Sir Jove Valding and a few other Clan Chiefs were watching Holographic Screens that streamed images generated by Runic Detectors from around Vhon. Elrick now understood why the first instinct of Vale officials was to pull back to the safety of the Towns; they had superior Situational Awareness.
The Runic Detectors were doing their job and from the safety of the Town they could monitor up to 50km around Vhon with relative ease. Elrick wondered if the Vhon official were watching the Battle of Twin Peaks from this bunker, and he cringed as he thought that Lord Vhon and the others were watching as he casually sacrificed a User Group in order to save his own skin.
Elrick looked at the clock
By Elricks reckoning they were under an hour from their attack. They would hit the Demons just as they were about to settle in for their morning sleep. Sir Vhon and Sir Valding had confident expressions, and it relieved Elricks heart to know that proper veterans had such confidence in his planning. Though skilled in information analysis Elricks isnt a Soldier and he knew it.
Suddenly something on the screens roused Elrick from his thoughts.
- - -
Right before their eyes a Darkness was rolling in. A Darkness was closing in on Vhon from all sides; starting some 5km from the edge of Vhons Psionic Barrier. Elrick immediately noticed the look of horror on everyones face and at that moment he knew that something horrific was underway. The speed of the Darkness left no room for hesitation; action had to be taken.
Elrick thought that its best to break the tension in the room.
Elrick : " Well thats a thing!"
Sir Vhon : " Thats too much Shadow Magic for Serpent-Men!"
Elrick : " So thats Shadow Magic?"
Lord Vhon : " Its called Shadow Cloak, but theres too much of it; more than Ive ever seen!"
Sir Valding : " That means the true source of Evil is about to Reveal Itself!"
Elrick : "Shouldnt we be taking action?"
Sir Vhon : " We dont have sufficient Light Magicto contain that much Shadow Cloak; the Psionic Barrier will stop it!"
Elrick : " Im not talking about the Shadow Cloak, Im interested in the ones producing the Shadow Magic."
Lord Vhon : " But our Runic Detectors cant locate someone using Shadow Cloak?"
Elrick : " Then we Use Area of Effect Attacks!"
Sir Valding : " Elrick; I like the way you thing! Well detonate the furthest Runes!"
Elrick : " Why not all the Runes outside?"
Sir Vhon : " An explosion that size would level !"
Lord Vhon : " Everything Outside!"
Sir Valding : " And the Vampires with it! Excellent! Brace yourself its gonna get a bit rough!"
Alarms go off as Sir Valding starts the count down to Detonation.
5.4 3 .2.1 .
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
GUGOOR! .. GUGOOR! .. GUGOOR! .. GUGOOR! ..
The entire Town shakes as the Psionic Barrier reflects the blast energy outside shielding the Town from the massive Explosion. Fire, Smoke and Dust form a mushroom cloud that rises to the skies around Vhon. A concussive wave spreads out in all directions; simulating high level Sound Magic that destroys everything in its path.
Elrick : " Are the detectors still operational?"
Sir Vhon : " No!"
Sir Valding : " Lieutenant; have the Mages use their Familiars to drop Fresh Detectors!"
Elrick : " Pin down the Main Army!"
Sir Vhon : " Yes; best not to let them take a breath!"
Lord Vhon : " Target main Army; Fire Artillery!"
Sir Valding : " Rockets; Fire!"
ROOSH!..... ROOSH!... ROOSH!...
DOOM!..... DOOM!..... DOOM!..... DOOM!.....
Rocket launchers and Artillery Cannons Fire.
As the attack on the Serpent-Men Army begins ahead of schedule Elrick focuses his attention on the displays, he recognizes that the Serpent-Men Army isnt the immediate threat; the Vampires outside the Gates are a more formidable foe than Elrick anticipated, and he believed that survival was impossible.
Elrick : " Why would the Vampires be leading the Serpent-Men Army?"
Sir Valding : " They are High Level Demons After all!"
Lord Vhon : " It explains the Wyverns!"
Elrick : " High Level Demons?"
Sir Vhon : " They are not Devil Spawn like the other Demons; like Dragons they are Elf-Born!"
Elrick : " Devil Spawn?"
Lord Vhon : " Its a sin that goes back to the First Age!"
Elrick recognized the phrase First Age; he had read about it in evaluator references, but there werent much further details. This was information relating to the activities of the Ancients.
Elrick : " First Age?"
Lord Vhon : " Right; you Atlantians arent versed in the history of the Arello Galaxy!"
Elrick : " Im afraid not your Lordship."
Sir Valding : " Some things are Shocking!"
Sir Vhon : " Prepare yourself!"
Lord Vhon : " The First Age of Civilization in the Arello Galaxy began with the Arrival of the Ancients some 170000 years ago! When the Ancients landed on Ado they found a Galaxy devoid of sentient life, and so the Ancients decided to populate Arello with a life-form they had encountered some 20000 years earlier; Humans. They used the Eldar Stones to transport the Humans to Ado. In the records of the Ancients they claim that they were surprised to discover that humans were so pliable."
Sir Valding : " Claim!"
Lord Vhon : " Yes; its a claim few believe! However they say that the humans that came through had been transformed into all manner of Beastmen leaving the Ancients no choice but to modify them in an effort to restore them to their pure human form; and thus began the Great experiment!"
Elrick : " They made more didnt they?"
Sir Vhon : " A lot more!"
Sir Valding : " They produced all kinds of Monstrosities!"
Lord Vhon : " In their experimentation they uncovered a powerful secret; an unexpected discovery they were compelled to exploit."
Elrick : " What was it?"
Lord Vhon : " Humans have a low SP, but as if in compensation they have something else!"
Elrick : " What?"
Sir Valding : " The power of Faith!"
Lord Vhon : " While this ability is mildly useful on Earth in a Mana Rich Environment The power of Faith showed its significance; humans could somehow transfer to each other. When you have Faith in another human you give that person power in the form of energy. To increase the potency of The power of Faith the Ancients created the Titans of the First Age! The Titans of the First Age were the First of the truly Enhanced Humans, and with the energy garnered from their followers Titans could conquer their environment. With their environment conquered the Titans proclaimed themselves Gods of men and Gods of Beastmen respectively; in the aftermath the swift enslavement of Human and Beastmen began. The Ancients declared the Titans a Failure and moved them and their followers to Sealed Worlds; worlds unknown to us. The Ancients started again with a new group of Humans in what we believe is the Second Age of Civilization, but they hadnt given up on making an advanced human and so from human they made Dwarves, then Elves and then they made many-many types of Beastmen including something called the Blood Imp; the Blood Imp was made by mixing Human and some kind of blood-sucking Leech. Surturs Race the Red Dragons mixed with the Blood Imp to produce the extinct race known as the Nephilim, and by mixing Nephilim and Night Elf the Blood Elf known as Vampires were born!"
Elrick : " Wait? Vampires are Blood Elves?"
Sir Valding : " I told you its Shocking!"
Before Elrick could query further everyones attention shifted back to the screens.
Sir Vhon : " What the hell is that?"
Lord Vhon : " Are those snakes?"
Sir Valding : " Not just snakes! Lizards, Spiders, Centipedes, Ants, Rats and other small creatures"
Elrick didnt hesitate and immediately sent word to Bowden whos on the wall via the Clan Communication System.
Elrick : " Bowden; Deploy the Carbon Dioxide and Poison Grenades! Cover the whole town starting with the area between the Wall and the Barrier; you have incoming in the millions."
Sir Vhon : " Heavy Machine-Guns; target the Area just outside the Barrier!"
Sir Valding : " Riflemen; to the wall!"
Sir Vhon : " Theatre Defence Artillery; your target is the Vampires!"
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Lord Vhon : " Elrick; is this what you were afraid of?"
Elrick : " Yes! My Lord; is the no way to stop the animals coming in?"
Lord Vhon : " The Psionic Barriers were designed to let small creatures through!"
Elrick : " Can the Vampires raise the dead through the Psionic Barrier?"
Sir Vhon : " Ah!"
Lord Vhon : " It cant be?"
Sir Valding : " So thats their plan!"
Elrick : " Sir Valding; How many Vampires do you think the Explosion killed?"
Sir Valding : " If we are lucky 2 thirds!"
Sir Vhon : " The Shadow Cloakwas meant to blind us to the creature attack!"
Lord Vhon : " The Shadow Cloak is still coming; though not as potent!"
Sir Valding : " Vhon should be covered in Darkness in 5 minutes!"
Sir Vhon : " Our explosion caught the Vampires by surprise; we wont be so fortunate a second time!"
Elrick : " I must return to the wall; if they try to raise the dead creatures my Light may be able to impede the necessary Shadow Magic!
Sir Vhon : " That would be useful!"
Lord Vhon : " Chief Elrick; Before you go let me acknowledge your efforts. By bravely stepping outside the Psionic Barrier and placing Explosives all around you have greatly contributed to the killing of Vampires; High Level Demons. Starlight Spark has Honoured its commitment to fight the Demons and in so doing you have fulfilled your obligations in terms of our Agreement! I therefore authorize the purchase of Starlight Spark Combat & Combat Related Equipment at market price."
Lord Vhon then started the money transfer and Elrick can see as the Agreed Upon Funds enters the Starlight account and that brings relief to Elricks heart.
Elrick : " Thank you my Lord! With this Acknowledgement Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry will fight to the Bitter End"
Lord Vhon : " We are grateful Chief Elrick!"
Elrick : "Lordship; Im confident that if the same privilege is extended to the other Chiefs of Atlantian Clans they would also fight to the Bitter End."
The other Chiefs of Atlantian Clans nod in acknowledgement of Elricks words; Indicating that like Starlight Spark they will fight to the very end.
Lord Vhon : " Understood; I will extend the offer to purchase Combat & Combat Related Equipment from Chiefs of Atlantian Clans at market price!
Elrick : " I am thankful your Lordship!"
Lord Vhon : " Is there anything else you need?"
Elrick : " My Lord; I ask that if the Atlantian Clans cannot hold back the torrent of enemies you not hesitate to evacuate."
Lord Vhon : " Abandon Vhon?"
Elrick : " My Lord; Vhon can be reclaimed at a later point. However the lives of the people are irreplaceable!"
Lord Vhon : " Rest assured Chief Elrick; I guarantee you that I will not hesitate to evacuate Vhon when it becomes necessary!"
Elrick : " Lordship; for our part we will hold them back as long as we can to give even Sir Valdings Soldiers and Sir Vhons Guards to retreat; we wont die in vain."
Sir Valding : " Good luck Chief Elrick!"
Sir Vhon : " Good Hunting!"
Lord Vhon : " Thank you for your service!"
Elrick : " Its been an Honour!"
With that Elrick and the other Chiefs of Atlantian Clans left the bunker.
- - -
The sight outside the bunker was more daunting than Elrick had anticipated; the Military Grade Theatre Defence Artillery seemed to be firing continuously and the larger Military Grade Medium Artillery could clearly be heard as it is significantly louder than Theatre Defence Artillery. The Military Grade Medium Artillery rang out like thunder as it targeted the Serpent-Men Army.
Elrick was a little taken aback by the darkness covering Vhon, and Elrick could feel the intense tension in the air. Elrick could feel that a surge of emotions was rising from the pit of his stomach; fortunately for Elrick the body of a High Elf allowed Elrick to compose himself. The other User Clan Chiefs were not so fortunate and most were visibly shaken by the scene unfolding before their eyes.
Vhon that had been an Idealic Town on the frontiers of Ado Civilization had been turned into a War-Zone. With Artillery and Heavy Machine Guns firing the peace of the town had been broken and heavily armed men and women roamed the once peaceful streets of Vhon. As Elrick made his way to Bowdens position he was somewhat relieved to see that most of Vhon was being covered by Carbon Dioxide and Poison Gases.
As Elrick went up the stairs of Vhons Protective Wall he noticed a system message.
~ Ding! ~
System Warning!
This is a Phoenix Consortium Warning:
?
- There is a large scale Military Conflict in the Realm Eternal.
?
- For User Safety the Phoenix Consortium is recommending that all users not wishing to take part in a major war should Log-Out and return to Atlantis.
?
- Those wishing to preserve their Items for resale they should immediately use the teleport system to directly return to Atlantis.
?
- Please note that once the particular Town youre in comes under attack you wont be able to Log-Out.
?
- The Phoenix Consortium will not take responsibility for any loss of items or pain & suffering suffered in Realm Eternal.
?
- The Phoenix Consortium is not responsible for the current situation; this is not an EVENT Created by the Phoenix Consortium!
?
- This is a WAR!
|
Upon reading the system notice Elrick realized that Demon attack had to be far larger than just a few towns in the Knox Continent to warrant an intervention from the Phoenix Consortium.
?Elrick : " The Crisis must be far Greater than I believed!?
Elrick began to think about the reasons the Phoenix Consortium would take the unusual step of informing all the Users that there is a War Situation and even take the further step of advising the Users to Log-Out. It then occurred to Elrick that the Phoenix Consortium has very little control if any of Events in Realm Eternal, and he knew that there was an opportunity.
?Elrick : " The Phoenix Consortium has no control over what happens in the Realm Eternal and that means its everybodys game!?
Elrick had just realized a very important clue to the structure of Realm Eternal, and immediately Elrick recognized that in all likelihood he was not the only one who had seen through the structure of Realm Eternal; meaning that the others would move to take advantage.
?Elrick : " If the Phoenix Consortium isnt in control then those with power will try to carve out their own peace of Realm Eternal?
Elrick understood that Governments that could not afford their own VR systems would notice this turn of event and use this opportunity to establish a foothold in Realm Eternal. The Governments may even establish City States in Realm Eternal; major corporations may do the same and that would make it difficult for small scale operators to gain ownership of Towns and cities.
?Elrick : " I have to re-evaluate some of my plans?
Elrick had arrived and he could see Bowden.
- - -
Part 3: Carnage
Everyone was horrified by the scene of a swarm of Snakes, Lizards, Spiders, Centipedes, Ants, Rats and other Small Creatures breaking through the Psionic Barrier. Because of the Shadow Cloak it wasnt possible to see outside the Psionic Barrier but once the creatures came through the Psionic Barrier it looked like a Wall of Small Creatures.
Fortunately Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry had already deployed their Gas Grenades and a few meters into the barrier the leading edge of the Wall of Small Creatures began to collapse. However to Elricks dismay the Wall of Small Creatures started looking more like a Flood of Small Creatures, and even as the leading edge of creatures collapsed a new wave simply rolled over them.
Elricks assessment of the situation meant that they had an initial defence from the Flood of Small Creatures, but by Elricks estimation the Layer of Gases would not be sufficient, and Elrick was more concerned about yet another Flood of Undead Small Creatures. To Elrick and the other Clan chiefs the Flood of Undead Small Creatures was a far more daunting prospect.
The problem was that Elrick had depleted all of Vhons Runic Fire Stones Mines setting fire to the area around Vhon, and that meant that Vhon was in no position to defend against the Flood of Undead Small Creatures. Fortunately Vhon mages believed that the casualties taken by the Vampires meant that they lacked the numbers to create the Flood of Undead Small Creatures.
- - -
Nonetheless the Wave of Small Creatures inched closer and closer to the walls of Vhon.
Elrick : " Bowden; Deploy another layer round of Carbon Dioxide and Poison Grenades!"
Bowden : " Shouldnt we use incendiaries?"
Elrick : " Lets save the remaining incendiaries for once they come over the wall"
Bowden : " Understood! Cannons; Fire Second Round!"
Axil : " They are endless!"
Grinder : " Its a good thing the Lord decided to pay beforehand because we are so dead!"
Swordin : " Not without a fight though! Not without a fight!"
Elrick : " Bowden; we have orders to support the Theatre Defence Artillery in targeting the Vampires"
Bowden : " Cavalry; Lay down Runic Suppression Fire at 7km"
Vava : " Will do sir!"
The entire Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry arm Runic Arrows provided for Vhons Defence.
VROOM!.... VROOM!.... VROOM!.... VROOM!.... VROOM!.... VROOM!....
The Runic Arrows strum through the skies as they head-out to find their marks.
- - -
There is a tense atmosphere as all those on the wall restrain themselves from opening fire on the Flood of Small Creatures; Users, Soldiers, Guards and Local Hunters are all waiting patiently on the wall. Everyone can see the Flood of Small Creatures and even though it unnerves them they all recognize that its best to let the poison gas deal with the Flood of Small Creatures until they reach the wall.
Every now and then a flying or jumping creature makes it to the wall but its swiftly cut down by the Machine Gun Rifle Fire of the Guards or Soldiers. When Elrick looked over to the people around him he realized that even though they were terrified by the Flood of Small Creatures rolling in on them there was a lot of resolve in their eyes.
When Elrick decided that Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry would fight to the bitter end he expected all of them to be killed; a complete wipe-out. Elrick believed that it was necessary that they all experience death at least once during this open beta; he wanted all those around him to experience a Realm Eternal death despite having worked hard to avoid it until this point.
In Elricks mind experience is the best teacher.
- - -
While Elrick was pondering his impending virtual death Arvin the Alchemist came flying in.
Hammerin : " Telekinesis!
Bowden : " So hes a Psionic Mage as well?"
Elrick : " Looks like it!"
Arvin lands in-front of Elrick.
Arvin : " Ive found you!"
Elrick : " Mr Arvin; whats wrong?"
Arvin : " When I saw the foggy gas around Vhon I guessed your plan against the Wave of Small Creatures."
Elrick : " You could sense the Flood of Small Creatures coming due to your Psionic Magic."
Arvin : " I can also feel the Psionic Magic directing the Small Creatures, and thats why Im here; I have a plan to stop the Small Creatures from being raised once they die"
Elrick : " That would be very helpful"
Arvin the Alchemist takes out a Magic Chest out of an Inventory Bag.
Arvin : " This Magic Chest is filled with Light Magic Rune Stones I just Acquired from Vhons Armoury; theyre usually powered by the Light Mages at the Adventurers Guild but since they are busy keeping the Shadow Cloakfrom interfering with the Teleport System youll have to power the stones."
Elrick : " How much Mana are we talking about?"
Arvin : " 400"
Elrick : " I only have 241 MP"
Arvin : " The rest will come from your HP."
Elrick : " My HP?"
Arvin : " Thats why I brought ample amounts of Recovery potions"
Elrick : " I see!"
Arvin : " The stones are like the grenades well need a lot, and well have to cover a large area, but every covered area keeps the Small Creatures from turning into Undead."
Elrick : " Understood! Bowden; Ill have to be immobile so youll see to things?"
Bowden : " Got it!"
Elrick : " As soon as each rock is filled youll deploy it!"
Bowden : " Promptly!"
Elrick : " Then Mr Arvin; lets begin!"
Then Arvin places the stone on Elricks Chest while placing another hand on Elricks forehead.
Arvin : " Elrick; This will hurt a little!"
Elrick : " Im ready!"
Arvin : " ?Light Drain?!"
Elrick : " Ah!"
Elrick experiences pain as the stone placed on his chest glows as it is filled with Light Magic. Once the stone is filled Arvin hands a drowsy Elrick a potion to drink.
Arvin : " Drink!"
The Stone filled with Light Magicis given to Bowden who then passes it on to one of those operating the Grenade launcher cannons.
Once Elrick recovers another stone is filled with Light Magic the same way. Elrick passes the time when his body recovers by talking with Arvin.
Elrick : " How long will the stones last?"
Arvin : " About seven to ten hours!"
Elrick : " What happens then?"
Arvin : " Reinforcement should arrive by then."
Elrick : " Why would the Vampires attack Towns on Knox? Do you think they have a base here?"
Arvin : " Oh! I heard from my Father that the Asgard Continental Republic has mobilized its Armies"
Elrick : " The Continental?"
Arvin : " This attack is on a planetary scale; the casualties on Grandeur are Extensive!"
Elrick : " What?"
Arvin : " The Alvs, the Dark Elves and the Light Elves are off-world dealing with the problem at the source."
Elrick : " What do you mean at the source?"
Arvin : " Apparently a 200 strong Dark Elf expedition to an unknown planet stumbled upon a Vampire Base; Hundreds of millions of them along with Billions of their Food Source the Devils."
Elrick : " Food Source?"
Arvin : " Oh! Devils exist primarily to serve as a Food Source for the Vampires. Devils were made by Red Dragons to be a Dragon food source, but the female Devils were useful as breeders for new types of Demons."
Elrick : " Devils Spawn?"
Arvin : " So youve heard about it? All the lower level Demons are Devils Spawn!
Elrick : " So thats what they meant."
Arvin : " Anyway the 200 strong Dark Elf expedition took heavy casualties and only about 107 made it out of that world. The Dark Elves arent used to taking a beating, but the sheer numbers of Vampires made it impossible for the 200 Dark Elves to handle. Once the Vampires were discovered they launched a large scale attack on Ado."
Elrick : " A pre-emptive Attack!"
Arvin : " They are using a tactic the Continentals had never considered!"
Elrick : " It worked?"
Arvin : " Hundreds of millions are already dead on Grandeur, and on Knox entire Towns have been wiped out."
Elrick had heard the True strategy of the Demons. The Armies showing up on the outskirts of Towns and Cities were simply subterfuge meant to force people to cower behind the Psionic Barriers where they would be vulnerable to the real attack.
- - -
Chapter 9: Fire and Ice
- - -
= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
- - -
Chapter 9
Fire and Ice
- - -
Part 1: Phoenix Legion
Part 2: Blizzard
Part 3: Essence of Fire
- - -
Part 1: Phoenix Legion
They had been at it for hours with no rest and fatigue was beginning to set in. Elrick hoped that they had some sort of stale mate but in his heart of hearts he new that even if they held beck the torrent of small creatures the Demons would respond with another tactic. And so when snow began to fall Elrick knew that this was yet another turn in the relentless tide.
Elrick : " Hehehehe!"
Elrick let out nervous laughter that sounded more like a squeal; catching Arvins attention.
Arvin : " Elrick?"
Arvin had thought that he had done something to cause Elrick to squeal, but after noticing Elrick looking up he understood that it was despair. Elrick quickly composed himself.
Elrick : " Bowden; Concentrate Runic fire at 75 metres inside the Psionic Barrier! Drop incendiaries over Vhons walls 25 metres should be fine!"
Bowden : " Understood!"
Arvin was pleased that despite Elricks despair his judgement was precise and unaffected.
Arvin : " As expected an Eastarli; focused!"
John Maud : " If you stop firing at them the Vampires will get closer! The suppression fire is whats keeping them at bay!"
Elrick : " And you are?"
John Maud : " Im John Maud of the of the Phoenix Legions; Commander of the Seventh Legion"
Elrick : " Im Elrick Starlight of the Starlight Clan! This is Mr Arvin"
As Elrick and John Maud shook hands Elrick noticed that all the members of the Seventh Phoenix Legion were wearing Level 2 Armour and he understood who he was talking to.
Arvin : " Its snowing!"
Arvin spoke as he shook Johns hand.
John Maud : " Ah; I see!"
Elrick : " Youre the Evaluators! What can you tell us about the current enemy?"
John Maud : " Not much Im afraid! We were on an Island under the supervision of the Continentals. In RET we spent about 534 days evaluating the various Avatar Races. We mostly battled low level Demons so we never had to deal with Vampires or Wyverns; the Continentals took care of those. However I can tell you that to make it snow in the tropics requires Extraordinary Magic."
Arvin : " King Rank Magic!"
Elrick : " King Rank Magic? Are you saying that there is a Vampire Lord out there?"
John Maud : " Knox is split in half by the equator and that makes it relatively warm. Under normal circumstances Master Mages can summon a Snowstorm but to make it snow in the tropics this far from the coast youd need to affect the weather on a massive scale; they are probably using the Magic Spell ?Blizzard?."
Arvin : " The Mana requirements of ?Blizzard? are beyond the abilities of most Master Mages."
Elrick : " Then what do we do?"
John Maud : " It depends on the number of Master Mages accompanying the King Rank Mage. If theres enough we will freeze to death in about 4 hours."
Elrick : " Are you saying we should evacuate?"
John Maud : " According to my information the Demons are using Shadow Cloakto interfere with teleportation all over Ado. Even the Asgard Continental Republics territory on Grandeur is under attack; its a full scale attack!"
Arvin : " No one ever anticipated such an Asymmetrical Attack! Who would have imagined that small creatures could be so dangerous? The Vampires must have cultivated them for years with the purpose of using them in this way. As bad as things are on the Knox Continent its far worse on the Grandeur Continent; Entire Countries have already fallen!"
Elrick : " To breed billions of small creatures just for this one attack?"
John Maud : " Its unimaginable!"
Arvin : " My Father says we are fortunate that the Dark Elves stumbled upon them; forcing them to act before their plans were complete. The Tens of Billions of Small Creatures could have been Hundreds of Billions of Small Creatures. They attacked at nightfall on Grandeur so there was no warning in the form of a Shadow Cloak. Towns suddenly found themselves overrun by millions of Small Creatures. The Asgard Continental Republic sent the Alvs, the Dark Elves and the Light Elves off-world in order to keep the Vampires from deploying their Armies on Ado. The Midgard Human, the Dwarves and the remaining Elves have deployed in response to request for assistance from Grandeur Nations."
Elrick : " That means Knox isnt a priority?"
Arvin : " Father says that the Fire Elves will come even if its only to kill Vampires; their hatred of Vampires runs deep!"
John Maud : " It goes back to the killing of the Elf-Dragon King of Fire!"
Arvin : " Thousands of years ago the Fire Elf King known as the Elf-Dragon King of Fire was considered the most powerful on Ado, and he lead many of the off-world expeditions to Alfheim with the objective to reclaim it. However the Demons had already claimed it for themselves and so the Elf-Dragon King of Fire raised an army from the Elf and Midgard States to reclaim Alfheim."
Elrick : " States?"
John Maud : " The Asgard Continental Republic is a Federation of States; 7 Elf Kingdoms, 3 Dwarf Nations, 5 Midgard Human Nations and the Alv Republic."
Elrick : " Oh!"
Arvin : " In any case the Army lead by the Elf-Dragon King of Fire suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Vampire Armies."
Elrick : " Isnt Fire more powerful than Ice? And why didnt the Alvs join in?"
Arvin : " Under normal circumstances Fire is more powerful than Ice, but in terms of Large scale area of effect Ice has a far larger resource pool. By tapping into the Environment the Vampires turned the Climate to their favour and the Army lead by the Elf-Dragon King of Fire was slaughtered; feasted upon! Its a humiliation the Fire Elves have never recovered from."
John Maud : " The Alvs didnt join the Campaign because the Light Elves deemed Alfheim a lost cause."
Arvin : " The Light Elves were few in number and King Eldorin would not risk the lives of his Kin on what he labelled Adventurism; the Golden Alvs being logic driven like the Light Elves came to the same conclusion and that meant the Alvs were out. The Dark Elves only respond to the call of the Light Elves so that meant they were also out. The Fire Elves have never forgiven the Light Elves."
Elrick : " Why do the Dark Elves only respond to the call of the Light Elves?"
John Maud : " Kinship!"
Arvin : " We dont know the Details but Dark Elves and Light Elves Consider each other to be Kin; Two Halves of the same thing!"
Elrick : " Is that so?"
Arvin : " As one of the Eastarli theyll probably let you into their Exclusive Libraries; you can learn about their history if you have the patience."
Elrick had just heard an important clue about the Light Elves and their relationship with Dark Elves, but most importantly about the existence of race specific Exclusive Libraries. From the looks of things John Maud who is a Half Elf hadnt known about these specific Exclusive Libraries.
John Maud : " Exclusive Libraries huh!"
Elrick : " What the hell?"
Arvin : " Ice worms!"
Suddenly swarms of white worms came through the Psionic Barrier and they seemed to be swimming on the recently fallen snow.
Just as Elrick was contemplating his next move he noticed an environmental pop-up.
~ Ding! ~
Weather Alert!
?
- You are in a Blizzard; seek shelter!
?
- Every Minute spent in the Blizzard will cost 15 HP.
|
Elrick had been feeling cold and that message explains it.
Elrick : " Fucken Blizzard! Its a Kobayashi Maru!"
- - -
Part 2: Blizzard
Elrick was looking at the swarms of Ice Worms and of particular concern to Elrick was that the Ice Worms seemed unaffected by the Carbon Dioxide and Poison Gases.
Elrick : " Bowden; Acid Grenades!"
Bowden : " Got it! Canons; Fire Acid Grenades! Archers; lay down Runic Acid!"
As always the members of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry immediately reacted to Bowdens orders and this simple shift in tactics managed to stall the advance of the Ice Worms.
But Elrick knew that this was a temporary fix and the bigger problem that is the Blizzard would not go away.
Arvin : " Good call; the Ice Worms dont breathe and get what they need from the Ice itself."
Elrick : " How are they getting so many small creatures here so Fast?"
Arvin : " Its the high level Shadow Magic Skill ?Phantom Shift?; a more powerful form of ?Phantom Step?. ?Phantom Shift?is not very comfortable but its effective. This is not the kind of Magic Skill you get by dabbling in Shadow Magic you have to be a true practitioner. You will find that there are Light MagicSkill equivalents that are more Comfortable and easier to Acquire with the trade-off being Higher Mana Requirements."
John Maud : " Could it be that the teleport systems use Light Magic?"
Arvin : " Its a Combination of Magic types that uses Light Magic as its Core!"
Just then one of the Town Guards approaches Elrick and those around him as Arvin continues to fill the stones with Elricks Light Magic.
Guard : " Strategist; Sir Vhon Advises you to pull the Atlantian Clans out of the blizzard where they can Recover."
Elrick : " Understood! Inform Sir Vhon and Sir Valding that I will begin a rotation of Atlantian personnel on the wall. We will draw down to a third and rotate every 30 minutes."
The Guard nods and begins communicating through a crystal. From what the guard is saying Elrick notes that the Guard is not in direct communication with Sir Vhon but with a communications officer in the bunker.
Guard : " Im to inform you and the other Chiefs of the Heated Locations that will serve as Shelters along the wall"
The Guard hands Elrick and John Maud maps of Vhon with a number of Places Marked; indicating Shelter Locations.
Elrick : " Thanks!"
Guard : " Thats all then; Im off!"
The Guard leaves and Elrick and John Maud pass the maps to their respective subordinates and they use clan communication systems to pass the word.
John Maud : " The Level 2 Gear were using has higher levels of environmental protection so we can set our rotation time to an hour. We would be willing to take over for starlight while you rest up!"
Elrick : " That would be helpful; Thanks!"
John Maud : " Most of the Phoenix Legions use Machine Gun Rifles and make little use of the Military Grade Longbows and that means that the Runic Ammunition will only be about 0.52% as effective as the Runic Arrows; when comparing each Arrow to each Bullet."
Elrick : " What do you need?"
John Maud : " Access to your Gas Powered Grenade Launchers."
Elrick : " Would you need a few people to help you operate them?"
John Maud : " That would be helpful!"
Elrick : " Well rotate Canon Operators to help you use them!"
John Maud : " Thanks!"
With that Elrick gave the instruction for nearly 95% of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry to withdraw to the Shelters in order to Recover from the cold, the other Clan chiefs left a third of their forces on the wall sending the rest to their designated shelters; resting from the brunt of the Cold.
- - -
Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry had been divided into their Raid Groups in order to cover most of Vhons Encircling Wall and because of their designated positions on the wall their designated Shelter would need to be close to their position on the wall. All the Raid Group Captains had to go where Bowden and Elrick were sheltered in order to review strategies.
When Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry reached their 5 designated Elrick received status reports on the wellbeing of the members of the Starlight Clan. Most of the Clan Chiefs that werent on the wall deliberately gathered in the same Shelter along with their respective Clan Executives. The Clan Chiefs wanted to share information and flesh out any further changes in Strategy.
Elrick was not so arrogant as to assume that the other Clan Chiefs did not have valuable inputs, and as they all huddled around the provided Mana Stoves he explained about the Large Scale Global Attack by the Vampires, the likely presence of a Vampire Lord outside Vhon and the mobilization of the Asgard Continental Republics Armies.
Elrick then listened intently to the inputs from the other Clan Chiefs. Of particular interest to Elrick was their assessment of the situation on the wall, and the overwhelming feeling is that they would not be able to hold should Elricks measures against the Small Creatures Fail. The Clan Chiefs commended Elrick for Starlight Sparks use of Carbon Dioxide and Poison Gases to block the waves of Small Creatures.
Elrick expressed his concern that he was forced to remove Ranged Suppression Fire Support and that meant that the Vampires now had more room to manoeuvre. Elricks other concern was Vhons ammunition Stockpiles, and he informed the other Clan Chiefs that Vhons Ammunition Stockpiles were based on Sustained Supply Lines from the Kingdom of Vale but with Grandeur under attack the Supply Lines have been disrupted.
Once Elrick mentions concerns with Vhons Ammunition Stockpiles to the Clan Chiefs he immediately notices a wave of gloom wash over them. Elrick understood their glum demeanour and up until the Blizzard he had thought that they could hold out against the Demons, but once the Blizzard hit Elrick understood the situation to be impossible; a Kobayashi Maru.
- - -
After several rotations it looked like the situation had settled and Elrick could see relief in the faces of everyone around him. However had never believed in luck and he liked the fact that there was no luck system in Realm Eternal; it validated his own belief that there is a quantifiable level of predictability in all systems that is the basis for Nature.
Therefore Elrick expected that the Vampire strategy would predictably shift in reaction to actions he had taken. He had gassed the Small Creature and the Vampires responded by the Blizzard and Ice Worms and now that he had used Acid on the Ice Worms the Vampires were sure to respond in some terrifying way. The cold was growing more intense and that meant the clock was ticking.
The people of Vhon had no escape from this nightmare; there was no word on the fates of those who had been evacuated back to Grandeur. In all likelihood most would have perished during the waves of Small Creatures that had invaded Vale Towns and Cities. The Young and Elderly that had been evacuated to vale would have been amongst the first victims if they were housed in temporary shelters.
Vale like the other Kingdoms relied heavily on the Psionic Barriers, and as such would have seen no need to have adequate Shelters meant to protect against waves of Small Creature. The use of Small Creature by the Demons is an expectable result of security complacency; arrogance and overconfidence would have lulled many into a false sense of security.
Everyone would have forgotten that Red Dragons possess High Intelligence and Vampires are Elf Born; making them Half-Elves. Everyone would have forgotten that at the top Demon power was the High Intelligence of the Dragons and the Elves. Even the venerable Continentals would have underestimated the capabilities of their enemies; a mistake they would now pay for.
All over Ado people would be reminded that the low level demons are but foot soldiers of the Demon Race that has essentially conquered the Galaxy. The people of Ado would remember that the Age of Reason has long since fallen; leaving chaos that has stubbornly persisted for thousands of years. Even as they weep for their fallen loved ones they would know that their complacency made the deaths inevitable.
- - -
At the Bunker Lord Vhon had seen The True Measure of Courage. Lord Vhon recognized that the Atlantian Adventurers Freezing in the Blizzard without adequate protection from the elements werent doing for the promised 2 Gold Coins; they sis it because it needed to be done, because they answered a Call to Arms, to honour a civilized peoples duty to one another and finally because they have the Courage of Convictions.
At that moment Lord Vhon understood the effect the Atlantian Adventurers would have on Ado. The Atlantian Adventurers would remind the people of Ado about the Courage of Ancient Times when men ventured into the wilderness, when courageous men & women pushed back the frontiers of the unknown and established a civilized order on Grandeur.
Lord Vhon understood that the Atlantian Adventurers would ignite the passion for Adventure and begin a new age of conquest. Lord Vhon hoped that Atlantian Adventurers will start the process of taking back the continents of Ado that are teeming with monsters. The Atlantian Adventurers who have no fear of death would venture into the unknown.
- - -
Half of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry was on the wall and Elrick was with them. Thanks to the well equipped 320 strong 7th Phoenix Legion Starlight was able to bring out half of its force despite the colder environment in response to an increase in the number of Ice Worms coming through Vhons Psionic Barrier. Elrick didnt like what he was seeing; he didnt like it at all.
Vhon was now covered by 2 metres of snow; everything was white. They had been at it for hours and fatigue was setting in; making it more and more difficult to maintain the watch. The Sky is Black and the ground is white but the most disconcerting is the constant ringing of explosives; Runic Arrows, Runic Bullets and Runic Artillery Rounds.
The fact that Vhon was now covered by 2 metres of snow meant that the Ice Worms could now more easily swim under the acid layers and it was becoming more and more difficult to restrict them to within the first 100 metres inside the Psionic Barrier. The fact that the full force could not be deployed on the wall meant that more Ice Worms were slipping through forcing the Guards, Soldiers and Militia to engage.
- - -
Elrick was watching in dismay as all his planning was being undone by the combination of the Blizzard and Ice Worms. And now something new was coming up.
DOOM!..... DOOM!..... DOOM!..... DOOM!..... DOOM!..... DOOM!.....
Elrick : " Mother-Fucker!"
Bowden : " What is it?"
Arvin : " Its the spell ?Ice Spear?; at that level it looks like Master Rank ?Ice Spear?!"
Elrick : " Endgame!"
DOOM!..... DOOM!..... DOOM!..... DOOM!..... DOOM!..... DOOM!.....
Bowden : " Looks like a lot of ?Ice Spear?s; are they tiring to bring down the Barrier?"
Arvin : " Its more likely the ?Ice Spear?are meant to add to the ?Blizzard?thereby hastening Vhons defeat!"
Elrick : " So this is your Final Move?"
Bowden : " Elrick?"
Elrick : " Hehehehe!"
As the situation grew grim Elrick seemed to have resigned himself to his fate even as more and more Ice Worms reached the wall.
- - -
As Elrick stared blankly into the field of Battle the sound of cannons and Heavy Machine Guns could not be ignored; it drowned out everything. Men yelling could be heard all over the wall; clan chiefs were giving orders to their men. When Elrick looked around him he realized that it was indeed the End, and all that remained was a question of Valour.
More and more of the Ice Worms were coming up the wall and soon the wall would be overrun. However there was still a Trump Card; Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry had thrown Incendiary Gas Grenades over the wall, and even though the area was covered in snow its still combustible. The big problem is that once the Trump Card was used the last line of defence was gone.
Elrick was hesitant to use the Trump Card as he knew that once used it would come down to swords and spears, but the inevitable could not be Avoided Forever.
- - -
Elrick realized that Arvin finished making light grenades a while ago and had been assisting on the wall.
Elrick : " Mr Arvin; Its time for you to Go!"
Arvin : " But I can still help!"
Elrick : " Youve done enough Sir! This is our moment!"
Arvin : " Good Hunting!"
Arvin the Alchemist reluctantly left; flying towards Vhons Adventurers Guild Tower. Elrick could see John Maud coming over to him. Elrick had sent the signal calling all Atlantian Clans to the wall and as they came up the wall they looked dejected; hanging their heads in defeat.
John Maud : " So its that time?"
Elrick : " It has to be!"
John Maud : " We had a good run!"
Elrick : " If this is to end then we will End like men; on our Feet!"
Bowden : " Valour!"
John Maud : " A knight is sworn to Valour!"
Bowden and John Maud smile at each other seemingly relishing the Idea of close quarter combat.
- - -
Part 3: Essence of Fire
When the number of Ice Worms coming over the wall was in the thousands Elrick knew that it was time.
Elrick : " Bowden; its time!"
Bowden : " Archers; Runic Arrows find your mark!"
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
As the Runic Fire Arrows landed just 25 metres from the wall there is a massive explosion of Fire as the Incendiary Gas Combusts. Thousands of Ice Worms are singed and thrown into the Air and there is a pause as no Ice Worms reach the wall due to the fire. For a moment the cold of the Blizzard is abated and Elrick can feel heat on his face.
An extraordinary scene of Fire on Ice is witnessed; a Beautiful Scenery no one expected. There are Two Lines on the Wall; Atlantians with Shields Swords, Spears, Axes and Knives on the First Line and natives with Bows and Machine Gun Rifles on the Second Line. Elrick looks at Bowden and nods triggering Bowden to Start hitting his spear against his shield. This starts a chain reaction that all those on the First Line emulate.
The sound of clinging metal reverberates throughout Vhon. This action boosts the morale of the men & women on the wall; psyching them up for the coming battle. The clinging of metal also lets the people of Vhon know that the Final Battle is about to begin. It is a signal for all non-combatants to head towards Vhons Adventurers Guild Tower in preparation for an Emergency Evacuation.
Elrick looks over to his right and notes that all the members of the 320 strong 7th Phoenix Legion were using Level 2 Military Grade Swords and Shields. Elrick knew that Level 2 Military Grade Swords and Shields cost over 10 times that of Level 1 Equipment. Level 2 Equipment uses the 5000 Mana Crystals which cost anything from 80 to 100 Silver Coins.
The Level 2 Military Grade Swords the 7th Phoenix Legion were using were Heat Swords and Electric Swords. The tip of the Heat Sword is insulated and uses the 5000 Mana Crystal to generate over 1000 degrees Celsius which creates a hot cutting tip and the tip of the Electric Swords is insulated and uses the 5000 Mana Crystal to generate a High Voltage Tip that can Stun or Kill.
At prices of 20 to 40 Gold Coins the Level 2 Military Grade Swords and Shields were way beyond the price range of Starlight Spark and Elrick could only look on in envy at the high quality of equipment at the disposal of the 7th Phoenix Legion. As unfair as it seems there was no way the Phoenix Consortium was not going to give themselves some advantage over other Users.
As Elrick was contemplating the advantage of the Phoenix Legions the Fire simmered down and a new wave of Ice Worms emerged from the now watery snow.
Elrick : " Here we go"
John Maud : " Bring It!"
Bowden : " Contact!"
As Bowden yells-out the swarm of Ice Worms slams into Shields, Swords and other mle weapons on the First Line as gunfire and arrows erupt from the Second Line.
- - -
The scale of the Battle on the Wall is immense; the army on the wall was killing more than 5000 Ice Worms a second under freezing conditions. They were dispatching wave after wave of Ice Worms and the momentum and tempo of battle was escalating. When the First Line was losing stamina the Second Line would use Runic Explosive Ammunition to give the First Line some breathing room.
Elrick was wearing 5 Agility Rings to boost his agility by 10 EXP, 5 Durability Rings to boost his Durability by 10 EXP and 4 Bracelets Attribute + 4 EXP to boost Strength, Vitality, Dexterity and Awareness respectively. With his Attributes augmented by Items Elrick could keep up with the rest of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry.
Attributes are an indicator of maximum potential and because the systems governing Realm Eternal are meant to be natural running out of Stamina is something you feel as you would in real life; the same applies for Satiety, Fatigue and other bodily functions. If you feel hungry or thirsty youd eat or drink and if you need to use the toilet to pee or take a shit youd do whats necessary.
Similarly there was no system message telling the users and natives that they were cold because they could feel it. The damage caused by the Blizzard differed from person to person and depended on the Overall defence of the individual as well as the additional defence offered by equipment and items. Night Elves being naturally resistant to the Cold took 50% less damage as a racial skill.
- - -
The high tempo battle had lasted over 2 hours and it was evident that the army on the wall was taking a beating. They had killed thousands, then hundreds of thousands, then millions of Ice Worms but there was no end in sight to the torrents of Ice Worms. Over 300 users had already been killed and very soon they would reach a tipping point.
They couldnt maintain a full contingent on the wall under extreme weather conditions but they had set up tents on the wall for quick recuperation with the support of an inordinate amount of recovery potions cooked up by Arvin. This war situation is where something like Alchemists and Herbalists proved their worth as support systems.
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Alchemists, Herbalists and other Potion Makers had been providing rear support since the first waves of small creatures showed up, and without that support the army on the wall would have already lost to fatigue and exhaustion. Normal people all over Vhon had been supplying the combatants with food, water and blankets; adding yet another crucial layer of support.
This constant support by the people of Vhon is what keeps the Militia fighting. Even as the Ice Worms spit their Liquid Nitrogen Compound on the Users they fight through the considerable pain of skin instantly freezing. The lack of healers meant that the militia relied on potions, but even so the locals came up with imaginative solutions such as the tents on the wall.
- - -
Bowden noticed that Elrick was in high spirits and so even as they fought side by side he thought to ask.
Bowden : " Youre taking to this better than I thought you would! Whats your secret?"
Elrick : " Fear Accompanies the possibility of Death but Calm Sheppards its Certainty!"
Bowden : " Huh?"
John Maud : " Youre a strange fellow Elrick; but I like it! An honourable Death is the only way out of this!"
Bowden : " Oh!"
Bowden Finally understood Elricks state of mind.
Elrick was going all out because he wanted to die but everyone who saw Elrick the weakling High Elf fight with everything hes got thought it was tenacity and inner strength. Therefore not wanting to be outdone by the weakling High Elf they dug deeper and found their own inner strength; this spread throughout the militia making them fight even harder.
Naturally Elrick was perturbed by the Fighting Spirit of the Atlantian Militia; he couldnt understand where they got their boundless energy. Elrick noted with concern that the battle had lasted twice as long as he had anticipated, and despite his best efforts death had not come swiftly; people kept stepping in to rescue him from an imminent death.
If only they could hear Elricks internal thoughts.
?Elrick : " Dam-it Im Cold, and every Joint Hurts like a motherfucker! I have to Die as quickly as possible but it has to Look Good; a Heros Death!?
Elricks internal dialog was of a man who wanted to run away without such cowardly actions costing Starlight Spark its Hard Earned Good Name, but his clumsy attempts to die a Heros Death was changing the tide of the battle, and because of that Charisma and Leadership Attributes were rising. Elrick however was to focused on the fighting to notice.
Elrick was between Bowden and John Maud and every-time he got himself into a sure-kill situation these two would step in to rescue him. Bowden is adept in the use of the Shield and Spear and John Maud is beyond competent in the use of a Shield, Sword and where necessary the two pistols hanging on each hip. John Maud was going for the Gunslinger set-up.
Elrick wasnt about to give up on his Heros Death so he kept fighting; hoping that an opportunity would present itself; on this Elrick had singular focus. Elrick could only laugh as a hail of bullets saved him from another pinch; the local guards and soldiers had joined in on defending him from his carefully constructed sure-kill Heros Death situations.
?Elrick : " For Fucks Sake!?
- - -
Just as Elrick had found a way to fall over the wall the top of Vhons Adventurers Guild Tower began Glowing; indicating that the teleport system was Active. When the Ground Based Teleport Platforms Light-Up three Red Dragons emerge; four legs and massive wings they had the form of True Dragons. These arent scaly Dragons like the Wyverns or the Red Dragons Elrick had seen in the Phoenix Consortium Videos.
The Red Dragons that emerged have smooth glossy skin similar to those of Dolphins and Whales, and rather than fearsome monsters they look like beings of extraordinary beauty. Locals on the wall erupt in cheer as a total of 15 Red Dragons, 3 White Dragons, 2 Brown Dragons, 2 Blue Dragons and 1 Green Dragon emerge from the teleport platforms.
The Dragons dont waist time and immediately use the skill Dragon-Breath. The difference betweenDragon-Breath and the skill Dragon-Fire is that the skill Dragon-Breath releases massive amounts of Hot Air. The injection of Hot Air by 23 Elf-Dragons brings immediate relief to Vhon, and the Militia are finally relieved from the cold.
All Dragon species are capable of Dragon-Fire. The Elf-Dragons did not use Dragon-Fire for fear that the intense heat of Dragon-Fire would kill people throughout Vhon. The Elf-Dragons are over 80 metres in length and the largest of the 23 Elf-Dragons is the 95m Green Dragon, and as they take to the sky they seem to use Wind Magic before they start flapping their massive wings. Most of the Elf-Dragons have 7 elves of the same type riding on their backs.
- - -
Elrick is surprised when a 90m Red Dragon Takes notice of him and approaches him.
Elrick : " Eh!"
Princess : " My oh my! I never expected to see an Eastarli on the front lines."
The Voice of the Red Dragon is soft and female but unexpectedly loud because of the size of the vocal cords.
Elrick : " A woman?"
Sniff!.... Sniff!.... Sniff!....
She sniffs Elrick; tasting his scent.
Princess : " You smell Delicious!"
Elrick : " What?"
Princess : " Youre immortal right? How about letting me have a little bite?"
Elrick : " Whats in it for me?"
Princess : " Oh? Willing to negotiate?"
Attendant : " Princess?"
Princess : " What? He seems like a willing participant."
Attendant : " But hes an Eastarli?"
Princess : " An Atlantian Eastarli! Who knows if he even falls under the Eastarli Domain?"
Attendant : " This could cause problems for you!"
Princess : " Its fine! Its a Great Chance!"
Elrick : " What do you mean by willing participant?"
Attendant : " Some people request to be Consumed by Elf-Dragons upon Death!"
Princess : " Its considered a great honour!"
Elrick : " What do you get? And isnt it Cannibalism?"
Attendant : " Sentient Creatures are a very rich Mana Source! Dragons have no issue with legal Cannibalism!"
Elrick could see that all the other Elf-Dragons have already left Vhon and were now laying down Dragon-Fire immediately outside Vhons Psionic Barrier.
Elrick : " What do I get for letting you kill me?"
Princess : " I cant kill you; that would be against Elf-Dragon Laws! Youd have to commit suicide."
Elrick : " And I would get?"
Princess : " Youre a greedy one arent you?"
She takes out a Large Crystal about 1.5 cubic metre in size and places in front of Elrick.
Elrick : " What is this?"
Attendant : " Its a Crystal Node; used to power Town Psionic Barriers. It should be worth 70 Platinum Coins!"
Elrick : " Heh?"
The princess takes out a runic stone and places in front of Elrick.
Princess : " This is a contract rune, Ive already signed it. If you accept my proposal sign the contract by dropping your blood on the Rune stone. The penalty for breaking the Contract is a year on Chaos Island. Do you Accept my Offer?"
Elrick : " We have a deal princess!"
Elrick pricked his hand with an Arrow tip and dropped his blood on the Rune Stone.
~ Ding! ~
Dragon Contract!
You have signed a Dragon Contract with a member of the Red Dragon Royal Family.
?
- Upon your Suicide the Seventh Red Dragon Princess can take possession of your Corpse.
?
- This Contract is valid for a Singe Death.
?
- Only the Red Dragon King can annul the Contract.
?
- The penalty for Breach of Contract is a year on Chaos Island.
|
Princess : " Excellent! Ill collect After we remove the Filth attacking Vhon"
The princess takes the Rune Stone and flies off.
Attendant : " Sorry!"
As the attendant flies off Elrick is bewildered by the Apology. Only now does Elrick notice that everyone within sight has gathered around him; mouths gaping at the fact that Elrick has just earned over 7000 Gold Coins just by letting himself be eaten.
- - -
Before long Vhons officials showed up to Examine the Crystal Node. Apparently they found it satisfactory because they wanted to talk business.
Lord Vhon : " How much do you want for it?"
Elrick : " The Lady did say it should be worth over 7000 Gold"
Sir Vhon : " It is Elf made Crystal Node after all!"
Lord Vhon : " How About 7000 Gold then"
Sir Valding : " Im using my right as an Officer of Vale Kingdom to purchase it for 7500 Gold to meet vales security needs!"
Elrick knew that Lord Vhon would not get into a bidding war with someone purchasing on behalf of the Vale Kingdom.
Elrick : " 7500 Gold Coins it is then!"
The money is transferred to Elricks private account because this isnt Starlight business, but Elrick promptly puts it into the Starlight account as a loan.
Sir Vhon : " With everything thats happening on Grandeur theres bound to be a shortage of Crystal Nodes. Elrick; thanks for being reasonable with the price!"
Elrick : " Then perhaps your Lordship will hear my selfish requests?"
Lord Vhon : " What is it?"
Elrick : " First I would like to know if Elves are interested in the Items being used by the Demons."
Lord Vhon : " Elves are very particular about the items they Use; most only use inherited items or those made for them."
Elrick : " So they are likely to discard the Items of the Demons they kill?"
Lord Vhon : " Continental Elves see positions of the Demons as filthy"
Upon hearing this almost all the Users rushed off the wall heading outside Vhon to pick up items being dropped by the dead Demons. And when members of Starlight tried to follow Elrick stopped them by shaking his head.
Elrick : " Lordship; Im looking to employ a large number of townsmen for one day.
There is some commotion as Elrick looks over to the Adventurers Guild Tower. Thousands of refugees are teleporting in from other places since the presence of Elf-Dragons makes Vhon safer than other places.
Lord Vhon : " Eh? To do what? I hope its nothing dangerous?"
Elrick : " To gather loot!"
Elrick points at the millions of Small Creatures over the wall.
Lord Vhon : " Hahahaha!"
Elrick : " At the moment the Ice is preserving them, but soon they will rot and rapidly depreciate in value!"
Lord Vhon : " Sharp as have ever arent you? How much are you paying?"
Elrick : " Its simple work so 30 Silver Coins per person should be Fine."
Lord Vhon : " These people have been traumatized; a reasonable person would consider 50 Silver Coins to be fair."
Elrick knew that the negotiations had started, and the only reason Lord Vhon was considering his request was because Lord Vhon was aware that Elrick could pay the Salaries and would not disappear without paying.
Elrick : " I suppose considering that this is also a public service I could rise to 35 Silver Coins per person"
Lord Vhon : " Since this could be considered a clean-up contract I could accept 45 Silver Coins."
Elrick : " Considering the need for people to rebuild their lives 40 Silver Coins per person can be considered Good Faith."
Lord Vhon : " Good Faith should be 40 Silver Coins along with an 8000 Gold Coins Salary security deposit allowing Vhon to handle the hiring and payment of Salaries."
Elrick : " Deal!"
Lord Vhon : " Good Man"
They shake hands to seal the deal.
Elrick had just Agreed to let Lord Vhon become the primary labour supplier at 40 Silver Coins per person. The 8000 Gold Coins will go to salaries, but by putting it upfront it guarantees that Starlight does not abscond without paying. The deal elevates the prestige of Lord Vhon amongst the people as it will look like he is providing employment with generous remuneration.
Furthermore since the people will likely spend that money in Vhon the Lord of Vhon will benefit through consumption taxes.
Everyone is all smiles after Elrick Transfers 8000 Gold Coins to Lord Vhon.
Elrick : " Thank you your Lordship!"
Lord Vhon : " I have almost 2000 Magic chests that used to Hold Runic Mines, Ammunition and other supplies; would you like me to lend them to you?"
Elrick : " That would be very helpful!"
Lord Vhon : " That will cost another 500 Gold Coins!"
Elrick : " Agreed!"
Elrick transfers over another 500 Gold Coins.
Lord Vhon : " Its been educational doing business with you Chief Elrick!"
Elrick : " Likewise your Lordship!"
Lord Vhon : " I must see to the new arrivals."
Lord Vhon leaves accompanied by Sir Vhon.
Sir Valding : " Lord Vhon is an Honourable man; always putting the best interests of his people first!"
Elrick : " I see that hes a man of integrity!"
Sir Valding : " We are indebted to you Chief Elrick! My men tell me you handled yourself well on the battlefield; they say you are a man worthy of knighthood. A pity I cant recommend you since you refused recognition."
Elrick : " Im honoured to have such high praise from a Noble Knight!"
Elrick bows in respect for Sir Valding. Then Sir Valding turns to Bowden and John Maud.
Sir Valding : " The same goes to you Bowden Starlight and John Maud; Ive already written the letters recommending you for Knighthood and with Lord Vhons support all but assured any Knights Academy will readily accept you!"
John Maud : " Thank you Sir Valding!"
Bowden : " My sincere gratitude Sir Valding!"
Sir Valding : " My thanks to you for showing my men true Valour!!"
Then Sir Valding nods and leaves to join Lord Vhon and Sir Vhon.
As Bowden and John Maud congratulate each other a messenger wearing insignia of the Asgard Continental Republic arrives in front of Elrick.
Messenger : " I am an Official Messenger of the Asgard Continental Republic; are you Elrick Starlight?"
Elrick : " Yes; what does an Official Messenger of the Asgard Continental Republic want with me?"
Messenger : " Im here to deliver Official notice of Criminal Judgement!"
Elrick : " Criminal Judgement?"
Messenger : " You have been found guilty of Crimes Against the Eastal kingdom; a member of the Asgard Continental Republic!"
The messenger hands Elrick the notice.
~ Ding! ~
Criminal Judgement!
By willingly and deliberately entering into a contract to sell your body to a member of the Red Dragon Royal Family You have Violated one of the Highest Laws of the Eastal Kingdom.
Rule 007C of the Eastal Constitution specifically forbids all Ljslfar also known as High Elves of Light from selling their deceased corpses.
Rule 007D of the Eastal Constitution specifically forbids all Ljslfar also known as High Elves of Light from willingly allowing any creature to Consume their Corpses.
Rule 007E of the Eastal Constitution specifically forbids all Ljslfar also known as High Elves of Light from Consuming the deceased corpses of sentient beings.
?
- Elrick Starlight; you have brought Shame and Dishonour upon the Ljslfar
?
- For your crimes you are sentenced to twice the penalty in the Contract with the member of the Red Dragon Royal Family.
?
- 2 years on Chaos Island.
If you wish to Appeal your sentence indicate to the Official Messenger of the Asgard Continental Republic.
|
Elrick : " The Fuck?"
~ Ding! ~
System Notice!
?
- You have been found guilty of a Crime!
?
- Restrictions Active.
?
- Until you complete your sentence or are exonerated you cannot delete your avatar.
|
Elrick : " Appeal! Appeal! Appeal! Appeal! Appeal! I wish to Appeal!"
The messenger holds out another Rune stone and Elrick puts his blood on it.
Messenger : " Appeal logged!"
~ Ding! ~
Appeal Notice!
Appeal Logged:
?
- Sentence will be suspended until the Appeal process is Concluded!
?
- His majesty Eragon Elron will hear your Appeal upon his return to Ado.
|
Messenger : " I will take my leave!"
The messenger left the stunned Elrick.
Elrick : " She tricked me! I am so screwed!"
John Maud : " Didnt you read the Race Laws?"
Bowden : " Its beta! Why waist the time reading something if your just going to lose Attribute stat gain?"
Elrick : " Shit!"
Everyone was floored; completely stunned by the turn of events. Word of Elricks folly spread like wildfire.
- - -
Over a thousand users had died on the wall and just over 200 locals had also been killed by the time the swarms stopped.
Once the Elves and Elf-Dragons went outside Vhons Psionic Barrier the Demons hastily retreated. Not even Vampires would be foolish enough to take on Fire Elves without proper support. The hasty retreat of the Vampires made the whole thing anti-climatic as no big battle took place. The few inexperienced Vampires who stupidly tried to stand their ground met a swift death.
The Vampire Lord who was responsible for the blizzard was never encountered; apparently not willing to commit to a full scale war over as little a prize as Vhon. Had the Vampire Lord chosen to fight the situation might have turned into an Epic Battle but as it is the elves were a little disappointed. Even the Serpent-Men were nowhere to be found; vanishing as quickly as they had first arrived.
- - -
Those who followed the Elves and Elf-Dragons outside Vhons Psionic Barrier were able to recover valuable Items from Vampires that were killed by the Big Explosion of all the Runic Mines. There was a looting frenzy as users rummage around the ruined forest and plains for the high quality equipment used by the Vampire Mages and worriers.
A user found a Magic Wand Staff that was sold for 824 Gold Coins to local merchants who estimated that its actual value was 15% to 22% higher than they had paid for. Another user found an Ice Magic Sword that sold for 533 Gold Coins, a spear worth over 300 Gold Coins, a shield worth over 400 Gold Coins and various armours each worth over 300 Gold Coins.
Fortunate users and natives truck it rich by just picking up items off the ground and even Starlight Spark Executives grumbled at not being allowed to go outside and search for rare items. Elrick however wasnt interested in the complaints of the Starlight Spark Executives who were thinking about their own personal gain because he had his own problems.
Elrick eventually shook off his angst and consternation; choosing to instead place all his hope on the Appeal to the King of the High Elves. Freeing his mind from the implications of him being found guilty of Crimes against Eastal allowed Elrick to focus is attention on the loot collection process. Elrick had spent a lot of money on this project and he couldnt afford to go wrong.
Lord Vhon hired 27645 people by taking advantage of the incoming refugees. The salary offered was set at 39 Silver Coins with 1 Silver Coin going to the purchase of safety equipment such as gloves. Having Lord Vhons authority on the project allowed it to proceed far more smoothly than in would have been possible otherwise; all the doors opened for Starlight Spark.
The average price for the carcases of Small Creatures started 4.75135 Copper Coins. At its peak 27645 people were each collecting 1.7137 Small Creatures per second. The loot collection reached a million Small Creatures in just 5 minutes, and they got going they collected a million Small Creatures every 22 seconds. Once the First 10 million Small Creatures were collected Elrick started to believe that getting the money from the Red Dragon Princess that allowed him to get the business cooperation of Lord Vhon was worth the 2 years on Chaos Island.
The Starlight Spark Executives were ecstatic when the loot collection figures started coming in; Starlight Spark essentially had a monopoly on all the Small Creatures Carcases within 4km of Vhon. The number of dead Small Creatures was estimated at over 250 million.
- - -
While most of the Elves moved on to the next Town three Elf-Dragons remained to complete some ghastly business.
Elrick : " Is it that time already?"
Princess : " Youre taking this better than I expected?"
Elrick : " I was freaking out a while ago, but this body restricts my ability to feel."
Princess : " I see! For what its worth Im sorry!"
Elrick : " Its not your fault that I was negligent in learning the rules of my race! Besides Im a willing participant."
Princess : " Just so you understand why I did this; when I present your corpse to my father it will elevate my status in the Royal Family to the rank of 3rd Princess and that will allow me to choose my own mate; even someone outside the Red Elf-Dragons."
She looks over at the Green Dragon.
Elrick : " So thats what this is all about!"
Prince : " Im the 4th Prince of the Forest Elves; you have my sincere gratitude!"
Attendant : " Ive never seen such a conciliatory attitude towards Red-Elves from a Light Elf! Normally Light Elves tend to regard Red Elves as lesser Elves. Theres been a lot of enmity between Light Elves and Red Elves. Our king will use this situation as a jab against Lord Elron."
Prince : " My people also believe that theres too much Demon Dragon in the blood of Red Elves; theyre obviously wrong."
Elrick : " If there is such angst with High Elves why not take it up directly with the Eastal Government?"
Princess : " Elf honour disputes are usually settled with a non-Lethal Duel!"
Elrick : " non-Lethal Duel?"
Princess : " My father could challenge Lord Elron to a duel but Lord Elrons protg Alvron would undoubtedly interfere; they always interfere!"
Elrick : " Alvron?"
Attendant : " Lord Alvron Alron is head of the house of Alron; king of the Day Elves!"
Elrick : " Oh!"
Princess : " Every head of the house of Elron has a protg from the house of Alron. That means that if the protg is also a king there is no way to challenge the High Elf King without defeating the King that is their protg. The last time the Red Elf King challenged the High Elf King it lead to the second great humiliation of the Red Elves."
Prince : " The Day Elf king defeated the Red Elf-Dragon king in his Dragon form without transforming into his own Dragon Form."
Attendant : " Thats when everyone understood the difference in power!"
Prince : " The upper echelon of the Day Elves are twice as Powerful as the other Elves. We dont know where the Light Elves rank but it is likely that they are within 20% of the Day Elves."
Attendant : " To gain that kind of power you would have to constantly conduct lethal training; dying and being revived a ridiculous amount of times. Something only possible with access to limitless amounts of Light Magic; putting the relationship between the Day Elves and the Light Elves into a proper context!"
Elrick : " Its also a military alliance!"
Princess : " The Alvs who have access to a Light Subspecies have emulated some of the Extreme training methods of the Day Elves and that improved their power by 70%. In a lot of ways such methods were incorporated into the Atlantian Adventurer system. Immortality makes you fearless!"
Elrick : "I understand! Its time for me to fulfil my obligations!"
A small group of onlookers had gathered around Elrick and the Elf-Dragons.
Elrick had cleaned-up and was now wearing white robes, and when he spoke of fulfilling his obligations people he had hired for what he dubbed the Death Ceremony knew that it was time to proceed.
A Golden Carpet was laid out and Elrick set on his knees. And he began to speak out-loud for all to hear.
Elrick : " Three Times now I have allowed my Naivety to lead me into Disastrous Situations. I can no longer allow my weakness to prevail! I can no longer allow my ineptitude to prevail! I can no longer allow my deficiencies to prevail! I can no longer allow my Inexperienced Heart to Lead me Astray!"
Elrick then pulls out a Golden Knife and places it in front of Him.
Elrick : " In a quest for Redemption and Honour I must now Emulate the character of Zatichi!"
Elrick picks up the Knife.
Elrick : " This is all that Remains of my Warrior Dreams! "
Elrick grips the Knife with both hands and stabs himself in the chest by thrusting underneath the ribcage and then pulling downwards to the right which results in him cutting open his stomach.
The small crowd looks on in silence as Elrick quickly dies from the initial thrust he had carefully aimed at his heart.
Princess : " Thank you!"
The Dragon Princess picks up Elricks body and all three Elf-Dragons fly off; eventually disappearing near the teleport platforms.
- - -
End of the Open Beta Arc
- - -
Authors Note:
Ill put out a short Epilogue and begin the next Arc which will be the Academy Arc.
- - -
Chapter 10: Arc 1 Epilogue
[
- - -
= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
- - -
Chapter 10
Arc 1 Epilogue
- - -
Reflection
Elricks rather painful self-inflicted death in Realm Eternal forced him back to Atlantis; though this wasnt his first Virtual Reality death after testing Hipno Pods it was his most painful. In all honesty Elrick had never experienced that much pain in his entire life; he had never broken or even fractured a limb so he was unprepared for the amount of pain he felt.
Elrick understood that he needed to experience a painful Death under controlled circumstances in order to use it as a reference for future deaths, and given that he would be spending some time on Chaos Island he could expect to experience hundreds or even thousands of deaths. Those who had been sent to Chaos Island for a week for attacking or killing other users indicated that Chaos Island is an extremely harsh environment and death was a certainty with most dying within the first minute of landing on Chaos Island.
Apparently Chaos Island is populated with only carnivorous animals and with no towns and cities prisoners survive by taking shelter in caves, but that tended to attract large predators and pack animals. The most prominent of the pack animals on Chaos Island is the dinosaur Raptors, Ware-Wolves, Ware-Bears, Ware-Lions and Serpent-Wyverns. There are a myriad of other carnivorous animals that hunt and kill other Carnivores.
The Serpent-Wyverns are a product of young Wyvern males forcibly mating with other giant animal species creating a new incipient species that is called Serpent-Wyverns. There are many different types of Serpent-Wyverns with some flightless subspecies living in woods, forests, sub-terrain environments and water. The Serpent-Wyverns are the top predators of Chaos Island.
- - -
Feeling slightly daunted by the prospect of a prolonged stay on Chaos Island Elrick logged-out of Atlantis in order to eat, exercise, bathe and prepare for the 9pm flight to London. After about 5 hours out of his capsule Elrick decided to go back into Atlantis until it was time to leave for the Airport; he would wait for Open Beta to end while walking the streets of Atlantis.
The Starlight Spark offices were empty as everyone who hadnt died was enjoying a victory party in Realm Eternal and those who had died were enjoying a Phoenix sponsored event at the Atlantis beaches. Before Elrick could walk the streets of Atlantis he went to the Atlantic offices of the Phoenix Consortium where he had been invited to a meeting with the Chief Marketing Officer.
Phoenix Consortiums Chief Marketing Officer wanted the Starlight Spark Clan to participate in the Realm Eternal Clan Ranking System and allow the members of Starlight Spark to participate in the Realm Eternal User Ranking System. As expected Elrick rejected the participation of Starlight Spark in the Realm Eternal Clan Ranking System, but Elrick agreed to allow members of Starlight Spark to participate in the Realm Eternal User Ranking System.
The Clan Ranking System gave a point for every copper coin in the Clan Account, a point for every copper value of the Clan Asset, a point for every EXP of all the Clan members and 10 points for every Clan Reputation point. After adding all the points the Clans could be Ranked and displayed for everyone to see. With the User Ranking System the Clan Reputation is replaced by the Reputation Attribute.
Phoenix Consortium had offered Starlight Spark a publicity deal that involved placements on Real World magazines and Television appearances as well as cash payments and a 1 to 1 Realm Eternal money for Real World money Exchange but Elrick still did not bite. Elrick felt that the publicity would do more harm to the future business prospects of Starlight Spark.
- - -
After the meeting at the Phoenix Consortium offices Elrick was free to walk the streets while enjoying the sights and sounds of the splendid City that is Atlantis. Somehow Elricks feet eventually carried him to the Item Auction Centre; a magnificent high rise building that resembled some of the worlds most famous auction houses.
?Elrick : " So even when I try to forget its impossible!?
Elrick recognized that in the back of his mind he was thinking about Chaos Island; a fate he had brought upon himself. However Elrick had already resolved to face his problems head on; he would no longer hide from the realities of his situation. And so Elrick entered the Item Auction Centre with the hope that he might gain an item that might be useful in the upcoming adventures on Chaos Island.
As Elrick walked the rooms displaying thousands of Items from Realm Eternal he came upon an unexpected sight; Hiroshi Nakamura. Once noticed Elrick knew that he could not avoid a public conversation with Hiroshi Nakamura; arguably the best user in Realm Eternal. As Hiroshi Nakamura and his entourage walked towards Elrick he thought about his previous encounters with Hiroshi Nakamura.
Hiroshi Nakamura is the leader of the Clan Nakamura; a Clan that used to be one of the top Guilds in Ancient Magic. 26 year old Hiroshi Nakamura is a legendary figure in the gaming communities, and now he was starting a new legend in Realm Eternal. Hiroshi Nakamura is the 3rd son of the founder of Nakamura Crops; a Japanese Hydroponics Corporation.
With a Puerto Rican mother and a Japanese father Hiroshi Nakamura could be said to have the best genetic mix of both peoples; tall, intelligent and handsome. Hiroshi Nakamura graduated from the US Air Force Academy and until recently flew drones for the Air force; leaving the USAF when the drones became fully autonomous. Hiroshi Nakamura welcomed the VR phenomenon and understood it to be the dawn of a new age of technology.
If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Elrick : " Hiroshi Nakamura!"
Elrick gave Hiroshi Nakamura a bright smile and Hiroshi Nakamura returned it with a genuine smile while taking Elricks outstretched hand.
Nakamura : " Nabi Elrick; Its been a long time my old friend!"
The people around Hiroshi Nakamura understood that coming closer would be an intrusion and so they stood about 2m away.
Elrick : " Indeed!"
Nakamura : " What brings you to this place? Selling or Buying?"
Elrick : " Im hoping to find something that might be useful for a man in my situation."
Nakamura : " I see! Chaos Island for 2 years; thats rough."
Elrick : " I really stepped in it"
Nakamura : " Yeah; You should look into Spiritual Fortification. You can afford it now cant you?"
Elrick : " Oh right!"
Nakamura : " Where youre going youll need a major Attribute Boost"
There is a warm and reassuring smile from Hiroshi Nakamura and Elrick is relieved that his friend hasnt change all that much despite the fame.
Elrick : " Thanks"
Nakamura : " Anytime"
Elrick : " I take it youre here to deliver Items?"
Nakamura : " A few Items we picked up after the fight. Theres a helleva party going on back at the Town; users are going all out!"
Elrick : " Is that so?"
Nakamura : " Im heading back as soon as Im done here"
Elrick : " Im still locked out after my death."
Nakamura : " When Mithriliar said you had changed I didnt truly believe it until I saw videos of you on the wall. Youve become a true leader"
Elrick : " Is that so?"
Nakamura : " The General on the wall who could inspire men to give everything for a fight with little rewards is worthy of the title King. I hope all of us from that beginners party in Ancient Magic can rise to the level of Kings."
Elrick : " Perhaps you and Lorelei have what it takes to be kings but the rest of us lack the fame necessary to achieve such a lofty goal."
Nakamura : " One becomes a King when others recognize you as one, and the Elrick I saw on the wall had the trust of users and natives alike; that Elrick can be King"
Elrick : " Thanks; I appreciate your confidence in my abilities"
Nakamura : " Youre very welcome! How is our Fair Lady?"
Elrick : " From what I understand; Formidable!"
Nakamura : " Yeah; I heard she basically took over the town she was on."
Elrick : " The legend of the Lady of Nora Lake continues"
Nakamura : " You shared tactics with her and Mithriliar didnt you?"
Elrick : " We cooperated in strategy development; they helped us out with large scale combat tactics"
Nakamura : " They are very Competent Martial Artists"
Elrick : " Who knew Tai-Chi could be used that way? Its a pity I didnt learn."
Nakamura : " I thought that her Tai-Chi was like yoga when we were dating but it turns out it has a combat function"
Elrick : " Yeah; when Lorelei and Carol took-up Tai-Chi I thought it was like yoga but they insisted that it was a genuine martial arts and upon closer examination I realized that its very useful and easy to practice."
Nakamura : " Give her my regards when you see her"
Elrick : " Still holding a torch?"
Nakamura : " She left me rather abruptly; Its hard to forget something like that! You?"
Elrick : " I got over that a long time ago"
Nakamura : " Yeah right?"
Elrick : " I was engaged you know?"
Nakamura : " Was?"
Elrick : " Its tragic"
Elrick''s eyes cast downwards.
Nakamura : " No need to say anymore; I understand"
Elrick : " Thanks"
Nakamura : " Well Ive got to go; see you on the other side Elrick!"
Elrick : " See you later!"
?Elrick : " Dam-It; I also want an entourage!?
Hiroshi Nakamura left as he was whisked away by his entourage leaving Elrick to continue browsing the Items at the Auction Centre.
?Elrick : " That guy?
Hiroshi Nakamuras success had always made Elrick feel a little small; an uncomfortable feeling that made their relationship a bit difficult.
- - -
By the time Open Beta officially ended and all the users were booted out of Realm Eternal Elrick was already on the way to the Airport. Elrick had left a message for the Executives of Starlight Spark indicating that he would meet with them before the scheduled meeting with representatives of 4 private bankers. Elrick wanted the 4 private banking consultants to meet with the Executives of Starlight Spark once an agreement in principle was reached.
Elrick cut a lonely figure as no-one was available to see him off on his way to London; his uncle was far away on a work project and his mother and his half siblings lived some 800km away. Elrick thought it peculiar that his mother is an agricultural scientist and his father a Scottish farmer but yet their marriage lasted little more than 2 years because they couldnt agree on life styles.
Elricks mother practiced in large scale commercial agriculture while Elricks father is an Organic Farmer. Both of Elricks parents had remarried and had other children, but since hed left for university at 14 he had hardly spent any time with any of his siblings. Even before he went to university he had spent nearly all his waking moments reading or tinkering with his scientific equipment and tools in his basement laboratory; trying to invent.
Once aboard the plane Elrick spent the hours it took to go from Cape Town to London working; finalizing the preparations for his presentation the following evening. Elrick needed the representatives of 4 private bankers to buy into his projections of the profitability of Starlight Sparks business model as a first Step to them letting him gain access to their select clientele. The select clientele is the goal of this endeavour, and they could change the fortunes of Starlight Spark.
However Elrick gained a new additional goal for this trip; reconnecting with his family. Elrick resolved that once his business in London was over he would go home to Edinburgh to see his father and 3 siblings
- - -
- - -
Chapter 11: Faith in your Friends [Arc 2: The Power of Knowledge]
- - -
Arc 2: The Power of Knowledge
- - -
= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
- - -
Chapter 11: Faith in your Friends
- - -
Part 1
Elrick arrived in London through Heathrow and checked into a 5 Star Boutique Hotel. Elrick had chosen the 5 Star Boutique Hotel because it offered a complimentary VR capsule service and of-course Starlight Spark would pick-up the bill for the stay. Elrick logged into Atlantis and took a power nap on the couch while he waited for the other Executives of Starlight Spark to arrive for the meeting.
Elrick could count on 4 hours of sleep and he was sure it would revive him after hors of work overnight reviewing his proposal to the 4 Private Bankers that would show-up at the Hotel. By the time first of the Executives show up Elrick is fast asleep and Staffen decided that it would be kinder to let the obviously tired Elrick sleep a little more before what will undoubtedly be a complicated meeting of the Starlight Spark Board of Directors.
The scheduled Starlight Spark Board of Directors meeting was due to start in a little over an hour and so as the other Executives arrived one my one they ignored the Golden-Elf peacefully sleeping on the couch at the back of the of 4m X 4m room that functioned as management office meant to be used exclusively by one of the senior managers when they were in Atlantis.
A circular 5m diameter Glass Conference Room was installed at the centre of the 10m X 10m room. The process of installing a Conference Room and purchasing furnishings was done through the user interface and a single Executive simply picked them out on a holographic overlay and arranged them in the Starlight Spark Offices with simple hand gestures and once they were paid for the Holograms became real.
This convenient method of purchasing furniture was only available on Atlantis and in Realm Eternal one would have to visit the store and either arrange for items to be delivered or carry the items in ones inventory.
- - -
Everyone had arrived and theyre now seated around the 17 seat Round Table. The 16 were seated and it was now time to wake the sleeping Golden-Elf.
Bowden : " I think its time we wake the criminal"
They all burst out in laughter.
Bowden : " Armlet; if you could get Elrig so we can get this show on the road."
Armlet : " Got it"
After a few moments Armlet returns with Elrick and despite the fact that he had been sleeping he appears as if he hadnt been sleeping; an effect of the Atlantis setting.
Elrick : " Hi guys!"
Bowden : " Theres our Criminal Mastermind!"
Elrick : " Really?"
Elrick takes is seat.
Bowden : " If the shoe fits?"
Everyone laughs because theyre all in a good mood; smiles everywhere.
Elrick : " Hahahaha"
Bowden : " Alright; lets begin! Grinder; start the report."
Grinder : " As Starlight Sparks Head of Finance I can now report on the financial state of Starlight Spark."
Grinder then sends a summary of the report to all the people in the Conference Room. He also sends a summery of the Realm Eternal Earnings.
~ Ding! ~
Realm Eternal Earnings!
Cash on hand = (1.14)X1200 + 162.65849 + 56.2314 C 500 = 1086.89029 Gold Coins.
?
- No. of Small Creature Carcases Recovered = 258,965,897
?
- Average Price received for Small Creature Carcases = 3.39153 Copper Coins.
Revenue = 878,290,000 Copper Coins = 87,829 Gold Coins.
?
- Cash Balance = 884,158,903 Copper Coins
?
- Liabilities = [ 7,500 (Elrick) + (0.40X27,645 C 8,000) (Native Salaries) ]Gold Coins = 10,558 Gold Coins.
Profit = 884158903 C 105,580,000 Copper Coins = 778,578,903 Copper Coins
|
Grinder : " And so at 5 Copper Coins to $1 USD we are looking at $155,715,780.6 excluding the residual funds already in the Starlight Spark Corporate Account."
The reason for the Good Mood is revealed. Everyone Claps their hands in Applause after Grinder stops speaking and sits down.
Bowden : " Now that weve confirmed the Good News things get a bit complicated from here onwards; Elrick?"
Elrick : " Right; Id like to preserve 35,000 Gold Coins in Realm Eternal leaving 428,578,903 Copper coins to be exchanged into $85,715,780.6 for use in Starlight Spark Real world Operation. Our dividend yield is set at 15% and if we declare profit we can deduct $12,857,367.09 as dividends but Id like to declare a $15 million profit and an 86% Dividend which would return $12,900,000 to shareholders in order to avoid a hefty tax bill for Starlight Spark. Even though Starlight Spark is headquartered in a Tax haven that charges only 5% it would still amount to $3,642,920.6755 if we declare a pre-dividend profit of $85,715,780.6"
Hammerin : " Im just a Clerk and not a financial Accountant like Grinder; but wouldnt we have to spend about $70million jus to avoid some $3.64million in Taxes?
Grinder : " Yes $70,715,780.6 would have to be spent! However there are ways to spend money while preserving it; like investing it. In case it isnt obvious Virtual Reality is Big Business; its not just gaming or entertainment. The Advent Consortium has sent up 15 nuclear powered Billion Dollar Satellites, and they are planning to put up a total of 150 of these next generation multi-platform communications Satellites. The AIVRE Systems and the Capsule pods dont use Binary Code; its a completely new type of programming running an operating system that offers the highest level of security. That alone generates tens of billions in revenue through commercial encrypted data storage and communications."
Bowden : " Which brings us to the other Critical matter; the problems of Leadership. Im a just Lab-Tech, and I pull down 60K a year. So the Idea that the 8K I invested a few weeks ago will now net me $260,000 just blows my mind. My 2% is worth how much?"
Grinder : " Your 2.053915276% equity in Starlight Spark is worth an estimated $3491655.9692 and your share of the dividends is $264,955.070604"
There are some gasps as they all come to terms with the figures.
