《Paths of Akashic》 Chapter 1: Initiation The fluorescent lights hummed above, casting a pallid glow over the wooden desks stacked with documents and the greenish-gray linoleum floor of the police station. Officer Alistair Ryser stifled a yawn as he leaned back on his armchair. It had been an uneventful shift due to the poor weather, so he was stuck with desk duty. Behind him, a door opened. Turning around, he saw his partner, Simon, with two cups of coffee entering the room, giving him a knowing smile. "Our shift is almost done. I got us some pick-me-ups," Simon declared before handing one to Alistair. "Thanks, man. I can''t wait to get away from the paperwork," Alistair complained. "Yeah, yeah, a necessary evil," Simon said sagely before sipping. "It''s been a slow week, and Wihler gave the only interesting case to Enya and Ryan." "Well, they were the first on the scene, and I don''t envy them for having to write the report. Did they ever find that hand?" Alistair asked as he took a sip. The coffee at the station had never been particularly good, but he had long since gotten used to it. "Not to my knowledge. However, they found the wedding ring that was supposed to be on the hand," Simon said, sitting next to Alistair before taking another sip. "Just the ring? Where did they find that?" Alistair inquired. "That''s the best part. In an open jar of pickles on the porch. Our guys almost missed it," Simon said with a severe expression. He took a sip of his coffee while maintaining eye contact "I''m not falling for your shit again." Simon''s fa?ade broke. "Worth a shot. It was in the bloody sink." Murders were not common around the area. Like most in their police force, they coped with such grim topics with gallows humor. Simon, in particular, had a flair for dark jokes. Alistair''s best guess regarding the case was that it was a domestic dispute that had gone wrong. He had a particular distaste for that kind of thing, so he put it out of his mind for now. Looking at the clock, he noticed they had reached the end of their shift. He and Simon had the night shift, so it was early morning, and Alistair still had to buy Christmas presents for his family. With a nod, Alistair made Simon aware of the time. Simon took a quick glance before turning back. "All right, let''s get going, then. You wanna grab a drink?" Simon asked "It''s 8AM," Alistair said with a raised eyebrow. "Hey, five o''clock was sixteen hours ago," he said with a cheeky smile. "Sorry, I got things to take care of, but I''ll catch you next shift," Alistair said with a smile. "Your loss, man," Simon responded. As they walked through the sterile concrete corridors, Alistair could only shake his head. They put their gear into their lockers and left for the entrance. The police station was a massive concrete castle with many winding paths and elevators and a steel gate closing off a courtyard and underground garage storing their patrol cars. The fortification always impressed him, and he often thought, "If there ever is a zombie apocalypse, I am gonna set up shop here." It also meant it took them ages to just leave the building. As they exited, Alistair leaned in for their personal handshake as they bumped shoulders. "See ya later, man," Alistair said with a smile, giving a quick wave, which Simon returned as they both jogged to their cars. It was a snowy and cold day. Alistair hurried to his car to escape the biting cold. As he started to drive off, his car''s multimedia system informed him that he had a phone call. Before leaving the parking space, he stopped in the intersection leading out of it to quickly check who it was. Realizing it was his mother, he accepted the call. "Hey, Alistair, I''m surprised you picked up so quickly," his mother teased. "Sorry, Mom, I am driving. You caught me before leaving the parking space," Alistair said. "All right. By the way, Melissa and I managed to convince your brother to come over for Christmas, so I''d appreciate it if you''d come, too,¡± she said with a warm tone. "Count me in. And wow, that''s quite the feat. James tends to vanish into his own world with his girlfriend, never to be seen again. So, I assume sis is joining us, too, since she''s helping you coax James out," he quipped with a smirk before making another turn. "Is there anything specific you need me to bring?" "A Christmas tree would be great. James doesn¡¯t have the time to do it. Also, a girlfriend would be a nice surprise," she teased. Alistair let out a deep sigh. "Same answer as yesterday, Mom. I don''t really have anyone to bring this time," Alistair said, a bit tired. His mother was an incredibly caring person and couldn¡¯t stop looking out for him even after he had long left her house. She visited him regularly to cook a meal and check if he was all right, often pushing him out of his comfort zone. Getting him hitched was just her latest project.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. "If you would spend a bit less time just drinking with your buddies Simon and Remo, I''m sure you would¡ª" Suddenly, everything shifted as if ripped out of a dream, eyes wide, and his knee jerked as he found himself on a couch, not in his car. "What the fuck?!" he said under his breath. "Did I crash?" he asked, looking around. The first thing that struck him was his eyesight. It was much better than it had any right to be, and his glasses were gone. Looking around, he found himself in a modern but cozy-looking room. Many of the walls were lined with bookshelves. At the same time, a small fireplace in front of him crackled peacefully, creating the only ambient sound. Looking to the left, he saw a window front looking out to the night sky illuminated by an ever-changing aurora borealis. Approaching the window, he saw a large lake down some rolling hills and a large mountain in the distance that suspiciously looked like the Matterhorn he visited once on vacation as a child. However, the surrounding landscape was all wrong. Looking back over his shoulder momentarily, he noticed the lack of a door. "Where am I?" he asked out loud. "You are within your Soulscape," a voice responded. The hairs on Alistair''s neck suddenly stood on end. Spinning around, he spotted an elderly man in a suit sitting in an armchair that hadn¡¯t been there moments before. Alistair bit his tongue, now firmly believing it was another of his vivid dreams again and felt relieved when it didn¡¯t hurt. "No, you are not dreaming. You just can''t hurt yourself like that here," the man said. Alistair inspected the man suspiciously, realizing he couldn¡¯t make out his exact features and his own mind was in a strong haze. His head hurt as he tried to make out the man sitting before him. "Am I dead?" Alistair asked in a worried tone. "No, you are very much alive, perhaps even more so than ever before," the elderly man said in a soothing tone. "The Akashic Records have been initiated, and all restrictions have been lifted. Your universe is joining the fold." "What does that even mean? And who are you?" Alistair snapped, slowly approaching the couch in the center to sit opposite the elderly man. "It means exactly what I said. I am the system representative who will guide you through your initiation. I''m doing this for every individual in your universe right now," the old man stated with an expressionless face. Upon hearing this, Alistair had to suspend his disbelief. Everything was strange, and he could swear the old man read his mind for a second there. For now, he would listen to the old gentleman in front of him. As a policeman, Alistair was used to stressful situations, but this was the strangest one he had ever found himself in. "Good, now that I have your attention, I will say my piece. You may ask your questions after." Alistair furrowed his brow at the statement but decided to listen for now. "With the integration, everything has changed. The reality you once knew is being transformed, expanded, and reshaped to prepare every race for the changes. Everyone will be provided the tools to survive and perhaps even thrive in this new reality." He gave what Alistair thought was a smile, but it was gone as fast as he noticed it. "In a little under three hours'' time from now, you will be transported to a trial world. Before that, you will be given choices, and you may ask me questions. Needless to say, after you enter the trial world, death is a real threat. You will arrive there alone and must survive for one year. After that, you will be placed back on Earth, which will be transformed at that point in time." Having ended his spiel, the elderly man looked expectantly at Alistair. Alistair''s frown only deepened as he leaned forward, folding his hands loosely together, looking at the elderly man in front of him. This whole scenario reminded him of some fantasy novel he read years ago, but ultimately, he decided to play along. "All right, my first question would be why I can see so well? My body feels strange, and my head is a mess. Did you do something to me?" "Every individual has their body reformed and all ailments removed, be that a physical or psychological ailment, without exception. However, this only applies to ailments recognized as such by the individual''s soul. To guarantee a level playing field for everyone, everyone''s body has been transformed to the minimum standard of humans in the post-initiation." "That''s¡­okay. You mentioned choices and a trial world. What kind of choices, and what is a Trial world?" Alistair said, worried because he didn¡¯t seem to wake up, and this was way too lucid to be a dream. The man waved his hand, and a menu appeared before Alistair. "This is your status, and within it, you may glance at your records. You can summon it whenever you want. Nobody else can see this status, and you should be careful about sharing any information." "As for the trial world, it is one among many. You will find monsters, dungeons, and other challenges within them. Due to its size, the chances of you running across another individual in your trial world will be negligible. You are offered the opportunity to grow more powerful within, which will give you a chance to survive on your Home Planet, which will be a lot more dangerous than the Trial worlds." Alistair stared in disbelief at the floating screen in front of him:

[Status Tab] Name: ??? / Age: ??? Race: Human Level: 0 / Grade: 10 [Skills Tab] / [Title Tab] [Stats Tab] / [Bloodline Tab]
¡°What the hell? This is so video gamey, you can¡¯t be serious?¡± Alistair said with a raised eyebrow. ¡°How you interact with your status is different for every individual. The fact that it is a screen has more to do with how your mind comprehends the records. Your world didn¡¯t interact with many concepts and terms, so your mind is doing its best to translate anything I tell you into something understandable. For some, the status is a book. For others, just voices. Some races prefer psionic images. It is a screen because YOU decided it would be your preferred method of interacting with your records,¡± the elderly gentleman droned. ¡°This¡­is a lot to take in,¡± Alistair said. Three hours might not be enough time, he mused. Chapter 2: Questions And Choices Alistair ran his hands through his short hair, digesting the current information overload presented. He wished he had a whiteboard to write it down. As he thought that, a whiteboard appeared on the wall, looking precisely like the one in his station. ¡°Okay, how does that work? Why is there a whiteboard there?¡± he asked as he rubbed his nose bridge. The old man turned his head and looked at the whiteboard before answering. ¡°As I said before, this is your Soulscape. It is on the outermost layer of your soul. You have full control over it and can change anything you want. What you see is simply a representation of what you want to see in a home or resting place. You will be able to access this place later whenever you choose. However, keep in mind, time dilation is also in effect. The world outside is moving much slower than inside here, and you will be defenseless,¡± the elderly man said in an emotionless tone. After his explanation, he turned his head back to Alistair, his body shifting and twisting for a fraction of a second before fixing itself. If I can control everything in here, I should be able to make another screen and let it automatically take notes of what I want, Alistair thought. And as soon as he did, the screen appeared to note things following his thought: Akashic? Grades? Universes plural? The list went on as fast as he could imagine it. After a few minutes, Alistair turned his attention back to the other screen that was still open. ¡°Why is my name and age marked down as a question mark?¡± Alistair finally asked. ¡°You get the choice to change your name and choose your age. Your chosen name will be displayed if somebody successfully identifies you. Consider it carefully because you will most likely live with that name for the rest of your life unless something drastic happens, so choose wisely. You may add or change your surname later, usually when creating a Bloodline. As for age, it''s just visual changes. You will have the same life expectancy as others in your grade,¡± the elderly man said the last words in a more severe tone, which made Alistair perk up a bit. Alistair considered for a moment whether he wanted to pick an alias or a different name but immediately discarded the idea. Age, however? He didn¡¯t mind turning back the clock. Alistair was in his early thirties and considered twenty-four the year he was physically and visually the most impressive. As he thought about it, this also meant that his family members would get that option. This would make finding them much harder, especially if his mother or grandpa were suddenly younger-looking than himself. Ultimately, he decided to stick to his decision and set his name as Alistair, leaving the surname open and changing his age to twenty-four. His hairline fixed itself, and his face slimmed. Alistair noticeably lost a bit of bulk, and as he turned, there was a mirror behind him just as he desired, inspecting himself, his younger self looking back from the mirror. After standing there for a few seconds, he turned around. ¡°All right, what are these grades, and what is the Akashic Record?¡± Alistair asked. ¡°As mentioned before, the Akashic Record is the overarching system you find yourself in. It contains all records and paths. It is not unusual for a planet outside the system to not even have a term for it. Still, in simpler terms, it is the universe¡¯s memory containing all there is and has been, and even what might be like words, thoughts, events, and emotions, that encompass all entities without exception. ¡°It is one of if not the most complex concepts to comprehend fully, but you can use it just fine without understanding it fully. Grades reflect how powerful you are by measuring your mastery over concepts and the quantity and quality of records. In short, to increase your grade, you require sufficient records.¡± Alistair pondered for a while, gazing out at the aurora borealis in the distance. The floating window on his right side automatically added everything he had been told and his own interpretation of it. I wish I had a feature like this when I had to write my reports, he thought, smiling to himself. ¡°You mentioned concepts a lot. Can you elaborate on that a bit? How do I gain records and levels?¡± He considered asking about the benefits of higher grades but reconsidered and pushed it down on the priority list. ¡°There are endless amounts of concepts. In simple terms, concepts usually refer to things you would consider schools of magic. There is the concept of fire but also a concept of heat and a concept of flames. These are often related and similar. However, a flame could be cold or not even made of fire. Keep in mind most concepts are combinations of others. By increasing your understanding of them, you may learn to control them. ¡°Still, almost every individual has a different Affinity for certain concepts that are closely related while showing no talent for others. Every progenitor of this universe will be informed of their strongest Affinity. In your case, it is kinetics, so you find it easier to master it and its related concepts. Of course, there are ways to figure out if you have an Affinity for something or not, but I am not permitted to tell you how,¡± the elderly man rattled off, and Alistair thanked the stars that everything was being recorded. Alistair frowned at that, but he was quite excited about the prospect of kinetics. ¡°As for how you gain records and levels, levels mostly reflect your quantity of records but are also slightly affected by their quality. You gain records through your actions. The more extraordinary, the better the chances of obtaining titles that reflect your achievements and improve the quality of your records. Once you obtain a sufficient quantity and quality of records, you will level up. The most common way to acquire records is through combat. ¡°This new reality is one of kill or be killed, and you will always be at odds with something or someone and faced with challenges.¡± As the elderly man finished, Alistair wondered just how much time had passed, and as soon as he did that, a timer appeared on the wall, showing he only had a bit over 2 hours left, ticking down second by second. Alistair could think of many ways to use such a concept and, for a while, he just imagined what he could do with such magic. His mind raced with great ideas but had to stop himself because he didn¡¯t know how magic worked yet. But the prospect excited him, and sadly, the Avatar didn¡¯t answer any questions about possible magic applications. Shifting his attention back to his status, he opened his stats tab and expanded the RPG stats, Huh? he thought. But as he read the details of the different stats, he found them to be a poor label, and as soon as he thought about it, the stats terms changed into ones that he considered much more accurate.