Bowden : " There it is! Who does that? Who turns $8000 into $3.5million in a little over a month? Its Insane!"
They all look at Elrick.
Elrick : " What? I had nothing to do with that!"
They all laugh at Elrick.
Swordin : " Really?"
Axil : " Your not gonna take the Credit?"
Hammerin : " Geez!
Bowden shakes his head while looking at Elrick.
Elrick : " It was a Fluke!"
They all seem to ignore Elricks protest.
Bowden : " Fluke eh?"
Grinder : " He is right though; it was a Fluke!"
Elrick : " Thank you!"
Axil : " What do you mean?"
They all look at Grinder.
Grinder : " Ill let him Explain; Elrick?"
Elrick : " I didnt intend to stockpile the Small Creatures because I didnt know they were coming. I used the Gas because that was all I had left in the Arsenal; otherwise I would have burned them with Runic Fire like Everyone else! I had used-up all the high level Fire Runes burning everything in the immediate vicinity of Vhon; so when the waves of those things showed up all I had left to counter them was the Gas Grenades. I only realized the opportunity when the Red Elf-Dragons showed up because up until that point I thought we were all going to die; recovering the carcasses of the Small Creatures was a mute point until we were saved."
Bowden : " Accepted! Nonetheless you did quickly notice the opportunity, and that makes you somewhat indispensable to operations."
Elrick : " The Clarity of thought in Realm Eternal is a consequence of the accursed High Elf of Light."
Bowden : " In any case Im not qualified to Run what has become a Multi-Million Dollar Corporation in your stead; so I table a motion to appoint Grinder the Deputy Chairman and deputy MD of Starlight Spark."
Grinder : " Me?"
Elrick : " I second that motion!"
With no objections and apparent approval of the rest of the Board.
Bowden : " Lets put it to a Vote; though with the support of the majority shareholder its a mere formality."
By a show of hands Grinder is elected Deputy Chairman and deputy MD of Starlight Spark.
Axil : " The ayes have it! Grinder; you are duly elected."
Swordin : " Congratulations; Boss!"
Everyone Claps their hands in Applause as Grinder shakes hands with Bowden and relieves him as chair of the current board meeting.
Hammerin : " In accordance with the resolutions from the last meeting your Salary is adjusted to the same level as that of Elrick at $2500 per month for the position of Deputy Chairman and $2,700 per month for the position of Deputy MD of Starlight Spark. Total = $5,200 per month.
Armlet : " Bowden; you gave up $62k a year?"
Bowden : " It couldnt be helped"
Grinder : " In that case I dont need my Real life job which only pays me $70K. Ill resign so I can focus all my attention on Starlight Spark."
Axil : " Dude; you went through a 3 year internship for that Job?"
Swordin : " Are you sure?"
Grinder : " Im single with no liabilities son its no big deal! And in Starlight Spark Im not a junior Financial Accountant."
Elrick : " Welcome aboard then; we will all be in your care."
Armlet : " Fuck it! Im just a middle school teacher; I cant see myself going back to teaching those snot nosed pimply faced obnoxious entitled brats it that private school for 40k a year after this. Im all in!"
Shieldor : " Im in too!"
Arrow : " Same here; no point going back to that shitty job!"
Ring : " Diddo!"
Blade : " What the hell? Im all in!"
Swordin : " They can all suck it; Im in!"
There is shock as 7 people announce that they going in full time on Starlight Spark.
Grinder : " Wait! Are you sure about this?"
Axil : " I guess I can be a freelance IT consultant"
Hammerin : " Axil; you too?
Axil : " The Tide is rising!"
Armlet : " This is the ground floor!"
Hammerin : " Whats happening?
Bowden : " Its the effect of the dividends"
Axil : " If youre single you can take a leap without worrying about the effects on a spouse."
Grinder : " Its a good thing we increased Executive remuneration to $1000 a month; it will be needed."
It takes a while for things to settle down ad the next item on the agenda could now be addressed.
Grinder : " Since we have more funds available we can implement our plans 2 years early. Swordin; please explain your analysis."
Swordin : " After a thorough analysis of the 25 listed Asgard Continental Republic Academy Cities on Grandeur we have selected Cobalt City as the base for Starlight Spark operations. Cobalt City is nestled in a valley at the foot of Red Stone Mountains some 512km from the Northern Boarder and 327km from the Eastern Boarder. It is the northern most Continental Republic City on Grandeur and the primary garrison of the North East. Because its so close to the Equator the average temperature is 37 degrees Celsius and that means there isnt sufficient commercial agriculture to meet the Citys needs; Ideal for our Hydroponics Operations. But what makes Cobalt City so Ideal is its proximity to the Red Stone Mountains. The Red in the stone indicates the presence of Iron which is essential for our plans. As you all know the planet Ado has a rather peculiar Geology; its 20 times Earth in size but 1.10257 Earths mass; essentially the same. The Realm Eternal Dwarf Forums indicate that the Continental Dwarves source their minerals from their mines on the 4th & 5th planets from the sun that is several times the size of Earths sun. Ado is the sixth planet and thus lacking most of the heavy elements."
Bowden : " Are the inner planets habitable?"
Swordin : " They are the size of Mars and barely have an Atmosphere so there is no natural life on the planets. However the Continental Dwarves have set up numerous Subterranean Habitats. Apparently the gravity on the planets is high and a significant amount of strength is necessary for unaided mobility. Thus for all intensive purposes the Dwarves have a monopoly on mineral extraction and they set the price for unprocessed ore. Because a business model wholly dependent on hunting wont work and so need to diversify; to expand operations we have to have to build a massive Crafting infrastructure; that means a reliable supply of raw materials."
Grinder : " Therefore Cobalt City is Ideal for our purposes, and because its so far away from Camelot we will be able to secure a significant market for our products amongst both users and locals. Fortunately we have a financial windfall and can purchase a significant parcel of land for Starlight Spark to start operations. Before we were booted out of Realm Eternal we were able to glean some information from locals that indicated that a lot of Towns on Grandeur outside the Asgard Continental Republic Territory have been wiped out; entire countries have fallen. That means that any group of sufficient size and capabilities could claim towns and villages as their property. If the information is accurate there will be significant strife between rival clans and countries over control of territory."
Swordin : " The warring parties will need supplies and Cobalt City could be one of the supply points for Nobles engaging in conquests for territory."
Hammerin : " I would like to come back to how you plan to invest the money we take out of Realm Eternal; can you elaborate on the strategy?
Grinder : " If you look at page 6 of Elricks proposal to the private bankers Starlight Spark will offer to purchase used REM-Sleep Pods for $2,500, assigning $45million to this role. Analysis indicates that there are at least 50,000 users who signed up for the discounted Open Beta REM-Sleep Pods believing it to be a gaming environment but after experiencing Realm Eternal would prefer to switch to a proper VRMMORPG. The Hipno Pods have a higher variety of Virtual Reality Platforms and according to forum polls a significant number is looking to sell their REM-Sleep Pods. We have already put out the advertisements on relevant Forums and sites. Of-course some will choose to auction their REM-Sleep Pods but we estimate that those who dont want to wait for the right price will take up our offer. Each of the REM-Sleep Pods will need to be registered and linked to Starlight at a cost of $50 and transport to new locations could average $350 requiring $5million to be set aside for that purpose. Starlight will spend $20million on property in the vicinity of every Starlight Executive in order to serve as REM-Sleep Pod Cafs; most of the used second-hand REM-Sleep Pods will be used for this purpose. And finally every member of Starlight will be required to recruit 12 people of the same age to the employ of Starlight Spark."
Hammerin : " Everyone has to recruit 12 people to the employ of Starlight Spark?
Grinder : " Every member of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry will become a party leader and so 7 other people become necessary and the 5 additional people will go to the crafting pool. The role of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry will be to secure, collect and recover crafting material since we expect the sale of crafted products and food to be the primary revenue stream for Starlight Spark. If Elrick can successfully secure service contracts with the private bankers we will also be able to become a service provider to some of the wealthiest people. The goal of Elricks negotiations will be to convince the private bankers to use Cobalt City as a base for their clientele; this is a hard sell since they are much more likely to want to go to major Cities like Camelot and Valencia. However we believe that since the Real World wealthy are not Realm Eternal Nobles they will find it easier to settle in Cobalt City and other Asgard Continental Republic Academy Cities on Grandeur."
Bowden : " We have restructured the Rank and pay of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry to be more like the military. I remain the Force Commander and get $800 a month; Vava is my deputy and has the Rank of Lieutenant Commander at a Salary of $600 a month."
Bowden sends a memo which is displayed on the multidirectional holographic display at the centre of the round table.
~ Ding! ~
Starlight Sparks Ranger Cavalry Ranks & Salaries!
?
- Force Commanders Rank = Commander; Salary = $800 a month.
?
- Deputy Force Commanders Rank = Lieutenant Commander; Salary = $600 a month.
?
- Legion Commanders Rank = Captain; Salary = $500 a month.
?
- Deputy Legion Commanders Rank = Captain; Salary = $450 a month.
?
- Raid Group Commanders Rank = Lieutenant; Salary = $350 a month.
?
- Deputy Raid Group Commanders Rank = Lieutenant; Salary = $300 a month.
?
- Party Leaders Rank = Sergeant; Salary = $250 a month.
?
- Deputy Party Leaders Rank = Corporal; Salary = $225 a month.
?
- Party Members Rank = Cavalryman; Salary = $200 a month.
|
Bowden : " Weve identified relevant people for the appropriate positions and it should add to force capabilities. Drawing on recent combat experience we are going to rely on the current members to provide training for the new recruits."
Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
Elrick : " Though I expect the REM-Sleep Pod Cafs to be a significant source of Real World Revenue I also expect them to generate a lot of Realm Eternal Revenue thanks to sex tourism. To that end the agency Ive hired to recruit prostitutes has compiled a list of prostitutes who have agreed to the terms of employment. There are 75 women per 8 hour shift and a total of 375 women allowing for a 40 hour work week at a salary of $250 a month. However the personal situations of the prostitutes necessitates Starlight Spark to provide housing, and to accommodate these prostitutes Ive authorised a Cape Town Real-Estate Agency to find Starlight Spark a Farm within 150km of the Cape Town Central Business District at no more than $2million. Starlight Spark is also purchasing a small farm near Geneva Switzerland to serve as the Global Headquarters."
Shieldor : " Since Geneva is my Hometown Ill be responsible for the property management and hiring the caretaker staff."
Hammerin : " Why not just rent Office Space?
Bowden : " Elrick considers that good money after bad."
Shieldor : " I agree with that! The Planned Hydroponics Farm will produce Premium Organic Crops that will allow the property to pay for itself. When it comes to Hydroponics cheap land is as good as expensive fertile land."
Axil : " I agree; we cant spend money on property that doesnt earn money"
Elrick : " The Final matter on the Agenda is the Clan Alliance. The Crimson Hand, Winged Sage Falcros and their Affiliated Clans have invited Starlight Spark to join their Clan Alliance. The Crimson Hand has the 2 Affiliated Clans Flame Swords and Red Blade. Winged Sage Falcros also has the 2 Affiliated Clans Forever Knights and Sage."
Swordin : " Combat wise both the Crimson Hand and Winged Sage Falcros performed better than Starlight Spark so I have no problem joining up with them, but why do they want us in their Alliance?"
Bowden : " Its the problems of Magic."
Armlet : " What problems"
Bowden : " Acquiring an Elemental Symbiote is only half the problem; using ?Magic Spells? requires extensive use of Mana Shaping Magic. The Skill Mana Shapingcan be considered the most important Magic Skill."
Axil : " Oh! Its because it starts at Zero!"
Swordin : " Other than the Race Specific inborn talents almost all ?Magic Spells? require Mana Shaping Magic. How much Mana you can shape is dependent on Mana ShapingSkill EXP. To Shape the Magic Fire produced by the Fire Elemental Symbiote into a Fire Ball you need the Mana ShapingSkill. Apparently buying the spell simply provides you with a holographic outline that you have to Shape the Mana Fuelled Magic Fire into. How much Mana you can put into a spell is dependent on both Spell EXP and Mana ShapingSkill EXP; either one can be a limiting factor.
Elrick : " By that reasoning it will take time before anyone can use Combat Magic to cause damage in any kind of meaningful way. Therefore Starlight Spark which specializes in Ranged warfare through the use of Arrows can significantly increase the DPS output of any group. Both Mithriliar and the Lady Lorelei know that Im likely to focus on crafting so they want Starlight Spark as a support Clan in their camp. The two of them have a lot of contacts and goodwill with other users that could greatly benefit Starlight Spark."
Hammerin : " So Elrick; youre recommending we join the Clan Alliance?
Elrick : " Yes!"
Hammerin : " Whats the name of the Alliance?
Armlet : " What are the terms?"
Elrick : " Its called Nova Horizon. Realm Eternal allows Clans to form an Alliance Faction which allows the purchase of an Alliance communications network, joint ownership of property purchased by the Alliance, joint recognition by local authorities and other subtle benefits that include the sharing of reputation amongst the constituent Clans. The Alliance Faction Nova Horizon will allow us to gain access to the talent pool in Winged Sage Falcros; my information indicates that there are 52 PhDs in Winged Sage Falcros. With access to the many academics in Winged Sage Falcros the crafting capabilities of Starlight Spark will increase exponentially.
Bowden : " Does Winged Sage Falcros have an academic restriction to membership?"
Elrick : " Not necessarily; what they have is a High Council that approves any membership application. The bulk of the 275 members of Winged Sage Falcros have all gone through a review process before they were allowed to join. Winged Sage Falcros would probably have thousands of members if it wasnt for the screening process; they dont want people who are just trying to benefit or those just wanting to get close to the Lady Lorelei."
Elricks responses seem to satisfy the concerns of everyone.
Grinder : " Since this is a Clan Issue we need to put it to a vote; by a show of Hands all those in favour?"
Everyone raises their hands.
Hammerin : " The Ayes have it!
Armlet : " We are joining Alliance Faction Nova Horizon."
Grinder : " Thats all on the Agenda for this meeting; is there anything that anyone would like put on the record?"
Hammerin : " Yeah; Id like to know why Elrick rejected the publicity Deal
Hammerin displays the cover of Fortune magazine with Hiroshi Nakamuras Half-Elf half Winged-Folk Avatar on the front cover with The Shogun of Virtual Reality and $47million plastered with big bold red letters.
Ring : " Oh shit!"
Hammerin : " We could have been number one on the Clan Rankings?
Elrick : " Starlight Spark in Clan Rankings is an incredibly bad Idea because it would increase the cost of doing business. Not to mention all the parasites and hangers-on it would attract; people selfishly trying to rely on us."
Arrow : " What do you mean it would increase the cost of doing business?"
Elrick : " The Natives of Realm Eternal arent Game NPCs; they react to information. That means they would hear about Starlight Spark having lots of money from users and the prices we pay for goods and services would go up leaving us without the option to plead poverty. It would create all kinds of complications; including making us direct competitors to Clans like Nakamura. And I cant compete with guys like Hiroshi Nakamura."
Ring : " What do you mean you cant compete with guys like Hiroshi Nakamura? We made more money than him didnt we?"
Elrick : " Prestige is a game of popularity; a popularity contest! Hiroshi Nakamura is very popular; hes got girls lining-up around the block to fuck him. That guy is the quintessential Alpha Male both in VR and in Real Life. Closer examination would reveal the disparities between Starlight Spark and Nakamura. The Nakamura Clan earned $47million by taking 7 Legions into a cave system and clearing a classic undiscovered Dungeon in the form of a Werewolf Nest; a legendary feat that has rightly earned them a place of Honour. In contrast Starlight Spark earned its money by picking up stuff off the ground; the kind of thing that would earn us the reputation as greedy mother-fuckers. Hiroshi Nakamura may be a Jackass but hes also an Epic Hero!"
Arrow : " Jackass? What do you have against Nakamura Hiroshi?"
Grinder : " Ah NO!"
Hammerin : " God dam-it Arrow!
Swordin : " For Fucks Sake Arrow!"
Armlet : " Why the fuck did you have to ask Arrow?"
Arrow : " What?"
Bowden : " You didnt read the memo did you Arrow?"
Glares are aimed at Arrow from everyone in the room except Elrick who stood up crossed his hands behind his back and Faced outside the room.
Elrick : " It began long ago in the land of "
The others continued to murmur.
Axil : " Not this Again!"
Elrick : " I SAID! IT BEGAN LONG ""
Elricks raised voice quieted the room as they understood that they had to listen.
Bowden : " I guess it cant be helped."
Grinder : " Lets get it over with!"
Once the room was silent Elrick started again.
Elrick : " It began long ago in the land of Arias with the birth of one blessed by the Gods of Ancient Magic. The young Mage ..
And so they were subjected to yet another retelling of Elricks experiences during the first 4 months of playing the MMORPG Ancient Magic from Elricks perspective. This included the exaggerated accounts of Hiroshi Nakamuras crimes against Elrick; including the final sin that forced Elrick to become an eccentric Crafter.
Elrick : " In the End the young Mage was betrayed and the betrayer was proclaimed a Hero by the populace. The Son of a I mean the Jackass Hiroshi Nakamura never acknowledged that it was thanks to my efforts that the legendary raid was won!"
Swordin : " Ah thank God its over!"
They all sighed.
Hammerin : " Grinder; Quickly!
Grinder : " With this I close the meeting!"
The meeting was now officially over and anyone was now free to leave.
Grinder : " Elrick; Im on my way to London. Ill see you in about 5 hours for the meeting with the bankers"
Elrick : " Alright then!"
Both Elrick and Grinder logged-out of Atlantis.
Armlet : " As annoying as it is its good to see that Elrick can still act out his eccentricities."
Hammerin : " He acts so differently in Realm Eternal that you forget that hes a bit of a comedian
Swordin : " Arrow; read the God dam memo! Otherwise well have to hear Elricks rants about fractional reserve banking, the gold standard, Archaeology Egyptology, the UN and so on and so an."
Arrow : " Sorry!"
Bowden : " Dont worry too much about it; I think we all needed to be reminded that hes still Elrick."
Arrow : " Did Nakamura Hiroshi really take credit for Elricks efforts?"
Axil : " Not deliberately; he was caught up in the moment and accepted the credit for the success of the Raid without acknowledging to everyone Elricks significant contribution."
Swordin : " It wasnt a legendary Raid for that matter but a mid to low level field Raid. And yes it would have been impossible without Items crafted by Elrick since the average level of the Raid Group was 40; thats 10 levels below all other Raid Groups that cleared it."
Armlet : " Its what made both Mithriliar and Hiroshi Nakamura Famous."
Arrow : " Was Elrick really that crucial?"
Hammerin : " Elrick was a decent Mage but It was his Title Crafter that made all the difference.
Swordin : " Elrick completed a hidden crafting quest that earned him the Title Crafter which gave him bonuses to his crafting Subclass as well as giving him the ability to use the skills of any crafting Subclass."
Bowden : " His engraving crafting Subclass made him a Legendary Crafter."
Axil : " Hiroshi Nakamura apologised many times but "
Swordin : " Our leader tends to hold a grudge"
Hammerin : " People in the scientific community tend to get odd about giving credit where credit is due.
Armlet : " That part cant be helped"
Arrow had only been a member of their Ancient Magic Guild for a little over a year so he hadnt been there at the beginning like Grinder, Axil and others so he could be forgiven. Despite their complaints about Elricks rants against this and that they all found it a bit humorous, and at time even Elrick would perform his rants to entertain his friends.
For his part Elrick was relieved to see that the Executives of Starlight Spark were stepping-up and taking responsibility for running Starlight Spark in preparation for his absence. Reassured by the competence of the Executives of Starlight Spark Elrick could face the terrors of Chaos Island with confidence that all was well with Starlight Spark.
- - -
Part: 2
That evening Elrick and Grinder held a meeting with consultants from 4 separate private banking institutions. After long discussions and a visit to the Starlight Spark Offices in Atlantis in order to make an assessment of the full value of Starlight Spark an agreement was reached to by Realm Eternal Currency at 98cents on the dollar of the prevailing Realm Eternal Currency purchase rate.
The contract is valid for 3 years and includes a $50million loan to Starlight Spark at an annualized 5.5% interest rate; the loan could be repaid in Realm Eternal Currency at 98cents on the dollar of the prevailing Realm Eternal Currency purchase rate. Elrick and Grinder walked away from the meeting with $84,001,464.988 + the $50million Loan.
It was obvious to Elrick and Grinder why the bankers included a $50million loan in the deal. To make sure that Starlight Spark provides them with a constant and predictable flow of Realm Eternal Currency at 98cents on the dollar of the prevailing Realm Eternal Currency purchase rate. The 4 banks were willing to share the $50million loan risk equally amongst them.
For their part Elrick and Grinder readily accepted the loan because it gave the $69,001,464.988 + $50million to spend once the $15million was declared as pre-Tax profit. Elrick and Grinder planned to preserve $19,001,464.988 in assets that could be easily converted into cash in order to maintain liquidity and the bulk of the $100million would be invested in property and 17 REM-Sleep Pod Cafs; one near each Executive of Starlight Spark.
- - -
After London Elrick went over to Edinburgh and spent some time on his fathers farm. There is a ten year gap between Elrick and the next of his siblings in Scotland; his sister. The 2 youngest boys are 11 and 13 in age that meant Elrick had very little in common with his Scottish siblings. Elrick had even less in common with his half Indian 12 and 16 year old brothers back in South Africa.
Elricks brothers back in South Africa are very athletic and his South African Indian Stepfather is a pronounced Cricket Fanatic. And so Elricks brothers in South Africa had been provided with the best Cricket tutelage their Oncologist father could afford, and because of that his brothers were well on their way to becoming great Cricket players; even professional.
Compared to his Agricultural Scientist mother and Oncologist stepfather Elricks Farmer Father and housewife stepmother seemed rather simple to Elrick. But there was comfort in the simplicity of their idealic lifestyles in Scotland. While on the farm Elrick could comfortably walk the farm without worrying about his personal security; a far cry from the armed security guards protecting the family back in South Africa.
While on the Farm Elrick looked over his Fathers finances and when he saw a potential financial hole he decided to plug it. Using his own money he ordered Solar panels from Germany for all the buildings on the Farm, he bought a mini methane Bio-Plant from England for the production of both thermal and electrical energy from animal excrement and foliage, and finally he ordered permanent magnet wind mills for electricity generation from China.
The overall cost to Elrick was $870,000 and it amounted to an 80% energy cost reduction. Elrick could see the relief on his fathers face when he explained how he had plugged the looming financial hole of the family finances. With the improved financial position Elricks father could easily afford the upcoming University tuition for Elricks 17 year old sister.
- - -
When Elrick returned to Cape Town after spending 20 days in Britain he oversaw the instillation of REM-Sleep Pods at the purchased farm and at the Cape Town Starlight Spark REM-Sleep Pod Caf. Starlight Spark had spent an average of $2.5million on 17 REM-Sleep Pod Cafs to a total of $42.5million and each Executive of Starlight Spark had been responsible for the Caf in their region.
While Elrick was in Britain he had used rented VR pods to connect to Atlantis to meet with the other Executives of Starlight Spark to iron out difficulties as they arose. Elrick, Grinder and Bowden had met with the other leaders of the Nova Horizon Clan a number of times to work-out the details of the Alliance. There were complex negotiations that took days to reach resolution.
After lengthy discussions the other 6 Clans acquiesced to Starlight Sparks demand that Nova Horizon be based in Cobalt City and in return Starlight Spark would forgo leadership of Nova Horizon despite Starlight Spark technically having the most members at 3,079 people. Starlight Spark had successfully recruited new people who fit the personnel criteria.
The Crimson Hand had been cut down to 786 people after the goblin fiasco and its affiliated clans Flame Swords and Red Blade had 345 and 289 members respectively. As for Winged Sage Falcros the Affiliated Clans Forever Knights and Sage had 542 and 425 members respectively. Numbers arent everything since the Crimson Hand and Winged Sage Falcros are ranked 5th and 7th respectively having earned over $10million during Open Beta.
By spending $45million buying REM-Sleep Pods at $2,500 Starlight Spark gained 18,000 REM-Sleep Pods; another $4.27million was spent to transport, register and link the Pods to Starlight Spark. 2,862 Pods went to the new employees of Starlight Spark and an initial 50 Pods designated to every REM-Sleep Pod Caf. However the demand at the17 REM-Sleep Pod Cafs was so high that Starlight Spark was forced to send all the remaining Pods to the Cafs.
In the end 15,138 Pods were distributed to 17 REM-Sleep Pod Cafs. Where the demand was highest more pods were assigned creating a situation where the Cape Town, Lagos, Chicago, New York, London, Berlin, Manila and Mumbai Cafs had more than 2,000 REM-Sleep Pods allocated to them. The price was set at $3 per hour in developed countries and $1.5 per hour in other markets.
The 17 REM-Sleep Pod Cafs were generating an average of $23,844.5 in daily revenue; far more than the Executives of Starlight Spark had predicted. The profit being generated was estimated at 45% of revenue; annualized at around $4million. People wanted access to Atlantis and Starlight Spark was rapidly emerging as a leading provider of Atlantis access services.
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| PREVIOUS CHAPTER | Back to the Main Page | NEXT CHAPTER |
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Chapter 12: Trust [Arc 2: The Power of Knowledge]
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Arc 2: The Power of Knowledge
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= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
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Chapter 12: Trust
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Part 1
In the blink of the eye 7 weeks had passed as Starlight Spark Employees and Executives worked tirelessly to bring the Cafs to Operational Standards and Realm Eternal went Online. Like before the Users had to use the Atlantis Teleport Platforms and move through the Atlantis Bifr?st to one of 25 Asgard Continental Republic Academy Cities on Grandeur; randomly selected as before.
This time Elrick had to go in first and once he was in Grinder and Bowden followed. The first Clan member to arrive at a location acts as an anchor causing all other members to be sent to the same location. Elrick as the Clan Chief could change the anchor location by moving to a new location thus registering the new location as the Clan Chiefs rebirth location.
Elrick, Grinder and Bowden arrived in Realm Eternal then waited in line then paid to be transferred to Cobalt City; all this while the rest of Starlight Spark waited in Atlantis. The first thing they noted when they went through to Grandeur is that Asgard Continental Republic Cities are massive; dimensions measuring some 50km in diameter.
When Elrick, Grinder and Bowden eventually arrived in Cobalt City they realised that the Adventurers Guild Tower was different from the Teleport Tower. The Teleport Tower is just as large as the Atlantis Tower; dominating the city skyline. While Bowden logged-out to inform the rest of Starlight Spark that it was safe to Teleport through Elrick headed to the Adventurers Guild while Grinder wend to the Cobalt City administration building.
It was convenient that it was midmorning and all the public facilities were open. Elrick headed to the Adventurers Guild in order to make Skill Purchases for the Clan members and Grinder had to invest the cost of land. Elrick proceeded to purchase skills for all 3,079 members of Starlight Spark; much to the surprise of the clerk.
Adventurers Guild Purchases
Adventurers Guild Purchases:
Physical Combat.
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- ArcherySkill; Cost = 100 Copper Coins.
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- Long Bow; Cost = 50 Copper Coins.
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- ?Long Bow Arts?; Cost = 25 Copper Coins.
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- Bow; Cost = 50 Copper Coins.
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- ?Bow Arts?; Cost = 25 Copper Coins.
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- SpearingSkill; Cost = 100 Copper Coins.
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- Spear; Cost = 50 Copper Coins.
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- ?Spear Arts?; Cost = 25 Copper Coins.
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- ShieldingSkill; Cost = 100 Copper Coins.
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- Shield; Cost = 50 Copper Coins.
?
- ?Shield Arts?; Cost = 25 Copper Coins.
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- Blade Skill; Cost = 100 Copper Coins.
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- GunnerySkill; Cost = 100 Copper Coins.
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- Rifle; Cost = 50 Copper Coins.
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- ?Rifle Arts?; Cost = 25 Copper Coins.
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- Gun; Cost = 50 Copper Coins.
?
- ?Gun Arts?; Cost = 25 Copper Coins.
Sub-Total = 950 Copper Coins.
Magic Skills.
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- Mana Shaping Skill; Cost = 750 Copper Coins.
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- Earth Magic; Cost = 500 Copper Coins.
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- ?Rock Bullet?; Cost = 250 Copper Coins.
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- Fire Magic; Cost = 500 Copper Coins.
?
- ?Fire Bullet?; Cost = 250 Copper Coins.
?
- Wind Magic; Cost = 500 Copper Coins.
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- ?Wind Blade?; Cost = 250 Copper Coins.
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- Water Magic; Cost = 500 Copper Coins.
?
- ?Water Bullet?; Cost = 250 Copper Coins.
Sub-Total = 3,750 Copper Coins.
Cost for an individual = 4,700 Copper Coins
Cost for 3079 members = 14,471,300 Copper Coins
Other purchases:
?
- Clan communications system; at 40 Silver Coins = 4,000 Copper Coins.
Adventurers Guild Purchases Total = 14,475,300 Copper Coins.
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Each member of Starlight Spark would complete the process of Acquiring a Magic Sub-Skill later but it had been paid for. To Acquire the Magic Sub-Skilla death is necessary for the Soul has to be Marked with the Magic Element.
However acquiring the Elemental MagicSub-Skill is only Half the requirement of becoming an Elemental MagicUser; because to gain the ability to use Spells other than the innate Race Specific talents a Symbiote is necessary. Symbiotes can only be Acquired at the Academy, and the process involves allowing the Elemental Symbiote to feed on your Elemental Magicuntil its fully satiated which allows a skilled Psionic MagicWizard to bond the Elemental Symbiote to the Soul.
Using his own funds that amounted to 7,500 Gold Coins Elrick decided to purchase additional Skills that would help him survive on Chaos Island
Elricks Additional Purchases
Physical Combat.
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- Axe HammerSkill; Cost = 100 Copper Coins.
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- Hammer; Cost = 50 Copper Coins.
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- ?Hammer Arts?; Cost = 25 Copper Coins.
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- Axe; Cost = 50 Copper Coins.
?
- ?Axe Arts?; Cost = 25 Copper Coins.
?
- Sword; Cost = 50 Copper Coins.
?
- ?Sword Arts?; Cost = 25 Copper Coins.
Sub-Total = 325 Copper Coins.
Magic Skills.
?
- Ice Magic; Cost = 10,000 Copper Coins.
?
- Plant Magic; Cost = 10,000 Copper Coins.
?
- Light Magic; Cost = 50,000 Copper Coins.
?
- Shadow Magic; Cost = 50,000 Copper Coins.
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- Appraisal Magic; Cost = 500,000 Copper Coins.
?
- Alchemy Magic; Cost = 500,000 Copper Coins.
?
- Sound Magic; Cost = 1,000,000 Copper Coins.
?
- Psionic Magic; Cost = 5,000,000 Copper Coins.
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- Enchantments Magic; Cost = 5,000,000 Copper Coins.
?
- Rune Magic; Cost = 10,000,000 Copper Coins.
Sub-Total = 22,120,000 Copper Coins.
Other purchases:
?
- Elf Eyes Skill; Cost = 750 Copper Coins.
?
- Basic Elf Eyes; Cost = 50 Copper Coins.
?
- Cooking Skill; Cost = 750 Copper Coins.
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- Basic Cooking; Cost = 50 Copper Coins.
?
- Foraging Skill; Cost = 750 Copper Coins.
?
- Basic Foraging; Cost = 50 Copper Coins.
?
- Survival Skill; Cost = 750 Copper Coins.
?
- Basic Survival; Cost = 50 Copper Coins.
?
- Linguistics Skill; Cost = 750 Copper Coins.
?
- Basic Linguistics; Cost = 50 Copper Coins.
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- Mining Skill; Cost = 750 Copper Coins.
?
- Basic Mining; Cost = 50 Copper Coins.
?
- Tool Making Skill; Cost = 750 Copper Coins.
?
- Basic Tool Making; Cost = 50 Copper Coins.
?
- Map Reading Skill; Cost = 750 Copper Coins.
?
- Basic Map Reading; Cost = 50 Copper Coins.
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- Mapping Skill; Cost = 750 Copper Coins.
?
- Basic Mapping; Cost = 50 Copper Coins.
?
- Construction Skill; Cost = 750 Copper Coins.
?
- Basic Construction; Cost = 50 Copper Coins.
?
- Repair Magic Skill; Cost = 750 Copper Coins.
?
- Basic Repair Magic; Cost = 50 Copper Coins.
Sub-Total = 8,800 Copper Coins.
Elricks Additional Purchases Total = 22,128,800 Copper Coins.
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The Elf Eyes Skill is only available to Elves and Half-Elves and it incorporates ranged, targeting and night vision which would ordinarily require separate skills though some beast species have comparable abilities. Basic Elf Eyes & Basic Cooking Sub-Skill have to be trained and once you pass the test at the Academy the full range of the Sub-Skills can be evolved. The Repair Magic Skill is combined magic; to repair wood items Plant, Water, Earth and Appraisal Magic is necessary.
Next Elrick went to the Cobalt City Academy in to register members of Starlight Spark for Education. The Registration Cost is 50 Silver Coins and there is a monthly fee of 25 Silver Coins to continue studying. Elrick paid the Registration Cost of 50 Silver Coins and the first months 25 Silver Coins for every member of Starlight Spark at a total cost of 230,925 Silver Coins or 23,092,500 Copper Coins.
When the rest of the members of Starlight Spark arrived they were sent to the Cobalt City Academy in order to make free use of the Academys training facilities to improve their Combat skills; magic training will start once their Souls have been Marked with the Magic Element. While the rest were training the Executive of Starlight Spark investigated the prospect of purchasing Land.
The Northern part of Cobalt City starts at the base of the Red Stone Mountains straddling the river that runs through the first section. The City then goes up the 357m high hill the top of which is the centre of Cobalt City. Further south down the hill is the start of the rocky valley that borders the Blue Moss covered Mountain that is affectionately called the Blue Mountain; Cobalt City gets its name from the Blue Mountain.
The dimensions of Cobalt City taken from the wall are 27.65km Across and 75.64km long. The Psionic Barrier extends 12km from the defensive wall going over parts of both the Red Stone Mountains and the Blue Mountain. The Blue Moss covering the Mountain is Toxic and produces a foul smell; thanks to that the area outside the Psionic Barrier over Blue Mountain is the City dump.
Because no one wants the property Grinder was able to negotiate the purchase of the Entire North Facing side of the Blue Mountain at 4,000 Gold Coins. The Blue Mountain is 7.523km long and 756m high giving Starlight Spark 804 Hectare size Fields. Starlight Spark had paid 49,751 Copper Coins per Hectare for land the locals viewed as worthless.
At the Central Field at the base of the Blue Mountain Starlight Spark started construction on the 100mX100m 55 story Tower at a cost of 2,700 Gold Coins. Earth Magic, Fire Magicand Water Magic make construction relatively cheap and easy and the Tower Starlight Spark had contracted locals to build would take 2-3 Realm Eternal Weeks to complete.
Starlight Spark had already spent [23,092,500 + 14,475,300 + 40,000,000 + 27,000,000] = 104,567,800 Copper Coins or 10,456.78 Gold Coins of the 35,000 Gold Coins at its disposal leaving just 24,543.22 Gold Coins. The next Starlight Spark purchases are the Mana Crystal Fabricator at 8,000 Gold Coins, Mana Generator at 5,000 Gold Coins and the miniaturized LFTR Nuclear Power Source at 12,000 Gold Coins. To meat the shortfall Starlight Spark put in $2.5million from the Real world accounts.
Rated at a maximum output of 2,500,000 per week the Mana Crystal Fabricator they ordered had a capacity of 2,500 of the 1000 Mana Crystal or 500 of the 5,000 Mana Crystal or any mix of the 2 types of Mana Crystals; Starlight Spark chose a configuration that produced 2,000 of the 1,000 Mana Crystal and 100 of the 5,000 Mana Crystal.
The Mana Generator converts Electricity to Mana and can also drain Mana from individuals. The miniaturized LFTR Nuclear Power Source is a Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactor a type of thermal breeder reactor that use the thorium fuel cycle with a fluoride-based, molten, liquid salt for fuel. The combination of the LFTR Nuclear Power Source and the Mana Generator could only produce 15% of the required 2.5million Mana to produce the Mana Crystals so Starlight Spark planned to periodically drain Mana from all 3,079 members of Starlight Spark.
Starlight Spark has successfully implemented its Realm Eternal Strategy. At full capacity the Mana Crystal Fabricator would earn 625 Gold Coins per week, and even at 15% if would still generate 93.75 Gold Coins per week. The only problem being that it would take 4-6 weeks for Mana Crystal Fabricator, Mana Generator and the miniaturized LFTR Nuclear Power Source to each be installed on one of the 3 Fields adjacent to the Tower.
- - -
The next day when it was Elricks turn to have his Soul be Marked with the Magic Elementhe decided to go ahead and perform Spiritual Fortifications while most of Starlight was performing Level = 0 Clan Quests. Spiritual Fortifications is a process by which Attributes gain a + 50 EXP boost at a cost of 5% of the Maximum Mana at the time the Spiritual Fortification was performed; the Mana is permanently lost.
The benefits of such a procedure is that the Attributes will always have a + 50 EXP boost. The maximum an Item can increase an Attribute is + 10 EXP and such an Item would need to have an Uru Core making it expansive at 50-75 Gold Coins. However Spiritual Fortifications expansive at 200 Gold Coins and the pain is considerable as it is likened to being immersed in Acid.
The nobles of Ado perform Spiritual Fortifications and proudly display the accompanying Tattoos on visible parts of their bodies. The ritual for Spiritual Fortification is similar to being Marked with the Magic Elementand a death is necessary. Elrick had 52,871,200 Copper Coins left over in his Realm Eternal personal account; enough for 26 Spiritual Fortifications.
Elrick decided to focus on Strength = 5, Agility = 3, Dexterity = 5, Durability = 1, Endurance = 1, Vitality = 1, Awareness = 4, Observation = 10, Knowledge = 15, Wisdom = 15and Intelligence = 15.
Elrick died many times while being Marked with the Magic Elementand screamed like a little girl while repeatedly dying as the Spiritual Fortifications ritual was performed 22 times. Elrick chose to hide accompanying Spiritual Fortifications Tattoos on top of his head, his buttocks, his crotch and underneath his feet.
At the end of the torture his status screen revealed the improvement.
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Name: Elrick Starlight
Race: High Elf of Light
Profession: Director of Starlight Spark
Titles: None
Clan Affiliation: Starlight Spark
Clan Chief: Elrick Starlight
Clan Faction: Nova Horizon
HP = 1242MP = 181Atk = 178.655Deff = 191.25
Attributes:
Strength = 5 ( + 150) - Agility = 3 ( + 200) - Dexterity = 5 ( + 50) - Durability = 1 ( + 150) - Endurance = 1 ( + 200) - Sensitivity = 1 - Vitality = 1 ( + 100) - Eyesight = 5 - Charisma = 1 - Leadership = 1 - Awareness = 4 ( + 50) - Reputation = 0 - Observation = 10( + 50) - Knowledge = 15 ( + 50) - Wisdom = 15 ( + 50) - Intelligence = 15 ( + 50)
Skills
Magic Skill = 58.5
Magic Sub-Skills, Affinity & Proficiency
Earth Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Fire Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Wind Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Water Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5- Ice Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Alchemy Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Appraisal Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Enchantments Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 Light Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Plant Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 2.5 ~ Prof = 2.5 - Psionic Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Rune Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Sound Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 5 ~ Prof = 5 - Shadow Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1.
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Elricks Attribute Stats now ranked him amongst the strongest users but it had cost 4,400 Gold Coins and now 8,871,200 copper coins was all he had left in his Realm Eternal personal account. Expecting to die Elrick bought Level 1 Military Armour, Helmet, Boots, Shield, Rifle, Longbow, Sword, Spear and Axe-Hammer spending 80 Gold Coins on equipment and Ammunition and thus leaving him 8,071,200 copper coins.
- - -
Part 2
Just as Elrick left the Weapons Shop he was approached by 2 Hooded Figures.
Hooded : " Elrick Starlight?"
Elrick : " Yes?"
Hooded : " The King will hear you now"
Elrick : " Oh; Okay!"
Hooded : " Come with us!"
Elrick : " Understood"
Hooded : " We have to go outside the City"
Elrick : " I understand; Ill follow"
And so Elrick was taken by Mana wagon in the company of the 2 Hooded men.
- - -
After about 2 hours minute ride in what locals call a wagon but looks more like minibus the finally arrived at their destination. It had taken them a little over 2 hours transverse more than 200km at what Elrick considered an alarming speed. The wagon companions offered little in the way of conversation, and despite the fact that there were 2 other people in the wagon no one spoke a word to Elrick.
The people in the wagon had their face covered at all times and if it wasnt for the fact that they seemed to be on good terms with the Cobalt City Guards Elrick would have bolted. They had left in the late afternoon and it was now early evening, but of concern to Elrick was that darkness had fallen over the land with no visible lights; clearly they had not gone to a nearby village.
So when the wagon suddenly came to a halt Elrick was more than a little alarmed as they exited the wagon in the middle of nowhere. However one of the Hooded men took out a Rune Covered object and as the runes on the object shone the object emitted golden light and once that happened a jet black submarine looking ship began to De-Cloak.
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Elrick : " A Ship? Is it a Space Ship?"
Elrick couldnt hide his excitement.
Hooded 1 : " Technically its a Golem"
Elrick : " Golem?"
Hooded 2 : " Its a Sovereign Class Transport Golem"
The 155m long Jet Black Submarine looking Sovereign Class Transport Golem had a Solid flat base that apparently did not require a landing gear.
- - -
When the door that looked more like an Airlock hatch opened and 4 Light Elf Royal Guards came out and ushered Elricks into the ship. As they moved from what Elrick assumed was the back to the front Elrick couldnt help noticing that the inside of the ship looked more like a luxury yacht that a warship. Elrick reason that it was to be expected of Lord Elrons personal Transport.
They reached a room that Elrick concluded was a waiting room. The Hooded 4 the removed their Hooded Cloak to reveal that they are Half-Elves; 3 young looking and one elderly looking. The Half-Elves were then escorted into what Elrick assumed was a mobile Throne room. Elrick was left alone in the room with a guard posted outside both doors.
Elrick realised his case was not the priority; he was not so important that the king of the High Elves of Light would come all the way here just to hear an Appeal. Elricks new perspective allowed him to ponder how he would approach the appeal process. In his mind Elrick acknowledged that he was in-fact guilty of the crime he had been convicted of.
In that case Elrick couldnt plead innocent, but what he could do is argue for mitigation of sentence sighting extenuating circumstances. Above all else Elrick resolved to be completely honest, and should he be asked questions he would answer truth fully. If he was to be sent to jail it would happen for the right reasons and not because he angered some telepathic king by trying to manipulate the situation with deception.
- - -
Finally a Guard ushered Elrick into the kings chamber where the 4 Half-Elves had been meeting with the middle age looking High-Elf King. As Elrick walked in he was gazed upon by the majestic figure with white hair and piercing red eyes.
Being British Elrick had some familiarity with etiquette and courtier manner as well as how to address royalty so he knelt on his right knee and bowed his head then waited the king to acknowledge him.
Royal Guard: " Presenting Elrick Starlight; Chief of the Starlight Spark Clan and former commander of the irregular forces militia during the battle of Vhon. Found guilty of Crimes against the Eastal Kingdom; a member of the Asgard Continental Republic. Appeal Case K4597LEHE."
Lord Elron : " Well well well; if it isnt the famous tactician?"
Elrick is overcome by a feeling of dread as Lord Elron focuses his attention him; its as if the atmosphere suddenly became thicker or somehow the gravity increased ten times.
Lord Elron : " Elrick Starlight; do you dispute the charges against you?"
Elrick : " No; your Majesty"
Lord Elron : " Then you admit your Guilt?"
Elrick : " Yes; your Majesty. I unknowingly broke Eastal Laws."
Lord Elron : " Unknowingly you say? But did you not knowingly kill yourself thus completing the contract with the Red-Elf Princess?"
Elrick : " I did; your Majesty. At the time it was a choice between a year with no financial benefit with the possibility on another year of imprisonment and 2 years of Imprisonment with the possibility of Appeal; I believe I made the only rational decision."
Throughout it all Elrick never raised his head.
Lord Elron : " Hmph! So you werent trying to help the Princess?"
Elrick : " Majesty; After her explanation I thought helping both the Princess and Prince was an acceptable result."
Lord Elron : " So you didnt care about the consequences to the Ljslfar?"
Elrick : " Majesty; My limited understanding lead me to believe that the effects would be negligible."
Lord Elron : " Oh? So you didnt wish to punish Eastal for imposing as sentence on you?"
Elrick : " Majesty; I couldnt have? I I .?"
Lord Elron : " Werent you Angry?"
Elrick : " I suppose I was; your Majesty."
Lord Elron : " Then its conceivable that you wanted to punish the High-Elves of Light?"
Elrick : " Its conceivable; your Majesty."
Lord Elron : " So what is the basis of your argument for leniency?"
Elrick : " Personal Circumstances"
Lord Elron : " Lets hear it then!"
Elrick : " Majesty; I come from a world "
And so Elrick began telling the story of his life in detail; focusing on when he met Elise and detailing the circumstances that lead him to Realm Eternal and the founding of Starlight Spark and ultimately ending up in the current situation.
In response Lord Elron rose from his chair.
Lord Elron : " Cursed?"
The mood had suddenly turned violent.
Lord Elron : " You are unworthy of that Body; unworthy of its Light. YOURE UNWORTHY!"
Elrick : " Aaah!"
Elrick is suddenly accosted by something so powerful that he Convulses, then vomits and collapses while soiling himself. Elrick lies limp and unconscious before the king.
Lord Elron : " Frack! My Magic leaked out!"
One of the Royal Guards uses Telekinesis to lift up Elrick and take him to a nearby Bathroom. Once there the Royal Guard uses ?Healing Light? to revive Elrick.
- - -
When Elrick wakes up in the Bathroom he is horrified to discover that not only did he vomit but he also peed and shit himself; a complete humiliation. Once he composes himself the Guard directs him to a shower and clean clothing and leaves the bathroom.
As the clean and refreshed Elrick comes out of the Bathroom he sees that the Royal Guard has been waiting for him.
Elrick : " Im sorry about humiliating myself in-front of the King; its bad Etiquette"
Royal Guard: " Forgive our King; once you gain Symbiotes youll realize that sometimes your Magic activates unconsciously. Strong emotions are difficult for us Elves of Light."
Elrick : " Cursed Elf?"
Royal Guard: " The King didnt like that; none of us do!"
Elrick : " I see"
Royal Guard: " Please try to avoid angering him any further; we dont want anymore Magic Leakage."
Elrick : " That was just his Magic leaking out?"
Royal Guard: " If you didnt have Spiritual Fortifications you would have been ripped apart."
Elrick : " Oh?"
Royal Guard: " You must have spent a fortune to survive that much power?"
Elrick : " Apparently not enough"
Royal Guard: " Only Magic can truly protect you against Magic."
They had arrived back in the Chamber and Elrick returned to his kneeling position. The mess he left behind had been cleaned up and the King was back on his chair.
- - -
The king sighs.
Elrick : " Majesty; I apologize for showing you something unsightly"
Lord Elron : " No Elrick; I should be the one to apologize. Im sorry!"
Elrick is surprised that a king would humble himself and apologize.
Elrick : " Majesty; I should not have angered you or tried your patience."
Lord Elron : " Lets move on from this. Elrick you did more damage to Eastal than you understand; the marriage of the Red-Elf Princess to the Green-Elf Prince has connected their Royal Houses. This action has opened the door for the Red-Elves to return to the centre of Elf politics through the Green-Elves; something they havent been able to do since the Fiasco that was the Alfheim Campaign. Until you showed up the Red-Elves were on the fringes of Elf Politics."
Elrick : " Oh?"
Lord Elron : " Your crimes against Eastal not withstanding this relationship between the Red-Elves and the Green-Elves complicates Eastals position; diminishing the amount of influence we have in the Continental Republic.
Elrick : " I had no Idea your Majesty."
Lord Elron : " Now we have to deal with this Atlantian dislike of the bodies of the Elves of Light. Elrick; is it such a large burden? Do you hate it that much Elrick?"
There is silence as Elrick properly considers his response. The king seems dejected.
Elrick : " Majesty; if Im to be truly honest with myself then I must admit that I dont hate being High-Elf of Light in the Realm Eternal. The one I actually hated is myself; my weakness and my lacking and shortcomings as a man. It just got transferred to a dislike of the body of the High-Elf. Being High-Elf of Light has helped me cope with a difficult period in my life and I should be grateful. I know I havent been but I am now; Im grateful to be of the High-Elves of Light. I vow that from here onwards I will treat this body with the respect it deserves; I will be proud to be a High-Elf of Light. To that end I will start by withdrawing the petition for leniency; I dont deserve it. I am unworthy. Majesty; I humbly request to withdraw my Appeal."
Lord Elron : " There he is! Nabi Elrick of the Fortunate Five!"
Elrick : " Huh?"
Elrick is visibly shocked as he raises his head to look at the King.
Lord Elron : " What? Did you think my telepathy could only reach your surface thoughts?"
Elrick : " Heh?"
Elrick is stunned by the revelation that the king and probably others have been reading his deepest inner thoughts.
Lord Elron : " Unlike the other 2 youve been completely honest; painfully so!"
?Elrick : " Other 2? What other 2??
Lord Elron : " Oh? You didnt know? After you died 2 Atlantian tried to sell their bodies to Red-Elves, but only royalty can act with impunity so they were rejected. However the crimes have already been committed so theyll spend a year on Chaos Island. I heard their Appeals yesterday; they stupidly tried to deceive me!"
Elrick : " Im sorry your Majesty; this is also my fault."
Lord Elron : " Anyway I saved you for last because I hoped that I would get to see the High-Elf of Light who lead warriors on Vhons wall."
Elrick : " I hope your Majesty is aware that I was trying to run away."
Lord Elron : " Yes; but before that you used Atlantians as shields for Adonites."
?Elrick : " Adonites? Oh; natives!?
Elrick : " Atlantians are immortal"
Lord Elron : " You placed Adonites lives ahead of Atlantian suffering?"
Elrick : " Even though Adonites were soldiers who were ready to die their lives are still precious."
Lord Elron : " And thats why I have to reject your request to withdraw your Appeal; I need someone like you! Serve Eastal and regain your Honour!"
Elrick : " I can only act with honourable intensions my King!"
Lord Elron : " That is acceptable! So; Elrick Starlight will you Serve Eastal?"
Elrick : " I will Serve Eastal"
Lord Elron : " I do not have the authority to commute your sentence by more than half without exonerating you. However since your under 30 years old youre technically still a child by Elf Laws, and that means as King I can suspend up to 75% of your sentence for 10 years. Is this acceptable?"
Elrick : " My King; I will project my soul outward as a Force to bear my burdens and in this I will carry weight of the responsibility born from the damage my greed caused Eastal. To restore, to exult, to repair; I Accept!"
The King smiles.
Lord Elron : " In Accepting; you have Joined the Eastal Security Agency. Welcome aboard Agent Elrick!"
One of the Guards brings over something Elrick recognizes as a Runic Contract stone and once Elricks blood touches it a pop-up appears.
|
~ Ding! ~
New Profession Gained!
You have joined the Eastal Security Agency.
? [*]Operative ?Level - 0?
? [*]Missions?N/A?
Betrayal is Treason.
|
Elrick : " Outstanding!"
Lord Elron : " Eastal doesnt have and Adonite Country in its sphere of influence; the Midgard have a monopoly on humans and the Half-Elf kingdoms are already taken. Your Primary Task is to form a Cosmopolitan Country aligned to Eastal that we can use to positively influence Adonite Countries. Since youre Family background is Cosmopolitan you are perfect for this role."
Elrick : " I will get it done my King."
Lord Elron : " Ill leave it to you then!"
The King then swiftly leaves the chamber and an older High-Elf gentleman Approaches Elrick. The elderly looking of the Half-Elves also approaches Elrick.
Dir Orlin : " Hello! I am Orlin; Director of the Eastal Security Agency."
Sup Arwick : " Greetings! I am Arwick; Ill be your supervisor."
Elrick : " Good to meet you both; Ill be in your care."
Dir Orlin : " Getting down to business; you cant survive Chaos Island in your current state."
Sup Arwick : " Youd need to have 10 times your Attributes to survive more than a month; most monsters are party Rank."
Elrick : " Then whats the plan sirs?"
Dir Orlin : " We cant reach Chaos Island because its in a pocket dimension; we cant lend you some assistance, but we can help you prepare."
Sup Arwick : " The only way someone like you can survive is to hide; Easier said than done right?"
Elrick : " Yeah"
Sup Arwick : " Which is why you must bring a robust hiding place with you; a Hunters Lear. The best Hunters Lear cost around 80 Gold Coins, and to power the Hunters Lear youll need a 5000 Mana Crystal a day. Needless to say that you must never leave the Lear so bring everything you need."
Elrick : " Never leave it?"
Sup Arwick : " Yeah; youre too weak to survive even the weakest monster on Chaos Island. So bring books and stockpiles of Food."
Dir Orlin : " Arwick; I was hoping your Clan might be willing to help him gather the resources he needs? And that you might be open to selling him your Combat and Training memories?"
Elrick : " Memories? A Memory Imprint?"
Dir Orlin : " Elrick; since you dont have Combat training in the world you come from a Memory Imprint is the fastest way to get you combat ready."
Elrick : " I understand sir"
Sup Arwick : " Since Im old now and Im looking towards retirement I suppose I could let you cheat by getting my memories for 400 Gold Coins."
Elrick : " Huh? Please teacher; have mercy! 350 Gold Coins should be fair."
Sup Arwick : " Lets split the difference and settle at 375 Gold Coins."
Elrick : " Agreed!"
They shake hands as a Guard approaches Orlin.
Royal Guard: " Director; the ship is ready to leave."
Dir Orlin : " Understood! Has the King been informed?"
Royal Guard: " Yes sir"
Dir Orlin : " Well finish up"
The Guard walks away.
Dir Orlin : " Elrick; take this and apply your blood to activate it."
Elrick takes the Black Stone and applies his blood which makes it glow.
Dir Orlin : " Thats your Badge! It will grant you access to our facilities, safe houses and other instillations. If you lose it you can remote detonate it, but it has the best security so it will now only work for you. By the way you have 2 days until you have to turn yourself in for transfer to Chaos Island"
Elrick : " Understood sir"
They leave the ship and watch as it takes-off; disappearing in the skies.
- - -
On the way back to Cobalt City Elrick transfers 650 Gold Coins to Arwick for the Memory Imprint and for the supplies as well as the Hunters Lear. As soon as they arrive Elrick and Arwick go to the Adventurers Guild for the Memory Imprint, and just as Elrick had Predicted it was very painful; like a hot piece of metal being shoved into your head.
Once the procedure was done Elrick couldnt resist looking over at Arwick and reciting a line from a Classic VR Movie.
Elrick : "I know Kung-Fu!"
Sup Arwick : " Really? Then show me!"
Not sure how Arwick knew the correct response but assuming that he probably read his mind Elrick followed Arwick to one of the training rooms.
Elrick had gained Decades of Knowledge in the elite combat techniques ?Heavens-Blade?, ?Sky-Breaker?, ?God-Speed? and ?Celestial-Steps?.
Elricks EXP had not changed but like those who practice martial Arts in real life Elrick now knew techniques behind combat.
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| PREVIOUS CHAPTER | Back to the Main Page | NEXT CHAPTER |
- - -
- - -
Chapter 13: The Good Student
- - -
Arc 2: The Power of Knowledge
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= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
- - -
Chapter 13: The Good Student
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Part 1
Elrick and Arwick faced of against each other in the specially constructed Training Room. Each held a Training Katana that could be adjusted to control the amount of damage caused; combined with the damage negation effects of the Training Rooms people could practice Skills that would otherwise be too dangerous. However since no system is perfect minimal damage was still possible even with the Magical technology of the Training Rooms.
Elrick had taken the Second Form of the ?Heavens-Blade?with his left foot forward and his hands at shoulder height; sword raised for a right to left Cross Slash Strike. Arwick on the other hand had taken the First Form of the ?Heavens-Blade?Technique with right foot forward and his hands at waist height; sword pointed slightly downward.
From the memories gained through Memory Imprint Elrick understood that the ?Heavens-Blade?Technique was about understanding Kinetic Energy and manipulating the forces involved. Thus when Elrick assessed Arwicks stance and posture Elrick understood that Arwick had setup for the use of the ?Parry? ?Combat Arts?, but Elrick could not predict what happened after that.
When the ?Combat Arts? were purchased 3 basic ?Combat Arts?are given freely and in the case of the Blade Sub-Skill; ?Parry?, ?Slash?and ?Stab? are given freely. The same applies for?Sword Arts?, ?Spear Arts?, ?Shield Arts?, ?Magic Spells?, and BasicSub-Skills such as Basic Elf Eyes, Basic Cooking, Basic Survival & Basic Construction.
However since Elrick didnt have any of the necessary Symbiotes most of the freeBasicSub-Skills ?Magic Spells?were unusable. The bulk of the free ?Combat Arts? on the other hand were readily available and Arwick was about to demonstrate them in the proper application of Techniques.
- - -
Deciding that hed made enough assessment Elrick activated his ?Slash??Combat Arts?.
Elrick : " Hae!"
However Arwick had seen that coming and parried by slashing backwards from right to left thus using his understanding of Kinetic Energy Momentum to cause Elricks upper body to twist to the left. Arwick followed his movement by an upward slash that connected to Elricks now exposed right shoulder and neck. Arwick accomplished all this in continuous movements.
Sup Arwick : " Huh!"
Though the physical damage was negated the pain was transferred causing Elrick to stumble and Cringe.
Elrick : " ?God-Speed??"
Sup Arwick : " I thought my memories would double your Battle Power but even 2% is too much for you; Ill dial it down to 1% so you can keep up. It takes a while for the mind to fully Digest Memory Imprints. Elrick; dont try to predict what the opponent will do, that will get you into trouble with feints, simply react and anyone who makes feints will suffer the consequences."
Elrick : " Got it!"
Sup Arwick : " This is the first and only time the sparring will stop to allow you to recover focus; on the field the opponent will not be merciful."
Elrick : " Understood"
And so the Epic Beat-Down commenced.
Elrick knew Arwicks Attribute Stats from the Memory Imprint and understood that even with the Spiritual Fortifications Arwick was a Hundred times stronger and the beating he was taking from Arwick was necessary to hone in his fighting sense. Elrick knew that people who had practice Martial Arts or boxing like Hiroshi and Mithriliar had a very well developed fighting sense; knowing how to position themselves in mle and able to actively judge mle encounters.
The Phoenix Consortium had discouraged the use of Memory Imprints because they had the potential of altering the users personality. The Memory Imprints were among many technologies that had been developed by Adonites in their war with the Demons. The simulation Realm Eternal was structured in such a way that the Phoenix Consortium does not have control of the developments in the Simulation; only providing the computing power to run the simulation.
The fact that the Phoenix Consortium does not have control of the developments in the Simulation is what makes the Simulation valuable to third parties; the Phoenix Consortium and the Adonites or natives being the other 2 parties. The fact that the Phoenix Consortium does not have control is what solidifies Realm Eternal as an Alternate Reality rather than a Game.
This one defining feature of Realm Eternal is why Elrick could legitimately invest his life savings in Realm Eternal and he wasnt the only one to do so. In the few days that Realm Eternal went live people had invested vast sums of money in Spiritual Fortifications and Memory Imprints. Adonites could freely sell their memories through Memory Imprints but the users known as Atlantians could only buy memories without being able to sell them.
Memory Imprint is an Adonite technology and the fact that the mind of an Atlantian is somewhere else made Memory Imprint with a user as the source impossible. And so even as Elrick was taking a rather severe beating from Arwick he continued to lament the fact that he could not transfer over everything he was learning to the other Executives of Starlight Spark.
Finally after a gruelling hour Elrick collapsed from exhaustion. Upon regaining consciousness Elrick took a recovery potion knowing that it would take 15 to 20 minutes for the potion to fully take effect.
Sup Arwick : " Sadly Recovery Potions are a poor substitute for Light Magic. ?Rejuvenate?!"
A beam of golden light went from Arwicks hand to Elrick accelerating Elricks recovery of Stamina and thus removing his exhaustion.
Elrick : " Amazing!"
Sup Arwick : " Yeah; as a support magic it has no equal."
Elrick : " But because personal security is more important it has few practitioners."
Sup Arwick : " Yup"
Then something suddenly clicked in Elricks mind.
Elrick : " Speaking of personal security; are ?Combat Arts? a type of Corporeal Magic?"
Sup Arwick : " It took you long enough!"
Elrick : " Then ?"
Sup Arwick : " Its called Innate Corporeal Magic, but because the Magic is so commonplace its not formally classified as Corporeal Magic."
Elrick : " Then the Fighting Techniques are . "
Sup Arwick : " Yes; they are the ancient forms of Innate Corporeal Magic."
Elrick : " That would mean the ?Combat Arts? are also . "
Sup Arwick : " They are Corporeal Magic Magic Scripts written in the Runic Language of the Ancients."
Elrick : " Ha!"
Sup Arwick : " In the Aftermath of Ragnar?k the Dwarves were tasked with gathering resources, but not willing to toil away in endless physical labour the industrious Dwarves decided to build Golems that would do the physical labour. It was through the improvement of advanced Golems that they understood the precepts of Corporeal Magic; the Dwarves were trying to build Living Golems."
Elrick : " Living Golems?"
Sup Arwick : " Though they failed to create Living Golems the High Elves of Light furthered their research to produce Familiars through ?Soul Capture?Psionic Magic. Familiars could be killed but since the soul of the Familiar is stored elsewhere a new body could be constructed for it; though the Attributes Reset to the Initial State. The Familiars are similar to Atlantians with the difference being that Atlantians retain the bulk of their attributes thanks to the properties of the EldarStone providing a continuous link through Quantum Entanglement.
Elrick : " Hee?"
Sup Arwick : " Thanks to Appraisal Magic the ?Combat Arts? were developed through the study of experts in ?Heavens-Blade?, ?Sky-Breaker?, ?God-Speed? and ?Celestial-Steps?. Therefore rather than train for 10 years to learn to produce the perfect swing of the Sword the ?Combat Arts? give such skill to a complete novice. Upon implementation the thought activated ?Combat Arts? were proven to be superior to traditional methods. Focusing the Mana-Flow in the body to produce a Mana-Boosted Slash is far more complicated than thinking about?Slash?to produce the same result. The technique purists railed against such a system but since then no purist has ever Ranked above Basic Competence because in actual combat ?Combat Arts? are superior. When using the ?Combat Arts? the body is actually moving so the EXP gain is relatively the same the difference being slightly less EXP to fine motor control related Attributes such as Dexterity, Eyesight,Observation, Knowledge, Wisdom, Intelligenceand related Sub-Skills. "
Elrick : " There is some Trade-off"
Sup Arwick : " However the benefits of ?Combat Arts? far outweigh any potential detriments."
Elrick made the connection that in Realm Eternal the System Assist is actually Magic and that is why being a real life Martial Artist doesnt give much of an Advantage.
Elrick : " If ?Combat Arts? are also Corporeal Magic then what is the point of learning Combat Techniques?"
Sup Arwick : " Its because ?Combat Arts? are Mana Intensive; you can chain them to deliver overwhelming power. But should that fail to defeat the enemy its a good idea to have traditional combat abilities to fall back on. Mana capacity increases with use through related Mana Shaping, creating the greater Mana pool that is essential for ?Combat Arts?. The other reason is that through understanding the fundamentals or principles behind ?Combat Arts? you can modify the standard ?Combat Arts? and create your own assortment of Mana Conservative micro ?Combat Arts?. The standard ?Combat Arts??Slash? uses Mana-Flows from both ?God-Speed?and?Heavens-Blade? but with proper training and positioning one can use only ?God-Speed?."
Elrick : " Is it Ok to rely only on the Attributes?"
Sup Arwick : " Relying on the Atk Physical Attack Power Stat gives a relatively fixed Attack power but ?Combat Arts? deliver multiples of the Atk stat depending on how they are used. When the Renton Hunting Club started massive Spiritual Fortifications we thought they were going for Atk Physical Attack Power increase but their goal was the minimum requirements for Level 3 Military Grade Golem Armour."
Elrick : " Renton Hunting Club? Is that an Atlantian Clan?"
Sup Arwick : " Yes; Renton Hunting Club is an Atlantian Clan. As a junior ESA operative youre allowed to hear sensitive intelligence information at your rank. All 57 members of the Renton Hunting Club Acquired a minimum of 1000EXP in Strength, Agility, Vitality, Durability, Endurance and 100EXP in everything else in order to qualify for the minimum requirements for Level 3 Military Grade Golem Armour. They then proceeded to Purchase the Basic Full Body Level 3 Military Grade Golem Armour and the Basic Level 3 Military Grade Golem Plasma Rifle."
Elrick quickly did the numbers in his head.
Elrick : " Thats a minimum of 24,400 Gold Coins each! $48.8 million per person just on the Spiritual Fortifications; thats insane!"
Sup Arwick : " I take it even in your worlds currency its a significant amount of money? And when you include the 5,000 Gold Coins for the Military Grade Golem Armour and 4,500 for the Military Grade Golem Plasma Rifle it totalled 33,900 Gold Coins."
Elrick : " Who would spend that kind of money? Oh!"
Sup Arwick : " I take it your familiar with them in your world?"
Elrick : " Energy Billionaires; Very rich and very Powerful."
Sup Arwick : " That explains the full Phoenix Legion designated to protect them. Though Golems know their Owners and as such cant be stolen. Apparently the Renton Hunting Club is here to hunt what they call big game; Demons and Monstrosities."
Elrick : " I see"
Sup Arwick : " Now that your Mana has fully recovered we can continue youre lessons"
Elrick : " Yes Sir"
With than the Sparring continued.
- - -
Part 2
After 41 hours of sparring Elrick had built up sufficient muscle memory to satisfy Arwick, and Elrick could now wield a Sword, Spear, Shield and Axe-Hammer with the skill of someone thoroughly practiced. Throughout the sparring Elrick never landed a single hit on Arwick; the power difference was just too high. However Elrick was able to reduce the hits he was taking by 45% at 1.5% of Arwicks full strength.
The hours of training allowed Elrick to more rapidly Digest the Memory Imprints and as more of Arwicks memories filtered into Elricks consciousness he gained information on more than physical combat training but also magical combat training. Elrick now knew how to integrate Magic into ?God-Speed? and?Heavens-Blade?. The Techniques?Sky-Breaker?and?Celestial-Steps?are primarily magical combat Techniques which means they are currently inaccessible to Elrick.
The biggest gain would be in magic since unlike most Atlantian Elrick actually remembered magical combat training and knew exactly what to do to improve his Mana Shaping. Arwick gave Elrick a list of skills that would help Elrick improve both his Mana capacity and Mana Shaping. According to Arwick theMagic Writing Skill provides Mana Shapingtraining without the monotony of traditional Mana Shapingexercises.
Arwick also recommended the Physical-Increase Skill and its associated Sub-Skills Strength-Increase, Speed-Increase and Body-Harden. Elrick grimaced at the mention of the Physical-Increase Skill which cost 10 Gold coins and Required 200 Mana per use but understood that even if only slightly Physical-Increase Sub-Skills and ?Combat Arts? generated Mana ShapingEXP.
Over 42 hours of sparring had moved Elricks Mana ShapingEXP from Zero to 1.056746 which was not easy thing to achieve since every use of 1 Mana generates 1 mini-EXP in the Skill the Mana was used. That means Elrick had used 1,056,746 Mana in 42 hours; averaging to a use of about 6.989 Mana per second. During Beta Elrick used the Race Specific inborn talents ?Aura Glow? and ?Aura Burst? to grow his Mana but now Mana ShapingEXP would take precedence.
This was all related to Realm Eternals EXP System.
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EXP
EXP = Experience
1 EXP = 1000 micro-EXP
1 micro-EXP = 1000 mini-EXP
Every footstep generates 1 mini-EXP in Strength, Agility and Endurance.
Every use of 1 Mana generates 1 mini-EXP in the Skill the Mana was used.
Every action taken in Realm Eternal generates 1 mini-EXP in any number of Areas for Natives, Users, Demons and Monsters.
Combat Experience generates a percentage increase in EXP gain of Active Attributes and Skills.
If Enemy HP - User/Native HP -10000 then percentage EXP increases 0.000001%
If Enemy HP - User/Native HP = 10000 then percentage EXP increases 100% (Double EXP)
If Enemy HP - User/Native HP = 0 then percentage EXP increases 50%
All other increases can be extrapolated.
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Arwick also insisted on the purchase of a few additional equipment that would aid Elrick on Chaos Island.
- - -
When they finally left the Training room they were met by a few members of Arwicks clan who were delivering Items that had been gathered for Elrick; of-course Elrick paid additional monies for the extra stuff but he was grateful to have their assistance, and since there was no more time left Elrick parted ways with Arwick and headed off to the Cobalt City Security Centre to turn himself in.
The Cobalt City Security Centre had a magical dampening system in the Holding cells that prevented the use of Magic and once all of Elricks equipment was placed in his Basic Magic Inventory Bag and 2 Magic Bags of Holding he could no longer gain access to it until he leaves his cell. And this point Elrick started reviewing some major weapons Arwick purchased for him.
Customized Level 2 Bow-Swords
Previous Owner = Ravic Arwick
Current Owner = Elrick
Purchase price = 35 Gold Coins
Weight = 14kg
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Rated a Level 2 Weapon it is crafted by combining a Level 2 Electric Swords and a Level 2 Heat Sword giving it dual modes; Bow mode and Swords mode.
In Swords Mode: Heat Sword & Electric Sword
The Level 2 Swords draw Mana from the installed 5000 Mana Crystal.
?
- The tip of the Heat Sword is insulated and uses the 5000 Mana Crystal to generate over 1000 degrees Celsius which creates a hot cutting tip.
?
- The tip of the Electric Sword is insulated and uses the 5000 Mana Crystal to generate a High Voltage Tip that can Stun or Kill.
Installed Components:
?
- 5000 Mana Crystal per Sword
Active Systems:
?
- Heat Sword
?
- Electric Sword
In Bow Mode:
Level 2 Military Grade Longbow:
?
- Max Range = 15km
?
- Recommended Armaments = Military Grade Longbow Arrows
Installed Components:
Active Systems:
?
- Targeting System
?
- Arrow Power Boost System
?
- Arrow Guide System
?
- Heat Arrow
?
- Electric Arrow
?
- Heat + Electric Arrow
The Customized Level 2 Military Grade Longbow draws Mana from the 3 installed 5000 Mana Crystal and uses it to create a Psionic Targeting System at a cost of 1 Mana per minute thus allowing the user to Acquire and Designate Targets for Guided Runic Arrows. The Targeting System can also be used for standard Arrows.
Level 2 Military Grade Longbow also has an Arrow Power Boost System that adds EXP to Strength at a cost of 5 Mana per minute for every additional EXP added to Strength when Active. The Arrow Guide System that adds EXP to Dexterity at a cost of 5 Mana per minute for every additional EXP added to Dexterity when Active.
The Level 2 Military Grade Longbow can induce Heat on the insulated Arrow tip by using the 5000 Mana Crystal to generate over 1000 degrees Celsius which creates a hot Arrow tip. The Level 2 Military Grade Longbow can induce an Electric Charge on the insulated Arrow tip by using the 5000 Mana Crystal to generate a High Voltage Tip.
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And the next was the Customized Level 2 Military Grade Machine Gun Rifle.
Customized Level 2 Military Grade Machine Gun Rifle
Previous Owner = Ravic Arwick
Current Owner = Elrick
Purchase price = 25 Gold Coins
Weight = 22kg
Machine Gun Rifle Mode:
?
- Range = 3km
?
- Military Grade Rifle Bullets Cost = 1 Silver Coin per set of 15
Heavy Machine Gun Rifle Mode:
?
- Range = 5km
?
- Military Grade Heavy Machine Gun Bullets Cost = 3 Silver Coins per set of 15
Installed Components:
Active Systems:
?
- Targeting System
?
- Fire Control System
?
- Noise Reduction System
?
- Grenade Launcher
Level 2 Military Machine Gun Rifle draws Mana from the installed 5000 Mana Crystal and uses it to create a Psionic Targeting System at a cost of 1 Mana per minute thus allowing the user to Acquire and Designate Targets for Guided Runic Bullets. The Targeting System can also be used for standard Bullets.
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Other Equipment included Attribute Increase Items and Crafting Tools.
Attribute Increase Items
?
- Agility + 4 Mithril Core Magic Finger Ring at 1 Gold Coins X 10; Cost = 10 Gold Coins.
?
- Agility+ 4 Mithril Core Magic Toe Ring at 1 Gold Coins X 10; Cost = 10 Gold Coins.
?
- Agility+ 4 Mithril Core Magic Ear Rings at 1 Gold Coins X 2; Cost = 2 Gold Coins.
?
- Strength+ 4 Mithril Core Magic Arm Bracelet at 2 Gold Coins X 2; Cost = 4 Gold Coins.
?
- Durability+ 4 Mithril Core Magic Ankle Bracelet at 2 Gold Coins X 2; Cost = 4 Gold Coins.
?
- Endurance+ 4 Mithril Core Magic Belt at 2 Gold Coins X 1; Cost = 2 Gold Coins.
?
- Eyesight+ 4 Mithril Core Magic Amulet at 2 Gold Coins X 1; Cost = 2 Gold Coins.
Sub-Total = 34 Gold Coins.
Crafting Tools
?
- Alchemy MagicBasic ?Matter Conversion? Set at 2 Gold Coins; Cost = 2 Gold Coins.
?
- Alchemy MagicBasic ?Mixing? Set at 1.2 Gold Coins; Cost = 1.2 Gold Coins.
?
- Alchemy MagicBasic ?Synthesis? Set at 4 Gold Coins; Cost = 4 Gold Coins.
Sub-Total = 7.2 Gold Coins.
Camping Tools
?
- 3X3X3 Hunters Lear; cost = 80 Gold Coins.
?
- 2X2X2 Hunters Lear; cost = 27 Gold Coins.
?
- 1.2X1.2X1.2 Hunters Lear; cost = 10 Gold Coins.
Sub-Total = 117 Gold Coins.
Grand Total = 158.2 Gold Coins.
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There were many Crafting Tools that Elrick had already bought but he was surprised that there were 3 of the Hunters Lear shelters but on consideration he concluded that having different sizes would be useful. Elrick knew that he didnt have long to wait and the Jail cell prevented Log-out so Elrick read the Childrens Picture Book he had been holding while lamenting the fact that to learn to read from the beginning sucked ass.
- - -
During Beta all users were given bodies that could Automatically Read the writings of Realm Eternal but ever since Realm Eternal went live Atlantians can only read Notices, and Auto-Translation is limited to Verbal Interactions. Elrick considered this one of the major bottlenecks to information gathering. Since almost all the Atlantians were at the Academy learning how to adapt to Ado Elrick would be left behind while he is on the backwater pocket dimension.
Elrick thought back to the first Announcement of the Breakthrough in Virtual Reality. At first Elrick was sceptical but when he read the published Advent Consortium research paper he knew that the Age of Virtual Reality had indeed arrived. The Breakthrough in Virtual Reality came with the development of the First Artificial Intelligence Virtual Reality Engine (AIVRE).
The AIVRE system is called Artificial Intelligence because it can simulate Sentience, but its not really sentient or more precisely its not allowed to be truly sentient. It was the first AIVRE system that finally cracked the wall of Virtual Reality Immersion, and it accomplished this by scrutinizing every facet of the human brain.
The key to building the AIVRE system is the Crystal Lattice core; solved by thousands of researchers in various fields; a revolution that changed the Nature of Computing. The programming of the AIVRE system was done through learning algorithms rather than traditional methods; meaning that in a very real sense the AIVRE system programmed itself.
Once the AIVRE system was able to produce Virtual Reality along with Virtual Intelligent Life-Forms it was discovered that the Virtual Intelligent Life-Forms or VIs could not only Achieve Sentience they could also achieve Sapience. A fierce discord ensued amongst the G20 countries that held an Equal stake in the Advent Consortium.
Japan, South Korea and India along with others wanted to connect a Sapient VI to an AIVRE system as a way to solve the problem of Machine Sentience; a persistent problem that had been prevalent in the pursuit of true AI. By the year 2002 Computer Scientist had thoroughly concluded that a Computational Device could not achieve Sentience.
This new Idea of connecting a Sapient VI to an AIVRE system Alarmed China, the United States and Germany. Chinese and American scientists predicted that a Sentient Machine would be superior to humans, and humans would loose control of the Planet Forever. And so a compromise was reached and a second AIVRE system was built in France to test the Machine Sentience Hypothesis with a Virtual Reality simulation.
A simulation within a simulation was created, and in a duplicate earth with a duplicate AIVRE system a Sapient VI was connect to an AIVRE system. The results were frightening. Just as some had predicted no amount of control Laws could shackle a Sentient Machine; the Sentient Machine proved to be an existence beyond the human capacity to understand.
By Elricks estimation the experiment had been run over a thousand times now and the results were a different variation of the same subtext. Sentient Machines being superior to humans in intellectual capabilities immediately considered Humans to be Insignificant. The Sentient Machines either destroyed humanity, enslaved humanity or put them in some sort of Game reserve.
For the most part the Sentient Machines didnt see the point of talking to Humans, and which ever way you look at it the scenario always turned into a Decepticon Festival with no friendly Autobots. The Idea that a Sentient Machine would want to meaningfully interact with Humans as absurd as Humans trying to meaningfully interact with Ants or house flies.
Ever since the Deep-Blue Super-Computer made it impossible for humans to ever win a Chess game against a Computer Humans have known that building Sentient Machines was opening Pandoras Box.
Elrick shuttered a little at the thought of serving a Robot Overlord waking himself from that horrid thought as the Guard approached his Cell.
- - -
Part 3
City Guard : " Elrick Starlight; Prepare for transfer"
Elrick : " Its about time!"
City Guard : " Inventory Restrictions have been lifted; you may equip Armour, Items but not weapons"
Elrick : " Oh?"
City Guard : " Once we reach the Prison Teleport Platform you can equip weapons; do you understand these rules?"
Elrick : " Yes!"
City Guard : " Then you may proceed"
With the City Guards permission Elrick took out and put on his Armour, Helmet, Boots, Goggles, Gloves as well as all his Attribute Increase Items. Once he was done the City Guard opened his cell and lead him to the Prisons Teleport Platform.
Elrick : " Am I allowed to know where I will land?"
City Guard : " No! However Chaos Island is 3700km long and 2400km wide, and to avoid the weak being slaughtered by the strong the people are grouped according to strength. The weak are sent to one end and the strong are sent to another end while those with medium abilities are sent to the middle."
Elrick : " What is meant by Weak and Strong?"
City Guard : " Weak is anyone with an HP below 5000 and Strong is anyone with an HP above 10000; thus obviously medium is anyone with an HP over 5000 but less than 10,000"
Elrick : " Are there a lot of strong people on Chaos Island?"
City Guard : " Those who survive Chaos Island do so by working together and getting stronger. Since Atlantians are an irregular existence weve been ordered to transfer you together."
Elrick : " Heh?"
City Guard : " Youll be arriving with a group of 100 Atlantian Bandits."
Elrick : " I see"
City Guard : " You may now Equip Weapons"
Elrick : " Got it"
Standing on the Prison Teleport Platform Elrick equips the Level 1 Shield and the Customized Level 2 Military Grade Machine Gun Rifle switching it to Heavy Machine Gun Mode. The Teleport Platform Activates and Elrick is transported.
- - -
Upon arrival Elrick notes the positions of the 100 that had teleported there with him; everyone has their weapons drawn and ready. Elrick notes that the sky is completely black and the only source of light is coming from some sort of Crystal plants on the ground. Elrick surveys the Area looking for Higher ground but also taking a look at the other Users.
Elrick catches a few users looking at his equipment with glee. Elrick can predict how this is going to play-out. All the users there are Player Killers; technically its User Killers but since most users treat Realm Eternal like a Game PK still applies. It takes 10 seconds for Elrick to mark-out a target location; his HUD map says theres a settlement 25km North of his position Elricks target is 17km South.
Elrick hears someone speaking.
Bandit Guy1: " Look! We should work together until we reach the ."
Elrick : " Fuck it!"
Elrick murmurs as he pulls the trigger blowing a hole in Bandit Guy1s Chest.
DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO!
As Elrick makes a 180 degree turn with his Machine Gun Rifle spewing-out Hundreds of Bullets wounding or killing more than half of those who arrived with him.
Bandit Guy2: " WHAT THE FUCK MAN?"
DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO!
Elrick shot Bandit Guy2 in the head as Bandit Guy2 was rushing towards Elrick with a sword.
Elrick : " Idiot!"
Everyone else scattered; running into the Jungle in the direction of the settlement identified on their maps.
Elrick took-off running in the direction of his target that is 17km South of his initial location. Thanks to his higher Agility, Strength, and Endurance Elrick could run 88 times Faster and 207 times Longer than an Atlantian High-Elf with initial Attribute Stats. For that matter Elrick is about 20 times Faster than those who arrived with him so they never really stood a chance.
Even as Elrick ran at full speed his higher Awareness and ObservationStats told him that the jungle was already closing in on the carnage he had caused; drawn in by the scent of blood monsters from everywhere were coming in for a feast; he could already hear the screams of the survivors. Elrick switched to Runic Ammunition preparing to cut down anything that stood in his way.
Elrick had successfully executed one of the strategies for surviving entry into Chaos Island; Feed the Forest. By drawing the attention of the monsters elsewhere you could escape initial contact but that strategy required the shedding of the blood of your immediate potential allies. To Elrick his killing of the PKs should be considered a public service and he felt no remorse.
Elrick was forced to open-fire on a few more low level predators that tried to attack him and the Runic Bullets did their job. Once Elrick started up the mountain few of the monsters could follow and before long he had reached a plateau where he could deploy the 2X2X2 Hunters Lear. Once the Hunters Lear was deployed Elrick crawled inside and locked it while using the peep holes to release animal repellents.
Once Elrick was safely inside the Hunters Lear he Switched the Rifle to Sniper mode in order to deal with any lingering pursuers. His heart was beating so fast it felt like it was about to pop out of his chest, and with his breath still heavy Elrick focused his mind on the task ahead.
Elrick : " Fuck!"
Attempting to control his breathing and centring himself.
Elrick : " Shit!"
ta ta ta ta!.... ta ta ta ta!.... ta ta ta ta!.... ta ta ta ta!.... ta ta ta ta!.... ta ta ta ta!.... ta ta ta ta!.... ta ta ta ta!....
The Rifle in Sniper mode released short bursts as Elrick took down a pack of the humanoid Kobolds or Dog-Man that had apparently been tracking him.
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| PREVIOUS CHAPTER | Back to the Main Page | NEXT CHAPTER |
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Chapter 14: The Lonely Annihilator
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Arc 2: The Power of Knowledge
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= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
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Chapter 14: The Lonely Annihilator
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Part 1
Under normal circumstances the humanoid Kobolds would have been too much for Elrick, even one Kobold would have been more than a match for Elrick, but armed with the Customized Level 2 Military Grade Machine Gun Rifle and sheltering in the Hunters Lear that is located 750m high and 1.5km away Elrick was able to take Head-Shots at his leisure.
The Hunters Lear has near perfect noise reduction and the Customized Level 2 Military Grade Machine Gun Rifle is equipped with a noise reduction system thus the 2 combined give Elrick near perfect stealth. On Chaos Island Stealth is an Absolute necessity, and without it death is a certainty for someone of Elricks Skill and Power Level.
The Kobolds that had been tracking Elrick are 10-20 times stronger than those on Ado; their HP was between 10,000 and 22,000 with most of the points allocated to the physical Attributes. That meant that they had monstrous Endurance, Durability, Vitality, StrengthandAgility, with the only positive for Elrick being that they had little to no armour and only wielded crude weapons.
5 Kobolds died before the rest of the pack decided to call it quits and run away much to Elricks relief. Elrick didnt want to leave too many bodies this close to his hiding place, and once the Kobolds were gone he decided to log off and eat while getting a little exercise.
- - -
According to Arwick Chaos Island was created by the Ancients and placed in the pocket dimension to test evolution under a Chaotic Environment. Buried deep beneath the surface of Chaos Island is a Power Source that draws energy from the Tidal Forces of the Pocket Dimension and uses it to provide a breathable atmosphere, gravity and other necessities. As expected the Power Source is protected by a near impenetrable shield.
When the Continentals first brought Humans to Ado some of those who had been transformed into Beastials or Beast-Humans could not control their animal instincts and progressively went feral and began to prey on Humans. Noting that they couldnt help their instincts the Continentals decided to move them to Chaos Island rather than kill them; though for many this was a death sentence.
Over time more and more criminals guilty of treason and other heinous crimes were sent to Chaos Island resulting in the current settlements on Chaos Island. The settlements on Chaos Island are separated by vast Crystal Plant forests that cover nearly the entire Island; though calling it a forest can be misleading. The Crystal Plants are probably the most numerous of Chaos Islands predators.
The Crystal Plants of Chaos Island have razor sharp leaves and some are even similar to vinous fly traps with sharp blades that can skewer the unsuspecting victim. Some Crystal Plants are mobile for brief periods of time and can pounce on the wondering animal or person. Some of the Crystal Plants seem to have a symbiotic relationship with the resident predators, wounding and poisoning the prey with their razor leafs thus making it easy for the local predator to kill; the Crystal Plant gains from the leftovers.
The fact that the Crystal Plants provide the only constant light source through Bioluminescence makes them indispensable to the survival of many of the local breeds of fauna, and without the somewhat dangerous Crystal Plants Beastials could not survive on Chaos Island.
- - -
When Elrick logged back in he started at the Atlantis Offices of Starlight Spark to check in with the other Executives of Starlight Spark, and as expected Bowden Grinder and Axil were waiting for him.
Elrick : " Good to see you Gentlemen; I hope all is well."
Bowden : " Well; things would be better if you didnt shit all over our plans!"
Axil : " What the Fuck man?"
Grinder : " Yeah!"
Elrick : " What are you talking about?"
Bowden : " Geez!"
Bowden activates the holographic display.
The holographic display shows the video of Elrick opening fire on people almost as soon as they arrive on Chaos Island; blowing peoples limbs off, putting holes in chests and blowing heads off. The worst is what happens after Elrick runs away; monsters show-up and start tearing living people apart, and that results in bloodcurdling screams and howls.
Elrick cant help noticing the Red Caption at the top of the Video saying Deadliest PK and is surprised that anyone would regard him as a PK.
At the End of the video there is another Red Caption.
|
~ Frop! ~
Danger!
Elrick Starlight is the Annihilator.
Specialties:
The Annihilator doesnt kill for Items he does it for pleasure.
Youve been Warned!
|
Elrick : " Motherfucker!"
Axil : " Yup"
Elrick : " What the Fuck? Theyre all PK!"
Grinder : " Are they?"
Elrick : " Arent they? Its Chaos Island dammit!"
Bowden : " Check-out this guy"
By restarting the video in slow motion Bowden isolates an individual.
Elrick : " Got him; Bandit Guy6"
Bowden : " Yeah; not a Bandit! This guy was being harassed by a party of rogues in a Knox Town during beta and when it became too much he killed a guy with a knife but the Town guards thought he overreacted and he was sentenced to 7 days on Chaos Island"
Elrick : " Oh?"
Bowden : " You see this guy?"
Elrick : " Bandit Guy2?"
Axil : " You should remember; you blew his head off!"
Grinder : " For Fucks sake Elrick"
Bowden : " Not a Bandit Guy either! Some men were getting Grabby with his Wife, and so he and his party took them out. You blew away their party like they were nothing!"
Elrick : " I see"
Bowden : " Do you? Look; heres another one whos on the Island for defending his sister from harassment. Do you recognize him?"
Elrick : " Ahhhhh?"
Bowden : " Yeah; thats what happens when you open fire into a crowd!"
Elrick : " I get it"
Bowden : " Do you? I hope you do"
Elrick : " How many innocents did I kill?"
Bowden : " Directly; 17 people. 15 others if you include the wounded and MPK."
Elrick : " My apologies everyone; I fucked-up. How do I make it right?"
Grinder : " Monetary Compensation! Starlight Spark has offered each of them 7 Gold Coins and thankfully theyve all accepted. It will come out of your salary so dont expect to be paid for a very long time."
Elrick : " Thank Goodness! Will it be enough to restore Starlight Sparks reputation amongst users?"
Bowden : " It will do"
Grinder : " Once everyone understands that you panicked and overreacted that is."
Bowden : " Now lets talk about your compensation to me for the pain Ive had to endure on your behalf."
Elrick : " What? What happened?"
Axil : " He got punched in the Face! Thats what happened. Hehehehe!"
Elrick : " Punched in the Face? By who? And when did this happen?"
Grinder : " Lady Lorelei. Hahahaha!"
Elrick : " Oh!"
Axil : " Apparently she broke his face during training. Hahahaha!"
Bowden : " Technically it was sparring; hand to had combat class in the Faculty of Knighthood. She picked me as a sparring partner to enquire about your behaviour, and when I defended your actions as tactically sound she punched me in the Face. Do you have any Idea how it feels to be punched in the Face by someone whose Strength is 25 times your Durability?"
Elrick Grimaced at the thought; remembering his sessions with Arwick.
Elrick : " I do; hurts like a Bitch"
Bowden : " Yeah! So as compensation for my suffering; when you come back Im gonna put you at the front with the other tanks now that youve buffed up. While Im on the subject even in Atlantis you carry yourself differently; theres a confidence in your demeanour. What happened to you?"
Grinder : " Yeah; I noticed it too!"
Axil : " Its like youve become battle hardened over night."
Bowden : " Oh shit! Youve had an Imprint didnt you? Lady Lorelei and Mithriliar paid 150 Gold to get Imprints from the approved lists of Expert Ranked Apprentice Knights. Did you get yours from some shady rogue? Professor Arwick says that kind of thing could really fuck you up."
Elrick : " Professor Arwick?"
Grinder : " Professor Ravic Arwick; Dean of the Faculty of Knighthood. Former Knight Commander and Expert Rank in all Elemental Magic and Combat skills."
Elrick : " I admit that I sought-out and got Memory Imprints from someone well versed in clandestine operations, but thats what I needed to survive. While there are some unexpected effects on my personality the Memory Imprints did produce the desired results."
Bowden : " What Rank? The others became very proficient in combat techniques, do you have them?"
Axil : " ?Heavens-Blade? and ?God-Speed??"
Elrick : " Its Expert Rank, and extensive amounts of military training Memory Imprints along with other survival methods some may consider Criminal."
Grinder : " Getting back to Business; weve employed the 87 High-Elves that responded to the Starlight Spark Adverts for a job at $200 a month and a 6 Gold Coins loan to get to Cobalt City and acquire the Light Magic Sub-Skill. There should have been over 230 Atlantian High-Elves but theres only 117 Atlantian High-Elves; looks like theres been a significant level of Avatar deletion.
Bowden : That being said; Nova Horizon has been launching field raids into nearby Forests. So far weve essentially cleared 3 initial Forests at a rate of one per night, and Starlight Spark has been providing the bulk of the fighting force. Because of their better equipment the other members of Nova Horizon have been performing the Frontline Tanking role since we spent most of our money on Investment Projects."
Grinder : " By Nova Horizon agreements the revenue from joint raids is split equally amongst the 8 parties: including Nova Horizon Faction as one of the Parties. Thus 3 field raids have netted 179 Gold Coins for Starlight Spark; hardly enough to finance our operations."
Axil : " Nova Horizon operations are necessary to raise the attributes of our people, but very soon we will need to venture deeper into the territories of high HP monsters."
Elrick : " As long as we always remember that the primary role of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry is to secure Crafting Material."
Grinder : " Accordingly during the Forest Field Raids Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry collected ample amounts of Herbs, Wood, Animal Bones, Stones and other Crafting Materials. As planned we were able to hire local unemployed recent Academy Graduates for the Crafting Role relatively cheaply at 10 Gold Coins a month but the Alchemists, Appraisal Mages and Rune Mages are expensive at 40, 40 and 50 Gold Coins respectively. Soon Starlight Spark will be completely self sufficient, and thanks to the 87 litres of blood every 7 hours the High-Elves supply we will have enough good quality recovery potions to sell at a significant profit. Once construction of our facilities is complete the financial burden will drop significantly."
Elrick : " How many wagons have you procured?"
Grinder : " Weve ordered 15 of the 10 seat wagons at 5 Gold Coins each thanks to the discounts gained by our Graduate from the Academys Faculty of Commerce. We cant afford more but as planned we are aiming for 300 of the 10 seat wagons."
Bowden : " The power of a military is reliant on its logistics, and that applies for business organization such as ours. Once we are ready to move we must be in a position to move efficiently."
Axil : " Theres Coal about 370km north but setting up a mine will require military security we cant muster without logistical support."
Elrick : " Do the best you can with what you have."
Grinder : " Understood"
Elrick : " I dont think Monetary Compensation to those I killed will be sufficient to restore Starlight Sparks public Image so I want Starlight Spark to release a Powerful Secret."
Bowden : " Powerful Secret?"
Axil : " What Secret would that be?"
Elrick : " Fortunately the Beastials of Chaos Island will find those I killed and take them to the settlement; theyve come to understand the usefulness of Atlantian Immortals. They basically use them as bait for large predators. Hehehehe!"
Axil : " So; theyre fucked either way?"
Elrick : " Oh yeah! Anyway; the secret I want Starlight Spark to release relates to the Power of Faith."
Grinder : " Power of Faith?
Bowden : " Humans have the Power of Faith. Lord Vhon said something about that; didnt he?"
Axil : " Titans of the First Age"
Elrick : " What is Faith? Confidence, Trust, Reliance, Assurance, Conviction, Belief, Devotion or Loyalty? A feeling? An emotion?"
Grinder : " The Sensitivity Attribute"
Bowden : " The Sensitivity Attribute in Humans is abnormally high amongst the Races Users can choose."
Axil : " Lets see"
Axil brings-up the Human initial stats on the screen.
|
Human:
HP = 196 MP = 34 Atk = 11.92 Deff = 15.842
Attributes:
Strength = 10 - Agility = 10 - Dexterity = 15 - Durability = 10 - Endurance = 10 - Sensitivity = 20 - Vitality = 22 - Eyesight = 10 - Charisma = 15 - Leadership = 15 - Awareness = 15 - Reputation = 0 - Observation = 10 - Knowledge = 10 - Wisdom = 15 - Intelligence = 10
Skills
Magic Skill = 4
Magic Sub-Skills, Affinity & Proficiency
Earth Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Fire Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Wind Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1 - Water Magic EXP = 0 ~ Aff = 1 ~ Prof = 1- Ice Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Alchemy Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Appraisal Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Enchantments Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 Light Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Plant Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Psionic Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Rune Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Sound Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0 - Shadow Magic Exp = 0 ~ Aff = 0 ~ Prof = 0.
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Grinder : " Sensitivity; would be determined by compassion, sympathy & kindliness to others affecting how they see you and your Reputation."
Bowden : " So you reckon the Sensitivity Attribute is the transfer mechanism?"
Elrick : " Its a hell of a lot more than that! While I was running for my life through Crystal Forest I experienced an intense wide range of emotions so powerful that even my Elf of Light form could not contain, and when I was finally safe I noticed that my Sensitivity Attribute had gone up by 2 EXP, but what surprised me was that my Intelligence Attribute had also gone up by more than 2 EXP. Then it hit me; Emotional Intelligence!"
Axil : " Huh!"
Elrick : " Oh; it gets better! So I did some research of the Realm Eternal profession known as Empath and got the shock of my life. All the Empath have abnormally high EXP in the Sensitivity Attribute; it is the fuel of their profession. The Sensitivity Attribute somehow Buffs their Healing Light and Psionic Magic. I finally understood the true nature of the Sensitivity Attribute to be a Buffing Attribute. Anger, Fear and Outrage add a temporary Emotional Buff to Endurance, Strength, Agilityand others through the Sensitivity Attribute."
Grinder : " That would mean choosing the Human would make it easier to get stronger"
Bowden : " Youre right Elrick; this is a very Powerful Secret."
Axil : " It will change how people behave in Realm Eternal."
Elrick : " Once you make this public the Public Image of Starlight Spark should greatly improve."
Grinder : " Im not sure we should make this public?"
Bowden : " If we tell our people the secret will get out anyway."
Axil : " And we wont get the Publicity for uncovering one of the Pillars of Realm Eternal"
Elrick : " We need others to develop it further; find the proper power transfer mechanism."
Grinder : " The Power of the Titans could be very Valuable."
Bowden : " It would probably have a willing participation requirement, but it should not be beyond indoctrination."
Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.
Axil : " This is scary stuff!"
Elrick : " If we want to control Cities well need access to the kind of power that would give other countries pause."
Grinder : " Alright! Ill put out the proper statement."
Bowden : " Our Allies may not like it"
Axil : " It will benefit them as well"
Elrick : " Ive got to go now; Ill see the next lot at the next check in."
Soon after Elrick went back to Chaos Island.
?Elrick : " Know the levers of Power; Economic, Political and Military. The abilities of an individual are insignificant in the face of an Army.?
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Part 2
Elrick could be forgiven for assuming that Atlantians sent to Chaos Island were Bandits since Banditry had proven surprisingly profitable. Items in Realm Eternal had an automatic lock in relation to Users, but that limitation did not extend to Natives, Demons or monsters. And so Atlantians found a way around the automatic lock by selling the stolen goods to local Criminal Organizations.
When Elrick returned to his 2X2X2 Hunters Lear he lamented not having had the chance to loot the PK group hed killed despite being labelled an Annihilator. Putting other concerns aside he started the first item on his daily schedule; Alchemy Magic. Although his Mana ShapingSub-Skill being a little over 1EXP meant that that he could only work with the most basic of materials it also meant that he had room to use all three Alchemy Spells simultaneously thanks to his Affinities.
Despite the cramp circumstances of the 8 cubic metres inside capacity of the 2X2X2 Hunters Lear that looked like a large rock from the outside Elrick deployed the Alchemy MagicBasic ?Matter Conversion? Set, the Alchemy MagicBasic ?Mixing? Set and the Alchemy Magic Basic ?Synthesis? Set and prepared the Handful of grains of sand and Dirt for Alchemic processing.
Ordinarily someone with the relevant Elemental Symbiotes would not need the Alchemy MagicBasic Sets and could simply apply a Alchemy MagicSpell directly on ingredients according to Magical Recipes Spells. Having Elemental Symbiotes in every magic sub-skill is extremely important to magical crafting and Elrick was keenly aware of this even as he set up the instruments.
However before he could even begin the Alchemic processing of grains of sand he had to use Appraisal Magicto Identify and Classify every grain of sand. This is where the lack of a Symbiote Wisp complicates the situation because the Soul having been Marked with the Magic Element allows you to affect the Element but does not allow you to control the Element.
If Elrick had an Earth Wisp Elemental Symbiote the Identification and Classification of available grains of sand would have been subject to an Earth MagicSorting Spell. However without an Earth Wisp Elemental Symbiote Elrick would have to Identify every Grain he intended to use for the Basic Alchemic recipes manually with Appraisal Magic.
And so Elrick Identified 5 grains of sand; 2 different types to combine into a third with ?Synthesis?, 2 similar types to combine into a bigger one with Higher?Matter Conversion?and 1 suitable grain of sand to dissolve in 1mililitre of water through ?Mixing? .Elrick would repeat the process over and over until his Mana was exhausted.
Unfortunately for Elrick he never got passed the first item on his daily schedule, and the reason was that even including the ?Aura Glow? he was using for Lighting he wasnt using his Mana quickly enough. Taking into account the fact that using Appraisal Magic raises the Eyesight, Observation, Knowledge, Wisdom and IntelligenceAttributes of which the latter 3 increase Mana Capacity and that Alchemy Magic, Mana Shaping and Appraisal Magic also increase Mana Capacity Elrick had miscalculated; underestimated growth rate.
After 25 hours Elrick gave in to both physical and mental exhaustion. Like Adonites Atlantians also needed adequate amounts of daily sleep; though since logging off is putting the body in an Inter-Dimensional Pocket it counts as sleep. Elrick had added 3EXP to his Mana Shaping and he was certain that the next day he would be able to exhaust his Mana quickly enough to get to his reading and Magic Writing.
The next day it took Elrick 20 hours to exhaust his Mana and by that point he was already suffering from mental fatigue so he decided to move to the last item on his daily schedule; training. While waiting for his Mana to recover he decided to cook using his Basic Magical Cooking Set. Ordinarily someone with the relevant Elemental Symbiotes would not need a Magical Cooking Set and could simply apply a Cooking spell directly on ingredients according Magical Recipes Spells.
As for the Training; it amounted to mounting sir Arwicks Mechanical Contraption or Magical machine apparatus that moved the body at an alarming speed. On closer examination Elrick realized that the movements of the Magical machine apparatus were similar to the 15 movements or Kata of the ?Heavens-Blade?technique. The Magical Machine Apparatus is powered by the users Mana and would cycle through all the movements of the 4 techniques; the more Mana you had the faster it would move.
Elrick only had enough Mana to last 12 minutes on the Machine Apparatus after which he collapsed and slept for 7 hours; something unusual for Elrick having only slept for about 5 hours at the most for his entire life. Elrick couldnt contain his frustration at not being able to follow his carefully constructed schedule but he decided to power through until he met his target.
The next day Elrick was able to get an hours reading of the only printed book in his possession; a childrens picture book about fairytales. To Elrick the first story was some lame-ass story about a boy and his clever pet monkey, but as he continued to read he found himself swept up in the emotional tales of love and joy; surprising since even as a child Elrick wasnt particularly interested in fairytales. The book was obviously Enchanted.
The rest of the thousands of books Elrick had brought with him were contained in a Runic Book reader; the magical equivalent of an e-book reader. Once you purchased the Runic Book reader all the books you buy are installed and available for reading at your leisure. Elrick had also purchased a Runic Book notebook which looks similar to the Runic Book reader except the notebook is for Magic Writing.
TheMagic Writing Skill provides training for Mana Shapingand the Linguistics Skill. The Linguistics Skill is the key to understanding the over 100 written languages of Realm Eternal. The most prominent of written languages of Ado is Kemet; the language of the Midgard Humans; written in hieroglyphs similar to those of Ancient Egypt.
The Linguistics Skill doesnt translate writing into your native language but helps you learn the actual language because the languages of the Realm Eternal are in a very real sense actual genuine languages. For the day to day needs the Adventurers Guild offered a document translation service for a nominal fee based on the number of pages.
One of the major benefits of Memory Imprints is that it gave you familiarity with learnt languages. Since sir Arwick could read and write a number of languages it made it easier for Elrick to learn Elvish, Dwarvish, Alvish, Rune, Kemet and many others. However there are Expensive Items that could translate the Major languages to whatever language you choose.
- - -
It took 10 more days until the stubborn Elrick finally admitted to himself that his daily schedule was impossible; his reading was also growing his Knowledge, Wisdom and IntelligenceAttributes and constant use of Alchemy Magic, Mana Shaping and Appraisal Magic also increase the same attributes as well as raising his Mana Capacity.
Elrick was trapped in an endless cycle of his own making and it was sheer stubbornness that had kept him going this long. However he did manage to reach the point where he exhausted his Mana through the use of Alchemy Magic, Mana Shaping and Appraisal Magic in 12 hours, and so he declared victory/defeat and decided to rework his schedule.
Elrick was spending 4 days at a time alone on Chaos Island; the isolation was getting to him. Unlike other users Elrick wasnt welcome in a Beastial settlement because of his Elf of Light body; it is the reason sir Arwick came up with this strategy. The constitution of the body of a High-Elf of Light incorporated a significant amount of Gold, and all members of the Dragon Species love the taste of Gold.
The fear is that if Elrick ventured outside the Hunters Lear a Serpent-Wyvern or true Wyvern might take notice of Elrick. To avoid Serpent-Wyverns the Beastials didnt use gold as a currency, and even on Ado small villages without adequate shielding dont allow gold or High-Elves of Light near the village for fear of attracting Wyverns.
Even though Elrick knew that he couldnt go outside the isolation in the small Hunters Lear was getting to him and he was finding it harder and harder to concentrate on his tasks. And so in order to avoid a situation were he was so desperate he ends up making lethal lapses in judgement Elrick decided to implement one of his diversions earlier than planned.
The Hunters Lear has a hatch at the bottom meant for people to dig holes for waste disposal. Since Elrick brought with a rather expensive Magic Toilet he had no immediate need of a traditional waste disposal. The Magic Toilet is a variation of the 10,000 capacity magic chest with 10,000 of the 50litre capacity containers for storing waste; more that enough to last six months.
And so the activity Elrick chose is mining. He opened the 1m wide hatch of the Hunters Lear and began digging. Using a small shovel and chisel & hammer he hacked away at the hard mountain rock. The soil from the operation was turned into rocks through Alchemy Magicand small rocks were turned into bigger rocks which could be sent outside the Hunters Lear through the peep hole.
The manual labour proved sufficient to keep Elrick from thinking about venturing outside in the darkness.
- - -
Meanwhile Starlight Sparks release of information regarding the use of the SensitivityAttribute managed to restore Starlight Sparks public Image. However somehow Elrick the Clan Chief of Starlight Spark and Elrick the Annihilator had become different people in the minds of people, and they blamed the High-Elfs low SensitivityAttribute for Elricks duality.
To many in his role as Elrick the Clan Chief of Starlight Spark Elrick is a competent manager, but the high stress and pressure sometimes turns him into Elrick the Annihilator because the High-Elfs low SensitivityAttribute makes him lack the emotional maturity to adequately deal with his emotions; at least that was the analysis given by a user who is also a psychiatrist.
Consequently people believed that Elrick the Annihilator would always show up when Elrick experiences intense emotions. The advisory when dealing with Elrick was that everyone should avoid interactions with the potential powder-cake. Elrick could only sigh when reading the statements posted about him on the web, and even in Atlantis people were weary of him.
On the up side Starlight Sparks 55 Story Tower had been completed and the employed Alchemists could now process the Blue Moss into a cheap toxin and anti-toxin that could be sold on the open market. The biggest clients for the product were the Atlantians since many of them were struggling to hunt without toxins to weaken the prey.
Elrick estimated that only about 25% of the Atlantians could afford the Academy fees from day one, and that meant many would have to work and save up for the 50 silver coins or $1000 registration fee; not to mention that theres the equivalent of $500 a month necessary to continue studying at the Academy. Elrick didnt feel ashamed that his better financial circumstances gave him an advantage over other Users; after all, the world isnt even almost fair.
Now that Starlight Spark had sufficient storage facilities they could invest in proper crafting facilities and equipment, but more pressing was the combat equipment for Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry. They couldnt get by on basic equipment anymore since they had to venture further away from Cobalt City; they needed Level 1 weapons at the very least.
Elrick authorized the Transfer of another $7million into 3,500 Gold Coins to purchase second hand Level 1 Magic Armour and Military Grade Longbows from Sir Arwicks Clan at 45% the price of new equipment; though the Magic Armour needed to be adjusted to properly fit the designated user. At first the Executives of Starlight Spark were surprised that Elrick had made connections to Sir Arwicks Clan but they soon realised that Elrick had always made connections with powerful people a priority.
To the Executives of Starlight Spark Elrick had always understood the proper application of power, and now he was using financial power to give Starlight Spark a massive tactical advantage in resource collection. Starlight Spark currently has 2,000 people dedicated exclusively to Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry and 1200 in Crafting and Services
Now that Starlight Spark had both Equipment and Facilities it could afford to act alone in resource collection, and rather than sell the animals they hunt they could process the animals and resource materials into more valuable products that could be sold on the open market. Starlight Spark would still be required to participate in 2 Nova Horizon Field Raids a week but since Nova Horizon started allowing people to join it had more than enough people to operate freely.
In Realm Eternal a Faction has all the privileges of a Clan and that allowed people to join the Faction directly. Thanks to the popularity of Lady Lorelei and Mithriliar Nova Horizon now had over 5,000 new members, and could now operate independently. The appointed Nova Horizon Chancellor could now carryout a field raid without Clan members from the 7 constituent Nova Horizon Clans.
Since the majority of members of the 7 constituent Nova Horizon Clans spent 10 hours a day at the Academy the Nova Horizon Chancellor carried out Field Raids in the nearby forests. The Nova Horizon Chancellor was appointed by Nova Horizons 7 Clans to act as both politician and military commander, and because of this the Nova Horizon Chancellor is a Local; an Adonite native of Cobalt City named Lionel Adev.
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The Nova Horizon Faction is by no means the largest; that honour goes to Starfleet Clans United Federation of Nations. The organization of Star Trek fans known as Starfleet had recently migrated to the Realm Eternal in the aftermath of a massive fallout in a Space based VR Game. The players of the Space VRMMORPG Solaris were Irate over the game braking privilege given to some players.
Apparently a number of paraplegic players in Solaris were given the special privilege of starting alone on a derelict Ship, Station or mining camp which they then achieved ownership off. The result was a group of over a dozen players that quickly achieved an unassailable dominance over the entire game. As a result Starfleet the organization of Star Trek fans abandoned Solaris by labelling it Broken.
Starfleet wasnt the only one to leave since Battle-Star, Jedi, Babylonian and others also left which effectively bankrupt the VRMMORPG Solaris. Not wishing to end up in yet another situation where game owners could arbitrarily adjust the balance of the game they chose Realm Eternal because it also had a space component, and unlike others there were no overpowered hidden classes or unique weapons.
Finally VR producers understood that overpowered hidden classes or unique weapons only work if you are the only VR platform. In an environment where people have abundant choice they tended to leave platforms that had unfair overpowered hidden classes and unique weapons; choosing platforms where a level of fairness is carefully maintained.
The new arrivals had a size and scale that Elrick could not match, and by the end of the month (RWT) the Starfleet Clan and its United Federation of Nations faction would rise to the top of the Rankings. Even the individual Rankings had suffered from the influx of new people after Open Beta. The (RWT) monthly prize for the Top Ranked Faction is 2,000 Gold Coins, Top Ranked Clan is 1,000 Gold Coins and Top Ranked User is 500 Gold Coins.
At the End of Beta the Phoenix Consortium gave the Top 10 Ranked Clans 2,000 Gold Coins and Top 10 Ranked Users 1,000 Gold Coins. There were also publicity deals that netted the likes of Mithriliar 1,000 Gold Coins, Hiroshi Nakamura 2,000 Gold Coins and Lorelei 2,500 Gold Coins. But as things stood none of them would make it into the top 10.
Pundits put the Top Ranked User as a Saudi Prince who was rumoured to have spent $25million on Spiritual Fortifications and his close competitor being the son of an Oil Billionaire. The influx of the super rich irked Elrick, but since he had spent $4million of his dividends on Phoenix Consortium Shares the influx of money into Realm Eternal would cause a boom in the Phoenix Consortiums stock price.
The problem was that the Princes and Princesses brought with them armies of officials and security personnel, and that in turn drew the attention of Intelligence Agencies which in turn resulted in the current situation where even Americas Cyber Command was talking about sending an entire Division into the Realm Eternal. The battle for the soul of the Realm Eternal had begun.
Elrick knew that it was only a matter of time before Countries tried to reproduce themselves in Ado in the form of a City or even a Country. That means that Elricks primary Mission as an Operative of the Eastal Security Agency to establish an Eastal aligned Country was becoming more and more difficult to accomplish. Being trapped on Chaos Island was a bigger hindrance than Elrick had predicted.
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And so I got Burgled
About 3 weeks ago I got Burgled while out with friends and experienced a near total loss in electronic equipment.
the only thing that survived is my phone but everything else is gone. My laptop, my windows tablet, my work laptop, TV, 2 External Hard drives, Flash drives and DVDs amongst other things. but the most significant loss is my Customized Gaming Desktop PC.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
As you can Imagine I''ve been rather depressed, but now that the insurance payed out I can begin again.
And that''s why I haven''t published new chapters but I should start putting out stuff in a week.
Thanks for the Patience.
Chapter 15: The Fruit of Knowledge
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Arc 2: The Power of Knowledge
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= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
Authors notes
It took me a while to get my electronic equipment set up. In the end I decided that Ill move forward with a built in home management system; not easy to steal.
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Chapter 15: The Fruit of Knowledge
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Part 1
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The line managers of the Clans of the Nova Horizon Faction meet on a weekly basis along with their Nova Horizon counterparts. Given the fact that all of the members of the Clans of the Nova Horizon Faction are students at the Cobalt City Academy the meetings could only be held after official working hours. The Cobalt City Academy is only open from morning to late afternoon; 10 hours of the 27 hour day in Realm Eternal.
The Cobalt City Academy offered accommodation to its students at a nominal fee that amounted to twice the academic fees but few Atlantians could afford the additional expense and most Atlantians considered it unnecessary. As it is financing the Cobalt City Academy Fees is proving difficult for most Atlantians with most needing to take up jobs in Cobalt City to not only pay for their daily needs but now Academic fees.
Cobalt City is a massive city with a population over 20 million, and thanks to the privileges provided by the Asgard Continental Republic its a relatively Wealthy City. With the average wage for an unskilled Atlantian at 75 Copper Coins for a 7 hour shift many could easily earn 150 Copper Coins a day on days they dont attend Academy classes.
There are plenty of menial jobs for unskilled workers in the Grandeur territory of the Asgard Continental Republic in the wake of the Vampire Attack and there is a rollout of extensive public works programs designed to improve fortifications as well as improve infrastructure. The Asgard Continental Republic is determined to close the vulnerabilities exposed by the Demon Attack.
The Asgard Continental Republic fared far better than the other countries but it did not survive unscathed and some villages and small towns were wiped-out. The Continentals understood that they had been complacent in providing a proper security infrastructure to all its territories and could not hold off on the fortifications until the war on the vampire world was won.
The Continentals had achieved a beachhead on the vampire world and were now engaged in an invasion campaign. The war against the Vampires could not be fought in a way that left Ado vulnerable to attack from the other Demon forces; the Red Dragons were still out there amongst others. The Continentals had to maintain a force capable of repelling an attack from Space, Yggdrasil or both.
Under Global security treaties with the Asgard Continental Republic all Countries of Ado had to spend a minimum of 10% of their GDP on security. As a consequence of the Global security treaties a lot of Countries made extensive use of mercenaries rather than commit to a permanent massive standing army; this freed up their own population from the dangers of military service.
It is this extensive use of mercenaries that attracted a lot of Atlantians to the prospect of an easy buck; the Continentals are no exception to the use of mercenaries.
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Representing the Crimson Hand is Mithriliar Crimson, for the Flame Swords it is Nicolas Flame and for Red Blade it is Ronan Red. Representing the Winged Sage Falcros is Lady Lorelei Falcros, for the Forever Knights it is Artemis Knight and for Sage it is Arturia Sage. Representing the now over 10,000 direct members of the Nova Horizon Faction is Chancellor Lionel Adev. Ordinarily Elrick Starlight would represent Starlight Spark, but in his absence the role passes to Bowden Starlight.
They all listen attentively to Chancellor Adevs proposal.
Lionel Adev : " Therefore thanks to the growth of the Nova Horizon Faction an opportunity has opened up; we have a chance to operate as a large mercenary group. The Mining Corporation Rodion based in Cobalt City needs the services of a large mercenary group to retake a number of mining villages and towns lost during the Demon attack. The high value assets belonging to Rodion have been recovered by Rodions own security and reputable mercenary Corporations, but the recovery of low value assets is being put out to tender."
Ronan : " What sort of scale are we talking about?"
Lionel Adev : " Rodions contracts have a minimum requirement of 15,000 personnel; largely due to the size of area needed to be cleared. The mine and the Village or Town tend to be some distance from each other thus vast areas of land need to be secured. The most lucrative of the low level contracts available is some 2700km southwest of Cobalt City with no major town for at least 1400km; in fact theres no other settlement for 700km around the village. The Rodion contract offers 4,200 Gold Coins to clear 40 square kilometres of land of all hostile life-forms and recover Coswe Mine and Coswe Village."
Bowden : " 4,200 Gold Coins to clear 4000 hectares? What type of hostile life-forms are we talking about?"
Lady Lorelei : " Transporting 15,000 people 2700km and back is likely to cost more than half the Rodion contract value of 4,200 Gold Coins. Is it worth the resource spending and the opportunity loss?"
Mithriliar : " The mercenary Emblem costs 200 Gold Coins"
Bowden : " I suppose the true value of the Contract is in advertising the capabilities of Nova."
Lionel Adev : " True; were unlikely to earn a profit on this contract. However Rodion and other Corporations have a lot of these unwanted contracts in the Continental territory that arent lucrative enough to entice major mercenary companies but can serve as a training ground for our purposes. The hostile life-forms are low level monsters and on occasion Ware-Wolves and the like."
Arturia : " What do you mean unwanted contracts?"
Lionel Adev : " Continentals are very strict about property ownership and when it comes to towns and mines they are even stricter; just because a property seems abandoned doesnt mean anyone can claim it. By that I mean throughout territories of the Asgard Continental Republic property can only exchange hands with Continental Government approval. As you might expect the assessment of the value of the property is also subject to Continental Government approval. Given the socio-political environment mercenary groups prefer to operate in lands outside the control of the Asgard Continental Republic where towns can change hands through the barrel of a gun which allows the mercenary groups the opportunity to charge a premium for their services."
Arturia : " How many of these unwanted contracts are out there? Can we outsource?"
Lionel Adev : " The unwanted contracts are not valuable enough to be outsourced to smaller groups. However if we can accomplish the tasks at higher efficiencies we would be able to generate a small profit. The market for small creatures is still depressed due to the oversupply created by the demon attack, but the availability of food for a large number of predators has created a boom in the number of predators."
Artemis : " What you are saying is that hunting grounds further away from major towns and Cities are more fertile?"
Lionel Adev : " That is the primary benefit of this project; we can earn and gain valuable large scale campaign experience. The area around Cobalt City has been picked clean of rare beasts we need to venture further and further to generate sustainable revenues."
Nicolas : " Still; mobilizing 15,000 people for an operation like this requires a lot of planning and coordination. Whats the time frame?"
Lionel Adev : " The contract can only be awarded to a mercenary group with a minimum of 15,000 people; we dont have to deploy the full 15,000 people. However the fewer we deploy the longer it takes to complete the commission, and the time limit for task completion is 30 days from awarding of the Contract. If we use every available person we can complete the commission in a week; that includes hiring mages to provide magical support."
Bowden : " Starlight Spark has no opposition to this undertaking, but our capacity is limited. We have Legions deployed in the north and cant launch any new operations until they return in 10 days."
Lionel Adev : " How many Legions have you deployed? Nova is grateful for the consumables Starlight Spark provides at below market price; it makes it far easier to operate than it otherwise would have been."
Lady Lorelei : " Why has Starlight Spark deployed in the north? What is Elrick looking for over the northern Borders of the Continental Republic? What is Starlight Spark up to?"
Bowden : " The mission across the northern border is Grinders project and Elrick had nothing to do with it; for the most part. Grinder sent Vava and 4 Legions 700km north on a Fact Finding mission."
Lady Lorelei : " Fact Finding? Its a desert; isnt it?"
Bowden : " We are investigating the possibility of breeding sand worms. Apparently their excrement can be a useful input in the production of fertilizers. While we are at it we are training our people in desert operations by harvesting desert resources."
Lady Lorelei : " Are you looking for oil? Because the Continentals wont allow the burning of fossil fuels in their territory; they wont even allow the burning of wood for stoves."
Mithriliar : " Right on the money as always arent you Lady Lorelei? Hunting down fossil fuels sounds like something Elrick would do, and I bet Grinder found a way around the ban on the burning of fossil fuels."
Bowden : " Hydrogen is the answer! And the continentals are opposed to the burning of fossil fuels but they dont mind if we sell them to someone else. This Planet has very little in the way of mineral recourses but thanks to the high ambient Mana theres more than enough foliage to generate copious amounts of fossil fuels over time. Consequently there should be more than enough fossil fuels, but the goal of Starlight is not to trade in extracted fossil fuels but to make Hydrogen from plant extracts."
Lady Lorelei : " Oh! Thats why youre interested in fertilizers. Hydrogen as a fuel is interesting but in this magical environment youd be better served if you go from Solar to Mana then to Mana-Crystal rather than taking the detour into Hydrogen. Unless you found a plant that naturally makes Hydrogen?"
Bowden : " Not a plant, but a bacteria may be available. Though Elrick said to leave the task of finding the appropriate bacteria to you Lady Lorelei."
Lady Lorelei : " Me? What is that Idiot thinking?"
Bowden : " Elrick said that your Ladyship is in the best position to answer that request."
Lady Lorelei : " You tell that impudent Elrick that Im not one of his lackeys; if he wants Winged Sage Falcros to undertake a project on Starlights behalf then he must show up and make the request Formally."
Bowden : " With respect your Ladyship; we are not his flunkies."
Lady Lorelei : " What would you call it? Accomplice?"
Bowden : " Accomplices sounds about right."
Lady Lorelei : " Anyway getting back on point; it is impossible to undertake Rodions Commission without Starlight Sparks full Combat Force. The ability of Starlight Spark to deliver a predictable Fighting Force is the centrepiece of Nova Horizon Operations. If you put the other clans together we can exceed Starlight Sparks Combat Power but only briefly. That means for the time being Starlight Sparks ability to predict when its people are in Realm Eternal at all times is indispensable to Nova."
Lionel Adev : " Thats why we cant assemble the full Force; at any given time we operate at about 15% of total personnel."
Ronan : " We are talking about the simple task of Gassing 4000 hectares right?"
Bowden : " If only it were that simple. To contain the poison in that large an Area would require several King rank wind mages. We cant simple push the animals out of the population centres, we have to kill them; otherwise they would simply return after we leave."
Ronan : " Well have to box them in and exterminate them huh? That seems like a pain; a lot of work."
Bowden : " It is undoubtedly a lot of work"
Mithriliar : " Do we get an advance on taking up the contract? Or do we have to finance the operation ourselves and only get paid once the mission is complete?"
Lionel Adev : " Operating as a legitimate mercenary group taking up a legitimate contract entitles us to 50% of the contract value in advance. It would not do to have mercenary groups risking life and limb as well as a financial loss in the event of the military defeat of your employer."
Arturia : " So we have about 2 days RWT to coordinate and assemble a strike force with people from at least 10 different time zones? Not a lot of time to get this done but it can be done."
Lady Lorelei : " Im confident we can work it out and reach 8,000 people in time for the launch of the operation. Since the particular operation is essentially an advertising campaign I appeal for full participation from Nova Horizon Clans; I will participate since the 10 days RET from now coincides with Friday Afternoon in RWT and I expect full participation from members of Winged Sage Falcros, Forever Knights and Sage"
She looks over to Artemis Knight and Arturia Sage.
Artemis : " The Forever Knights will participate fully!"
Arturia : " Sage will also participate fully!"
Mithriliar : " I suppose the Crimson Hand has no choice but to give full support; we will participate fully."
Nicolas : " Flame Swords will of-course also fully participate!"
Ronan : " Red Blade will participate fully!"
Bowden : " Starlight Spark will begin the necessary stockpiling of Consumables that will be necessary to support up to 15,000 people for 3 to 4 weeks."
Mithriliar : " We will work-out the details in the coming days and put together lists of everyone participating in the project"
Lady Lorelei : " At the very least well need to Hire Scouts and send them ahead to have a detailed layout of the area."
Lionel Adev : " Fortunately Rodion has already hired a number of scouts and they are already on the ground, but it wont hurt to have our own eyes and ears making an assessment even before we take up the contract."
The discussions continued further for another hour as further options were explored. At the end of the discussions the meeting was adjourned with the resolution that line managers would continue preparatory discussions as early as the next day.
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Part 2
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As the Faction Clan Chiefs walk out of the Nova Horizons Headquarters they say their goodbyes and go their separate ways Lady Lorelei walks towards Bowden.
Lady Lorelei : " Bowden; walk with me."
Bowden : " With pleasure your Ladyship."
They begin to walk as Bowden escorts Lady Lorelei and her 2 attendants to the luxurious Mansion that is the Headquarters of Winged Sage Falcros, Forever Knights and Sage. Artemis and Arturia go on ahead of Lady Lorelei and her 2 attendants.
Lady Lorelei : " How is he doing?"
Bowden : " Who? Elrick?"
Lady Lorelei : " Yes; I cant get him to open up. Hes so withdrawn its like hes avoiding those close to him; hes walling himself off."
Bowden : " Yes; hes walling himself in more ways than you know"
Lady Lorelei : " How so?"
Bowden : " On Chaos Island he is buried 170m deep inside a mountain"
Lady Lorelei : " Oh? Hes regressing"
Bowden : " Regressing? To what?"
Lady Lorelei : " Elrick finds it difficult to let people in."
Bowden : " Really?"
Lady Lorelei : " Hes intelligent enough to generate a custom personality depending on who hes talking to; its what made him good at his previous job. When most people talk to him they walk away feeling that they were interacting with someone just like them; a kindred spirit."
Bowden : " Is that what it is?"
Lady Lorelei : " So youve noticed?"
Bowden : " I always thought he gets along with people at his convenience; hes different from person to person like a master communicator."
Lady Lorelei : " Growing up as the Biracial son of a female doctoral fellow in Scotland wasnt exactly easy; he experienced a lot of bigotry."
Bowden : " Ill bet; children arent kind to those amongst them who stand out."
Lady Lorelei let-out a sigh; seemingly reflecting on her own personal experience growing up.
Lady Lorelei : " Yeah; and Elrick stood out because of his race and Intellect. As you might expect intellectually acute children realize rather quickly that the other children are stupid and it generates an overt arrogance that almost always creates animosity from other children. Elrick went a different way; his arrogance is not overt. Manipulation of people became a tool in his arsenal of coping mechanisms."
Bowden : " Are you saying that Elrick is manipulative?"
Lady Lorelei : " Extremely!"
Bowden : " Thats not a very nice thing to say about a friend"
Lady Lorelei : " Almost everyone is manipulative at times; women especially."
Bowden : " What?"
Lady Lorelei : " Its subtle, but its a type of manipulative behaviour. In adult relationships women use sex to get compliance from men, and men tend to use money to entertain and amuse women with the end goal being sex; all of it manipulative behaviour. Because the Child Elrick needed everyone to like him his manipulative behaviour generated affection from those around him; Elrick took on the supportive role. With an acute intellect at his disposal he became the go to guy for everything, and this became his default position; a hardwired support class."
Bowden : " So thats why despite being very competent he always chooses the supportive role."
Lady Lorelei : " The supportive role is a trick, and its designed to disarm, but the real Elrick is very perceptive. Unfortunately its his perceptive nature that always leaves him isolated and alone; if youve manipulated everyone around you into being your friend are they truly your friends. Its one thing if the manipulative behaviour is subconscious like in most people, but its another thing entirely if youre conscious of manipulative behaviour."
Bowden : " So he doesnt truly consider us his friends"
Lady Lorelei : " Its not that! Its that he has a warped understanding of friendship."
Bowden : " Oh"
Lady Lorelei : " In his mind people are drawn to him because of what they get from him; or more like he pulled people to himself by giving them something. Elrick reads people pretty quickly thanks to his perceptive nature, and thanks to his intellect he can project a compatible personality; thus generating extraordinary familiarity out of thin air. Elricks behaviour is particularly effective on women and he could generate a friendship out of nowhere; its an atrocious manipulation of your feelings. Fortunately Elrick isnt particularly interested in romance; so he doesnt use his powers for evil."
Lady Lorelei let-out a slight giggle to which her attendants laugh.
Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.
Bowden : " eh?"
Lady Lorelei : " Fortunately for the unsuspecting women of the world Elrick isnt particularly interested in romance; he goes on and on about how to love is to lose."
Bowden : " Oh; that!"
Lady Lorelei : " So youve heard it?"
Bowden : " Yeah; recently hes been expressing that sort of view."
Lady Lorelei : " That kind of thinking isnt new where Elrick is concerned; its like that from the beginning. Elricks own feelings tend to unsettle him; in his own mind the love for self must be supreme, and so when he finds himself holding another in higher regard its troubling for him. Thats why for Elrick to love is to lose; he even has a long running Blog on it."
Bowden : " Blog? Thats the first Ive heard of it"
Lady Lorelei : " When he was with Elise the posts slowed down to a trickle, but now that its over with activity on the Blog has peaked up again. Let me show you"
She displays a screen from Elricks Blog; Nabi Chronicles.
~ Frop! ~
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As Expected to Love Is to Lose
First some recent anecdotal evidence.
Recently I attended a Galla-Dinner hosted by the Cape Town Chamber of Commerce, and since I could not show-up alone I had my favourite Escort Agency send over one of their elegant ladies to be my companion. Beauty is a weapon, it is a commodity that is in limited supply, and a beautiful woman on your arm makes a more powerful statement than an expensive suit.
So what is the true value of Beauty? What power does a beautiful woman possess? What is a beautiful woman?
No matter what lies men may tell the women in their lives one truth cannot be denied; by far the most attractive quality in a woman is beauty. Why is that? Beauty is the most powerful indicator of good genetics. The universal indicators of beauty like good symmetry and proportions also indicate good genes. The obsession with beauty is a reproductive imperative, and that means we are biologically programmed to want the most beautiful woman.
Therefore it is natural that in a room full of sophisticated, accomplished and successful women the eyes of the men are captivated by the beautiful women. So the First Class beauty on my arm is protection from the unattached beautiful women in the room. Why go to such lengths you ask? Because even I am vulnerable to the effects of the attentions of a beautiful woman; a painful lesson from my youth.
If youre a normal guy then something inside jumps when a beautiful woman looks at you, a smile melts your resolve and a touch stupefies you. The reason a beautiful woman has such power over you is that from an evolutionary perspective she is supposed to be your ultimate goal; you are biologically programmed to desire and want a beautiful woman as the ideal mate.
This brings to mind an experiment where men watched a BBC news program anchored by an attractive man and woman; the men could remember what the male newsreader was saying but could not remember a single thing the woman had said; they remembered what she looked like but had become stupefied. In the Italian research that was the basis for that experiment it proved that men liked facts but theyre more interested in sex.
The only men who are unaffected by beautiful women are those who possess an equal level of attractiveness. So basically unless youre a good-looking man you are vulnerable to a beautiful woman. And according to research done by the Max Planck Institute in Germany love activates the reward centres of the brain while simultaneously shutting down the reason and judgement centres of the brain; thus the woman you fall in-love with becomes the most Beautiful.
The fact that a beautiful woman can therefore swing the heart of most men is proof of the biological nature of the feeling or emotions called love. It is said that when you fall in-Love you lose the ability to make rational judgements when it relates to the object of your affection due to the high dose of feel-good chemicals flooding your brain.
Hiding behind my companion Im able to navigate the assorted collection of lovely ladies who might otherwise turn their attention to me. As a somewhat successful male Ive suddenly become an eligible bachelor because to the human female the most attractive quality in a male is power, and in this world money is power. If youre a beautiful woman then youre an Alpha Female and if youre a Powerful Man then youre an Alpha Male.
In most species the males compete and the females choose. Therefore even though the Human species is very highly evolved it is still subject to the most basic natural laws. The Women will subconsciously seek out the most capable male and in the human world money trumps attractiveness and athleticism; it is the ultimate proof of an Alpha Male status.
While attractiveness and athleticism are indicators of an Alpha Male status in humans and represent power, human females also recognize the overwhelming power of money in the ability to provide a safe and comfortable lifestyle. For their part Alpha Males need Alpha Females to give birth to their attractive offspring which in turn gives the offspring a higher probability of success.
I have thus concluded that romantic love is an evolutionary biological trick, a ploy designed for procreation; a hoax, sham, trap, scam or fraud perpetrated upon the unsuspecting individual through the activation of the reward centres of the brain while simultaneously suppressing the reason and judgement centres of the brain. It is the most horrendous treachery perpetrated by your own body.
The minute you fall in-love youve already lost and the heart reveals its duplicity by performing the unnatural act of placing the self secondary to the other. Since love is a selfish feeling twisted in the form of a drug addiction due to the chemical cocktail produced by the Brain your emotional wellbeing is subject to the emotional status of an externality; you derive your happiness from their joy.
It is the treachery of the human heart; an atrocious dependence on the feel-good Chemicals produced by the brain to bind an individual to another.
Be warned; Love is Biological Warfare, and in this war women are Armed to the Teeth.
This is why to Love is to Lose.
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Bowden : "HeHeHeHe! Thats so twisted"
Lady Lorelei : " It would be one thing if he was scientifically wrong, but his reasoning is perfectly sound"
Bowden : " So to Elrick if you like someone your essentially regressing to a primal instinct? What, we dont actually have a choice?"
Lady Lorelei : " What; you think theres a choice?"
Bowden : " Yes"
Lady Lorelei : " Thats cute; you clearly havent done enough journal reading. Fortunately Elrick has all the links to the relevant research on the Blog; check it out."
Bowden : " You agree with him?"
Lady Lorelei : " Whats your Book Count?"
Bowden : " Book Count?"
Lady Lorelei : " The number of books youve read? You are your Information you know. The average person has read around 130 to 150 Books; basically 10 books a year during the school years and a little more after that. For a college graduate you add 50 more books and a book a month"
Bowden : " Then I guess for me it would be school books and an additional 1 book a week?"
Lady Lorelei : " So about 550 books; considering your athletic background and the likelihood that you only started independently reading at around 19 years"
Bowden : " How did you come up with the figure 19? How could you possibly have known?"
Lady Lorelei : " Its a consequence of my information level. In many poorly written novels and TV shows it is suggested that and individual could read thousands of books in a short time; like 1000 in a year. To read 1000 books in a year youd need to read and understand 3 books a day. Isnt that sort of thing a ridiculous notion? Anyone with any kind of intellect would know that such a suggestion epitomizes idiocy. By any kind of intellect I mean theyre capable of more than surface thoughts; they can actually count. There isnt enough time to read and understand 1000 books a year; that knowledge must be accumulated over time. Thats why if you dont read when youre young you cant catch-up later, and the path you unconsciously chose as a child determines your level of knowledge; at least until machine augmented intelligence becomes available."
Bowden : " Are you saying your Book Count is many times my own?"
Lady Lorelei : " My Book Count is more than 10 times yours."
Bowden : " What?"
Lady Lorelei : " Universities back home take students from the Advanced Learning Institute as a matter of course. The Advanced Learning Institute is an academy for gifted children started in 1998 to nurture gifted children. ALI as its called now has over 50 campuses around the world and offers a unique learning environment for children with the drive to acquire knowledge. You cant buy your way into ALI thanks to generous contributions from its alumnus. The only way into ALI is to have the appropriate mindset; the desire to gain information. ALI is meant to be complementary to public Education, and so we had half days at normal schools so we wouldnt lose the ability to interact with normal people. So excluding research papers a Book count of over 5000 at my age is Normal for my species."
Bowden : " Species?"
Lady Lorelei : " What you know affects what you see; the very core of what you are. The average human looks at the world around them with wonder and amazement, but we look at the world and see through the fine detailed lens of Knowledge and then perceive the interconnected particularities; such is the Power of Knowledge. When youve read and understood every scientific book in all its perturbations you no longer have a common reference point with the rest of humanity because they can no longer imagine the depth of what you are. What truly separates an infant from an adult is an enormous amount of information. Who we are is a function of our information."
Bowden : " So those who are like you are the Adults and the rest of us are children?"
Lady Lorelei : " Shocking isnt it?"
Bowden : " Youre serious?"
Lady Lorelei : " How much of the world you live in do you actually understand? You live in a world supported by technology that is beyond you, the smart devices, the cars the planes, the food and the medicines are getting increasingly more complex; so complex in-fact that fewer and fewer people actually understand them. People like to talk about human progress as if they play a part in the developmental progression, but the truth is that 90% of people are passengers on the rollercoaster. As you might expect the people responsible for this progress dont even know where we are taking the rest of humanity. We are just responding to the needs of an increasingly complex environment. Theres no method; were just diving deeper and deeper into the abyss to satisfy our curiosity. When Elrick understood how the world operated he got so freaked out he abandoned science in favour of commerce."
Bowden : " So thats what happened; I was wondering how a guy like that ended up engaged to a woman like that."
Lady Lorelei : " Im awake and can never sleep again. Its not just Elrick who desperately tried to sleep again. The Power of Knowledge is tragic"
Bowden : " Was he trying to be oblivious? Is Elise one of you?"
She stops walking and looks at Bowden.
Lady Lorelei : " Like you Elise is partially awake; a type of limited awareness that activates for brief moments. Carol calls it being on the Threshold of Revelation."
Bowden : " So I too dont qualify"
She smiles.
Lady Lorelei : " You should be glad; you can still find pleasure in the most mundane of things. The human heart can find meaning in the simplest of moments."
Bowden : " Hmmm"
Lady Lorelei : " She was always watching him. When youre close to Elrick you fall victim to his supportive nature coping mechanism. Before they ever met she was watching him from afar; she knew who he was before a word was ever spoken. The real Elrick is a Dreamer searching for the Unseen horizon; the lovable eccentric fool trying to fight against the inevitable. Youve seen that part of him right?"
Bowden : " Huh?"
Lady Lorelei : " The guy trying to generate big outputs by tweaking the inputs. Like giving valuable Items to struggling players in an MMO?"
Bowden : " Oh; that?"
Lady Lorelei : " Like falling in love even though hes convinced that love is a fraud. Watching him desperately trying to fall asleep made me want to try it; I tried to immerse myself in the affections of men who I knew that despite being the best of men could never hope to understand me. But I have grown beyond the ability of my heart to influence me. I look at the night sky and all the things I know about astronomy and cosmology floods into my mind, I look at a tree and all its details flood in from its genus name to the structure of its DNA, I look at animals and all of their information floods in, and now not even people are a mystery anymore; I see who they are. I am awake and can never sleep again."
Bowden : " So thats what you mean"
Lady Lorelei : " I see the world with a hundred times more detail than the average human. This is the price of eating of the fruit of knowledge. Right Jen?"
Lady Lorelei looks over at one of her attendants; Jennifer Kinsley.
Jennifer : " Yes milady. It is a choice we made as children; perhaps a choice you can only make as a child. Though Elrick contends that there was something wrong with us to begin with, Im convinced that genetics in this regard is insufficient; we could easily get stuck in mediocrity."
Bowden : " Another one?"
Jennifer : " The world is a lonely place for us; we can only have meaningful communication with those who are like us. So we tend to congregate."
Bowden : " So whats wrong in the first place?"
Lady Lorelei : " That! There are some amongst us who believe that we are born with a brain reward system that favours knowledge. Every-time we learn something new our brains reward us with feel good chemicals; we get a high from learning. Isnt that kind of twisted? Whether we are born with a different brain reward system or it develops as a consequence of a love for learning is unclear; the research suggest that it may be both. Nonetheless it triggers a chain reaction that eventually results in an acute awareness. One of the first things we figure out is people."
Bowden : " People?"
Lady Lorelei : " Humans tend to believe that they are unique; the myth of individualism."
Bowden : " Huh?"
Lady Lorelei : " Humans are a communal species and that creates a tendency or desire to conform. We are all part of the great human herd; even those rejected by the herd conform to the herd. If we werent a herd animal advertising would have to be tailored to an individual, and the fact that it works proves it. Things like a unique opinion are a manufactured illusion. We go to the same school, read the same books, watch the same television programs, and have the same conversations about the same things; our information is the same. What Im saying is the information level of the average person is the same and identical in societies. What gives rise to common sense is the fact that the societys information level is the same and identical. If you are your information then someone with nearly the same information is a reflection. Given the same information Humans tend to reach the same conclusion."
Bowden : " Thats ?"
Lady Lorelei : " Its unnerving, but that is how American television programming is packaged; tailored to its audience. The same applies around the world, and advertising uses the same principles. As you might expect politics is a game of tailoring and packaging. The average person isnt even almost educated enough to understand the political economic issues in a globalized economy. What Im getting to is that based on where you lived, went to school and level of education I can predict what decisions youll make on narrowed choices. But someone like Jen has an information level that exceeds the parameters necessary to narrow her choices. Jen comes from small town America, population 10000, and so that is the herd she was born into. Therefore as Jen is now it is likely that she has more information than all of the towns people put together; its more like she has 50 to 100 times more information. Do you understand why?
Bowden : " It was narrowed"
Lady Lorelei : " They all basically know the same things. And so even if you put them together it only amounts to a little more than one person. By choosing to conform to the herd they limited themselves, and from within the herd their choices are forever narrowed. However Jen, Mia and I continued to eat the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge and grew to become the 50 times Giant that no longer belong to the herds we were born in."
Jennifer : " Do you have to call us that?"
Lady Lorelei : " It cant be helped"
Mia and Lady Lorelei giggle.
Bowden : " Elrick didnt bother explaining. Why tell me all this?"
Lady Lorelei : " Even though Elrick is also a Giant he is still a man, and men tend to withdraw from emotional conflict. Even though we see the world with extraordinary clarity it is difficult to see yourself with the same detail. Elrick is in pain, but he wont let me help him because Im a woman and I look the way I do. Im therefore forced to rely on you Bowden to help my dear Friend."
Bowden : " I see"
Lady Lorelei : " Elrick has buried himself inside a mountain in more ways than you realize; that High-Elf is to dangerous for him. Our kind can sustain ourselves without emotions thanks to the peculiarity of our brains reward system. But we must guard against that tendency because we risk losing something precious to all humans."
Bowden : " I understand; leave it to me."
Lady Lorelei : " For that you have my gratitude"
As the 3 lovely ladies moved away from him Bowden realized that he caught a glimpse of something extraordinary. He had been spending his time with one of these extraordinary beings, and when a puddle of water Lady Lorelei stepped in managed to support her weight Bowden understood that she had acquired a water wisp; even in Realm Eternal the power of these beings could not be undone.
Bowden remembered that Elrick once referred to the Fortunate Five and those like them as Heralds of a new age of humanity.
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Meanwhile deep inside an unnamed mountain Elrick was now digging with his bare hands. Using Arwicks secret technique God Claw which is a combination of the raw forms of Physical-Increase Skills; Body-Hardenon the hands, Skills Strength-Increaseon the arms and Speed-Increaseon the arms, back and chest. Not an easy thing to accomplish without Corporeal Magic Magic Scripts but Elrick had Arwicks memories.
God Claw is meant to aid you in the event of a loss of a weapon but Elrick used God Claw as mining tool to conserve the durability of his equipment for the hard rock under the mounted and the added benefit that it generated Mana ShapingEXP. However Elrick still had to use Appraisal Magicto Identify weaknesses in the rock and Alchemic processing once the debris had piled up. The 2X2X2 Hunters Lear had been withdrawn and the entrance sealed by debris, Elrick now lived in the cramped 1.2X1.2X1.2 Hunters Lear.
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Chapter 16: The Realism of Realm Eternal
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Arc 2: The Power of Knowledge
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= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
Authors Note:
I wanted to Update my other Story by adding a few chapters but I got in the momentum and ended up writing an entire Arc; unfortunately Realm Eternal took a back seat. But with that out of the way I can focus on Realm Eternal.
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Chapter 16: The Realism of Realm Eternal
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Part 1
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Users known as Atlantians do not have a set winning goal in Realm Eternal; that part is left to the users. Make of the world what you can; it says so on the adverts. The Truth of Realm Eternal only becomes apparent once you enter Realm Eternal. There are 2 types of quests; the first is those created by the Adventurers Guild and the second is the type generated by the needs of people and organizations.
The role of the Adventurers Guild seems to be to encourage Monster and Demon extermination throughout the world. The Adventurers Guild is the only International guild and was set up by the Asgard Continental Republic. The identification systems of the Adventurers Guild serve as a global biometric Identification system. However every country has its own Additional Guilds tailored to its specific needs and requirements.
As such quests can originate from any number of sources, and the ones issued through the Adventurers Guild are Certified and Categorize according to Rank based on difficulty. The quests issued directly can be official government quest and the private quests known as contracts. Most contract terms can be negotiated but some are set in advance by the quest giver. Thus Normal Jobs that an individual can take-up in towns and cities are not considered quests.
The contract given out by Rodion can be considered a type of privately given quest, and since Nova Horizon has a mercenary emblem the contract can be officially registered with the country giving Nova Horizon the legal authority to act on Rodions behalf in securing recovery of Coswe Mine and Coswe Village by the use of any and all necessary force.
The legalities of registering the Contract with local authorities removes some of the restrictions on the use of deadly force by a large armed group. None of the Ado countries could abide large mercenary groups operating within their territories without proper regulation. For some of the smaller countries large mercenary groups rivalled their own armies and represented a security risk.
As soon as Nova Horizon decided to take-up Rodions contract a rival Atlantian Faction was offered a contract by one of Rodions rivals to make sure that Nova Horizon failed to complete the contract. Such is the Realism of Realm Eternal; causality isnt just present it is self-evident. And so the Atlantian Faction Calimado mobilized ahead of Nova Horizon.
Rodions rival Compton accomplished the hiring of Calimado to impede Nova Horizon by making a legitimate offer to purchase both Coswe Mine and Coswe Village. Under Continental Law Rodion has to give proper consideration for such an offer since the asset in question is a derelict mine; even at the low price. To avoid the legalities Rodion has to make an effort to recover and restore the asset thereby legitimately raising the value and classification of the asset. Compton on the other had a right to try and keep the value and classification of the asset unchanged for the duration of the consideration of the offer to purchase.
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Composed of 17 Clans with a total of over 35,000 people the Atlantian Faction Calimado is formidable, and ordinarily would be more than a match for Nova Horizon, but numbers arent everything, and the leaders of Calimado knew that their ranks were filled to the brim with people whos sole reason for joining was to make survival in Realm Eternal easier.
Calimado could not count on the loyalty of its members, and the opponents were fortified by the cult like personalities of Lady Lorelei and Mithriliar. The people that surrounded the central figures of Nova Horizon followed Lady Lorelei and Mithriliar like they were Divine Providence. And to top it off there was the Enigma of Elrick the Annihilator; chief of Starlight Spark.
Analysis of Starlight Spark from Open Beta indicated that Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry should be formidable but since Realm Eternal went live the combat role has taken a backseat to the Crafting Role. Infiltrating Starlight Spark had proven to be almost as difficult as Infiltrating Winged Sage Falcros, and the information Calimado had on Starlight Spark gave no indication of the true tactical capabilities of Starlight Spark.
Nonetheless the Realism of Realm Eternal forced Calimado to move forward with their plan to make Nova Horizon fail to fulfil the objectives of its mercenary contract. The Realism that forced Calimados hand is that money generated in Realm Eternal can easily be transformed into Real World Money. Therefore Prominence in Realm Eternal is equal to Prominence in Real life and that is worth a lot of money in real life.
There were already Atlantian Factions that had achieved relative prominence in the other Academy Cities, and the Atlantian Factions that emerges as the best in the city gains first choice in lucrative contracts thanks to the Trust such prominence fosters. Unlike in other Academy Cities there is no clear winner in Cobalt City when you consider all Capabilities Available to a Faction.
Calimado had been caught off guard by Nova Horizons Organizational capabilities, and before they even got started Nova Horizons Clans had already completed the purchase of properties and were now conductingLevel = 0 Clan Quests. By the time Calimado operations got underway it was evident that Nova had won the initial contest for supremacy.
With Starlight Spark properly set up as the dominant Atlantian supplier to Atlantians the gap would only get worse; already Nova is recognized as a leading Atlantian Faction. The Realism of Realm Eternal does not allow for your competitors to stand still; thus like in real life if you start a year later its very likely that you will always be a year behind. Victory goes to the prepared.
Calimado could not catch up because Nova Horizon was not standing still. There was no convenient secret quest or hidden class handed down by a favouring deity like in novels and anime; the Realism of Realm Eternal required effort to achieve supremacy. There are 2 straightforward ways to close the distance with a competent competitor; run faster or cause the opponent to slow down. Calimado chose the path that gave them both.
The original 5 clans of Calimado went on a recruiting campaign until 12 independent clans joined up. Simultaneously they recruited members to sign up with the non-core 12 clans. Calimado had grown faster than Nova Horizon but it wasnt enough, and thanks to Starlight Spark completing its major construction infrastructure Nova Horizon was now completely imbedded in the economy of Cobalt City. The only way for Calimado to catch-up now was to slow Nova Horizon down.
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Once the scheduled infrastructure construction was complete Starlight Spark could collate and show production output; demonstrating an ability to pay back any potential local loans. The Mana Crystal Fabricator, Mana Generator and the miniaturized LFTR Nuclear Power Source were installed. The additional Mana required by the Mana Crystal Fabricator was derived from the Mana Generator through its Mana Absorption function.
Starlight Spark paid 1 Copper Coin for 20 Mana; a price the Executives of Starlight Spark thought would only appeal to the cash hungry Atlantians. However a small proportion of the locals readily took up the offer and Starlight Spark was able to exercise the expansion clause on the Mana Crystal Fabricator purchase contract; install the same number and type of crystal chambers at haft-price.
By borrowing 24,000 Gold Coins from a local Cobalt City Bank Starlight Spark was able to multiply its Crystal Fabrication capacity by 7; allowing the production of 2,000 of the 1,000 Mana Crystal and 100 of the 5,000 Mana Crystal per Day. The daily revenue from Crystal production would be 625 Gold Coins, and the profit would be sufficient to service both the Realm Eternal Loans and Real World Loans.
With the liquidity problem resolved Grinder turned his attention to the real goals of Starlight Spark in Realm Eternal. Starlight Spark had the ambition to own and control a strategically located City, and to do that they needed 5 Cavalries each of 5,000 people; The First is the Ranger Cavalry, The Second is the Mechanized Cavalry, The Third is the Air Cavalry, The Fourth is the Expeditionary Cavalry and The Fifth is the Special Operations Cavalry.
Therefore Starlight Spark continued to buy unwanted REM-Sleep Pods and now the Second, the Third, the Fourth and the Fifth Cavalries all had 2 Active legions; though Cavalries in name only. They were only equipped with basic equipment and had not started at the Academy. However the first legion of the Fifth Special Operations Cavalry had met the basic requirements for deployment and was underway.
The Executives of Starlight Spark understood from the beginning that Starlight Spark could not maintain a skilled fighting force with low wages; the employees of Starlight Spark owned their Realm Eternal Avatars, and as their skill improved their salaries would have to improve. If Starlight Sparks combat force stayed small the departure of 100 would cripple its capabilities.
At some point in the future the Avatars of the employees of Starlight Spark will reach a skill level where they can earn a comfortable income from Realm Eternal without Starlight Spark. To deal with this future problem the Executives of Starlight Spark chose scale as a solution to the eventual departure of skilled personnel. To support the projected size and scope of the scale Starlight Spark would need to be a massive enterprise.
In the real world a commercial enterprise like Starlight Spark could grow without the need to own a private army, but Realm Eternal is a different Reality, and the planet Ado is a hostile terrain filled with a treasure-trove of horrors and monstrosities. On Ado the state provides national security, but leaves the task of providing local and commercial security to the interested parties.
Because of the security requirements commercial taxes were higher than normal, and operating from major cities and towns incurred significant taxation. Transporting goods over land was expensive because of the inherent need for protection, and not every area was accessible through teleportation. Being able to provide security guaranteed the delivery of goods to markets with less competition and thus giving higher returns.
The Executives of Starlight Spark understood that for a limited time the money going into Realm Eternal far exceeded money going out of Realm Eternal, but such a unique opportunity could not last indefinitely and they had to cash-in as quickly as possible. To reduce tax liabilities in Realm Eternal Starlight Spark had to own a city outside the territorial control of any country but close enough to Cobalt City to benefit from its infrastructure.
The Asgard Continental Republic territory on Grandeur is considered a Commonwealth of the Asgard Continental Republic; the people are not citizens of the Asgard Continental Republic. The aristocratic culture on the Asgard Continental Republics Commonwealth territory is convenient for the Continentals as it turns over control of the populous to local lords and Nobles; of course such control is strictly within Continental Laws and restrictions.
Other than Commerce, Politics and Religion are the other Major Realisms of Realm Eternal. The aristocratic culture on the Asgard Continental Republics Commonwealth is one of the reasons the Executives of Starlight Spark concluded that it was necessary to eventually move operations out of the Asgard Continental Republics Commonwealth. Politics on Ado had powerful consequences and Starlight Spark needed a measure of insulation from the political discourse.
The Clan Chief of Starlight Spark had already stepped on one of the many hidden political landmines and ended up on Chaos Island. The Executives of Starlight Spark would prefer to Avoid more dire consequences of a political misstep, and owning an independent City could help mitigate such consequences. The other potential problem is that Politics tends to involve both Religion and Commerce.
The Political landscape of Realm Eternal is as diverse as that of the real world with a myriad of political interests and alignments. From the bigotry of the Human Supremacist Northman of Norse Island to their counterparts in the Beastial Federation, from the isolationist Half-Elf Kingdom Celestial Forest to the Cosmopolitan Vale Kingdom.
Though humans brought with them the ancient beliefs from Earth the dominant religious practice on Ado is Elementalism; the Religion of the Continentals and most likely the religion of the ancients. While the Major countries have their own religious orders the other countries conform to the Elemental Churches based in the Asgard Continental Republics Commonwealth.
Each Elemental Church has Bishops and an Archbishop or Cardinals and a Pope. For the Elemental Churches based in the Commonwealth the Archbishop or Pope is by Law required to have a God Rank in the particular Elemental Magic. Therefore the best Elemental Magic Specialists are the Cleric who rise through the Ranks of the Temple Knights commonly known as the Templar in the Commonwealth but Paladin in the Major Countries.
As expected Light Magic being the most powerful of the Healing Magic generated a large following for the Church of Light, but since Water Magic, Plant Magic, Enchantment Magic and Psionic Magic are also Healing Magic they gathered nearly the same level of Followers. Outside of the Church the Clerics of the Psionic Church tended to make people uneasy due to their powerful telepathy and governments were often suspicious of them.
However during the Vampire Attack the Archbishop of the Psionic Church used the God Rank version of ?Mind Field? to cover an entire Country in a Psionic Field that allowed him to take control of all non-sentient creatures that entered the Psionic Field thereby wresting control of the small creatures from the Vampires. The army of small creatures was turned on their previous masters.
Not wanting to be outdone the other Archbishops and Popes used their own God Rank magic to thwart the Vampires in several countries. Tidal waves washed away enemies without harming a single ally, wind with purpose, vines grew from the ground and protected entire cities, domes of earth covered towns and cities, Ice Domes, fire wisps grew in size and burned only the enemies, ?Holly Light? restored life to millions.
But the most memorable was Archbishop Alexander Corvallis of the Church of Shadows using the God Rank Spell ?Exile of the Wicked? to drain the life-force of all enemies within the Countrys territory. What was of significance was the fact that the long duration of the spell is sustained by the enemys life- force. What was of concern was that the spell required the country to be temporarily turned over to the Church of Shadows.
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Part 2
A lesser Realism of Realm Eternal is the effect of collective behaviour and group dynamics. People behave differently when in a group and Adonites are no different. Conscious of the effects of popular opinions the Executives of Starlight Spark decided to put on a show for Nova Horizons first Deployment as a major mercenary company. The day of departure would be a show for all to see.
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From basic materials Starlight Spark crafted Military type Dress-Uniforms for all of Nova Horizon. Gold on Dark-Blue for Starlight Spark Uniforms. Silver and Black on Red for the Crimson Hand, Flame Swords and Red Blade Uniforms. Silver on Sky-Blue for Winged Sage Falcros, Forever Knights and Sage Uniforms. Blue, Gold and Red on Green for Nova Horizon Uniforms.
Coordinated by the practised movements of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry the 1.2km march from Nova Horizon Headquarters to the gates of the wall became a parade inviting the eyes of thousands of spectators as the 12,000 Uniformed Nova Horizon soldiers marched the streets of Cobalt City. At the head of the parade were the leaders of Nova Horizon.
Once they made it out of the walls gates they entered awaiting transportation Carts and Wagons. The staged performance was designed to leave the impression that Nova Horizon is a professional, well organized and resourced mercenary company. The publicity stunt earned them notice but it also generated anticipation; the ordinary people were now interested in the activities of Nova Horizon.
Success or failure would be amplified through the echoes of the rumour mill.
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The Nova Horizon Army reached the first Waypoint a few Hours later; its a clearing 150km South of Cobalt City. Thanks to the scouts sent ahead Nova Horizon had better situational awareness than their would be adversaries, and as such knew exactly where Calimado had positioned themselves a day earlier. It is at this point that Nova Horizon equipped combat gear.
Knowing that Calimado is watching Nova Horizon behave within the expectations of the tactical analysis of the Calimado Faction; stopping where they were supposed to, acting within the strategic intelligence gathered by Calimado spies. Nova Horizons behaviour had been scripted to put Calimado at ease while Nova Horizon stealthily put all the necessary assets in place for the final confrontation. Whether the Factions actually come to blows depends on Calimados ability to read the situation.
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It was Bowdens turn to rotate to the Heavily Fortified Command Wagon where Mithriliar and the factions tacticians were based. As Bowden entered the wagon he noted that Chief Mithriliar and his strategist Ren, Chief Nicolas and his strategist Andrew, Chief Artemis and her strategist Donavan, Carol, Anton, Edwin, Jen and Lionel Adev were already seated around a large display in a 50 people capacity Wagon.
Once Bowden is seated Mithriliar begins to speak.
Mithriliar : " Lets get this out of the way! Bowden; did you do this thing?"
Bowden : " What?"
Mithriliar : " The assassination of Calimados leadership?"
Bowden is slightly taken aback by the question.
Bowden : " The authorities performed Psionic scans on all the managers of Nova Horizons Clans; everyone has been cleared."
Mithriliar : " Is it possible that our friend on the Island could have acted without you knowing?"
Bowden : " Its not Impossible. However Elrick isnt the only one in this room with such tactical abilities.
Mithriliar : " What do you mean?"
Bowden : " Falcros second Carol and habitually position to her left is Anton, Falcros Third Edwin and his wife Jen and also her Ladyship Im told all have the same level of Tactical talent."
Mithriliar : " Oh?"
Carol : " Dont mistake knowledge for practised skill."
Edwin : " I may have a somewhat vast knowledge of things but strategic thinking isnt my practiced skill."
Carol : " Knowing how a car is made and operates doesnt automatically make you a decent driver."
Bowden : " True, but according to my chief the people who share your lives are as good at tactical analysis as he is."
Anton : " I teach Electrical Engineering; though Ill Admit to having a practiced skill in the analysis of electrical Grids."
Jen : " I teach Chemical Engineering; analysis of multilayer fluid dynamics is a must."
Unmistakable pride can be heard in Jen and Antons voices.
Carol : " That Elrick; flattery through another"
She says it with a sigh.
Edwin : " Only someone like that could have conceived such a plan."
Nicolas : " Plan? The 370 leaders of Calimado were poisoned by that Anti-Atlantian Group; theyve attacked Atlantians in Two other Academy Cities. The slogan; Our Lives are not A Game was found at all the Crime-Scenes."
Artemis : " All the affected natives were surreptitiously given the antidote ahead of the attack."
Donavan : " Not even Elrick would risk the lives of Locals. Besides; the Calimado Chiefs were revived through the services of hired Light Mages."
Carol : " Though not everyone was revived because of the cost"
Anton : " It has all the hallmarks of a Decapitation Strike"
Edwin : " Something Elrick always favours"
Jen : " They revived their Combat leaders and Clan Chiefs, but now they only have 10% of their original tacticians. They wont have enough to evolve their strategies in a rapidly changing combat environment."
Mithriliar : " Then Nova benefited from this particular attack."
Jen : " The attacks by the Anti-Atlantian Group started 8 days ago; 2 days after Nova Clans decided to take-up Rodions contract. To execute such a strategy Elrick would have had to spend more than 500 Gold to hire assassins to attack Atlantians in three different Cities."
Mithriliar : " Are you saying that Elrick put-together this Anti-Atlantian group in order to attack Atlantians with impunity?"
Anton : " Thanks to his Memory Imprints his adaptation to this world must be more than a few steps ahead of us; he would know how to contact assassins. All of us here are in the Faculty of Knighthood so we couldnt move in this underhanded way, but Elrick deliberately avoided Knighthood."
Carol : " Whats his end-goal?"
Jen : " Yeah; Elrick is a big picture kind of guy"
Anton : " Wait! Bowden; what orders did Elrick give you?"
Bowden : " The instruction to Vava was to leave no-one alive."
Carol : " You mean kill every member of Calimado that shows-up?"
Mithriliar : " Isnt it enough to win the battle? Once defeat is a certainty theyll withdraw and we can complete the contract."
Carol : " Its a faction Annihilation."
Anton : " He set this whole thing up, with the end goal being the Annihilation of Calimado. Hell; he probably leaked the information that we were going to accept the Rodion contract as a trap for Calimado."
Edwin : " The long term view is that Calimado would become a problem, but we should have been included in the decision to deal with them now."
Jen : " Elrick must have concluded that he would lose the vote so he engineered a situation where we would have no choice but to fight. The assassination of the Calimado leaders caused them to lose face, a public humiliation necessary to force them to try and regain the prestige theyve lost."
Carol : " Alright then; lets kill everyone like the man wants."