Stats: Strength ¡ú Power [11] Increases physical and magical damage as well as general speed and the ability to lift heavy things. Provides a small bonus to self-healing and stamina recovery. - Intelligence ¡ú Mental [12] Increases magical capacity and determines the quality and quantity of mana [MP], increases memorization and comprehension capacity, and increases spell power by a large degree. - Dexterity ¡ú Control [11] Increases motor skills and magic and energy control by a large degree and increases the ability to concentrate by a moderate amount, with a large impact on the efficiency of [SP] and [MP] usage. - Constitution ¡ú Body [11] Increases robustness and vitality of the body, with a large impact on [HP] and [SP] capacity, moderate impact on damage reduction and environmental and magical resistance, and large impact on self-healing. - Wisdom ¡ú Mind [11] Increases the defense of mind and soul, as well as mana regeneration by a large degree, and also increases the number of tasks possible at a time. It also significantly heightens the efficiency of attacks targeting the minds and souls of others. - Perception ¡ú Senses [11] Increases reaction speed and fine control of senses like visual, smell, etc., by a large degree. It also increases instincts to a large degree, with a small bonus to [MP] and [SP] expenditure reduction.
After a glance, he noticed that his Mental stat was one higher than all the other stats. ¡°All of my stats just changed their labeling, and my Mental is one higher than all the other stats. What is this about?¡± Alistair asked but suspected he already knew the answer. ¡°Your labels changed because your comprehension of them has changed or even grown considering your increase in Mental. Everyone sees their records differently based on their interpretation and comprehension. Your mental capacity increased because your comprehension has grown since your body reformed. Increasing your stats naturally without level-ups is possible but is usually a hard and slow process,¡± the elderly man said in a different tone than his usual monotone one. Still, Alistair could only guess at the system avatar''s emotions.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Alistair continued asking questions about interpretations. The system didn¡¯t show outright incorrect things, but it could be imprecise and misleading if one''s comprehension was lacking, and the old man refused to give pointers on what is correct or the average of some things. Alistair would have to figure it out for himself, like everyone else. With a glance, he noticed the timer was already down to little under one and a half hours. He had spent too much time thinking theoretical stuff and quickly continued his line of questioning. ¡°How high is the cap for increasing my stats outside of levels?¡± ¡°I cannot answer that,¡± the old man said in his monotone voice again. ¡°All right, are there more things you must tell me before the time runs out?¡± Alistair asked, glancing over the change of tone. ¡°Yes, you should pick up a starting skill because you have a small selection of suitable ones available right now, and you will be offered new skills in intervals. As you progress through your grades, you will gain between three and five options at a time. Skills you do not pick can be picked later unless you gain a mutually exclusive skill. ¡°However, unlike future skill acquisition, the skills you are offered right now will not be added to the unlearned skills list. Still, they may show up in the future. You will also be given a weapon of your choice and some basic armor. Be warned if you do not pick a weapon or skill in time, they will be randomly assigned to you.¡± Sensing urgency and nervous excitement, Alistair immediately opened his skill tab.

Skill Choices: Tier: [Rare] Skill Name: Appraisal Description: Imparts knowledge of materials and their related concepts to a medium degree. allows the user to recognize the value and uses of objects, materials, and Natural treasures - Tier: [Common] Skill Name: Gunnery Proficiency Description: Increases [Power] and [Control] when using firearms by a small degree and imparts knowledge of the use of firearms. - Tier: [Common] Skill Name: Ranged Proficiency Description: Increases [Power] and [Control] when using any ranged weapon by a small degree and imparts knowledge of the use of ranged weapons - Tier: [Common] Skill Name: Melee Proficency Description: Increases the overall proficiency, [Power] and [Control] by a small degree when fighting in melee combat and imparts knowledge of the use of melee weapons. - Tier: [Inferior] Skill Name: Kinetic Control Description: Increases [Control] and understanding over Kinetic energies to a minor degree.
Looking at the skills on offer, Alistair thought about their immediate and future uses and noticed a trend among them and some overlap. Most of these seem relatively passive, and are firearms not ranged weapons? Alistair thought before asking the question aloud. "Are firearms not considered ranged weapons?" Alistair asked, confused. "Firearms are considered ranged weapons," the elderly man replied. "Can you elaborate on why there is an overlap and the meaning of it?" Alistair prodded. "No, I cannot," the man said, slightly frustrating Alistair. "Okay, then what''s with the Rarity tags? Can they be improved after the fact?" Alistair said, hopeful to get an answer to this question. "Yes, improving and changing skills is one of the ways you can increase your records," the elderly man responded. All right! Kinetic control is suddenly a lot more alluring, Alistair thought. "Can I learn to control kinetic energy or, for that matter, magic without a skill?" Alistair probed. "Yes," the elderly man said. Alistair noted how the answers became shorter or were denied more often over time. Perhaps I am digging deeper than I was expected to? he mused. "How can I learn to control magic or other concepts?" Alistair asked. "Practice," the man said. "Practice how?" Alistair muttered, growing a bit frustrated. "I cannot tell you that," the elderly man said curtly. "Am I running out of questions? Is there a limited amount?" Alistair probed, his frustration mounting. "No, but I am not allowed to share certain information with newly integrated individuals for their own benefit," the old man said in a severe tone. "Okay, how is not answering me to my benefit?" Alistair snapped. "If you were told everything, it would detract from the records you could gain by discovering them yourself. It may even give you an advantage over others who fail to ask the same questions," the elderly man said, tilting his head for a second before snapping back straight immediately. Alistair was taken aback for a second, and then took a moment to look at his long report on the side. He did get a lot of information, and he felt he had a much better understanding of what was going on than a mere hour ago, but looking at the clock, Alistair noticed he was down to roughly one hour and twenty minutes now. Thinking of his weapon choice, he saw a lot of little windows he could swipe to the left with an image of a weapon and a short description. "Can I try the weapons out?" As soon as asked, a sword appeared hovering just before him. "Never mind," he mumbled as he grabbed the sword by the hilt, making practice swings. He could switch the weapons with a thought, so he kept changing them and testing out how well he did with different weapons. Alistair had a lot of practice using a shield. Sadly, the only option with a shield was a short sword. He would have preferred a hatchet. "Is there any chance I can switch one weapon for another so I can wield a hatchet and a shield?" Alistair inquired. "No," the avatar responded to Alistair''s annoyance. "What can I expect to face when I get out there?" "There will be challenges and monsters, but your new body will enable you to face them." Alistair questioned the man some more. The situation reminded him a little of the Isekai genre, which he wasn¡¯t exactly a fan of. The buckler and shortsword were not exactly his first choice, but they were the best given the selection. The avatar did reassure him, however, that he would have the chance to find different weapons. The elderly man was always annoyingly vague and refused to elaborate on many of the more detailed questions Alistair had. "How many grades are there, and how do I recognize them?" he asked as he swung a halberd. Nice feeling but too large¡­" he concluded. This particular halberd had a far too long shaft, and the elderly gentleman had refused to shorten it to a reasonable length. "The grades go from 10 to 1. After that, one reaches G for godhood. You recognize them by their presence, and you will be able to sense their overwhelming power. There are some thresholds within grades where you gain certain benefits besides an increased maximum age, like the need to eat and sleep vanishes and the loss of organs you no longer need and, of course, the ability to regrow limbs and survive even the loss of your brain," the elderly gentleman said with a smirk. That was a lot more information. Again, I suppose this kind of knowledge is not secret and more of an incentive to increase your grade¡­also survive the loss of my brain? Alistair thought with a shocked expression painted on his face. "Wait¡­godhood?" he said with a skeptical tone. "Yes, becoming a god is usually an affirmation of one''s path, bringing it to the pinnacle, and very few individuals manage to reach godhood. Some gods are created during the integration, usually embodying the religions and beliefs found on a planet with an enlightened species. These are called natural gods and are usually on the lower end of the power spectrum as far as gods go due to a lack of quality records." Alistair glanced at the clock and decided it was time to make a call on his skill and weapon choice. He picked a shortsword with a large buckler, mostly because of the buckler, as he had a lot of practice with shields from guarding the local football matches. Also, the shortsword seemed unnaturally sturdy and made of a weird metal, the same as the buckler. He then decided to pick the Kinetic Control skill despite its Inferior rating. A momentary surge of knowledge swept through his mind, accompanied by a sense of familiarity. For a moment, Alistair considered punching the wall to see if he could spread the kinetic energy but remembered that he couldn¡¯t feel pain in the Soulscape, so it would have to wait. Walking over to a bookshelf, he pulled out a blank leatherbound book. None of the books seemed to have any title or content. All the pages appeared to be blank. With a thought and some concentration, the report he had written on the floating screen was transcribed into the book, and he put it back as the title reads ¡°My Initiation.¡± He gave his status another look over, checking the rest of his tabs, discovering he had a title:

Titles: Tier: [Unique] Name: Progenitor Of A New Universe Effect: +10% to all stats Bonus skill: [Myriad Language Comprehension] Origin: Provided to all initiates of a freshly Integrated universe for the lack of heritage Records.

Skills: Tier: [Unique] Name: Identify Description: Allows the user to identify objects and other individuals by displaying their names and any insight available. - Tier: [Unique] Name: Myriad Language Comprehension Description: Comprehend all languages of the myriad races. - Tier: [Inferior] Skill Name: Kinetic Control Description: Increases [Control] and understanding over Kinetic energies to a minor degree.