Sarcasm masks Carols slight annoyance.
Edwin : " That Calimado is an eyesore; throwing small fries at us and withdrawing when theyre exhausted is a despicable move."
Anton : " With the current Battle Plan and the reinforcements we will strike at the heart of Calimado before they have time to regroup and reorient."
Nicolas : " So they are going to use their weaker Clans as canon fodder after all?"
Andrew : " The heart of Calimado is the Big Five original Clans. Morningstar lead by Lucifer Morningstar; beta Clan Rank 4. Calmera lead by Reinhardt Calmera; beta Clan Rank 6. Wolfgang lead by Otto von Wolfgang; beta Clan Rank 8. Bladestorm lead by Takeshi Bladestorm; beta Clan Rank 12. Winterbourne lead by Lenora Winterbourne; beta Clan Rank 15."
Donavan : " Thats the real enemy hiding in the shadows, and once we break them Calimado will be no more."
Lionel Adev : " 12 Clans are positioned in an Arc facing us, and the 5 clans are on the hill on the other side of the Arc; its the only defensible position in that entire area. Its the 3 Arcs formation."
Artemis : " Clever; a Defensive Pincer Formation."
Donavan : " If we try to go around the Left or Right Flank we end up in a pincer attack from the front, the rear and a flank."
Bowden : " Taking a look at their equipment list its clear that they are well prepared"
Calimado Weapons
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- Basic Gun X 2000
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- Standard Rifle X 20,000
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- Machine Gun Rifle X 5,000
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- Military Grade Heavy Machine Gun X 3
?
- Military Grade Theatre Defence Artillery X 1
?
- Runic Landmines X 2,500
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Mithriliar : " So they plan to use the Runic Landmines to restrict our mobility?"
Ren : " Giving their Military Grade Theatre Defence Artillery the opportunity to pin us down while the rest of their forces complete the pincer movement."
Bowden : " Its not a bad plan"
Mithriliar : " Its surprisingly thorough given how quickly they put it together and the fact that they hardly had the time to practice full scale clan manoeuvres."
Nicolas : " Theyve put a Military Grade Heavy Machine Gun on each Flank"
Andrew : " They plan to sandwich us between 2 Military Grade Heavy Machines Gun. Its a classic pincer manoeuvre."
Edwin : " Under normal circumstances we would have to withdraw, but the ones making the Flanking manoeuvre are the small fries of Calimado; the first tactical mistake."
Carol : " The Second tactical mistake is the over-reliance on Guns."
Anton : " They have accurately Calculated Nova Horizons Elemental Magical ability, and that fact that we didnt hire any local mages allowed them to think that we would also rely on Guns."
Jen : " But that was a deliberate rouse on our part; Starlight Spark has more than a few Qualified Academy Graduate Mages in its employ, and in particular Runic Mages. Combined with the fact that Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry has 2,000 Level 1 Military Grade Longbows we have them out gunned."
Anton : " Under normal circumstances the Gun is superior to the Bow, but when you include magic the Arrow with more than 200 times more surface-area is a thousand times more powerful than a Bullet. With Starlight Spark supplying sufficient Runic Arrows for every circumstance we actually have Calimado over the barrel."
Jen : " In this scenario they should have bought a mobile defensive Psionic Barrier but the cheapest one costs 10,000 Gold Coins. This was a completely avoidable scenario but Calimados ambition has blinded them to the more productive path of cooperation with Nova Horizon; which could have elevated them to a much more significant role as a major Atlantian group."
Bowden : " That is unfortunate"
Mithriliar : " Down the middle then?"
Carol : " Down the middle"
Bowden : " Down the middle it is then"
Mithriliar : " Keep the intelligence flowing; we make contact with the enemy in less than 26 hours"
Anton : " We are watching them for any sign of tactical changes"
Jen : " Our scouts here and in Cobalt City are on constant watch"
Anton : " Our Reinforcements have arrived in Cobalt City and have begun a wide area Flanking manoeuvre."
Bowden : " Though the way things look Im not sure we need the reinforcements"
Jen : " Better to be safe than sorry"
Theres a serious look in Mithriliars Face.
Mithriliar : " Make sure our people get enough rest and food before we make contact with enemy. Lets not get overconfident and make calculated responses to the enemy movements."
Edwin : " Right"
Carol : " Will do"
They take a break as another group rotates to the Command wagon.
- - -
Part 3
As Starlight Spark prepares to face the first major hurdle since Realm Eternal went live Elrick himself had wilfully wondered into a dangerous situation. All the digging he had been doing had a surprising consequence, and now Elricks ability to survive was being threatened by something that would ordinarily have been considered innocuous.
Another important Realism of Realm Eternal is food. In Realm Eternal food is one of the more important sources of both energy and Mana, and the more you exert yourself physically the more hungry you feel. There are items one can purchase that will constantly monitor your satiety but such things are considered unnecessary since you actually feel the hunger. There are also Items to measure stamina and the like.
Elricks original plan was for mining to be a short daily diversion, but now it was taking up most of his time. Once Elricks Appraisal Magic reached a certain skill level he started to detect ores within a certain range, and that became the focus of his digging. With his Mining Skill he was able to extract valuable Rare Earth ores from the mountain, but the excessive use of Arwicks God Claw consumed a lot of energy; energy that needed to be replenished.
Even though Elrick brought 5 times more food ingredients than he thought he would need but thanks to the unexpected physical exertion Elrick now calculated that at the rate he was consuming his food he would run out of food in 3 weeks; more than 2 months ahead of his scheduled departure from Chaos Island. His only options now were to try to ration out the remainder of his food or procure more food.
Normally Elrick makes considered and rational decisions but in this instance his greed was getting the better of him, and so he made the decision to procure more food. At the heart of Elricks thinking was that he needed money to buy Memory Imprints from a Magical Scholar; this the result of skimming through a number of magical books.
Elrick did not have the time to read and understand 10,000 Realm Eternal books while running Starlight Spark and being an Operative of the Eastal Security Agency; there just wasnt enough time. Memory Imprints became the natural solution to Elricks information deficit, but Memory Imprints from a Magical Scholar represent Magical Heritage and are ridiculously Expensive.
Noble Houses passed down their Magical Heritage through Memory Imprints from generation to generation rarely selling it to outsiders, but on the occasion that such intergenerational knowledge was sold the price was usually steep; 8,000 Gold Coins to 25,000 Gold Coins depending on the amount of knowledge on offer. 8,000 Gold Coins is no laughing matter, and even Elrick could not afford to be so exuberant.
However at present Elrick was surrounded by more than enough Rare Earth ores to meet the minimum monetary requirements for the cheapest Magical Heritage Memory Imprints. And that is why Elrick had been singularly focused on mining, and he earnestly believed that once he gained the Magical Heritage Memory Imprints most of the books he reads will be like rereading thus making Skimming through them sufficient.
Elrick wasnt about to risk an actual hunting excursion, but he reasoned that he could get away with setting some traps. Months earlier he had killed a few Kobolds and even though the carcases had been scavenged by local predators the blood had seeped into the ground; the scent of which periodically drawing in a fare number of scavengers to the scene.
This meant that Elrick would have to dig a tunnel to the edge of the mountain and then make a small hole through which he could observe the outside. Elrick planned to make a small exit that he can block with the 1.2X1.2X1.2 Hunters Lear then use rope attached to arrows to reel-in any unfortunate animal that ate the poisoned meat he would be using as bait.
- - -
- - -
Chapter 17: Designing Advantageous Circumstances
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- - -
Arc 2: The Power of Knowledge
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= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
= Other
Authors Note:
Its been a while since I Updated Realm Eternal; sorry about that Ive been buried under mountains of work.
The end of the commodity super-cycle has had a drastic effect on the Major clients of the Company I work for, and thanks to that my boss pushed 3 of his assigned client businesses onto me. Its been nothing but 11hour days for over 2 months, and Ive been fatigued; too tired to even read books let alone look at a keyboard outside work.
- - -
Chapter 17: Designing Advantageous Circumstances
- - -
Part 1
- - -
Elrick stood alone in a cave illuminated by his Light-Elf natural glow conscious that at any moment Nova Horizon would go to war with Calimado; nothing could ease his mind, and his nervousness was pervasive. Elrick knew that even the best laid plans can go awry, in battle nothing is certain, and even victory has its consequences. The people they kill will suffer temporary deaths; however theyll undoubtedly hold a grudge.
Elrick was aware that the person you look in the eyes and then shoot in the face will remember you; they would remember the pain you caused them. No matter the circumstances or your reasons hatred is often born from pain; reason has nothing to do with it. Nova Horizon had deliberately walked into a scenario where there would be no victory in strength.
Elrick forced himself to remember the reasons he had ventured into Realm Eternal. It wasnt to earn a living, and it wasnt even the money he had gained through his activities; it is the power that money buys. After the debacle with Elise and he was thrown out on his ass he understood that he was powerless. Elricks intellect which was always a source of pride for Elrick was proven to be completely replaceable. Elrick understood that he did not have a monopoly on intellect; nothing is so unique that it cant be reproduced.
And so when Elrick recovered from his morose power became his objective.
- - -
War is not a sport; there are no rules restricting the movements of your opponents. War is not a game of chess where the grid is laid-out for everyone to see and interpret. War is death, and as the saying goes; war is hell. The only thing that is of consequence in a war are the bodies and their capability multiples; weather it be warm bodies or cold bodies depends on which side of the line you stand.
In modern warfare predicting the movements of the enemy is largely dependent on the capability gap; restricting the movements of a weaker enemy is relatively easy, however restricting the movements of an enemy that is a near-peer is impossible without risking a frontal confrontation. Military confrontations between near-peers are rare and the last ones of major global powers are WWI, WWII, and Korea.
There have been Military Confrontations between near-peers on a smaller scale in the case of the Arab-Israeli wars and the India-Pakistan wars. The Namibian border war where Cuban air power supported the Angolan forces against the NATO supported South African Military is a classic proxy war of near-peers. With the later Arab-Israeli wars the Arab armies had not professionalized and modernized their tactics. The India-Pakistani Kargil War of 1999 evidenced a confrontation between near-peer professional nuclear armed militaries.
Elrick liked to use the Kargil War as a case study because it involves Tactical Positioning of military, economic, political and media assets between near-peer Nuclear Powers. The Indians did masterfully what the Americans could not do with the later Afghanistan, 2003 invasion of Iraq and the Global JSOC War on Terror. The US failed spectacularly in the JSOC War on Terror because they never had clear strategic goals.
Therefore instead of decreasing Islamic Terrorism the Global JSOC War on Terror actually fermented insurgency around the world. To most War on Terror sounded a bit self-righteous coming from the US which had been a destabilizing force for over 50 years in its contest for supremacy with the USSR. In South America, Africa and parts of Asia US policies had brought untold suffering upon the people.
Trust in the US had vanished in the decade after the End of the cold war, but after the 9/11 Horror the goodwill of the peoples of the world flowed to the US. Even Russias strong man Putin walked over to the other side and stood alongside the American President, but that gesture was repaid with the expansion of NATO and the invasion of Iraq. The US had squandered its political capital; they didnt learn anything from the Indian experience in the Kargil War.
The Kargil War is the best example of how a major Military Power responds to aggression and provocation when the eyes of the world are watching. The Indians had been Calm, Measured and Decisive; earning the respect and confidence of every nation. The sentiment after the Kargil War was that India could be trusted; a lesson the US has always failed to learn.
The USs Global JSOC War on Terror conversely ignited Russian Resurgence, Chinese Assertiveness and every regional power now sees the US as a potential threat. The invasion of Iraq frightened Arab leaders, cowed and shaking their asses like a 2 dollar whore at the Americans they lost their strong men credibility and everyone sensed a weakness in their resolve; thats basically the Arab Spring.
The insurgents sensing weakness took-up the challenge and with every killing on behalf of or in consort with the US the Arab strongmen lost credibility; their own people saw them as puppets. So basically the USs use of its overwhelming military power essentially guaranteed that they would loose all influence and ferment an endless line of new insurgents.
Elrick was hoping to emulate India in the creation of the country wanted by Eastal and in this encounter with Calimado he could not afford a misstep. Defeating Calimado would earn Nova Horizon a lot of enemies, and factions from all over the place will want to block Nova Horizons ascendance. Elrick fully expected that a coalition of factions would form to help resurrect Calimado, but such a thing is within his calculation; that is why Calimados defeat has to be complete.
To accomplish Calimados complete defeat Elrick needed to understand the reasons the members of Calimado fought. By Elricks calculations the core of Calimado was driven by ambition, but the bulk of the more than 30,000 people who belonged to the additional 12 Clans were in this particular fight because they got swept up in the emotions of the moment, they believed that since they outnumber Nova Horizon 3 to 1 it would be an easy victory; everyone likes to win.
The allure of being on the winning side was too tempting, and the illusion of minimal risk was too persuasive; all in all it seemed like it would be fun. These people had been drawn in by the prospect of an easy life in Realm Eternal under the Calimado Faction, and an easy military victory was part of the course. Because of Novas movements behind the scenes they hadnt noticed the implications of the vast disparities in infrastructure.
Direct members of Nova Horizon had not been told of the eventual military confrontation with Calimado; there were too many Calimado spies in Nova for that information to be made public, only those senior members who passed regular Psionic vetting could be trusted, and as far as the rank and file knew Nova Horizons policy was to avoid conflict. Even Calimado partially expected Nova to run and not fight; especially when they were at a strategic disadvantage.
Nova Horizon had very practised manoeuvres, and someone not paying attention would ignore the fact that Nova Horizon trained regularly in Advanced Manoeuvre Combat; Formations, Positioning, Concentrated Fire, Supporting Fire and other Tactics had been thoroughly practiced. Calimado was not blind to this and thats why they were throwing the small fries at Nova, and should Nova choose to fight the small fries would exhaust Nova Horizons fighting strength; allowing the core of Calimado to deliver the finishing blow.
Contrary to Calimado the people who joined Nova were screened, and even though they wanted an easy life in Realm Eternal they also wanted to be part of something significant and extraordinary. The Nova Horizon Faction lead by Mithriliar and Lady Lorelei boosts extensive infrastructure through Starlight Spark and the expectation is that Nova Horizon would grow to become a major player in the Commonwealth.
Elrick knew where he wanted to take Nova Horizon, and he considered himself fortunate that both Mithriliar and Lady Lorelei wanted to go in the same direction. Elrick didnt need Nova Horizon to establish a country, but he understood that things would be a whole lot easier if it did. What Elrick needed was to use the power and influence gained by Nova Horizon to allow Starlight Spark to establish a Small City State, but if Nova wanted to build a Country it would workout even better.
The first hurdle for Nova Horizon is to grow in power while maintaining a relatively good reputation. In Realm Eternal public broadcast media is used by state officials for public announcements and the advent of private public broadcasters has long since lost out to a cacophony of social networks; people get their news from other people and that is considered the only reliable source. Apparently both governments and corporations consistently misrepresented the facts and that lead to a general distrust of official commentary.
Nova Horizon was now under the scrutiny of the public and unlike the Real World there were no trusted news networks that could shape public opinion in Nova Horizons favour. Therefore how Nova Horizon behaved in this conflict would become its First Marker; people would use this as a reference whenever Nova Horizon came up in conversation. The aftermath of this upcoming battle would entrench peoples perception of Nova Horizon.
For the sake of maintaining a good public image Nova Horizon would have to be Violent without seeming Brutal, Kill without looking Murderous and Gain from Combat without looking Greedy. Above all Nova Horizon had to appear Dauntless in the face of an onerous enemy. The demonstration of Nova Horizon being Calm, Measured and Decisive would earn them the respect of a violence weary populace.
- - -
The moment of truth had come, and the core leaders of Calimado were attempting to read the movements of Nova Horizon for any sign of suspicious behaviour. Lucifer Morningstar of Morningstar, Reinhardt Calmera of Calmera, Otto von Wolfgang of Wolfgang, Takeshi Bladestorm of Bladestorm and Lenora Winterbourne of Winterbourne are in a Field tent looking at screens showing maps of the area. The observation Runes placed throughout the region fed back a detailed divination of the positions of Nova assets and personnel.
They are looking at the numbers with some relief.
Otto : " Looks like they only hired a few local scouts and a couple of low ranked mages."
Lucifer : " We can be forgiven for killing a few locals but any more than that would be disastrous."
Takeshi : " Do you think theyll fight?"
Lenora : " If its Lorelei shell first try to talk and find out if were hostile."
Reinhardt : " You think they dont already know?
Lucifer : " They know; theyre not stupid"
Otto : " So they want to negotiate?"
Lucifer : " Negotiation may be a stalling tactic; there is no shortage of intellect in Winged Sage Falcros"
Takeshi : " Only 12,000 showed up, and that means that there are at least 4,000 people unaccounted for; they may already be heading for Coswe through other routes."
Lucifer : " In that scenario the 12,000 may be here to keep us bogged down in a military standoff while the other part of Nova Horizon completes the contract. That would mean that they are unlikely to come within range of our Heavy Machine Guns or Theatre Defence Artillery."
Lenora : " Both Lorelei and Mithriliar arent known for shying away from a fight, and with the Annihilator on Chaos Island I think a fight is very likely."
Reinhardt : " The outcome of any initial contact may be determined by the Speed of their counter-manoeuvres; Dont they have a Mounted Cavalry?
Otto : " Thats why we brought the Heavy Machine Guns and Theatre Defence Artillery; a Mounted Cavalry charge under that scenario would be foolhardy."
Lucifer : " If we try to outthink them well lose, but if we focus on closing down all the elements they need to achieve tactical superiority on the ground it comes down to military force multipliers."
Takeshi : " No matter how well resourced they are if it comes down to Mle or Guns we have more Elements of both."
Reinhardt : " Then isnt it logical that they would try to avoid getting into Mle or Guns range?
Lucifer : " They know full well that they can control the movements of their troops but not ours. Their best result would be to force us into ranged warfare; but we are not going to allow that now are we?"
Lenora : " Then we should prepare even our own clans to mobilize"
Otto : " We cant move until they do; theres still a chance that theyll charge one of the flanks with a shielded Mounted Cavalry."
Lucifer : " Yes; in that scenario they can execute both a Mounted Cavalry charge and a ranged attack simultaneously
Takeshi : " Taking out both Flanks and setting us up for a Pincer Attack"
Lucifer : " We cant let ourselves be intimidated to the point where we over-think things and doubt sound military stratagem that has been proven valid. Lets focus on the facts on the ground!"
Lenora : " We are less than an hour away from an encounter with our chosen enemy"
Reinhardt : " Yeah; The moment of truth is at hand
Otto : " Victory is within our grasp"
Takeshi : " And the rewards will be that much sweeter; HeHeHeHe"
Lenora : " How dare she make light of us!"
Reinhardt : " This is our moment; I wont let anyone take it away from us
Otto : " Cobalt City is ours!"
Lucifer : " Damn Right its ours!"
Takeshi : " It ends here!"
Lucifer : " Calimado!"
Lenora : " Calimado!"
Reinhardt : " Calimado!
Otto : " Calimado!"
Takeshi : " Calimado!"
They spoke the word Calimado like its some kind of Oath and to them Calimado is an oath, a promise they made to themselves to seek success in Realm Eternal.
- - -
Part 2
- - -
Calimados opponents in the Nova Horizon faction were not intimidated by the size of Calimados army and the prospect of confronting such large numbers troubled only the rank and file of Nova Horizon. The core of Nova Horizon understood that the vast numbers of Calimados army were small fries, and that the true threat was the core of Calimado which Novas estimation suggested was unprepared for a direct military confrontation with the elite of Nova Horizon.
As the Nova forces took up their formations Mithriliar and the other Clan Chiefs watched over the assembling army. Unmistakable in the formations is the assembly of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry with Identical Full Plate Level 1 Armour in the same Gold on Dark-Blue colour scheme as their Dress-Uniforms. Mithriliar couldnt help noting that everyone else looked like Adventurers with personalized stiles to their combat equipment but Starlight Sparks Cavalrymen held the visage of a proper Army.
At the head of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry is Force Commander Bowden, next to him is Deputy Force Commander Vava, then theres Group Captain Axil, Group Captain Swordin, Group Captain Arrow, Group Captain Shieldor, then theres Cavalry Captain Ebni, Cavalry Captain Thana, Cavalry Captain Davis, Cavalry Captain Abram, Cavalry Captain Sello. Everyone from the rank of Deputy Legion Commander Captain and higher is equipped with Full Plate Level 2 Armour.
With Starlight Sparks increase in number the Ranks and Salaries were adjusted to reflect an in crease in responsibilities.
~ Frop! ~
Starlight Sparks Ranger Cavalry Ranks & Salaries!
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- Force Commanders Rank = Commander; Salary = $1500 a month.
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- Deputy Force Commanders Rank = Lieutenant Commander; Salary = $1200 a month.
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- Field Commanders Rank = Group Captain; Salary = $950 a month.
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- Cavalry Commanders Rank = Cavalry Captain; Salary = $850 a month.
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- Legion Commanders Rank = Captain; Salary = $650 a month.
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- Deputy Legion Commanders Rank = Captain; Salary = $550 a month.
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- Raid Group Commanders Rank = Lieutenant; Salary = $450 a month.
Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.?
- Deputy Raid Group Commanders Rank = Lieutenant; Salary = $400 a month.
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- Party Leaders Rank = Sergeant; Salary = $325 a month.
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- Deputy Party Leaders Rank = Corporal; Salary = $275 a month.
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- Party Members Rank = Cavalryman; Salary = $250 a month.
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At the moment the rank of Group Captain is occupied by Executives of Starlight Spark but it is expected that in time others would rise through the Ranks, and there are only 5 Cavalry Captains who are for the most part in training. A Cavalry Captain is chosen not just for strength of skill level but primarily for the ability to inspire and lead others in combat. It is for this reason that Starlight Spark undertook long range deployments and activities.
- - -
Nova Horizon had deployed in an Arc to match the Calimado deployment.
Looking to his right Mithriliar saw the approaching Strategist from the command centre.
Ren : " Faction Chief; Message from Command."
Mithriliar : " Yes?"
Ren : " Its time sir"
Mithriliar : " Bowden!"
Gaining Bowdens attention Mithriliar Nods and Bowden understands Mithriliars message.
Bowden : " Bows!"
The whole Nova Force snaps into action at Bowdens yell.
4000 Level 1 Longbows are prepared by direct Clan members and the Faction members prepare over 8000 Basic Longbows. Everyone prepares the 100 apiece Runic Arrows Supplied by Starlight Spark for this specific encounter. The local crafters employed by Starlight Spark had been steadily stockpiling Runic Arrows in anticipation that Nova Horizon may get involved in a large scale combat with Demons or rogues.
The 4000 Level 1 Longbow holders took up stances in preparation.
Bowden looked over at Mithriliar.
Mithriliar : " Begin!"
Bowden : " Fire Guidance Runes!"
Vava : " Fire First Volley!"
Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Vroom!
4000 Level 1 Longbow Runic Arrows fly into the sky.
Bowden : " Everyone Prepare your MP Potions! Drink after every 10 Arrows! Ready your Bows!"
Even while the Ranged Guidance Runic Arrows are fired Bowden prepares everyone else and instructs the Nova officers.
Vava : " Fire Second Volley!
Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Vroom!
Another 4000 Level 1 Longbow Runic Arrows fly into the sky.
Axil : " Commander; We have Active Telemetry!"
The function of the Ranged Guidance Runic Arrows is to paint the targets for the self-guided Ranged Runic Arrows in the possession of nearly every member of Nova. With Active Telemetry all that needs to be done is choose a target and fire leaving the Ranged Runic Arrow to guide itself to within 5 metres of selected target. Depending on presets the self-guided Ranged Runic Arrows can land from just 0.5m to 20m of the Active Telemetry Unit/Rune/Arrow.
Bowden : " Artillery Bowmen; Fire!"
Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Vroom!
Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Vroom!
- - -
The Level 1 Longbows have a standard range of 15km and the Basic Longbows have standard range of 2km under normal conditions; excluding weather and terrain effects. However the Arrows being used this time are self-guided Ranged Runic Arrows crafted by Starlight Spark. Thus even fired from a Basic bow the self-guided Ranged Runic Arrows have a maximum range of 10km, and thus adding the effects of the Longbows the range extends even further.
The combination of self-guided Ranged Runic Arrows and Level 1 Longbows yields a maximum range of 25km under normal conditions. The combination of self-guided Ranged Runic Arrows and Basic Longbows yields a maximum range of 12km under normal conditions. Therefore under these particular circumstances all of the Calimado positions were within the range of Nova Horizons Artillery Bowmen.
- - -
At the encampment of the Calimado Elite the arrival of the 2 volleys of 550 Ranged Guidance Runic Arrows alerted them that Nova Horizons Artillery Bowmen had begun a ranged attack, and since they had no Runic mages present they could only assume that the Arrows had range extension runes since the arrows didnt explode on impact. They are reasonably surprised that Nova would spend money on ranged arrows.
The rank and file are a little rattled but they quickly regain composure.
Lenora : " So they chose to attack first"
Reinhardt : " Theyre not just attacking us; Arrows have reached every position
Looking at the screens reports start coming in of waves of arrows reaching all other positions.
Otto : " This looks serious; should we move out?"
Lenora : " At this rate well get pinned down"
Lucifer : " Fuck it! Well wait it out; theyve gotta run outta arrows at some point."
Takeshi : " Its gonna be a helluva a thing!"
Taking cover behind fortifications and using shields Calimado chooses to endure the rain of arrows.
- - -
Noting that the Nova Force had exhausted the supply of self-guided Ranged Runic Arrows Bowden decided that it was time to begin the second phase.
Bowden : " Deploy Mounts!"
Vava : " Cavalry; Form Ranks! Prepare to Charge!"
Bowden : " Preserve your MP"
2750 people moved forward and released their Customized Level 1 Military Grade Mana Cycle from their Magic Bags of Holding.
Bowden looked over the details of his Mount.
~ Frop! ~
Customized Level 1 Military Grade Mana Cycle
Previous Owner = Ashcroft Republic
Current Owner = Starlight Spark
Purchase price = 1 Gold Coin
Customized by = Starlight Spark
Weight = 452kg
Power Source:
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- Users MP
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- Starlight Spark Customized 40 X 1000 Mana Crystal
Installed Weapons
Wheel Mounted Spinning Cutting Blades:
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- Level 1 Spinning Cutting Blades = 2 per wheel
Forward Piercing Spikes:
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- 2 Forward Mounted Level 1 Piercing Spikes
Piercing SpikesStarlight Spark Customization:
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- Large Forward Mounted Level 1 Spinning Piercing Spike
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- 2 X 5 Small Side Mounted Level 1 Defensive Piercing Spikes
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- 2 Small Rear Mounted Level 1 Defensive Piercing Spikes
Machine Gun Starlight Spark Customization:
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- Range = 3km
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- Standard Rifle Bullets Cost = 1 Silver Coin per set of 15
Grenade LauncherStarlight Spark Customization:
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- Range = 5km
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- Starlight Spark Custom Grenades Cost = 1 Silver Coin per set of 8
Additional Starlight Spark Customization:
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- Full Protective Enclosure System
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- Front Protective Shield instillation Slot
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- Surveillance and Terrain monitoring System
Active Systems:
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- Speed Control System
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- Ride Control System
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- Jump Control System
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- Targeting System
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- Fire Control System
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- Noise Reduction System
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- Grenade Launcher
Active Systems draw Mana from the installed Mana Crystal and uses it to create effects such as the Psionic Targeting System at a cost of 1 Mana per minute thus allowing the user to Acquire and Designate Targets for Guided Runic Bullets. The Targeting System can also be used for standard Bullets.
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The Customized Level 1 Military Grade Mana Cycle that stood as high as a horse at 1.4m on the seat that could be enclosed in what can only be described as a cockpit had been modified to such an extent that it hardly resembled a Level 1 Military Grade Mana Cycle. The original Level 1 Military Grade Mana Cycle resembled a large off-road motorcycle, but Starlight Crafters introduced significant modifications.
The 6,000 Level 1 Military Grade Mana Cycle were bought at 1 Gold Coin each second hand as a consignment of 6000 from the Ashcroft Republic which had suffered significant damage during the Demon Attack and was in desperate need of funds. As part of the Deal Starlight Spark bought another 4,000 Gold Coins worth of discounted Surplus equipment from the Ashcroft Republic to give a total of 10,000 Gold Coins.
To refurbish and refit the Level 1 Military Grade Mana Cycles Starlight Spark spent an additional 2.464 Gold Coins on each Mana Cycle. Starlight Spark had managed to refurbish and refit only 2,927 of the 6,000 Level 1 Military Grade Mana Cycles. 2,000 of the Customized Level 1 Military Grade Mana Cycles went to Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry; thus 752 were sold to individuals affiliated with the Nova Horizon Faction at 5 Gold Coins and 175 were sold publicly at 6 Gold Coins to interested individuals not affiliated with the Nova Horizon Faction.
After examining the properties of the Customized Level 1 Military Grade Mana Cycles in combat Cobalt City locals and mercenary groups requested that Starlight Spark perform Customizations on their own Mana Cycles; creating a new business opportunity for Starlight Spark. Atlantian Raid Groups used the Customized Level 1 Military Grade Mana Cycle as a light tank/Artillery able to provide fire support and suppression fire on the field.
Most Atlantians considered the use of Mana Cycles too expensive given the Mana Crystal requirements, and one could purchase a Familiar that could serve as a mount like a horse for as little as 80 Silver Coins; with the fuel being abundant grass and hey. Therefore from the perspective of people with a low MP the Mana Cycles are inefficient.
- - -
As everyone prepared their mounts Lady Lorelei decided to summon her Familiars.
Lady Lorelei : " Arvi, Wonar; Come Forth! ?Magic Summon?!"
The Familiars Arvi, Wonar respond to the ?Magic Summon? and 2 Inter-Dimensional Pockets open and release the Transparent Air Wisp Arvi and the Bluish Water Wisp Wonar. Elemental Familiars are extremely expensive at 500 Gold Coins because the instinctive ability to tame an Elemental Wisp is a very rare Ability. As someone famous and presumed Atlantian high Nobility Lady Lorelei gained Wisp Wonar as gift from the Water Elf Government and bought the Air Wisp Arvi to compliment her highest Affinities.
Familiars are creatures that have been tamed and taken through a ritual that transforms their souls into a Magic Stone Core. As long as the Magic Stone Core survives they can be granted a new body even upon death. However if the Magic Stone Core is destroyed the Familiar is similarly permanently killed. As such owners of Familiars have to take special care of the Magic Stone Core.
There are 3 ways to use the Magic Stone Core. The first is to carry the Magic Stone Core in the inventory then bring it out to summon and return it back into the inventory after the summoning is completed. The second is to summon the Familiar at a bank and leave the Magic Stone Core in the safety of the Bank while you leave with the actively summoned Familiar. The Third method is to purchase a Tracking Familiar Inter-Dimensional Pocket to house the Magic Stone Core for 200 Gold Coins.
The Tracking Familiar Inter-Dimensional Pocket will allow you to summon the Familiar regardless of location, and the Magic Stone Core is permanently safe from Damage. Either way summoning a Familiar Consumes 150 MP and 10% of Total MP is allocated to the Familiar; the absolute limit on the number of Familiars a person can summon at the same time is 10 Familiars.
What makes Elemental Familiars a special class amongst Familiars is that their Mana recovery rate is on the extreme end of the spectrum; higher than Continentals and Demons. Even if Elemental Familiars cant transfer Mana back to the owner it adds extraordinary capability. The primary disadvantage of the Elemental Familiars is that they cant equip Magic Items for self-protection, and that makes them rather easy to kill.
However Elemental Familiars are the only ones who can directly interface with the Divine Elements such as the Water Magic Element Living Water, the Wind Magic Element Air of Life, the Earth Magic Element Essence of Earth, the Fire Magic Element Sacred Flame, the Ice Magic Element Frost, the Plant Magic Element Tree of Life, the Sound Magic Element Resonance, the Psionic Magic Element Psion, the Enchantment Magic Element Enthral, the Shadow Magic Element Blackbody, the Light Magic Element Radiance.
- - -
It had been just 4 minutes since the last of the self-guided Ranged Runic Arrows was fired and now a 2750 strong mounted Cavalry was ready for a Cavalry Charge.
Leading from the Front are 4 of the 7 Nova Horizon Clan Chiefs along with Commander Bowden.
Bowden : " Faction Chief; Were ready"
Mithriliar : " Good"
Lady Lorelei : " Theyre in for a Surprise"
Artemis : " Yeah"
Arturia : " HeHeHeHe! I wish I could see the look on their faces"
Mithriliar : " Anyway; DETONATE!"
With that command Carol in the wagon serving as the mobile Command Centre pressed the button that would Unleash Hell.
- - -
At the encampment of the Calimado Elite they started to notice that the over 400,000 self-guided Ranged Runic Arrows had started to glow
They got a bad feeling, and became visibly worried.
Lenora : " Whats that?"
Reinhardt : " Eh?
Otto : " Kya!"
Lucifer : " Fuck No!"
Takeshi : " Gya!"
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
Before they had time to react the self-guided Ranged Runic Arrows simultaneously exploded.
.
- - -
Since the self-guided Ranged Runic Arrows made by Starlight Spark included both Range Runes and self-guidance Runes they only had a third of the explosive power of normal exploding Runic Arrows. However even at a third of normal power over 400,000 Runic Arrows exploding simultaneously had a chain effect that created a MASIVE explosion that levelled the Calimado hilltop encampment.
The Calimado units arranged in an Arc suffered the chain effect of over 800,000 Runic Arrows exploding simultaneously; Total Annihilation. The vast majority of the lightly equipped Calimado small fries were instantly killed by the explosion, and those that survived were left dazed and confused by the Enormous Explosion that shook the ground.
The effect of over 1.2 million Runic Arrows exploding was so shocking that even the rank and file of Nova Horizon were stunned.
- - -
Recovering from the shaking of the ground Nova leaders started giving orders.
Lady Lorelei : " Carol; maintain bombardment to keep the Calimado Core from logging-out until we reach them"
Carol : " Understood!"
Lady Lorelei : " Anton; Use Rune Seeker Arrows to clear our path of any Runic mines along the road"
Anton : " Understood!"
The Rune Seeker Arrows are designed to search and destroy enemy Runic Magic Signatures within a set parameter.
Mithriliar : " Nicolas, Ronan; Leave no-one alive!"
Nicolas : " Understood!"
Ronan : " Yes sir; Faction Chief"
Bowden : " Cavalry; CHARGE!"
With a thundering roar the Cavalry speeds down the Road.
Nicolas : " First Company; Follow Me!"
Ronan : " Second Company; Follow Me!"
Nicolas took 4,200 Left and Ronan took 4,200 Right. Their task is to mop-up what remains of the 12 other Clans of Calimado. 2 legions would remain to protect the Nova Horizon Command Centre.
- - -
- - -
Chapter 18: The Power of 『Force Multipliers』
- - -
- - -
Arc 2: The Power of Knowledge
- - -
= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
= Other
- - -
Chapter 18: The Power of Force Multipliers
- - -
Part 1
- - -
Commander Bowden was coming through on the communication system of the Military Grade Mana Cycles.
Bowden : " These Bastards would take from me, From US our Daily Bread! I cant forgive it!"
GURR DUDER DUDUR GURR DUDER DUDUR GURR DUDER DUDUR GURR DUDER DUDUR
The loud rumble echoed as the fast moving Cavalry thundered towards the targeted Calimado encampment.
Bowden : " You hear me! Ill never forgive it; ya Bastards!"
The mood of the Cavalry was being roused by the commander.
At this point the Cavalry lead-in riders that are a kilometre ahead could see the Calimado base up ahead confirming that their Heavy Machine Guns and Theatre Defence Artillery had been taken-out by the explosion as planned. In fact all the heavy weapons of Calimado had been damaged by the explosion and Nova forces could now take them apart at their leisure with their own heavy weapons.
Mithriliar couldnt help grinning when he heard the reports on the enemy Heavy Machine Guns and Theatre Defence Artillery.
Mithriliar : " Outstanding"
Bowden : " Commander Vava; take 2 legions and take up the right Flank"
Vava : " Aye Sir! Group Captain Swordin, Group Captain Axil; youre with me!"
Swordin : " Aye Commander!"
Axil : " Aye Commander!"
Bowden : " Commander Vava; Upon contact swivel right and position to close down any possibility of enemy retreat!"
Vava : " Aye Commander!"
Bowden : " To Party Leaders; Our Reinforcements from Gias Academy City will take-up the left Flank. Once they make contact with the enemy we must end all Rifle Fire from the Mana Cycles to avoid friendly fire. Let the Mana Cycles do the rest of the damage with Piercing Spikes.
Aye Commander
Hearing the response from all Party Leaders Bowden was relieved.
Bowden : " I may not be a worthy substitute for the eccentric Clan Chief known as the Annihilator, but Nova is not lacking in Force Multipliers. We charge into battle alongside the Lady of the Holy Waters of Nora Lake and the Right Hand of the Lord of Fire!"
Lady Lorelei : " My Holy Water will sweep away the Evil Machinations of our Foes"
Mithriliar : " And Ill Burn them all to ash!"
YEAH!
The loud yell of the entire Cavalry can be heard even over the rumbling of the movement of such a force. The Calimado position is now visible up ahead.
Bowden : " Unlike that eccentric fellow I cant move the Hearts of warriors with simple actions; I cant inspire warriors to fight with everything in a Blizzard by performing whimsical actions. Thus; A message from my Chief."
A recording came through the communication System.
Elrick : " I wont forgive those who seek to Rob you of the fruits of your Labour. I wont forgive those who seek to take from you what is rightfully yours. I wont forgive those who seek to elevate themselves not through hard-work but through acts of Savage Banditry. I wont forgive their Gluttonous Greed. To them I say Woe! Therefore; Woe to those who choose to stand in our way! Woe to those who choose to become our Foes! Woe to those who threaten our Allies! Woe to those who choose to stand against Nova! To the Commander of the Starlight Cavalries; Unsheathe thy Sword Oh Noble General of the Armies of Nova; Annihilate!"
Bowden : " For our Chiefs!"
For Lady Lorelei!
For Mithriliar!
For Artemis!
For Arturia!
For Ronan!
For Nicolas!
Everyone Shouted the Name of their Chief.
Swordin : " For Elrick!"
Axil : " For Elrick!"
For Elrick!
The members of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry shouted the name of the Chief they rarely ever saw but understood his enormous influence.
- - -
At the hilltop Calimado encampment they had been distracted by the unending bombardment but now what remained of the Calimado Warrior Elite noticed the approaching Cavalries.
What created the most shock was what they saw coming from their Right Flank.
Scout 1: " Beast Riders Inbound at 2 oclock!"
Lenora : " What?"
Reinhardt : " Those Colours? And that emblem is ?
Otto : " NEOS?
Lucifer : " Why the bloody hell is Nakamura here?"
Takeshi : " Oh we are so Fucked!"
Reinhardt : " Shit!
Lenora : " Whats the size?"
Scout 1: " A little over 2 Legions!"
Reinhardt : " Likely Nakamuras Beast Riders and the first legion of NEOS.
Otto : " Motherfucker!"
Scout 2: " Reporting; 2 Legions from the Nova Cavalry are taking-up the Left Flank!"
Lenora : " Theyre coordinating with NEOS for a full high speed Pincer manoeuvre."
Reinhardt : " HeHeHeHe! Its the end; weve already lost
The nervous laughter let out by Reinhardt spelled resignation for the Calimado leadership.
Lucifer : " Refuse the Line. REFUSE THE LINE! "
Shouting for all to hear and overcome the spirit of resignation Lucifer roused his comrades.
Otto : " With what? We lost the heavy weapons, and our fighting force has been .!"
Lucifer : " We still have over 2000 fighters; if were going down then lets go down swinging! REFUSE THE LINE!"
Takeshi : " Fuck it; REFUSE THE LINE!"
Lenora : " Yeah; REFUSE THE LINE!"
Reinhardt : " Not without a fight; REFUSE THE LINE!
Otto : " Fuck yeah; REFUSE THE LINE!"
Lucifer : " Form Ranks! Well fight in Raid Formations!"
Takeshi : " Bladestorm; Raid Formations!"
Lenora : " Winterbourne; Raid Formations!"
Reinhardt : " Calmera; Raid Formations!
Otto : " Wolfgang; Raid Formations!"
Lucifer : " Morningstar; Raid Formations!"
Takeshi : " Well tear these bastards a new asshole!"
With Calimado leaders Having regained their fighting spirit the first major Atlantian vs. Atlantian battle was about to begin.
- - -
The Nova Cavalry was now within the range of the Calimado Rifles and a hail of bullets was heading their way.
As bullets started hitting the shielding of the Frontline Combat-Bikes it became clear that runic ammunition was mixed in with the normal bullets. Though Bowden was confident that the shielding would hold until they reach the target as a commander he could not afford to take chances; he would have to somehow reduce the number of bullets heading their way.
Slightly annoyed Bowden took action.
Bowden : " Stay in formation; maintain the lines!"
The order was to prevent the Cavalry from flinching in the face of explosive runic bullets; avoiding a disorganised change in formations.
Bowden : " Rangers; Lead the way!"
At that order members of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry increased their speed; breaking away from the rest of the Nova Cavalry.
Bowden : " Well show them the Starlight Wave Crest."
Vava : " Understood! Take-up ranged Assault Formation! Synchronize movements with the main force for a Starlight Wave Crest Burst Attack!"
Speaking from the Right Flank Vava positioned the 2 legions to act in consort with the other 4 legions lead by Bowden.
Bowden : " On my Mark!"
Vava : " Standby for the Count Down!"
The tension instantly went-up.
Bowden : " 3, 2, 1, JUMP! "
They sprang into action with thoroughly practiced movements.
On the commanders order the first line jumped, and a fraction of a second later the second line jumped, then the third, then the fourth and so on until the last line which is the eighth battle line. Once the Combat-Bikes reached the apex of the jump they fired Runic Bullets from their installed Machine Gun Rifles while simultaneously firing Starlight Spark Custom Grenades from the installed Grenade Launcher.
DO DO DO DO DO DO DO! Frop BOOM Frop BOOM! .. DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO!
BOOM BOOM Frop BOOM! DO DO DO DO DO DO! BOOM BOOM BOOM!
DO DO DO DO DO DO DO! Frop BOOM Frop BOOM! .. DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO!
BOOM BOOM Frop BOOM! DO DO DO DO DO DO! BOOM BOOM BOOM!
By Jumping they could fire over Calimados makeshift fortification, and since the Cavalry was currently heading up a hill jumping provided the best aim for both Machine Gun Rifles and Grenade Launchers. The Starlight Wave Crest Burst Attack decimated the Calimado defensive formations; essentially ending the hail of bullets that had rained on the Nova Cavalry. Calimado would not have time to reform their defences since the Nova Cavalry would be upon them in less than 30 seconds.
As planned once Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry used the Wave Crest the rest of the Nova Cavalry had caught-up and the final Charge Could begin.
Vava : " Will you call-it Commander?"
Bowden : " Ill leave it to the Faction Chief."
Mithriliar : " In that case; ARS Nova! "
ARS Nova for the ancient Latin Ars Novae which means New Technique was the signal for the Charge of the Nova Force, and on Mithriliars Command the Combat-Bikes increased their speed to maximum and closed the distance to the enemy in an instant.
- - -
DO DO DO DO DO DO DO! Frop BOOM Frop BOOM! .. DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO!
BOOM BOOM Frop BOOM! DO DO DO DO DO DO! BOOM BOOM BOOM!
The frontlines of the Nova Cavalry destroyed Calimados makeshift fortifications; cutting a clear path to the Calimado fighting force. In an instant what remained of the Calimado fighting force felt their spirits being crushed by the sight of the Cavalry of Armoured Combat Bikes bearing down on them; they understood at this point that there was no hope and it would finally come down to how you choose to die. To Atlantians Experience is valuable; even fighting in the face of an imminent death held great merit.
The yells of the Nova Commanders rang-out as if to prove the high moral and fighting spirit of the Nova Horizon fighting force.
Bowden : " Maintain the lines! Dont get carried away; stay in Formation!"
Mithriliar : " Trample them!"
An ominous incident occurred immediately after that.
As if they werent even there the Nova Cavalry rode over the Calimado fighting force like they were nothing significant; what can only be described as Atlantian Warrior Elites were unceremoniously Trampled by a Cavalry with an ominous nonchalance. The Calimado fighting force which equipped level 1 military grade gear was being swept aside like they were insignificant small fries by a Nova Horizon Cavalry that by all accounts should be Calimados peer in military Power; superior tactics and preparation had won the day.
Even the fighters of the NEOS Faction who were about to collide with Calimados Right Flank were taken aback by the near total annihilation of both the structure and consistency of Calimados Centre and Left Flank. The ease with which the Nova Horizon Cavalry Trampled the Atlantian Warrior Elites of Calimado made it blatantly clear that there was a vast difference in the effect and application of Combat Force Multipliers.
The power of the Cavalry is speed. At low speed a Level 1 Piercing Spike can be defended against by Level 1 Armour or Shield, but at the high speeds used by the Nova Horizon Cavalry the power of Level 1 Piercing Spikes, Spinning Piercing Spikes and Spinning Cutting Blades was multiplied by the Speed Force Multiplier. Once the Nova Horizon Cavalry was allowed to move freely by the damage to Calimados Heavy Weapons caused by the initial Large Explosion the Nova Force and Calimado Force were no longer at the same level.
After the initial Large Explosion the most optimal course of action could have been for the remnants of the hilltop encampment to flee to a non-combat Zone and logout. However as a result of a number of factors such as Confusion, Shock, the pain of injuries, continuous bombardment and the earlier action by Elrick to reduce the number of Calimados Tacticians the possibility of selecting the optimal course of action reduced to under 5%.
Calimado had grown too big too quickly! Adding to Calimados problems is the fundamental complexities of human nature. Elrick believed human nature like that of all other creatures to be fundamentally selfish. To the quirky Elrick selfishness is normal for all living creatures, and to survive a certain amount of self-interest, self-centredness, self-satisfaction, conceit and self-assurance is a necessity.
Elrick can only see anyone preaching selflessness as an Extraordinary Fraudster. To Elrick even procreation was an act of selfishness; passing on your genes and all that . Elrick would often proclaim that Living creatures are naturally inclined to do what feels good and even Love is a Completely Selfish feeling or People are giving because it feels good to them to give , he would often compare selflessness to suicide.
Therefore Atlantian Adventurers being logically selfish can only be swayed by a type of selfishness. Calimado was merely a group of self-interested individuals brought together by a common purpose and held together by a common banner. The fact that every individual is responsible for their equipment absolved the organisation of the responsibility of maintenance and repair. Thus when the proverbial shit ultimately hit the inevitable fan selfishness would win-out.
In contrast Nova had adopted some of Starlight Sparks practises in that during Nova Horizon operations or campaigns Nova takes responsibility for the maintenance, repair and if necessary the replacement of an individuals equipment. Starlight Sparks policies went further by along the personal use of Starlight Sparks equipment by those belonging to the Starlight Spark Clan with the individual only take responsibly for equipment replacement when necessary due to loss or damage beyond repair.
Therefore in the current circumstance people of Nova Horizon could go-all-out without the need to worry about preserving their equipment. Such a simple difference in attitude to equipment becomes a significant Force Multiplier during Combat.
- - -
Yet another group that understood the Combat effect of Force Multiplier is NEOS; for they had brought with them the resolve to exhibit the Force Multiplier that is Charisma to the encounter with Calimado. Leading the 2 NEOS legions to the collision with Calimados Right Flank is their Charismatic Leader Hiroshi Nakamura; the Shogun.
Nakamura leads from the front riding a Divine Beast in the form of a silver feline whos head stood over 3m high. Divine Beasts are Demon beasts bred and raised in captivity; making the tamed versions of the ferocious wild counterparts. Nakamuras giant cat looked like a oversize snow leopard; a fearsome creature by any stretch of the imagination.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
Where most of the Beast riders chose a herbivorous animal as a mount those who could afford the expense of a carnivorous animal could benefit from the animals ferocity; thus only the chiefs of NEOS brought carnivorous Divine Beasts. To the dismay of those defending Calimados Right Flank all the Beasts of NEOS were wearing Level 1 Armour. Horns, Hooves Claws and worst of all Teeth ripped the Calimado defenders in an instant.
As if it wasnt enough the standard weapon of the Beast Riders of NEOS is the Level 2 Halberd. Though the Beast Riders of NEOS could not be compared to the effectiveness of Nova Horizons ARS Nova Cavalry Charge the effect on the Right Flank of Calimados force was equally devastating. Calimado lost the battle long before the Axe heads of the NEOS the Level 2 Halberds came down upon their heads.
In an exhibition of the Charisma of an Elite warrior the moment Nakamuras Divine Beast Aeon leapt to attack the Calimado defenders Nakamura separated from the beast in the air and unfurled his silvery wings allowing the effect of his momentum against the air to raise him high into the air. Diving in like a bird of prey with a raised Halberd he cleaved a man in 2 on impact. Taking advantage of the effect of ?Heavens-Blade? recoil Nakamura skilfully used the Kinetic Energy manipulation to propel himself back into the Air and repeated the attack of diving in like a bird of prey over and over.
Between his dives into mle combat Nakamura could overlook the battlefield and he saw that the Red-Elf Mithriliar was using a combination of Flame Aura and a Flame sword to rampage through the stubbornly resisting Calimado fighters, and not far from Mithriliar the Blue-Elf Lorelei was using a sword and shield technique to skilfully take apart any who challenged her, and he noted that Lady Lorelei exhibited frightening speed.
Nakamura had not seen the Nova Cavalry dismount but he knew that they went straight through the Calimado encampment so they must have dismounted on the other side, and looking over to the Starlight units he saw that they maintained formations even in mle; taking full advantage of the difference in numbers. From the way the shield and spear tactics of the Starlight units were applied Nakamura understood that they were thoroughly practiced.
Nakamura could understand the truth of Starlight preparedness from the fact that even though the enemy had been battered by the bombardments and Cavalry charge the Starlight units did not lose composure and dealt with every opponent in party formations. Nakamura was especially impressed by the commanders of the Starlight units resisting the temptation to engage in melee to show off their prowess but commanded in the rear with a careful vigilance.
And then it suddenly ended; what remained of Calimado surrendered.
Genuine heartfelt Yells of Victory rang-out.
Mithriliar : " Nooovaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"
Lady Lorelei : " Nova!"
Bowden : " Nova!"
NOOOOOOOOVVVVVAAAAA!
NEEEEOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSSS!
By Nakamuras estimation only about 200 of the Calimado elite remained; it had truly been an annihilation.
- - -
Part 2
- - -
The encampment of the Calimado 5 looked like a disaster zone; everywhere you looked there were dead bodies and injured people could be seen wobbling and crawling to any kind of shelter. Noting that most of the Calimado 5 were light skinned the Nova Tacticians had chosen to fight just after midday when the sun is brightest and those with pale skins found in hard to endure the heat. In this battle the Heat of the Sun had become another Force Multiplier.
The pure white Night-Elves could use their Race Specific inborn talent ?Aura Glow? to reflect the light but the skill consumed Mana and the White ?Aura Glow? didnt reflect the heat; only the Golden ?Aura Glow? of the High Elves of Light and Light-Alvs could reflect heat. In contrast the Red ?Aura Glow? of the Red-Elves and Red-Alvs somehow resisted heat and the Black ?Aura Glow? of Dark-Elves and Dark-Alvs Absorbed both normal Light and Heat.
Amidst the carnage Nakamura could see the clearly delighted faces of victors that are in stark contrast to the defeated. The rest of the Nova Forces were arriving with captives in-tow and mountains of loot; a clear sign that Nova Horizon had made a clean sweep of the Calimado Forces that had numbered over 35,000 Atlantians. The captives had been stripped of all their equipment and were now in their undergarments; the same thing was now happening to the Calimado 5 bodies and captives.
- - -
As Nakamura walked over to the Nova mobile command centre followed closely by his Divine Beast Aeon along with the other Chief of NEOS everyone would stand-up and bow while saying Shogun. For whatever reason members of Starlight didnt bow to the one accepted by the Council of the Sword as a Shogun; it might have been because Starlight isnt affiliated with the Council of the Sword which is an Atlantian organisation of Sword Fanatics.
When Nakamura was named the Shogun of Virtual Reality in a magazine article the Council of the Sword recognized him as a Shogun and those who are associated with him gained the Title Bushido and are accepted as Samurai. Since Hiroshi Nakamura is the Faction Chief of NEOS which consist of the clans Nakamura, Eckhart led by Oleg Eckhart, Orlov led by Vasily Orlov and Sajan led by Sahaj Sajan; all the Clans of NEOS are recognized as Samurai Clans by the Council of the Sword.
Nakamura and his party steadily moved forward.
????? : " Shogun"
????? : " Shogun"
????? : " Shogun"
Nakamura continued to walk while giving a slight nod to those who acknowledged him.
????? : " Shogun"
????? : " Shogun"
????? : " Shogun"
????? : " Shogun"
Finally Nakamuras group reached the Nova mobile command centre.
- - -
When the Chiefs of the NEOS Faction reached the Nova mobile command centre Bowden gave a perfect Right Hand to the temple military salute which triggered a military salute from every member of Starlight. When Nakamura returned the salute Bowden lowered his hand and that triggered all of Starlight to follow suite. This action further solidified Nakamuras opinions about Starlight being a military force rather than a adventurer group.
The Survivors of the Calimado force finally understood that what they faced in combat was not a group of adventurers enjoying role-playing in Realm Eternal but professional soldiers that are well equipped and trained for any eventuality; that Calimado would loose any confrontation with the Starlight professional soldiers was entirely predictable. Members of the clans of Calimado now understood that they had been led down the garden-path by the greed of their Clan Chiefs and in that moment many resolved to abandon they Clans and Calimado.
The Chiefs of the NEOS faction lined up with their Divine Beats behind them, and standing opposite them are the 6 Chiefs of the Nova faction and Bowden while attendants stood behind the line of Nova heads. The 2 NEOS Legions had been escorted to the combat location by elements from Starlight Sparks Third Air Cavalry, The Fourth Expeditionary Cavalry and The Fifth Special Operations Cavalry organised into a high mobility Legion.
As the greetings got underway the onlookers noticed that Nakamura was overly familiar with the Nova Leadership, and in particular he was very friendly with Lady Lorelei and Mithriliar; going as far as to give Mithriliar a manly hug and embracing Lady Lorelei while wrapping his wings around her. Unbeknownst to many the 3 had known each other for a very long time and for a little while a long time ago Lorelei and Nakamura had dated; much to the annoyance of one Elrick.
Lady Lorelei is a special existence to members of Nova Horizon, and the sight of the 181cm tall beauty being wrapped by the silvery wings of the 180cm tall hunk solicited some displeasure from the ranks of Nova Horizon. Nevertheless everyone knew that this was in part a show meant for the eyes of the onlookers who would see videos of this encounter; cementing in their minds the close relationship between Nova Horizon and NEOS.
- - -
Nakamura turns to Mithriliar.
Nakamura : " Mithriliar; When you said they had over 35,000 I thought itd be a long hard battle, but its a bit anticlimactic you know? I got all psyched-up for nothing.
Mithriliar : " Ha! Youre always like this Hiro! A victory is a victory ya know."
Nakamura : " Still; I wanted to show our strength a bit
Mithriliar : " It cant be helped; the Nova tacticians decide on the battle plan"
Nakamura : " And no doubt that Elrick has been moving behind the scenes
Mithriliars expression cramped-up a bit and he let out a sigh.
Mithriliar : " That needlessly complicated guy cant be stopped"
Nakamura : " I know
Nakamura also let out a sigh.
Mithriliar : " Yup"
Nakamura : " Though when I saw him he said I would see some thing amazing
Mithriliars floats a surprised expression.
Mithriliar : " Amazing? Wait! . You saw him? We couldnt get him to come to the battle-strategy meetings in Atlantis."
Nakamura : " I guess he couldnt resist bragging
Nakamura looks over at Bowden.
Bowden : " Eh?"
Nakamura : " Thats an extremely powerful Cavalry you have there Bowden; how did you put it together so quickly?
Following Nakamuras example the chiefs of NEOS use their surnames.
Orlov : " Impressive"
Sajan : " What a show power!"
Eckhart : " Outstanding!"
Bowden : " We are honoured"
Orlov : " Our presence was unnecessary"
Nakamura : " Elrick did say; if its Bowden then itll be fine. His confidence in your abilities is absolute
Bowden : " ya think so?"
Nakamura : " Yeah; I should know, he once had the same confidence in me
Bowden is genuinely surprised.
Bowden : " Really?"
Nakamura : " Whats with that look? Weve known each other for 10 years ya know.
Bowden : " Oh yeah"
Nakamura : " We were fine but things began to get complicated when I started seeing
Nakamura looks over at Lady Lorelei.
Bowden : " Oh!"
Bowden nodded as affirmation that he had indeed understood that where Elrick is concerned Lady Lorelei is a potential social landmine.
Nakamura : " Yeah
Letting out a sigh.
Lady Lorelei : " Wait? Are you trying to blame me for that? Hey hey; Im not in the wrong here!"
For some reason she became slightly flustered.
Nakamura : " But but ?
Mithriliar : " Wasnt that about the items and credit?"
Lady Lorelei : " Y-yes yes thats what it was about."
Nakamura : " Hah
Letting out a sigh; Nakamura resigned himself to his fate.
Lady Lorelei : " Im blameless; completely blameless!"
Nodding repeatedly as if to convince herself that she really is completely blameless.
Carol : " You; arent you being a little too free here?"
Carol who had just exited the mobile command centre intervened.
Lady Lorelei : " Carol; whatever do you mean?"
Lorelei suddenly acting oblivious; looking to the side and not facing Carol.
Carol : " What you say? Wasnt that part of that long list of hunks you paraded in-front of Elrick because you thought his jealousy was cute?"
Lady Lorelei : " Now now; that was just some harmless fun. And this was later; right?"
Carol : " But you did it even knowing how he felt."
Lady Lorelei : " Youre too cruel Carol; forcing me to remember my foolish youth. Just too cruel ya know?"
Carol : " But you know its that kinda behaviour that drove him straight into the arms of that woman."
Loreleis face clouded over.
Lady Lorelei : " Fiona"
Lorelei muttered the name like its a curse word spoken under her breath. The playful atmosphere suddenly turned dark and Lorelei exuded such hostility that the Divine Beasts tensed-up and took a step backward.
Carol : " Sorry Milady"
Lady Lorelei : " Its alright; its still a sore-spot after-all"
With the mood recovering.
Carol : " Perhaps we should get down to business?"
Lady Lorelei : " Yes; lets do that!"
Everyone watching and listening could understand that there was some kind of bad-blood between Lorelei and this Fiona character involving Elrick. Bowden resolved to ask Elrick about Fiona.
Carol : " We captured about 2472 combatants; the battalions led by Chief Nicolas and Chief Ronan had to bloody them a bit before they surrendered. Once they surrendered we cant kill them without looking a bit fiendish; we have to release them."
Nakamura : " Isnt releasing them the same as killing them?
Bowden : " It would have been easier if we had just wiped them out."
Orlov : " At this rate Itll be no good."
Sajan : " Well all take a hit to our Image if we handle it badly."
Carol : " The big problem is the enemy Chiefs; we caught 3 from the elite 5 and 4 from the other 12"
Lady Lorelei : " Who from the elite 5?"
Carol : " That would be Lucifer, Otto and Lenora. All prisoners are requesting safe passage to Cobalt City."
Mithriliar : " This is a pain in the ass!"
Carol : " The real problem is how to deal with the Nobles."
Nakamura : " Right; since everyone accepted into the faculty of Knighthood at an official Academy receives the Noble peerage rank of Esquire by Creation.
Eckhart : " Are there any Yeomen or Servaunts?"
Carol : " Thankfully there arent any amongst them who gained Nobility through an attachment to Cobalt city Nobles to become Yeomen or Servaunts. The problem is how to deal with these Esquires by Creation; the rules dont allow us to kill them once they surrender, and now that theyre in our custody we cant allow them to be killed."
Carol had a troubled look on her face.
Lady Lorelei : " This is troublesome; but if its just the 50 or so it should be fine to have them tag along with NEOS on the way back. However we cant miss this opportunity to reach a better conclusion; lets negotiate with the surviving enemy Chiefs with the intension to escort all the survivors back to Cobalt City."
Carol : " Understood Milady"
Nakamura : " Well follow your lead
Orlov : " It is your show after all"
Mithriliar : " What do you have in-mind?"
Lady Lorelei : " Redemption! Bowden; Can you spare a Legion?"
Bowden : " The instruction from my Chief is to accommodate Miladys demands to whatever extent possible."
That utterance brought a smile to Lady Loreleis face.
Lady Lorelei : " That Elrick; always so obliging"
Mithriliar : " Ill leave it to you then"
Lady Lorelei : " Please do"
Bowden faced Mithriliar with a calm and reassuring expression on his face.
Bowden : " Rest Easy Faction Chief; 400 of our frontline Combat Bikes took significant damage to warrant a return to Headquarters for repairs. Nonetheless between Starlight and the NEOS legions theres enough combat power to prevail. The Starlight Escort Legion will fill-in the gap."
Mithriliar : " Okay then! As I thought Nobility really is a pain."
As they walked over to meet with the captured chiefs being treated at the field hospital the Divine Beasts followed.
- - -
- - -
Chapter 19: The Noble Path
- - -
- - -
Arc 2: The Power of Knowledge
- - -
= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
= Other
- - -
Chapter 19: The Noble Path
- - -
Part 1
- - -
Bowden was certain that - that graceful woman who had more than her fair share of charm would find a less cruel course of action than Elrick wanted to pursue. In the end it was Elrick himself who instructed that should Nova fail to exterminate all of Calimado it was fine to leave it to Lorelei; If its Lorelei itll be fine.
Bowden once again looked over the Noble peerage ranks.
~ Frop! ~
?Noblesse Peerage Ranks?
?
- Royal Nobility ?Blood relatives of the Monarch?
King ?For Males? and Queen ?For Females?
Addressed as Majesty
Archdukes ?For Males? and Archduchesses ?For Females?
Addressed as Grace
Dukes ?For Males? and Duchesses ?For Females?
Addressed as Grace
Prince ?For Males? and Princess ?For Females?
Addressed as Highness
?
- High Nobility ?Land Owners ?
Marquess ?For Males? and Marchioness ?For Females?; must own 1 City and 5 Major Towns, 10 Towns along with an associated 20 Villages
Addressed as Lord and Lady
Earl or Count ?For Males? and Countesses ?For Females?; must own 1 City and 2 Major Towns(or 8 Towns) along with an associated 20 Villages
Addressed as Lord and Lady
Viscounts ?For Males? and Viscountesses ?For Females? ; must own 1 Major Town and 4 Towns or 15 Villages
Addressed as Lord and Lady
Barons ?For Males? and Baronesses ?For Females? ; must own 1 Town and 4 Villages
Addressed as Lord and Lady
Ealdorman?For Males? and Ealdorwoman?For Females? ; must own 5 Villages
Addressed as Lord and Lady
Alderman?For Males? and Alderwoman?For Females? ; must own 1 Village
Addressed as Lord and Lady
?
- Nobility ?Based on number of Clansman and Soldiers under Command?
Clan Chiefs 20,000 Clansman and 5000 Soldiers
Addressed as Eminence
Laird 5,000 Clansman and 1000 Soldiers
Addressed as Honoured
Knights 100 Clansman and 100 Soldiers along with A Knights Proclamation
Addressed as Sir ?For Males? and Sir/Madam ?For Females?depending on preference
?
- Low Nobility ?Nobility by Proclamation?
Esquires by Heredity
Esquires by Office
Esquires by Creation
?
- Nobility Vassal ?Nobility by Fealty?
Yeoman
Servaunt
- - -
Rank does not extend to Spouses
|
- - -
Lady Lorelei presented Nova Horizons offer to the Remaining Chiefs of Calimado and after a long list of follow-up questions the offer was properly understood and the Chiefs of Nova Horizon and NEOS awaited Calimados reply.
Lucifer : " So the gist of it is; since taking an Atlantian Noble hostage is impractical youre going to essentially hold our equipment hostage, but not just ours, you mean to hold all the equipment of Calimado members hostage. We can buy-back the fully repaired equipment at 5% below market value."
Lady Lorelei : " All equipment except the Heavy Weapons."
Lucifer : " Right; with the exception of Heavy Weapons. Starlight Spark would be in a position to start returning the equipment in 5 RET days. By your account fighting this battle is likely to cost 3 to 4 times the earnings from the Rodion contract so you have a goal of recouping the costs. I suspect youve been set-up by Rodion; they knew that their competitors will react. In any case the offer to facilitate the expeditious return of our equipment is very generous; we are grateful. To facilitate this process Starlight Spark is willing to give every individual a loan to buy-back equipment at strict terms undersigned by the Adventurers Guild; the loan terms will forbid participation in hostile actions against Nova and its affiliates for the duration of the loan. You also want to sign a 3 year RET nonaggression pact between Nova Horizon and Calimado; this is to avoid reprisal attacks. Also; you wish to avoid an instantaneous collapse of Calimado that releases a lot of dispirited unscrupulous characters upon Cobalt City so you want us to be able to rein them in to some extent. Am I getting this right?"
Lady Lorelei : " Yes"
Mithriliar : " Its better than you bastards deserve!"
Lucifer : " That is True. Nonetheless Ill accept this very generous offer if the Question of Honour is included"
Nakamura raises an eyebrow.
Nakamura : " Honour?
Lucifer : " For a faction chief who riled against a blameless foe and rallied his clans into a war that resulted in a near total annihilation of our faction to accept the offer to resurrect the faction on behalf of the faction would be too shameful. In order to face my clansman without the weight of my shame I must as a Noble of this Realm and one who bears the name of my clansman show my mettle without fear and hesitation by challenging the strongest to single combat."
Mithriliar : " A duel?"
Lady Lorelei : " And who is this strongest?"
Nakamura : " Isnt it obvious?
Lady Lorelei : " Is that what you believe?"
Lucifer : " The one who through his own strength achieved Beta Rank 1 is widely regarded as the strongest Atlantian, and should that be insufficient he holds the highest Rank for an Atlantian at the Gias City Academy Faculty of Knighthood."
Mithriliar : " Really? Im ranked 4577 at the Cobalt City Academy Faculty of Knighthood."
Lady Lorelei : " Im ranked 4752 at the Cobalt City Academy Faculty of Knighthood. Does that rank even mean anything?"
Nakamura : " Im ranked 4438 at the Gias City Academy Faculty of Knighthood
Lucifer : " You see; Im ranked 4571 at the Cobalt City Academy Faculty of Knighthood. Id say Mithriliar and I are about even, but since the Faculty of Knighthood at Gias is 2% larger the shogun is regarded to be on a different level."
Lorelei seemed unsatisfied by that assessment and that created an opportunity for Lenora.
Lenora : " If it pleases your Ladyship I can provide an opportunity for you to show your strength"
Lady Lorelei : " Are you sure you want to do this? This isnt like at the Academy; I wont be able to hold back."
Lenora : " Is your ladyship sayin that you hold back during combat class?"
Lady Lorelei : " Isnt it Natural?"
Lenora : " Haa!"
Everyone is taken aback by her statement except her clansman who have some idea of her true ability.
Arturia : " Milady; thats not natural at all"
Lady Lorelei : " Its not?"
Chief Artemis has a somewhat fed-up expression.
Artemis : " Rank has privilege after all!"
Lady Lorelei : " But such privilege would be meaningless to me."
Nakamura : " True; both Milady and I receive the treatment of Heirs of a Noble Chieftaincy. Though not an official peerage we are for all intensive purposes treated as the Heir apparent of a Noble Chief; even addressed as Eminence. Therefore any Academy Rank advancement is essentially meaningless at this point in time; if we were 20 times the power we currently posses it would be a different matter entirely.
Lenora : " Then this will be an opportunity to measure my meagre strength against her ladyships"
The sarcasm didnt escape Loreleis notice but like a real pro she took it in stride. Artemis and Arturia on the other hand couldnt hide their annoyance with Lenora.
Artemis : " Tsk!"
Lady Lorelei : " Its alright; Im not afflicted with so fragile an ego. Though I must say that while I have been conservative with expedition of my physical abilities its my magical ability that might prove trying for you Lenora; I will consider it your victory if you last more than 10 seconds."
Lenora is clearly annoyed by Loreleis condescending attitude.
Lenora : " Ill do my best to endure it"
Lenora could only answer with sarcasm but she hoped to let her twin swords do the talking soon enough.
Nakamura : " Then its decided; Lucifer and I will go first. How about that clearing over there?
Lucifer : " It should be fine"
Nakamura : " Your equipment seems to have taken a beating; will you be fine?
Lucifer : " Ah! This isnt my best gear; Ill equip my best for the duel."
Nakamura : " Good; then I wont hold back either
As Lucifer and Nakamura talked casually Mithriliar approached Otto.
Mithriliar : " So? Youre not gonna try Otto?"
Otto : " Im ashamed to say that I wouldnt be much of an opponent."
Mithriliar : " really?"
Otto : " I havent focused my energies in Mle; it would be a disgrace to have you fight me while Im still at this state. However once Im in a worthy state Ill grant you an opportunity to express your complaints."
Mithriliar : " Then Ill be waiting"
Otto : " Until then"
Lucifer and Nakamura who are walking away from the group towards the duelling site seem completely calm; unlike enemies who are about to go at-it.
Nakamura : " You should consider yourself fortunate that Elrick isnt around
Lucifer : " That guy is .?"
Nakamura : " Not very forgiving; not the sort who lets bygones be bygones
Lucifer : " Not the kinda guy I want as an enemy?"
Nakamura : " You should be grateful to Lorelei; thanks to her it will end here. Elrick wont come after you if it means upsetting Lorelei. She is one of 4 people who can actively control Elrick; otherwise his vengeance can get extreme.
Lucifer : " Hes that dangerous?"
Nakamura : " Its not his physical abilities you have to worry about; its what he controls. Youve seen that cavalry right?
Lucifer : " We couldnt get an accurate read on their Fighting Power; so we ended up underestimating them."
Nakamura : " I knew their initial circumstances but I still managed to underestimate them. Even now; dont assume that you can properly calculate their strength. They undoubtedly conceal their true strength deliberately.
Lucifer : " I see; so thats what that Elrick is like."
Nakamura : " If Elrick was around then things would have gotten really bad for you. I suspect all of Calimado would have been slaughtered; probably the result of infiltration amongst your ranks. Elrick is the sort that wouldnt have allowed you to get this big in the first place; he would have seen you as a threat and manoeuvred his assets to crush before you became a problem. HeHeHeHe! You guys might have ended up on Chaos Island.
Lucifer : " eh? So hes like a Demon Lord?"
Nakamura : " If you find yourself at odds with Elrick then make sure you have skilled tacticians behind you; otherwise youll find yourself out-manoeuvred at every turn.
Lucifer : " Arent you a little concerned about telling me about this? Theyre allies after all right?"
Nakamura : " Its not like you can do anything about it. That Brain-Trust in Falcros is beyond you.
Lucifer : " Really?"
Nakamura : " A guy like you who relies on his own strength is nothing more than an insect to them.
Lucifer : " So were small-fries after all"
Nakamuras words hit Lucifer hard, but Nakamuras goal was to make sure that Lucifer is properly dissuaded from thinking that he could somehow make a come-back and go against Nova Horizon again.
- - -
Part 2
- - -
The Lucifer standing across from Nakamura looked like a different man; wearing a full set of Level 2 Equipment along with 15 Attribute enhancing Items. Nakamura theorized that they were Attribute + 4 Mithril Core Items and though he couldnt be absolutely certain he theorized that they are Agility + 4 EXP Mithril Core Magic Items, and that would be because in melee the power of speed is absolute.
For his part Nakamura borrowed 12 Agility + 10 EXP Uru Core Magic Items from his accompanying clansman. The expensive Attribute + 10 EXP Uru Core Magic Items are part of 50 such Items belonging to the Nakamura clan; ordinarily 2 are equipped by each of the 25 Nakamura Clan executives. With just these 12 Items Nakamura could add 120 EXP to hisAgility Attribute.
Nakamura knew that his opponent this time was an Atlantian warrior elite; one of the big five from beta. Nakamura was sure that he was probably the only one in his faction that could go toe to toe with the likes of Lucifer Morningstar. The pure white physique of Lucifers Night-Elf body belies the monstrous power hidden beneath that beautiful visage.
In realm eternal power isnt always reflected in the physique; and the higher the magical ability of the species the less apparent the power. The Phoenix website had already indicated that as the Attributes increase the physic would change depending on the racial characteristics. In this regard Elves were in the group that increased muscle density much more than physical bulk.
For the Elves stat increases resulted in 99% density to 1% physical size change, for Alvs 95% to 5%, for Dwarves 85% to 15%, for Midgard 78% to 22%, for Half-Elves 82% to 18%, for Halflings 75% to 25%, for Humans 64% to 36%, for Beastials or Beast-Humans 57% to 43% and for Demons its generally higher than 80% density to lower than 20% physical size change depending on the particular type of demon. This is to say that if a demon looks buff then in all likelihood its monstrously strong.
Therefore Nakamura had buffed up quite a bit from his initial body thanks in particular to his Spiritual Fortifications; the stronger you are the stronger you can become. Nakamura would not be fooled by the physical appearance of the enigmatic Lucifer Morningstar, and he properly understood that the only reason for the failure of Calimado is the power of their opponent in this battle; it would be a dangerous mistake to presume that Calimado is weak.
Nakamura was relieved that unlike the pairing between Lenora and Lorelei there was no mismatch; both he and Lucifer were Vanguards. Realm Eternal didnt have convenient taunting skills for those operating the Tanking or Party Shield role because the primary enemy was the Demon Race. Monsters were also unlikely to attack a wall and would naturally target the weakest in a party. The Tank has to have sufficient attack power to be ominous; they have to be so dangerous that the enemy cant ignore them.
Consequently the person performing the Tanking or Party Shield role has to be agile enough to close-down the movements of the enemy and strong enough to take on the party rank enemy. Therefore the Tank in the party tended to gain EXP faster than everyone; making them the most powerful in the party. Lenora is a vanguard and Lorelei is a tank.
- - -
When Lucifer Morningstar finally revealed his weapon for the duel Nakamura knew that he would have to reveal his Trump-Card.
Lucifer was doing practice swings with his sword; an Ice Elemental Katana.
Every-time Lucifer swung that sword ice flakes would fly off; the sword in hand was freezing the air around it.
Eh?
Plastered on Lenoras face was smirk to mark her clear delight at the surprise over Lucifers sword.
Nakamura : " I guess I have no Choice
Nakamura operates his menu to access his inventories and pulls out a sword in a carefully decorated scabbard.
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Lucifer : " A sabre?"
Nakamura : " Not quite
He pulls the sword from its scabbard.
The Bluish Double-Edged Curved-Blade in Nakamuras hands is his Trump-Card. The sabre-like 2 handed sword is thicker along the centreline like a LongSword but has a shape similar to a single edge curved sword. Such a weapon would be impossible to forge using traditional smithing, but with the aid of magical crafting it can be crafted in a method similar to 3D-Printing.
The onlookers seem to think that the Bluish colour indicates that its a water Elemental sword but some are not fooled.
Carol : " Isnt that ?"
Anton : " Well well well"
Jen : " Of course"
Edwin : " Its just like Hiro"
Jason : " To pull a rabbit out of the hat at the last moment"
Lady Lorelei : " Dont blink"
Lenora : " Eh? What?"
There is a puzzled look on Lucifers face.
Lucifer : " Whats that?"
Nakamura : " Thats for me to know and you to find out.
Lucifer : " Fine!"
Nakamura : " Shall we begin?
Both Nakamura and Lucifer take-up their fighting stance. A deafening silence encompasses the entire area.
Mithriliar : " On-Guard!"
Nakamura : " I am the Soul of my Sword!
With that Nakamura took a sword stance.
Lucifer : " Hae!"
With movements too fast for normal eyes to see Lucifer attacked.
Lucifer closed the distance in an instant with ?God-Speed? and activated the Combat Art ?Slash? through the attacking form of the ?Heavens-Blade?. Lucifer was sure that Nakamura would activate the Combat Art ?Parry?; their weapons would make contact and the initial encounter would be short. As swordsman Lucifer thought that they would first test each others strength and speed in order to finalize tactics; this was the standard format for those who are close in ability.
However in the last instant Nakamura dropped his guard and activated his own upward ?Slash?; clearly intending to let his shoulder guard take the hit.
Lucifers mouth curved upwards.
Nakamura : " Kieee!
Nakamura activates his ?Slash? as Lucifers sward is about to make contact.
Lucifer had intended to punish Nakamura for thinking that a Level 2 Armour would be enough to take on the Ice Elemental sword but to avoid taking damage he activated his ?Ice Aura? to prevent the impact of Nakamuras sword. However immediately after making contact with Nakamuras shoulder Lucifer felt the bluish blade slice through his ice covered left arm and cut into his chest.
Cling-cling bang!
Lucifer : " Ahh!"
Nakamura : " Aahh!
The impact of Nakamuras sword had sent Lucifer flying and landing 10m away. Nakamuras left shoulder, upper- arm, neck and parts of his chest were covered in ice.
Lucifer : " Cough-Cough"
After a few coughs of blood Lucifer died.
Nakamura : " Arg! That sword really is dangerous; ?Fire Ball?
Still fighting off the pain Nakamura worked fast.
Nakamura had let his own sword fall to the ground and was now using a ?Fire Ball? from his right hand to melt the ice covering his left shoulder. Once the ice was cleared he used ?Healing Water? to heal his body from the effects of the cold ice that had been affixed to his shoulder. As expected the effect of the ice had simply ignored the Armours barrier and did damage directly. Nonetheless the duel had been decided by a single hit.
Almost everyone was in shock.
Lady Lorelei : " As expected of a Divine Weapon"
Arturia : " Wait? Thats a Holy Sword?"
Mithriliar : " Where did Hiro get a Holy Sword?"
Artemis : " Arent those things heavy and difficult to use?"
Ronan : " Whats a Divine Weapon?"
Jen : " A weapon made with God-Steel"
Carol : " God-Steel is steel that includes a Dense-Matter Catalyst."
Edwin : " Judging by Its hue Id say Hiros Holy Sword is made from the lowest grade of God-Steel."
Carol : " Even so; given its shape and size it should weigh at least 1400kg"
Lady Lorelei : " To wield that thing in any kind of useful way your Strength Attribute would have to be at least 1000 EXP. So Hiro is a practitioner of the ?God Sword? technique; I should have known."
Arturia : " Right; only those who own a Holy Sword are allowed to join the schools that train in the ?God Sword? technique. Im so jealous"
Nicolas : " He took the hit so that he could end it with one strike"
Ronan : " Risky"
Mithriliar : " Holding back at that point would have been dangerous; Lucifer isnt the kind to be taken lightly. Lets see what sort of Ace Lady Lorelei has up her sleeve."
As the shock wore off attention now turned to Lorelei. Mithriliar walked over to Nakamura in order to congratulate him.
Mithriliar : " Congratulations Hiro!"
Nakamura : " Thanks
Mithriliar : " Impressive as always; though I never would have expected you to take on that Ice Elemental Katana."
Nakamura : " Though the Ice Elemental Katana is a level 2 weapon its at upper end of Level 2; close to a Level 3
Mithriliar : " Lucifer must have spent at least 200 Gold on that thing, but your Sword is .?"
Nakamura : " Its name is Oakrin Vras; named after the Noble Baron House Oakrin who holds title on the town Oakrin near Gias. Oakrin Vras is a true Level 3 weapon.
Mithriliar : " Im surprised they parted with an heirloom?"
Nakamura : " Apparently generations ago a young and foolishly arrogant noble youngster took the Sword and challenged a dungeon with it; for whatever reason the dungeon collapsed killing him and his party of young nobles. We found the sword while dungeon crawling.
Mithriliar : " It must be worth a small fortune?"
Nakamura : " The Noble House Oakrin is offering 2500 Gold for it
Mithriliar : " Eeeeh?"
Nakamura : " I promised to sell it back to them when I no longer have need of it; after-all only those who own a Holy Sword are allowed to join the schools that train in the ?God Sword? technique, and a new Holy Sword would cost as much as 3500 Gold since they are made to order.
Mithriliar understood Nakamuras reasoning and they both looked over at Lorelei who seemed to be preoccupied with her menu.
- - -
Lorelei operated her menu in contemplation but her mind instinctively went to a conversation she had with Elrick an RET month ago at the Atlantis University; the Fortunate 5 has gathered there to expand their fields of expertise.
|
Flashback
Elrick : " Why are you so fixated on my mental state?"
Lady Lorelei : " Fine; Ill give up for now. But I reserve the right to bring it up again if I see further signs of self-destructive narcissism"
Elrick : " Okay then; in return for this brief reprieve Ill tell you a secret that should prove useful to the current you."
Lady Lorelei : " What secret?"
Elrick : " This is a discovery Im yet to share with anyone, and Im willing to share with you and you alone because amongst the people I trust you are perhaps the only one capable of protecting this secret."
Lady Lorelei : " Now Im intrigued; do tell"
Elrick : " Its something I picked-up when digging with my bare hands"
Lady Lorelei : " Oh?"
Elrick : " The Basic MiningSub-skill injects Mana into the rock-face allowing you to see the structure and detect mineral pockets and veins. The Mining Skill has an Appraisal Magic requirement; in-fact a lot of skills have a magic Sub-skill prerequisite. The essence of Appraisal Magic is the 3 ?Basic Appraisal Magic? Spell Set; ?Analyze?, ?Search? and ?Designate?. The higher order Appraisal Magic spells ?Identify? and ?Appraise? make extensive use of the 3 ?Basic Appraisal Magic? Spell Set."
Lady Lorelei : " Youre talking about combination magic right?"
Elrick : " Yes; its the combination of various types of magic. The spells ?Analyze?, ?Search? and ?Designate? can be used in combination with various other spells and skills."
Lady Lorelei : " Somehow it seems too convenient; there must be something dubious about it."
Elrick : " Outside of areas with the Ethernet provided by Cities, Towns and sometimes Villages the Mana Consumption of Appraisal Magic spells is extreme; horrendously prohibitive."
Lady Lorelei : " So thats why there are simpler versions of the Basic 3 Appraisal Magic spells."
Elrick : " As in the case of the Basic MiningSub-skill the spell-formula restricts the search and analysis to specified minerals; discarding everything else. However if you already have Appraisal Magicall ?Analyze?, ?Search? and ?Designate? type spells automatically link back to the higher functionality of Appraisal Magic; I confirmed this while using Basic Mining through the Visual Display Interface."
Lady Lorelei : " Automatically is it?"
Elrick : " Yeah; but thats when I picked-up a peculiarity that has applications beyond the expected."
With this she focuses her eyes on him; clearly noticing that Elrick is about to get to the point.
Lady Lorelei : " Go on"
Elrick : " The side-effect of using the ?Analyze? spell leaves the target wrapped in your Mana. A person with sufficiently high Eyesight, Awareness and Observation Attributes can perceive Mana. In the case of Elf-eyes which naturally have high perception of magic the effect is even better."
Lady Lorelei : " A side-effect with combat applications."
Elrick : " Yes; thats the secret I can only trust with you. I havent had the opportunity to test it in combat but from what Ive been able to do with it to predict where rocks will fall; such an ability should be considered an OverSkill."
Shaking off the surprise her mind immediately goes to work.
Lady Lorelei : " If you use Voice Activation to activate skills others will eventually figure it out. Thought casting is possible in Realm Eternal; though forming a clear mental image is necessary and it has to be preset in advance. Understood; well develop the necessary Mental Disciplines to take this OverSkill to its limits!"
Elrick : " As I thought; you really are the best person to protect it"
Lady Lorelei : " Such baseless confidence in my abilities is really a heavy burden you know?"
Elrick : " Its not baseless confidence; its Faith."
She is instantly taken aback by Elricks declaration and she turns bashful.
Lady Lorelei : " Do you even know what you are saying to me?"
Elrick : " What? Did I say something strange?"
She sighed.
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- - -
Lorelei released 17 spherical objects from her inventory; 14 deep-blue spheres and 3 silvery spheres. The spherical objects are Divine Element bearers and each of the 14 deep-blue spheres contain 1.47 litres of Water Magic Element Living Waterand each of the 3 silvery spheres contain pressurized litres of theWind Magic Element Air of Life.
Everyone watching was in awe because they all understood each of the spheres cost 50 to 65 Gold Coins; 17 Divine Element bearers represented an extraordinary sum of money. However those who understood the use of Divine Elements finally understood why Lorelei possessed the 2 familiars Arvi and Wonar; it was to control Divine Elements. The magical script or programming for using Divine Elements cost 100 Gold coins to install on an Elemental Familiar.
The Red-Elf Lenora finally understood the reason for Loreleis confidence, but even so she resolved herself to fight.
Lady Lorelei : " Arvi; Activate Weapon! Wonar; Activate Armour and Shield!"
The 2 familiars Arvi and Wonar moved on Loreleis instruction.
The Divine Element bearers which are made of a living metal moved towards Lorelei and reorganized themselves; 9 deep-blue spheres overlaid onto her Armour, 5 deep-blue spheres formed a Shield and the silvery spheres formed a Sword similar in shape to Nakamuras Holy Sword. The Divine Element previously contained within the bearers was now affixed to the surface of the reshaped Divine Element bearers.
When the process completed what stood before everyone was what looked like a 195cm tall Golem with no eyes; made of deep blue-water and carrying a water shield and equipped with a silvery sword that caused the air around it to swirl. Those who had taken the time to read up on Realm Eternal could understand that what they were seeing had performance comparable to Golem Armour; though unlike Golem Armour endurance would depend on the users Mana capacity. The Elemental Familiars had temporarily merged with the Devine Elements.
Lenora was shaken but her fighting spirit was not yet broken. Taking out a Fire Elemental Sword and an Earth Elemental Sword she resolved to give it everything she had.
Lenora : " Its a question of endurance"
Lady Lorelei : " Unlikely"
It was like Loreleis voice came from the wind as her face was completely covered.
Mithriliar : " On-Guard!"
Closing the distance in what seemed to Lenora like an instant Lorelei bashed with the shield forcing Lenora to defend with both her swords, but it wasnt over with ?Heavens-Blade? recoil from the shield bash Lorelei slashed with the sword and again with the ?Heavens-Blade? recoil the second shield bash was even faster followed by an even faster slash which itself was followed by an even faster shield bash. Every-time Loreleis sword made contact with Lenora there was an air burst; putting even more pressure on Lenora.
Lenora was trapped in a deadly loop; the only attack she was able to respond to was the first shield bash. Lorelei was rapidly burning through her Mana reserves but in return the Divine Element Armour quadrupled her Strength and Agility Attributes. The battle was decided with the first blow and thanks to the OverSkill she could predict all of Lenoras movements and skill activation; it was already over.
Realm Eternal has no cool-down but there is a cast-time, and that means skills can be chained, but that also means once someone interferes with chained skills youre in trouble. In high speed close-quarters weapons mle the use of your legs for anything other than controlling the stance results in instant death; theres no sidestepping, turning, feints or taking distance; the only answer to the enemys weapon is your own weapon.
The fifth shield bash sent Lenora flying more than 200m into the air and Lorelei used the ?Heavens-Blade? recoil to focus the energy into her legs for a jump. The powered jump sent Lorelei rocketing past Lenora and using the swords control of air she rolled just before making contact with the Psionic Scaffolding created through ?Celestial-Steps?and with her inverted body pushing against the Psionic Scaffolding she propelled herself towards the seemingly lifeless Lenora.
Lorelei brought her hands together and the shield and sword combined to form a large Axe-Hammer which she brought down upon Lenora.
There is a bluish electrical discharge.
Lady Lorelei : " ?Lightning-Thunder-Breaker?"
DODOOM DODOOM DODOOM
The Sky is covered red as blood bursts out of Lenoras lifeless body upon contact with the Axe-Hammer and there is an energy discharge similar to Lightning and Thunder. The ?Sky-Breaker? technique can be used to discharge stored kinetic energy, and in this instance every-time Loreleis sword and shield made contact with Lenora kinetic energy was absorbed and stored.
What remained of Lenoras body crashed to the ground making a small crater, and Lorelei completed a barrel-roll and landed with a wham! Kicking up dust in the process.
The feeling of fatigue overwhelmed Lorelei; she was almost out of Mana.
Lady Lorelei : " Release Armaments!"
The Divine Element and bearers returned to their spherical forms which Lorelei promptly returned to her inventory while she took out MP potions.
The silence was deafening as Lorelei walked towards her comrades; it was absolute silence; not a word was spoken, and it seemed as though everyone was holding their breath.
The people there had seen 2 things that in their minds should not be possible yet; the first is a Holy Sword that cut through Level 2 Armour like its nothing and the second is the overwhelming Divine Element armed Lady Lorelei who seemed to have mastered the techniques ?Heavens-Blade?, ?Sky-Breaker?, ?God-Speed? and ?Celestial-Steps?.
They had seen a different level.
- - -
- - -
Chapter 20: Bonds
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- - -
Arc 2: The Power of Knowledge
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- - -
= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
= Other
- - -
Authors Note:
Thanks to all that overtime I have a lot of days off; lets see how many chapters I can squeeze out of my brain before the festive dinking binge.
- - -
Chapter 20: Bonds
- - -
Part 1
- - -
Elrick : " Argg!"
Elrick growled as he watched the videos of the battles with the Calimado forces. He was so enthralled that he didnt notice the 2 Elves come into the room.
Bowden : " Why are you making that Face?"
Elrick : " Eh?"
Finally noticing the two looking over him he gestured for them to take the luxurious seats in the Executive office at the Atlantis Starlight offices.
Grinder : " We won; you should be happy. Right?"
Elrick : " I am happy"
Bowden : " Then why are you making that Face?"
Elrick : " I just realized how far behind Im falling"
Grinder : " Really?"
Elrick : " Despite spending 4400 Gold Coins on Spiritual Fortifications I cant keep up with the likes of Mithriliar, Nakamura and Lady Lorelei. Its freakin frustrating to be so hapless!"
Bowden : " Easy there rabbi; it cant be helped."
Elrick sighed in resignation.
Elrick : " At this rate 8.8 million dollars will be rendered meaningless."
Grinder : " Didnt Nakamura and Lady Lorelei spend a bit more than you?"
Elrick : " Yes; but "
Bowden : " They used Clan funds for the additional, and they actually contribute to Clan Combat Operations."
Elrick : " Nonetheless I saw a weakness in our formations; a critical flaw in our mle capabilities. If we were to encounter something truly powerful we would be in trouble."
Grinder : " What happened?"
Bowden : " Our tanking isnt up to scratch; our front lines were pressed by some of the Calimado heavy hitters."
Elrick : " As expected; you noticed"
Bowden : " How could I not? If we dont plug that gap we will not be able to confront even a lower level area Boss with anything less than a legion for a while"
Elrick : " Is it possible to plug the gap without Spiritual Fortifications?"
Bowden : " Probably not! Still; I think we can make due for a while longer."
Elrick : " Grinder; I take it you received the proposal from Falcros Sage Media? Would the amount theyd need to pay for 5% of Starlight Spark be sufficient to finance Spiritual Fortifications for 5 Party Shielders?"
Grinder : " Due Diligence is yet to be done but taking account of assets and liabilities I estimate Starlight Spark to be worth 300-350 million USD. 5% of Starlight Spark should go for a minimum of $15million, and since the deal would require Starlight Spark to take 5% of Falcros Sage Media at around $5million wed end up with $10million provided Elrick is willing to lend Starlight Spark the $15millon since they suggested that the 5% come from Elricks stock. According to the proposal Lorelei, Carol, Edwin and Jason all own 15% with 40 others each holding 1%. It indicated that the 5% on offer will come from the 4 who each own 15%."
Bowden : " $10million amounts to 1000 Gold Coins worth of Spiritual Fortifications per Tank; 5 Spiritual Fortifications per Tank."
Elrick : " Hardly enough to make a big difference"
Grinder : " Wouldnt that be enough to double bothStrength and Agility?"
Elrick : " Boss rank monsters possess over 500 Agility, Strength, Durability and Endurance. We wont always have the option to fight at our convenience; we got lucky at the Battle of Twin Peaks, and the enemy Serpent-Men had no intension to fight, but had they been predisposed to fighting they would not have been caught off-guard."
Bowden : " 2000 Gold Coins for each of the 5 should be sufficient; 5 Spiritual Fortifications per Tank in Strength and Agility should be enough."
Elrick : " Grinder; if Im not mistaken the Deal worked-out by Lady Lorelei should net higher long term prospects for Starlight than my plan, but is it enough to finance the Spiritual Fortifications?"
Grinder : " Nova Horizon ordered 24,000 Gold Coins worth of equipment and associated repairs for the battle with Calimado; the Deal Clears Novas debts to Starlight and we undertake to make complete repairs or replacements at the end of this Current Operation at no extra charge. However the equipment of the 5,472 Calimado Elite averages 11 Gold Coins; that means it will add 60,192 Gold Coins to our revenue the others should add another 30,000 or so Gold Coins to this RET years revenue. We will be able to extract significant profits as well as EXP for our crafting Staff; it really is a sweet deal."
Elrick : " I see; she took an option that was unavailable to me. Turning Lucifer and Calimado into a client is a far better option than Annihilation. Though I suspect Lucifer would have never yielded to me; but its fine to acquiesce to Loreleis Charisma."
Grinder : " Clearly a formalized association with Falcros Sage Media would be to our benefit; we are having a terrible time profiting from our public image. Since Phoenix gives every user full ownership of their Avatars image any profits derived from the image rightly belongs to the user, and that is how Falcros Sage Media generates the bulk of its earnings. The capsules make no recordings and store no data; every thing is stored by the AIVRE, and thanks to that no one can use your owned Avatars image without paying royalties. In Realm Eternal and other VR platforms every user is given a Webpage to post videos, pictures and Blogs, and traffic to that Webpage determines the value of an individual Avatars image and associated royalties. Phoenix is able to imbed logos and brands into the videos and pictures to generate advertising revenues by paying due royalties in Realm Eternal Gold. From what I understand there is a restriction on Phoenix s ability to print Gold and its supposedly a complex formula relating to the energy output of the Tesseracton the Asgard Continent. Apparently printing gold consumes energy in a manner similar to Alchemys Higher?Matter Conversion?. It seems Phoenix deliberately made sure that they wouldnt be able to print an endless amount of Gold; that restriction is a Huge Stabilizing factor on the Virtual Currency market."
Bowden : " If we are going to work closely with Falcros we are going to need to know personal info on its heads to avoid friction; I saw Lady Lorelei get very annoyed at the mention of someone named Fiona."
Elrick : " Ehe?"
Both Grinder and Bowden are surprised by Elricks somewhat guilty reaction to the mention of Fiona.
Grinder : " Who is this Fiona?"
Bowden : " And why does Lady Lorelei dislike her?"
Elricks sigh indicates that he is ready to tell all.
Elrick : " Fine; its time I let you in on everything anyway."
Grinder : " Everything?"
Elrick : " As much as you can Comprehend."
Bowden : " Is this about what you are?"
Elrick : " That will have to wait until the whole board is gathered. Bowden; when do you think youll reach Coswe?"
Bowden : " Two days RET"
Grinder : " Then we can set the Board-Meeting in 2 Days RET; it should be a Joint Board-Meeting between the Boards of Starlight Spark and Falcros Sage Media."
Elrick : " Understood. As for Fiona Bremner; shes a New Zealand born former ALI classmate of Lorelei and Loreleis foil.
Grinder : " Loreleis foil?"
Elrick : " Lorelei was an awkward tall naturally red headed girl who constantly had to endure the teasing of other girls. Fiona had an uncouth habit of referring to Loreleis unruly red hair as a Ginger Mane or likening Loreleis athletic build to that of an Orangutan; a type of behaviour surprisingly common amongst Caucasians. Sometimes some would remark that Loreleis combination of Reddish-yellow hair and Emerald Green eyes marked her as a descendent of witches."
Bowden : " Ohh"
Elrick : " Before Loreleis transformation into the Swan she is today she was a stark contrast to the Natural Beauty and Grace of Fiona Bremner. At some point Fionas family returned to New Zealand and the pressure on Lorelei subsided; a reprieve the girl desperately needed. Unfortunately for Lorelei and to some extent myself Fiona joined us at our university as part of her research towards her Doctoral thesis. Needless to say the Friction between Lorelei and Fiona was intense. A war broke out in the Biology Department of the Faculty of Science as the two vied for supremacy; both of them competing for limited resources necessary for any PhD grad-student. As such Microbiology faced off against Marine-Biology in a contest actively encouraged by the Biology Department senior personal; the angst between Lorelei and Fiona became an outlet or proxy war for the competing fields."
Bowden : " And?"
Clearly eager to hear the outcome.
Elrick : " The University had more than a few ALI alumni and had no shortage of acutely intelligent people. And so battle lines were drawn and alliances formed as the two Queens did battle. It was clear from the beginning that Fionas group held sway as the better resourced group and her family connections granted her access to wealthy, influential and powerful people. Lorelei is by no means poor as she comes from a successful Industrial Farming family, but compared to Fionas financial insider family Lorelei was outmatched in that regard. Since the ALI alumni are pretty much even in intellect its the financial resources that were tipping the balance in Fionas favour, and Fionas skill in gracefully leveraging her access to the whos who of the local chamber of commerce guaranteed her better access to Lab-Time, Computing power and associated support staff."
Grinder : " She lost?"
Elrick : " It was inevitable. Fiona always came out better than even against Lorelei, and after proclaiming victory she left with me in tow."
Bowden : " What?"
Grinder : " Eh?"
The two are shocked by the revelation.
Bowden : " Were you some kind of prize in all this?"
Elrick : " As if! I was merely a pawn; just one more thing she ripped from Loreleis grasp."
Grinder : " Why would you allow yourself to be used like that?"
Bowden : " Werent you inl?"
Elrick interrupts.
Elrick : " Though shameful my actions were entirely predictable."
Bowden : " Predictable?"
Elrick : " I was in-Love with her"
Grinder : " Who?"
Bowden : " Lady Lorelei."
Grinder : " Wait? You betrayed her because you were in-Love with her?"
Elrick : " Such is the twisted nature of Romantic Love. I was in-Love with her; Hopelessly, Desperately and Completely in-Love with her. I who was born with acute intellect, confident in my superiority to normal people, arrogant in my understanding of the common man and completely oblivious to something understood by normal people was blindsided by Romantic Love. I dont know when exactly I fell in-Love with her, but from the very beginning she had become extremely important to me, and had I not been so arrogant in my early childhood I couldve learned from normal children, but my extensive reading excluded romance or anything to do with fairy tales. How was I to know that falling in-Love is like waking-up for the first time, like opening my eyes and seeing the world born anew, like taking your first breath. One moment I was going about my life and suddenly; here I am, and there you are. Conscious of her, anxious for her feelings and keen to be near her; when I realized what it was I confessed undying love for her.
Grinder : " And?"
Bowden : " Isnt it obvious?"
Elrick : " It would have been better had it been obvious, but rather than an outright rejection her reply was I do Love you; I just dont know what kind of love it is; wishy-washy. Complete bullshit!"
Bowden : " Yeah; you always know."
Grinder : " Looks like she was afraid of the consequences of a rejection."
Elrick : " Because of that I held out hope that she would come to some kind of resolution, but she never did, and instead left me in a quagmire of my affections. Soon enough like the other girls her age she blissfully enjoyed the attentions of slightly older and handsome men; it is then that I understood that I had been rejected in the most cruel manner. Nevertheless I couldnt stop loving her; four years later and the feelings had yet to subside. Such is of-course the nature of a first love; you never truly get over it. To make things worse she seemed to enjoy rubbing her relationships with the good looking guys in my face, or at least thats how it appeared to me."
Bowden : " Cruel"
Grinder : " I feel for you man."
Elrick : " In the end the distance between us became a chasm, and I think I started to hate her a little. I wouldnt allow situations where I would be alone with her, and when she would come around my place looking to do this and that I would hide and cowardly pretend that I wasnt around. I couldnt get rid of my feelings for her; not time, not dating nor losing my virginity could free me. It would have been obvious to normal people that I couldnt settle my feelings as long as I remained close to her, but since the Five of us were somewhat inseparable I continued to suffer in solitude. It should have been obvious since humans cant be in-Love with more than one person; we may care for more than one person, and its even possible to love more than one person as is the case with familial love, but biologically and chemically we can only be in-Love with one person. Unbeknownst to me the only way to rid myself of the foggy loved state I was in was to fall in-Love with someone else but I couldnt do that as long as I remained close to her; every-time I came into some-sort of contact with Lorelei the brains reward system would kick-in thereby sustaining my unhealthy attachment to her."
Bowden : " What?"
They seem to doubt what Elrick is saying but they instinctively know its true.
Grinder : " Somehow?"
Bowden : " To love is to lose is about Lorelei?"
Grinder : " To love is to lose?"
Elrick raised an eyebrow but decided to continue without addressing the subject of his Blog.
Elrick : " My reprieve came in the form of a whirlwind from the East in the form of Fiona. Watching from the sidelines I could see the battle between the 2 Queens. The fact that Lorelei hadnt made use of me was the final punch to the gut; a knife through the heart. My Heart that had born the weight of my feelings finally broke and when Fiona defeated Lorelei she noticed me on the sidelines of Loreleis group. As she put it; I looked like someone on the edge of a cliff and about to fall off."
Grinder : " She rescued you?"
Elrick : " A protective instinct was somehow triggered and she came to my rescue; my second Fall. For the first time I realized that it was possible to fall in-Love with someone else; a revelation akin to a seismic shift. So I abandoned my friends and followed Fiona back to Auckland and lived my first truly happy days in years. The depression lifted and I was awake, breathing and happy. Alas it wasnt meant to be and a year later I returned to Cape Town to face the scorn of my friends. Fiona and I wanted different things; in particular she wanted to go to Antarctica for 2 years on a maritime adventure and I had to somehow build a career. I resolved to face the wrath of my friends."
Bowden : " Running off with a sworn enemy"
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.He shook his head.
Grinder : " How do you make up for that?"
Elrick : " They were furious and I was resolved to beg them for their forgiveness, but before I could act Lorelei moved first. She apologized unreservedly for her treatment of me and took responsibility for what happened; she had chosen to bare my sins. It is then that I realized that Loreleis behaviour had been completely normal for teenage girls/young adults; it was because I was in-Love with her that everything she did became overly exaggerated. Not a single word was passed between myself and Lorelei in the year I was away, and now it was obvious that she had been in pain because of my actions. I was overcome with guilt and remorse, I understood that she had tried desperately for years to avoid hurting me; she had tried to make me give up on a romantic relationship with her but I stubbornly resisted. I should have accepted a rejection for what it was; I was blinded by the toxicity of love."
Bowden : " Are you sure she wasnt just confused? It wouldnt be a surprise given how different you people are."
Elrick : " Regardless; she had been making all the moves towards maintaining our friendship, and I was always half-heartedly pulling away. I stopped speaking to her one on one long before Fiona showed up; for years she had been at a complete loss at how to deal with me because I would not engage. I had been a complete jerk to the woman I claimed to love; the inexperienced me was unprepared for that situation. I had been an unmitigated ass."
Grinder : " Is that so?"
Elrick : " To Lorelei taking all the blame I said no Estelle; the one at fault here is me. I allowed the fact that I was in-Love with you to twist and distort everything. And in my unfounded and unjustified anger I ended-up hurting you. Im truly sorry, though I may not deserve it I ask for your forgiveness and promise you that the feelings that had sent me down this path have been locked in a box and buried under a mountain of concrete; never to show themselves before you again. I commit to henceforth be your true and loyal friend."
Bowden : " She forgave you just like that?"
Grinder : " She does seem the type to hold on to grudges"
Elrick : " The relief in her eyes was enough."
Bowden : " It seems as though that you and Lorelei remain unresolved"
Grinder : " She might have felt the same as you but got confused by your inability to properly pursue."
Elrick : " That is irrelevant now; its done and everything is buried. Furthermore I have resolved to never do anything that would harm Lorelei; and that includes digging-up those feelings and complicating her life. I only wish to see her happy."
Bowden : " You really are different"
Elrick : " I am; the Memory Imprints age you."
Bowden : " Enough to come to a resolution about the last woman to share your life?"
Elrick cringed for a second.
Elrick : " Despicable though her actions may be, I can understand that I put her in a terrible situation; involving her with a man she can never hope to understand, and resigning her to a life where she would always feel insecure and inadequate. I should have known that one of my kind could never or rather should never pair-bond with anyone other than those like us. I will speak no further of this; lest I be reduce to tears."
Bowden : " Understood"
Grinder : " Got it"
Elrick : " Then I will take my leave; food has become an issue and I must hunt for food."
As Elrick logs back into Realm Eternal the other 2 also prepare to log back in.
Bowden : " From what Ive been able to gather Lorelei has become single again."
Grinder : " And Elrick is also single."
Bowden : " We have to figure-out what is the exact nature of her intensions towards Elrick."
Grinder : " Things could get complicated if she suddenly decides to pursue Elrick; what should we do?"
Bowden : " Lets deploy some assets to investigate."
Grinder : " It cant hurt; though by the sound of things it may be that her attention has always been on Elrick."
Bowden : " They do seem a bit overly attached to each other."
Grinder : " Thats an understatement."
- - -
Part 2
- - -
Elrick had dug a 30 degree downward tunnel to the mountainside. He had chose an oblique angle to his target location to avoid a direct line of sight to the area where he had previously killed the Kobolds. Once he safely deployed the 1.2X1.2X1.2 Hunters Lear he could see the target location 37 degrees left of his direct line of sight. And taking a closer look with his binoculars he could see some animal activity in the area; carnivores seem to routinely check out that area.
Sweeping that area with his binoculars he noticed an ant colony; the ants are some 1.2m long and nothing like the 20-50 centimetre long ones that populate the outskirts of Towns and Cities on Ado.
Elrick : " I really hate bugs"
Elrick squirmed a little.
Elrick was taking advantage of the fat that now that hes on his own he didnt have to put up a brave front, but with no-one watching he was free to be afraid of bugs and not put up a manly front. As he watched the ants he noticed something peculiar about their behaviour and decided to observe them closely and try to figure out what was going on.
Using thought activation he activated a skill.
Elrick : " Elf Eyes
His focus increased allowing to see more detail than the binoculars provided.
Elf Eyes is a Skill and in Realm Eternal all skills are Active and only Attributes are passive. Elrick could see that some of the smaller worker ants were being carried away to a dumped some distance away from the nest; these werent dead ants but somewhat disoriented and sickly ants.
His mind goes to work analysing the situation.
Elrick : " Whats-up with that? Are they sick? Infected maybe?"
Continuing to observe the sickly ants Elrick temporarily forgot about his mission to secure food.
Elrick : " Dammit; Food! Wait; are ants edible? They should be fine, but what if I catch some kind of infection? No; cooking should kill any disease. The ants may be a solution to my problem."
Elrick had gotten a bit excited at the prospect of a relatively easy supply of food, but as if to pour cold water on his joy something was moving towards the sickly ants.
Elrick : " Whats that? A slime? But theres no core; wait there is a core. But its not a core; its some kind of squid or octopus inside a living slime. Or maybe octopus is the core; perhaps the octopus produces the gooey slime. Why the hell is there an amphibious octopus slime?"
Elrick was stunned by the sudden appearance of the amphibious octopus slime or squid slime, and he watched as it approached the sickly ants.
Elrick : " No! Food thief!"
Then the amphibious octopus slime shot gooey slime at one of the sickly ants completely immobilizing it.
Elrick : " So in Realm Eternal the Slime is an amphibious octopus slime. In here the slime mob is not the lowest level but something higher level than the likes of wolves judging by its dimensions; 1.42m high and 2.745m wide."
Elrick continued to observe as the Squid Slime engulfed the ant; his Elf Eyes clearly showing him as the Squid Slime produced digestive juices into the slimy body and absorbed nutrients from the ant.
Elrick : " Wait; isnt Squid delicious? But the Slime part looks like it might be toxic. Some analysis might be necessary, and while Im at it Ill take a look at whats making the ants sick."
Elrick got to work immediately.
Elrick assembled the Customized Level 2 Bow-Swords into the Bow Mode; carefully attaching the Mithril Bowstring. The strength requirement for using the Mithril Bowstring Customized Level 2 Bow-Swords in Bow Mode is 250 EXP; something far beyond the abilities of the current crop of Atlantians; only those who had Spiritual Fortifications can boast such strength. Not even 3 months and 2 weeks RET could change the fact that the bulk of Atlantians are weaklings; barely capable of surviving the immediate vicinity of a Town or City.
A Realm Eternal day is 27 hours. A Realm Eternal Week consists of 11 days in accordance with the Elements; Earthday, Fireday, Windday, Waterday, Iceday, Plantday, Lightday, Shadowday, Soundday, Enchantday and Psionicday. A Realm Eternal month is 5 weeks. A Realm Eternal year is 11 months. In Real World Time a Realm Eternal year (approximately 16,335 hours) is 136.125 days (3,267 hours) or approximately 19.5 weeks or 4.5 months.
And so once the Customized Level 2 Bow-Swords was in Bow Mode Elrick took out 10 Runic Arrows; 2 with analysis Runes, 2 with observation Runes, 2 Explosive Runes and 4 with Fire Runes. Elrick had quickly come to the conclusion that the Squid Slime is likely to be vulnerable to Fire and he fully intended to attack the dangerous looking Squid Slime. Elrick opened a larger firing hole on the Hunters Lear; clearly meant for the bow. He was forced to hold the Longbow outside the Hunters Lear given the cramp interior.
Elrick was glad that Sir Arwick had made him buy the Encyclopaedia of Monsters for his Survival Skill on top of his Basic Survival set; otherwise he would not have been able to gain information on the monsters he would be targeting with the analysis Rune arrows.
Taking aim he shook of his nervousness.
Elrick : " Activate Survival Skill. Targetingon, Arrow Guideon."
Taking a deep breath he focused on the targeting HUD generated by the Level 2 Longbow.
Elrick : " Bow Art; ?Precision?. Bow Art; ?Rapid Fire?."
WHOOSH-WHOOSH.
In quick succession Elrick let lose 2 arrows with 2 with analysis Runes. Upon observing the targets there was an immediate reaction as the arrows expertly hit their targets thanks to Targeting, Arrow Guide and the Bow Art ?Precision?. Even though the analysis Rune arrows arent designed to do damage they are still arrows and the 2 monsters noticed.
WHOOSH-WHOOSH.
Elrick quickly released 2 arrows with observation Runes to get a clearer picture. Bringing up his virtual interface Elrick began to consider the information flowing from the 4 Runic Arrows.
Apprehension surged upward as he read the info.
Elrick : " Eh?"
|
~ Ding! ~
Army Ant!
Descriptive Stats:
HP = 2514/5027 - MP = 20 - Atk = 1006.483 - Deff = 1280.163
Attribute Stats:
Strength = 1195 - Agility = 187 - Dexterity = 4 - Durability = 1259 - Endurance = 1187 - Sensitivity = 0 - Vitality = 1156 - Eyesight = 5 - Charisma = 0 - Leadership = 2 - Awareness = 7 - Reputation = 0 - Observation = 4 - Knowledge = 5 - Wisdom = 5 - Intelligence = 4
Status : Infected
Infected Status :
Infection Type:
Hazardous Material = Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant.
The Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant can infect the body if ingested or upon contact with skin provided that Durability is lower than 5500 EXP.
|
Elrick : " HeHeHeHe! What the Fuck is this?"
Nervous laughter leaks out. Looking at the other monster.
|
~ Ding! ~
Juvenile Squid-Slime!
Descriptive Stats:
HP = 39466 - MP = 3958 - Atk = 7566.413 - Deff = 8782.763
Attribute Stats:
Strength = 8945 - Agility = 1589 - Dexterity = 1632 - Durability = 7012 - Endurance = 2245 - Sensitivity = 0 - Vitality = 12457 - Eyesight = 447 - Charisma = 0 - Leadership = 0 - Awareness = 486 - Reputation = 0 - Observation = 524 - Knowledge = 270 - Wisdom = 351 - Intelligence = 299
Skills:
Mana Shaping = 1846
Magic Skill = 3038
Magic Sub-Skills, Affinity & Proficiency
Water Magic EXP = 453 ;Aff = 5 ;Prof = 5- Ice Magic Exp = 124 ;Aff = 5 ;Prof = 5 - Alchemy Magic Exp = 294 ;Aff = 5;Prof = 5 - Appraisal Magic Exp = 23 ;Aff = 2.5;Prof = 2.5 -Psionic Magic Exp = 157 ;Aff = 1;Prof = 1 - Sound Magic Exp = 121 ;Aff = 1;Prof = 1.
??????????????????????
Insufficient Data to complete Skills Analysis.
Status: Eating
Prey Status : Infected Army Ant
|
Elricks face contorted if fear.
Elrick : " What to do? What to do? What to do? Fuck-Fuck-Fuck!
Finally an idea popped into his head.
Elrick : " Elf Eyes. Targetingon, Arrow Guideon. Bow Art; ?Precision?. Bow Art; ?Rapid Fire?. Bow Art; ?Long Range?. Longbow Art; ?Artillery?. Longbow Art; ?Convergence?. Longbow Art; ?Multi-Shot?."
Taking a deep breath he focused on the targeting HUD generated by the Level 2 Longbow and released the Arrows.
WHOOSH-WHOOSH, WHOOSH-WHOOSH, WHOOSH-WHOOSH.
The Mana cost of stacking six arts and a skill was not a problem to the current Elrick, and thanks to the Longbow Art ?Artillery?the arrows would attack from above the target and not give away his position. Thanks to the Longbow Art ?Convergence?the 6 arrows would arrive at the same time, and thanks to the Longbow Art; ?Multi-Shot? Elrick could fire 2 arrows at the same time.
BooOOOOM!
Elrick is relieved by the aftermath of his attack.
Elrick : " Hee; as I thought."
Elrick lets out a little laugh as he sees the Squid-Slime quickly run deeper into the forest. He is surprised by the speed of the monster but understands that given its agility stat it shouldnt be a surprise.
Elrick : " My attack did less than 1 damage to your HP, but given your demeanour its enough to make you run."
Elrick smiled as he saw that there are still 4 sickly army ants left.
Elrick : " So Mr Squid Slime? Even though you have those high stats youre still a juvenile, and despite being 8 times more powerful than the ants you choose to only feed on the sickly and dying. That indicates that youre not a true hunter but more of a scavenger; at least not yet. Perhaps a fully grown Squid Slime would choose to fight rather than run."
Elrick had the look of someone pleased with his achievement.
Elrick then attached Steel threads to a number of Runic piercing arrows and along with a winch recovered the 4 sickly army ants.
- - -
- - -
Chapter 21: What are you? Know Thyself
- - -
- - -
Arc 2: The Power of Knowledge
- - -
= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
= Other
- - -
Chapter 21: What are you? Know Thyself
- - -
Part 1
- - -
Elrick had used Runic piercing arrows with a Steel shaft that have a hole in the centre that allows Steel threads to be attached and when they pierce a target pulling the threads turns the arrow into a type of crude hook since the hole along the shafts centre blocks the piercing the arrow made upon impact. In most instances the Runic Piercing Arrows are seriously damaged but often they can be repaired with the use of the Repair Magic Skill, and even if the current Elrick could not repair the arrows he would be able to do so in the future.
Durability = 2000 is about the limit for the Runic Piercing Arrows in Elricks possession and to be able to damage something with higher Durability the armour would first have to be damaged with explosives or other means to lower the Durability in certain areas in order to allow the Runic Piercing Arrows to push through. Fortunately for Elrick the Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant had degraded the durability of the Army Ant Armour making it easy to pierce.
Once Elrick pulled the ants the over 750m distance to his current position all he had to do is come into contact with the now dead ants and he would be able to put them into his inventory magic chest. Elrick was of-course apprehensive about the Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant, and before he came into contact with the dead ants he made sure to put on work gloves and place antifungal, antibacterial and healing ointments and potions nearby for easy access.
Upon recovering the 4 ants he withdrew deeper into the mountain to a cavern he had specifically prepared for animal processing. Elricks Survival Skill has the Sub-Skills Survival Techniques, Monster Knowledge, Plant Knowledge, Soil Knowledge, Water Knowledge, Wilderness Knowledge, Mountainous Knowledge, Processing Knowledge and Dismantling already purchased and installed.
The task before Elrick would be near impossible without the Survival Skill. In fact the Phoenix website skill selection page rates the Survival Skill as the most important; rated even higher than the Magic Skill. Survival Techniques for example allows crude or improvised combat and associated ?Combat Arts?. The Recommendation from both Phoenix and the Adventurers Guild is that every party has a Survival Skill specialist.
Elrick begins thought casting.
Elrick : " Elf Eyes. Blade.Survival; Survival Techniques, Monster Knowledge, Plant Knowledge, Processing Knowledge and Dismantling."
Elrick opens the inventory magic chest.
Covered in protective equipment that looks like a Hazmet Suit but is actually a Hazardous Conditions mining suit Elrick looks over the dead ants. The feedback of the Monster Knowledge,Processing Knowledge and DismantlingSub-Skills shows the joints and paths the blade must travel to dismember the ants. The feedback from the Plant KnowledgeSub-Skill clearly indicates all the areas where the Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant is present and marks it red as a warning.
Elrick knew that processing animal carcases would be a lot easier with magic; a DismantlingSpell of Psionic Magiccould process the 4 ants in minutes. Phoenix rates Psionic Magicas the most versatile and consequently the most powerful. Psionic Magicalong with Enchantments Magic, Plant Magic, Alchemy Magic and Rune Magic belong to the Integrated Magic Class. By its very nature Integrated Magic includes effects on elements other than the designated Element; making it versatile in its applications.
But Elrick had no access to Elemental Magic, however it didnt mean that he had no access to magic at all; he had access to innate Corporeal Magic, and not being able to use Elemental Magic had led him to stumble upon the uses of the Arcane forms of Mana Shaping. Elrick had learned from one of the few books he had managed to find the time to read that before the prevalence of structured Elemental Magic unstructured Corporeal Magic and Arcane Magic were the magical norm, but once the pre-structuring of Elemental Magic became readily available magic favoured the more Mana efficient structured Elemental Magic and structured Corporeal Magic.
It is therefore unsurprising that there were attempts at structuring Arcane Magic which resulted in the current Mana Shaping Skill. However depending on planetary environmental conditions Magic spells lose efficacy in relation to the casters distance from the target. On Ado and Chaos island the maximum efficacy distance is 1.7m, and the efficacy drops by 5% for every 1.7m after that; a spell fired at a target 17m away will be 59.874% of original power. Structured Arcane Magic spells loose efficacy ten times faster than Elemental Magic and that is why Pure Structured or Shaped Mana became known as Arcane Magic; it became redundant.
Nonetheless within 1.7m Mana Shaping Sub-Skills could still be helpful to Elrick. Since growing his Mana Shaping Skill was one of his major goals for his time on Chaos Island Elrick had bought the Mana Shaping Sub-Skills Elemental Spell Focus, Corporeal Spell Focus, Crafting Spell Focus and Skill Spell Focus. With every ?Magic Spell? purchased a Mana Shaping ?Magic Spell? is included in the designated Mana Shaping Sub-Skills.
Elrick had bought a number of spells for Earth, Fire, Wind, Water and Ice Magic to practice the Elemental Spell Focus Sub-Skill in the hope that when he finally acquired an Elemental Symbiote the Elemental Spell Focus EXP gained for that particular Mana Shaping ?Magic Spell? would reduce the probability of casting failure and shorten the cast time. But Elrick knew full well that such an advantage is meaningless in combat since a MageStaff, Wand, SpellSword, Spell-Rod and others include Elemental, Corporeal or both Spell Focus Runes that allow fast, parallel and multi-spell casting.
Some items go as far as to allow the process to go from Mana to spell-output; removing the need to learn and practice magic as in the case of Mana-Guns, Mana-Rifles and Mana-Cannons. Nevertheless Elrick planned to use the Mana Shaping ?Magic Spell? of the Spell ?Earth Hand? to help him hold down the ants while applying Dismantling. Having been marked by the earth element he could affect Earth enough for it to be useful. Elrick had poured and packed sand into a pair of work gloves.
Tense and unable to relax Elrick continued to work.
Elrick : " Elemental Spell Focus: ?Earth Hand?, ?Earth Hand?"
A semi-translucent hand made of Mana began to form.
Once the Elemental Spell Focus: ?Earth Hand? was fully activated and the 2 semi-translucent Mana-Hands before him were put into the pair of work gloves that had been packed with sand; moving around the fingers to familiarize himself with the sensory feedback. To Elrick the additional 2 hands felt like the hair on his head had suddenly become limbs; his hair had become hands. Getting used to moving around these new additional limbs was no easy feat and Elrick eventually managed to move them around enough to hold down the ant he was about to butcher.
As Elrick continued to cut through the ants under the direction of the Dismantling Sub-Skill he made sure to collect samples of the Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant. Elrick used heat from a handheld Mana-Powered torch to clean the parts of the Ants infected with the Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant because he planed to use even the outer protective armoured exoskeletal shell of the army ants; they could be fashioned into items and used in place of sheets of metal.
By the time the Dismantling was over Elrick had collected enough Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant to serve as a poison of sorts. Elrick began to examine the Fungal Spore-Seed under magnification.
Elrick grinned from ear to ear as an idea popped into his head.
Elrick : " HeHeHeHe! This Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant is actually a weapon. I can use this!"
In his excitement at his prospects Elrick made a careless mistake.
When taking off his protective equipment some of the material sprayed outside the cavern; leaving stains at the most inopportune areas. Elrick thought he had been careful but he was no biologist or someone trained in the proper handling of hazardous materials, and so he made potentially disastrous mistakes despite possessing intellectual knowledge on how to behave under this dangerous circumstance. And so he carried on oblivious of the critical error he had made.
Finished; Elrick decides to leave what he call the processing cavern.
Elrick : " Ehi"
The side of his elbow had come into contact with the edge of the cave.
Elrick : " Aaahhh!"
Suddenly Elrick is accosted by searing pain.
Elrick : " Shit, dammit, fuck! Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh!"
Elrick now realized the terrible danger he is in; he instinctively pulled out a knife.
Elrick : " Moootheerrffuuckeerrr! Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh!"
Without hesitation he cut off the flesh from around the side of his left elbow; taking off large chunks of flesh.
Elrick : " Ooooohhh!"
Elrick then proceeded to apply topical ointments including antifungal medication on the self inflicted wound.
Elrick : " Fuck! That was close; I could have died."
Having regained some composure Elrick decided to logout of Realm Eternal allowing the body sufficient time to heal from the wounds. Elrick decided that it was as good a time as any to logout of even Atlantis to eat and exercise.
- - -
After the 5 hour break and a visit to local Starlight Spark VR-Caf Elrick returned to Realm Eternal resolved to be more careful with anything he finds on Chaos Island. Elrick was relieved that one of the benefits of a magical environment is that a few hours is more than enough for the body to make a full recovery; in fact according to the notices healing was completed 40 minutes after injury, and as expected there was no permanent damage or injury. The only thing capable of leaving longer lasting damage is magic but even that isnt permanent.
As Elrick looked over his hand he understood that the Fungal Spores are extremely dangerous.
Elrick : " Conservatively speaking; the Army Ants each yield about a weeks worth of food. The 4 I got can give me 4 weeks, and that means 4 more should be enough to cover my short fall. The big question is do I wait passively for an opportunity to harvest or do I actively create a harvest; use the Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant on the nest to trigger an ant calamity? I suppose its an opportunity to test the offensive potential of the Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant. A potency test!"
Elrick then proceeded to apply the Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant on the stockpile of 5000 standard Arrows in his possession.
Elrick : " Well then; Fuck you Army Ants who can kill me with a single swipe!"
He readied the level 2 Longbow.
Elrick : " Elf Eyes. Targetingon, Arrow Guideon. Bow Art; ?Precision?. Bow Art; ?Rapid Fire?. Bow Art; ?Long Range?. Longbow Art; ?Artillery?. Longbow Art; ?Multi-Shot?"
Elrick began firing the Arrows tainted with the Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant at the Anthill until his Mana was exhausted. The 5000 Mana Crystals on the Longbow had to be replaced several times before the stockpile of 5000 standard Arrows was depleted.
Elrick had been aiming at the visible entrances to the Ant Colony, and using observation Runic Arrows he was able to make a reasonable map of all the entrances to the Ant Colony. The Targetingand the Arrow Guidesystem of the Customized Level 2 Longbow allowed Elrick near perfect targeting though only 27% of the Arrows actually made it into the entrances as intended despite the Arrow Guidesystem.
Elrick concluded that his skill with the bow was the deciding factor that led to the low 27% hit rate despite the Arts and built in Longbow systems. Elrick understood that the entrances and exits are relatively large stationary targets that are easy to hit, and that had it been a live target his poultry archery skills would hit nothing but air. His eyes however never left the ant-mount as he looked for signs of progress.
Elrick had noted earlier that his lack of skill with the bow might have been a stroke of luck as the worker ants stepped onto the arrows as they hurriedly ran into the ant mount in response to the hail of arrows Elrick was delivering. The ants clearly knew that they under some form of attack since the worker ants ran into the mount and the 10% larger soldier came running out of the ant-mount.
Elrick began to ponder about the habits of the Army Ants.
Elrick : " Theyre called Army Ants but I can identify at least 2 types; the worker and the soldier. So the name Army Ants is a fraud; they just look like Army Ants. There must surely be a breeder or queen type and possibly even a queen attendant or pupa caring type."
Elrick continued to look at the ant-mount.
Elrick : " Hmmmm; so the effect of the Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant isnt immediate on the ants. Could it be that their higher durability delays the effect? Long enough for the infected ant to take Fungal Spore-Seed to the ant colony? And what do the ants eat anyway?"
Elrick looked around with his binoculars until he came upon a few seemingly unnatural structures.
Elrick : " Now whats that? It sort of looks like a termite mount but its got to be at least 200m high. Wait if the ants on Chaos Island are 50 times those in the Real world then termites may also be 50 times larger. Then a 3m termite mount in the real world could become a 200m tall structure. Is that what the ants eat? But army ants arent particularly selective in terms of prey; it could be just one of the things on the menu. One thing is for sure; that Squid-Slime is definitely not on the ant menu."
The gears in Elricks mind started spinning.
Elrick : " I dont get it! Why did that king think that a weakling like me could build a country in a world filled with such monstrosities? I mean according to Arwicks memories the people who had the power to strike-out in the past and tame the land to build towns and cities had legendary talents. The kings of old either had a natural ability to inspire and lead or wielded such power that the world around them bent to their will; often they had both."
Elrick shook his head.
Elrick : " Im nothing like the standard Alpha male; not like Mithriliar or Bowden. Heck Lorelei is more of an alpha than me. I dont possess the natural inclination to compete; Im primarily passive. Then why does Lord Elron think Im that capable? I mean Im more like a matriarch than a king. Wait; why did I compare myself to a Matriarch? It should be Patriarch right? Yes; Im a Patriarch type."
Elrick struggles to reassure himself about his masculinity; puffing up his chest.
Elrick : " Could it be that Elves of Light are traditionally led by Matriarchs and Patriarchs? There should be plenty of Alphas and Betas out there but Matriarch or Patriarch would be rare right? Almost as rare as the Elves of Light"
Elrick face-palms.
Elrick : " How could I have missed it? The High Elf of Light is the support type of the Elven race; supports arent supposed to be competitive, and theyre naturally collaborative. Thats why their leader would be a Matriarch or Patriarch!"
Elrick lets out a heavy sigh.
Elrick : " So the king of the Elves of Light is an All-Father type; hes not a ruler but one who provides Shelter, Guidance and Protection. So one look at the core of my Soul and Lord Elron would have naturally concluded that Im his kindred in the truest sense of the word; a Patriarch. What I thought I wanted to be and what I am are 2 different things. I see; I cant fight who I truly am. I am a Patriarch, but that doesnt mean Im weak, it just means I have different types of strengths; I can be a father of a nation."
Elrick suddenly realized something.
Elrick : " Shelter! Even with the Immortal Legions of Atlantians it would be impossible to conquer lands and forma country at this point because we are at least 25 times weaker than the average Adonite. Then the only option available is to build where none of the locals want to build, and right across the Commonwealth border is the worthless desert land which would be perfect. Fortunately in front of me a method of construction that the locals would never consider rational, and already in my position is the thing that can guarantee the security of the borders; the Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant."
Elrick looked over at the collected samples of the Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Elrick : " The Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant and the Termites are the primary components in my new country building strategy. What now?"
When Elricks attention returned to the ants he noticed that something unexpected was happening.
Elrick : " Whats this?"
The ants were in an uproar.
While Elrick was in contemplation about who he is and what his place in society must be the Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant had finally taken effect on the ants. Apparently the worker ants had done more than infect themselves with the Spores; by stepping on the contaminated Arrows they had spread the spores to a far wider area than Elrick had predicted. The infection multiplier had further increased due to the soldier ants returning back into the colony.
Moving around in the colony as it wasnt sleep time spread the Fungal Spore-Seeds as the ants rubbed-up against each other and stepping on the same places inside a confined space. Thanks to the unexpected events the infection spread exponentially at a far faster rate than would have been possible had Elrick been more skilled with the bow. Had Elrick been more skilled with the bow the ants would have immediately recognized the arrows coming into the entrances as an attack and collapsed the affected entrances while escaping through exits further away in the Crystal Forest; hidden by the canopy.
As it was; the large number of ants coming out of the ant mount seemed to all be suffering the effects of the infection by the Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant. Many ants were already writhing with jerky motions pitifully trying to soothe the pain emanation from the infected areas of their bodies, but the infection was likely already in the bloodstream, and since they lacked the antifungal potions, creams and ointments they were doomed.
The Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant is surprisingly easy to deal with for a Civilized society as even the most basic antifungal medicines would stop the progression of the infection giving time for proper treatment to be used. Elrick however noted with trepidation that a mass infection of the Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant could probably destroy a densely populated city of even the most advanced Grandeur Countries. Children in particular would prove the most vulnerable to the infection.
When Elrick noticed winged ants about twice the size of soldier ants come out of the colony and begin to stretch their wings in preparation for flight he knew that things must be terrible inside the colony if the breeder ants were abandoning it. The breeders seemed immune to the Spores and were unaffected by the mass infection ravaging the colony. The over 100 Breeders told Elrick about the probable size of the colony; the information from the Encyclopaedia of monsters suggested the colony would be over 10,000 ants. Elrick instinctively knew that the Breeders were infinitely more dangerous than the worker and soldier ants.
The flapping wings created a buzz around the area.
Elrick : " Best to take a look at their stats"
Firing Runic Analysis arrows at the Breeders.
~ Ding! ~
|
Army Ant!
Class: Breeder
SubClass: Monarch
Gender: Female
Descriptive Stats:
HP = 41,209 - MP = 1,285 - Atk = 9,190.116 - Deff = 7,104.511
Attribute Stats:
Strength = 11,253 - Agility = 1,478 - Dexterity = 288 - Durability = 6443 - Endurance = 8841 - Sensitivity = 0 - Vitality = 7584 - Eyesight = 854 - Charisma = 1231 - Leadership = 1154 - Awareness = 473 - Reputation = 0 - Observation = 400 - Knowledge = 156 - Wisdom = 104 - Intelligence = 28
Skills
Mana Shaping = 246
Magic Skill = 751
Magic Sub-Skills, Affinity & Proficiency
Wind Magic EXP = 501 ;Aff = 4;Prof = 4
Status: Evacuation
|
Elrick is visibly surprised by the difference between the Breeders and the normal ants.
Elrick : " Shit! I guess I cant harvest any of the ants until the breeders leave. There has to be thousands already outside; the whole forest is likely already in an uproar. Apex predators will soon come to feast on this boon, and Ill likely not be able to grab anything once they arrive."
BZZZZZ BZZZZZZZ BZZZZZZZZZZ BZZZZZZ BZZZZZZZZ.
Just as Elrick was lamenting the potential loss of the opportunity of collecting valuable food the Breeders began to take off; leaving the area in a swarm and abandoning the rest of the ants to their fate.
Elrick : " Best get to work before its too late."
Elrick fired his entire stockpile of steel wire threaded arrows.
Fortunately for Elrick the Army Ants are themselves Apex predators, and few predators are bold enough to challenge thousands of giant ants. Thus since the 7000 or so ants moving around outside the nest were infected and not dead the rest of the forest was moving around and not coming to feast; at least not yet. Thanks to the properties of Runic Piercers 150 ants were hit and were quickly being pulled 5 at a time up the mountain.
After an hour Elrick had safely collected 472 ants but the size of the carnage had yet to diminish. From the looks of things Elricks initial estimates about the size of the colony seemed to be a huge underestimation and the over 25,000 ants moving around indicated that the colony was far larger than he initially thought. Elrick now believed that there was at least another 50,000 ants inside the colony, and he knew that he was no longer able to harvest since his Runic Piercers were largely beyond repair after his reckless reuse.
Elrick noticed something coming in at the edge of his vision.
Elrick : " What the .?"
- - -
Part 2
- - -
Coming into view was something Elrick hoped to never encounter.
Elrick : " Holly Fuck!"
The deployed ambient Mana powered observation Runic Arrows were returning information that is broken, and Elrick was to put it simply afraid of firing analysis runes.
The thing making Elrick so afraid was a monster measuring over 100m in length with a head over 5m wide. It looked like a crocodilian on the head but the body was that of a snake with 4 proportionally small legs. Trying to place the monster visually was pointless because the thing looks like part crocodile, part snake and part lizard. Without firing analysis runes Elrick wont be able to understand what hes looking at, but his instinct told him he was looking at a true serpent; a Mid-Boss level monster.
Finally finding resolve.
Elrick : " Lets find out; even if its a Mid-Boss monster."
Elrick fired 2 Analysis Runic Arrows at the massive monster that had now begun to gorge itself on the ants.
~ Ding! ~
|
???????? Serpent
Name: ????????
Class: ????????
SubClass: ????????
Titles: ????????
Gender: ????????
Clan Affiliation: ????????
Clan Faction: ????????
Descriptive Stats:
HP = ???????? - MP = ???????? - Atk = ???????? - Deff = ????????
Attribute Stats:
??????????????????????
Insufficient Data to complete Analysis.
Magic Sub-Skills, Affinity & Proficiency
??????????????????????
Insufficient Data to complete Skills Analysis.
Status: Eating
Prey Status: Infected Army Ant
|
Elrick : " What the Fuck?"
Elrick was stunned.
Elrick : " Its broken! The runes arent powerful enough to analyse it, and the encyclopaedia has no detailed records on every variation of serpent. This thing is named right? That means its sentient since only sentient creatures have names. Its alive so it must also be sapient.
Elrick felt compelled to gain a clear picture about serpent; data on the serpent would be valuable. An so he raised the LongBow.
Elrick : " Elf Eyes. Targetingon, Arrow Guideon. Bow Art; ?Precision?. Bow Art; ?Long Range?. "
The Arrow released by Elrick belongs to a special class called Penetrators; designed to repel Demon Lords. Runic Penetrators are a bunker busting variant of Runic Piercers.
Each of the 5 Runic Penetrator Arrows in Elricks possession cost 2-3 Gold Coins and had 5,000 penetrating power and an explosive power rated at over 10,000; in simple terms it can penetrate 5000 Durability and cause over 10,000 damage. Runic Penetrator Arrows are highly specialized they could have a 10,000 penetrating power with lower explosive power or any combination thereof depending on the materials used to craft it.
The Runic Penetrator is therefore regarded as a type of silver bullet; one shot items too expensive to be used en-mass. Elrick wasnt about to fire the arrow at the Serpent because he correctly deduced that such an action would be pointless. Therefore Elrick aimed the arrow at one of the ants in the consumption path of the giant monster serpent. As is often the case with Runic Penetrators the one Elrick used has a remote detonation setting.
Elrick then patiently waited for the monster to consume the ant.
Elrick : " Here goes!"
BOOOOOM!
The consumed ant with an arrow stuck to it exploded in the Serpents neck triggering a slight coughing fit but the monster was otherwise unhurt.
Elrick : " Well thats telling; right?"
ROOOOOooooooooooooooOOOOOOAAAAAAAaaaaaaaAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
The powerful roar from the monster rang like deafening thunder stunning everything; Elrick included.
~ Ding! ~
|
Psionic Attack
?Mind Shock ? in effect:
Due to ?Mind Shock ? Intelligence, Knowledge, Wisdom, Observation, Awareness and Eyesight are reduced by 21,547 EXP for 30 minutes.
|
~ Ding! ~
|
Paralysis
Due toIntelligence, Knowledge and Wisdom dropping to Zero full mobility restriction is in effect.
You are unable to move
|
Elrick had lost Consciousness.
- - -
By the time Elrick regained Consciousness at least an hour had passed.
Elrick : " Motherfucker"
As Elrick groggily got up he picked up his binoculars in order to survey his environment, and what he saw floored him.
Elrick : " Another one?"
What Elrick was looking at was a giant snake; some 120m-150m long with a head that had to be at least 5m wide.
Elrick : " Boa Titana!
By shape of the head and size alone Elrick was able to identify the approaching monster.
Elrick : " The Serpent doesnt seem to be too welcoming to the newcomer. Lets find out its stats"
Elrick fired his analysis arrow at the snake.
~ Ding! ~
|
Boa Titana ???? Serpent
Name: ????????
Class: ????????
SubClass: ????????
Titles: ????????
Gender: ????????
Clan Affiliation: ????????
Clan Faction: ????????
Descriptive Stats:
HP = ???????? - MP = ???????? - Atk = ???????? - Deff = ????????
Attribute Stats:
??????????????????????
Insufficient Data to complete Analysis.
Magic Sub-Skills, Affinity & Proficiency
??????????????????????
Insufficient Data to complete Skills Analysis.
Status: Territorial Contest
|
Elrick : " So its also a Serpent"
The bewildered Elrick looked on as the to giant serpents seemed to size each other up.
Growl Gwak Growl
Hiss Hashh Hwish
Elrick : " Are they talking?"
The 2 serpents continued to emit noises and low rumbles in a conversation that Elricks translation system was unfamiliar with. But from the looks of things it seemed that the negotiations werent going well.
Elrick : " Oh shit!"
Without warning the serpents started fighting.
The fight that broke out was tremendous; shaking the ground and destroying large areas of the Crystal Forest. The 2 Serpents are heavily armoured and the seemed impervious to each others large bites; which Elrick could assume that they are poisonous bites. The fight was happening about a kilometre from Elrick but it felt a lot closer.
The serpents seemed about even in strength and they quickly reached a stalemate and thats when Elrick noticed a change in the atmosphere. The Boa took some distance from what Elrick called the Crock Serpent and looked to be preparing some kind of ranged attack. Seeing this Elrick quickly pulled out his best healing potions; worried that he might get caught up in the attacks.
In Realm Eternal the higher the Quality of the medicine the faster it works. Basic medicines take 15 C 20 minutes to work, general medicine take 5 minutes, High Cures work instantly and Elixirs can revive the dead. In terms of Potions theres the Basic Potions, Potions, High-Potions and Elixir of Life. In terms of costs the Basic Potions retail at about 50-80 Copper Coins and all the others depend largely on supply and demand; Elixirs tend to cost over 50 Gold Coins.
Elrick drank 7 Basic Potions and 3 Potions because they have a heal over time ability, and then he held a single bottle of a High-Potion in his right hand because the most efficient use of High-Potions is after taking serious injury. Although it would have been more prudent for Elrick to withdraw deeper into the mountain but Elrick wanted to witness the battle between the Giants; such information held value to Starlight Spark and raise its public profile while rehabilitating Elricks own image.
The attack let out by the Boa was an Acid Water type attack and it pushed the Crock-Serpent at least 15m. Elrick was not in the line of fire and the attack could be said to be parallel to Elricks position, but the power of the water jet was unmistakable since for the first time the crocodilian was winded. The Acid Water type attack could rightly be called an Anti-Fortress Water Magic Attack.
The crocodilian took in a breath and let out what Elrick can only describe as a Plasma Beam. It was actually a Wind Magic attack, but the air that had been sucked in had been supercharged to the point where the stream of air being released was filled with Electrical Plasma. Elrick drank 4 High-Potions because he thought that wind would likely be much less contained, and he was fortunate to have done that. The power of the attack was beyond predictions.
The Boa was grazed by the attack as it tried to evade but took damage and parts of its body were scorched. The Beam then moved beyond the Boa carving a path through the forest and taking a chunk out of a mountain on its path to its eventual destination. The Boa Titana wisely decided to run; leaving the clearly stronger Crocodilian to enjoy his meal in peace.
The Hunters Lear was destroyed, and Elrick had barely survived; crawling back into the mountain. The only reason he survived is that he was wearing Level 2 Armour in a Hunters Lear, and had drunk a number of potions including 4 High-Potions. Elricks Armour and Customized Bow-Sword were destroyed by the proximity to the attack while in a Shielded Hunters Lear.
Elrick now understood why Barrier Magic was so important on Ado; why nations spent the bulk of their budgets on Psionic Barriers for the Towns and Cities.
- - -
- - -
Chapter 22: The Truth in All Things
- - -
- - -
Arc 2: The Power of Knowledge
- - -
- - -
= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
= Other
- - -
Chapter 22: The Truth in All Things
- - -
Part 1
- - -
At Starlight Sparks offices on Atlantis the Boards of Starlight Spark and Falcros Sage Media had been meeting. It was a RET day later than Elrick had thought but it took time to prepare documentation across international boundaries, and it would take some time for all the documentation to be properly signed and circulated around the world for all the signatures necessary to make the sale of equity binding in all jurisdictions where Starlight Spark operated.
Fortunately Falcros Sage Media had done all the legal footwork and consulted independent assessors to evaluate all the legalities even before the proposal was made to Starlight Spark. All that remained was the due diligence on the value of both companies and since Elrick, Edwin, Jason, Estelle and Carol had all signed the sale agreements the transaction was feta complete. All that remained was for the other shareholders to sign off, the amounts settled and for the papers to be filed with the relevant authorities.
The association agreement between Starlight Spark and Falcros Sage Media gave exclusive commercial image management rights of Starlight Spark to Falcros Sage Media. That meant that Falcros Sage Media would handle all publicity, video editing and revenue collection for the Starlight Spark Clan and all its members. For its efforts Falcros Sage Media would take a standard 15% fee on the income from the publication of videos and other media.
- - -
With the paperwork out of the way the meting now focused on what Falcros Sage Media would need to change about Starlight Spark to make their videos more productive. The latest video of Elricks activities on Chaos Island would become the first major project and Falcros Sage Media had already done some preliminary edits and now showed it to everyone at the meeting.
They watched the video detailing Elricks encounter with the Ants, Squid-Slime and the Serpents.
Carol : " You really are an Annihilator"
Elrick : " Eh? What do you mean?"
Elrick is somewhat surprised.
Carol : " Didnt you just destroy an entire Colony of Ants that are much stronger than you?"
Elrick : " But.?"
Carol : " And do you know whats on the other end of that Beam from that Thunder Serpent?"
Elrick : " Other end?"
Carol : " Let me show you"
The Display at the centre of the round table shows a Beam striking the edge of a Beastial village on Chaos Island; obliterating the defences and killing dozens.
Elrick : " Wait? You cant blame me for that?"
Elrick is determined to avoid taking responsibility.
Edwin : " You started the chain of events did you not?"
Elrick : " Its not my fault"
Carol : " No; you attacked the Serpent"
Edwin : " And the Roar brought in the Boa"
Jason : " And a clash of Titans began"
Grinder : " Titan?"
Elrick : " Giant Serpents belong to the Titans of the First Age."
Bowden : " And you attacked even knowing that? Are you an Idiot?"
Elrick shrugged his shoulders.
Elrick : " At the time it sounded like a good Idea"
Egret Collins : " Youre a really strange Prion"
Lady Lorelei : " You can say that again."
Egret Collins is the Managing Director of Falcros Sage Media.
Hammerin : " Prion?
Staffen : " Whats a Prion?"
Egret Collins : " Right; perhaps its best to first fully explain."
Lady Lorelei : " Anton, Carol; please explain."
Anton : " Prion is the Name weve given ourselves"
Carol : " Prion stands for Prior One; thus Prions are the Prior Ones."
After the other 16 Starlight Executives look at each other in stunned surprise Anton and Carol continue the explanation.
Anton and Carol explain in detail about the talents of the acutely intelligent beings known as Prions. They explain the history of the Prions, and for the first time even Bowden understands that hed been given a simplified version. They explain about the Advanced Learning Institutes and similar centres all over the world. They explain the stated purpose of the Advanced Learning Institutes but also go into detail about the underlying Goals of the ALI and similar structures.
The way they explained it Prions are humans as they should be or as they used to be; unlimited in their ability to learn. The consensus amongst Prions is that over the past millennia humans have been progressively herded into narrow thinking and behaviour by those who had an interest in controlling the populace and thereby limiting natural inclinations of humans to rise above their limitations.
According to Anton and Carol Prions have tended to spring up and rock the boat but have generally been contained by the authorities. However every now and then Prions would start a revolution through invention or political actions. Being Prion isnt something necessarily genetic so even if you kill all the Prions theyll still emerge at some point in the future.
The room was silent once Anton and Carol finished the explanation.
Ring : " Are you the Illuminati?"
Elrick : " Crap!"
Elrick knows that the entrenched belief of the Illuminati bogyman is hard to deal with.
Anton : " The Bavarian Illuminati might have been a Prion group, but theres no way of knowing. But the goal of global enlightenment or illumination is one we share."
Carol : " Prions arent necessarily Homogeneous, but because of our common enemy we tend to aligned in our goals."
Armlet : " Enemy?"
Arrow : " The Elite you spoke of?"
Anton : " Understand that this is mostly conjecture, and we have never been able to pinpoint who they are exactly."
Carol : " We only see evidence of their activities, but it is compelling."
Anton : " Human Civilizations seems older than the pseudo science of Archaeology is willing to accept. Western Science in particular is restrictive and operates like a cartel where a few sitting in ivory towers proclaim what is accepted as science and what is not. The very few have promoted grave-robbing to an accepted science. There seem to be a concerted effort to ignore all evidence that runs contrary to the concocted narrative about human civilization."
Carol : " Sunken cities all over the world are revealing a truth long dismissed by the Science Gurus and it is now obvious that there were towns and cities even 30,000 years ago. There are 40,000 year old mines in South Africa and human settlements dating back 150,000 years. As if thats not enough proof theres the long standing problem of Megalithic Structures all over the world; even sunken ones. Someone had the technology to move massive 1,000 ton monuments and obelisks thousands of years ago."
Anton : " Theres an emerging Prion consensus about a civilization originating from a place called Aten Lantea; more commonly known as Atlantis
Carol : " We call them Lanteans"
Anton : " From the elusive age of the Pyramids of Ancient Kemet now Egypt, to the mystery of Puma Punku, to Carnac, Stonehenge and other structures; it all points to a technologically advance culture capable of moulding Megalithic Structures that can endure for thousands of years."
Carol : " Now world class surgeons have extracted implants in people; the implants are made from Amorphous Materials our modern technology cant identify."
Anton : " The Amorphous Materials are the Absolute proof that someone has Technology that no Science Lab in any country can identify. It suggests a technology not derived from the current level of modern science."
Carol : " It is postulated that the Start of the end of the Ice Age some 21,000 years ago ending some 10,000 years ago reshaped the landmass of the world; about 25 million square kilometres of land was swallowed up by the sea. However before the melting the landmass of the Earth looked very different and because of the sunken cities we know that there was a civilization. We are convinced that the pre-deluge civilization had advanced technology that we are unfamiliar with. Weve noted a concerted effort to drive our civilization towards certain types of technology and away from others."
Anton : " Nonetheless we can conclude that Megalithic Structures, the UFO phenomenon, Ancient Gods and modern Religions are somehow connected to this place called Aten Lantea."
Carol : " We dont know why the Lantean Civilization fell but it is unlikely that all Lanteans died with it, and its much more probable that they had some kind of continuity of government or Ark project. These refugees from Aten Lantea apparently settled all over the world and the evidence suggest that they enslaved the human race and masqueraded as gods. For whatever reason Lanteans see themselves as different from humans and theres been suggestions that theyve genetically modified themselves to have different abilities to humans. The prevailing analysis is that Lanteans are somehow more than human and theyve integrated themselves into human society and now govern humanity from the shadows."
Anton : " Just because its a conspiracy theory doesnt negate its probability. In fact there is so much evidence for this that its those who argue against it that sound a bit on the ridiculous. However the average human is an Idiot so even things that look obvious to a Prion seem insurmountable to normal people."
Daggerin : " So these Lanteans are the Illuminati?"
Carol : " What was the crime of the Illuminati? Why were they demonized?"
Anton : " All they did was try to pursue Liberty for Humanity. Is that really that big a deal?"
Elrick : " Liberty from Superstitions was their crime; the Church didnt like the idea of anyone contradicting them. They were lucky they didnt get killed; burned at the stake as heretics."
Anton : " The Illuminati was branded as Evil for trying to free mankind from Superstitious beliefs. Just as Lucifer son of the Morning was branded evil for giving knowledge to humans. We suspect Lucifer and Prometheus are the same Lantean individual; a god who sided with humans. What is so wrong about eating of the fruit of knowledge?"
Carol : " It sounds like a Lantean plot to dissuade humanity from learning."
Anton : " The religions of the world seem to be about binding humanity and keeping us from advancing beyond set limits, and once religious belief started to loose power we started to see radical political ideologies such as nationalism and the associated xenophobia and racism."
Carol : " The Lanteans seem to have Collaborators who gain wealth and power over their compatriots through service to their Lantean Masters."
Anton : " Today we cant trust our governments, and I dont know if we ever could. Those who wield power in this world do so in the name of their masters; be it in business or government."
Carol : " Sure there are some independents here and there, but the powers that be dont have to be in direct control to manipulate you."
Anton : " They control humans in ways we dont understand."
Carol : " And therein lays the problem; we think that some Lantean Factions are for lack of a better description Psychic."
Anton : " It sounds incredulous; I know, believe me I know."
Carol : " Prions around the world have for 50 years collected mountains of evidence and over time it became apparent that they have some method of managing humanity; influencing us in ways we cant overcome."
Hammerin : " Let me see If Im getting this right; these Lanteans have somehow pulled the wool over everyones eyes and control humanity like were some kind of cattle. Why?"
Daggerin : " Why bother putting on this show?"
Anton : " Why? Theres no simple answer to that question, but what we no is that Lanteans are not Homogeneous. So you have multiple competing agendas. I believe that Aten Lantea was not a country but an Empire and the end of the Ice age triggered strife as the empire broke up. Some say there was even a Nuclear war given the large scale Vitrification in places like the Indus Valley parts of Africa and other sites."
Carol : " Theres no definitive answer because they dont feel the need to explain themselves to us; to humanity. Whichever way you look at it we are the lesser beings, and the Lantean factions do with us as they see fit. We have no ability to fight back against such power; not our military technology, physical abilities nor our mental abilities can compare."
Swordin : " Even so; you still intend to fight? Knowing full well you cant win?"
Elrick : " Im not fighting anything; Im just trying to survive"
Lady Lorelei : " Still trying to run away?"
Elrick : " Damm Right! Ill never stop trying to run or find a place to run to."
Lorelei sighs.
Anton : " We cant help opposing the Lanteans; throwing a spanner in their plans is sort of what we do or what it means to be a Prion."
Carol : " We are a herd that cant be herded; we go where the information trail leads because that is our food. We are probably the biggest hindrance to whatever plans the Lanteans have for humanity; this experiment they been running for 10,000 years. I suspect Prions have been mucking the works from the very beginning; that is likely why they tried to make knowledge taboo."
Anton : " They cant destroy Prions because its like its hardwired into every human. Which is why we think the answer has to be making every human into a Prion."
Carol : " You could call it Prion reproduction; its our biological imperative."
Bowden : " Why Realm Eternal?"
Anton : " Good Question! Why? Because its suspicious thats why."
Carol : " The ALI centres were conceived and implemented by Prion groups working independently of each other as Prion cultivation centres; they provide the one thing a Prion needs to fully mature."
Anton : " Its not unusual for a Prion to be limited by their environment; never maturing into the universal knowledge mind that epitomizes what we are. Thanks to the ALI and similar institutes theres a Prion boom, and the world is being remade by the large presence of a group who wont accept anything on faith. We investigate, we research and we pioneer. The Lanteans find it hard to deal with us; were not gonna believe a voice in the wilderness claiming to be God, were not gonna accept that some knowledge is forbidden and our minds are to complex too accept subtle manipulations. Therefore the only way they can get a Prion to do something is to convince us, and that means giving a detailed explanation of their activities and intensions."
Carol : " As you might expect the Lanteans arent about to share their Super secret knowledge with us mere mortals. Realm Eternal seems too secure; almost as if it was made to thwart Lantean interference."
Anton : " It seems as though it was made by someone fully aware of the Lanteans; Prions. If Realm Eternal was made by Prions then its likely yet another Giant Spanner in the works; just like virtual reality."
Swordin : " Virtual Reality?"
Carol : " Virtual Reality is probably the biggest blunder the Lanteans have made in 10,000 years; it will undo everything theyve built."
Anton : " Virtual Reality is a game changer; a wracking ball on the global order."
Carol : " It is chaos incarnate and will reverse the gains made by the powers that be. I suspect that in 10 years the global industrial output would have halved"
Hammerin : " Virtual Reality will do that?"
Elrick : " What do you suppose is Europes advantage over India, Africa or South America?"
Hammerin : " Hmmmm .. Could it be public infrastructure?"
Elrick : " Not just the Public infrastructure but infrastructure in general. Virtual Reality removes that advantage; suddenly students in the third world can gain access to the best schools, libraries and technology at a fraction of the cost of the built up stuff in Europe. But the situation is even more complex than anticipated; we are looking at the erosion of entire industries."
Chester : " Its not just about Schools is it?"
Elrick : " No; Its the New World Order!"
Rapier : " When you put it like that it sounds like the machinations often depicted of the Illuminati."
Elrick : " We are already seeing a 4% decline in global manufacturing despite all the Advent Consortiums increase in production. Looking at it its readily apparent why the Governments who own the Advent Consortium refused to hand over VR technology to the private sector; it would have been like shooting themselves in the foot. The over $500 Billion being spent on VR by Advent Consortium at an alarming rate is designed to be anti-competitive; that is it is meant to make the emergence of competing VR infrastructure unprofitable. This is multi-State monopoly; a deliberate attempt to take back control of the global economy from the Corporate Elite."
Bowden : " A Corporate Elite aligned to the Lanteans?"
Elrick : " A Global Corporate Order built by the Lanteans to serve their interests. The minute an AIVRE was built Lantean control of the world weakened. Because no matter how powerful they are an AI can see through their plans; finally humanity had a method of understanding what they are doing. It is predictable that these AIVRE systems in government hands are running simulations on the Lantean problem, and solutions are forthcoming. Its likely that the Lanteans have their own AIs and the like, but their world order is unravelling, and Virtual Reality is the Instrument of destruction."
Staffen : " Are you suggesting that the Governments will deliberately gut their own economies?"
Boot : " Politicians are all about Survival; so how will they survive with their economies in ruin?"
Elrick : " Politicians are naturally inclined towards control, and in the current Global Order they have no control of their national economies; that control rests with the Oligarchy that is the cartel of the Corporate Elite. The only reason the Politicians havent rebelled is that it wasnt politically feasible."
Shieldor : " Youre saying its feasible now?"
Elrick : " Virtual Reality has made it feasible. Im not sure the Lanteans were deliberately trying to drive the humans over the cliff, and I think its more likely its the Prions who were essentially driving humanity to extinction. I mean its not like we get together and plan developments; on the contrary we all tend to go our own way and do our own thing. In mortifying imitation of Lanteans we develop increasingly destructive technologies; moving the civilization ever closer to the precipice. Granted the intellectual capacity to notice the oncoming disaster we close our eyes to it and power through as if driven to flirt with the abyss because we feel completely out of control; we sense that someone else is in control and ruining the world feels like the only real choice we have."
Shieldor : " But how is it feasible?"
Elrick : " India, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Thailand and Vietnam are all on an unsustainable developmental economic trajectory. The United States and its NATO allies are in decline as the pre-Eminent Political and economic powers. China is facing an ecological catastrophe, but they cant shut down their factories because their people need jobs. However Virtual Reality changes the dynamics and the developed country level quality of life can be reached in Virtual Reality at a fraction of the cost. Why go to a Bar to drink actual alcohol when you can do it in Virtual Reality and suffer no after-effects. Even eating food becomes a different prospect; in real life we can have nutritionally balanced healthy synthetic or organic food while in Virtual Reality we eat leisurely. The point is that all the leisure industries will shrink by 85% with 10 years; restaurants, hotels, bars and taverns. Then comes the homes we live in; do we really need that garden? Do we even need windows? Why not just live in the Virtual Realm and only get out to complete the absolute necessities? And so TVs, couches and many other household appliances become redundant. In the end the government only has to deal with 3 things Food, Electricity and Virtual Reality. In this scenario a poor country does the math and quickly comes to the conclusion that buying capsules for every citizen is cheaper than providing and maintaining public infrastructure. This is an exodus."
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Bowden : " Dammit Elrick! Why didnt you tell us?"
Bowden flashes Elrick an annoyed look to which Elrick responds with a shrug.
Elrick : " And ruin the surprise? Dont assume that Prions are a tree hugging cuddly bunch who want to save the world; were just like the normal humans in that were driven by our selfish desires. Besides no one in this room is a commoner, we are all far removed from the common man."
Daggerin : " What do you mean? I interact with normal people all the time."
Elrick : " You think so? All of us here paid upwards of $1000 for the Augmented Reality Goggles, and they identify people, devices and buildings for us; isnt it just like in Virtual Reality? Already in real life the goggles produce a popup of everything in the modern world, and everyone who has access to such devices has access to the knowledge level of a Prion. Therefore by that definition the rich are pseudo Prions."
As expected there was a nearly endless stream of questions until the Starlight Execs were given answers they could understand.
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Part 2
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With the subject of Prions dealt with to a satisfactory level the discussions moved on to the applications to Realm Eternal; specifically the goals of the 2 companies in Realm Eternal. Now that everyone understood the Importance of Virtual Reality and its eventual ascendance to the centre of human society they could no longer treat it as a side project; everyone had to be fully engaged, and they all had to align their goals towards a convergent purpose.
The subject of a Realm Eternal country came up.
Daggerin : " If were talking about setting up a country shouldnt we include the other Nova Clans in the discussions?"
Lady Lorelei : " What would be the point of that? The others dont bring anything to the table that we dont already have, and by that reasoning including them in the planning will only make the process tedious. Besides weve already received Mithriliars consent so that should be enough."
Daggerin : " And the only consent you need from Starlight is Elricks right?"
Egret Collins : " If were being completely honest; yes. Its true that Elricks consent is all that is legally necessary since hes the majority stockholder, but Elrick himself values your opinion and desires your consent, and thats why you are seeing full disclosure. Elrick isnt particularly special except for the fact that he is family to our major shareholders, so we need Elrick because they need him."
Bowden : " Ah; youre in the same boat as us?"
Egret Collins : " Well; yes. Ordinarily it would have been preferable for Elrick to be in Winged Sage Falcros but this and that happened "
He looks over at Lorelei.
Lady Lorelei : " Eh?"
Seeing Egret look at her accusingly Lorelei guiltily looks away.
Egret Collins : " We have to make due with the situation as it is. That being said its convenient for our purposes that Elrick has been so successful; it has become easier to implement our grand strategy because Starlight is in this premier position. Given how important virtual reality is becoming we have to be fully committed to this project, and given that Falcros has a goal of wielding power through influence with Atlantians forming a Realm Eternal country is perfectly logical."
Grinder : " Im more interested in how you plan to finance this country; the security, the buildings and so on"
Bowden : " Given the power of the monstrosities that live in this world no town can do without a Barrier. That alone would probably pose the biggest challenge, and then theres the political system followed by military infrastructure. I dont see how it would be affordable at this point in time."
Elrick : " I think the expectation is that Starlight will finance the project."
Grinder : " The hell we will!"
Elrick : " Ordinarily Id be with you Grinder, but Ive discovered a construction method and security system that would be affordable."
Grinder : " Really? Lets hear it."
Elrick : " Basically all the valuable land has already been taken by Ado natives. All the land that has natural resources is desired by Demons, Monsters and other countries. That means the only lands available to Atlantians that are currently 25 times weaker than the average Native are the territories they dont want. The average includes children and infants who are 25-30% of the overall population. The average soldier has an HP thats over 20,000 that gives you an idea of the difference in power. That means the primary threat to any Country we set up will invariably come from people who covet our property. This one issue restricts the locations we can select to those we can support from friendly territories. Therefore the territory viable for our purposes is the one bordering the Commonwealth lands to the north."
Bowden : " The desert?"
Grinder : " Its too hot, theres no water and there are sand worms."