Unsurprisingly, the Bloodline tab was empty. Having a few minutes left, Alistair let his gaze wander across his Soulscape. His status had been checked, and his report was stored. He felt ready, but there was one crucial question to ask. ¡°Is there any way to help my family and friends?¡± Alistair asked hopefully. ¡°No, you cannot help anyone but yourself for now,¡± the elderly man said coldly Alistair slumped into the couch, dejected as he rested his head against its back, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. In a fleeting moment, the countdown displayed, signaling that only ten minutes remained. Alistair pondered the potential repercussions of figures ranging from dictators and criminals to politicians and even TikTok creators returning to Earth with superpowers. "Earth is fucked," he concluded with a heavy thought. Chapter 3: A New Reality Better not touch them. They might be poisonous, or worse, have harmful magic. They might even be radioactive. I guess that could be one way to receive superpowers. That, or super diarrhea, Ew, ew, ew, why does it have to be giant spiders?! And why do their legs look like blades? I need to kill these things before they move,

Notifications: [Naichevix Level 2 has been slain]

Notifications: [Naichevix Level 1 has been slain] [Level 1 reached. Stat points allocated, free stat points available. Skill selection available]
Maybe my mana has regenerated itself due to a low cost, or perhaps it drew from my stamina pool instead? I will have to experiment with that,
The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

Skill Choices: Tier: [Rare] Name: Body Splitter Slash Description: Tier: [Common] Skill Name: Appraisal Description: - Tier: [Common] Skill Name: Melee Proficency Description: Increases the overall proficiency, [Power] and [Control] by a small degree when fighting in melee combat and imparts knowledge of the use of melee weapons. - Tier: [Common] Skill Name: Stealth Proficiency Description:
Currently, I do not know when I will get my next skill choice. Stealth would be smart but not my preferred approach, and I''d rather have a way to defend myself and use at least one of the energy pools, so Body Splitter Slash is the obvious choice for now, normal All right, priorities are food, water, and shelter, but I suspect being stationary is a poor idea. Those ruins are bound to have something interesting. That structure will probably provide some shelter, Fine, let''s do this, then,I gotta try and spread that impact into the ground because this is going to hurt a lot If I don''t. Chapter 68: Party Time Alistair stepped forward to embrace his little sister, who hugged him tightly, and he could hear her light sobbing against his chest. "Hey, it''s alright, we made it." Alistair tried. He knew Melissa was poorly suited for this new environment as she was averse to violence. She had been sheltered by him and the rest of the family for most of her life and had enjoyed life with little hardship before the trial; he thanked the stars. The system was generous enough not to force her to kill beasts immediately. Melissa calmed down as she retreated with a sniffle barely audible over the hustle and bustle of the party. "I''m sorry. I thought you did not make it when you did not show up in the arena, and there are still so many who are missing..." She started but was interrupted by their aunt Isabella. Isabella was his mother''s sister; they had looked similar, although his aunt had black hair and a slightly more bulky frame and had chosen to make herself not that much younger as she looked to be in her mid-forties, which made recognizing her a lot easier. "It''s alright, dear. Let''s not get gloomy and be happy we all found each other again," she said warmly, nodding at the rest of the group while trying to distract his sister. Melissa had a much larger friend circle than he ever had and had lost contact with almost all the friends she cared for. "Sis is not taking it too well, But I can tell at least you have been doing well, Alistair," James said with a weak smile, his girlfriend splitting off, helping his aunt console his sister. "Yeah, I got lucky meeting some great people. Speaking of this is my girlfriend, Riseth. Riseth, this is my brother, James; best make use of his presence before he hides again," Alistair jokingly said, giving Riseth a gentle push. They started exchanging pleasantries as Alistair changed focus to help console his sister; his aunt and Jessica had led her to a nearby white couch, and Alistair joined them, but by the time he arrived, his sister seemed to have calmed herself a little. "I''m fine. I''m sorry; I was just overwhelmed for a second," she told him. "Hey, there''s no shame in that. How has your time in the trial been?" Alistair asked curiously. He knew she had been in the nurturing section, but he had not visited that particular sub-space yet.
"I''ve got a whole bunch of alien kids to teach. It''s been a challenge, but I shouldn''t complain. I mean, at least I''m not out there fighting monsters and risking my life like most people," Melissa added, injecting a touch of humor into her words. "Are the orc kids the toughest ones to handle?" Alistair asked, relieved to see Melissa lightening up as she launched into tales about the various alien children she''d been looking after. "Not particularly," Melissa replied with a smile. "They can be a bit rowdy, but I''d liken them more to human children in terms of difficulty. And some of the beastkin can be just as mischievous and troublesome," she concluded, chuckling softly before telling them about some of the more alien students she had encountered. While sitting there, Alistair scanned the crowd. He noticed how Riseth, James, and Zathron had gotten into a discussion of crafting electronic devices. At the same time, he could see Nessyra walking from one group to the other, basically taking over a host''s responsibilities. Alistair presumed this was her way of enjoying parties. He had also noticed Simon and his parents raiding one of the nearby buffets. Simon''s father, Thomas, looked only a bit older than his own son, and Alistair only recognized him due to his father''s facial features closely resembling Simon''s. His mother, Aisha, in turn, looked quite a bit older, also in her mid-40s like his aunt, her long black hair tied in a ponytail, similar to how he remembered her when they had last met. The sudden age difference made them look like quite the odd pair, though they seemed unbothered as they laughed and seemed to enjoy themselves. Alistair excused himself as he went to fetch Riseth to make a quick round but was stopped by his brother. "Alistair, Riseth mentioned you have some robot sentries. Would you mind leaving me some of them? I would love to check those out," James said eagerly, "Sure, but I can do you one better. Do you see that small blue Imp over there? That''s Aknis. He has a functioning mech suit, and maybe you can trade some knowledge or help Nessyra convince the guy to join us," Alistair said before giving his brother a quick rundown as to how to negotiate with people from Neshan and what to look out for. He transferred the sentries and cybernetic arms he had gotten from the last field boss to his brother, who looked at the items in great excitement before hurrying off to talk to the Imp. "Your brother is a bit peculiar; if there weren''t the resemblance, I would not have guessed the two of you were related," Riseth exclaimed as she absent-mindedly locked arms with Alistair looking after James, who had awkwardly started a conversation with Aknis. Zathron nodded in agreement. "Smart guy, though. He had some very clever suggestions about how to improve on my chopper project," Zathron said, scratching his beard. "Chopper project?" Alistair inquired with interest. "Yeah, you know, what you guys call chainsaws. He had some great ideas on making them more durable weapons without the chain ripping out of the machinery during more intense combat." Zathron said before elaborating on some technical specifications that went over Alistair''s head while Riseth nodded. "All I got from that is you guys plan to make chain swords, and I''m down for that. If you ever make some of those, I''d love to try one out," Alistair requested. "Will do. Also, you won your little bet. I''ll talk with Nessyra at the after-party, and I''m sure Desily would love to make a big show of our core presentations. Please let her win, but don''t make it obvious," Zahtron requested with a smile. "Great to hear, and nope, I''ll let the person with the better core win, although it''s nice of you to give her the win just like that," Alistair said with a cheeky smile as he saw Zahtron''s worried expression. "Come on, man. She''s going to be pouting all night if she loses," Zahthron argued. "So you rather have her tease you?" Alistair questioned as he walked away with Riseth, leaving the flustered troll behind.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. "Sometimes I question which one of us is the demon," Riseth quipped as they got out of earshot. "I''m not that bad, am I?" Alistair questioned, jest evident in his tone as he picked up two drinks from a server, who carried several drinks on a plate for guests to take, handing one to Riseth. "I have seen worse," Riseth said jokingly as she pulled him toward her sister, who was talking to Simon and his parents. "I still have trouble wrapping my head around the fact that we''re the patriarch and matriarch of the clan throwing this party," Alistair mused aloud before taking a sip of his drink. It left a warm sensation in his throat, accompanied by a pleasant sweetness. Alistair guessed it had a very low alcohol content; he had read that humans were among the few races that could handle strong alcohol without increasing their grade or poison resistance. However, most races perceived alcohol as a poison and refused to drink it at all. Additionally, he noted that the most popular alcohols in the multiverse tended to be sweet rather than bitter. "Yeah, you and me both," Riseth said enthusiastically. Alistair spotted Desily and could tell the fairy was already quite intoxicated. She sat on top of the bar counter, talking to Esta, who seemingly watched out for her. Esta sat on a strange, overly fancy barstool. Alistair wondered why Desily wasn''t flying around or insisting on him declaring a winner. Fairies probably could not handle that much booze, and the fact that many of the glasses were as big as her torso probably did not help. Alistair used [Identify] on [Esta - lvl 46] to get her attention; as they made eye contact, Alistair gave Esta a thankful nod, and she waved him off dismissively with a smile. He was slightly surprised to see Esta and Desily so close as they had been bickering the last time they had been together. Eventually, they navigated their way through the small crowd and reached Simon and his parents. Alistair, separated from Riseth, walked towards Simon for their personal greeting. "Hey man, good to see you. I hope you guys are enjoying yourselves?" Alistair asked with a welcoming smile. "Yeah, we''re having a blast, though I''m still eagerly awaiting those Lom Lom dishes. Trying not to fill up on these hors d''oeuvres is quite the challenge," Simon lamented with a chuckle. "It''s good to see you again, lad. Thank you for reconnecting us with our son," Thomas expressed gratefully, his tone sincere. "I must admit it will take some time to get used to the age change, and there is no need to thank me. Simon looked after my mother. It''s the least I could do to help." Alistair said courteously. He was on a first-name basis with Simons''s dad, though they had often fallen into the habit of calling each other sir and lad. Still, it felt a bit weird, with Thomas looking as old as them. Alistair could tell there was some tension about the sudden age difference, though they made a good effort to brush past it as Thomas showered his wife in affection, holding her close as they exchanged pleasantries. They had apparently already talked with Nessyra and would join them as members, which was a great relief to Alistair as he wanted at least a somewhat healthy balance of people he knew rather than what boiled down to a lot of friendly alien strangers and newly made friends. Though he held no such concerns for Riseth, with Simon, his father, and Alistair''s mother, they had a strong core he could trust. He hoped his brother and his girlfriend would catch up with their help or their own efforts. However, his intuition told him Nessyra had it handled, and he trusted her enough not to invite dangerous elements; thankfully, as the patriarch, he could always veto any member or kick out followers. Alistair noticed a small commotion near the entrance and noticed Nessyra in a heated argument with a tall woman with fox ears and long black hair wearing a long, elaborate black and red Asian-style dress; her face contorted in anger and spite. Alistair gave an instinctive nod to Simon as if they were back to police days intervening in a public dispute. Riseth tagged along, and Alistair used [Identify] [Frixbis - lvl 41], confirming his suspicion of who he was dealing with. Behind her stood a beastkin that looked to be a mix of panther and wyvern, adorned with horns and dark purple skin with bone plates covering his arms; he also wore an Asian-themed garment with a black and purple coloration [Identify] revealed him to be [Murasaki - lvl ?] he was already in grade 9 like Zathron and Desily. Alistair positioned himself between Nessyra and the agitated Frixbis, calmly addressing her. "What seems to be the problem here?" Alistair asked. He could tell his armor was already warping a little, making it hard not to frown as he felt the [Identify] hit him. "Ah, so you are the human mongrel she teamed up with. How dare you interject yourself like that," He could tell Nessyra was about to kick them out, but Alistair raised a hand to stop her. "I am Alistair Ryser, and you are Frixbis, an uninvited guest. Please state your business or leave," Alistair said as he used his [Senses] to probe her; one thing became quickly clear: she was a Qi cultivator; the way Qi circulated in her body was a dead giveaway the same applied to her companion Murasaki though his circulation was more stable then hers and Alistair suspected it had little to do with his level. "I am here to give Nessyra another chance, though it seems she has already made her choice. Too bad you seem to be a summoner; I would not mind making you and your companion into my useful slaves," Frixbis said with venom in her voice. Alistair unleashed the full brunt of his [Bloodcurdling Presence] to establish that he was no pushover as he could not afford her thinking him weak. He immediately noticed Zathron approaching through his [Conceptual Awareness] as they felt his mental attack lashing out. Frixbis had a slightly higher [Mind] stat than him, apparently. However, the tier of his skill helped greatly as he noticed her cowering just the slightest bit and her fox ears flattening back. "I must insist that you leave. It''s a shame we could not hold a civil discourse," Alistair said, giving Nessyra the signal to kick them out, which she promptly did as the two unwanted guests disappeared from the entrance. "Why did you let them go just like that," Riseth asked angrily. Alistair was also seething, though he used [Calm Mind] and extended the effect to Riseth. "Because she is a Qi Cultivator, needlessly provoking them is never a good idea because most of them are fucked in the head due to the nature of Qi cultivation," Alistair explained as he elaborated on the most important cliff notes about Qi cultivators. "So when they get upset or obsessed, they get more aggressive, arrogant, and lose most of their rationality? Who the hell would want to become a cultivator?" Riseth asked in a disbelieving tone. "Individuals overconfident in their ability to maintain their ego or just don''t know any better and get seduced by the powers and advantages cultivation offers. Even the quote-unquote good-aligned cultivators are at least slightly touched in the head and quite volatile if provoked. So watch out for them and try to play nice or even better, avoid them