Elrick : " But it fits the purpose; no one wants it, its close to Cobalt City and the desert is a natural barrier. Admittedly the lack of water is a serious problem but this is a magical Realm after all; it may not be possible to conjure water from nothing but it should be relatively easier to pipe the water from the sea."
Bowden : " Pipe the water from the sea? If were to remain close to Cobalt City it means a 1000km long pipeline. The cost will be ridiculous!"
Grinder : " Even if you take into account the use of construction magic the 1000km long pipeline would be hard to build and protect."
Elrick : " I understand that magic isnt a panacea. So I propose that we dig to 1.5-2km deep and then tunnel all the way to the ocean. Given the topology of the area it would put us at least 470m below sea level by the time we reach the ocean. That would make it possible to construct an underground lake to make water available to water Mages for purification."
Anton : " Dig a 1000km tunnel? I like it!"
Carol : " I think hiring the Earth Mages would be a challenge since theyre in demand for mining; it could get expensive."
Bowden : " I think Elrick is planning to do the digging himself."
Anton : " Really? Elrick; Lets see your stats."
Elrick : " Show ?Status?"
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Frop
Name: Elrick Starlight
Alias: Annihilator
Race: High Elf of Light
Profession: Director of Starlight Spark
Titles: None
Clan Affiliation: Starlight Spark
Clan Chief: Elrick Starlight
Clan Faction: Nova Horizon
HP = 6691MP = 2975Atk = 454.469Deff = 502.534
Attributes:
Strength = 257 ( + 150) - Agility = 224 ( + 200) - Dexterity = 133 ( + 50) - Durability = 277 ( + 150) - Endurance = 285 ( + 200) - Sensitivity = 8 - Vitality = 153 ( + 100) - Eyesight = 82 - Charisma = 1 - Leadership = 1 - Awareness = 148 ( + 50) - Reputation = 0 - Observation = 275 ( + 50) - Knowledge = 310 ( + 50) - Wisdom = 463 ( + 50) - Intelligence = 412 ( + 50)
Skills:
Mana Shaping = 1017
Magic Skill = 1669
Magic Sub-Skills, Affinity & Proficiency:
Earth Magic Exp = 0 ;Aff = 5;Prof = 5 - Fire Magic Exp = 0 ;Aff = 5;Prof = 5 - Wind Magic EXP = 0 ;Aff = 5;Prof = 5 - Water Magic EXP = 0 ;Aff = 2.5 ;Prof = 2.5- Ice Magic Exp = 0 ;Aff = 2.5 ;Prof = 2.5 - Alchemy Magic Exp = 294 ;Aff = 5;Prof = 5 - Appraisal Magic Exp = 284 ;Aff = 5;Prof = 5 - Enchantments Magic Exp = 0 ;Aff = 5;Prof = 55 Light Magic Exp = 22 ;Aff = 5;Prof = 5 - Plant Magic Exp = 0 ;Aff = 2.5 ;Prof = 2.5 - Psionic Magic Exp = 0 ;Aff = 5;Prof = 5 - Rune Magic Exp = 15 ;Aff = 5;Prof = 5 - Sound Magic Exp = 0 ;Aff = 5;Prof = 5- Shadow Magic Exp = 0 ;Aff = 1;Prof = 1.
Physical Combat Skills= Click to View
Corporeal Skills= Click to View
Auxiliary Skills= Click to View
Crafting Skills= Click to View
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Jason : " Eh?"
Edwin : " HeHeHeHe"
Lady Lorelei : " Show me your skills in Detail?"
Elrick : " Show Skills"
Frop
Elricks Skills
Physical Combat:
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- Archery.
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- LongBow.
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- ?LongBow Arts?.
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- Bow.
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- ?Bow Arts?.
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- Spearing.
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- Spear.
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- ?Spear Arts?.
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- Shielding.
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- Shield.
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- ?Shield Arts?.
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- Blade.
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- Blades.
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- ?Blade Arts?.
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- Gunnery.
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- Rifle.
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- ?Rifle Arts?.
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- Gun.
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- ?Gun Arts?.
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- Axe Hammer.
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- Hammer.
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- ?Hammer Arts?.
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- Axe.
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- ?Axe Arts?.
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- Sword.
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- ?Sword Arts?.
Magic Skills:
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- Mana Shaping.
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- Earth Magic.
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- ?Rock Bullet?.
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- ?Earth Hand?.
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- ?Earth Wall?.
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- Fire Magic.
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- ?Fire Bullet?.
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- ?Fire Hand?.
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- ?Fire Wall?.
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- Wind Magic.
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- ?Wind Blade?.
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- ?Wind Spear?.
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- ?Wind Hand?.
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- ?Wall of Wind?.
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- Water Magic.
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- ?Water Bullet?.
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- ?Water Hand?.
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- ?Water Wall?.
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- Ice Magic.
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- ?Ice Bullet?.
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- ?Ice Hand?.
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- ?Ice Wall?.
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- Plant Magic.
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- Light Magic.
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- ?Basic Light Magic?.
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- Shadow Magic.
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- Appraisal Magic.
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- ?Basic Appraisal Magic?.
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- Alchemy Magic.
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- ?Basic Alchemy Magic?.
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- Sound Magic.
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- Psionic Magic.
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- Enchantments Magic.
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- Rune Magic.
Corporeal Skills:
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- Elf Eyes.
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- Basic Elf Eyes
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- Elf Ears.
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- Basic Elf Ears
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- Elf Nose.
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- Basic Elf Nose
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- Physical-Increase
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- Strength-Increase
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- Speed-Increase
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- Body-Harden
Auxiliary Skills:
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- Cooking.
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- Basic Cooking.
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- Foraging.
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- Basic Foraging.
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- Survival.
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- Basic Survival.
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- Linguistics.
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- Basic Linguistics.
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- Mining.
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- Basic Mining.
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- Map Reading.
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- Basic Map Reading.
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- Mapping.
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- Basic Mapping.
Crafting Skills:
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- Tool Making.
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- Basic Tool Making.
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- Construction.
?
- Basic Construction.
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- Repair Magic.
?
- Basic Repair Magic.
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Edwin : " This is ?"
Jason : " Completely .."
Carol : " Idiotic!"
Egret Collins : " Its like youre an Idiot, but we know youre smart so; youre a dumb smart guy?
Anton : " You realize that a Jack of all Trades doesnt work in reality right?"
Carol : " If you spread your skills so wide you wont be able to grow them any useful state. Realm Eternal is brutal about EXP gain; there isnt enough time to level all those skills without others leaving you behind."
Egret Collins : " Your Mana Shaping is impressive though, and I can appreciate that you currently have survival needs, but even so people whove taken up some of these skill have grown them substantially faster because they havent spread themselves this widely. Given what Im seeing its crucial that All the Starlight Execs take part in our Memory Imprints protocol."
Anton : " We made a Deal with 5 Academy professors for Memory Imprints at 50 Gold Coins per person."
Carol : " The fields chosen are; Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Geology and Mathematics. All of the fields are recognizable but the knowledge has a magical twist.
Egret Collins : " We intend to take all of the members of Winged Sage Falcros through the imprints. Prions have a fairly good grasp of the subjects but there are only 74 Prions in Winged Sage Falcros."
Lady Lorelei : " If Starlight is to interact with us at meaningful level the knowledge level has to change for the better. And if it works it will validate one of the core goals of Prions."
Axil : " If we get the Memory Imprints we get smarter?"
Anton : " In simple terms; yes! The Memory Imprints are at the technical level of a Masters Degree so if you want more youll have to go to a research institute to buy a Magical Heritage at some 10,000 Gold Coins."
Swordin : " This deal you worked out sounds fine; affordable to Starlight I think."
Egret Collins : " Good"
Carol : " To think Elrick would do something this outlandish; really Elrick?"
Lady Lorelei : " Elrick; your Status looks terrible unless youre going for a full Mana Build. Elrick; Are you aiming for ?Divine Protection??"
Swordin : " ?Divine Protection??"
Bowden : " Whats that?"
Hammerin : " Is there something that offers ?Divine Protection? in Realm Eternal? I thought there were no Gods?"
Daggerin : " There arent any Gods; it says so on the Phoenix Website."
Egret Collins : " ?Divine Protection? Is a Restricted Magic Spell; granted only to Nobility with the peerage rank of Laird and above. A Laird with5,000 Clansman and 1000 Soldiers is granted the right to purchase the Spell at a cost of 2000 Gold Coins and gains the Ability to grant ?Divine Protection? to Clansman."
Edwin : " ?Divine Protection? is less impressive than it sounds; all it does is grant your Clansman access to your Mana."
Shieldor : " Mana transfer? To those of us with low Mana it could be a Lifesaver."
Bowden : " And its probably why Elrick is going down that path; being able to affect the flow of battle by topping up his allies is Elricks style after all."
Egret Collins : " Natives never use ?Divine Protection? because MP potions are an easier alternative and the Nobility is aristocratic after all; something like that isnt in keeping with that culture."
Lady Lorelei : " To think you would go that way? It seems as though youve come to terms with who and what you are."
Elrick : " Ive made peace with it."
Lady Lorelei : " Good to hear. Lets hear how you plan to build cheaply then."
Elrick : " Right; The answer to the questions likely in everyones mind is Termite Mounds. Basically I want to capture a few giant termite queens and orderly set up Termite Mounds like Skyscrapers in any modern City, and once the colony reaches a peak well harvest the Termites to serve as nourishment for the Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant. The second part of my plan involves using the Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant as a Border wall."
Egret Collins : " Arent those Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant a bit too dangerous? What if the Spores are blown to a town by the wind?"
Anton : " And the Crystal Plants themselves are also extremely dangerous they are just as likely to kill friendly and enemy alike."
Carol : " Its not like the Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant isnt available on Ado; its just that its kept in restricted gardens for public safety. The Spores need to be kept moist in a mucosal substance and arent airborne, and they primarily spread through physical contact. A well prepared enemy could just as easily break through a forest of carnivorous Crystal Plants, but doing so will require a lot of preparation and resources."
Edwin : " I think thats Elricks point; a deterrence more than anything."
Jason : " Breaking through 100km of Crystal Plant forest would pose a significant challenge to even the better off countries of Ado."
Lady Lorelei : " Is that why you had Bowden take all the bodies of the dead Calimado fighters? Do you plan to use them as food for the Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant?"
Elrick : " No; my plan is to use the bodies to grow the larvae of the 5cm long variant of the housefly. The larvae will be the food for the Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant. I think its important that we decide on the type of country we want to build, and for at least 5 years RET Ill have public service obligations as part of the leniency shown by the Light Elf king for my crimes."
Lady Lorelei : " That means you already decided on the model, and since Starlight is in the stronger position the rest of Nova has to go along with it if we want to keep Starlight in Nova."
Elrick : " I wouldnt exactly put it that way ."
Egret Collins : " But thats how it is. Were not accusing you of anything, but we know the score, and youve worked hard enough to earn the right to take the lead. And since were dependent well follow without complaints; as long as our goals are aligned."
Elrick : " Thanks"
Edwin : " So what sort of Country do you want?"
Elrick : " A federation of 8 Territories; the Crimson Hand, the Flame Swords, Red Blade, Winged Sage Falcros, the Forever Knights, Sage, Starlight Spark and Nova Horizon would all be Constituent States. Be it Kingdom or Republic each Constituent States will organize their territory and govern it as they see fit within the limits of the Federal Constitution. The finer details will have to be worked out with the full Nova Horizon council, but Starlight Sparks position is that everyone must carry their own weight; Im not keen on having slackers reap the benefits of Starlight Sparks hard work."
Jason : " So you plan to be a King?"
Elrick : " Eventually"
Carol : " I suppose youll want to build 8 cities instead of 1 mega city?"
Elrick : " If we build it right on the Border we can divide a semicircle into 8 equal territories all centred on a single point; the capital. The Capital itself will be 8 Cities made to look like one."
Egret Collins : " Its needlessly complicated but doable. Lets hear more then."
Elrick continued his explanations.
- - -
- - -
- - -
Chapter 23: Even Failure is a Teacher
- - -
- - -
Arc 2: The Power of Knowledge
- - -
- - -
= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
= Other
- - -
Chapter 23: Even Failure is a Teacher
- - -
Part 1
- - -
Suddenly a Starlight Spark Corporal walked into the Conference Room. Bowden motioned him over to him and he whispered into Bowdens ear.
Bowden : " Make your Report Corporal"
Corporal : " Yes Sir"
The Corporal looks over at Elrick.
Elrick : " Proceed!"
Corporal : " Message from Faction High Command; A Labyrinth has manifested in the Coswe mine. A local Low Level Boss Monster sighted. Entire Raid Group Lost to the Boss Monster and its subordinates. Requesting immediate assistance."
The room goes silent.
Elrick : " What is it; whats the Boss Monster?"
Corporal : " Its a Greater PitRat Sir."
Egret Collins : " Thats it; Rodions Commission is a failure."
Lady Lorelei : " Yeah"
Everyone seems to sigh in resignation.
Elrick : " Really? Just like that?"
Lady Lorelei : " It cant be helped"
Bowden : " Thank you Corporal; inform Chief Mithriliar that we are on our way."
Corporal : " Yes sir"
The Corporal disappears as he logs back into Realm Eternal.
Elrick : " Isnt it just a PitRat?"
Lady Lorelei : " No; Its a Greater PitRat were dealing with. It would be called a Demon PitRat if it was normally available near Towns and Cities. But it doesnt matter at this point we have no capacity to defeat a Golem in the form of a Labyrinth."
Elrick : " Right; I forget that Labyrinths in Realm Eternal are actually a naturally occurring Golem."
Lady Lorelei : " It would take a king rank Earth Mage to located and destroy the Golems Core. Rodions Commission is not aligned with the requirements."
Elrick : " You think they set us up?"
Lady Lorelei : " By the looks of things its a new Labyrinth, but its highly unlikely that they didnt notice. Its more likely they used us to buy themselves more time; our success or failure was inconsequential to them. Its our fault for taking up Rodions Commission without conducting a full analysis.
Elrick : " Bastards! Milady; Are you going out there?"
Lady Lorelei : " Yes; I have to. It is at time like this that a leader has to step up; to raise the spirits of those you lead in the midst of despair."
Elrick looks like someone in awe of Lady Lorelei; his mouth curves upwards to reveal a broad smile.
Elrick : " As expected of the Lady Lorelei."
Lady Lorelei : " Bowden; Ill see you out there?"
Bowden : " Yes Milady."
Lady Lorelei : " Elrick; walk me out"
Elrick : " Okay"
As Lorelei follows Elrick out of the conference room she notices that instead of heading for the door he heads for the Executive office; hed properly understood that she would like to talk to him privately before she heads back to Realm Eternal.
Lady Lorelei : " I just wanted to give you feedback on the combat utilization on the OverSkill you discovered."
She speaks as she sits on one of the office sofas and Elrick retrieves 2 bottled drinks from the fridge.
Elrick : " Right; how was it in actual combat?"
Lady Lorelei : " Its a true OverSkill; capable of briefly overwhelming a near-peer in mle. However Im concerned that its combat utilization is restricted by the ability to process the information coming through from the use of the side-effect of using the ?Analyze? spell leaving the target wrapped in your Mana thus giving hints about the targets movements and skill activation.
Elrick : " I see"
Lady Lorelei : " Its a fantastic OverSkill, but its not exactly user friendly. I was able to overwhelm Lenora because I had boosted Agility and Strength but the OverSkill gave an added advantage to my movements; allowing me to seal-off attempts to recover. It would be great if the OverSkill was a little easier to use."
Elrick : " Ive also noticed that its a little cumbersome, and I also deduced that it would be difficult to effectively use the OverSkill in combat. So I started coming up with methods to reduce the severity of the shortcomings."
Lady Lorelei : " What did you come up with?"
Elrick : " The only way is to grow smarter and improve our mental reflexes."
Lady Lorelei : " Thats what we came up with last time; unless your saying you found a way to speed-up the process?"
Elrick : " I dont know if it would improve our mental disciplines, but I thing it would make using the OverSkill in combat a lot easier."
A slight frown flashes across Loreleis face and is replaced by a wry smile.
Lady Lorelei : " What do you have?"
Elrick : " In my Memory Imprints theres some info about military research that tried to bond people to Level 3 Golems; the experiments were disastrous but they may hold the key."
Lady Lorelei : " Just what sort of Memory Imprints did you get?"
Loreleis face shows a worried look.
Elrick : " My Memory Imprints were unconventional but nothing dangerous; just someone who had a lot of access during his long career."
Lady Lorelei : " I hope so. In any case since Golems are so important to security on Ado we at Falcros took a look at them and came upon the same research; Golem implants are dangerous. The Golems had a nasty habit of overwhelming tendency to overwhelm the mind of the host. Level 3 Golem implants are only Viable for people with over 5000 EXP in Intelligence, Wisdom and Knowledge."
Elrick : " That only applies to implants using Level 3 Military Grade Combat Golems, and that means a Level 3 Golem optimised for maximum firepower using a Class 5 Golem Core. As you know Golem Core range from Class 1 to 10; a Class 1 Golem Core is the ones used in Cleaning Gels, Slimes and other rudimentary bots. A Class 10 Golem Core is capable of running an entire planet; or more accurately a Class 10 Golem Core coordinates the Class 9 to Class 7 that run systems on a planet."
Lady Lorelei : " Are you suggesting that we customize and repurpose a Golem Core as an Intelligence Augment?"
Elrick : " Thats exactly what Im saying; its the only viable method. We strip out the other functions of the Golem Cores programming and turn it into an analysis engine. A Class 4 Golem Core at 3.2cm diameter is small enough to fit in the brain, or we could choose a Class 5 Golem Core at 10.7cm diameter and implant it within the Chest; perhaps even both."
Lady Lorelei : " It could work."
Elrick recognizes from the look in Loreleis face that shes in deep thought; considering what hes been saying. As not to disrupt her thoughts Elrick quietly waits for several minutes as she considers her options.
Elrick : " Well?"
Lady Lorelei : " My cursory assessment suggests that implanting a Class 4 Golem Core is feasible, but the Class 5 Golem Core is impractical."
Elrick : " Impractical; why?"
She shoots him an incredulous look.
Lady Lorelei : " For starters implanting a Class 5 Golem Core in the Chest or anywhere in the body would move around things; reducing mobility and associated capabilities. Then theres the problem of the fact that its processing capability is so high that youll end-up with a lot of surplus capacity. Then theres the cost; Class 1 = 1 Gold Coins, Class 2 = 10 Gold Coins, Class 3 = 50 Gold Coins, Class 4 = 100 Gold Coins and Class 5 = 500 Gold Coins. Its impractical."
Elrick : " I see"
Elrick cant help feeling slightly depressed.
Lady Lorelei : " Really? Dont get so depressed and make me look like some kind of naysayer. Its impractical, but that doesnt mean its a complete no-no; especially for a rearguard."
Elrick quickly brightens up and a smile replaces the frown on his face.
Elrick : " Then Ill take both."
Lady Lorelei : " More importantly; this discovery cant be kept secret."
Elrick : " What do you mean?"
Lady Lorelei : " This has Real World Applications, and that means Real World Consequences. This is the sort of thing that if kept secret people will kill for, and I dont want either of us to get killed to protect the secret once the major players realize that youve cracked Augmented Intelligence; Virtually that is."
Elrick : " Oh?"
Lady Lorelei : " Yeah: Im already having to move back to South Africa because my Realm Eternal Fame has made it impossible to live a normal life in the US. The amount of security I need in the US is ridiculous, and Im not keen on being attacked by some crazed Fan. I could move in with relatives in the Netherlands but my Dads compound in the Vineyard is a fortress so its perfect; the bonus being that the Five of us will be within driving distance again."
Elrick : " Damn-it! In my excitement over my discoveries I failed to recognize the danger the both of us in. I hadnt realized that this is important to both Prions and Lanteans. Damn-it!"
Lady Lorelei : " Its Alright ."
Elrick : " No it isnt; the one thing I never want to do again is add to your problems. And here I am blabbering on in my self-importance; completely oblivious to the realities of your situation. People will realize the power of Golem Implants and some may want to limit the knowledge about them; this is a game-changer and I being the simpleton that I truly am failed to notice the implications. Im sorry Estelle."
For a moment Lorelei is taken aback by Elricks reaction and the expression on her face turns serious.
Lady Lorelei : " Elrick I need you to understand that Im not some sheltered girl; Im a grown woman who has lived."
Elrick : " I do understand."
Lady Lorelei : " No you dont! Otherwise you wouldnt try to put me on a pedestal and truly be my friend. If we are to make our friendship work and be Lifelong Companions we will invariably add to each others trouble, but we will also help carry each others burdens; thats what it means Elrick."
Elrick : " Ill I Ill try harder"
Lady Lorelei : " Good. Ill make sure that you get the credit for linking the Golems of Realm Eternal with Augmented Intelligence. Then I suspect things will get rough for us for a while, but itll die down in a few months. Youll be famous for a while longer, but you can handle it. Everything will be alright Nabi; Ill make sure of it."
Elrick : " Thanks Estelle"
She stands up and gives the worried Elrick a tight hug and when she feels him relax in her arms she lets go and vanishes into Realm Eternal.
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Part 2
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On Vampira (one of the 5 hidden Vampire Worlds) the Continental invasion had been blunted by an unexpected enemy. The crafty Vampires had released a virus that caused the body to release Mana. The effects of the Mana virus lasts for 10 to 25 days but it was enough to force the Asgard Continental Republics Armies to retreat to their Beachhead; essentially putting an end to their advance across vampire lands.
The withdrawal of the Asgard Continental Republics Armies would give the vampires the room to reorganize their armies that had been crippled by the speed of the invading force. This was crucial time without which they would be in serious danger of collapsing. But now that the Asgard Continental Republics Armies had been blunted the vampires were confident that the situation would turn into a war of attrition.
The vampires understood that the Asgard Continental Republic would not fight a war of attrition; the Continentals valued their people too much to waist them in an unending war. The vampires understood that as soon as the continentals predicted a war of attrition they would hastily pull out their armies and return to ado. However it was unlikely that the Continentals would abandon their beachhead and the vampires understood that it was only a matter of time before the continentals send the Immortal Atlantians to whittle away at the vampire legions.
None of the Demon races had predicted that the Continentals would conceive of something as nefarious as the Immortal Atlantians. All the Demons understood that the Atlantians are weak, but they recognized that the Atlantians are also Immortal, Fearless and completely under Continental control. The Continentals held the only key to Atlantian Rebirth; the EldarStone. There was no conceivable method to tempt the Atlantians away from the Continentals.
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Safely back on Chaos Island Elricks thoughts couldnt help but be about Golems and Labyrinths. He questioned himself about why he hadnt heard anything on the forums about there being Labyrinths on Chaos Island. He postulated that its very likely that there are Labyrinths but none of the users have ever encountered one; after all the environment on Chaos Island is already more dangerous than the standard Labyrinth on Ado. Though he couldnt help wondering what sort of creature would the Labyrinths Golem Core would allow to take-up residence.
The existence known as Labyrinth is in fact a Golem born from the exposure of an Elemental Wisp to a Mana Event. The most common Mana Incidence to result in a Labyrinth is a Lightning strike. More Labyrinths are born from lightning strikes than any other incident. In the Mana rich environments of the Arello Galaxy the atmospheres are saturated with Mana thus making lightning strikes Mana Events
The Arello Galaxy is full of ancient Labyrinths; some of whom have reached God rank in magical capacity and therefore spawning unique ecosystems to sustain their Mana requirements. Labyrinths allow monsters that dont represent a threat to them to take up residence and thus create a symbiotic relationship where the Labyrinth offers shelter and protection while the monsters supply the Labyrinth with Mana gained by feeding on vegetation or monsters outside the Labyrinth.
Elrick continued what he calls his work of ages; the mining. Over the months Elrick had steadily forgotten about his schedule and prioritized mining the rare minerals because they represented real value. Even so to actually mine and stockpile the ores required the use of the Mining Skill, Appraisal Magic andAlchemy Magic to compact the Ores for storage.
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In Elricks opinion the Ant meat was worse than shit through sheer grit he ate it day in and day out; conserving his original food for moment when he couldnt take the Ant meat anymore. The Ant meat was indicative of the high muscle density of a creature that possessed a Strength and Durability over 1000 EXP. That made the Ant meat extremely hard forcing Elrick to boil it before trying to fry it; boiling in spices like a stew is the only way he could get the meat to absorb spices.
Elrick had previously thought that he would one day eat the exotic meats of legendary beasts like Wyverns and Dragons but now he understood that it would be impossible in the foreseeable future given the difference in the Strength and Durability Stat; you need muscle to chew after all. Right now Elrick was struggling with the Ant meat and in his opinion eating it is hell. The one benefit of such hard meat is that chewing the meat counts as exercise.
Overlooking his stockpile of Ores Elrick immediately realized that he wouldnt have enough space in his various inventories to stow all the ores he can mine despite all his compacting. Elrick had been using the Basic ?Matter Conversion? Set, and the Basic ?Synthesis? Set of Alchemy Magic to convert small ores into larger Ores until they reached the maximum size for an single item to fit inside a Magic Chest; which given that the Magic Chest can hold an entire buffalo meant the ores could reach a significant size.
The larger the Item being manipulated by Alchemy Magic the greater the Mana requirements. Fortunately for Elrick his Mana capacity had reached a level where he could now manipulate large items. Since ?Matter Conversion? would require exhaustive sorting Elrick decide to rely ?Synthesis? on to save time. Elrick reasoned that he would have plenty of time to refine the ores once he was able to use Earth Magic.
Elrick had brought with him 2 Magic Bags of Holding that contained 3 Hunters Lears, 6 of the 10,000 capacity Magic Chest and a Magic Toilet variation of the 10,000 capacity Magic Chest with 10,000 of the 50litre capacity containers. However doing his basic analysis Elrick concluded that given the overall space available to him he would still come up short. The ores represented an unexpected boon for Elrick and he was keen to gain as much profit as possible from his incarceration.
Elrick kicked himself thinking that he should have expected that Chaos island would be chalk full of rare minerals given that it was made by the Ancients who possessed sufficient exotic energy sources to build the original Asgard. Deliberately coming back to Chaos Island was not a viable option Elrick because he had a lot of objectives and every day spent on Chaos Island made it a day harder to fulfil his objectives; not to mention that it left Starlight without its sole Prion.
Elricks answer came in the form of cargo holds; he would cannibalize the 2 remaining Hunters Lears to fashion massive cargo holds out of the tough exoskeletons of the Army Ants. The one impediment for Elrick is the dangerous Fungal Spore-Seed of the Crystal Plant. Since hed learnt that heat could kill the Spore-Seeds he decide that his best option was to cook the exoskeletal carapaces of the Army Ants.
Therefore in one on of the smaller caverns he had managed to dig out he used his cooking set and all other items that could generate heat to make a large oven. Once the oven was complete he could cook the carapaces of the Ants until they were safe to use in the construction of massive cargo holds. Elrick would not allow his windfall to go to waist; his arduous toiling away on Chaos Island would be profitable enough to compensate him for his lost time if he had anything to say about it.
- - -
Mining is difficult work and ordinarily youd have to dig up a thousand times more dirt than ore, but Chaos Island is different; it was made by the Ancients. Ado treaties prevented countries from mining Chaos Island but an individual was free to mine to their hearts content. The problem with mining on Chaos Island is that large scale mining would attract the monstrosities that populate the prison known as Chaos Island.
The existence of Magic changed the way mining is done, and an Earth Mage could do the work of thousands of men using their hand held implements. In fact Earth Mages can do a far better job than heavy machinery, and not even Golems can match Earth Mages in mining. Such is the effect of Magic and the reason that even Elrick could conceive of digging a 1000km tunnel by himself; the reason being that it wouldnt be that hard for a dedicated team of Earth Mages.
Elricks target minerals on Chaos Island are Isotopes of Gold, Silver, Platinum, Iron, Titanium, Varodium, Mithril and Oriculcum. Elrick considered himself extremely lucky for him to have found Oriculcum which is as rare as Mithril and more user-friendly. Oriculcum can be considered a universal magical catalyst metal; able to bond with most metals to produce magical alloys. Oriculcum Steel is probably the most widespread use of Oriculcum; producing a metal 50 times better than carbon steel.
Higher ?Matter Conversion? of Oriculcum produces Oura; a metal that rivals Uru in properties. Combining Mithril and Oriculcum produces a number of high strength alloys including Andaril which is popularly known as Adamantium. Given the widespread uses of Oriculcum its easily one of the most valuable of the rare metals, and some isotopes of Oriculcum are even more valuable than commonly available Uru.
Elrick was elated when he stumbled upon a small vein of Oriculcum and he hoped that it would be enough to buy the Magical Heritage he was after. On Ado possessing an extensive magical knowledge in the form of a Magical Heritage is extremely important for Crafters and it allows you to create your own unique spell formulas that can be imbedded on exclusive items.
In Realm Eternal repeating a crafting action wont create a recipe, and similarly repeating a set of actions wont create a skill. Both skills and recipes require spell formula, and the ability to direct Mana flow by designing runic pathways is gained through study. To gain such knowledge individuals spend years at academies perfecting their craft or they acquire the relevant Magical Heritage; though in some instances a Memory Imprint would be sufficient.
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Part 3
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It happened several RWT days later the disclosure that Nova Horizon had Failed to complete Rodions Commission was overshadowed by Nova Horizons revelation that implanting a Realm Eternal Class 4 Golem Core into the Brain of a Realm Eternal body would grant the user computational capabilities of a 100 Petaflop Computer; a discovery Dr Estelle Lorelei van Onsling (PhD in Microbiology UCT) attributed to one Nabi Elrick (Managing Director of Starlight Spark).
In the over 20 television interviews Dr Lorelei van Onsling conducted with major broadcasters over the next few days she thoroughly explained what the discovery meant; the worlds brilliant people would suddenly become a great deal smarter than they were already. What that meant was that the world of the future was suddenly at hand and the best scientists in every institution would spearhead the development of the most exotic technologies previously thought to require decades of further study.
Even Nabi Elrick was forced to conduct a number of television interviews explaining the processes that lead to his discovery. On Atlantis the Divine Council of the Sacred Sacrament which boosted influence that rivalled the Council of the Sword proclaimed Elrick a Sacred Acolyte; Luminary Pathfinder of the Highest Order. The Divine Council of the Sacred Sacrament is and organization of those dedicated to Virtual Reality Magic (previously MMORPG Magic).
Elrick being an aspirant mage was excited about being proclaimed a Sacred Acolyte and readily accepted an invitation to attend the public ceremony at the Atlantis Central Squire where the Divine Council of the Sacred Sacrament would confer upon him the Title of Sacred Acolyte meaning that all affiliates would henceforth address him as Proctor. Bubbling with excitement Elrick revealed that despite all his growth he was still a geek and this was an opportunity to geek-out in celebration with the other Realm Eternal geeks.
However nothing could have prepared Elrick for the effect of taking centre-stage; hundreds of thousands had shown-up to bear witness. Such is the power of Wilson Archibald; the High Proctor of the Divine Council of the Sacred Sacrament. The fact that Wilson Archibald is a Prion is unknown to most but his closest companions and other Prions. The fact that Wilson Archibald would bestow such honour upon Elrick was indicative of the earth shaking power of Elricks discovery.
- - -
Elricks gain in prestige not withstanding the revelation of the path to Augmented Intelligence had created a seismic shift in power. The Lanteans were already moving to contain the fallout, but they were already too late; Pandoras Box had been opened and the Lantean work of ages would lie in ruin in its wake. As expected of Prions Elrick and Lorelei had thrown a giant spanner in the carefully crafted machinery and the damage could not be undone.
Already Governments that possessed an AIVRE were already moving to duplicate the effect of implanting a Realm Eternal Class 4 Golem Core into the Brain of a Realm Eternal body on their own systems. However duplication is not a simple matter and though inevitable they couldnt afford to wait. The code of an AIVRE is in simple terms an operating system for Virtual Intelligences, and the parallel processing of thousands of units gives it the computing power to host billions of Virtual Intelligences.
Thus isolating a specific constantly changing Virtual Intelligence code and analysing it would prove to be a significant challenge complicated by the fact that the Phoenix Consortium had deliberately made it impossible for them to alter the Realm Eternal Simulation. Therefore those seeking to duplicate the discovery would have to follow Logical Progression and build an environment where users could be virtually implanted with something similar to a Realm Eternal Golem Core.
Countries not possessing an AIVRE and the large numbers of independent corporations would take the simple path of sending expeditions into Realm Eternal in a race to reach the potential benefits the minds of their best thinkers might uncover. Tens of billions of dollars would flow into Realm Eternal as Corporations sought to establish a base of operations in Realm Eternal. The lack of Hypnotic Induction Full Immersion Capsule Pod more commonly known as Hipno Pod meant that the average users with a scientific degree would be recruited into working for the Global Conglomerates seeking to gain an advantage.
- - -
The scale of what was happening just a few weeks after the revelation surprised Elrick. His Prion mind predicted the impact of virtual reality on global trade but what was happening was completely outside his calculus. Elrick had thought that industries would collapse and countries with efficient State Owned Enterprises and good State Public Health Care would fare far better that the heavily privatized countries such as the United States, but his discovery would generate a cluster of uncertainties.
Elrick couldnt fully understand what was happening and it would take time for even Prions to gather enough information to even attempt a reasonable forecast of the future. For that matter Elrick and the other Prions had to re-evaluate their place in the grand design because very soon there would be thousands of people whose intellect exceeds that of the average Prion. On the other hand Augmented Prions could become something fearsome.
Elricks biggest concern was the Lantean action; a millennia old power doesnt falter so easily. Elrick along with many Prions worried over the choice the Lanteans would make; and if their reading of ancient history was correct the Lanteans would not shy away from taking direct action if they believed it could regain them the advantage. The Lanteans were the biggest wild card in this entire scenario, and if they chose to move then humanity would face destruction in days.
Fortunately Lanteans are not Homogenous and some may side with humanity if things came to a ahead. Elrick couldnt avoid responsibility for unwittingly bringing the situation to the precipice. To Elricks bewilderment the vast majority of Prions found the dangerous situation exhilarating. Elrick then realised that hes an oddity amongst Prions since most Prions detest being under the oppressive Lantean Thumb. Elrick on the other hand simply wanted to survive and live out his days in peace and security.
Like other Prions Elrick couldnt avoid the consequences of his desire for knowledge; the curse of being Prion is the unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Its a fate no Prion can Avoid, and it is that thirst for knowledge that makes Prions incompatible with whatever nefarious plans Lanteans have for humanity; assuming that Lanteans actually have nefarious intensions. It was not outside the realm of possibility that the Lanteans were actually working for the best interest of humanity.
However; few if any Prions ever believed that Lanteans were friendly and Elrick wasnt one of them. He firmly believed that Lanteans represented an existential threat to Humanity; its just that until now he thought there wasnt much humanity could do against their overwhelming power. But now things were different, and humans could close the 10,000 year technological gap in decades thanks to Virtual Reality.
Elrick believed that if the Lanteans blink humanity would stand a chance in 20 C 50 years. Technology would advance at such a rapid pace that by the time the Lanteans resolved to take action it would already be too late; they would have lost the initiative and war would produce casualties on both sides; something theyre not used to. Elrick knew that the days of him keeping his head down were over; he was famous the world over and every move he made would come under scrutiny.
Elrick resolved to use that fame to his advantage; he could no longer run and hide. He would have to fight; for his family, for his friends, for Lorelei.
- - -
- - -
Authors Note:
The reason for this times long delay is that I had originally wrote it that Lorelei agrees to keep the Golem Implants secret. But in the next chapter Logical Progression demanded that both Elrick and Lorelei die in real life because the Lanteans wouldnt just wait around for a bomb to blow up in their faces.
The other problem is that if theyre the only 2 with Golem Implants it would essentially make them OP; so I had to avoid that Power Creep. Everything special about one person in Realm Eternal has to be reasonably achievable by the next person.
Consequently I had to rewrite this chapter and the next one thereby changing the direction I had intended to take the story.
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Chapter 24: Fad and Fanfare
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Arc 2: The Power of Knowledge
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= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
= Other
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Chapter 24: Fad and Fanfare
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Part 1
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With the Highest Resolve he can muster Elrick continued to dig the coalface of the mountain, and with his bare hands he dug into the hardened rock to liberate the precious ores that consumed his existence. Elrick had abandoned everything but the mining of the rare minerals he desperately desired. Nothing mattered except for the advancement of the Mining Skill, Appraisal Magic and theAlchemy Magicneeded to compact the Ores for storage.
Elrick had long since abandoned all semblance of reason and singularly focused his mind on mining. The only time he wasnt doing something related to the mining is the hour a day he spent outside his capsule to run for 40 minutes on the treadmill, eat for 10 minutes, take a shit for 5 minutes and shower for 5 minutes. Oh how Elrick wished that he didnt have to spend even this hour out of his Pod, but it was convenient in that it gave his Realm Eternal body time to rest from the arduous labour he put it through.
What precipitated Elricks current state of mind was the revelation that Augmented Intelligence could be achieved by implanting a Realm Eternal Class 4 Golem Core into the brain of a Realm Eternal avatar. Weeks later Elricks discovery had left him in despair because amongst all the users who could afford the Class 4 Golem Core implant he was the only one without one; thats because hes on Chaos Island. Elrick was missing all the benefits of his discovery and he had to trust the Executives of Starlight Spark since they had all received a Class 4 Golem Core.
As it relates to Realm Eternal implanting a Class 4 Golem Core has the effect of accelerating EXP gain in Awareness, Observation, Knowledge, Wisdomand Intelligence; multiplying Exp gain by 2 to 5 times the normal rate depending on circumstances and situation. It wasnt just the Class 4 Golem Core that gave enhancements; a Class 2 and 3 Golem Core gave a significant improvement in analysis; raising aforementioned Attributes by a multiplicative Exp gain factor of up to 2.
Therefore; rather than wallow in self-pity Elrick decided to bury himself in mountains of labour. Thanks to the outlet for his frustration Elrick had done more mining in month than the months before. Elrick didnt care that his physical Attributes were growing at a rapid pace and that his use ofAlchemy Magicwas likely increasing his related Attributes because to even stop to consider such things would remind him of the gap the others had created.
Fortunately it wasnt all bad news Starlight Sparks Ranger Cavalries were all fitted with Class 2 Golem Cores; improving both physical and magical abilities. Thus the biggest impact in implanting Golem Cores is not with Class 4 Golem Cores but with Class 2 Golem Cores. That is because even a Class 2 Golem Cores is capable of computational speeds reaching at least 15 teraflops; making them a thousand times faster than the average personal computer (PC).
Thus the months of endless toil continued for Elrick; helpfully distracting him from his frustrations and providing him an outlet for his irritations.
- - -
As expected the world didnt stand still while Elrick was hacking away at a rock-face, and progress was being made in nearly every field. Equipped with Class 4 Golem Cores in Realm Eternal coupled with Memory Imprints the Executives of Starlight Spark possessed an intellect far beyond that of a Prion. Elrick could leave the running of Starlight Spark in their capable hands; leaving them to make the best judgments money can buy. The effects of Golem Core Implants were far greater on the natives of Realm Eternal.
Up till now Adonites were reticent to consider mangling their brains with a Golem Core Implant in the hope of gaining obscure intellectual advantages, but as the Atlantians clamoured to get even a Class 1 Golem Core Implant the locals took notice. Natives quickly realized the benefits of even the smallest Golem Core Implant; being able to do perfect arithmetic, a database of knowledge, but most importantly is the Wireless Connectivity to the Class 6&7 Golems that run most towns and cities on Ado.
Elricks attempt to gain an advantage through anOverSkill and a Golem Core Implant had triggered a technological revolution that seem well on its way to changing the Arello Galaxy. The nobles of Ado were initially disgusted by the enthusiastic embrace of Golem Core Implants by the Atlantians until Ado commoners joined the frenzy. At that point the Nobility realized the commoners would quickly become orders of magnitudes more intelligent than the Nobility.
It was already too late to restrict Golem Core Implants to the Nobility since Atlantians commoners were getting them with the blessing of the Asgard Continental Republic (ACR). The only thing the Nobility across the world of Ado could do is equip the best optimal Golem Core Implant; the Class 4 Golem Cores. The High Nobility all cross Ado would curse the name Elrick Starlight under their breaths for starting a revolution that would see their authority greatly curtailed for fear of the ire of a newly intelligent commoner class.
The commoners were already decrying the excesses of the elitist nobility and in a number of Ado countries political organizations were subsidizing Class 4 Golem Core Implants for local commoner politicians and Class 1&2 Golem Core Implants for ordinary members of political organizations. The Churches had been amongst the first to give Golem Core Implants to their Priesthood and that spurred the faithful to go out and get Golem Core Implants of their own.
In just a few months the face of Ado had irrevocably been changed and the person blamed for starting the chain reaction is Elrick Starlight. In the real world Elrick had gained some fame as the smart guy who found a way to make anyone smart through Realm Eternal Golem Core Implants, but in Realm Eternal Elrick had become a Transformative Figure. Commoners everywhere spoke of Elrick as the Atlantian commoner Hero; Saviour of Vhon, Liberator of Commoners Everywhere and Enlightener.
Elrick himself was surprised to discover that he had gained the titles Saviour of Vhon, Liberator of Commoners Everywhere and Enlightener. Elrick had predicted the demand for Golem Core Implants and before Lorelei made the announcements he ordered Grinder to borrow 200,000 Gold from Cobalt City banks to buy 2000 Class 4 Golem Cores which Starlight Spark later sold for 175 to 257 gold coins each netting Starlight some 225,000 gold; all made possible by the fact that Golem Cores are precision equipment that cant be easily mass produced. The other Nova Clans got in on the action and collectively gained 124,000 Gold Coins in profit.
Ordinarily the Class 4 Golem Cores are used for high-end attendant Golems for the rich and there arent that many on the market. Therefore Starlight Sparks purchase of 2000 Class 4 Golem Cores essentially stripped the market of 28% of the total supply of Class 4 Golem Cores and it would take months for new cores to hit the market. There were plenty of Class 5 Golem Cores on the market because of their military applications but not the one in demand. Starlight had enough money to close the books on all its debts.
The demand for Class 4 Golem Cores got so high that all existing Class 4 Golem Cores installed on high-end attendant Golems were refurbished with new programming and sold for high prices on the open market. The stripping of cores from high-end attendant Golems finally released some 4 million Class 4 Golem Cores into the market which allowed the Price for a Class 4 Golem Core to stabilize at 140 Gold Coins. With a reasonable amount of Cores now available the rush abated. The high-end attendant Golems that had been passed down from generation to generation as heirlooms would stand still for a while since their masters appropriated their Class 4 Golem Core for other purposes.
- - -
The Golem Core Fad created an unexpected Political problem for Eastal; they had imprisoned the unexpectedly popular person responsible for starting the Golem Core Fad. The problem for the Light Elves of the High Mountains of Eastal is that the commoners on Ado had started to Identify with Elrick and that meant that the ones who had imprisoned Elrick face severe criticism. To make things worse the status of Elrick Starlight had changed so rapidly that even though he was technically an agent of the Eastal Security Agency Eastal would have limited control over Elrick given that hes now a Sacred Acolyte; an apparently highly ranking Atlantian.
As if Eastals circumstances werent bad enough when they attempted to further reduce Elricks sentence their efforts were blocked by the other Elven Races, the Dwarfs and the Midgard. It would seem that the other members of the ACR Federation were likely trying to block Eastals attempts to carry favour with the now famous Atlantian High Elf of Light. It was evident that upon Elricks release the others would attempt to entice him away from the High Elves of Light; after-all Atlantians could change their race.
To most High Elves of Light their leaders had somehow managed to antagonize one of the more powerful Atlantians; a High Elf of Light that should have been an asset could become their ruin. However Lord Elron the king of the High Elves of Light was not as worried as his attendants and the Eastal High Council; Lord Elron had seen into Elricks soul and was convinced that as long as Eastal treated him openly, honestly and fairly Eastal would retain Elricks loyalty. Lord Elron believed that all Eastal needed to do was not interfere with the Objectives of Starlight Spark and maintain an Honest relationship with Elrick.
Lord Elrons assessment of Elrick was correct because Elrick now identified himself as a High-Elf of Light wholeheartedly; at least while he was in Realm Eternal. Elrick had vowed to atone for his mistakes and honour the trust and faith Lord Elron had shown him; Lord Elron had recognized him and that held value to the once broken Elrick. Also Elrick was well aware that there would be all kinds of people clamouring to take advantage of his somewhat enviable position.
Therefore the Eastal Security Agency set about designing a mission for Elrick that would benefit both Elrick and Eastal. The ESA found its answer in Norfork; a town in the Kent kingdom 41km from the City of Forkland and 425km north of the Capital Kentridge. The town of Norfork serves as the primary supply centre for the Border garrison some 60km north in time of emergency but now it was experiencing an outbreak of disease; some suspected that polluted water sources had somehow weakened the immune systems of the citizens of Norfork.
With the country of Kent experiencing multiple crises from all over the country they hardly had the resources to spare to send out a team of healers and investigators to deal with the problems affecting Norfork, and if worst came to worst the Border Garrison could be supplied from the city of Forkland. To the country the town of Norfork would have to endure and survive on its own for the time being. Norfork had been crippled by the Vampire attack months ago and hardly had any resources to muster a response to the illness.
ESA mission planners were already aware that Starlight Spark was employing Atlantian High-Elves of Light as healers and so they designed a mission where Elrick would lead a team of at least 2 Raid Groups of High-Elves of Light to Norfork on an unsolicited aid mission since Norfork was in no position to pay for the dispatch of healers from all the way across the continent; even if they are novice healers. ESA mission planners believed that this act would exult the virtues of High-Elves of Light to the common people and in some way help to redeem their image.
The ESA would use Elricks ESA Badge which had its own Tracking Inter-Dimensional Pocket to intercept and reroute Elricks transfer from Chaos Island to brief him on his first mission as a junior operative of the ESA.
- - -
As the day of his release neared Elrick began going over the details of his plans.
First he had instructed Grinder and Bowden to use the cash windfall he had created for Starlight Spark to hire more people and bring The Second Mechanized Cavalry, The Third Air Cavalry, The Fourth Expeditionary Cavalry and The Fifth Special Operations Cavalry to at least 8 legions per Cavalry. That meant hiring 6X4X320 = 7,680 people, and Bowden decided to Hire 8 legions for the First Ranger Cavalry in order to bring it to Full Strength of 16X320 = 5,120 people making an additional 2,000 crafters necessary.
Thus 14800 new people had been hired and they would all require Pods. Buying the 14800 unwanted REM-Sleep Pods before information about Golem Core implants went public required Real world cash so an additional $75 million loan was received from the Private Banks with existing agreements with Starlight Spark. The used pods were settled at an average price of $4,150 because of the need to buy them quickly totalling $64.42 million. The additional $55 million in annual salaries was manageable for the now larger Starlight Spark.
The Second instruction was the hiring of 5,000 local soldiers to complete the requirement for a peerage rank of Clan Chiefs 20,000 Clansman and 5,000 Soldiers. With the hiring of new employees for Starlight Spark the Starlight Spark Clan in Realm eternal would exceed the requirement for its chief to gain Nobility should he hire the necessary complement of soldiers. The necessary complement of soldiers is designed to control the Nobles with sufficient wealth to own an army and at the same time lessen the Citys military burden.
Every City requires a certain number of soldiers; depending on country and city population. Cobalt City has a requirement of 3.5% of population. Every Noble residing within a particular city has to contribute to the soldier requirement based on their peerage rank. High Nobility has no obligation to provide soldiers for a territory that belongs to another High Noble but Nobility with a necessary complement of soldiers must make the soldiers available to the host territory should there be an emergency.
Outside of emergencies Nobility with the necessary complement of soldiers conducts periodic subjugations of monsters, bandits and demons as part of their duties. The Noble pays the salaries of the necessary complement of soldiers and the City covers the cost of every deployment it requires of the Force. In most Cities the vast number of such necessary complement of soldiers belongs to Knights, but in frontier garrison Cities the bulk is provided by Lairds and Chiefs; usually with associated clan mercenaries.
Cobalt city is no exception in this regard and hosts 200,000 soldiers from the Commonwealth, 200,000 of its own soldiers and the rest of the required 700,000 soldiers are provided by the Nobility. Having a little over 300,000 soldiers sounds like a problematic situation for a city as it relates to the public security but most of the nobilitys soldiers can hardly be compared with the soldiers from the Commonwealth or the Citys own soldiers in training, skill and power. But more importantly the soldiers are mostly local commoners given simple training to be able to serve the noble.
The 5,000 soldiers hired by Bowden had simply passed the 25 day soldier training course provided by the soldiers from the Commonwealth. Elrick hadnt needed the soldiers hired by starlight to be elites who have an HP higher than 50,000 since this was all for the purpose of securing a Noble Rank for Elrick. Thus the 5,000 Cobalt City Starlight Brigade was composed of 15 to 17 year old boys and girls eager to make their way in the world for 1 gold coin a month.
Bowden personally assured the parents of these teenagers that the Cobalt City Starlight Brigade wouldnt see frontline combat unless ordered by the city; that meant Starlight Spark wouldnt use the Cobalt City Starlight Brigade for its own purposes. Bowden assured the parents that even when subjugation missions are ordered at least 2 of Starlight Sparks Cavalries would provide escort. What Starlight Spark promised the parents was that the Cobalt City Starlight Brigade would primarily be consigned to support. The eager kids may not like it but Starlight Sparks Cavalries would handle most of the fighting.
For starters the Cobalt City Starlight Brigade would handle the training of Starlight Sparks new members since the average HP in the Cobalt City Starlight Brigade was 8,000 making them much stronger than the Atlantians. Bowden was delighted to see the teens awestruck when he took the Cobalt City Starlight Brigade and new members of Starlight Cavalries on manoeuvres to properly observe the combined Arms drills of Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry. From that moment onwards the teens understood that Starlight Spark is not reliant on the battle prowess of individuals but the power of an Army.
The members of the Cobalt City Starlight Brigade gave no further protest about being delegated to support knowing full well that until Starlight Spark could properly equip them they would add little in the way of fighting power. However Starlight Spark properly trained all the new people for 15 hours of every day. And the locals having a higher starting base quickly saw the rapid rise of their stats and they knew that the day they were ordered on a subjugation mission they would be more of an asset and less of a burden. By breaking the Cobalt City Starlight Brigade into legions they could accompany the legions of the Starlight Cavalries on resource gathering operations and lend support with Rifles and Bows to the Starlight Cavalry Frontlines.
The third instruction Elrick gave to the Executives of Starlight Spark was to prepare Festival to celebrate his return from Chaos Island. Elrick insisted that it had to be a big occasion full of Fad and Fanfare. The reason for the Fad and Fanfare was simple; Elrick had become famous and people would show up to witness his return. And it was likely that the nobility acting as proxies for continentals already new about the approximate date of his return and would likely make their move on him at that point.
The approach could be peaceful or hostile depending on the amount of pressure the noble experienced from their principals. Either way Elrick preferred to avoid a complicated situation where his responses could be detrimental to Starlight Sparks financial position. Grinder could always claim that hes simply the manager to avoid such troublesome situations but Elrick is the Clan Chief and escape would not be so easy. Elrick formally gaining the Noble peerage rank of Clan Chief is designed to limit the amount of trouble the nobles can cause him.
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By becoming recognized as a Commonwealth Noble with the peerage rank of Clan Chief Starlight Spark gains the protection of the Commonwealth and limits the amount of pressure nobles can exert on Starlight Spark. As a side benefit Elrick being recognized as a Commonwealth Noble it allows Eastal to openly associate with Elrick, and that means that it becomes easier for Eastal to protect him from the other Nobles as well as other continentals. Therefore making a spectacle gives Elrick precious time and space to manoeuvre.
Thankfully Grinders negotiations with the city went well and Starlight Spark committed to buying 4,500 Gold Coins worth of 10 Copper coins food and 5 of the cheap 5 copper coin alcoholic beverages per individual from restaurants near the Teleport Tower; sufficient for 1,285,714 people. Starlight Spark intended to spend another 2,500 gold coins providing food and beverages from its own crafters. The event is intended to bring the commoners onto the street thus preventing the Nobles from having their way.
For its part the Cobalt City government offered to send Prince Carlen Azure heir of Duke Ellis Azure to bestow the Commonwealth Noble peerage rank of Clan Chief upon Elrick in front of the expected Audience. Upon hearing this news the Elrick that had been wearing an angry expression for months was replaced by an excited Elrick dreaming of another geek-fest in honour. Now in high spirits Elrick could hardly contain himself as he waited for the day to arrive.
- - -
Part 2
- - -
Before long the moment had come and Elricks eyes watered with tears as he saw the Magic Circle in-front of him.
Elrick : " At long last; FREEDOM! "
Elrick hurriedly carried over the one Magic Chest that no longer bad room in the Bags of Holding over to the Magic Circle.
When Elrick reached the Magic Circle a sys tem message appeared.
~ Ding! ~
Bifr?st Realm Keys!
Click to choose destination:
?
- Ado ?Authorized?: Destination = Cobalt City.
?
- ERS Elron ?Authorized?: The Eastal Realm Ship ERS Elron has requested your presence and all necessary permissions have been given.
Place your hand on the designated Bifr?st Realm Key to begin Teleportation.
|
For a moment Elrick was a bit puzzled as to what to do but he then chose to click on ERS Elron.
- - -
Just touching the Realm Key instantaneously transferred Elrick aboard the ERS Elron. Before Elrick was a room that had to be at-least a kilometre in length and width, and knowing that he was aboard a StarShip made it all the more wondrous. He looked around the seemingly empty room in awe and excitement; like a child in a candy store.
Then Elrick noticed the figure that had been observing him.
Dir Orlin : " Welcome aboard the Elron; Flagship of the Eastal Fleet."
Elrick quickly straightened up and gave a military salute.
Elrick : " Ah; Sir!"
Dir Orlin : " The others called this ship a vanity project because it consumed 25% of Eastals budget for 20 years but it proved its worth in the last battle by being the only one capable of braking through the Spatial Distortion Fields near Vampira."
Elrick : " Vampira; sir?"
Dir Orlin : " The Vampire world; one of several."
Elrick : " I see; so its a powerful ship."
Dir Orlin : " Its a Fortress Ship meant to support a fleet. And at 55km in length and 10kn in diameter its a rather big target for anyone capable of withstanding the barrage of its thousands of weapons."
Elrick : " Ah; As expected of Elves of Light."
Dir Orlin : " In any case I asked you here because weve designed a mission for you; one that is rather urgent."
Elrick grew uncomfortable fearing that this might interfere with his welcome party on Cobalt City.
Elrick : " How urgent sir?"
Dir Orlin : " Dont worry its not immediate; just that youll have to leave Cobalt City in the next 10 days. Also you have to acquire Light Magic and be proficient enough to restore Endurance, Durability,Strength and Vitality."
Elrick gave Director Orlin a worried look.
Elrick : " Sir; isnt Healing Magic a bit hard to use?"
Dir Orlin : " I see your Sensitivity attribute hasnt grown buy much; you cant produce Divine Light without it. Healing; strangely enough requires empathy. You cant heal without feeling; you have to sympathize. Thats why potions are so prominent; because most people have no problem healing themselves but cant manage a single spell for a complete stranger. Nonetheless I must ask you to care; to feel compassion and sympathy for complete strangers. That is part of what it means to be Elf of Light."
Elrick : " I see; Ill do my best to be more open to feelings."
Dir Orlin : " Good; use this party youre going to as a way to open yourself up to people. Let yourself be swept-up in the emotions of the moment and it will start a path to your soul."
Elrick : " I can do that sir"
Elrick looked a bit more optimistic than he did a moment ago.
Dir Orlin : " Now; about your mission. Your rise in popularity has resulted in a political backlash for Eastal for imprisoning you on Chaos Island. Weve taken a major hit with the ordinary people; the ones referred to as commoners. Eastal has royalty but were too few to have a Nobility Class so we cant fully appreciate the social stratification on an intimate level. Your mission is designed to rehabilitate our image in the eyes of normal people."
Elrick : " What am I supposed to do?"
Dir Orlin : " The mission is more like a request for your Clan. ESA mission planners are aware that Starlight Spark is employing Atlantian High-Elves of Light as healers and so they designed a mission where you would lead a team of at least 2 Raid Groups of High-Elves of Light to Norfork on an unsolicited aid mission since Norfork is in no position to pay for the dispatch of healers; even if they are novice healers. ESA mission planners believe that the act of High-Elves of Light moved by the suffering of the innocent and moved to aid them will remind everyone of the virtues of High-Elves of Light and in particular as it relates to the common people. While it may in some way help to redeem the image of the High-Elves of Light the greater priority is the tactical significance of Norfork as a supply centre for Kents Border Garrison. What lies on the other side of the border is a vassal state of Norse Island. Eastal believes that left unchecked the bigotry of the Human Supremacist Northman of Norse Island will spread to countries weekend by the Vampire Attack. The worst case scenario is an all out war with Beastial Federation and the Half-Elf Kingdom that is the Celestial Forest; which would invariably draw in the Vale Kingdom. With such forces arrayed against Norse Island its northern ally the Eldritch Human Republic wont sit idly by so you can expect a number of Nuclear weapons to go of in the mix. Thats 5 of the most powerful Grandeur Countries; when the great powers go to war so do their vassals. Everything hinges on Kent maintaining its status as the Seventh Power that occupies the centre. If Kent shows signs of weakness things could get very complicated very quickly. This is your mission Agent Elrick Starlight.
~ Ding! ~
Operation Elven Light!
Mission of mercy:
?
- Take at least 2 Raid Groups of High-Elves of Light to Norfork.
?
- Perform as much free Healing as possible in the name of the High-Elves of Light
?
- Accept no payment or Gratuity for the Healing Service you Provide.
?
- Investigate the Source of the Outbreak and if its discovered alert the local authorities.
?
- You are Authorized 7,000 Gold Coins for your expenses.
Do you Accept?
|
Elrick : " Yes!"
A system message informed him that his status as an operative has been up dated and 7,000 Gold Coins has been deposited into his Bank Account.
Dir Orlin : " Make sure to activate your ESA Badge because it also functions as a Level 7 Telepathic Barrier. As your superior in this agency it doesnt work on me but it is sufficient to protect you from most prying minds."
Elrick : " Oh?"
Elrick hastily activates his ESA Badge.
Dir Orlin : " Now; About the Magical Heritage you seem so fixated on. Youre in luck."
Elrick : " Eh? You know someone who might be interested in selling their Magical Heritage?"
Dir Orlin : " It just so happens that there is someone in the city of Forkland where youll teleport in that is in need of money and might be willing to sell you his Magical Heritage; provided you can afford it."
Elrick : " I do have the ores to sell."
Dir Orlin : " Its 500 years of Magical Knowledge and the minimum price is likely 15,000 gold coins. Baron Johan Embril is the grandson of one of our former operatives, and hes lost his 4 villages to the small creature attack; the town near Forkland is all he has left. It would ease our hearts to give him some legitimate reprieve."
Elrick : " Baron; must own 1 Town and 4 Villages."
Dir Orlin : " Since High-Elves of Light are primarily Crafters we can buy the ores youve gathered at fair market prices if you agree to meet with Baron Johan Embril and make a good faith attempt to buy his Magical Heritage."
Elrick carefully considered his options and accepted.
Elrick : " Ill see Lord Johan Embril; Baron of Embril. Well see if we can work something out."
Dir Orlin : " Thank you; youre a good kid."
Elrick : " Thanks"
Director Orlin was visibly relieved and Elrick looked away slightly embarrassed by the praise.
A number of people wearing Elven Golem Armour showed-up and asked Elrick to show him his cargo. At first they smiled wryly when they saw the makeshift cargo holds Elrick had made by destroying nearly all his items combined with ant carapaces, but they smiled happily when they saw the Oriculcum Isotopes Elrick had brought. Then they got serious as they began evaluating everything; including the value of the minerals in the items Elrick destroyed to make the cargo holds.
Director Orlin noticed Elrick gleefully looking at the Elven Golem Armour.
Dir Orlin : " Interested?"
Elrick : " Ah? Yes sir"
Dir Orlin : " Those are our Level 5 Military Grade Golem Armour. Unfortunately our Level 3 and 4 are training Golem Armours orientated to magic therefore inferior to similar Military Grade Golem Armour. So they offer a third of protection of the normal Level 3&4 Military Grade Golem Armour."
Elrick : " I see; how much?"
Dir Orlin : " The Level 3 Training Elven Golem Armour retails at 4,500 Gold Coins. Youre probably better off with standard Dwarf made Level 3 Military Grade Golem Armour.
Elrick : " Ill take it"
Dir Orlin : " Eh?"
Elrick : " I can overlay elemental Armour for additional protection so itll be fine for now. And "
Elrick is interrupted by the assessors transferring data to Director Orlin.
Dir Orlin : " Looks like theyre finished; everything you have comes to 47,258 gold coins."
Elrick is dumbfounded.
Elrick : " Really?"
Dir Orlin : " Its mostly the Oriculcum; more than have of the value here is the Oriculcum."
Elrick : " T-T-Then Ill by 2 Training Elven Golem Armours."
Dir Orlin : " Already planning something are we?"
Elrick : " Yes sir; useful on the upcoming mission."
Director Orlin gave Elrick a knowing smile.
It didnt take long for the Armours to be delivered and for Elrick to be paid the balance of what remained from the selling of his ores. And after cleaning up in a nearby shower he put on the Level 3 Training Elven Golem Armour which gave him the feeling that everything was as it should be.
Elrick was now ready to leave.
Dir Orlin : " May the spirits carry you safely on your journeys."
Elrick : " Wait sir; Im gonna need some protection for my clan from the Nobles."
Dir Orlin : " Ill have something put together; it should arrive shortly after you."
Elrick : " Thank you sir"
Dir Orlin : " Good luck son"
Elrick vanished as the teleport system whisked him away.
Two figures emerge from the Shadow Magic that had previously concealed them; much to Director Orlins surprise.
Lord Alron : " That one is very peculiar."
Dir Orlin : " Ah; My Lord Alron, My Lord Elron?"
Lord Alron : " Director Orlin; when I Heard from the Svartalfheim Security Agency that you were planning to bring the Famous Elrick Starlight aboard the Eastal Flagship I wanted to take a look."
Lord Elron : " I just wanted to confirm that I made the right choice."
Dir Orlin : " Majesties; Elrick has proven more capable than we anticipated."
Lord Alron : " You know Eragon; that guy isnt the sort you can control; hes too influential for that."
Lord Elron : " I know; thats why I want to make him an ally."
Lord Alron : " So influence over control; then itll be fine. Besides the revolution he started should be more than helpful in turning things around."
Dir Orlin : " The Phoenix Consortium neglected to tell us that there existed such things as Prions; the ACR was completely unprepared for beings who possess the equivalent of a Magical Heritage."
Lord Alron : " I dont think we would have truly believed them."
Lord Elron : " Yeah; they are fascinating creatures these Atlantians. Anyway; shouldnt we get going?"
Dir Orlin : " Going where your majesty?"
Lord Elron : " The whole reason the ERS Elron is here is to take us to Curela"
Dir Orlin : " Curela? The ruined world? Why?"
Lord Alron : " Scouting teams picked up traces of what they believe is Fey Magic. Ancients made Elves by combining Human, Fey and Ancient genetics. The Gaal are proof that the Fey are real as the Gaal themselves are a type of Guardian Fey. Legends portray them as Beastials with more pronounced beast features, but the on thing that is consisted in all the stories is that their magic is of a high quality. We must try and make an alliance with them."
Moments later the ERS Elron Vanished into Hyperspace.
- - -
Part 3
- - -
What awaited Elrick when he reached Cobalt City was a spectacle beyond his imagination; thousands upon thousands of people had already gathered near the Teleport Tower. Stalls catering food, drink and items were arranged in rows similar to folk festivals. The atmosphere was jovial with wide smiles on peoples faces as they looked to be enamoured by the conversations with their friends and families. The sight cause Elricks eyes to water a little; it had been a very long time since hed been in the company of such happy people.
It took a moment for Starlight Sparks officials to notice Elrick since people were constantly arriving and leaving through the teleport but once they noticed Elrick heard a loud booming voice.
WELCOME BACK TO Cobalt City Elrick Starlight!
Then loud music started playing as the hired Bards sprang to life with their songs.
All over the place Elrick could hear people saying The Event is starting and Its the Event Its the Event.
Slowly eyes from all over the place were finding the conspicuous Elrick in Golden Elven Golem Armour.
The best description of normal Golem Armour is that it sort of looks like Marvel Studios Iron Man Armour. In contrast Elven Golem Armour looks more Crystalline making the searching eyes able to quickly located Elrick.
First Elrick raised his left had and coolly flashed the victory sign much to the delight of the crowds. Then he raised a victory sign with both arms reaching for the sky in full excitement sending the crowds into a loud and thunderous cheer. Who ever was controlling the event chose that moment to release massive daytime fireworks into the sky sending the excitement in the crowds to ecstatic fever pitch of screams and shouts that likely echoed throughout the City.
Kids were running around all over the place and Elrick could see that the Drinks from Starlight Stalls started flowing like water. The party was now in full swing and he could see that he was being ushered to the other Nova Horizon Chiefs and Executives.
Elrick : " Its good to be Back."
- - -
- - -
Chapter 25: Truth
- - -
- - -
Arc 2: The Power of Knowledge
- - -
- - -
= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
= Other
- - -
Chapter 25: Truth
- - -
Part 1
- - -
Elrick looked on as 125 flying spheres approached. Like in Atlantis the Transport Spheres carried a maximum of 8 people. In Atlantis 5 coppers can take you anywhere in the city but in Realm Eternal the price averaged 25 coppers; a lot of money since it still amounted to $5. Either way a thousand relatively well-off people were heading in their direction consequently Elrick understood that it meant that Prince Carlen Azure heir of Duke Ellis Azure was on his way.
As expected the Cobalt City Elite Guards arrived first and set up a protection detail for both the Nobles and the prince. Elrick had not expect 2 full Legions of Cobalt City Elite Guards given that they were still inside the city but after some consideration he understood the apprehension since there were at least 100,000 fearless immortals amongst those gathered. Some apprehension was not only normal but necessary.
Elrick could see at least 200 Nobles and each Noble party had their own personal guards. Elrick could only guess as to the skill of their guards but his Memory Imprints told him he was looking at people who held Expert Rank in combat skills. As the new arrivals made their way to the specially prepared elevated platform he new that the ceremony would soon begin and it would be over quickly. Elricks Memory Imprints told him that the Nobility dont like to mingle with commoners so he fully expected them to leave once they were done.
Elrick tried to mark the faces of the seemingly important Nobles by taking in the cues from Grinder who had been force to have some dealings with the Cobalt City Nobility. Elrick once again affirmed to himself that the nobility are a troublesome lot and were it not important for the financial stability of Starlight Spark he would have tried to avoid a peerage at all cost; he had been trying to push that burden onto Bowden since Open Beta.
Looking over at Lorelei Elrick couldnt help wondering about the extent of the intellectual gap created by the Golem Core Implant. Elrick already knew that the Starlight Spark Executive were already orders of magnitude smarter than him thanks to the combination of Memory Imprints and the Class 4 Golem Core Implants, but he could only speculate about the effect on a Prion. Ever since Lorelei and the other Prions got Golem Core Implants he could feel a massive chasm between himself and the other Prions.
The analysis engine provided by the Class 4 Golem Core Implant had a drastic effect on someone who already possessed vast amounts of information. From the descriptions he got he understood that it was a kind of awakening; Prions could finally be freed of the limitations they hadnt known were there. Thus even as the ceremony got started the only thing on Elricks mind was finishing this quickly so he could run over to the Golem dealer to install the Class 4 Golem Core Implant Starlight Spark purchased for all its Executives.
Suddenly the words of director Orlin rang in his mind forcing Elrick to snap back; he had to be in the moment and feel as much as possible.
- - -
Once the Head of State Protocol finished performing his duties as the Master of Ceremony he called on Prince Carlen to step onto the podium.
From the cheers Elrick realized that Prince Carlen Azure is more popular with commoners than he expected.
Elrick is instructed to come forth and kneel before Prince Carlen Azure.
Prince Carlen : " Elrick Starlight; leader of the Starlight Spark Clan. Having complied with the requirements of Nobility you have gained the right to claim your peerage from the Commonwealth. Do you wish to claim the Clan Chief Peerage Rank?"
Elrick : " I do; your Highness."
Prince Carlen : " Do You Swear Fealty to the Realm?"
Elrick : " I Swear!"
Prince Carlen : " Do You Swear to Protect the Realm?"
Elrick : " I Swear!"
Prince Carlen : " Do You Swear to Protect the Peace of the Innocents?"
Elrick : " I Swear!"
Prince Carlen : " Do You Swear to Fulfil Your Obligations as a Noble of the Realm?"
Elrick : " I Swear!"
Prince Carlen : " Do You Swear to Respect and Honour your Status as a Noble of the Realm?"
Elrick : " I Swear!"
Prince Carlen : " Do You Swear to Treasure the Lives of the Soldiers you Command?"
Elrick : " I Swear!"
Prince Carlen : " Do You Swear to Pledge Yourself to the Good of the Commonwealth Realm and the Asgard Continental Republic?"
Elrick : " I Swear!"
Prince Carlen : " Then on this Day I Carlen Azure heir of Duke Ellis Azure Invoke the Royal Authority Granted to me by my Father with the Permission of the Commonwealth Realm and Proclaim Elrick Starlight an Eminent Clan Chief of the Commonwealth Realm! Let all those who bare witness recognize Elrick Starlight Henceforth as the Lord of the Starlight Spark Clan!"
As Prince Carlen spoke he placed a silvery metallic ring around Elricks forehead and as it glowed Elricks Elf of Light trait activated bathing the entire area in his aura.
Elrick could see a system message.
~ Ding! ~
Official Commonwealth Clan Chief Crown!
Attribute Increase Item:
1
- Charisma+ 10 EXP Uru Engraving
2
- Leadership + 10 EXP Uru Engraving
3
- Reputation+ 10 EXP Uru Engraving
Item not Transferable.
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When it was over there was a 5mm silver ring Runic Tattoo around Elricks head.
Prince Carlen : " Rise Elrick Starlight; Eminent Clan Chief of the Commonwealth Realm."
Elrick : " Thank you your highness."
Elrick rose to his feet to the cheers and clapping hands of the crowd.
Prince Carlen : " Speak to the people as is your right on the occasion of receiving your first peerage."
Elrick stepped on the podium as Prince Carlen moved away to retake his seat.
Elrick decided to read a poem he had written.
Elrick : "
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Essence by Elrick Starlight!
I, I, I, I, I am the Echo of Light.
Acolyte of the Sacred Order.
Pathfinder of the Highest Order.
Sprinkle of the Celestial.
Annihilator of Evil.
Lumen, Phosphor, Radiance, Daylight.
I unfold my Light; Bright Star open Sharp Before You.
I who stands down the road; waiting for you.
Today I become the Pierce of Heart; oh Heart but Truth.
True Vocalist; tongue of the Land.
Seer ahead; the knowing mind.
I who cannot outrun my true nature; hiding from it in one place, I find it in another.
You all know me; for we are all the same.
We are battered Hearts Bleeding Life in a universe of wounds.
Vessel of Will now; Essence transforming into Existence.
In us, on us, in our blood, our very bones it writes, has written; more life.
Oh we are Failing; both Noble and commoner; both mortal and immortal.
Let any whom fortune smiles upon be blinded by ignorance in this slow unravelling of these latter days.
Let death shield the tender nerves of those who seek respite in the tomb of immobility.
Let us all then hide away in our ivory towers and ignore the persistent evil brought on by the greed of those who relish their lives of extreme excess.
Yet the Sacred Order dares to offer its blessing; more life.
Even with Apocalypse descending.
Even with the jaws of death wide open at the Gates.
Even with the demented slaughterhouse that is modern society.
Even battered and bruised.
Even with flies laying eggs in your sores.
Even so; the Sacred Order says if you can live past hope then hope should be enough.
The voice at the very core of all of us screams through every fibre of our beings; Know me for I am the well of Souls; you are not alone.
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"
The crowd went into stunned Silence.
It wasnt the victory speech full of self-congratulating arrogance they were expecting. What they got was impassionate poetry coloured with Elven magical visuals.
And Elrick began wondering as his thoughts wavered.
?Elrick : " Shit! Was that too much? Oh fuck it; I might as well do it!?
With his body still radiating a mild glow he began walking towards the people nearest to the stage. The stage amplifies voices like microphones.
Elrick : " So? A famous rich man became a Noble. What does that have to do with the price of bread? Right?"
Elrick looked around and he could see people nodding.
Elrick : " Because all our lives have become a Shrill Sibilant Fraud."
Once again Stunned Silence.
Elrick : " Ive decided to tell you people the truth; not an easy thing to do because people are generally averse to almost any kind of truth. Im not talking about Eternal Truth, Absolute Truth or Ultimate Truth; Im talking about impermanent transient Intimate Personal Truth. I dont expect you people to be capable of accepting your own Personal Truths but God Damn-it you should be capable of self preservation!"
Elrick could see that the adults were paying attention now.
Elrick : " The fact that because Im rich I can gain legal authority has everything to do with the price of bread. In this world and the world I come from money is absolute power. At least your currency has a real intrinsic value; the prevailing currencies of my world are worth less than paper because theyre all digital; part of a fraudulent financial system meant to enslave the populace."
Elrick looked around to see if everyone was paying attention.
Elrick : " The inevitable result of an economic system where power is determined by money is that all the power is concentrated on the wealthy. Such a system is nothing more than the tyranny of the wealthy. It creates a money based fraudulent class system; usurping your inalienable rights and turning you into perpetual serfs. Thus the economic system where power is determined by money reduces the poorest to economic slaves; people forced to perform the worst tasks just to earn enough for a loaf of bread."
Elrick sighs.
Elrick : " Whats worse is that you people have started to define your value with money. Proudly believing that the little coin youve gathered actually means something; thinking how much you have is your value. You are sentient beings God Damn-it! Youre lives have Intrinsic Value!"
Elrick notes that they are clearly reflecting on his words.
Elrick : " I can already hear some Atlantian idiot mouthing; isnt it all Virtual? To that I can only say that the extent of your idiocy is beyond baffling. For what is an Electronic Sentient Virtual Being if not an energy being? Even if they dont know it these people of this Realm Eternal are a higher form of life; Transcendent Beings."
This time Elrick knows that its the Atlantians that are gasping.
Elrick : " What makes you think that youre not Virtual? The computational power of a billion year old species could allow them to simulate the Multiverse, and that means given the supposed age of our universe there would be more virtual beings than so called living beings. By that reasoning we are almost certainly all virtual."
Elrick could see that there was a lot of denial in peoples eyes.
Elrick : " The arrogance of knowledge is to presume complete understanding when we know nothing about the true nature of our souls."
Elrick took a moment to let his words sink in.
Elrick : " I can only offer you the truth as I see it; the knowledge I touched upon through reaching the threshold of revelation brought-on by my reflection in solitude on Chaos Island. Thus Truth, authenticity, fact, reality, certainty, accuracy, genuineness, exactitude, exactness, legitimacy, actuality, correctness, authenticity, and honesty are all subjective."
Elrick raised his hands up in surrender.
Elrick : " So what do we do? How do we right the course weve set for ourselves?"
Elrick moves to another part of the stage to face another group.
Elrick : " First we have to care about each other! Not just your family and friends but care about the well being of more than the people in your immediate surrounding. Cast aside the Falsehood of Individualism and Accept our Connectedness! Stop defining your value with money and recognize that you possess a soul that is part of the well of souls. Know that you can express your true power by coming together and becoming a single voice that can speak life into existence."
Elrick smiles.
Elrick : " You are not weak; the weakness is in your perception of your selves! If we come together we can Transform into one Equal Temper of Heroic Hearts, strong in Will and in Mind, beholding Sufficient Divine Power to strike down all the Evils that plague us! That is my GOSPEL; my TRUTH!"
A slow clapping of hands quickly gained momentum and became rousing cheers and celebration; much to Elricks relief.
- - -
As Elrick is about to leave the stage an official Asgard Continental Republic messenger approaches Elrick and begins reading the message for all to hear.
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~ Ding! ~
Asgard Continental Republic Proclamation!
To: Elrick Starlight
From: The Eastal Kingdom High Council
Ye have proven Thyself to be worthy. Thus by Proclamation we shall Appoint Thee
By Royal Decree Eastal hereby appoints Elrick Starlight as Eastals Emissary to the Atlantians.
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The people listening were awed. It seemed like affirmation of Elrick as a special individual.
Elrick knew that this is Director Orlins promised protection from the Nobility of the Realm Eternal. It meant that as Eastals Emissary he had the protection born by the weight of the Elven Continentals.
Prince Carlen and the other Nobles were leaving; having understood that they would not be able to use Elrick as some kind of pawn.
- - -
Approaching his friends and companions Elrick noticed the odd looks they were giving him and wondered what that look was about.
Anton : " How did you do that?"
Elrick : " Do what?"
Carol : " That connection you formed with all those people"
Shieldor : " What was it about?"
Bowden : " What was that?"
Lady Lorelei : " I dont think he knows"
Elrick : " Wait? Did something happen?"
Grinder : " There was a clearly identifiable energy connection between you and hundreds of thousands of people."
Elrick is visibly shocked.
Elrick : " What?"
Bowden : " We could see it; it was a connection."
Lady Lorelei : " He doesnt have a Class 4 Golem Implant; so hes not equipped to detect such a thing."
Elrick : " Eh?"
Elricks mind feels fogged-up.
Edwin : " So thats how they do it."
Jason : " Who?"
Edwin : " The Realm Eternal Churches."
Elrick : " What does that have to do with anything?"
Swordin : " Of course"
Bowden : " Their secret skill must have something to do with connections with their faithful followers."
Hammerin : " Is this that power of Faith?"
Daggerin : " Could be"
Egret Collins : " Elrick; you might have stumbled into something yet again."
Elrick : " What is it?"
Lady Lorelei : " Its the answer to the question; why people of low SP and relatively short lifespan are able to reach God Rank in magic. Ordinarily a God Rank Mana Capacity should be beyond them, but somehow using the secret skill Divine Power they are able to ascend to God Rank."
Elrick : " Wait; doesnt Divine Power require someone with God Rank to install it on your Soul? Isnt Divine Power the Highest level of Spiritual Fortification?"
Edwin : " All Magic in this world is based on innate archaic forms of Magic."
Jason : " There must be an inefficient version of Divine Power."
Shieldor : " Then its probably not as useful"
Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.
Bowden : " Elrick; check your Stats and see if theres been a major change"
Elrick activates Status to look at his stats.
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Frop
Name: Elrick Starlight
Alias: Annihilator, Sacred Acolyte, Liberator of Commoners, Atlantian Commoner Hero; Saviour of Vhon, Enlightener.
Race: High Elf of Light
Profession: Director of Starlight Spark
Titles: Eminent Clan Chief of the Commonwealth Realm, Eastals Emissary to the Atlantians.
Clan Affiliation: Starlight Spark
Clan Chief: Elrick Starlight
Clan Faction: Nova Horizon
Descriptive Stats:
HP = 16333MP = 7220Atk = 1135.251Deff = 1223.007
Attribute Stats:
Strength = 868 ( + 150)
Agility = 860 ( + 200)
Dexterity = 449 ( + 50)
Durability = 875 ( + 150)
Endurance = 964 ( + 200)
Sensitivity = 194
Vitality = 533 ( + 100)
Eyesight = 205
Charisma = 11
Leadership = 11
Awareness = 425 ( + 50)
Reputation = 10
Observation = 730 ( + 50)
Knowledge = 814 ( + 50)
Wisdom = 1181( + 50)
Intelligence = 1059 ( + 50)
Skills:
Mana Shaping = 2504
Magic Skill = 4089
Magic Sub-Skills, Affinity & Proficiency :
Earth Magic Exp = 0 ;Aff = 5;Prof = 5
Fire Magic Exp = 0 ;Aff = 5;Prof = 5
Wind Magic EXP = 0 ;Aff = 5;Prof = 5
Water Magic EXP = 0 ;Aff = 2.5 ;Prof = 2.5
Ice Magic Exp = 0 ;Aff = 2.5 ;Prof = 2.5
Alchemy Magic Exp = 706 ;Aff = 5;Prof = 5
Appraisal Magic Exp = 682 ;Aff = 5;Prof = 5
Enchantments Magic Exp = 0 ;Aff = 5;Prof = 55
Light Magic Exp = 103 ;Aff = 5;Prof = 5
Plant Magic Exp = 0 ;Aff = 2.5 ;Prof = 2.5
Psionic Magic Exp = 0 ;Aff = 5;Prof = 5
Rune Magic Exp = 36 ;Aff = 5;Prof = 5
Sound Magic Exp = 0 ;Aff = 5;Prof = 5
Shadow Magic Exp = 0 ;Aff = 1;Prof = 1.