altogether. At least, that''s the recommended course of action when dealing with Qi cultivators; alternatively, you can just kill them, though usually, their fellow cultivators will seek to avenge them, causing a cycle of violence until you have killed them all." Alistair explained with a frown. "And Body Cultivation is better?" Riseth asked hesitantly. "Yes, as long as I am careful when molding my brain, worst case, some of my organs mutate into something fiendish until I cleanse and remold them," Alistair said, unable to elaborate further due to the presence of non-clan members. He knew there was a slight risk of the brain turning fiendish, though the heavenly purity essence would prevent the worst, which was one of the major advantages of his particular technique. And once Riseth joined him in body cultivation, they could cleanse each other in the worst-case scenario, minimizing the risk further. Alistair signaled the group to disperse so they would stop drawing people''s attention; their little show of force seemed to have relieved some of the guests, who must have suffered under Frixbis and her domineering personality as some of them gave him approving nods and smiles as he walked past. Nessyra had disappeared and reappeared with Barton and a bunch of servers carrying large plates, and the smells that wafted from the plates were divine. She wanted to immediately draw the attention away from the drama at the entrance. To Alistair''s relief, almost everyone gathered around the tables loaded with food, and the mood quickly improved as people started to dig in. He would need to watch out for that Frixbis character once outside the trial, though he hoped he had been cordial enough for her not to seek revenge or make it a lower priority. Chapter 69: Nice Evening Alistair indulged in eating some of the Lom Lom dishes before taking the plate to his table and wasn''t disappointed. Barton had outdone himself, or the practice had helped as the variety of dishes and their quality had increased. He froze for a moment when a literal gray alien took a plate next to him, not even wearing any clothing besides some jewelry that acted as its armor; it smiled and nodded at him before walking off. Alistair shook off his urge to stop the gray and ask why they were famous for probing and took a plate; not wanting to ruin his appetite, he started heading to the largest table to join his family, though before he did, he spotted Enya. He had not met her since the initiation; they had gotten along well but were not exactly close. She was usually the person you would call when dealing with exotic animals, as she usually talked about little else. Her passion for exotic beasts had translated into the system as, from what he had heard, she was a beastmaster, which meant she did not just summon beasts to fight with her but also fused parts of her body with them and took on aspects of her summons to strengthen herself, an ability Alistair would liken to a blue mage, Alistair decided to approach her. "Hi Enya, long time no see," "Oh, there is the host; I was wondering when you would seek me out," Enya responded, looking at him. "Yeah, I have not seen you until now. How have you been doing?" Alistair asked genuinely. "I have been doing fine, but let me cut to the chase; I have already told Simon I have no plans of joining you guys. I won''t abandon Earth." Enya said resolutely. Alistair was taken aback for a moment but returned her gaze. "I understand; I won''t waste time convincing you then. I presume Simon told you what situation Earth finds itself in," Alistair asked calmly. "Yes, I know that Earth will most likely be invaded by whatever horror the other universes wish to unleash on us. Though it matters little, I will not abandon Earth. I stand with Sol," She proclaimed. "Sol? as in the Solar system?" Alistair asked, confused. "No, Sol is the natural god of the Earth. I met him, and he is preparing for what is to come; I am one of his chosen," She proclaimed as her clothing changed into a mostly white crusader full plate with navy blue, black, and golden decorations centered around an Insignia. The Insignia resembled planet Earth as he knew it in mostly white and gold, though it resembled an eye looking toward the sky; it even had a little yin and yang going on, though he wondered if that had deeper implications for the yin portion of the planet. "So, does your god have a message for me?" Alistair asked, realizing they were drawing a lot of attention again. "Yes, he hopes you enjoy that little gift he and the wyvern lord gave you. He wants to let you know that he appreciates your contributions toward his cause and hopes you will join our next gathering for a private talk," Enya announced. "Gift? Does she mean the Ring? Was that him in the Arena? And what contributions?" Alistair pondered his mind racing. "I am unsure what contributions you talk of, and if I run the risk of turning a fanatic, I''d rather not meet Sol," Alistair proclaimed calmly. Enya acted a little strange, and Alistair presumed she was angry at him for some perceived slight. She frowned and shook her head in disappointment. "Sol does not force me to follow him. It''s my choice, as he is the only chance for Earth. As for the contribution, natural gods receive contribution points from every individual originating from his domain, and while he can''t make you follow him, he can prevent you from leaving if he puts his mind to it, so I recommend you take the invitation." Enya said forebodingly. Alistair stood there frozen at her words, cursing internally. He had not expected to be interfered with by a natural god. "Our next meeting will be at the [Nurturing Ward] in the Earth section two days from now; your sister should know where it is. As for any other questions, you can ask Sol yourself once you meet him. Lovely party. Apologies for disturbing it like this," Enya said before doing a salute, tapping her left chest with her fist. She stored the plate contents in her inventory before placing the plate back on the table. And just like that, she left, leaving Alistair and the rest of the gathering to stare after her as Alistair heard whispering and murmuring break out. Alistair walked to his table and sat between Riseth and his mother, who looked at him worriedly as everyone started talking at once. "That''s some really bad news; we need to research natural gods and ensure they truly can''t possess or mind control individuals," Riseth stated almost immediately after he had sat down.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. "Please don''t go. It might be an empty threat," his mother requested. "Inside the [Nurturing Quarters], no combat is allowed, period. This should include gods," Melissa offered, garnering surprised looks from most people at the table. "Let''s just enjoy the party. We can plan later, and we should not discuss this while there are guests," Nessyra proclaimed, shutting down the discussion. Alistair gave Nessyra an appreciative nod as he tried to wrap his mind around what Enya had said and if he had missed something. Alistair started eating absentmindedly, and luckily, the rest of the evening went uneventfully. Once the majority of the guests had left, Nessyra immediately pulled Alistair and Riseth into her office. "I''ll keep this short, but tomorrow we all go to the library and learn everything we can about natural gods and Earth''s religion and beliefs; we need to know what we are dealing with because I don''t fancy getting shot out of the sky by a god." Nessyra proclaimed, and both Alistair and Riseth nodded in agreement. "I think I met Sol during my arena match against King; it''s the only place where I had to deal with individuals that could be gods, though admittedly, he felt powerful. It wasn''t much more than what I sensed from Mitania; we should also talk to her." Alistair suggested. "I don''t like this. Was Enya always like this? You getting brainwashed would be one of the worst outcomes," Riseth said worriedly. "Well, I did not know Enya that well. She was a work colleague I frequently met, but I could not even tell you if she was religious before the initiation. Also, I am unsure if that even matters," Alistair admitted. "Would Simon know?" Riseth asked hopefully. "I doubt it. Let''s see what we can figure out tomorrow. We might not be totally screwed, and I''d hate to ruin such a nice evening. The longer we discuss, the more worried everyone will be, so let''s reconvene once we know more," Alistair suggested, walking to the door and holding it open for them with a reassuring smile. Once they joined the others, they were bombarded with questions. They had to placate them with the assurance that they would look into the situation; sadly, Simon knew about as much about Enya as Alistair did, except that she secretly had a thing going with her partner Ryan, so they could perhaps ask him once they found him. Eventually, Alistair retreated towards the balcony, where he sat on the couch overlooking the lively [Trader''s Market] below. The place truly never slept, as there were quite a few stragglers and nocturnal species out and about.
There were still many unknowns looming ahead, and the thought of confronting a literal god left him uneasy. Despite understanding that these natural gods might not possess the same power as self-made gods, it was of little comfort. Reflecting on Earth''s various religions and beliefs, he couldn''t shake the uncertainty of what he might encounter. While religion often preached goodness, it frequently resulted in the opposite. The crusader''s armor and insignia held significant implications, though he felt relieved not to have spotted any crosses adorning it. Perhaps it was simply Enya''s personal choice in armor, viewing herself as a chosen paladin of sorts. Riseth joined him, settling beside him and leaning gently against his side. "No matter what, I''ll come to Earth, Sol be damned," Riseth announced resolutely. "Let''s hope it does not get that far. While we did receive a veiled threat, he also sought to talk to me in a supposedly neutral environment; perhaps it''s not as bad as we think." Alistair suggested. "Sometimes I envy you for your optimism," Riseth quipped. They continued discussing their options and were sorely tempted to leave and immediately check on the library in the [Study Dungeon]. Still, they were interrupted by Zahtron and Desily approaching them hesitantly, Desily seemingly nursing a bad headache. "We know it''s not the best time to ask, but would you mind looking at the cores?" Zathron asked hesitantly. "Oh sure, don''t worry about it; what do you guys have?" Alistair responded he had almost forgotten about that bet. Both Zathron and Desily placed three cores each on the table. Zathron''s were: [Pain] [Diffusion] [Stability] while Desily had: [Sin] [Luck] [Denial]. Alistair mulled it over. Most of these could be useful; sadly, the cores were not that big, so they would take a lot of time to enrich a sufficient quantity of essence for him to use. If he was going to be honest, [Luck] was the most interesting one. He had not expected a core like this to be formed; from what he knew, it was firmly in the karmic magic school, though he was unsure just how effective using this concept was, and he picked it up. "Where did you get this one?" Alistair asked curiously as he picked up the [Luck] core. "Some weird pig with green plant-like markings over its body took me a while to kill it. It kept dodging my attacks. The slippery bastard almost escaped during the chase," Desily admitted, looking at Zathron. "I helped her catch this one," he said casually. "I''m not going to lie. This is the most interesting of the bunch, and I''m fine with buying all of these cores for your efforts," Alistair announced while rolling the core in his hands; the core had a deep green, bright red, and occasional golden coloration swirling in the near perfectly spherical core. Alistair suspected this was actually a very rare find. The two of them exchanged looks before Desily let out a sigh. "Let''s call this one a tie, and we decide the winner with the next one?" Desily offered, garnering surprised looks from everyone at the table "Next one? You want to do this again?" Alistair questioned with a smirk.
"I haven''t had this much fun in a while, except for this party, of course. Although, I''d suggest hiring some security," she added jokingly. Alistair took all the cores and left the payment for Nessyra to deal with, encouraging them to continue their hunt for cores. Alistair would hold off on putting the [Sin] core in his array but would definitely go out of his way to include the [Luck] core, as he wanted it to start accumulating as soon as possible. Eventually, Alistair and Riseth excused themselves as they left for Alistair''s quarters. "When we talk with Mitania tomorrow, could we ask to put our rooms together? It is a bit annoying having to knock each time," Riseth requested as she appeared in his room, looking at him expectantly. He thought about it for a moment; while he was a person who appreciated his privacy, he could still get that if he wished, and it was silly to refuse her request as she spent most nights at his place anyway. "Sure, I don''t see why not," Alistair exclaimed, smiling at her. She let out an excited giggle as she hugged and kissed him before leaving for the bathroom. Alistair went to his study room and modified his array to include the new cores he had obtained; it took him about half an hour, which was longer than he had planned, and he found Riseth lying under the covers, lounging about deep asleep. He shook his head before joining her and was thankful for his ability to fall asleep easily as he drifted away to sleep. Chapter 137: Back on Earth
As they soared above the buildings, Alistair observed that the cityscape had transformed drastically. The world seemed enlarged and fragmented, with parts of the city visibly disconnected from one another. The once continuous streets were now broken, with sections of cracked asphalt abruptly ending and giving way to grassy fields stretching out almost a kilometer before resuming again. Some buildings were destroyed or torn in half, exposing their interiors; he looked into the distance, spotting some overhead power lines that hung precariously, some snapped and trailing on the ground. In the distance, other parts of the city stood isolated, further emphasizing the disjointed and chaotic state of the environment. As their elevation increased, Alistair gazed towards the nearby mountain range, which used to be part of the Swiss Alps but had undergone clear changes, growing in both height and scope. He could make out large walls on their outskirts and enormous white, palace-like structures built into the mountainsides, forming what Alistair presumed were the outskirts of one of Sol''s major fortresses. He knew Sol had claimed most of the Alps to establish his fortress and infrastructure. He wondered if people who had lived there would be forced to teleport within Sol''s territory or be expelled to its edges. The mountains made for an incredibly defensive position, and Alistair would bet a lot of credits that the Alps had an abundance of dragon veins to fuel the natural god''s ambition. Alistair searched his karmic connections and found that most of his family was relatively nearby, but he focused on those of Remo and his cat, Viv. Both were in opposite directions and not as close as he expected. Faced with a choice, he decided to fetch his cat, confident that Remo would be fine on his own. Giving directions to King, the wyvern nodded. "What exactly are we looking for?" King''s deep, rumbling voice rang out. "My cat, Viv. She''s a small black cat, at least the last time I saw her," Alistair replied. Alistair had been worried his physical changes could potentially scare her off. She had always been a rather smart cat. Still, she had been rather skittish with anyone other than his closest family and friends, who visited regularly; only after getting to know them did she show her highly affectioned side. King seemed unbothered by the revelation and just seemed to enjoy the scenery below him. With King having a rough direction, Alistair checked on the notifications he had received.