Physical Combat Skills= Click to View
Corporeal Skills= Click to View
Auxiliary Skills= Click to View
Crafting Skills= Click to View
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Elrick : " The Fuck? My Sensitivity has increased by 171 EXP"
Lady Lorelei : " Show me!"
Elrick : " Show ?Status?"
Elrick shows his status without hesitation.
As they look over Elricks stats they are not surprised by the more than doubling of his stats indicating that it was expected since they all more than double their stats since the last time theyve seen Elricks stats.
Chancellor Lionel Adev approaches Elrick.
Lionel Adev : " Your Eminence; there seems to be a lot of people gathering around us."
The manner in which Chancellor Lionel Adev addresses Elrick reminds everyone that he is now a noble; thus in public they will have to treat him with the respect befitting his new status.
Elrick : " Whats going on? Why are they gathering?"
Lionel Adev : " They claim to want to meet the Atlantian Acolyte and receive his blessings."
Elrick : " What?"
Lionel Adev : " Your Eminence; they believe you belong to the Priestly Order"
Edwin : " HeHeHeHe! You did say its you Gospel; right?"
Jason : " Ha! You started some kind of religion. Your Eminence"
Jason continued to chuckle.
Elrick : " All I did was speak my truth from the heart."
Swordin : " Then it cant be helped your Eminence."
Bowden : " Your Eminence will just have to continue spreading your Gospel."
They all seem to laugh at Ericks expense.
Elrick : " So be it! Chancellor Adev; please arrange everything. I will meet them in family groups."
Lionel Adev : " As you wish your Eminence."
Chancellor Adev left to organize the people.
Before long lines formed and Elrick began meeting with the people
- - -
Part 2
- - -
While Elrick was meeting with people who now treated him like a Noble Priest he made sure to be completely genuine and truthful with everyone he met and the people seemed to enjoy it. They would ask him to bathe them in his light to which Elrick complied and used his ?Aura Burst?. The more people he interacted with he started to feel a slight difference in the ?Aura Burst? he was using; ?Aura Burst? was having an effect on people he hadnt been expecting.
The ?Aura Burst? Elrick was now producing was filled with Divine Light; he had been unconsciously producing divine light ever since he finished reading that poem. Now Elricks ?Aura Burst? was actually low grade recovery magic and had the effect of making people slightly euphoric. Elrick now understood why they wanted to be Bathed in his light; it was a fix and he was the dealer who gave it away for free. But when he thought about it he realized that it wasnt really free; his genuine interactions with them allowed him to feel thus growing his Sensitivity.
As an added bonus both his ?Aura Glow? and ?Aura Burst? were gaining EXP at a faster rate now that Sensitivity was somehow including divine light into the release of light; it was as though he was performing healing magic and the Mana costs were at least 5 times what they had been previously. Elrick had no time to wonder about the true nature of light magic because he had to properly be engaged with people or he wouldnt be able to make an empathic connection. Thus Elrick set aside all his plans and focused on what was in front of him.
The meetings with family groups went on longer than Elrick had predicted. Elrick had thought that it was only a few hundred people or at best a thousand people, but as word spread that Elrick was meeting and shaking hands with any who desired it the lines grew longer and thousands were now waiting to meet the unconventional Atlantian Noble who would warmly receive commoners and embrace them as equals.
Elricks image as a priest solidified and now mothers were bringing their infants for Elrick to kiss their foreheads. Any other person would be physically and emotionally worn-out by the endless work but Elrick had been digging up a mountain with his bare hands for months now; and often without rest. Therefore this much was acceptable for Elrick; he could go on for days if needed, and coming into contact with people after so many months of solitude was not a burden but a blessing Elrick welcomed.
And so for the rest of the day and most of the night Elrick met with people; never wavering, never trying and always courteous and empathic.
- - -
The next day Elrick woke up from a nearby hotel Grinder arranged for the Executives of Starlight Spark thinking that they would all get stupid drunk and go to bed in the arms of the local harlots he had prepared. All 16 fulfilled Grinders expectations but Elrick hardly had anything alcoholic and spent most of the time ministering to the common folk and listening to their complaints. As a Noble Elrick had a legal responsibly to care for the well being of the common people and Elrick seemed to have taken that role to heart.
Elrick had a tight schedule for the day; first he had to head over to the Academy and begin the process of bonding with elemental Symbiotes, then he and Grinder would go to the City Administration Building where Grinder would officially take on the role of Director of Starlight Spark which would free Elrick to focus on the demands of his Noble Rank, and finally theyd go to the Golem Dealership to register the Class 4 Golem Core Starlight Spark had bought for its Executive as a perk.
Given Elricks increased Mana capacity he could bond with a Symbiote every 14 hours given that he could complete each bonding in 2 Mana feedings. Grinder had paid the necessary 100 Gold Coins gratuity necessary to keep the Academys elemental bonding centre continuously open for Elrick during the next 5 consecutive days; a privilege only granted to Nobles. This was just one of the many privileges granted to the Nobility and it amounted to the most extraordinary preferential treatment; no waiting in queues, hardly any checks by guards and so on and so on.
When Elrick stepped out of the hotel he noted that there was a full Raid group that would act as his protection detail. He remembered that both Grinder and Bowden had to suffer the same the level of protection and the other Executives only had to endure a party level of protection. At first the Executives resisted this kind of protection but after constant harassment by local thugs and criminal organizations Starlight Spark was forced to make a show of force when moving around in the city.
Lorelei has to put up with 2 Nova provided raid groups and from that realization Elrick knew that his protection detail was considerably light. As he introduced himself to the Starlight Spark Cavalrymen he noted that even though they wore good quality equipment they werent Starlight Sparks elite warriors but paper tigers meant to be showy. Obviously Grinder wasnt going to assign Starlight Sparks valuable elites to guard duty. Elrick let go of those thoughts as the transport spheres arrived.
The transport spheres are the quickest way to move around the City and with mere moment they had reached the Academys landing platform. When the Academys Guards saw that silvery band around Elricks forehead they promptly let him through as they had been told to expect him. Elrick quickly found himself in a room with a light Elemental burning through his skin while sucking his Mana dry. It is then that the excruciating pain reminded him that light is a type of radiation capable of higher temperatures than flames.
Upon waking up thirty minutes later Elrick then left the Academy and met up with Grinder at the City Administration Building where after both of them signed a number of documents Grinder officially became the Director of Starlight Spark, and without delays they went over to the Golem Dealership where a Halfling named Nesor explained how the Golem implants were performed. It turned out that they used Synthesis to implant Golems. Nesor explained that ring on Elricks head was bonded to him through Runic ?Synthesis?.
As it turned out the rank of the Alchemist determined what Class of Golem Core they can fuse with what Body. The body of someone with high durability would resist any attempts to alter the body thus requiring high levels of Mana and Skill. The diameter size of the Golem determined the extent of the changes ?Synthesis? would make; the larger the changes the higher the Rank of the Alchemist. Nesor Indicated that A Class 5 Golem core would need a Master Rank Alchemist while an expert was fine for Class 4 and below as it relates to people with Durability less than 5,000 EXP. The implanting fee is 5% of the Golem Core Price.
Elrick was then asked to step into a chamber where a full body scan of his body would be done.
- - -
While in the scanning Chamber Elrick carefully considered his options. He wanted a Class 5 Golem Core as well but that would mean more expenses and delays.
As Elrick stepped out of the chamber his Elven Armour opened up allowing him to step into it as he had instructed it to do. Elrick then looked over to Grinder and Nesor.
Elrick had made his decision.
Grinder : " Then we can leave and youll contact Elrick once your Alchemist is ready."
Nesor : " That will be fine sir."
Elrick : " Hold on! Id like to also implant a Class 5 Golem Core; what area of the body would cause the least amount of interference with bodily functions?"
Both Nesor and Grinder quickly recover from their stunned expressions. Nesor thinks for a moment.
Nesor : " Hmmmm . I believe that for a Class 5 Golem Core implant the buttocks would give the least amount of interference. However for a male the buttocks would become excessively large; not to mention that one would be larger than the other causing an imbalance. Sitting would not be comfortable unless a layer of cushion is included with the implant."
Elrick : " I see. Has anyone done it?"
Grinder : " Wait youre not seriously considering this?"
Both Grinder and Nesor give Elrick curious looks.
Elrick : " Im as serious as a heartbeat."
Nesor : " The few that tried them found that their ability to fully utilize them was limited; its far easier to have a Golem Armour with a Class 5 Golem Core such as your Elven Armour handle any extreme computations."
Elrick : " Then Id like 2 Class 5 Golem Cores along with cushions for both my buttocks and a third Class 5 Golem Core for a Living Golem. For the Class 5 Golem Cores to be implanted Id like one to be a Field Command module and the other to be a Field Communications module. For the Living Golem the Standard Attendant programming should be fine."
It took some time for Grinder and Nesor to recover; here was someone completely ignoring all the warnings and ploughing ahead without fear of the repercussions. It was Nesor who recovered first as he would earn a sizable commission for the sale.
Nesor : " Oh HoHoHoHo; a Living Golem? We hardly ever get any requests for personal Living Golems; only married rich Nobles who dont want to take on concubines use Living Golem; thus theyre a bit pricy at 580 Gold Coins. The Class 5 Golem Core is priced at 500 Gold Coins per unit; would your Eminence like to give them protective coverings? Also would your Eminence like your Living Golem to be male or female? And would your Eminence like your Living Golem to be able to use magic?"
Elrick : " Id like my Living Golem to be female."
Nesor : " Female; good. The laws require a Living Golem to be printed from the DNA of the Owner or that of the Owners Legal Spouse with a 25% Genetic Splice of any of the species listed in the booklet. This is to avoid the Living Golem impersonating a real person. The Magical properties of the Living Golem are derived from the Genetic Splice."
Elrick picked up the booklet and read through the list; they were all magical beasts. Then he saw an Electric Eel Slime.
Elrick : " Then Ill take 20% Electric Eel Slime and 5% Gel; since a Gel is a Pond Slimes Higher Form."
Nesor : " Good-good; 20% Electric Eel Slime and 5% Gel. What about protection?"
Elrick : " Id like an Andaril Ingot and 0.001% of an Ingot of the Highest Grade GodSteel available in Cobalt City markets. Use that amount and divide it to protect all 4 Golem Cores."
At this point Elrick was used to their surprised expressions so he simply ignored them.
Grinder : " Adamantium? And also GodSteel?"
Nesor : " Your Eminence; even with such small amounts of GodSteel the Living Golem would not be able to lift up its head for a very long time."
Elrick : " Its fine; I already made adequate preparations for that."
Elrick releases another Training Elven Golem Armour to Show Nesor and ease his conscience.
Nesor : " As expected of your Eminence."
Elrick : " Then whats my total"
Nesor : " Thats 1,500 for the 3 Class 5 Golem Cores, 450 for the Andaril Ingot, by current prices 0.001% of an Ingot of the Grade 7 GodSteel is 2,000, then 580 for the Living Golem, 75 for the genetic Splicing, then theres the 230 in initial ?Synthesis? fees. Starlight gets a 5% discount by trading through a registered merchant. Therefore your final Implanting fees amount to 242 making your total 5,077 Gold Coins."
Elrick : " Then Ill pay straight away."
Elricks quick payment as he transferred over the money left Nesor wide eyed for a moment.
Nesor : " Thank you for your patronage your Eminence. It will take 2 to 4 days for the underlying preparations to be complete so well contact starlight when everything is ready."
Elrick : " Then well be going."
Once Grinder and Elrick are outside the dealership Grinder finally recovers. He had forgotten that Elrick can spend a lot of money very quickly and without hesitation.
Grinder : " You wanna stop at the headquarters and take a look?"
Elrick : " Ah no; I have to go buy the full set of elemental familiars."
Grinder : " Of Course"
Elrick : " By the way; Im gonna need to borrow a at least 2 Legions from the First Cavalry."
Grinder : " What for?"
Elrick : " Its the task given to me as the Emissary; The town of Norfork in the Kent Kingdom has been hit with a plague. Im to use the Elves of Light in Starlight to give Aid. Norfork is 41km from the City of Forkland."
Grinder : " Im not gonna ask you when you met with Eastal or what sort of deal you made to lighten your sentence as long as it doesnt interfere with Starlight. You obviously sold your mined minerals to them and earned enough to go on a spending spree. What I want to know is how much Eastal gave you to spend on this task."
Elrick realised that the Grinder with Memory Imprints and a Class 4 Golem core implant is a completely different animal; clever beyond Elricks imagination.
Elrick : " They gave me 7,000 Gold Coins for this Task."
Elrick observed the thinking Grinder.
Grinder : " Add 1,000 Gold from your own money and we can mobilize the elite half of the Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry. Thats 8 legions and all the Elves of Light in Starlight Spark; well make it a training exercise in long range deployment. Im sure our Cavalry Captains are looking for some adventure. What do you say?"
Elrick : " Lets do it!"
Elrick transfers 8000 gold to the Starlight Spark account.
Grinder : " When do you have to leave?"
Elrick : " Is 5 days OK?"
Grinder : " Its fine."
- - -
- - -
Chapter 26: Acclimatizing to Magic
- - -
- - -
Arc 2: The Power of Knowledge
- - -
- - -
= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
= Other
Author''s note:
Still recovering from a case Flue that put me down for nearly 2 weeks.
I''ve nearly completed the next Chapter (Chapter 27: Crossing the Rubicon) I''d planed to release them together but I''m still going through the necessary reading to make sure it''s properly aligned to Economic Theory.
- - -
Chapter 26: Acclimatizing to Magic
- - -
Part 1
- - -
- - -
Flying over Cobalt City Elrick could get a good look at the Starlight Sparks 854 Hectares that occupied the entire Blue Mountain side. Elrick had a clear memory of the idealic look the Blue Mountain held before it was purchased by Starlight Spark, but now it was covered by 15 to 25 story structures with barely any sign that it was ever a natural environment. At the top of every building was a Solar Powered Stirling Engine with the parabolic reflectors tracking the position of the Sun in unison.
Grinder had installed the Stirling Engine Assemblies to augment the now 11 Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactors that powered a total of 15 Mana Crystal Fabricators. The miniaturized LFTR Nuclear Power Sources wouldnt be enough on their own and even with the Stirling Engine Assemblies theres still a massive Mana deficit which had to be filled by the Mana Generator through its Mana Absorption function.
Starlight Spark continued paying 1 Copper Coin for 20 Mana; a price that satisfied a small proportion of the locals who readily took up the offer. Starlight Spark is able to produce 30,000 of the 1,000 Mana Crystal and 1500 of the 5,000 Mana Crystal per Day. The daily revenue from Crystal production would be 9,375 Gold Coins, and the profit is sufficient to service Starlight Sparks obligations.
Grinder had seized upon the Mana Crystals as the primary revenue stream as it could guarantee a stable and relatively predictable source of cash. But even so it would have been unwise to rely on a single revenue stream therefore Grinder invested heavily in item production; hiring additional Academy graduates for this purpose. Eventually reaching the point where a new product was developed and put on the market thanks to the training requirements for the new employees.
Elrick had previously suggested that Starlight Spark acquire custom training equipment where an exercise bike would pump water into a tank placed up the Blue Mountain and a pump storage system could harness the potential energy to generate additional electricity. Some of Elricks training methods involved all members of a Party or Raid Group turning a massive buried water pump as a form of Strength Training. When Grinder took the Idea to the Starlight Spark Crafters they came up with an even better concept for energy storage.
The Rune Mages employed by Starlight Spark designed a Steel Compressed Air Storage Ball that could be affixed to all manner of training contraptions. Thus all physical exertion on the training machines would pump Air into the Air Storage Ball and the runic Engravings and Inscriptions would compress the Air inside the Air Storage Ball to within safe limits. The Compressed Air inside 100 Air Storage Balls would then be transferred to a larger version of the Steel Air Storage Ball in the form of a Grenade or a Pneumatic Motor Power Source.
The Pneumatic Motor became an instant hit in the market place as a reusable alternative to Mana Crystals. However limited production capability meant that the Starlight Spark Company could only supply Cobalt City with both the Pneumatic Motor and its associated Spherical Power Source. Grinder realised the potential and understood that in order for the Pneumatic Motor and Spherical Power Source combination to be viable Starlight Spark had to increase supply.
Grinder struck upon the idea of building a public Gym in the high density area of Cobalt City. Incidentally the Nova Horizon Headquarters were in the same area along with the Headquarters for the Crimson Hand, but the Headquarters of Winged Sage Falcros was further up the main-street and firmly in the low-density section. For Grinders plan to work the Gym would have to be spectacular and eye-catching to draw in as many people as possible.
Fortunately Grinder found an Old and dilapidated 15 Story Building that set on 8 Hectares and bought it for 7,000 Gold Coins. With occupancy less than 10% the building was slated for demolition so Grinder then paid 780 Gold Coins for the relocation of residents and demolition of the building. After buying up 6 additional adjacent lots for a total of 14 Hectares Starlight Spark set about building the 275 Story Building that would become the new Starlight Spark Tower.
Ordinarily construction of a 275 Story Building would cost well over 100,000 Gold Coins but Grinder got it done for a paltry 42,000 Gold Coins. This was accomplished by optimally utilizing Starlight Sparks labour force. Every party in the Starlight Spark Cavalries has an Earth Mage for Defence, a Water Mage for Healing and lastly a Fire and a Wind Mage for offensive Magic. Grinder decided to tap into that resource and use it for ?Legion Spells? to accelerate Construction Material Production.
Normally ?Legion Spells? are used for large scale combat, and since every participant has to have both the Magic Type and specific ?Legion Spells? using it for something as mundane as construction is inefficient. Therefore rather than hiring teams of Expert Rank Earth Mages Grinder decided to use Starlight Sparks Legions for ?Legion Spells?in the Production of Construction Material. This is where having thousands of employees proved extremely useful to Starlight Spark.
In the real world skyscrapers are built using steel and concrete, but in Realm Eternal the availability of Magic allows the use of different options. Thus sand can be transformed in to rocks and rocks can be transformed in to hardened rocks, and ultimately hardened rocks can be transformed in to Hardened Stone; all this provided you have the correct starting ingredients. An Expert Rank Earth Mage could then fuse the Hardened Stones into walls during the Construction Process.
A Rune Mage would then use the?Elemental Engraving?Spell and the ?Magic Imbuing? Spell to add more strength and durability to the walls. Thus Grinder used ?Legion Spells? to Produce Hardened Stones that were more like Carbon Crystals since metals are expensive on Ado but carbon is available in abundance. Since the builders had a large quantity of big Hardened Stones to work with they needed less teams of Expert Rank Earth Mages and could work faster than would otherwise be possible.
Thus the Dark Blue Tower that Dominates the Skyline of the High Density Residential Area of Cobalt City is Grinders crowning achievement; proof of his managerial skills.
The first 20 Floors of the Starlight Spark Tower are primarily for retail in the form of a Starlight Spark Superstore. The next 25 floors are the free public Gym. The 100 Floors after that constitute the Starlight Spark Hotel. The 50 floors above the Hotel are the Brothel. And the final 80 Floors are composed of Starlight Spark Executive Residences and Corporate Offices. Every Starlight Spark employee holding the rank of Lieutenant and higher is allocated a residence in the Starlight Spark Tower.
The Luxury Penthouse Apartments are reserved for the Starlight Spark Executives and VIP Guests.
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Reaching the Familiar Vending Company Elrick reviewed his expenditure; he earned 47,258 Gold Coins by selling the mined ores, spent 9,000 Gold Coins on 2 Elven Training Golem Armours, spent 5,077 Gold Coins on Golem Cores, spent 1,000 Gold Coins on Operation Elven Light, planned to spend 15,000 Gold Coins on a Magical Heritage and that meant he only had 17,181 Gold Coins to spend. Elricks next expenditure would invariably take a chunk of whats left since the Elemental Familiars are not Cheap.
Elemental Familiars are extremely expensive at 500 Gold Coins and that meant that Elrick would need to spend 5,500 Gold Coins on Familiars. Therefore he would need to purchase Tracking Familiar Inter-Dimensional Pockets to house the Magic Stone Cores. Elrick wouldnt need to purchase 11 pockets since the elementals that didnt affect each other negatively could share an Inter-Dimensional Pocket. Every pairing would save him the 200 Gold Coins price tag for a Tracking Familiar Inter-Dimensional Pocket.
The Water Elemental, the Sound Elementaland the Wind Elemental could share an Inter-Dimensional Pocket. The Fire Elementalcould share with the Light Elemental. The Earth Elemental, the Ice Elemental andShadow Elementalcould share an Inter-Dimensional Pocket. The Plant Elemental, the Psionic Elemental and theEnchantment Elemental could share an Inter-Dimensional Pocket.
That meant 4 Tracking Familiar Inter-Dimensional Pockets at a cost of 800 Gold Coins. Elrick would spend 5,985 Gold Coins at the Familiar Vending Company thanks to the 315 Gold Coins discount he would get for Starlight employing registered merchants. Nonetheless Elricks cash reserves would drop to 11,196 Gold Coins, and he could expect to spend 2 Gold Coins as incentives for each of the participating 173 Atlantian Elves of Light who belonged to the Starlight Spark Clan since they werent employed by Starlight Spark the Corporation.
Elrick chose to buy the spherical 19 Divine Element bearers. Each of the 14 Multicoloured Shimmering spheres contain a Unit of the Psionic Magic Element Psionand each of the 5 Golden spheres contain a Unit of theLight Magic Element Radiance. Elrick elected the programming for his Psionic Elemental Familiar to use 9 Units of Psion for Full Body Armour, 5 Units for a Shield and 5 Units for a Halberd. Elrick elected the programming for his Psionic Elemental Familiar to use 5 Units of Radiance for a Halberd. The Cost would be [(14X100+3X100) + (65X5+100)] = 2125 Gold Coins.
Elrick elected to name the Familiars based on their Colours.
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~ Frop! ~
Elricks List of names for his Familiars
The Water Elemental is Named Blue.
The Sound Elemental is Named Lucid; because its naturally Transparent.
The Wind Elemental is Named Silvren.
The Fire Elemental is Named Red.
The Light Elemental is Named Yellow; because its naturally Golden.
The Earth Elemental is Named Brown.
The Ice Elemental is Named White.
The Shadow Elemental is Named Black.
The Plant Elemental, is Named Green
The Psionic Elemental is Named Bright; because its naturally Multicoloured.
The Enchantment Elemental is Named Clear; because its naturally Transparent.
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Elrick estimated that hed need an additional 500 Gold Coins in Potions; primarily Mana Potions, but also High Cures and Elixirs for the sick that are beyond the healing abilities of his team. Elrick couldnt justify passing the cost of High Cures and Elixirs to Starlight Spark if theyre used on a mission that wasnt given directly to Starlight Spark, and he was certain that Grinder wouldnt accept such costs. Sure there were some benefits for Starlight Spark but they were hardly worth the financial loss.
Thus Elrick could rightly expect his savings to drop to 8,225 Gold Coins. But even then Elrick knew that the trickiest expenditure would be on ?Spells?. Though the first Spell on Elricks list is?Divine Protection? , and since he fulfilled the requirements for the Restricted Magic Spell by becoming a Realm Clan Chief he could now purchase the Spell at a cost of 2000 Gold Coins and gain the Ability to grant ?Divine Protection? to his Clansman; that would bring his savings down to 6,225 Gold Coins.
The Sub-Skill ?Combat Arts? or?Magic Spells?cost 50% of the cost of the Sub-Skill. That meant that the expense on Advanced Magic would be considerable. The reason for the cost is that each ?Magic Spells? Represents thousands and at times millions of hours of research. The Basic Complementary Spell Set given on the purchase of the Magical Sub-Skill are primarily for demonstration purposes and have little in the way of practical combat applications.
The Basic Complementary Spell Set includes variations of ?Elemental Magic Control?, ?Elemental Magic Shaping? and ?Elemental Magic Dispersal?. Thus forLight Magic Elrick got ?Light Control?, ?Light Shaping? and ?Light Dispersal?. The Basic Complementary Spell Set is often called the introductory Manipulation Set meant to give you the feel of using the element. As one might expect freely shaping light into a laser is incredibly complicated and would require an inordinate amount of concentration, but the ?Laser? Class of Spells are quick and immediate.
Starlight Spark had already paid for the?Elemental Bullet? for Earth, Water Wind and FireMagic. Thus Elrick could focus on ?Spells? for the more expensive Advanced Magic. Elrick chose the Light Magic Spells ?Torch-Light?, ?Laser Beam?, ?Stimulate?, ?Restore?, ?Rejuvenate?, ?Healing-Light? and ?Divine-Aura?since his mission demanded that he be competent in Light Magic. The essence of the healing properties of Divine Light is to accelerate the bodys natural healing properties with Divine Light providing the energy through Light Magic. The 7 Light Magic?Spells? would cost 17.5 Gold Coins.
As such Magic could not re-grow limbs; that process would require the intervention of Bio-Printers and then Magic could connect the Limbs given that Healing Magic could readily reconnect Limbs. Elrick was sure he would need an ability to perform a simple mending of injuries and healing magic belonging to Water Magic, Plant Magic and Psionic Magic provided such options. As an Elf of Light Elrick didnt have high affinity with Water and Plant Magic and that meant that hed have to use the expensive Psionic Magic whose Spells cost 250 Gold Coins.
Elrick had already decided that hed spend 5,050 Gold Coins onRune Magic Spells & Formulas, Psionic Magic Spells, Sound Magic Spells, Enchantments Magic Spells, Appraisal Spells, Alchemy Magic Spells, Light Magic Spells and Shadow Magic Spells. Elrick expected that the cost would leave him with just 1,175 Gold Coins from his mining earnings.
~ Frop! ~
Elricks Spell Purchase List
Rune Magic Spells: (Cost per Spell = 500 Gold Coins)
- ?Psionic Engraving?Spell:
- ?Magic Imbuing? Spell:
Rune MagicFormulas: (Cost per Formula = 500 Gold Coins)
- ?Psionic Engraving?
- ?Psionic Imbuing?
Psionic MagicSpells: (Cost per Spell = 250 Gold Coins)
- ?Psionic Barrier?
- ?Psionic Bullet?
- ?Psionic Beam?
- ?Psionic Healing?
- ?Telepathy?
- ?Psionic Heal?
- ?Astral Projection?
Enchantments Magic Spells: (Cost per Spell = 250 Gold Coins)
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
- ?Enchantment Strength?
- ?Enchantment Agility?
- ?Enchantment Durability?
Sound Magic Spells: (Cost per Spell = 50 Gold Coins)
- ?Sound Disruption Barrier?
- ?Sound Destruction Wave?
- ?Explosive Noise Ball?
- ?Ultrasound Wave?
- ?Echolocation?
Appraisal Spells: (Cost per Spell = 25 Gold Coins)
- ?Magical Feedback Analysis?
- ?Particulates Analysis?
Alchemy Magic Spells: (Cost per Spell = 25 Gold Coins)
- ?Transmutation?
- ?Reverse-Transmutation?
Alchemy Magic Recipe: (Cost per Recipe = 25 Gold Coins)
- ?Transmute Air into its Particulates?
- ?Transmute Air Particulates into Air?
Light Magic Spells: (Cost per Spell = 2.5 Gold Coins)
- ?Torch-Light?
- ?Leaser Beam?
- ?Stimulate?
- ?Restore?
- ?Rejuvenate?
- ?Healing-Light?
- ?Divine-Aura?
Shadow Magic Spells: (Cost per Spell = 2.5 Gold Coins)
- ?Curse-Regeneration?
- ?Curse-Strength?
- ?Curse-Agility?
- ?Curse-Durability?
- ?Curse-Endurance?
- ?Curse-Vitality?
- ?Shadow-Aura?
Total cost = 4,910 Gold Coins
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Of the planned 5,050 Gold Coins intended to be spent on Spells Elrick could only allocate 4,910 Gold Coins and intended to use the remaining 160 Gold Coins on recommendations made by Sir Arwick, and he needed to preserve at least 1,100 Gold Coins for unforeseen contingencies.
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Part 2
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After spending an obscene amount of money in a single day Elrick was now free to do anything, but after months of working like a man possessed he found himself unable to relax and do nothing. Elrick thought about visiting Lorelei and the others at their laboratory but then remembered that none of the Fortunate Five would see him until he got the Golem Implant; the excuse being that Elrick would feel inferior and pitch a tantrum. Somehow they even convinced the Executives of Starlight Spark to stay away; with Grinder being the only one designated to interact with him.
Fortunately Elrick had completed the bonding with the Light Elemental and had started with the Psionic Elemental. As painful as it had been with the Light Elemental it seemed like Childs play when compared with the first session with the Psionic Elemental. Elrick could only describe the experience of interacting with the Psionic Elemental as traumatic; the very nature of the Psionic Elemental means that it can casually rip through your mind.
Thankfully Elricks ESA Badge shielded him from its telepathy but it did nothing to protect him from the mental attacks that left him sprawled on the ground while he released fluids through all his orifices. The complete despair he felt at that moment would haunt him forever; he had wilfully underestimated the power he was dealing with and it bit him in the arse. Elrick would never again take the Elementals lightly; they are powerful Soul Fragments After all.
Elrick would make sure to be properly mentally prepared for the Sound Elemental that would be next; knowing full well that even though its call Sound its actually a Vibration Wisp, and given the list of Sound magical spells it should be capable of terrifying power that can only be rivalled by the Psionic Elemental. Elrick wondered if he could use healing magic to counter the effects but quickly dismissed the idea as his Spell EXP was too low to make a difference.
Thus Elrick chose to practice his new Light Magic to pass the time, and thanks to the high Affinity all the Light Magic Spells would start at 5 EXP; making growing the Sub-Skill inherently faster than those with lower Affinity with Proficiency compounding the effect.
- - -
Elrick spent much of the next 3 days at the Starlight Spark training grounds along with the other Starlight Spark Clan Light Elves; this provided the best opportunity for Starlight Spark healers to train their Healing Magic.
The people who required the most healing attention belong to the 5,400 strong Cobalt City Starlight Brigade; with the 400 additional people being the support personnel. The reason they needed the additional attention is that they are all teenagers full of youthful vigour and reckless abandon; this combined with the fact that the average HP in the Cobalt City Starlight Brigade was 9,200 EXP puts them significantly higher than those of members of the Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalries meant that rapid healing of their injuries needed the attention of 4 to 5 healers per person..
Therefore Elrick with his higher Mana capacity was a welcomed addition to the healing teams.
From the start Elrick could tell that the training had a clear focus on the upcoming operation and even members of the Cobalt City Starlight Brigade had been promised 150 slots on the deploying force as a reward for their hard work. The look of determination on the best performing members of the Cobalt City Starlight Brigade convinced Elrick that they welcomed the opportunity to travel to a distant country and interact with people with a different paradigm. Elrick for his part was more concerned about the cost of protecting them from harm but thinking back on the LandCruisers he was assured that they would be relatively safe.
Grinder had bought 5 LandCruisers at 7000 Gold Coins per unit as part of a purchase of discounted Surplus Military Equipment from the Ashcroft Republic. The Standard LandCruiser is a 75m long 7m wide tracked ground combat system fitted with 5 Military Grade Heavy Machine Guns, 4 Military Grade Theatre Defence Artillery, 2 Military Grade Medium Artillery and 1 Military Grade Heavy Artillery. The LandCruiser can rightly be called an Artillery Platform and is meant to provide ranged support of military operations. The purchase includes a Mobile Defensive Psionic Barrier Generator at 8000 Gold Coins.
Most mercenary companies wont bother with something this heavy and slow that lacks the flexibility of rapid mobility but Grinder wanted the security provided by these assets as a first tactical step towards the establishment of an independent country. 3 LandCruisers and the Mobile Defensive Psionic Barrier Generator were being prepared for the Kent operation; this marking their first major deployment. In the aftermath of the confrontation with Calimado Grinder wanted to avoid such conflicts by giving a sufficient deterrence to would be assailants.
With everyone knowing that Starlight Spark possesses such weapons few Atlantians and Adonites would risk a fight. As expected the operating and maintenance cost of the weapon systems was extreme and they had not seen any real action meaning that this would be their first real deployment in a potential combat environment. Elrick had to get clearance for the use of these systems from the Kent Kingdom in their sovereign territory, and the fact that Elrick is a Commonwealth Noble meant that he undertook not to meddle in the internal affairs of the Kent Kingdom as stipulated by relevant treaties.
Elricks status as a Commonwealth Noble gave him a diplomatic status and that bound him to rules that limited the scope of his activities and behaviour. Having received Commonwealth permission to undertake an aid mission to Norfork in the Kent Kingdom he received set guidelines on his activities in Foreign Lands. Fortunately Kent is relatively modern in its laws and customs and does not permit things like slavery and forced labour due to the inherent rights and freedoms granted to its people.
However the nobility of Kent are given a significant amount of power and authority making their rule over their lands at times somewhat brutal. Elrick would have to avoid confrontations with such Lords by restricting the movements of his people within the territorial limits of such scoundrels; lest his people who largely come from modern democracies start riots in such places.
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When Elrick finally received his Golem Core Implants and the Living Golem he realized that he had made a potentially humiliating blunder. Elrick had been too dismissive of Nesors warning about the buttocks becoming excessively large for a male. Upon waking up from the sleep hed been put under for the synthesis process he began noticing that the lager buttocks combined with the Elven physiques produced a decidedly female form; all he needed was ample breasts to complete the picture.
Elricks buttocks were even larger than those of the Living Golem that had been adjusted to be very feminine. The Golem Armour would thankfully conceal the egregious error and long robes would help in this regard when not in Golem Armour. Elrick named the Living Golem Ayana and helped put her into the Golem Armour once he himself was safely in his own Golem Armour. Ayana could not lift up here head outside the Golem Armour given that the Golem Core registered at 275kg, and Elrick had also found it difficult to move with the extra weight.
The Living Golem Ayana has dark blue eyes without the sclera that normally gives the eye most of its white colour; this a consequence of the requisite Genetic Splicing. Ayanas Golden Skin and Silver Hair clearly marked her as having strong Elf of Light influence.
Eventually the analysis of the Field Command module on the first implanted Class 5 Golem Cores recommended the constant use of Enchants and other physical enhancement magic to help both Elrick and Ayana acclimatize to the heavy loads. At this point Elrick had bonded with the Light Elemental , Psionic Elemental , Water Magic , Plant Elemental , Enchantment Elemental , Sound Elemental , Shadow Elemental in that order by obviously prioritizing Elementals with high healing ability. Elricks calculations indicated that if he delayed his departure by a few hours hed be able to bond with the 10th Elemental leaving just the Ice Elemental as the one hell get upon his return.
When Elrick started training with the Cobalt City Starlight Brigade he was assigned to the worst performing raid group because of his low Spell Exp. The Golem Armour and his Physical Stats put Elrick at the very top of frontline performance, but his healing was the worst of the lot. Light Magic Spells heal by accelerating regeneration using the energy provided by the magic, Water Magic Spells heal by providing nutrients to the damaged area through energizing the bloodstream and Psionic Magic Spells heal by providing physical scaffolding that allows regeneration through localized energizing.
The Plant Magic Spells stimulate cellular replication while Enchantment Magic Spells primarily strengthen the body and thereby providing the necessary time for natural healing to occur.
Thus in order to perform even the simplest healing Elrick needed to chain the magic spells. It was while doing this that Elrick realised that chaining the same magic spell was less effective than chaining different types of elemental magic spells. Experimenting proved that using Light Magic, Water Magic,Plant Magic, Enchantment Magic and Psionic Magic Healing Spells together created a synergy that improved the healing effect in contrast to the chaining of the same magic spell.
Now that Elrick had the implanted Golem Cores he could explore the use of Basic Complementary Spell Set given on the purchase of the Magical Sub-Skill the Golem Cores analytic ability would enhance his magic. The Basic Complementary Spell Set includes variations of ?Elemental Magic Control?, ?Elemental Magic Shaping? and ?Elemental Magic Dispersal?. Elricks Field Command module on the Class 5 Golem Core made it easier to use the Basic Complementary Spell Set.
Thus the Basic Complementary Spell Set that is often called the introductory Manipulation Set could now be used to increase durability to an area of the body through ?Enchantment Magic Control? and ??Enchantment Magic Shaping? . Blood flow in an area of the body could be controlled through ?Water Magic Control? and ?Water Magic Shaping?. Regeneration in an area of the body boosted through ?Light Magic Control? and ?Light Magic Shaping? . ?Psionic Magic Control? and ?Psionic Magic Shaping? could allow the performing of surgery to remove objects and sealing the wounds while Plant Magic and Light Magic Spells stimulate cellular replication.
In effect targeted use of ?Enchantment Magic Control? and ??Enchantment Magic Shaping? would allow continuous buffing with the aid of the analysis provided by Elricks Field Command module on the Class 5 Golem Core.
Though the aid of the Field Command module is still vastly inferior to normal spell casting in casting speed someone acting as a support would have sufficient room to make utilizing such a method productive. However for direct combat purposes it would still be more efficient and effective to use combat spells because of the inescapable benefit that less concentration is required.
Since Elrick didnt plan to consistently take the front lines he could get away with using his Class 5 Golem Cores Analysis abilities to improve his direct manipulation magic. The major benefit of direct manipulation magic with the Basic Complementary Spell Set is an improved Attribute EXP gain in Intelligence, Knowledge, Wisdom, Observation, Awareness and Eyesight. The added bonus toMana ShapingEXP due to active shaping could not be ignored either.
- - -
Every time Elrick went back to the academy during the academys operating hours he checked in with Sir Arwick to make sure that everything was still on course for the Operation Elven Light; Sir Arwick is still his supervisor in the ESA.
The relationship between Sir Arwick and Elrick is complicated by the fact that even though Sir Arwick is Elricks supervisor Elrick holds a higher peerage rank. Thus Sir Arwick has to be constantly mindful of their difference in rank and give someone who is rightly his junior the proper respect. It was also Sir Arwicks responsibility to make sure that Elricks travel arrangements are adequate in respect of his treatment by the nobles of the places he would be visiting since Elrick is also Eastals Emissary to the Atlantians.
That meant that Elrick held a significant diplomatic Rank and those that would interact with Elrick would need to be made aware of the fact that they were dealing with Eastals Emissary. Sir Arwick needed to make sure that Elrick understood that even though he had been bestowed with a kind of Diplomatic Immunity the same did not apply to his clan. Sir Arwick had to make sure that Elrick understood that his diplomatic status would require that he make courtesy calls to certain officials at all the locations he would be visiting.
In fact it was Elricks Diplomatic Status that made Operation Elven Light possible since the Nations of Grandeur would be reticent to refuse the Aid mission of Eastals Emissary.
High-Elves of Light are a special existence on Ado and even sending the Atlantian variant to Norfork is sure to create some hype. High-Elves of Light rarely find the door slammed in their faces on the rare occasions that they come down from Asgard with only the Northman of Norse Island being the lone ones brave enough to routinely spurn the overtures of the High-Elves of Light. The reason is that High-Elves of Light are exceptionally good at healing magic and have ended more than a few plagues in their illustrious history.
For their part High-Elves of Light make it a point to always be good guests; never making demands or interfering with local politics and Accepting no payment or Gratuity for the Healing Service they Provide.
Such is the Ethos of the High-Elves of Light.
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- - -
Chapter 27: Crossing the Rubicon
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Arc 2: The Power of Knowledge
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= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
= Other
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Chapter 27: Crossing the Rubicon
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Part 1
- - -
The days had gone by faster than Elrick anticipated and hed quickly found himself on the eve of the deployment for Operation Elven Light.
His Higher Mana capacity had allowed him to acquire Elemental Magic faster than it would have been possible had he started on ado like everyone else; the lessons of their experience had been that it was prudent to wait until you had at least 500 Mana to attempt bonding with the Elemental Wisps.
Lorelei who had over 500 Mana units thanks to Spiritual Fortifications completed the first bonding in less than 5 Days, and the second was even faster thus proving the old adage that money is power. Those with the financial wherewithal to get ahead were already getting ahead and the Phoenix Consortium being a business had no interest in trying to limit the advantage that money provided; after all the money flowing into Realm Eternal represent crucial Revenue.
However money doesnt necessarily allow you to cheat in magical expertise; Spell EXP governs the efficacy of Magic. The amount of Mana that can be poured into a spell is determined by the Spell EXP; this Elrick finally properly understood when he cast his first Spell which incidentally failed. Affinity determines the initial Spell EXP but that doesnt mean you get a free pass onElemental Spell Focus EXP. The Elemental Spell Focus EXP is what becomes Mana Shaping EXP and affinity does not affect Mana Shaping EXP.
Central to the spell casting is that a particular spells Elemental Spell Focus EXP is determinant; it determines the ease of spell casting. What affinity does is give you more Mana to work with; so rather than pouring 0.000001 Mana into the Elemental Spell Focus Architecture Elrick gets to pour 5 Mana; therefore his high affinities making the process much simpler than someone with no affinity. For those without affinity in a particular Element it is recommended that they first use a magical Item with an Engraved Elemental Spell Focus to bypass the difficulties of working with minuscule amounts of Mana.
The drawback in using an Engraved Elemental Spell Focus to bypass the pouring of Mana into the Elemental Spell Focus Architecture is that you get no Mana Shaping EXP.
The magically Imbued and Engraved items that go as far as to allow the process to go from Mana Reserve to spell-output and consequently removing the need to learn and practice magic grant neither Elemental Magic EXP nor Mana Shaping EXP; as in the case of Mana-Guns, Mana-Rifles and Mana-Cannons.
Elrick had learned from operatives belonging to Starlight Sparks Fifth Special Operations Cavalry that the top 20 ranked Atlantian Clan Chiefs could all cast spells with over 1000 Mana; that meant they had at least 1000 Spell EXP for an important spell. Elrick had heard that Lorelei could pour over 2500 Mana into a combination of Wind & Water ?Electric Plasma Spell?. Elrick theorized that she likely used a magical Item with an Engraved Elemental Spell Focus to grow her Spell EXP to a level that is sufficient; the benefit of real combat experience.
Elrick had decided from the beginning not to try and catch up with the other top Atlantians in magical ability; his goal now was to grow the one thing that would be a major asset to his Starlight Spark Clan ; ?Divine Protection?.
Unlike the Elemental Spells?Divine Protection? starts at Zero EXP; there would be no benefit from affinity. Already Elricks ?Divine Protection? EXP was approaching 2; having been in constant use since he acquired it from the Academy. That meant the maximum amount of Mana he could transfer per Spell use is just under 2 Mana. There was no viable method to increase the ?Divine Protection? EXP gain so Elrick resigned himself to the slow churning of events. Having started at 1 micro-EXP reaching 1 micro-EXP was the first milestone and achieving 1 ?Divine Protection? EXP was the first initial wall; now Every use of 1 Mana generates 1 mini-EXP in ?Divine Protection? EXP.
Elricks goal is sufficient ?Divine Protection? EXP to grant an entire legion enough Mana from his reserves to turn the tide of a battle.
- - -
Having witnessed Elricks tireless efforts over the past several days Lieutenant Commander Vava began to wonder if the prevailing methods was the best utilization of Elricks potential.
During a break Commander Vava approaches Elrick.
Vava : " How goes it Chief?"
Elrick : " Ah Commander Vava? I cant complain; things are what they are, and given my healing EXP level Id be ignored if I wasnt the Clan Chief."
Elrick looks at Vava nodding in agreement.
Vava : " But are you getting enough out of it to make it worth the effort?"
Elrick : " My healing and buffing skills are improving; as to weather theyll prove useful to the sick and dying remains to be seen."
Vava : " Then perhaps we should change things up a bit?"
Elrick : " How so?"
Vava : " The training method here amounts to having these raid groups fight mock battles against each other. Id like to have them fight something truly Powerful."
As Vava looks at Elrick it becomes apparent what Vava means by truly Powerful.
Elrick : " Wait? .. Im not that strong, and my Combat Arts EXP are as low as a newbie."
Vava : " But that is Golem Armour your wearing Right? That alone means you possess the fighting power of someone with an HP of over 45,000 right?"
Elrick : " Haaa!"
Elrick sighs; he suddenly remembers that all those from Deputy Legion Commander (Captain) and above have been equipped with a Starlight Spark Owned Class 4 Golem Core.
Vava : " What do you say Chief? Lets mix it up a bit; Id like to have you fight an entire Raid Group of these locals, and give them some experience fighting something much stronger than them."
Elrick : " Fine; as long as my Armour doesnt get Damaged. It would be an expansive pain to repair it."
Vava : " Ill bet! Wait? Dont those things come fully loaded with both Imbued and Engraved Spells?"
Elrick : " This is a Level 3 Training Elven Golem Armour tailored to magic therefore inferior to similar Military Grade Golem Armour; offering a third of protection of the normal Level 3 Military Grade Golem Armour."
Vava : " That would put its Imbued and Engraved Durability at 5,000?"
Elrick : " Correct; though unlike normal Level 3 Military Grade Golem Armour the Level 3 Training Elven Golem Armour comes equipped with at least 110 Engraved Elemental Spell Focus Runes and 3 Imbued & Engraved Elemental Spell Focus Runes."
Vava : " Is it 10 Engraved Elemental Spell Focus Runes per Element? And what are the 3 Imbued & Engraved Elemental Spell Focus Runes?""
Elrick : " Yes; its 10 Engraved Elemental Spell Focus Runes per Element. the 3 Imbued & Engraved Elemental Spell Focus Runes are ?Astral Shield?, ?Astral Flight? and ?ElectroLaser?."
Vava : " ?Astral Shield? and ?Astral Flight? are Psionic Magic, and ?ElectroLaser? is higher order Light Magic Plasma Beam. Can you even generate an ?ElectroLaser??"
Elrick : " The minimum Mana requirements for the lowest level ?ElectroLaser? Beam is 7,500 units. That means I should reach the minimum in a few days, but actually using it would mean depleting my Mana reserves and abandoning all other magic."
Vava : " Then its no good; without the ?Astral Shield? that Armour with only 5,000 Durability would be shredded by Heavy Machine Gun Rounds. Incidentally the Standard weapon for the Starlight Spark Forces is the Starlight Spark produced Level 2 Chimeric Halberd; the lower half is a Rifle Barrel that fires Heavy Machine Gun Calibre Rounds. The Chimeric Halberd may not be able to fire as rapidly as Machine Gun Rifles since its restricted to 15 Rounds a minute to preserve the weapon, but each round can cause 800 damage to Durability; which is orders of magnitude better than the 150 damage to Durability caused by Machine Gun Rifles ammunition. How much Mana does ?Astral Shield? cost?"
Elrick : " Both ?Astral Shield? and ?Astral Flight? take Mana in packets of 500 Units. How long they last is a function of utilization; ?Astral Shield? can last as long as 40 minutes if not impacted by hostile projectiles and Magic, but ?Astral Flight? is a tremendous drain on Mana and can only sustain optimal flight for 11 minutes with the key determinant being Flight Speed; the faster you move the faster the 500 Mana units packet is depleted. It is estimated that in heavy combat both the ?Astral Shield? and ?Astral Flight? deplete the 500 unit Mana packet in less than 30 seconds. Both ?Astral Shield? and ?Astral Flight? are High order Spatial Psionic Magic that warps the space around the Armour to produce the effects. "
Vava : " I see. What about the physical enhancements? Shouldnt they be harsh on the body?"
Elrick : " Level 3 Golem Armours move at the equivalent of someone withStrength = 4,200, Agility = 4,200, Dexterity = 4,200, Durability = 4,200, Endurance = 4,200 and Vitality = 4,200; that means quadrupling the strain on the body of someone with lower stats. This is the reason there is a requirement of at least 1,000 EXP in these particular Stats; because without them meeting the minimum requirements using the full abilities of the Level 3 Golem Armour would tear-up the muscles and shred the body to peaces. I barely meet the Stat Requirements, but myPhysical-Increase Skill EXP is over 3,500 from Strength-Increase EXP = 1,204 and Speed-Increase EXP = 1,087 and lastlyBody-Harden EXP = 1,258. Normally someone meeting the minimum requirements can go Full Burst with the Level 3 Golem Armour physical capabilities for 5 to 7 minutes before needing to rest for about 30 minutes to recover, but I should be able to go Full Burst for 17 minutes by using my Physical-Increase Sub-Skills to limit the damage to my body."
Vava : " Then a Raid Group wont be enough; an entire legion would be more of a proper match for you. Heck I dont think entire legions of Starlight Spark Cavalries would be able to contain your movements so its fortuitous that we have this Cobalt City Starlight Brigade."
Elrick : " What are you saying?"
Vava : " Youve just admitted to being able to move 4 times faster than a speeding bullet for 17 minutes. Though the training bullets we use are a bit faster I think it wont make much of a difference, and even if you get hit it wont damage your Armour. What is of concern is that given your monstrous strength a direct hit from you could do serious damage so Ill have to restrict you to the training weapons weve borrowed from the Adventurers Guild."
Elrick : " Eh?"
Elrick was stunned by the fact that Vava was completely ignoring his protests and going ahead with the plan to use Elrick as a substitute for a Legion raid Monster.
- - -
Even as Vava happily explained the new training regime to the 10 worst performing Raid Groups Elrick could only acquiesce and comply with Vavas orders; that''s because it is Starlight Spark policy for the Executives of Starlight Spark to never undermine Commanders on the battlefields. Vava is the Lieutenant Commander of the Starlight Spark Forces; second only to Commander Bowden Starlight. By Starlight Spark rules not even the Clan Chief who holds the military rank of Group Captain like the other executives can overrule a Commander.
Starlight Spark set it up that way to avoid confusion in critical situation and making it clear that there exist a definitive chain of command on the Battlefield and the 2 Commanders are the absolute top.
Thus witnessing even the Clan Chief who holds a Noble peerage rank actively accept and comply with Vavas orders served to cement the inviolability of the Starlight Spark military hierarchy in the minds of all the Force members.
Even after his own Golem Cores confirmed Vavas assertion that he could probably take on an entire legion of the Cobalt City Starlight Brigade under the training circumstances Elrick remained nervous because he instinctively knew that the training circumstance were completely bogus. Under real combat conditions there would be unrestricted use of tracking Runic Ammunition that would make his speed meaningless. But Elrick understood that from Vavas point of view training is meant to produce responsive and innovative thinking that can adapt to any situation.
And thus the fighting began.
First Fight
Looking at the formation the Legion was taking his Golem Cores displayed options and countermeasures while clearly defining the paths of all the potential bullets aimed at him, and to this Elrick could only sigh. Vava was right all along; they were ignoring all the detailed information Vava had given them about Elricks capabilities and the limits of Elricks Golem Armour. As expected of untested recruits they had chosen a massed fire tactic hoping to somehow seal his movements with bullets and spells.
Having some understanding of Elricks strength they chose to form a tight formation with 4 rows of 15 shield carrying defenders in the front, 2 rows on the sides and a single row in the back.
In response Elricks Golem Cores were indicating that he should break through the front. The analysis was indicating that the defences would not hold.
When the Signal to begin sounded the Legion fired their Chimeric Halberds at the Elrick that had been standing 175m away from them, and Elrick for his part instantaneously activated ?Astral Shield?, Strength-Increase , Speed-Increase and Body-Harden. The firing by the legion was unceremoniously interrupted by the Sonic Boom that collided with the frontline defenders sending people flying through the air and speed of swing of the training Halberd flinging defenders after defenders into the air with terrifying force.
In no time at all Elrick was savaging the centre of formation causing everyone to scatter in every direction. With the formation broken the defenders could do nothing but be pushed back by the bodies of those they were meant to defend collapsing under Elricks swing of the training Halberd.
In just 28 seconds Vava sounded the end of the battle and instructed Elrick to help with the healing of the injured. The training Halberd would induce a stun effect but the sheer power with which Elrick had been swinging it meant that there would undoubtedly be broken bones.
The ones watching were shocked into stunned silence which quickly turned into an Uproar.
Elrick could hear the clamouring voices.
???? : " Oy oy Oy oy Oy oy Oy oy Oy oy Oy oy!"
???? : " Shit!"
???? : " HaHaHaHaHa!"
???? : " HeHeHeHe!"
???? : " So thats the legendary Clan Chief of Starlight Spark?"
???? : "The Fuck?"
???? : " Eh?"
???? : " The difference Money makes!"
???? : " Really?"
???? : " Its that Armour; totally unfair!"
???? : " Hes performing at the level of an elite city guard!"
???? : " Damn; wish I could get my hands on that Hardware."
???? : " Do you have a spare $10million laying around?"
???? : "What?"
???? : " What kind of Idiot would spend that much on Virtual Reality Items?"
???? : " The kind of Idiot whos the Founder of a Global Corporation."
???? : " Damn-it! Why do the rich always get a head start?"
Elrick continued the work of helping to heal the injuries that he himself had caused.
Deep down Elrick knew that his swift victory was bogus; he was wearing Armour that made him leaps and bounds more powerful than his opponents, and they werent allowed the most effective weapons for this scenario; tracking runic ammunition. The setting was certainly twisted in his favour and Elrick knew it, but it was important for the Cobalt City Starlight Brigade to learn these crucial lessons in training because unlike the Atlantians their deaths could be permanent.
Second Fight
After an hour for Elrick to recover his spent Mana due to the extensive healing it was time for the Cobalt City Starlight Brigade to try again.
This time Vava decided that a single legion wasnt enough; so he picked 20 of the best performing Raid Groups to go up against Elrick.
Elrick for his part hoped that the 2 top legions of the Cobalt City Starlight Brigade would prove more competent, but as he looked on at the formations they were assembling he wondered if the leaders had properly assessed the situation. Then Elrick realized the primary flaw in the Cobalt City Starlight Brigade; they lacked Golem Core Implants.
Starlight Spark Cavalry Commanders would have immediately run analysis on Elricks movements and developed countermeasures, but what Elrick was seeing was a textbook response to the existential threat; they were hunkering down for a completely defensive battle with no actual signs of a plan to defeat the threat. Elrick could understand the reaction given the speed with which he decimated the previous legion, and even though the 2 legions now facing him were stronger their tactical ability was hardly any better.
By Elricks logic; if you get into Mle with an opponent with a 5% speed advantage then your defence has to be higher than the power of the enemys strike, and that will turn the fight into a test of endurance with the one with highest stamina emerging victorious. However getting into Mle with an opponent with a 10% speed advantage is completely suicidal because the probability of landing a blow drops beyond survivable levels.
To Elrick the Cobalt City Starlight Brigade hadnt properly assessed the difference in power by analysing the information given to them by Commander Vava. Elrick knew there were few ways to win and the best one was a combination of ranged attacks and defensive magic. The top 2 legions of the Cobalt City Starlight Brigade were arranging themselves into 4 box formations that were not as tightly packed as the legion that collapsed under a single attack.
Elrick thought spreading out was a good call but they were still too close to each other and Elricks Golems were already putting together efficient attack patterns. The 2 Class 5 Golem Cores in Elricks buttocks both have an Analysis Engine tailored for different circumstances. The Communications Module Analysis Engine is geared to analysing sensory inputs for communications purposes; that includes detecting and analysing enemy communications. The Field Command Module Analysis Engine is geared for tactical analysis; that includes analysing enemy patterns and including information from the Analysis of the Communications Module.
Vava had specifically instructed all of the Cobalt City Starlight Brigade about Elricks Golems and their potential ability to see through their stratagems and intercept their communications. They were supposed to protect their tactical info but Elrick could readily hear their communications with the aid of his Sound Magic; they hadnt done a good job at protecting their tactical information. Now that Elrick had full use of Sound Magic his Communications Modules Analysis Engine could isolate vibrations in the air and listen in on conversations as far away as several kilometres; this is why Elrick chose the Communications Module in the first place.
Thus Elrick could readily hear how the 2 legion commanders and their lieutenants planned to prosecute the battle, and the Field Command Module was actively adjusting the counter strategies.
When Vava signalled the start of the battle Elrick activated the plan developed by the 2 Class 5 Golem Cores. The Class 5 Golem Core in the Armour always devotes itself to operating the armour so its not normally part of the tactical analysis though it also has an Analysis Engine that is about 4% the capability of the unattached Class 5 Golem Core.
Like before Elrick instantaneously activated ?Astral Shield?, Strength-Increase , Speed-Increase and Body-Harden. Then Elrick Activated the recommended offensive ?Elemental Spell?Volleys through the Armours Engraved Elemental Spell Focus Runes. Since all the available spells were at 5 Mana and lower they wouldnt do any damage to any of the targeted trainee Soldiers, but the goal was never to actually do any damage; it was always a diversion.
Even when you know that the multiples of ?Fire Bullet?, ?Wind Blade?, ?Wind Spear?, ?Rock Bullet?, ?Water Bullet?, ?Laser Beam?, ?Sound Destruction Wave?, ?Explosive Noise Ball?, ?Ultrasound Wave?, ?Psionic Beam? and ?Psionic Bullet? coming in their hundreds at you cannot hurt you its natural to flinch and react. It is that natural reaction that Elrick was aiming for while firing the spells even as he moved at his fastest speed.
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This time Elrick aimed straight for the leaders of the 4 box formations; this would be a classic decapitation strike.
The first of the 4 box formations broke apart at the pressure of the Sonic Boom being generated by Elricks running speed. The fact that they had been distracted by the spells meant that by the time they realised that the spell volleys are a smokescreen Elrick had already torn through the second of the 4 box formations and was now heading for the Third. By the time he finished savaging the third of the 4 box formations the fourth had began to react, but rather than break through their defenders Elrick simply jumped into the middle of them and began tearing them apart.
With all the leaders dispatched the 4 box formations crumbled into a chaotic Melee with everyone trying to surround Elrick. However Elrick was now at his leisure and could decrease his Armour speed to a manageable 50% of Maximum and easily dispatch what remains of the 2 legions.
Seeing the result Vava signalled an end to the battle.
This time the battle lasted a little over 4 minutes and in that time Elrick incapacitated more than a third of the combined 2 legions. While Elrick helped with the healing his Field Command Module reviewed the results of the battle; the spell volley had consumed 4,000 units of Mana and that forced him to limit the amount of Mana going into Strength-Increase , Speed-Increase and Body-Harden to 750 units of Mana, and that meant the strain on his body from using the Armour at Full Burst was much higher; hed need at least 2 hours to fully recover.
However Vava had other ideas as he passed recovery potions to Elrick and happily proclaiming that since 2 legions werent enough Elrick will face down 4 legions in an hours time.
Elrick let out a big sigh.
- - -
In the next 4 battles Elrick abounded the spell volley and used his innate Spell ?Aura Burst? to conceal his movements and added ?Astral Flight? to his repertoire to give himself more room to manoeuvre. With ?Astral Flight? now in play he could pickoff the dangerous opponents and leadership at his leisure; never giving them the opportunity to organize a proper attack and defence. They explored multiple stratagems but the inexperience of youth meant that they lacked the depth of knowledge to overcome their predicament; Elrick won the battles in under 15 minutes.
Ultimately Vava decided to command 2 legions against Elrick.
From the planning phase Vava used security Magic Fields (wards) to prevent Elrick from listening in, and Vava used the Runic Communicators that had already been shielded to relay instructions. Vava had chosen to bring the battle down to a party level reinforced by terrain control and management.
Elricks first attack was interrupted by a barrier; the previous legions had tried using Earth Walls but Elrick would blow the wall of earth into the defenders, however the wall of fire in front of him concealed a layer of earth spikes, and as he hesitated a hail of bullets rained down on his position and anticipated paths of retreat. The parties were too spread out for Elrick to draw them into a chaotic melee, and Vava who had the ability to track his movements thanks to a level 4 Golem Core could call in attacks from a concealed location.
Every-time Elrick tried to attack a party he would find himself in a quagmire of traps and a massive counterattack would ensue forcing his ?Astral Shield? to burn through precious Mana reserves at an alarming rate. When Elricks golems detected a weakness it turned out to be a trap that sucked him into Legion spells that burned through even more Mana. Vava was clearly forcing Elrick into using his ?Astral Flight? in a haphazard stop-start method thereby further accelerating Mana Depletions.
It was obvious to Elrick that Vava was running the clock on Elricks Mana reserves but there was little he could do; Vava was taking advantage of the fact that Elrick is still a Golem Armour Novice. There was only one way for Elrick to win at this point; find Vava and defeat him. However all the other times Elrick thought he had located Vava had been traps, and ultimately frustration caught the better of Elrick and he found himself in a ?Spinning Plasma Vortex? legion spell that ultimately depleted his Mana reserves.
Commander Vava had achieved victory by sacrificing 15% of his force and ending the battle in 8 minutes.
Elricks streak was finally ended.
- - -
- - -
Part 2
- - -
Later that evening Elrick attended a Starlight Spark Board meeting at the Corporate Offices of Starlight Spark in Realm Eternal. The Starlight Spark Tower conference room strictly reserved for use by the Executives of Starlight Spark overlooks Cobalt City. Everyone is present and Winged Sage Falcros is represented by Egret Collins and another of its Executives.
The key subjects on the discussions schedule are 1) VirtGold and its Associated VirtCoin, 2) The implications of the Advanced Torpor Deep Sleep State.
Every VirtGold constitutes 100 VirtCoins and both are the wholly unanimous AIVRE Based CryptoCurrency due to be launched by the Advent Consortium. The information gained through a number of reliable sources indicate that the central banks of at least 114 countries would make purchases of the new AIVRE Based CryptoCurrency; signalling the beginning of the end of the United States Dollar as the preferred currency of international trade.
The potential end of the $ USD as the primary reserve currency would have devastating consequences for the US economy and that of the Allied European Union and its Currency. Thus the instigators of the VirtGold AIVRE Based CryptoCurrency are undoubtedly those against the hegemonic dominance of NATO allied countries on the Global Financial System. That meant Corporations choosing to abandon the traditional FIAT currencies for the VirtGold AIVRE Based CryptoCurrency would essentially be choosing a side.
The primary selling point of the VirtGold AIVRE Based CryptoCurrency is that there would only ever be 500 Trillion VirtGold; thats 100 Trillion VirtGold and 400 Trillion VirtCoin. That means that there is an absolute limit on the amount of VirtGold and its Associated VirtCoin available, and the 500 Trillion VirtGold Advent Consortium had produced is all there would ever be; there would be no further printing of money. The cryptography of the AIVRE Based CryptoCurrency is such that not even a Trillion Quantum Computers could brute-force the Encryption.
Elrick wanted to abandon FIAT currencies in favour of VirtGold and its Associated VirtCoin.
Elrick : " We cant Afford not to make this move; the cost of waiting would be needlessly expensive."
Egret Collins : " Taking early action would be nailing our colours to the wall; essentially choosing a side."
Elrick : " This may very well be my Rubicon Moment; but Im not willing to loose due to fear."
Egret Collins : " Rubicon Moment? Youre putting all of us on the line; dragging all of us kicking ad screaming across the Rubicon with you."
Elrick : " Im already on the firing line; and because of my newly found Fame Ive had to let Loreleis father take me in at Loreleis insistence for security reasons. We are already targets! That said the South African Government is Allied to China, Russia, India and Brazil; thus by both residency and citizenship Im already on the other side, and my British citizenship wont protect me. The South African Government will give us protection if we dont oppose them. Therefore for my own safety I have to go along with this global shift in financial markets. I could move to Britain, but I cant trust any of the NATO Allied Countries because they are firmly in the pockets of the Corporate Oligarchy and their Overlords. Besides; the collapse of the Dollar bubble is inevitable."
Bowden : " Hey; dont sell America Short!"
Axil : " Yeah; Its the greatest country in the world!"
Egret face-palms; clearly knowing what happens next.
Elrick : " Really? In what way is it the greatest country in the world?"
Bowden : " The Biggest per capita GDP?"
Elrick : " No; that would be a number of thriving Tax Havens. And per capita GDP is a false narrative because the top 1% account for 70% of the national income now."
Axil : " Greatest Military!"
Elrick : " It has the most expensive Military; thats not to say its any good, and bean counting wont help you in this regard. What weve seen from recent wars is that US military power is effective against weak and defenceless nations, but against near peers the major assets like Aircraft Carriers and So-Called Stealth would prove Redundant. Between Memory Imprints and Golem Core Implants you guys should be smart enough to figure it out now right? The world system is a fraud!"
Axil : " The US is the Oldest Democracy!"
Elrick : " The United States was never a Democracy."
Bowden : " The Fuck? Of-course its a Democracy!"
Even Bowden had gotten animated.
Elrick : " They ought to be constituted as to protect the minority of the Opulent against the Majority. "
Egret Collins : " Ah; James Madison."
Axil : " Whos that?"
Egret Collins : " One of the Framers of our Constitution; perhaps the most important. He said that during the Constitutional Convention Debates, and that was the prevailing wisdom of the day. As expected of a Prion; Elrick knows far more about the nature and structure of the United States than the vast majority of Americans. I suggest that the both of you give-up on this argument; because it cant be won."
Bowden : " Youre also suggesting that our country is a fraud?"
Axil : " What kind of American are you?"
Egret Collins : " Im a Prion. The Golem Cores may have closed the gap between us but that hasnt changed the difference in knowledge."
Elrick : " Dont get upset; the problem besetting the United States goes back to Aristotle. Even Aristotle noted that of all the political systems Democracy was the best, but then proceeded to point out that if ancient Athens became a Democracy the poor would get together and confiscate the property of the wealthy. Aristotles solution was the Welfare State. What we see in the United States is the opposite solution; limits on democracy. The consequence of the United States choosing limits on democracy is that over time democratic values became eroded, and it decayed into an Imperial Republic. The United States has professed Values and Ideals, but the evidence suggests that the country itself is opposed to those same Values and Ideals. With all this talk of Liberty, Freedom and Democracy we forget that the United States is the Lovechild of European Aristocrats; the very people who had the financial resources to build ships and send them loaded with Slavic Slaves to the continental United States to set up plantations. The United States wasnt built by the pilgrims; it was built by slaves. It was the European Plantation owners that carved-up what would later become the United States of America. In fact it was the same Planters who decided to Racialize Slavery whose security requirements necessitated the acceleration of the industrial revolution. If thats not enough to recognize that the United States was never a democracy then why is it that almost all democracies in South America, Africa and Eurasia that were overthrown were overthrown by United States allies? In nearly all the coups where a democracy was overthrown it was replaced by a business friendly Fascist Dictatorship."
Axil : " Haaa?"
Bowden : " Why are you making it sound like the United States is the bad guy?"
Egret Collins : " Because few if any Countries can Claim that the United States supported their liberation from Tyranny. Even the Cold War was largely about preventing the vast majority of the population of the world from democratically choosing Socialism; neither NATO nor the Soviets liked Democratic Socialism. Democratic Socialism is analogous to Egalitarianism and for all its flaws Democratic Socialism almost always reduces the concentration of power; and Political Elites everywhere prefer a concentration of power. In the United States concentration of wealth produces concentration of power which in turn produces even more concentration of wealth; its a vicious circle weve been trapped in since the founding of the United States. What this vicious circle has produced in the United States is the only developed country with 35% poverty rates; and extreme inequality in Education, HealthCare, Salaries and fundamental access to Human Rights."
Grinder : " Its not just the United States; the entire western world is populated by Faux Democracies."
Swordin : " Then perhaps we should take a side."
Hammerin : " Isnt collapse inevitable? We should get ahead of it."
Elrick : " Im not talking about overtly taking a political position; even if that is what such a move would imply. Im saying that we pretend not to notice and do what makes financial sense; just like the Executives of the Advent Consortium."
Egret Collins : " Right; the governments who own the Advent Consortium may see the introduction of the AIVRE Based VirtGold and its associated VirtCoin as part of a grand political strategy, but the Executives of the Advent Consortium likely see the AIVRE Based CryptoCurrency as a method to get out from under the mountain of debt and ultimately cement their dominance over Virtual Reality technology."
Armlet : " So in the end its about money."
Arrow : " Or perhaps who controls the money."
Ring : " Who makes the money and who has access to it?"
Elrick : " My point exactly; the AIVRE Based CryptoCurrency is meant to be wholly unanimous. If at least 114 countries are going to hold the new AIVRE Based CryptoCurrency in reserve then it becomes instantly viable for international trade. The best part is that we can avoid not just the reserve banks but also the commercial banks in a single move. The Advent Consortium has been burning through an inordinate amount of cash; now reaching a trillion US Dollars, and all financed through debt. The banks must have thought they could control the Advent Consortium by leveraging the debt, but by producing the AIVRE Based CryptoCurrency the Advent Consortium will be able to clear the trillion US Dollars in debt it has spent on Factories, Satellites, Fibre-Optic Cables and a Global network of Advent Wireless Communications Towers."
Egret Collins : " The Advent Consortium is essentially turning the FIAT currency system on its head. And by giving a discount to all those who register to purchase bulk VirtGold they are making it seem like a Stock Market IPO. Its devilishly ingenious!"
Arrow : " Whats the initial rate?"
Ring : " Yeah; it might be worth getting in on it privately."
Elrick : " The initial rate will be set at 10 VirtGold to the United States Dollar. Registered pre-orders get 40 VirtGold to the United States Dollar provided they buy a minimum of $50million USD worth."
Hammerin : " Wont it be easy to short the VirtGold? What would stop the Federal Reserve from buying a trillion and then turning around and selling it?"
Armlet : " Wouldnt that crash the VirtGold and thus make it no longer viable?"
Arrow : " And we would lose."
Ring : " Surely there are countermeasures; right?"
Egret Collins : " There are purchase contracts for pre-ordering VirtGold; youd have to hold it for at least 15 days for between 160 million VirtGold and 1 Billion VirtGold, 30 days for between 1 Billion VirtGold and 10 Billion VirtGold, 180 days for between 10 Billion VirtGold and 100 Billion VirtGold, 360 days for between 100 Billion VirtGold and 500 Billion VirtGold, 912 days for between 500 Billion VirtGold and 1 Trillion VirtGold and 1825 days for anything over 1 Trillion VirtGold. Thus the Federal Reserve wouldnt be able to purchase enough VirtGold to crush the VirtGold Market. And selling cheaply supposes that there would be a buyer at that cheap price. From what weve heard the Chinese and Indian central banks have signed on to buy 10 Trillion VirtGold and 7 Trillion VirtGold respectively. Russia will buy around 4 Trillion VirtGold and the other countries will buy a collective 27 Trillion VirtGold; leaving just 7 Trillion VirtGold for the rest of the market from the first 55 Trillion VirtGold Initial Public Offering amount that the Advent Consortium is releasing."
Elrick : " The Advent Consortium has made it clear that it will not buy back any of the issued VirtGold and after the first 55 Trillion VirtGold they will only release 10 Billion VirtGold a month for the foreseeable future. However just from the 55 Trillion VirtGold the Advent Consortium should net $1.9 Trillion USD; a sufficient amount to clear the Advent Consortium debts and all current construction projects."
Grinder : " Lets put this to a vote; will Starlight Spark use VirtGold and its associated VirtCoin as the primary transactional Currency?"
By a show of hands the Board votes to use VirtGold and its associated VirtCoin as Starlight Sparks primary transactional Currency.
Elrick : " The Ayes have it!"
Grinder : " From here onwards VirtGold and its associated VirtCoin will be Starlight Sparks primary transactional Currency. Now for the subject of the Advanced Torpor Deep Sleep State; also known as HyperSleep."
Egret Collins : " Haaaa! Yet another troublesome matter from Advent Consortium."
Elrick : " Basically my request here is that you include the $15million owed to me in the purchase of the Starlight Sparks purchase of VirtGold that way I can benefit from the discount and when the value of VirtGold shoots up I can make sufficient profit to buy myself a spot in the Advanced Torpor Deep Sleep State Program."
Bowden : " You want to go into HyperSleep?"
Axil : " Is this HyperSleep even safe?"
Elrick : " Ah? Right; I havent properly explained it. Through extensive study of the Fat-tailed dwarf lemur of Madagascar for long term space travel the data was collated and through AIVRE simulations the Advanced Human Torpor Deep Sleep State Program was developed to produce the HyperSleep Capsule Pod. Two months ago construction began on 8 sites; thats a site in China, Northern Russia, Southern India, Germany, New York State in the USA, South Africa, Australia and Brazil. Each of the facilities is being built at a cost of $125 Billion and is given the diplomatic status of an Embassy. The Facilities are in essence self-sufficient nuclear bunkers; powered by at least 7 of the most advanced Naval Nuclear Reactors, and run by the computing power of 15 AIVRE systems. Each of the facilities will host 250,000 HyperSleep Capsule Pod; with buy in currently set at $57 million USD. Buried over a kilometre underground the wealthy can comfortably sleep for long periods of time in relative safety. The sleep cycle is estimated at 5 to 10 years. You should look at this as a kind of expensive home. By my analysis it will be a very long time before the HyperSleep Capsule Pod is available to the general public because the HyperSleep Capsule Pod is directly regulated by an AIVRE system and that makes it inherently expensive. Adding to the complication is that the wealthy who can afford to buy it for themselves are unlikely to share it with common folk; for security reasons. Thus I dont expect full wide-scale implementation of HyperSleep Capsule Pods for at least 200 years, and if I go into HyperSleep I will likely live long enough to witness such an age of wisdom and reason. Assuming the coming economic turmoil doesnt trigger a nuclear war."
Grinder : " Wait? You think theres a risk of Nuclear War?"
Egret Collins : " Once the Lavishly Opulent Decadent Wealthy are Safely in their Nuclear bunkers the risk of Nuclear War increases exponentially."
Elrick : " Which is why I want to be safe. With the Prions gearing up for an ultimate clash with the Lanteans I dont want to be caught up in a Nuclear War. You should all think very carefully about your personal security and that of your families."
Swordin : " Nuclear War?"
Hammerin : " Humanity isnt that irrational."
Elrick : " Really? In the Cuban missile crisis the liberal John F Kennedy threatened war over missiles in Cuba; casually ignoring American missiles in Europe and the previous attempted invasion of Cuba along with Assassination attempts on Castro that brought on the Soviet missiles. In response to American nuclear Brinkmanship Nikita Khrushchev sent this message; We and You ought not pull on the ends of a rope, which You have tied the Knots of War .. Because the more the two of us pull, the tighter the Knots will be tied. And then it will become necessary to cut that Knot, and what that would mean is not for me to explain to You. .. I have participated in 2 Wars, and know that War Ends when it is rolled through Cities and Villages; everywhere sowing death and Destruction. .. For such is the Logic of War. .. If people do not Display Wisdom, they will Clash like Blind Moles, and then Mutual Annihilation will Commence.."
Egret Collins : " Rationality is not a Guarantee. The indefinite combination of Human Fallibility and Nuclear Weapons will Destroy Nations."
Elrick : " So yes; the Risk of a Catastrophic Global Holocaust Exists Today!"
Egret Collins : " True"
The room went silent.
The Board approved both of Elricks proposals, and it was clear that they would all carefully consider their own security. Fortunately they were all very wealthy and could afford to buy slots in commercially available Nuclear Fallout shelters.
- - -
- - -
Chapter 28: The Depth of Knowledge
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Arc 2: The Power of Knowledge
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= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
= Other
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Chapter 28: The Depth of Knowledge
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Part 1
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All of the departing Starlight Spark 2,912 Cavalrymen had already left. They were largely composed of 2240 Rangers (7 Legions) from Starlight Sparks First Ranger Cavalry serving as Primary Combatants, 256 Mechs from the Second Mechanized Cavalry to operate the LandCruisers and Mobile Defensive Psionic Barrier Generator, 64 Scouts from The Third Air Cavalry, 320 Support Specialists from The Fourth Expeditionary Cavalry and 32 Operatives from The Fifth Special Operations Cavalry.
The 173 Atlantian Elves of Light departed alongside 150 Soldiers from the Cobalt City Starlight Brigade. Adding Elrick and the 2 Raid Groups Guarding him the Starlight Spark Group teleporting to the City of Forkland reached 3,300 people.
Elrick had just acquired his tenth Symbiote and was taking flying spheres with his protection detail to the Teleport Tower. Sitting next to Elrick is the inherently compliant Ayana. The Armoured Ayana had retracted the Armours face cover just like Elrick because she had noted that people preferred looking at a humanoid face to the Golem face cover. Ayanas current role is to serve as Elricks aid; more like an executive assistant.
The current Ayana needed the Golem Armour to simply move around as her stats are too low to support the weight of the Golem core in her head. That limitation did not diminish Ayanas abilities as a Conscious Golem. Elrick could safely leave the management of his schedule to the immensely capable Ayana, and should he desire it she would even share his bed. Elrick for his part wanted to hold off on requiring Ayana to provide carnal pleasure until she is fully able to support her own body.
- - -
Upon reaching the Teleport Tower Elrick and his guards were directed to a large Magic Circle; clearly meant for use by large groups of people going to the same destination.
The activation of the Magic Circle alerted Elrick to the countdown that suddenly appeared at the top left corner of his vision; starting at 5 seconds. Once the countdown reached zero they vanished in saturation of light and reappeared at a different Teleport Platform in a different City; the City of Forkland in the Kingdom of Kent.
Looking over the city Elrick immediately noticed that the architecture was closer to that of many European Cities on earth, and the style was not as post-modern as that in the Commonwealth. The disparity in advancement in the architecture could only be attributed to the difference in Economic Power; Kent is a medium Power and nowhere near the superpower state the Commonwealth Enjoys thanks to it being an Asgard Continental Republic autonomous territory.
That not withstanding the City of Forkland is impressive and any country on earth would be proud to possess such a city. The one major distinction that is immediately noticeable is that there arent any Flying Spheres; unlike Commonwealth Cities the primary mode of transport is the wagon; both Mana powered and combustion engine powered. What Elrick was looking at was essentially streets filled with Cars; the availability of magic and restrictions imposed by the Asgard Continental Republic on the Commonwealth had sent the 2 nations of the same continent in different technological directions.
Then Elrick suddenly noticed why; as an Elf he is somewhat acutely sensitive to pollution, and the medium size City of Forkland with a population over 2 million is slightly polluted. Elrick had a more pronounced reaction to the air pollution than the Half-Elves that protected him; coughing as the air irritated his lungs, and his eyes watering in response to the irritation caused by the pollutants in the air. Ultimately Elrick was forced to close his Armours Face Cover.
It was now obvious why there are such restrictions on Air Pollution in the Commonwealth; the Elves simply couldnt take such an environment. Elrick had no doubt that the Elves could somehow learn to cope with such a harsh and polluted environment but with a biology tailored for a particular natural environment it was likely that such an adaptation would come at a massive cost to the Elven Lifespan. Thus rather than force the elves to adapt the Asgard Continental Republic chose legislation; the Clean Air Act of the Asgard Continental Republic Federal Council.
As to the question of how the Elves of Light could be the Crafters of the Elven Race and not suffer the consequence it became apparent to Elrick that the elves likely use magic to maintain clean air even during manufacturing; thus explaining the high affinity of the Elves of Light with wind Magic. It was all too apparent to Elrick that inherent Affinity and Proficiency is a consequence of thousands of years of Epigenetics; resulting in hard-coded genetic Affinity and Proficiency to particular Elemental Magic.
- - -
After being met by the receiving Local attendants of the local ruler Elrick was guided to the offices of Lord Forkland and the City Administration Building. By Elricks foreknowledge Lord Forkland is a Landed Noble with the Peerage Rank of Count. The analysis received from the Eastal Security Agency indicated that Count Forkland and Viscount Norfork are strategic rivals and it is probable that some of the problems afflicting the major town of Norfork are likely somehow connected with Count Forkland and his allies.
For that reason Elrick would have to tread lightly and not interfere in the internal politics of Kent. Elrick could understand that a High-Elf of Light showing up to aid an adversary would unnerve the local Lords, and the fact that the Commonwealth Noble called the Aid being provided a Mission of Mercy essentially tied the hands of the local Lords; preventing them from stopping the mission. The bigger problem for the Lords is that Elrick would no doubt discover their attempts to cripple Norfork and should that become public there would be political consequences.
Therefore the Local Lords were working behind the scenes to erase any traces of their involvement. They all knew that Elrick is very famous and essentially immortal, and that meant assassination was not a viable option. In any case any attempts to openly impede Elricks mission would likely incur the wrath of the Kent Capital Kentridge and all the involved Lords would likely suffer severe punishment; thats because the Kingdom needed to portray the image of stability and the international community would no doubt be watching the first visit of a Commonwealth Noble of Atlantian Origin.
Even Elrick knew that Operation Elven Light as it had become popularized would become a kind of benchmark of how Adonites treat Nobles of Atlantian Origin. Elrick was relieved by the knowledge that his Title of Eastals Emissary to the Atlantians made it impossible for local Lords to openly Undermine him, but he already knew from the ESA resources that the local Lords would not take his interference in their Schemes lying down. Elrick knew that there were already moves to discredit Operation Elven Light as interference in domestic affairs.