Notifications:
Akashic Link skill has connected to [Sol Network]
You have [1] unread Network message from Sol.
Network Messages:
Title: Earth Information Package From: [Sol]
Welcome back to Earth. Please be aware that the world has undergone drastic changes in your absence. All followers are advised to retreat to the nearest Sol Sanctuary or team up to form conclaves with other followers nearby. Due to these changes, certain areas of the planet have become danger zones, with the local fauna or environment turning hazardous for most. Regions like Florida, Australia, and Thailand have been overrun by various beast tides. Beware of hordes of alligators and monkeys, spiders, and other beasts attacking anything that encroaches on their large territories. Citizens of Australia are advised to evacuate to New Zealand or Indonesia immediately.
[Attachment]
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Alistair took a moment to process the information package. He had known that Sol had claimed multiple locations, but the sheer number was more than he had expected. As he looked at the splintered remains of nearby cities, he hoped his sanctuaries still had some infrastructure left since most of the buildings he could see were aged and in disrepair. If it weren''t so tragic, he would have found it almost amusing that Sol recommended everyone flee from Australia. The country was already known for its dangerous wildlife, including emus, saltwater crocodiles, lethal snakes, spiders, and cassowaries. He suspected kangaroos might also be a threat now. Opening the attachment revealed the locations of all of Sol''s sanctuaries and enclaves, along with a comprehensive list of danger zones. Each danger zone included detailed information about the types of monsters and their territories. Alistair''s assumption about Australia was mostly accurate; in addition to the expected threats, packs of boars were a common beast tide across the globe. He reviewed the other countries, noting the diverse and perilous fauna they now harbored. Africa was similarly dangerous, though its threats were different. Instead of vast numbers, the individual monsters in Africa were already at early Grade 8 or high Grade 9, making them formidable adversaries. When he checked his own region, he found that evolved boars, wolves, goats, and cows were the most common beasts. Freshly introduced monsters like drakes and wyverns were listed as the biggest threats. The wolves surprised him as they did not have that many before the initiation, so he suspected they either migrated or intermingled with the released dogs, bolstering their numbers. "Apparently, there are Drakes and Wyvern around here; keep your eye open in case they feel you are intruding on their territory," Alistair warned King, tapping his armored plate next to him. "I welcome the challenge," King responded eagerly, his confidence evident. Alistair noted that the Wyvern felt more powerful. He knew King had selected the rest of his rewards without his input, and it seemed his successful arena tour had allowed King to get some good things for himself. Alistair considered asking but decided against it as he was still too busy to take in his surroundings. He sensed a bunch of Dungeons from all directions and couldn''t help but notice the people traveling through the fields and forests scattered throughout the area. He spotted a fair few animals he suspected had been pets but had evolved into something more powerful. He also noticed a massive convoy of people heading towards the mountains. Seeing them made Alistair check the wider network, which was already flooded with messages and recordings. He had to restructure his system again to make the information digestible, giving it the appearance of a browser. Rifling through the recordings, he found both uplifting and horrid scenes as people fought monsters and other people alike over newly discovered treasures, locations, and more twisted wants. He shut down the videos for a moment, considering it as he did not wish to get involved. However, the curiosity nagged at him as he looked; he saw the videos disappearing and being replaced by others, which made him curious enough to open them. What greeted him were more informational videos made by Sol''s followers, reminding their followers to stick together and act quickly. There was also a fair share of what could best be described as propaganda videos, and he opened one of them. Are you worried about your safety? Tired of the old regime holding you back? Hesitant to join a new faction because of past corruption? You''re not alone. We feel the same. Under Sol''s guidance, we can rise to greatness. No more corruption. No more division and greed. We promise protection and safety for all. Together, we unite under one banner. We will prevail against the rot within and the outsiders seeking to enslave us and take our world. The Sol System is our home, and we will defend it to the last man. Join us! Be part of something greater! Alistair was impressed with the new orchestral music and production value of the video; seeing more and more videos vanish as soon as they appeared meant that Sol decided to curate the videos on his Network, and it seemed to evolve in front of his eyes as it made new categories like a FAQ and even rescue request section. He even found a public statement that followers are instructed to help those in need and capture instead of kill wrongdoers. Alistair watched as a life map updated with locations where people were gathering for safety. Alistair had to give it to Sol. He knew how to make use of his advantageous position, and his efforts would ensure that fewer people would die, which certainly got Alistair''s approval. More Notifications rang out as more Networks went online. Apparently, quite a few factions used their contribution points to access the means of creating their own Networks that Sol couldn''t curate. They were also quick to advertise their own efforts of gathering and safeguarding people with their own propaganda and speeches. However, they were quickly flooded with unwanted information and recordings and struggled to curate the information like Sol''s Network seemed to be capable of.
A quick look at the recordings revealed the chaos unfolding on Earth. Billions were fighting for survival. Alistair watched footage of someone following a pair walking down an overgrown, decrepit New York Times Square. "We should get out of here. I can sense a lot of ''ROUSes'' all around us," the woman in a red dress said quietly, coming to a full stop. The man in black leather armor scoffed. "Rodents of unusual size? Are you serious?" Moments later, he screamed in agony as a massive rat leaped onto him, sinking its teeth into his shoulder. The person recording the incident took to the air as everyone nearby began to scream. A tide of giant rats swarmed the area, devouring those who couldn''t escape. Among the rats were ratkin, casting spells at those who managed to fly away. The recording abruptly ended. Another video showed a horde of monkey monsters attacking people; the distinctive architecture confirmed it was Thailand. Alistair observed a squad of Knights in Sol''s heraldry desperately trying to hold the line against a tide of monkeys wielding crude tools and weapons as people fled for their lives. Alistair cursed as he watched them retreat, abandoning those who were too slow to flee. He wanted to help and interfere, but he was too far away to do anything about it; as he watched in horror, they were teleported away in a flash of light. Alistair doubted that had been the work of a regular individual and suspected Sol had interfered. The same scenes played out around the globe, and Alistair could only watch them as hours passed. The worst was the Alligators, as they were incredibly numerous and quite powerful, with most of them at peak Grade 9 and the ability to fly, which made for a horrifying display. Alistair pulled himself away from the videos as they neared the location where he sensed his cat. Looking at the forested area, he recognized some apartment blocks as the ones he used to live in. Relief washed over him when he saw that, although aged, the apartments appeared to be intact. They were now situated in a dense forest, with occasional buildings scattered throughout the greenery. It seemed Viv had stayed close to his old home. Alistair teleported to his apartment block, noting the broken doors and shattered windows. He made his way to his apartment and sensed a presence trying to hide itself, clearly spooked by the approaching wyvern and Alistair''s own high grade. As he entered his previous apartment, he checked his bedroom and found a pair of golden eyes peering at him from the shadows. "Viv?" he called softly. Chapter 138: Viv Viv let out a plaintive meow as she emerged from the shadows, rushing toward Alistair''s outstretched arms and leaping into them. He held her tight, kissing the top of her head. "Hey, baby, it''s okay. I''m sorry I was gone," Alistair said softly, holding back tears of relief as he stroked her fur. Viv purred and meowed incessantly, louder than he had ever heard before. The small black cat had changed little, aside from her yellow eyes now having a more golden hue. She was still the same small, loyal companion attached at his hip. Alistair sat down on the dusty bed, petting her as she pressed herself into his body as hard as she could. They remained like this for a while until the ground shook around them, dislodging dust and causing Viv to sneeze. A deep, imperious voice then called out from above. "We should move to the next location. Make the contract with your ''baby,'' and let''s get out of here," King said with mild amusement. Viv looked wide-eyed at the door exiting the bedroom, her small heart pounding in her chest. "Shh, it''s alright. He''s with me," Alistair said in a calming voice as he stood up and tried to place her on the bed. Viv refused, unfurling her claws and managing to bypass his armor to cling to him. This gave him pause, realizing that Viv was approaching the end of Grade 9, making her far more powerful than he had expected. As she refused to let go, he sighed and initiated the magic contract with her still in his arms. Using his Identify skill on her [Void Cat - lvl 79], he knew the correct way to address her. "I offer you, Void Cat Viv, a summoners contract. Do you accept?" Alistair asked, looking down at the black ball of fur in his arms. She blinked at him as he felt the contract establish itself, and he searched the plains for a suitable shard for her, finding a warm, slightly forested plains and hills shard that suited his needs. As he completed the contract, Viv was teleported out of his arms into the shard. He immediately sensed her shock and worry, and he had her appear back in his arms again. "It''s alright; that''s just a place I can store you when I need you to be safe," Alistair reassured her, his voice falling back into his babying voice, something that had earned him a lot of laughs from friends who don''t have a pet. To his surprise he could sense Viv wanted to go back so he sent her back just for her to want to get back out as she reappeared again. As she wanted to go back in again he frowned. "Oh god, damned," he said with a chuckle as he carried her out of the room. This had been one of her most annoying traits, as she wanted to enter and leave the house. It had been particularly bad in one of the apartments that had no suitable windows or cat door, which forced him to manually open and close the door for her. As they left the building, he saw that King was lounging on top of his old apartment building turning his head towards them as they exited. "Come on, let''s go," King said eagerly as Viv''s hair stood on end, and she looked wide-eyed at the massive wyvern looking down on them. She tried to struggle out of Alistair''s arms, but he robbed her momentum, which made the cat pause before she turned ethereal, falling out of his hands before rushing behind him. "She seems to have some tricks. Too bad she''s a coward," Kings commented smugly. Alistair let out a sigh as he stored Viv again and flew up to join King. They headed back to look for Remo. Viv, for her part, wanted to get out again, but he sent her a message that he was traveling on King and unless she calmed down, he couldn''t let her out. He wasn''t sure how much she understood and debated whether he should give her the pill of enlightenment or not. Fortunately, Viv seemed to calm down and explore her shard, which relieved Alistair as he looked at the many groups traveling about. King was incredibly fast now, and part of Alistair worried someone might mistake him for a wild wyvern and attack. However, there shouldn''t be too many individuals of Grade 8 or high Grade 9 who wouldn''t notice him riding on the wyvern. Despite this, he saw many groups freak out and try to hide in forests or shrubbery. None of that would have stopped King if he actually were a wild wyvern, which concerned Alistair. While most individuals were clearly mid-Grade 9, the groups he saw did not feel particularly powerful. Alistair considered watching some more recordings on the network but, in a good mood after finding Viv, decided against indulging in any fresh horrors the world had to offer. As he looked into the horizon, he received a call over the Akashic link from his brother.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. "Hey, Alistair. I have to move through Sol''s territory to reach what used to be Italy. In case we vanish, you know where to look," James said, half-jokingly. "It should be fine. They promised us free transportation and to be on their best behavior. By the way, who¡¯s ''we''?" Alistair asked with a chuckle. "I''m with Jessica in the Zephyr, so we don''t really need transportation. But I''ll check in at one of their fortresses. I really don''t want to get shot down by those turrets scattered around," James explained. "Alright, let me know how things turn out," Alistair replied. "Will do. Talk to you later," James said. With that, Alistair ended the call and continued his search for Remo, feeling a mix of relief and concern as he flew on. After roughly an hour of flight, they spotted a skirmish below. A small group of people was desperately fighting against a band of Minotaurs. Both parties had already sustained losses, and Alistair watched as a Minotaur dragged a woman away by her leg while the rest of the monsters overwhelmed the outnumbered survivors. He couldn''t let that stand, especially since he had the means to intervene. Honing in on their location, Alistair teleported next to the Minotaur, dragging the woman and severing its arm with his Razor Aegis. He directed the other disks to cut down the remaining monsters, then blasted the stunned Minotaur in front of him with a Kinetic blast that caved in its chest, causing it to crumple and die. The other Minotaurs roared and flailed as they were swiftly cut down. Amidst the cacophony of screams and surprised yells, the fight settled quickly, leaving a shocked silence in its wake. The Minotaurs had easily been overwhelmed by him, and he did not feel much joy in fighting such weak opponents. He knew his karma would take a hit if he punched down more than one grade or without good reason, but this had been neither. So he checked on the survivors. "Are you all alright? I''m not much of a healer, but I can at least close some wounds if necessary," Alistair offered. "Oh, thank god. Thank you for helping us," one of the nearby men said, his voice shaky. Alistair watched as a red-haired woman and a blonde woman rushed over to help the woman who had been dragged away by the Minotaur. The black-haired, Mediterranean-looking woman still trembled like a leaf in the wind, staring at him with wide eyes. Nearby, he could hear the wail of a woman crying over the body of a man whose head had been caved in. King landed nearby, startling people who moved away from the wyvern. "It''s fine, that''s my summon," Alistair called out as he walked toward King. "I won''t be carrying all of those," King said resolutely as he looked down on the survivors. Alistair waved King off, sending him a message to let him handle the situation, as he only made it worse. He could sense multiple attempts at Identifying him, all failing as they failed to penetrate his Aura Suppression skill. The same man who had thanked him spoke up again, and Alistair identified him as [Joseph - lvl 64] a middle aged man with a lean muscular body and slightly graying brown hair. The man was by far the strongest combatant of the group, and Alistair was sure he would have been able to escape if he didn''t try to save the others. "Thank you again. I''m Joseph. May I ask who you are? And do you know of a place nearby where we would be safe?" "My name is Alistair Ryser. The only safe location I know is Sol''s Sanctuaries, which are to the south, toward the mountains. Did you not receive the information package?" Alistair replied. He watched as Joseph''s shoulders slumped and the other people behind him gathered, still bruised and shaking. Some had managed to patch themselves up thanks to a few healers among them, but one woman continued to cry over a body, a sight that churned Alistair''s stomach. "We don''t have a device to connect to any network, and we aren''t followers. Most of us don''t wish to be," Joseph explained. His statement elicited a mixed reaction from the crowd. Alistair suspected that some would opt for the safety of the walls, even if it meant joining Sol. While recruiting them crossed his mind, he realized that beyond manpower, there was little immediate value. The space on the Artemis was limited, and the Kaiakos wouldn¡¯t arrive at Earth until long after he had left. Still, it wasn''t the worst idea. "I''m sorry if this sounds harsh, but most of you are too weak to defend yourselves out here. Even if you don''t plan on joining Sol, I recommend going there for safety. I''m quite certain Sol will come out on top and conquer the planet," Alistair began, pausing to let his words sink in. He continued, "However, I am the leader of a large clan planning to leave the planet. If that''s something you would consider, let Sol''s followers know, and they will arrange for you to meet up with the rest of us." Having ended his spiel, he browsed his storage and picked out a spare pad that could connect to the network. It did not possess any sensitive data since he did not use it himself. He wordlessly tossed it to Joseph. "There is a request rescue option, and since you are already close to one of the most major Sanctuaries, they should show up in short order," Alistair added as he watched Joseph catch the pad. He then turned to leave, jumping onto King''s back as the people realized he was about to leave. Some of them panicked and requested he guide them. "There are others I can save during my travels. As long as you head south, you shouldn''t encounter more or stronger beasts. I have my own matters to attend to," Alistair said, while trying to keep his expression neutral to avoid getting more involved than necessary. To his surprise, Joseph called out to him. "Thank you, Alistair. What do I owe you for the pad?" Joseph asked. Alistair couldn''t help but snort. "Nothing. It''s of little value to me, and I have more of them. You helped protect these people, and I don''t mind rewarding such an effort." Before they could exchange any more words, King took to the air as his patience ran out and didn''t mind forcing the conversation to end. Alistair was considering chiding the Wyvern for his impatience. Still, he decided to take the excuse to leave and talk to King about when it was and wasn''t okay to abandon a conversation like this. He wasn''t overly surprised at the Wyvern''s disposition, though he felt it could spell trouble in the future if not handled correctly. Chapter 139: Finding Remo Alistair and King encountered numerous groups in need of assistance along their journey. King was not overly pleased with the frequent stops and only seemed happy when they fought off a group of wyverns hunting a large caravan of people. Despite traveling for nearly a day, they still hadn''t reached Remo, though Alistair sensed they were getting close. Alistair continued to travel for two more days. By now, Alistair''s mother had linked up with Melissa and Isabella, and they were waiting for James to set up a beacon for her to hone in on and teleport them. They had arrived at one of Sol''s sanctuaries, where Sol''s followers had reunited Melissa with her Bernese mountain dog, Teddy. Alistair was relieved to hear the dog was fine. Teddy had accepted Sol''s offer of shelter, as he had always been a massive lapdog and softy incapable of hurting others. This meant he was still in Grade 10, only earning records by providing comfort to other beasts. Melissa couldn''t care less as she had immediately established a summoner''s contract with him after crying her heart out in relief. In addition to this reunion, Sol had sent a care package containing all kinds of mundane plants and seeds they could ever need, knowing Alistair had been searching for locations to salvage seeds. With the assurance that he wouldn''t need to worry about securing various vegetables and spices, he was able to scratch that task off his mental list. While he knew he would likely find different food sources that were potentially much better than anything he could bring from his home planet, he was determined to at least bring tomatoes and potatoes. He was certain the Fichera family would have been very unhappy or even reluctant to leave if they couldn''t recreate their cuisine because the Clan had rushed off the planet without securing the most crucial ingredients. He knew his brother had made significant progress in gathering people scattered around Italy, and some had even found their way to Sol''s sanctuaries in the Italian Alps on their own. The local lord Giovanni had been a rather gracious host and had spent not an insignificant amount of effort to help and accommodate his Clan members. Alistair had half expected Caleb to be their contact but when James inquired about the man, he had been informed that Caleb was currently in charge of the Rocky Mountains sanctuaries and had different matters to attend to. Alistair still kept an eye out for a suitable location where they could gather and wait. However, over the last few days, he grew more comfortable with the idea of taking Sol up on his hospitality since most prime spots had already been claimed by people seeking safety. He noted the value of Earth mages, who could build fortifications and terraformed the local area to be more defensible. Some of the locations already resembled star-shaped bastion forts, which looked impressive from above, although they still lacked proper housing, having only square rock huts at the moment. Some of these forts contained what he suspected were natural formations and treasures that made the location worth claiming. He had not spotted any treasures that were worth stopping for. The only thing he had found were wild strawberries that had evolved to take on a magenta coloration and a much higher mana density compared to other mundane plants he had encountered. He wondered if they could push the mundane plants they had received from Sol to evolve similarly, but this wasn''t his specialty, and Jessica would be the person to ask about these things. However, he knew quite a bit from his own research with essence and idle reading. Mundane non-magical plants grew much faster than magical plants, and the introduction of magic pushed mundane plants to grow multiple times faster, allowing for more frequent harvests. If they planted mundane plants in spirit soil and provided certain treasures, the fruits and vegetables would eventually absorb and integrate the ambient essence, evolving and mutating to take on the aspects of the most common present concepts. Alistair also took the opportunity to capture some roaming cattle that had not evolved into their respective beastkin variant, like minotaurs. Capturing proved quite easy as most of them were rather docile and did not resist being put in storage once they recovered from the scare that was King''s approach. The only typical farm animals he had not captured yet were pigs and chickens, and he was quite determined to capture at least some chickens or trade for them. Most chickens he had found had evolved into dinosaur-like beasts, making them unsuitable as livestock due to their aggression. To his relief, the stream of recordings had slowed as the worst of the initial chaos had subsided somewhat. There was a noticeable shift from haunting to idiotic recordings, with numerous instances of people injuring or killing themselves by recklessly experimenting with magic or messing with beasts. Much of the latter was inspired by a powerful beastmaster in Australia who, along with his family, showcased the beauty of different beasts and lived in harmony with them. Many imitators, however, lacked the man''s skill to charm or at least evade the strikes of the confused beasts, leading to disastrous results. Alistair watched more than one person utter "Look at this beauty" or "Joink" as their last words. There were also a fair share of recruitment videos circulating on the various networks. One that initially piqued Alistair''s interest was from a magic school in what used to be Canada. The school''s goal was to research magic and train mages, both young and old. However, the image was somewhat tainted when they introduced some of the first settlers in the process of building the school. He heard a distinct "I''m a Hufflepuff" in the background and cringed. His musings were disrupted by another network message from Sol; this had been the sixth since his return to Earth, this one warning people that an evolved badger had set off a large cluster of hives inhabited by evolved African killer bees in an attempt to steal from their hives. The attached recordings showed the sky being blotted out by a black swarm of cat-sized bees attacking everything even remotely close to their hive, driving off multiple budding colonies and even one of Sol''s enclaves. The massive honey badger, however, seemed completely unfazed. With specialized skin rendering it immune to the killer bees'' attacks, it clearly didn''t give a shit about its impact or the bees as it continued to gorge itself on the bees'' hard-earned magically enhanced royal jelly and larva, having already killed the local queen and driving all the bees of the surrounding hives into a frenzy, forcing everyone else within hundreds of kilometers to evacuate. He then watched as the bees spotted whatever drone had been recording and rapidly swarmed and destroyed it.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Alistair was convinced that Sol wasn''t actually sending these messages but rather some of his followers on his behalf. He wondered what the natural god was up to besides rescuing groups by teleporting them out of danger. Sol likely had his hands full with all sorts of issues, given that he had the entire Sol system to monitor. Despite traveling for so long, Alistair still hadn''t caught up to Remo, which led him to believe his friend was on the move and moving fast. This was impressive, considering that even with the regular stops, King was flying them at incredible speeds that outpaced most beasts and hovercrafts. Alistair remained confident they would catch up soon. He was fairly certain he had left Switzerland a while ago, and based on the remaining architecture, he suspected they were flying over what used to be Austria or Germany. The land masses had stretched to an almost outrageous degree, which made navigation difficult even with a map of the new globe. He had flown over many of Sol''s sanctuaries and enclaves, which featured walled-off valleys and heavily armed defensive positions built into mountain fortresses that loomed over the enclosed city centers. Most of them were only sparsely inhabited. He also noted how those cities must have been shifted and preserved, as they were not nearly in as sorry a state as the cities and infrastructure outside Sol''s territory. He was certain that teleportation or high-tier traveling skills would be the only reasonable way to traverse the planet now. However, he had expected as much from his readings as most planets under the control of a natural god were much larger than the average, which was part of the reason why they were so coveted by the outsiders invading freshly integrated universes. Alistair directed King north, noticing that Remo had changed directions again. A few hours later, he spotted a battlefield in the distance where a large group of people flying Sol''s banners encircled a mostly hidden fortification. Sol''s followers were attacking the hidden outpost located in a hilly, forested area. They had deforested much of the surrounding land and deployed magitech artillery alongside powerful anti-flying and anti-teleportation magic fueled by a large support contingent to prevent those encircled from fleeing. Alistair browsed the network for information about the conflict but sighed when he couldn''t find anything. He knew his friend had to be among the fighters and desperately hoped he wouldn¡¯t have to confront or upset Sol''s followers. It would complicate matters significantly if they were hunting or harming Remo. Alistair made a silent prayer that whatever he was about to do wouldn''t anger everyone and that his friend was on the side of Sol''s followers. Realizing he was about to get involved in trouble, he wondered what Riseth was up to. Riseth said her goodbyes to Nessyra. Thanks to Zaltom''s efforts and the compact and self-reliant nature of Neshan''s city-states, the planet''s infrastructure had remained almost entirely intact; Riseth and Nessyra had easily managed to meet up and gather most of their followers. The only significant damage came in the form of all of the railways connecting the city-states, which had been broken and disconnected, which forced Nessyra to organize transport for those stuck in other cities. With most of the core personnel already arriving in their city of Maras, Riseth felt comfortable leaving the planet. She hadn¡¯t detected even a hint of treachery, and her sister reassured her that she was safe. Few people on the planet could stop her or prevent her from fleeing if things turned sour, with perhaps the exception of Varimas Merai, who had arrived in their city a few days ago with the intent of commissioning a spacecraft for himself from the Zekaria corporation. Which, thanks to the support of the Ryser Clan, was currently by far the most technologically advanced producer of spacecraft and weaponry on Neshan. However, the shipyards were still under construction. Varimas had turned out to be rather friendly and even showed interest in her sister. He inquired about opportunities to buy map data of intriguing planets the Ryser Clan deemed too far out of the way for their own purposes. Nessyra had tentatively agreed that they would consider selling such information if they found planets that fit that description. This had placated the large demon lord, who then proceeded to spend most of his time hunting beasts on the surface and underground tunnels of Neshan. Nessyra had managed to talk to Varimas about his own success in the Ascendant''s Tournament after beating her. Much like Alistair, Varimas had gotten lucky in the Ascendant''s Tournament, facing a somewhat weaker mythical beast in his second-to-last round and getting into the top 1000 before being eaten by a chaos hydra in his final round. Listening to the conversation, Riseth had been itching to fight him to see which of them was stronger but worried it could open a window for opportunists to strike. Although they had not made enemies of any factions on Neshan, showing weakness often invited misfortune. Which was an unnecessary risk at this point in time. After successfully sneaking away, she found an isolated stretch of land where she could safely take out the Artemis and leave the planet without worrying about someone planting a beacon. She planned to have James look over the craft once she arrived on Earth, which would take her a few days, perhaps a week. Despite the distance, she could still faintly sense Alistair''s emotions through their resonance. Initially, she had sensed conflicting feelings and revulsion from him, followed by an incredibly strong sense of relief that had made her feel better as well. Currently, it is a bit hard to read his emotions, likely due to sheer distance. She had also sensed a lot of second-hand embarrassment the last few days. She desperately hoped she arrived before he got involved in the wars and intrigue of Earth. She knew it was a bit of a pipedream as there were bound to be people he cared for who wished to stay behind or got themselves involved with one or more of the factions of Earth. Chapter 140: Prisoners As he approached the battlefields, four magitech jets took off from Sol''s camp, intercepting them at incredible speeds, presumably worried he would try and break the siege. He directed King to hold his position as continuing to advance would most likely be seen as a hostile action. Needless to say, Alistair was impressed they had already converted some of the old-world jets with magitech. Though then again, Sol had millions of dedicated followers, and retrofitting a handful of jets after a few days wasn''t that unexpected. Alistair and King watched as the jets approached. Three of them veered off and started circling them while the last one approached them. "What do you think? Can you keep up with them in case things turn sour?" Alistair asked. "I am faster if I push myself a little. Does this mean I get to tear them apart?" King asked with barely concealed glee in his voice. "Nope, let me do the talking. We don''t want to piss them off if we can help it," Alistair replied, which elicited a grumbling huff from King. The approaching craft came to a slow stop hovering beside them, and the cockpit opened up. Using Identify on the young man with black hair revealed him to be [Sam - lvl 81]. Alistair noticed an Identify in return, but it, too, failed to pierce his aura veil. The man looked a bit tired, and his armor sported some burn marks, indicating he had been fighting for a while. "Who are you, and why are you approaching our battle?" Sam asked, his eyes narrowed and beads of sweat flowing down the side of his head. "I am Alistair Ryser. I am tracking a friend of mine through my karmic connection, and it has led me here. His name is Remo," Alistair responded, carefully watching the man''s expression to see if there was any reaction. At first, the man furrowed his brows as he began typing on a cockpit pad beside him, but he relaxed when he heard Remo''s name. Alistair watched as the man seemed to wait for a response from the pad, then went pale for a second. Curious about the message, Alistair teleported to the other side of the craft and leaned in to read it.