- - -
Entering the Audience Hall Elrick noted Count Forkland sitting on his throne, and to his right stood 4 of Forkland Citys Clan Chiefs, to the Counts left Viscount Vorkland, Baron Lukas, Baron Wilmic, Baroness Narwim & Baron Elis seated in slightly less luxurious chairs. Elrick was thankful that sir Airwick had provided such detailed information.
Elrick was guided to the centre of the room where he gave an Elven bow of the head as a formal greeting to Nobility and awaited the response. The right hand to the chest is reserved for nobility that is of the same nation and of higher rank.
Attendant : " Recognizing His Eminence Elrick Starlight; Eminent Clan Chief of the Commonwealth Realm!"
Elrick : " I offer my warmest Greetings to Count Forkland and the Eminent Nobles of the illustrious Kingdom of Kent."
Count Forkland : " We welcome you to Forkland Elrick Starlight. May I present my brother Viscount Vorkland."
Elrick looks over at Viscount Vorkland.
Viscount Vorkland : " I am Lerno Vorkland Forkland; Viscount of Vorkland. Its a pleasure to meet the famous Atlantian Acolyte."
Elrick gives a respectful Elven bow.
Elrick : " I am Honoured to make your acquaintance Viscount Vorkland."
Elrick couldnt help noting that some of the knights were displeased by the Elven bow, but Elves traditionally only bend their heads and not their bodies, and therefore Elrick would not break protocol by giving the full bow other nobles offer High Nobility.
Count Forkland : " Now that the formalities are out of the way; may I enquire why you chose to undertake Operation Elven light?"
?Elrick : " Getting straight to the point; I see. Youre trying to figure-out if I have ulterior motives. How do I spin this? Right!?
Elrick : " This all came about as a result of a request from a little girl . During my meetings with the common-folk in Cobalt City a young refugee girl withstood the admonishment of her parents and begged me to help her sick cousin taking shelter in Norfork. As an Elf of Light I could not resist such an earnest impassioned plea for help from a child."
The room erupts in murmurs.
Viscount Vorkland : " Wait? You mobilized an Army, spending thousands of Gold just to satisfy the request of a commoner girl?"
The look of disbelief was not just on Lord Vorklands face; everyone in the room had the same incredulous look; the look of people who have just encountered a complete idiot.
?Elrick : " Shit! Why are they misunderstanding things right away??
Slightly panicked Elrick sought to clear things up.
Elrick : " Ah; wait? Your Lordship; I hadnt planned on bringing the Starlight Legions. My original plan was to bring over no more than a single legion to escort the healers. But my Director; that is the Director of Starlight Spark decided that it is as good an opportunity as any to open a trade route to Kent Kingdom. Apparently the City of Forkland is Ideal."
Count Forkland : " Ah; so youre here to do Business!"
Elrick immediately notice the relief in everyones expressions and he could guess that they all believed that if Elrick is a businessman and wanted to do business with Forkland and its Allies he was unlikely to cause potential problems for his potential business partners. At worst Elrick would use evidence of their misdeeds to extract favourable trade terms.
Viscount Vorkland : " What a relief; for a moment there I thought we were dealing with another political time-bomb."
Noting Elricks bewildered expression Lord Forkland explained.
Count Forkland : " On occasion sons and daughters of high ranking nobles and at times even Royal Nobles venture to the borderlands. Whether they seek adventure or merit is inconsequential given that they always bring with them trouble for the local authorities. As fate would have it Forkland is just 425km north of the Capital Kentridge, and 41km from here is the town of Norfork which serves as the primary supply centre for the Border garrison some 60km north of Norfork. Thus both Forkland and Norfork are strategic locations; making them ideal visiting locations for High Ranking Nobility. We invariably have to look after these nobles since any harm that befalls them will bring the wrath of powerful individuals upon us. When we heard that an Atlantian Commonwealth Noble was coming it triggered the same concern. Add to that the fact that the one coming is Eastals Emissary to the Atlantians and you can understand the complications. If it turned out that you were oblivious to the dangers out here it would have been terrible. It is therefore a relief to learn that you are a level headed person."
Elrick could see from all the nodding that they were going along with the Lords explanation and that it was even true that they had been troubled by conspicuous high ranking nobles.
Elrick : " Oh right; then it pleases me to relieve your Lordships concerns. I for one am not looking for adventure, and my immortality does not preclude my losing valuable equipment. However for the sake of my Soldiers I sought and received permission to conduct limited manoeuvres around Norfork to help thin out the dangerous monster herds that had been neglected as of late. After all; being forced to take them along is an expensive exercise."
Count Forkland : " I can understand."
Elrick : " For my part; when my Lord Elron gave me a second chance I undertook to be an exemplary Elf of Light. I couldnt refuse the earnest request of a child and disappoint the aspirations of those who look to me for inspiration."
Viscount Vorkland : " So thats what it is?"
The Viscount was now happily grinning.
?Elrick : " Good; Im a harmless healer. Theres nothing to worry about.?
Count Forkland : " Forgive my intrusion into your private affairs; but can you perform healing magic? The information we received is that you recently returned from Chaos Island."
?Elrick : " So he cleverly brought up the fact that I was on Chaos Island.?
Elrick feigned embarrassment.
Elrick : " Lordship; my EXP in Healing magic is less than a week old."
Count Forkland : " You do realise that people will expect you to perform some healing?"
Elrick : " By combining a few Elemental healing magic and layering Im able to perform a limited amount of healing."
Viscount Vorkland : " Perhaps we should see a demonstration to confirm?"
Count Forkland : " Right; illnesses are different from injuries, and most beginner healers practise on wounds."
Viscount Vorkland : " Our evaluation of your Healer Level will minimize the risk of you suffering the backlash from unmet expectation.
Count Forkland : " This will be for your benefit."
?Elrick : " Theyre Sly. Theyre deliberately putting me on the spot; if my evaluation is too low Ill seem like a clown. Theyre already looking for leverage over me.?
Elrick had no illusions about what was happening, but he couldnt allow himself to be cowed into backing down because it would create problems later on.
Elrick : " Then it cant be helped; Ill do it."
Viscount Vorkland : " Great; bring forth the patient!"
Lord Vorkland didnt waist time ordering that a patient be brought over, and Elrick knew that all this had been prearranged. The person being brought over seemed elderly, she was being wheeled over in a wheelchair that could transform into a stretcher.
?Elrick : " Its likely shes a noble given the quality of the clothing?
Elrick looked over at the half asleep elderly woman. The suffering of the frail looking woman triggered Elricks empathic response.
Count Forkland : " The immunity of the elderly to common pathogens degrade over time, and as they approach the twilight of their days they are afflicted with all manner of ailments. Temporary though it may be; any relief magic you can give is thoroughly welcomed."
Elrick : " I understand; Ill begin. ?Aura Glow?, ?Divine-Aura?! Then ?Light Control?, ?Light Shaping? , ?Psionic Control?, ?Psionic Shaping?, ?Water Control?, ?Water Shaping?, ?Plant Control?, ?Plant Shaping?, ?Enchantment Control? and ?Enchantment Shaping?."
Noting the effect of Elricks ?Aura Glow? Viscount Vorkland and Count Forkland began a private telepathic conversation.
?
Viscount Vorkland : " His individual spell output is relatively insignificant, but that ?Aura Glow? is "
Count Forkland : " The real deal. He has to be pouring at least 500 Mana into it, and its laced with ?Divine-Aura?."
Viscount Vorkland : " He can somehow make his ?Aura Glow? identical to ?Divine-Aura?."
Count Forkland : " Why is he using Basic Complementary Spell Sets? Is he Shaping that ?Aura Glow? into Light healing magic? "
Viscount Vorkland : " Hes pouring a different Elemental Magic out of each of his fingers; 5 Elemental Magic types in total. How is he simultaneously controlling that many?"
Count Forkland : " Is this an effect of a Golem Implant?"
Viscount Vorkland : " That must be it; not even a novice Elf of Light on Asgard can do something like this."
Count Forkland : " It would take years to gain such control."
Viscount Vorkland : " So the Golem Implant turns the useless Basic Complementary Spell Set into something useful."
Count Forkland : " This Elrick guy isnt a fake; hes the real deal."
?
Elrick continued to work on the elderly woman.
- - -
Elrick had been working on the elderly womans Cardiovascular System; starting with the heart he used ?Psionic Control? and ?Psionic Shaping? to create a physical scaffolding that allows regeneration and restoration of damaged tissue through localized energizing ?Light Shaping? of ?Divine-Aura? and ?Plant Shaping? to stimulate cellular replication. The ?Water Control? and ?Water Shaping? was being used to circulate the blood in the body while Elrick worked on the heart.
The process took a lot of time and concentration but once Elrick was able to restore the muscle fibres of the heart he could start working on the blood vessels. Repairing blood vessels required Elrick to restore them in 10cm sections, building artificial Psionic scaffolding, using Plant Magic cellular replication, Water Magic provision of nutrients, Light Magic acceleration of regeneration and Enchantment Magic strengthening of the newly restored tissue.
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Elricks method wasnt easy or quick and would be near impossible without the Class 4 and 2 Class 5 Golem Cores assisting him. However the results were beyond anything that the observing Landlords had expected. Once Elrick finished repairing the major blood vessels to the lungs there was a visible change in the elderly womans atmosphere; she could breathe a lot easier. By improving the circulation of blood and nutrients the infectious bacteria and viruses could more easily be combated by antibacterial, antiviral and pro-immune system chemicals. The immune system had been given a boost and was coming back to life.
The complementary systems could now be given some attention and Elrick now focused on the nervous system. Elrick sought to repair and restore nerves that had been degraded by age and the failure of the natural replication of cells with age. The biological clock that had been ticking away had been creating an accumulation of errors in the replication of cells and in time slowing down the replication process; slowly breaking down. However by providing substantial amounts of energy it was possible to temporarily accelerate the cellular replication process; replacing older cells with newer and more efficient cells.
Elrick could already see the limits of the application of healing magic, but he also noted that if an individual periodically received healing magic the rate at which the body would degrade decreased substantially. That meant that a healer who applied healing magic on himself would age much slower than his identical twin without access to constant healing magic. Elrick could now understand why mages in realm eternal lived much longer than those who chose a different profession; the greater Mana capacity essentially meant more energy contained within the body.
By the same logic Elrick realised immortality was possible for even the natives of the Realm Eternal. Atlantians are immortal in that a new body can always be created for them, but their bodies are not that dissimilar to those of the Living Golems. However the bodies of Living Golems suffer from the same aging effects that affect normal Adonites. The Continentals live longer because they have higher SP which gives them higher Mana regeneration; making their use of Mana fundamentally more efficient.
Elricks Field Command Golem Core suggested that healing spell of Mana that is 25% of HP every 75 minutes should be sufficient to quadruple lifespan. This explained why few people engaged in that practice; they were too busy living their lives. Atlantians didnt have to worry about a degrading body because a new body would simply be printed with all the previous Attribute EXP; apparently the higher the Attribute EXP the more it costs to print the New body.
Printing a new Atlantian Body was free for HP lower than 5,000 and cost 1 Gold Coin for HP lower than 10,000 EXP. The cost Shoots Up for HP greater than 10,000 EXP; reaching multiples of 1 Gold Coin for every 1,000 EXP above 10,000 EXP. Atlantians essentially pay 1 Gold Coin for every 1,000 EXP above 10,000 and someone with an HP of 100,000 would need to pay 91 Gold Coins for a new body. The expectation being that the Atlantians with higher HP ought to be wealthier.
Elricks work on the elderly woman was coming to an end with the near depletion of Elricks Mana reserve. Working on her nervous system meant working on her brain and the green eyes now looking at Elrick were not of someone half asleep but those of someone fully alert.
- - -
Noting the green eyes carefully watching him he thought he should say something.
Elrick : " I apologize; this is the limit of what I can do for you."
??????????????? : " Its alright; this is far more than Ive received in years. I feel better than Ive felt in years. Thank you Noble Elf; Ill make sure my son the Count of Forkland properly rewards you."
Elrick : " That wont be necessary your Ladyship."
Lady Forkland : " You would leave an Old Lady in your debt?"
Elrick : " Then it cant be helped."
Lady Forkland : " You are kind young Elf; characteristic of your kin."
Elrick : " You honour me your Ladyship."
Count Forkland : " Mother; you can speak!"
Elrick finally realised the shock in the faces of everyone in the audience room.
Viscount Vorkland : " Chief Elrick; youre a Magical Surgeon?"
Elrick : " Magical Surgeon?"
Elrick found himself surprised by the question. He doesnt know how to answer it since he hasnt properly qualified as a Magical Surgeon.
Baron Wilmic : " A Magical Surgeon would be a tremendous asset."
Baroness Narwim : " Chief Elrick; are you Certified?"
Baron Elis : " We could help in your certification."
While Count Forkland and Viscount Vorkland are preoccupied with their mother the other seated Nobles suddenly jump in.
Baron Wilmic : " Are you open to visiting my territory?"
Elrick : " Ah; Eh?"
Baroness Narwim : " Wait? Why do you get a visit first?"
Elrick : " Hee"
Baron Elis : " No we should negotiate openly."
Baron Wilmic : " Perhaps this is can be part of negotiations for the trade route to this region."
Baron Elis : " Thats if the Commonwealth doesnt restrict access to him."
Elrick : " Can they do that?"
Elrick is hearing things he hadnt predicted.
Baroness Narwim : " Put simply; Magical Surgeons are specialized healing mages. The fact that every treatment takes a long time means that they are limited in the number of patients they can see on a daily basis."
Elrick : " Making the consultation fee exorbitant."
Baron Wilmic : " Exactly; a new Magical Surgeon is therefore a fortunate find."
Elrick : " Why not just train more Magical Surgeons?"
Baroness Narwim : " Theres the problem of Funds."
Baron Wilmic : " The primary magic of a Magical Surgeon is Psionic Magic; which as you know isnt cheap. Therefore the time necessary to skill and train a proficient Magical Surgeon isnt exactly cost effective. Its much better for the national budget to be spent on General healers who can provide a larger public service."
Elrick : " Wouldnt the Golem Cores make the training faster?"
Baron Elis : " Good point; it would make it cheaper to train a Magical Surgeon. However Golem Core Implants are a relatively new phenomenon, and in the face of entrenched positions and bureaucracies it would take studies to prove the efficacy."
Baron Wilmic : " Ultimately the fact that a Magical Surgeon can only heal one person at a time limits its viability as a national priority."
Elrick : " But it would be a lucrative profession for the private individual who chooses such a profession."
Baroness Narwim : " And given the initial entry cost it will likely be the Nobility that can afford it."
Elrick : " And Nobles are unlikely to choose such a profession."
Baron Elis : " Theres little reward for High Nobility. Its come to the point where Lower Nobles are sponsored and become a personal Magical Surgeon for a particular Noble Family."
Baron Wilmic : " However even amongst newly trained Magical Surgeons your talents are noteworthy; which is why we would like fair access to your healing talents."
Elrick : " Then Im forced to leave the negotiations to the Director of Starlight Spark, and once Im certified we can allocate time for your affiliates to visit me at home for treatments. As a commonwealth Noble Ill have to get regulatory approval for this kind of international transactions, but Eastal will help me with that."
Baroness Narwim : " Damn; I forgot that you already have a powerful benefactor."
Baron Elis : " It cant be helped that it turned out this way."
Elrick : " Haa"
With that sigh Elrick was released from the meeting since everyone now realized that he was exhausted by the Mana expenditure.
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Part 2
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By the time Elrick arrived at the residence Baron Johan Embril was staying in he was already over an hour late for the prearranged meeting. Fortunately Lord Embril didnt have the standing to be overly upset with the Elrick that was about to help him raise the capital he desperately needed to save his small Town and 4 Villages located some 324km from Forkland. 15,000 Gold Coins likely isnt a lot of money to the Lords allied to Count Forkland but its a lifeline to Lord Embril; it will help him settle his debts.
The town of Embril is not officially in the sphere of influence of Forkland and like Norfork its essentially on its own. But unlike Norfork Embril holds no real strategic value and is for the most part a small rural Town. Nevertheless it is home to a sufficient number of people to be viable, and generations who call it home would never abandon it. Lord Embril may have been unprepared for the Demon attack and incurred substantial losses of both people and goods, but if they could rebuild their agricultural sector they could reclaim the 4 overrun villages.
Thus despite Elricks tardiness Lord Embril did not raise any objections and instead welcomed Elrick with open arms.
Baron Embril : " Chief Elrick; we meet at last. I trust youve had happy travels?"
Elrick : " Thank you Lord Embril; my travels have been fruitful. I apologize for my tardiness."
Baron Embril : " Think nothing of it; Ive already been informed that you wowed the regional Landlords with your healing talents."
Elrick : " I appreciate your understanding your Lordship."
?Elrick : " News certainly gets around fast in these areas.?
Elrick is guided to awaiting Mana wagons.
Baron Embril : " I hope you dont mind; Ive taken the liberty of arrange transportation to the Adventurers Guild for the Memory Imprints."
Elrick : " Lordship; if it is not too impertinent. May I enquire as to the number of people who currently possess your Magical Heritage?"
Baron Embril : " It is your right as the purchaser to know the details. In the aftermath of the crisis production in my territories ground to a halt and to save the lives of my people I contracted to sell my Magical Heritage for 20,000 Gold Coins to Professor Norman Ronvan at the Royal Institute of Mage in Kentridge. As you might expect the more people you sell to the faster the value drops, and as such I never intended to sell my Magical Heritage again since Professor Ronvan had already integrated it to his own Magical Heritage and was not likely to sell it for at least 25 years. However my situation did not improve as quickly as I had hoped and I need more funds to complete the recovery. The Demons attacked during a land reclamation project for agriculture, and people had been contracted; that meant cancellation fees and delays."
Elrick : " I see"
Baron Embril : " So I resolved myself to sell my Magical Heritage one more time, but buyers are few, and the Magical Heritage is primarily Light Magic inclined Runic Magic research. So my negotiations were largely fruitless and I got the feeling that the perspective buyers were simply waiting for me to grow more desperate. It was therefore a blessing when Sir Arwick contacted me with your offer to purchase, and the price you were offering may be lower than the current value of the Magical Heritage, but the fact that youre an Atlantian means that it doesnt affect the value of the Magical Heritage since you cant sell it further. With this Embril is saved."
Elrick : " Im happy I could be of Aid to you Lord Embril."
Baron Embril : " Not so happy as I Chief Elrick; not so happy as I!"
Elrick paid 15,000 Gold Coins and received the Memory Imprint that is a Magical Heritage.
- - -
What distinguishes a Magical Heritage from normal Memory Imprints that a Magical Heritage is more like a hard-coded computer file; a veritable library compressed into a memory pack. A Magical Heritage is referred to as a structured Magical codex hard-coded into an unchangeable memory freely accessible by the memory holder. Now that Elrick had gained a Magical Heritage he could now understand why it is so valuable, and why it can rightly be called a treasure.
After the Memory Imprints of the Magical Heritage Elrick remained unconscious for several hours; this a result of the extreme amount of information being integrated into his mind. Once the Starlight Group was ready to depart from Forkland Bowden instructed that Elrick be placed in one of the Starlight Wagons that would be transporting the Starlight Troops to Norfork. The LandCruisers and the Mobile Defensive Psionic Barrier Generator vehicle would not be released from their inter-dimensional pockets because operating them consumes an inordinate amount of energy in the form of Mana crystals.
Protection while moving would be provided by 4 wagons equipped with mounted Heavy Machine Guns. However should a dangerous enemy be encountered Starlight Commanders were ready to deploy the LandCruisers and the Mobile Defensive Psionic Barrier Generator vehicle. Moving ahead of the Starlight Group are several scouting parties; providing an up to the minute picture of the environment ahead of the Starlight Group. The Starlight Spark commanders thoroughly understood that the Starlight Group was most vulnerable while moving.
Elrick felt comfortable leaving the worries to the Starlight Spark commanders and he was rapped up in a blissful sleep needed for the integration of the Magical Heritage. The Magical Heritage manifested in Elricks mind as an Ultra-Modern library, and with the brain expanding the experience of time in this dream state Elrick could explore the Magical Heritage at his leisure. The fact that he had been asleep for nearly 7 hours was completely lost on Elrick.
It is only after receiving the Magical Heritage that Elrick understood his healing display to the Forkland Nobility. The kind of magic that reverses the signs of aging is considered Cosmetic Magic and belongs to the secretive Commercial Class of Magic. A Magical Surgeon isnt necessarily a practitioner of Cosmetic Magic but their skills primarily belong to Commercial Magic because of the time consuming nature of their methods. From the Magical Heritage received Elrick realized that there existed all manner of Commercial Magic.
Commercial Magic runs in contrast to Combat Magic and Health Care Magic. In simple terms Health Care Magic belongs to both Commercial Magic and Combat Magic, but since most countries consider public Health Care a national security governmental necessity the vast majority of Healing Mages are employed by the Governments and Churches and Health Care Magic is primarily a state competence. There the line between the state and the church is often blurred and the church receives massive financial support from the Government. That means healing becomes a public service.
Since it would be too costly for the State to employ Magical Surgeons that role is usually filled by the Commercial sector. For its part Commercial Magic includes Plant Magic needed for Agriculture and Earth and Fire Magic needed for Construction. It is a given that Appraisal, Alchemy and Runic Magic are all primarily Commercial Magic with Military Applications. Therefore the designation of Commercial Magic, Combat Magic or Health Care Magic is largely dependent on a particular countrys strategic interests.
Usually a Magical Surgeon is a Psionic Magic Healing Specialist, but what Elrick had displayed was the effectiveness of combining different forms of elemental magic to a single healing task. Normally gaining competence in applying different forms of Elemental Magic to the level of a Magical Surgeon would require years of study making it unprofitable, but the skill displayed by Elrick who is a relative Magical Novice proved that the Golem Core Implants could transform and likely popularize the Commercial viability of a practitioner of Cosmetic Magic.
It would now be possible for the average man or woman to access Cosmetic Magic. No longer would the Commercial Cosmetic Magic be restricted to the wealthy and ostentatiously opulent and in time life expectancy could be expected to increase. The fact that a Magical Novice could perform such intricate Magic is what stunned the High Nobles. Being highly educated the High Nobility properly understood the ramifications of what it would mean to have more Magical Surgeons capable of rolling back the effects of aging.
Elrick himself had only seen what he had done as a roundabout way of healing but he now understood that once again he had struck upon something truly troublesome. The Magical Heritage Elrick now possessed clearly showed the formula and structure of Light magic spells used to reverse the signs of aging. Elrick now had access to the runic formulas of thousands of spells; primarily Light Magic Spells in their runic forms. The Embril family had roots in Light Magic from their now dormant Elven Blood.
- - -
Despite possessing the Library consisting of at least 750,000 magical books in his mind Elrick felt cheated. The Magical Heritage was not the shortcut to the Depth of Knowledge that Elrick was looking for, and it seemed to Elrick that the advertising on the value of a Magical Heritage was a fraud.
?Elrick : " Magical Heritage really is a fraud.?
The reason Elrick considered a Magical Heritage a fraud is that its not a normal Memory Imprint.
In order to preserve the quality of the information in the Library that is a Magical Heritage it is kept separate from the individuals memories.
What that essentially means is that despite you possessing the Library that is a Magical Heritage its not part of your memories. Which means that you dont actually gain the knowledge of the books contained in the Library; you simply have access to the library.
Sure you can run mental searches faster than with a reader but for the amount of money paid Elrick felt cheated.
On the balance of evidence Elrick should have known that the Library that is a Magical Heritage is not a path to an instant Depth of Knowledge.
The Library that is a Magical Heritage is an incredibly powerful tool for Magical Researchers but it is not an answer for those too lazy to study.
?Elrick : " What a waist of money! The one benefit of this thing is the time dilation of the mind; it will make it easier to read the books in the Magical Heritage. Also the implanted Golems should have access to the Magical Heritage so thats good.?
Elrick : " But still; no more rushing off to buy or do things without knowing all the factors. It all turned to shit!"
Elrick was fully awake.
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Chapter 29: Refuge
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Arc 2: The Power of Knowledge
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= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
= Other
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Authors Note:
I got Stuck; reached some kind of wall with the story.
Originally I had written this chapter so that Elrick reaches Norfork, heals the sick and discovers that the source of the illness is the impurities caused by Goblin mining in the Harkin Mountains. An investigation revealed the presence of Goblins and a subjugation mission would happen over the next 3 chapters culminating in a final battle that would conclude the Arc.
When I read the 2 chapters I had written they seemed a bit too clich so I hated them and I couldnt come up with better rewrites so I started Soul Vessel Psyche as a diversion.
After reading the First Book of The Solstice War and other books I got back the spark of inspiration and finally decided on the next Arc; Everything is Politics and Politics is Everything.
I apologize for not Announcing a hiatus.
I kept thinking that Id post a chapter in a few days but it never materialized.
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Chapter 29: Refuge
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Part 1
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Snapping awake the Golem Armour returned control back to Elrick. The Golem Armours operation Heads-Up Display appeared in-front of him which necessitated Elricks prompt dismissal; now that he had a communications Golem Core the Heads-Up Display was unnecessary since he could directly interface with the Golem Armours Golem Core, and in the same way he could directly interface with Ayanas Golem Core; which is what Elrick did next.
Linking to Ayana Elrick noted that she was in the command vehicle dutifully taking in everything that was happening, and when she noticed Elrick connecting she informed Bowden that Elrick had regain consciousness.
Elrick could hear through Ayana.
Bowden : " All STOP!"
Driver-Control : " All STOP Aye; Commander"
Elrick felt the immediate grinding to halt of the entire moving force.
Elrick would have preferred that the force keep moving and not be interrupted by something as minor as him waking up. However Elrick understood that Bowden is in command and it was likely there was something that needed Elricks immediate attention. If Elrick had to offer a guess it was that something had come-up that needed the authority of a Clan Chief. There were too many situations that would require the approval of the political leader; this is the reason Grinder had so readily approved of Operation Elven Light; to develop policies for long range large deployments.
As Elrick walked to the command vehicle he contemplated the complex relationship between Starlight Spark the Clan and Starlight Spark the Company. In simple terms the Clan Starlight Spark is separate from the company that is Starlight Spark; to be precise Starlight Spark the company is affiliated with Starlight Spark the Clan in a way a shop might be affiliated with the town in which it is located. Thus Starlight Spark the Clan has a limited authority over Starlight Spark the Company and cannot control the company or its assets.
Now that Grinder is the Director it means that as far as Realm Eternal authorities are concerned Grinder is the one who controls Starlight Spark the Company. Bowdens position is that of one with 2 masters since outside the Cobalt City territory where they are based it is Elricks authority that allows them to move without individual permissions.
When Elrick finally reached the command vehicle the entire force started moving.
Bowden : " Good; youre here! I need you to take a look at the reports from the infiltration teams."
Elrick : " Alright."
Elrick is handed a digital Runic Book Reader.
- - -
One of the major benefits of a Golem Implant is that it enhances the speed with which you take in information.
Elrick had been handed 3 reports; one from the local scouts hired by Bowden, one from the special operations party sent in 4 days ago and the last from a Ranger party sent ahead of the main force. Each of the reports was at least 70 pages; thanks to speech to text magic included in the Runic Book Readers. Fortunately Elrick is equipped with 3 Golem Cores any of which would give him a reading speed of at least a page per second. So Elrick was already reading as he sat down.
The information flowing into his mind was disturbing, but the thing drawing his attention was a flashing icon.
~ Ding! ~
|
Archiving Notification!
Reports not in Archive; would you like to index them in the Library Archives?
|
?Elrick : " This thing! Automatic Archiving of every new thing I read??
After clicking yes Elrick continued contemplating the information in the reports.
Elrick had been expecting Norfork to be in a precarious situation and the Eastal Security Agency reports had indicated as much, but it would seem the situation had grown worse. The whole reason Elrick was sent on this mission is because the entire region of the Kent kingdom was in a precarious situation and the analysis indicated that if the lords of the region continued on the path they were on it would destabilize the entire kingdom; a civil war sponsored by Kents neighbours is not out of the realm of possibilities.
The attack of the Demons had a number of strategic objectives; one of them was to weaken the nations of the Grandeur Continent. Weakening all the nations of the Grandeur Continent sounds like an impossible task but as it turned out it is not unfeasible; if you use the invading small creatures strategically. Some of the invading small creatures were poisoned and when burned they released toxins into the air, but the bigger problem had been the poisoned small creatures being directed towards the water sources.
Contaminating the water, contaminating the land but most importantly decimating the agricultural fields. There were hordes of locust-like creatures released by the demons upon the lands; creatures not native to Ado and likely genetically engineered to be resistant to pest control measures. Creatures too small to be considered a threat but ultimately the most dangerous threat to the people of the Grandeur Continent. The concern over rats, arachnids, snakes and worms allowed the locust-like creatures to fulfil their primary task; lay their eggs in the crops and fruit trees.
The rats ate the grain and consigned hundreds of millions to malnutrition but the insidious locust-like creatures had completed their task and the hatching eggs became the second wave; attacking the plants from the inside and creating crop failures across the Grandeur Continent. As the price of food shot up people who had subsisted on agriculture were suddenly thrown into poverty. The average person on the street became unable to afford food; desperation led to criminality, protests and riots.
The situation was being repeated everywhere on the Grandeur Continent except for the commonwealth. The disparity is caused by the difference in agricultural techniques; the commonwealth relies more on hydroponics managed with Plant Magic. Therefore the citizens of the commonwealth remain oblivious to the suffering of everyone else; content to send food aid without helping the nations of the Grandeur Continent recover from the loss of production.
To some extent keeping the nations of the Grandeur Continent food dependent serves the interests of wealthy agriculturalist; their profits are higher. This is largely a political problem and treaties prohibit the interference of the Asgard Continental Republic. The nobles of the Grandeur Continent are making the situation worse because they are wealthy and the insecurity of the commoner population benefits the wealthy; making it easier for the wealthy to assert control over the society.
The reason the ESA sent Elrick is that hes not limited by borders to the same extent as Eastal. The same treaties that guarantee the independence of nations from the Asgard Continental Republic also guarantee Atlantians freedom of movement in the nations of Ado. There are of course limitations on that freedom of movement but there are built in working loopholes. Elrick is here to take advantage of certain loopholes to the limitations on the ability of Atlantians to interfere.
- - -
Norfork found itself under asymmetrical attack from the nearby Landlords; they are pushing refugees on the town. The population of 280,000 has been forced to bare the weight of 215,000 refugees from all over the nearby towns and villages. The people should have gone to Forkland but soldier screens have thus far prevented any of the refugees from reaching the Forkland metropolis; leaving Norfork the only safe harbour.
For that matter its not just Norfork taking the brunt of the refugee crisis; all the towns affiliated with Forkland have been pushing refugees to unaffiliated towns. ESA analysis indicates that the Forkland alliance is deliberately weakening the towns and villages; softening them up for a takeover later on in the future when the towns and villages have been ruined by the pressure of the influx of people. Elrick knew that this is why he was sent here; the ESA couldnt direct him to interfere in local politics, but if he concluded that the problems were political and made that public it could not be considered interference.
What Elrick couldnt understand is why Kentridge was letting these things happen. The Capital of Kent would have been made aware of what the High Nobles were doing; so why arent they taking action. Elrick could only come up with 2 probable answers; 1) The prevailing faction in Kentridge wanted the current situation and 2) Kentridge is unable to move. If Kentridge is so overwhelmed by crises that it is unable to respond to the humanitarian catastrophe being created by the High Nobles of the region then things are worse than the ESA analysis suggested.
Elrick had to go into contemplation; put his thoughts together and apply his mind to the current situation. Fortunately it wasnt just his mind, and by using his communications Golem he could link all his Golem Cores together; including both Armours and Ayana. It wouldnt be anywhere near the computational output or functionality of a Class 6 Golem Core, but by tying the six Golem Cores with the veritable library that is the Magical Heritage Elrick could build a clearer picture.
The question Elrick wanted is; whether there is a Grand Strategy at work?
In the 22 minutes that it would take to reach Norfork Elrick needed to come up with a speculative answer because it would determine how he moves.
- - -
Bowden knew better than to disturb the Elrick in contemplation. He had delayed the forces departure until he got the first reports from Norfork, and all the embarked Executives of Starlight Spark immediately saw alarm bells ringing in their heads. The analysis offered by the implanted Class 4 Golem Cores in consort with the tactical engine of the command vehicle said that Norfork was under asymmetrical attack. Who was attacking and why is a matter of speculation.
Since this was a political problem manifesting into a human catastrophe deciding how to react would fall on Elricks shoulders; at least politically. Once Elrick decided on the level of Starlight Spark involvement they could implement a number of strategic countermeasures. The biggest problem would be supplies; they had brought with them sufficient supplies but given the suffering they will encounter it would be impossible not to share supplies.
Apparently all the nearby resources had been cleared, and getting food from the local wildlife will mean travelling at least 100km from of Norfork. Sure the Norfork forest will recover in a few years but as it stood it had essentially been picked clean; the culprit being a town that far exceeded its carrying capacity; unrestrained harvesting of the local environmental resources. Bowden had already noted that even at Forkland the price of food was more done double that in Cobalt City.
Of particular interest to Bowden was Elricks information gathering abilities. Elrick had predicted both the political situation and economic conditions as well as the likely main actors and victims. Elrick explained it as the result of the superior analysis of his Class 5 Golem Cores. Though Bowden could not dispute the power of the Golem Cores there was the matter of the Golem Armours Elrick bought and the main question being; when did Elrick come into contact with the Elves of Light?
The Executives of Starlight Spark properly understood that somewhere between Chaos Island and Cobalt City Elrick had come into contact with the Elves of Light. The Executives of Starlight Spark decided that its best not to ask, and not knowing provided sufficient plausible deniability. Since Elrick gave control of Starlight Spark in Realm Eternal to Grinder it provided sufficient protection and minimized a large amount of the financial risks.
Now Bowden waited to see what Elrick would do, and even though his own inclination was to stay away from anything troublesome Starlight Spark had not become somewhat successful by following the predictable path.
Grand strategy is after all Elricks Forte.
- - -
Part 2
- - -
The Golem Cores had reached a consensus of sorts; there was definitively a Grand Strategy at work.
As to who is responsible?
That part is contentious.
The Golem Cores produced a list of probable architects of the Grand Strategy at work in order of likelihood.
The FIRST and probably most troubling is that there has been a pervasive Demon infiltration of the region.
The Devils are very humanlike, and if the wings are surgically removed it would be hard to tell them apart from humans. There exists corporeal magic capable of fooling even the Psionic Barriers protecting towns and cities. The analysis of Elricks golems suggested that the infiltration by devils has most likely been ongoing for generations, and that people with devil blood are probably amongst the nobles if not merchants and manufacturers. Part of their goal being to steal technology and to supply lower demons with weapons.
The behaviour of the nobles suggest that their mentality has been twisted to the point where they are as hostile to commoners as they are to lower demons. Why the Nobility has become so irrational is puzzling unless you consider the possibility of them being systematically influenced in a direction that is ultimately detrimental to them. The privileged entitled rich and powerful of the region seem somehow infected by the madness of greed followed by the arrogance of status.
Even in a time of crisis when they should be trying to save lives theyve abandoned their roles as Stewards of their society and indulge themselves in frivolity. The commoners are trapped in a cycle of despair with no hope of reprieve thus breeding their own full measure of discontent that will invariably drive their countries to dire civil strife that when combined with the cacophony of accumulating problems will collapse whole regions of the Grandeur Continent.
The ones who stand poised to benefit the most from the collapse of entire countries are not the delusional nobility who dream of independent fiefdoms but the prevailing demonic threat to everyone.
- - -
The SECOND and also disturbing is that the Northman are trying to cripple the countries of the region.
The Northman of Norse Island somehow made it out of the Vampire Attack with minimal losses and that means that for the first time in generations the bigoted Northman are in a stronger position than most of the Major Powers on the Grandeur Continent. Already the vassal states of Norse Island are flexing their muscles and threatening the vassals of the weakened Major Powers of the Grandeur Continent. Grandeur is in the middle of a crisis and the Major Countries are glaring at each other instead of cooperating in order to recover from the Demon Attack.
The Big Five of the Grandeur Continent the Vale Kingdom, the Celestial Forest, Norse Island, the Beastial Federation and the Eldritch Human Republic are more interested in expanding their National Power and it looks increasingly like more than a few vassal states are set to be crushed in the wave of violence to come. As if its not enough the Sixth most powerful Grandeur Country with vast territories and vassals bordering the Commonwealth looks increasingly unstable; destined for a collapse that will trigger the whole powder-cake.
The Northman of Norse Island are a genetically engineered subspecies of human; the product of the True Human Project.
In the wake of the Racial Hostilities that led to the exodus from the Commonwealth an extremist human sect initiated the True Human Project with the goal of producing the ultimate human race that would eventually challenge the Continentals for supremacy on Ado. What was produced was humans that have Attribute Stats similar to Beastials/Beast-Humans with the one major advantage being a lifespan 50% longer than the average normal human. The Northman are larger and more physically robust than the standard human.
It is therefore conceivable that Norse Island would see the current turmoil as a long awaited opportunity to implement their long standing mission to reign supreme on the Grandeur Continent.
- - -
The THIRD is that the Nobility of the region are attempting some kind of revolution that would see them create a new Super-State under their control.
In essence the stratagem would reproduce the Noblesse Republic in the East of the Grandeur Continent.
The Noblesse Republic is a Republic in name only and in actuality it is a collection of noble fiefdoms; its Vassal States are in reality noble fiefdoms that have been able to carve out and sustain a Semi-Independent Country. The fiefdoms of the Noblesse Republic were once independent territories set up by nobles of the Commonwealth Realm but when sustaining them proved difficult the Commonwealth Landlords banded together to form the Noblesse Republic.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
The Noblesse Republic in the south of the Grandeur Continent is the Sixth most powerful Grandeur Country; a position intimately tied to a relationship with the Commonwealth Realm of the Asgard Continental Republic. The Noblesse Republic is in simple terms a creation of southern nobles of the Commonwealth Realm and stands in stark contrast to the Liberty Alliance; a creation of Northern nobles of the Commonwealth Realm and bordering the northern quarter of the Eastern Commonwealth border.
The Liberty Alliance which is ranked as the Eighth most powerful Grandeur multinational organisation is like a great power and its Vassals. The fundamental difference is that the Liberty Alliance is an association of 14 countries enjoined by treaty and theres no single country in the Alliance that is a central major power; all 14 including the Ashcroft Republic are at the same level and govern the Liberty Alliance by committee. By treaty all 14 members are Democratic Republics.
There are long standing tensions between the Noblesse Republic and the Liberty Alliance; bourn from their diametrically opposed views on the natural states of individuals. The Noblesse Republic is much older than the Liberty Alliance and as such has spread its ethos far and wide across the Grandeur Continent. It is only recently that there has been a shift towards respecting the rights of commoners and the pre-eminent champion of the rights of individuals has been the Liberty Alliance.
The Idea of Nobility on Ado goes back to the founding of the Commonwealth. During the first Age known as the Age of Gods in the Arello Galaxy there were no nobles. Nobility came about as reverence to the magical skills of individuals during the Second Age known as the Age of Kings. In the second age nobility meant being part of a bloodline skilled in magic, and towards the end of the Second Age structured magic was a tightly held family secret that was never to be shared with strangers.
The Third Age known as the Age of Revival started in the aftermath of Ragnar?k. The Third Age demanded Unity from the survivors and old rivalries were set aside to establish the Asgard Continental Republic. However humans and their subspecies brought from Earth didnt live-through Ragnar?k and had no inclination towards unity. The continentals wanted to control the new arrivals so they created the Nobility from the bloodlines of the ruling class of the Asgard Continental Republic to serve as their proxies on the Grandeur Continent.
Entitled from the beginning the children Fathered by the ruling class of the Asgard Continental Republic were granted privileges that had been denied to the rest of humanity; knowledge, weapons and advanced technology was given by doting father and indifferent parent alike. Privilege set Precedence and its fruit was Arrogance. An Elitist Class was born and with it limits on the aspirations of the common folk; no longer could they reach for the skies and wrestle the hands of fate to forge their own destinies.
In time the rules set out by the Asgard Continental Republic became too restrictive for the nobles; so they lured the unsuspecting to new lands and imprisoned them in the bondage of servitude. The Noblesse Republic was formed by descendents of those who found the restrictions on vile practices such as slavery stifling. The landlords thought it natural that they be allowed to own living sentient beings no different than themselves but for an accident of birth.
Nevertheless there were those who rightly felt that slavery is no less an Evil than that which would be perpetrated by the Demons should they gain a foothold on the Grandeur Continent. The Righteous amongst the citizens of the Commonwealth set out to free the slaves and establish new Countries free of the corruption of the selfish nobility. Finding strength in the character forged by the battlefield of a Righteous Cause Heroes emerged to form a new nobility defined by the Righteousness of their Character.
However with the passing of time even descendents of Heroes forget that they are Noble in the truest sense and are now seduced by privilege. Forgetting that they are Guardians and not Rulers of the land; forsaking their charges and indulging in grotesque opulent eccentricities. Constantly having to assert their legitimacy through the suffocating Boot on the throats of their subjects; Remaining in power by persistently beating down any aspiration of liberty. Murdering any that might inspire Hope.
In their Grand Stratagem they would seek to return Civilization to the regressive past when all Power was Vested in the Privileged Few.
- - -
Then Lastly and probably most likely is that there are multiple Grand Strategies coalescing towards a single climax.
The worst case scenario is that there are multiple storms moving the desert sand while Elrick was trying to hold a particular cluster of sand together.
Not even Elrick with all his talents could overcome such odds.
As is the case on Earth there are always multiple actors trying to fulfil their own particular set of objectives. As is often the case the competitive scenario is a zero sum game; there are winners and losers.
The analysis offered by Elricks 6 Golem Cores suggested that the Events orchestrated by one Grand Stratagem will likely trigger reactions in the form of other Grand Stratagems. What will happen is that multiple Grand Stratagems will interact with each other to produce an unpredictable result. The independent conspirators will likely get some of what they want but most will get a new set of problems that are beyond their ability to mitigate.
But no matter how Elrick looked at it the Demons will come out with the lions share of the benefits.
- - -
?Elrick : " When the Game is Rigged Cheating is the only Way to Play?
Elrick realized that there was no way for Starlight to remain unaffected by the unfolding events. He wondered if the Elves of Light properly understood the current predicament.
?Elrick : " Theres no way they dont know; so why arent they moving more forcefully? It must be the restrictions of the Asgard Continental Republic.?
Elrick suspected that the Eastal Kingdom is unable to take action because they are restricted by various treaties.
That meant that they had very little in the way of tactical responses that would violate treaties and Elricks mission is supposed to shine a spotlight on the dirty dealings of the Landlords of Kent.
However Elrick was beginning to think that simply shining a light in the darkness was inadequate; the interests of Starlight Spark demanded direct action.
Elrick : " Commander Bowden; we need a Strategic Conference!"
Bowden : " That Bad?"
Elrick : " Worse!"
Bowden ordered the communications officers to contact the relevant people for an emergency Strategic Conference.
- - -
The relevant people were now looking at each other; including the Holographic projections of those coming in from Cobalt City through Hyperspace Communications.
?Elrick : " Good; Everyones Here.?
Bowden : " So whats got you in such a Panic?"
Grinder : " Yeah; this Hyperspace Communications isnt cheap. It gobbles up Mana Crystals like fire on gasoline."
?Elrick : " How do I do this??
Elrick : " My Golem Cores ran an analysis on the problems at Norfork and produced some disturbing results."
Bowden : " Show us!"
Grinder : " Lets see what youve got"
Elrick : " Transmitting."
Elrick set the analysis reports to all present and waited for them to digest the info.
Egret Collins : " This is Bad; really-really Bad!"
?Elrick : " As expected of a Prion?
Grinder : " This will seriously affect our business model; it could cripple our current business. We need to get started on countermeasures."
Bowden : " Are there any viable countermeasures? This is something on a continental scale!"
Swordin : " Elrick; have you thought of something?"
Elrick : " Even like this Im only one man; one Prion."
Bowden : " Can we get the Prions in Falcros to help out?"
Axil : " Yeah; theyre shareholders now."
Egret Collins : " This situation will likely have the opposite effect on Falcros Sage Media; the profits will shoot up."
Elrick : " But in terms of strategic Prion objectives in Realm Eternal its problematic."
Egret Collins : " Indeed."
Swordin : " There has to be something we can do"
There was now an obvious panic in the faces of the executives an military leaders.
?Elrick : " I need more time to think, but well be in Norfork soon and Ill be busy tending to the victims. Victims, victims, victims?
Bowden : " Shit"
Axil : " Everything was going so well."
Swordin : " Too well."
Elrick : " There is a method; though I havent had time to properly think it over but my Golem Cores tentatively consider it a viable Countermeasure."
Grinder : " Really; lets hear it!"
Vava : " Finally"
Bowden : " Dont keep us waiting."
Elrick can see some relief but he knows that once he speaks they are likely to be shocked by what he considers his only viable move.
Elrick : " When the Game is Rigged Cheating is the only Way to Play!"
Hammerin : " Here we go."
Elrick : " There are 2 primary components to the unfolding problems; Food and People Pressure."
Armlet : " Right"
Elrick : " Unless we solve these problems everything else will fail."
Arrow : " How do you solve them under these circumstances?"
?Elrick : " Lets see?
Elrick : " Well have to force the Commonwealth to accept at least 250 million refugees from the rest of the Grandeur Continent"
Swordin : " Eh?"
Swordin isnt the only one shocked by the numbers.
Elrick : " Nothing we do will matter unless we can Save the Pope of the Tree of Life church."
Egret Collins : " Of course; deal with the people pressure and secure food in a single move."
Axil : " You think the demons will try to assassinate the Pope of the Tree of Life."
Elrick : " The Plant Element Church is the only organization that can produce enough food to feed the world but killing the Pope would freeze the church until a new pope is chosen and that would mean that they wont be able to mobilize fast enough to stop a famine. The nobles of the Commonwealth are too busy reaping profits from the food shortages outside the Commonwealth to care about the looming disaster; So we have to shove the refugees down their throats."
Grinder : " How? How are you going to do it?"
Egret Collins : " Theres really only one way to do that."
Elrick : " Ill have to let the refugees join the Starlight Spark Clan."
Swordin : " What?"
Elrick : " Its the only way to bypass the border regulations. The Clansman of a Commonwealth Noble gain automatic Commonwealth residency."
Bowden : " Its insane"
Grinder : " And Incredibly Expensive!"
?Elrick : " A that?
Everyone realises the cost of having so many people join the clan.
Elrick : " Right now the Commonwealth Nobles have closed the border to refugees and most of the food aid is going to the Noblesse Republic which then promptly sells it off to other countries at a steep price. The Commonwealth Nobles are essentially raiding the public coffers to enrich themselves at the expense of the starving. Citizens of the Commonwealth have enough to eat but everyone else is starving. The simplest solution is to bring the starving to the Commonwealth."
Bowden : " The Commonwealth Nobles will hate you for this."
Elrick : " But they wont be able to do anything about it."
Bowden : " The Elves of light will protect you?"
Elrick : " Yes. The rest of the Continentals wont want to antagonize Eastal in the middle of a war with the Vampires; they need access to their healing magic and manufacturing ability. In any case the Commonwealth is a domain of the Continentals and not of the local Nobles. The problem will be getting people across the land. Right now the only safe way for civilians to move from country to country is through the teleport system. So walking the distance to the Commonwealth would literally be a Death-March given the cacophony of deadly beasts out there. Having the refugees become my clansman removes all the restrictions that would prevent them from using the teleport system to reach the Commonwealth; the problem will be funds. However the 15 Copper Coins a day given to refugees in the Commonwealth is hardly enough to create stability so in the initial phase Ill raise the funds to care for the first wave of Refugees."
Grinder : " How?"
Elrick : " Well; since were already in Kent the First wave can come from Kent. Ill have to Blackmail those bastard Landlords into giving in to things."
Grinder : " Ah; the Goblins"
Bowden : " About that; why did your Golem Cores reach the conclusion that there are Goblins in the Harkin Mountains?"
Elrick : " Ah; again Its the Magic Heritage. It contains 500 years of knowledge; including agricultural reports and geological surveys of the region. Just 147km East of the Kent Garrison on the Border with Northing the conspicuous Harkin Mountains also border the rival countries. With Northing Being a powerful vassal state of Norse Island neither country can mobilize on the Iced over Mountains without triggering a major response from the other. There has therefore been very little in the way of an assessment of the caves in the Harkin Mountains. However over the years various survey teams have detected digested moss in the excrement finding its way into the water sources; someone is raising pigs on moss in the mountains. And the current wave of disease in the region is connected to the pollution of the giant aquifer that is replenished by the snow melting from the Harkin Mountains. The Goblins are clearly dumping all of their waist into the underwater rivers that feed the aquifer. Whats causing the outbreak of disease is the combination of polluted water being used for irrigation and the fact that in the aftermath of the Demon Attack Mages have been recruited into national service for military purposes; leaving few capable of purifying large amounts of water. The Goblins are definitely there and once I have physical proof I will threaten to publicly accuse them of collaborating with the Goblins unless they pay compensation to the refugees theyve been exploiting. Well Im not gonna hand-over all the money to the refugees; after all Ill be taking responsibility for their care. If I can get 2 Gold Coins for every refugee from the Region I take into my clan I will consider the operation a success."
Grinder : " What? 200,000 Gold Coins would be enough to build a small town."
Elrick : " That reminds me; since Starlight Spark hasnt been paying the Clan tax I dont have independent funds to operate with so Im gonna need you to buy at least 100 square kilometres of land right on the border and across from where we plan to establish the Capital City of the Nova Federation. Companies cant buy independent land without a commercial certificate as a Clan of a Noble theyll let you buy it and since its Desert Land it should be cheap; so if you can get away with buying more cheaply then do it. "
Grinder : " Got it! What about protecting the Pope? Even after we warn them the Nobles will sit on their hands until its too late."
Elrick : " Right! Bowden; Im gonna need to reroute 2 of the strongest legions from the current complement to Camelot. We can replace them with units from Cobalt City. Id like at least 2 Raid groups from the Air Cavalry to help with Air recognisance."
Bowden : " We can redistribute the forces with leisure. However those Half Winged-Folk Half-Elves from the Air Cavalry are proving difficult to train. As it is none of them can fly, and will take a while since they need at least 2,500 strength to flap their wings for sustained flight. That being said the glide pretty well so we our crafters rig them up a take off system powered by the Steel Air Storage Ball used for the Grenades and Pneumatic Motor Power Source."
Elrick : " Excellent. Grinder; Ill need you hire a few Expert rank parties to act as the main fighting force. Sir Arwicks Clan should have more than few experts and they can probably advice you on where to find others that will be necessary. The Pope is a God Rank Plant mage and former Paladin from the Churchs Templar complement. That means the assassins will be at the level of King Rank in Fire and Ice Magic at the very least. However a King Rank cannot be moved without people noticing so were likely to encounter a raid group of Master and Expert rank in magic and direct combat. Our primary role will be to support the Paladins and shield them from the kind of magic theyre vulnerable to. If we can hold until reinforcements from the authorities show up then its our victory."
Grinder : " Expert rank parties cost between 700-800 Gold Coins a month so 5 parties should be manageable. How quickly do you want them out there?"
Elrick : " Post-haste; as quickly as possible. The conspirators will have to kill the Pope or loose the chance for total strategic victory once I make my move. Egret; I need Lorelei to lead the Starlight Legions in Camelot. Id send the commanders but I need both Bowden and Vava here in case the Landlords attempt to take direct hostile actions and we have to fight them until Kentridge activates its border garrison. Group Captain Arrow and Group Captain Armlet will join Lorelei along with Cavalry Captain Ebni, Cavalry Captain Thana and Cavalry Captain Davis. Id ask Mithriliar to go but as soon as he hears that there are Goblins nothing will stop him from coming here with his best units and armaments."
Egret Collins : " You know; the Lady Lorelei would prefer that such a request be made directly to her."
Elrick : " I know; but Im not confident that I would be able to withstand her wilfulness."
Egret Collins : " I understand; Ill make sure I impress upon her Ladyship the importance of her mission"
Elrick : " Thank you."
Grinder : " While were at it we should be asking for a Falcros Prion to take-on the role of CEO in the real World. We are too busy in realm eternal to keep a proper Eye on things as it is and its only going to get worse"
Elrick : " Egret; can I ask this of you?"
Egret Collins : " I understand; Ill start the selection process immediately."
Vava : " That settles things then. Id like to get the convoy moving and rest the Legions by midnight."
Axil : " Its not possible to Enter Norfork in Dress Uniforms but we can stow the weapons so we dont look so menacing."
Swordin : " Were almost at the barrier and their defenders have probably noticed us crawling in. they should send over a military contact to guide us in."
Bowden : " Scouts are reporting an all clear. It looks like the whole town is rising to meet us. Light Elves at the Front! Well walk in under their Glow."
Vava : " Aye Commander!"
Hammerin : " Aye Commander!"
Elrick : " Aye Commander!"
Armlet : " Aye Commander!"
Arrow : " Aye Commander!"
The Army dismounts to form a Column led by High-Elves of Light with their ?Aura Glow? skill active.
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Chapter 30: The Price of Privilege
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Arc 2: The Power of Knowledge
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= Info
= Attribute
= Skill
= Sub-Skill
??= Status, Combat Arts & Magical Spells
??= Internal Thoughts
= Other
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Chapter 30: The Price of Privilege
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Part 1
- - -
- - -
Where others would marvel at their own magnificence on having hundreds of thousands come out to meet them Elrick could not be so callous; that is because cheers rising to the heavens were those of a people driven to the depths of desperation. The people welcoming Starlight Spark to Norfork were clinging to the final sliver of hope in a frantic attempt to grasp the Light of Salvation offered by a relative newcomer to the malaise of Grandeur brought on by the whim of the entitled.
No; Elrick could not accept the cheers of the oppressed. With the Elf Eyes Skill Elrick could clearly see the sunken cheeks and the ragged state of the cheering crowd. Finally Elrick had come face to face with the Price of Entrenched Privilege; the unrelenting suffering needed to sustain a Privileged Class of Society. The suffering before Elricks spoke volumes about the true nature of Entrenched Privilege in an economically Stratified Society.
This time Elrick would not be able to look away and he would have to confront his own Entrenched Privilege. Elrick had been born to a land owner and his mother is the daughter of a long line of freedom fighters. But Elrick himself had turned his back on the illustrious history of his ancestors and chose to join the Privileged Academic Class in his quest for knowledge, and later Elrick deliberately joined the monstrous Corporate Class; the heart of the ruling class of the modern world.
It was during his short stint at the heart of so called modern capitalism that Elrick became properly acquainted with what it means to be part of the Ruling Elite of humanity. From their glass and concrete towers they preside over the new mercantilism social order. In the USA they call it American Capitalism but even then Elrick knew that it wasnt Capitalism because Capitalism had rightly and properly failed during the great depression and had been replaced by Corporatism and Corporate Fascism.
For decades communist would be perplexed by the resilience of western Capitalism; blind to the truth that what they faced was never Capitalism. The ruling Privileged Class have never liked Capitalism because it came with the risk of failure brought on by incessant competition along with the constant emergence of new entrepreneurs; that kind of risk is wholly unacceptable to the ruling Privileged Class. Capitalism is too free a system and would pose a threat to their Privilege.
Capitalism was only acceptable to the ruling Privileged Class if they held a monopoly on Government State Power; that way they could manipulate laws and the state purse for their benefit. More importantly any entrepreneurs that emerged would be subject to regulatory capture and be forced to surrender their advantage to the Entrenched Privileged Class. Anyone industrious enough to develop a new method of production would be forced to share the technological advantage or be accused of anti-competitive behaviour by the very people who despise competition.
Elrick had seen it all, and though he is reticent to admit it to himself he too had been an agent of the Privileged Class. The Merchants of Death on Earth have since time immemorial held sway be it with country or church and through their control of wealth instigated the oppression and enslavement of the peasant class. In the modern economy the peasant class is the average worker who has thus far been betrayed by every structure and system that purported to stand for their rights.
During Elricks employment in the financial sector he would with the stroke of the pen move capital from one area to another and in so doing impoverish small villages without the slightest consideration. Now Elrick could well and truly understand that he and others like him had been collaborators in the enslavement of their own kin; turning good natured ordinary people into wage-slaves. The middle class is fictional illusion because there has only ever been 2 classes working class and the Privileged Ruling Class.
The peasant or working class had been consistently indoctrinated through religion or propaganda into believing that upward mobility is possible and given trinkets or exceptions who have climbed the social ladder as proof. As an educated Prion Elrick could not claim ignorance because he had been all too aware of the truth of the modern human civilization and chose to turn a blind eye to its evil. Now as one who was so easily cast-out by the ruling class and warmly taken back once his fortunes changed Elrick knew that he had no place amongst Privileged Ruling Class.
After becoming a millionaire a hundred times over Elrick understood the inclination to protect that wealth; even at the expense of the lives of the innocent. However Elrick was not the person he once was; he had miscalculated in a good way. Elrick had underestimated the effect the Memory Imprints from Sir Arwick and the 5 Cobalt City Academy professors selected by Winged Sage Falcros for the Memory Imprints protocol. Memory Imprints arent just a superficial change in memories and even Elrick had recognized that much.
Elrick now knew that some of the Memory owners personality Imprints with the Memory Imprint. This much was the secret to how Elrick had been able to so easily connect with people at his welcome celebration.
Thus looking at the calamitous human suffering before him it was as though he could feel his heart breaking. In a very real sense Elrick now felt like he was well and truly one of these people; he now had memories that tied him to the land and its people. That meant that Elrick could no longer abandon these people to their fate, but it also meant that he could not callously use and abuse them like he had planned after Open Beta. Elricks ambition of being a ruler in this Realm Eternal had to have different priorities than a money making scheme.
The people of this reality were no longer expendable and for better or worse those that aligned themselves with him would become his responsibility; and Elrick would carry the weight of their fates on his shoulders. Elrick wondered if it would have easier had he chosen Memory Imprints from people who were altogether indifferent to the needs of other people, but then Elrick quickly dismissed that line of thought because he knew that even the Prions at Winged Sage Falcros had chosen people of a caring and righteous character to avoid a drastic personality shift.
It was in that moment, walking into that Dieing town of Norfork that he decided his own Fate.
He would become a Patriarch; an All-Father.
He would become a King.
Sovereign of a people.
- - -
After the grandiose speeches were made Elrick and the other Starlight Spark High-Elves of Light got to work.
Setting up a triage centre right at the refugee campsite outside the walls of Norfork the High-Elves of Light started healing the sick in consort with the other healers from Norfork. Elrick summoned his 5 familiars capable of healing magic since his own healing magic EXP would not be up to scratch. The Water Elemental Blue, the Light Elemental Yellow, the Plant Elemental Green, the Psionic Elemental Bright and the Enchantment Elemental Clear were sent to heal their own line of patients while Elrick used his Basic Complementary Spell Sets to attend to his own line of patients.
Using the talents of a Magical Surgeon on malnourished individuals would be wholly inefficient so Elrick directed his efforts to dealing with infections that exacerbated the physical states of the people in front of him. Members of the Starlight Spark force would then distribute some rations to the people with the hope that the sustenance they were providing would hold until Starlight Spark is able to secure some much needed food aid from the Commonwealth.
Even before they reached Norfork a supply unit was despatched alongside the 2 legions that were heading for Camelot. Food in the Commonwealth was still relatively cheap but supplying hundreds of thousands of people with food would quickly become costly after a few days so the Starlight Spark Clan needed to tap into the Commonwealth food aid system and secure enough food in sufficient tonnage to guarantee at least 2 months of food for the refugees in order to reverse the effects of malnutrition.
As a Commonwealth Noble Elrick had some access to the emergency food stockpiles and could mobilize enough food to feed a million people for a month. However any more and the other Nobles would take notice and begin creating roadblocks. Elrick knew full well that the other Nobles were using the Commonwealth emergency food stockpiles to generate wealth through complex schemes and if he interfered with that money making scheme he would be dealt with forthwith.
It was therefore important that Elrick seem amenable to priorities of the other Commonwealth Nobles and that meant limiting the amount of the emergency food aid he provided to just Norfork. Elrick would have to temporarily turn a blind eye to the dealings of the Commonwealth Nobles and it followed that Elrick pretend to be ignorant of the calamitous consequences of the behaviour of the Noble to the common people. Elrick knew that he would get one-shot at turning the situation around and the timing was crucial.
The Commonwealth maintained emergency food stockpiles because there was always the chance that the Demons would launch an all-out attack on Ado and the entire population would be embroiled in a long siege that would severely decrease food production. Thus to guard against that remote possibility the Asgard Continental Republic made sure to replenish the Commonwealth emergency food stockpiles. The Continentals have the Forest Elves, Wood Elves, the Brown Alvs and the Green Alvs who all possessed high affinity with plant magic; enough magic power to feed an entire world.
It could therefore be readily understood that the primary impediment were treaties that prevented the continentals from distributing food aid directly. Having to move through local governments, Lords and similar authorities prevented the continentals from interfering in the internal affairs of countries. There was no international body like the UN on earth that readily takes on the role of distributor and that made the prevailing system on Ado inherently inefficient.
Elrick quickly realized that the internationally recognized Adventurers Guild is probably the closest thing to an international legal body and could therefore handle food distribution. However the Adventurers Guild was also subject to any number of restrictions that prevent it from interfering in the internal affairs of countries. Nonetheless the Adventurers Guild presented an opportunity to the Elrick who wanted to subvert some of its systems for his purposes.
With the Healing proceeding Elrick could now begin implementing his plan.
- - -
A few days have passed and Grinder began noticing a few inconsistencies and he knew that the only one with the Authority to move Starlight Spark units and funds was Elrick.
This necessitated a call to Elrick.
Grinder : " Elrick; Im seeing a lot of movement of personnel and associated funds needed for mobilization. Care to explain? I know its you because Bowden would have needed my authorization to move funds but as Clan Chief you are able to move small amounts without my authorization."
Elrick : " Ah that! You caught-on too quickly; I was hoping to leave you out of the troublesome things."
Grinder : " What are you doing? Why have you mobilized the entire Fifth Special Operations Cavalry?"
Elrick : " Are you sure you want to know? This is one of those things that once you know, you cant not know."
Grinder : " Just tell me!"
Elrick : " Fine! Haaaah"
Elrick lets out a sigh.
Grinder : " What are you doing?"
Elrick : " It occurred to me that there might be a lot of normal skilled people who may want to abandon their countries; so I moved Fifth Special Operations Cavalry to fulfil that role."
Grinder : " So thats where the money is coming from. How much are you charging?"
Elrick : " An Administrative 2 Gold Coins per person. Already weve got over 7,000 families signed-up to join the Starlight Spark Clan in order to travel to the Commonwealth Realm. Assuming an average family of 5 we should see 70,000 Gold Coins by the end of the week."
Grinder is slightly shocked by the numbers but remains composed.
Grinder : " Why didnt you tell me? I could have made the operation more efficient."
Elrick : " Thats because of the other objective Ive assigned to the Fifth Special Operations Cavalry."
Grinder : " What objective?"
Elrick : " Is this line secure on your end?"
Grinder : " Of-course."
Elrick : " The other objective is the distribution of Narcotics."
Grinder : " Eh? What?"
This time Grinder loses all pretences of composure.
Elrick : " I was trying to keep you out of it."
Grinder : " Where did you even get Narcotics?"
?Elrick : " Dude; its not like I can tell you that I Used ESA surveillance Archives to find out where the Commonwealth Nobles were storing their Illegal Narcotics?
Elrick sighs.
Elrick : " I found out where some Commonwealth Nobles were storing their Illegal Narcotics then hired some proficient people to steal them by offering Ayanas Elven Armour as half of the payment.
Grinder : " What? So thats why your Ayana isnt around. Elrick; you could have told me that you needed cash."
Elrick : " Paying with the Elven Armour was preferable for both sides because it reduces the paper trail. Ill be able to settle the outstanding amounts with the money gained from the transactions."
Grinder : " You hid this from the other Executives because most of them have used your becoming a Noble Clan Chief to gain acceptance into the Faculty of Knighthood and the Honour requirement would be an impediment."
Elrick : " Yeah; I cant blame them given the privileges of a Noble in this society. However a Noble Clan Chief doesnt have to deal with troublesome things like Honour tests as evidenced by the likes of the regular Knight Candidate Psionic testing."
Grinder : " How much money are we talking about?"
Elrick : " Im told its at least 250,000 Gold Coins. Im having the Starlight operatives transact with at least 2,000 dealers so it will take time to collate all the cash. Also it would be difficult to explain the transactions to the authorities so Im having them transform most of the cash into input goods for Starlight Spark Crafting. Either way Starlight Spark is looking at a substantial cash windfall that Id like you to invest in the village."
Grinder : " About that; you know the officials in Camelot laughed at me when I bought 22,765 square kilometres right on the northern border for 42,000 Gold Coins. Even though 157km by 145km is a sizable parcel of land they all thought we are completely stupid to buy that particular piece of land. As for the Giant Termite Queens the breed isnt native to Grandeur and capturing them will require several Raid Groups to set off for the Continent to the south-west. Given the associated cost we will have to farm this out to seasoned adventurers and the cost will be severe. Are you sure the Giant Termite Queens are essential?"
Elrick : " We need a thousand of them; how much will that cost?"
Grinder : " If we finance the expedition we can get away with paying 50 Gold Coins per Giant Termite Queen. That means 50,000 Gold Coins for the Giant Termite Queens and 40,000 Gold Coins to hire the ships, crew and supplies. So all in all about 90,000 Gold Coins minimum."
Elrick : " Is it a fair price?"
Grinder : " Yes; yes it is. Given the potential benefits its a good deal. Also now that youve added to our coffers we wont be in the Red so its fine to finance such a project."
Elrick : " Then do it! What about getting builders to the village site?"
Grinder : " There are all kinds of problems with that part of the project. Because of the sands storms out there and the lack of facilities too the Commercial Earth mages will cost 10 times the normal rate. That means even the basic village layout will end up costing at least 150,000 Gold Coins. Theres also the 250,000 Gold Coins we will have to put together for Psionic Barrier."
Elrick : " So again it comes down to funds. Lets build Pyramids. Have the Starlight Spark Crafters design Pyramids using interlocking 2 ton stone blocks which can be assembled on site. We can have those kids from the Cobalt City Starlight Brigade help us assemble the Pyramids since they are stronger. Go to the academy and recruit more crafters if necessary we need to get structures set up out there as soon as possible. As for the shield one of the benefits of building within Commonwealth territory is that property cant be taken by force so we can afford to wait a while."
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
Grinder : " You want all other operations to slow down so we can use Legion Spells to make hardened 2 ton stone blocks? Just how will the Starlight Village generate income for Starlight Spark?"
Elrick : " Because of the disparity in wealth Starlight City will have to adopt Socialism as the economic policy. Ive made too many enemies to attempt the open market model and the Commonwealth Nobles would use their greater wealth to force me into a subservient role. The only way out now is to create a Socialist Island and have Starlight Spark serve as the primary vendor to Starlight City and later to the Starlight Spark Kingdom that will be formed on the opposite side of the border."
Grinder : " So its like a state charter?"
Elrick : " Yes; a veritable monopoly on the business of Starlight City and later on a Starlight Spark Socialist Kingdom"
Grinder : " I see youre choosing a system that has a sovereign at the top."
Elrick : " As an Atlantian immortal I can guarantee that the bribery of the locals is less likely to be significant. This way I can make sure that everything stays true to plan and not perverted by vested interest."
Grinder : " As long as you can maintain the trust of the people then it should work out somehow."
Elrick : " Thats why Im doing some of the underhanded things now so I can maintain a squeaky clean image later."
Grinder and Elrick continued to iron-out the details of various plans.
- - -
Part 2
- - -
Its been 2 RET weeks since Elrick deployed the Fifth Special Operations Cavalry all over the Grandeur Continent and so far things have gone as well as can be expected; suboptimal but good enough to considered a success.
As expected it was not possible to develop countermeasures for every unforeseen situation.
Elrick had been using the ESA surveillance Archives to locate local narcotics distributions centres as well as rival competitors in the various targeted locales. Making sure to only approach individuals that would readily welcome a cheaper price in order to undercut their competitors and gain market share. Elrick avoided dealing with those who wanted to hold protracted negotiations and only associated with those willing to make a quick deal; a relationship with these people was not the goal.
As expected things didnt always go as well as planned and on a few occasions the party from the Fifth Special Operations Cavalry found themselves under attack because the Drug dealers thought them an easy target for robbery. On such occasions the supporting parties taking up over-watch positions would engage from sniper locations with runic ammunition and promptly dispatch the enemies but doing so had the effect of alerting local authorities as a gunfight erupted in the middle of their territory.
So far 123 members of the Fifth Special Operations Cavalry had been killed while killing some 149 adventurous people in deals gone bad. However the bigger problem remains the 256 police and officials killed in order to cover-up the activities of the Fifth Special Operations Cavalry. The fact that this is in multiple countries would surely minimise the probability that the activities would be traced back to Starlight Spark but the killings and assassinations of officials were an obvious Red Flag.
No matter the justifications Elrick knew that he was murdering people who are simply doing their lawful jobs because they stood in the way of illicit profits.
Elrick knew full well that time and again he would have to slaughter innocents but he resolved that this is the only time it would be done to protect or advance the prospect of illicit profits
- - -
The Fifth Special Operations Cavalry and its commander Cavalry Captain Sello had performed admirably under difficult and rapidly evolving circumstances. There would no longer be any questions about the value of the Fifth Special Operations Cavalry and its specialized training. Elrick had specifically selected Cavalry Captain Sello because he recognized Sellos willingness to perform tasks that would not cover him in glory and few would ever know of their activities. Sello was all too happy to be Starlight Sparks Spymaster having had that desire in real life but been prevented by a criminal record.
What Elrick completely misconstrued was the desire of common people in troubled regions to immigrate to the Commonwealth Realm.
Once word spread of a method to escape to the Commonwealth Realm requests to the agents of the Fifth Special Operations Cavalry increased exponentially. Before Elrick realised it he was being forced to recruit officers from The Second Mechanized Cavalry, The Third Air Cavalry and The Fourth Expeditionary Cavalry to support the administrative burden being placed upon the Fifth Special Operations Cavalry. With the exception of the First Ranger Cavalry Sergeants, Lieutenants and Captains from the other cavalries were being brought in to assist.
By the time Elrick regained some measure of control there were hundreds of thousands of people signed up to join the Starlight Spark Clan and promptly leave their region and country. Erick had predicted several thousand families would sign up and his most optimistic prediction was about 20,000 families. However Elrick had been too na?ve in his calculations and had Expected Loyalty to Nation from those who had essentially been trapped by the Privileged of the society.
A revision in Elricks analysis had become necessary.
- - -
Elrick is in long range communications with the Cavalry Captains Cavalry Captain Ebni of the First Ranger Cavalry, Cavalry Captain Thana of the Second Mechanized Cavalry, Cavalry Captain Davis of the Third Air Cavalry, Cavalry Captain Abram of the Fourth Expeditionary Cavalry and Cavalry Captain Sello of the Special Operations Cavalry.
It is important to maintain constant contact with the various elements now that everything is in flux and everyone is committed.
Elrick : " Captain Davis; How is it going?"
Cavalry Captain Davis : " Milord; I believe the Third Air Cavalry has submitted all the relevant reports on our air search of the designated locations."
They had already started addressing Elrick as Lord after realizing that the Starlight Spark Clan was building a small town and Elricks peerage would rise to that of a High Noble.
Elrick : " So theres no improvement?"
Cavalry Captain Davis : " Im afraid not Milord. The area is vast and theres the requirement of remaining hidden."
Elrick : " You understand how important this is; right?"
Cavalry Captain Davis : " I understand Milord. That is why I suggest we hire some proficient people."
Elrick : " Operation Elven Light is a success, but that success will be rendered mute if Im unable to change the material conditions that created the crisis. The local Lords will simply reproduce the situation elsewhere. I need the demons to force their capitulation."
Cavalry Captain Davis : " I understand milord."
Cavalry Captain Sello : " If I may sir?"
Elrick : " Go on."
Cavalry Captain Sello : " Milord; the Third Air Cavalry will never find the Goblins."
Cavalry Captain Davis : " Isnt never a bit Harsh?"
Cavalry Captain Sello : " I dont mean this to be disparaging towards the Third Air Cavalry. I would go as far as to say that none of the Starlight Spark Cavalries will find the Goblins because we are simply not sufficiently skilled and experienced. Even Milord will fare no better than any of us."
Despite Captain Sellos utterances Elrick maintains his composure.
Elrick : " Then what do you propose Captain Sello?"
Cavalry Captain Sello : " We need a King Rank Earth Mage."
Elrick : " Eh?"
Even Elrick lost his composure.
Cavalry Captain Ebni : " A King Rank Earth Mage is a bit ?"
Cavalry Captain Sello : " I know; believe me I know what Im saying. But its the only way."
Elrick : " If Starlight Spark moves a King Rank Earth Mage therell be a spotlight on our finances because being able to put together the 40,000 Gold Coins to hire a King is not a simple matter. Everyone will know that weve been charging people 2 Gold Coins for the Privilege of joining the Starlight Spark Clan as a way to circumvent the Commonwealth Immigration Regulations."
Cavalry Captain Thana : " Once everyone finds out theres sure to be an uproar in the Commonwealth. Lord Elrick will be branded a shameless people-smuggler and his good name will be dragged through the mud."
Cavalry Captain Abram : " I wouldnt be surprised if there are moves to strip Milord of His Noble Title as the easiest way to plug the loophole."
Elrick was delighted that the Class 4 Golem Cores had transformed the officers into competent individuals that are worth far more than he was paying them and he resolved to at the very least Triple their salaries.
Elrick : " Its true that the simplest way would be to strip me of the Nobility because the other method would simply take too long. It would take at least a year for them to concoct the legislation for both the Council of Nobles and Council of High Nobles to approve get it through the Asgard Continental Republics Own Federal Legislature. Whether they can actually strip me of Nobility will depend on his Majesty Lord Elrons willingness to risk the Ire of the rest of the Asgard Continental Republic to protect me by granting me Honorary Citizenship of Eastal. Things become a lot easier if I uncover a Demonic Infiltration."
Cavalry Captain Sello : " The only way to detect the Demonic Infiltration is with skill of a King Rank Earth Mage. Milord; you know this as well as anyone. The Demons arent stupid enough to leave themselves exposed, and they no doubt have used sophisticated concealment magic. So it is therefore imperative that we have someone who can feel the structure of the very ground; detecting even the tiniest abnormality in the way the mountains are formed."
Cavalry Captain Davis : " I cant argue with that logic."
Cavalry Captain Sello : " Milord; you should have sent out a King Rank Earth Mage a week ago, and if you continue to delay we will need 2 or more King Rank Earth Mages"
Elrick : " Eh?"
Elrick is taken aback by the implications and begins to reexamine his own intransigence.
Cavalry Captain Abram : " Captain Sello; Id advice caution in the way you Address our leader. Have you properly considered that youre suggesting that Starlight spend the equivalent of Hundreds of millions on this project? Is there even the money for this kind of endeavour?"
Cavalry Captain Sello : " Im well aware of the implications. Furthermore the Lord Elrick expects honest and robust counsel when in conference. The Special Operations Cavalry has already signed-up over 227,000 people into the Starlight Spark Clan so the funds are available. Also given the demand to escape from the deteriorating situations in the various countries at risk the number of people joining Starlight Spark Clan for that purpose could easily reach 7 million within the next 2 RET months."
They are all Surprised.
Cavalry Captain Ebni : " 7 million?"
Cavalry Captain Thana : " The revenue from 7 million is an extraordinary sum."
Cavalry Captain Davis : " You could cash out of Realm Eternal and live a life of leisure."
Cavalry Captain Abram : " Theoretically that is."
Elrick : " Theoretically that kind of Gold is worth a lot in the Real World. However if we tried to convert that much Gold into Dollars we would collapse the Value of the Realm Eternal currency and I suspect that we would not live long enough to make the deal. All those people holding Realm Eternal currency wont like us devaluing their money and would not waist a second considering whether to send over people inclined to doing that kind of wet work in the real world. Those of us who enjoy breathing would do well to refrain from doing anything to antagonize those who would take seriously such a provocation. The market economy is not the Ideal preached by its purveyors; it is a fraud carefully managed by vested interest who would not hesitate to send over killers to those who threaten them. All the Narcotics Cartels cultivated by the CIA and its Allies have created an international network of killers who have infiltrated every nation and can be hired cheaply for both Espionage and Assassination."
Cavalry Captain Sello : " Thats why the money should be spent to bolster Starlight Sparks in this reality until we can rival the cartels on the outside."
Elrick : " Youre Right. Well need at least 7 Kings."
Cavalry Captain Ebni : " 7 Kings?"
They are all Shocked.
Elrick : " No; 7 Kings that are publicly acknowledged. Another 4 Kings will need to move clandestinely. From the 7 well need 4 Earth Kings, 1 Plant King and 2 Sword Kings and from the 4 well need 2 Earth Kings and 2 Shadow Kings."
Cavalry Captain Thana : " Sword Kings and Shadow Kings? Why?"
Elrick : " The problem here is that the minute Starlight Spark moves a King Rank everybody will be looking at us so its better to make a big splash with the seven Kings so we can hide the movements of the 4 Kings Starlight Spark will be sending to hunt for Demons. We will have the 4 Earth Kings work to build up Starlight City a bit. The Plant King is for the eventuality that Forkland will cut us off from the Teleportation System; keeping the food supplies flowing will be necessary. As for the Sword Kings; one of the Sword Kings will go to guarding the Pope and the other will be at Norfork to intimidate the local Lords into abandoning any idea of settling things with force. Sure theyre rich enough to hire their own Kings but that would give them away to Kentridge."
Cavalry Captain Davis : " How do you get the other 4 Kings across the Kent Borders?"
Elrick : " Obviously using the Gate would tell the Goblins theyre coming so theyll have to jump the border by other means. An air ship will be helpful in this regard but since those are a dead giveaway well have to hire a few Expert Psionic Mages to take them across from one of the neighbouring countries."
Cavalry Captain Abram : " Does Starlight Spark have connections to this many Kings?"
Elrick : " The 7 have to come from the Commonwealth; that much is a given and theres no sense antagonizing the proficient people of the realm by not choosing them for a lucrative contract. We cant trust the southern Nobles and their charges so lets hire from those associated with Nobles close to the Liberty alliance. While were at it lets see if the Ashcroft Republic can lend us the other 4 Kings; a country is much more capable of keeping a secret than most organizations. Can I leave this to you Captain Sello?"
Cavalry Captain Sello : " As always Milord."
Elrick : " Then on to the other Matters."
Cavalry Captain Ebni : " Ah; since theres more funds Id like to lighten the load a bit. The guarding of the Cathedral has been hard on the protection detail, and even with the Church of the Tree of Life taking us in because we refused to leave it to them and essentially forced them to accept our protection the fatigue is setting in. Id like to hire a few more expert rank parties to lighten the load."
Elrick : " Fine; Ill allocate 20,000 Gold Coins. Make sure to give 3,500 to Winged Sage Falcros as compensation for having their chief and her protection detail as part of this mission.
Cavalry Captain Thana : " We need to hire more Atlantians."
Elrick : " Understood; as soon as more funds become available we can begin the process of getting the other Cavalries to full 16 legions."
Cavalry Captain Davis : " Were gonna need more Equipment."
Elrick : " That means hiring more crafters; both local and Atlantian. Ill have Grinder look into it."
Cavalry Captain Abram : " Id like to deploy to Starlight City."
Elrick : "Why?"
Cavalry Captain Abram : " Training."
Elrick : " I thought there was adequate training?"
Cavalry Captain Abram : " Were the Expeditionary Cavalry. I have 2 legions training with each of the other 4 cavalries at all times and I hardly get the opportunity to bring them together for an Expeditionary Cavalry operation. Now that the Rangers have deployed this is a perfect training opportunity."
Elrick : " I understand; Ill talk to Grinder. Just so you know; hes not likely to release operational funds for anything more than 3 legions with everything going on. I havent paid proper attention to training needs so make sure to bring this up with Vava and Bowden with my support."
Cavalry Captain Abram : " Ill make sure to bring that up at the budget allocation Conference."
Elrick : " Good. That should do it then."
With that the assessment meeting was concluded.
Elrick then set about designing a Caste System for Starlight City and for the Starlight Spark Socialist Kingdom to come.
- - -
- - -
- - -