''The Ryser Clan is a powerful conglomeration of Humans from Earth and Demons from Neshan, led by Alistair Ryser and Riseth Ryser. Both clan leaders are top-ranked within the Ascendant''s Tournament and are capable of wiping out even a strong order by themselves. Alistair has defeated Ascendant Marilyn Dixon in one-on-one combat. The Dixon Order is to be kept far away from any dealings with the Ryser Clan due to bad blood. Do not upset the Ryser Clan, and be cordial in all interactions. Failure to do so will result in severe consequences.'' Status: Prospective Allies Importance: Critical Additional Information: Denied
Sam spun his head around and looked at Alistair with a shocked expression, realizing he had read the information on the pad. Alistair gave the man an easy smile, glad to get some official information on Sol''s perspective on them, or at least how much the members of one of his orders knew. The man stuttered and stumbled over his words, trying to apologize, but Alistair raised a hand to stop him. "It''s fine. I''m the one being rude right now. Tell me, where is Remo? Based on your reaction, you must know something," Alistair asked, noticing the other two jets heading back toward the siege. "Remo joined us in the assault. His sister, along with other women, have been taken. We plan to free them before the situation worsens," Sam replied. Alistair''s expression grew dark as he glanced toward the outpost. "How do you know she is being held there?" he demanded. "I am not privy to such information; my rank in the Felsenschild order is insufficient," Sam admitted. Growing impatient, Alistair questioned, "Who are you attacking?" Sam hesitated for a moment but quickly answered, seeing Alistair''s stern expression. "We don''t know their name, but according to the information available to me, they are part of the Blackmarket Syndicates," he said hurriedly. Alistair did not want to kill humans if he could help it, but he would not let something happen to Mia. He had grown up with the woman whenever he hung out with Remo during their childhood, and she was something like a little sister to him as well; he had looked for her during the trial, though she had declined his offer to join his clan as she and most of the rest of her family had joined Sol''s cause and wouldn''t be persuaded to leave Earth. He wondered if what happened here would change her mind. Alistair shook his head. He had to act fast since every second mattered. He hated to admit it, but them being part of the Blackmarket and abducting people made what would come next a lot easier on his mind. He knew it was something he would have to overcome sooner or later. The Arena Dungeon and beasts had been good preparations, but knowing these people would not respawn through the Systems grace still knawed on him. Before Sam could speak up again, Alistair interrupted him. "I am going to help. Are they threatening to kill the hostages?" Alistair questioned. "Not yet. As far as we know, the victims are still shackled underground. Among them is a Grade 8 individual who gains strength from the suffering of others," Sam explained. Seeing Alistair about to rush off, he quickly added, "We''ve observed him retreat multiple times, likely to replenish whatever energy reserves his abilities or race require. He has red skin and horns, suggesting he may have evolved into some kind of demon."Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Alistair strongly suspected it was Sinergy but kept quiet. He directed King to head to the camp and assist from a distance since flying was impossible. Alistair then teleported as close as he could to the camp, used light manipulation to turn invisible, and employed flashstep to storm the proverbial castle. He managed to reach the entrance before anyone caught on to his presence, and before the first individual could shout, Alistair crushed his head with telekinesis, the sensation still unpleasantly tingling in his hand despite not having made direct contact. Without pausing, he rushed past the fortifications, searching for a path underground. He half-wished he had his mother''s ability to sense surrounding space, which would have sped up his progress. Forced to kill everyone he encountered, he lashed out with his poleaxe or crushed their heads with telekinesis or at least immobilized them long enough for his poleaxe to finish the job. Eventually, he reached a stairway leading underground and rushed down, already hearing wails and screams from below. "Don''t kill them! Selling them alive is worth a lot more," an angry voice rang out. "We''re going to be killed if I don''t get enough power to break the encirclement from those damn fanatics outside. Leave me to my work and make yourself useful instead of bitching at me, you dipshit," another, much deeper voice growled in response. Alistair rounded the corner toward the voices he had picked up with his enhanced hearing. He tasted bile as rage threatened to take over, but he pushed the emotions aside. He couldn''t afford to waste a second or lose control as he heard a muffled wail. "Shhh, don''t worry, sweetie. If you struggle enough, you might just live. I''d hate to waste a good battery," the man said with sadistic glee. Alistair finally reached the deepest depths of the tunnel network, and as he rounded another corner, without his senses, he would have almost run into the second man, who was jogging away from the scene. Activating his Temporal Combat Reflexes at high output, Alistair''s hand shot out and grabbed the man''s face. Using his Chrono Seizing Hand skill, he slowed the man down, watching his eyes widen in shock in slow motion. Alistair then summoned a short blade with his off-hand and swiftly decapitated the man, letting the body crumple and the head fall as he rushed toward the room, minimizing the reaction time of the torturer inside. Fortunately, the man inside had not immediately tried to take the woman he was torturing hostage but had instead turned to face him once he realized his partner had died. What greeted him was an almost two-meter-tall muscular man with red skin, long black hair, and a beard paired with two moderately sized black horns and a sharp-looking tail. He recognized his species as a cambion, a rather high-tier evolution that took aspects of humans and demons and was usually created when two high-tier individuals procreated. Identify showed that the man was [Afrim - lvl 101], noting the aura of an Ascendant on him, which meant he had made it onto the Universal ladder. As he entered, he spared a glance at the woman who was tied to a metal table, her clothes torn, and cuts, wounds, and bruises covered her body. In the corner, Alistair saw the discarded remains of another woman carelessly disposed to the side. Feeling overwhelmed, Alistair activated his Cold Rage skill, determined to crush the Cambion in front of him. Alistair spent a not insignificant amount of his Qi restraining the man with his Telekinesis skill, pulling him towards himself as he prepared to impale him with his poleaxe. Afrim would not be as easily cowed, as he seemed to draw deep within himself and tore energy from the prisoners around them before stomping down his foot after Alistair had dragged him a meter towards him, conjuring a two-handed axe prepared to meet Alistair''s onslaught. Alistair felt his opponent powering up and empowering his weapon for the clash. Alistair realigned his weapon as they clashed. Afrim must have expected this to stop Alistair''s attack but only found the kinetic impact of their clash fueling Alistair, who instantly converted the energy into more power, swatting the man''s axe aside and thrusting at his head. The Cambion jerked his head back, and the point of Alistair''s poleaxe tore into the man''s throat, but it was negligible damage at best for a Grade 8 opponent. Alistair felt something impacting his Mental Fortress skill, but it failed to shake him, and he saw sharp black tendrils growing out of his opponent''s back. Alistair returned the favor by unleashing his Bloodcurdling Presence skill down on Afrim, whose footwork froze for a brief second. Alistair pushed the advantage. He could not let the man take a hostage. He would need to grapple or slow his opponent. In a split-second decision, Alistair decided to follow Zathen''s advice and levy his powerful affinity, converting his Qi and own life force into Kinetic Energy and, from there, into power with his Kinetic Grappler and Arcane Energy Manipulation Skills. He then threw all 200 saved-up stat points into the power stat, skyrocketing his power stat from his second-lowest to his second-highest stat as Afrim froze, completely overwhelmed by the difference in power pressing down and crushing him. Alistair sensed bones cracking through his attack. Alistair brought his poleaxe down in an overhead swing, splitting the cambion in half. Standing over the body, he finally stopped, dropping his boosting skills and feeling a small wave of feebleness. With his rage skill deactivated, his mind began to process his surroundings. The imprisoned women and men were screaming in shock and surprise, looking at him with fearful eyes. He knew he needed to act quickly but was momentarily overwhelmed, feeling like he might vomit despite his stomach no longer functioning as it once did. He realized he lacked the skills to calm the prisoners and knew he needed to speak up, but the words came slowly as the smell of blood, sweat, and feces permeated the room. "I am here to save you. Nobody is going to harm you while I am here," he said, standing straight and trying to strike an imposing figure, hoping his voice sounded reassuring. He turned to free the woman tied to the table, glancing around and noting a few men and young teenagers huddled in the corner, shielded by the other prisoners. The scene reinforced his decision to leave this planet and civilization behind. He knew such atrocities must have been repeated countless times across the globe and the universe at large. He wasn''t a hero, nor did he want to be one. He hated how cold and detached he felt at this moment, his mind numbing his empathy to protect him from the surrounding horrors. He felt some responsibility due to his power but hoped to do more good by providing a safe haven. He quietly vowed to eradicate any Blackmarket cell he encountered and felt more certain of his decision to make an example of those who attempted to plant a beacon and follow them. Looking over the bindings, he noticed the enchantments and runes etched into the bindings that siphoned energy and restrained the individuals, fueling storage crystals situated under the table, out of reach for those tied down and fueling the contraption. He tore off the storage crystals and stored them, which immediately weakened the metal bindings, allowing him to tear them off with his hands. As Alistair worked to soothe the frightened woman and other prisoners, assuring them of their safety, a trembling voice pierced the tension. "Alistair? Is that you?" Chapter 141: Stygian Watch Having ripped off the last of the shackles, he felt relief wash over him as he heard Mia''s voice. He forced a smile and looked her way. "Yes, sorry for being late." "Oh, thank Sol. I was worried my distress call went out too late," Mia said, her voice breaking. Tears welled up in her eyes as she neared the bars. After being freed from the table, the unknown freedwoman moved to the opposite side of the room, reaching through the bars to embrace what he suspected were her companions. Alistair was constantly prodded by Viv, who had wanted to leave her shard for a while now, but he still felt it was too dangerous. He froze for a moment and hurried toward the entrance, readying his weapon as he sensed two strong presences approaching. His Conceptual Awareness skill highlighted two individuals concealed in the shadows of the tunnel, similar to what Viv had done when he found her, indicating they were using either shadow or void magic to hide themselves. Realizing Alistair had noticed them, they revealed themselves with raised hands. They wore black-dyed armor with Sol''s insignia emblazoned on their chest. However, the usually golden-colored landmass of the insignia was colored in a dark blue like the rest of the eye, contrasted by the gray ocean, which was usually colored white. Alistair had only sensed them when they were almost upon them and noted that his Identify failed to penetrate their veil, though they failed to pierce his aura veil as well. "We are here to save the hostages and dispose of Afrim, but it seems you were faster," the gruff voice of one of the newcomers rang out. Alistair slightly lowered his poleaxe but was still poised to react. He was a little skeptical since they knew the name of the torturer and were unable to read their intentions or emotions due to their strong aura control and inability to read facial expressions as they wore closed helmets. Realizing their mistake, the other newcomer spoke up. "Apologies, Mr. Ryser. The report of your presence reached us late, and by the time we reached the siege, you had already infiltrated the fortifications," A much more feminine voice rang out. Her words calmed Alistair enough, and he stored his weapon and headed back towards Mia''s barred cellblock, inspecting the runes engraved into the bars and rock floors, thankful they were of a similar make to the other bindings that had restrained the unknown woman to the table and not something more nefarious. Tracing the pathing of the runes to a panel at the end of the chamber. He cracked the panel, removing and storing the storage crystals, not looking at the two newcomers but keeping his senses trained on them. "And who are you two? Sol''s Blackops?" Alistair questioned as he turned back to the bars and ripped the cage door off its hinges. Alistair marveled at his own strength. The dump into the power stat had increased his strength by a not insignificant amount, and the action had taken much less effort than he had expected. Mia stepped out and embraced him. Her armor was damaged, and she was slightly shaky on her legs, but fortunately, she was not wounded. "Yes, we are part of the Stygian Watch, specializing in sensitive deployments like this one," the female watch member said. She added gently, "We have the situation under control, so if you wish to leave, you are welcome to do so." Alistair felt a wave of understanding and pity as she lifted her aura veil ever so slightly. Realizing his expression must have given his emotions away as he held Mia, he quickly composed himself, schooling his features into a neutral mask. He considered making his own helmet appear but decided against it. Rage simmered in the pit of his stomach, and he felt uncomfortable and angry, which must have shown on his face. "How did you know the cambion''s name?" Alistair asked evenly, scrutinizing the two for any reactions while dismissing her offer to leave. "We received recordings of the ongoing fighting. Our Information Gathering Division identified him and sent us a dossier based on what we observed in the Ascendants Tournament. The two of us were chosen for our abilities to deal with the target." Satisfied with the answer, Alistair asked another question, unwilling to leave these people vulnerable after promising to protect them. "I presume these are all the prisoners?" "In this compound, yes. Now we only need to hold our position until the Felsenschild Order finishes with the rest of the scum above," she replied, her voice laced with undisguised disgust and anger. Alistair sent King a message, giving him instructions to tell the rest of the Order they had secured the hostages and to do what he wanted with the syndicate members left above. It took only a few seconds before they heard King roar above, followed by the shaking of the ground despite their depth. Both of the operatives whipped their heads around, extending their senses as some of the prisoners shirked back. "Don''t worry, I just told my wyvern he is free to deal with the syndicate members as he sees fit," Alistair said unapologetically, the simmering rage in the pit of his stomach still boiling. His words prompted a chuckle from the male operative. "Too bad I don''t get to see that," the man said, his voice suggesting a grim smile under his helmet. Alistair disapproved of the man''s attitude but suspected that people capable and willing to deal with this kind of situation were limited. "You two can leave and assist upstairs. I''ll stay until your fellow followers arrive to take over," Alistair offered.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. He watched as the two operatives turned their heads toward each other, likely communicating through some skill. Eventually, the female operative looked back at him. "Thank you. We will move on since we have many more fires to put out. We are grateful for your assistance," she replied, offering a slight bow before both of them melded into the shadows and quickly disappeared. It dawned on Alistair that his clan wasn''t the only faction meticulously planning and organizing for their return and beyond; Sol''s faction was impressively well-coordinated. Observing them, he admitted that he might have joined their ranks if he hadn''t already had his own plans and faction. Yet, part of him still distrusted Sol and his intentions. Eventually, Mia let go so he could break the doors of the other cages. Despite the bars only being made of magically reinforced iron, he stored them to be melted down. They only had to wait a few minutes before a group of Sol''s followers clad in crusader armor rounded the corner, joined by Remo, who also wore a set of armor with Sol''s sigil. However, it lacked the insignia of the Felsenschild order. Seeing Alistair and Mia, Remo hesitated for a brief moment before nodding at Alistair and embracing his sister. Alistair tried to enjoy the moment, though the circumstances and environment dampened his mood. After making sure his sister was alright, Remo turned to him, and they embraced each other in a hug. Alistair looked his friend over and noted that he appeared much better than he had during the few matches observed in the tournament. Remo had looked like a wild man despite his hair not growing out of control, and he had worn self-made armor and clothing during the tournament. Alistair noticed that Remo still carried the axe the trial had given him. He would tell him about its value once they left this forsaken chamber. "Thank you for saving my sister. I''m not sure if I can ever repay you," Remo said gratefully. "Don''t worry about it. Simon helped my mom. I won''t be able to return that favor either," Alistair replied. This put a sad expression on Remo''s face. Alistair realized that his friend must have learned that most people had been able to enter the subspaces and coordinate with each other while he had been all by himself, at least as far as Alistair knew. "Yeah, I heard you guys got to meet up and work together," Remo said wistfully. Alistair shook his head and raised his hands placatingly. "Let''s leave this dump first. We got a lot to talk about, and I''d rather not do it here." His words relieved the other people still standing in the room with them, who felt too awkward to leave with him still sticking around talking, almost like waiting to receive his permission to act. When they finally left the fortification, he spotted King looking at a pile of bodies. He was sure he was considering eating them, but King had standing orders from Alistair not to eat enlightened species if he could help it. Alistair grabbed the leg of a lomie he had in storage as a snack for the wyvern and tossed it toward King, who eagerly snatched it out of the air. Remo looked at him with disbelief. "Wait, that wyvern is with you? Just how strong are you?" Alistair mulled over the question before answering. "Hard to say. Earth did extremely well in the Ascendant''s Tournament, but I''m pretty sure I''m among the strongest people on the planet." Many of the surrounding Crusaders awkwardly looked away, suggesting they hadn''t clued Remo in on Alistair''s status despite him joining their faction. Alistair was glad they hadn''t used his friend to get closer to him by giving him an inflated rank or special treatment. He was invited to their nearby Enclave, and he watched as they formed a convoy mostly consisting of Hovercrafts and a handful of retrofitted vehicles that looked like buggies with weapon emplacements on top. Only half of those buggies still had wheels, and most of them deployed levitation magic. What impressed Alistair more were the jets that scouted ahead and provided them with cover from above. Alistair had stored King in his shard after the Crusaders had hesitantly offered to heal him after the fight. He talked with Remo during their drive until they arrived at the enclave and were shown a guest house for them to use for as long as they needed. Mia, on the other hand, was brought away with the other former prisoners to be taken care of by healers and psychiatrists. Once they entered the house, he let out Viv as she did not handle unknown people well. He had her wait in her shard until now. He could sense the cat''s irritation and hesitation once he let her out. Eventually, she calmed down and cozied up on his lap as he and Remo sat at a large oak table. As they continued talking about their time during the Trial, Alistair learned that his friend had discovered a handful of dungeons late into the year, and only a few had contained other people. Unfortunately, none of the rewards he found were keys he could use at the Sanctuaries to enter the many subspaces. Remo knew of the existence of a Hub but was completely unable to find any standout features that would reveal its location. His world had been an enormous forest with megafauna trees as large as skyscrapers with monsters living in networks within the massive trees. Climbing them hadn''t helped much with orientation, and even after he figured out how to fly through trial and error, he hadn''t been able to find any notable landmarks, only more dungeons. Alistair pitied his friend''s luck and told him about the value of his axe, hoping to lift his spirits. When Alistair eventually broached the topic of Remo joining them, his friend''s expression turned apologetic. "I''m sorry, Alistair, I can''t join you. My entire family chose to remain on Earth and join Sol in the vision of a better future," Remo explained. Alistair looked at his friend with a raised eyebrow and a slightly concerned expression. "No, I haven''t fallen for propaganda. The people here genuinely care. Does your faction have psychiatrists who can take care of Mia or me? Do they take in strangers, clothe them, and provide protection while not restraining their freedom?" Hearing his friend had received such support made it hard to argue, but Alistair wanted to ensure Remo had the full picture. "But you know the outsiders will likely invade Earth in the near future? You will be fighting for your life, and you and the rest of your family might very well die protecting Earth," Alistair cautioned. "So I''ve been told. I know all that, but I still want to stay and help as much as I can. If worse comes to worst, I''m sure you''d still take us into your Safe Haven?" Remo replied with a cheeky smile. Alistair scoffed. "Oh, only after you burned out your other options you want to crash on my proverbial couch," They laughed, and Alistair slapped his friend''s shoulder. "Of course, I''ll take you in. Just don''t wait too long to call. I don''t plan on settling nearby." "I won''t. Thank you, Alistair," Remo said, his expression serious. After an awkward pause, Alistair chuckled. "Wish you weren''t so fuckin'' awkward, bud," he remarked, and they both grinned at each other. Chapter 142: Leaving Earth Alistair spent the next few days traveling south to spend time with Remo and his family, who had settled in one of the major Sanctuaries located in the now much-enlarged Dolomites. Many of those planning to join the Ryser Clan had also gathered at this Sanctuary, awaiting the arrival of the Kaiakos. Joseph and other rescuees spread the word about the Ryser Clan, attracting a significant number of people wanting to leave the planet with them. This influx of interest kept Alistair''s mother and sister busy, sorting through applicants to narrow down the selection for Nessyra, whose skills made her particularly adept at detecting falsehoods and assessing a person''s character. During this time, Alistair got to practice placing arrays and, along with his mother, managed to imitate teleportation arrays the Sol''s Faction was willing to share in exchange for other less valuable arrays they had acquired through the Trial rewards. The practice of creating arrays alongside other array experts led to a large upgrade in Alistair''s array skill. Particularly, once they had successfully helped create a long-range teleportation array from one sanctuary to another, his skill improved from rare to epic tier as the array formations layout was added to his growing library.
Skills:
Tier: Name: Description:
[Epic] Array Adept The user is able to place arrays on any surface he is capable of penetrating or inscribing upon ignoring atmospheric interference. If the user has access to the schematics through [Akashic Link] or other means, he can perfectly measure, adjust, calculate, extend, and combine arrays for a chosen area. The skill grants a moderate boost to [Control] when imprinting arrays and highlights issues with the array based on the user''s [Senses] and experience. Due to the assistance of the [Akashic Link] and [Conceptual Awareness] skill, the user can create a visual overlay to simplify and double-check runic placements.
Alistair could sense Riseth approaching and knew she would arrive within the day. Having informed everyone else, he, Simon, and Remo flew to the highest mountain peak to take in the stunning views of the local mountains, valleys, and lakes. They lazed in comfortable chairs, enjoying the breathtaking scenery as Alistair brought out some of his limited supply of Spirit Orchid wine. "Not that it isn''t appropriate, but don''t we only have a handful of bottles of this stuff left?" Simon asked, looking hesitantly at his bottle. "Nope, we bought the means to propagate the orchid and produce the wine as a trial reward," Alistair said with a contented smile, lifting his bottle towards Simon, who sat in the middle. Simon looked at him with wide eyes as Remo reached out, clinking their bottles together. "I could kiss you," Simon said before taking a long sip from his bottle. "I know you are gay for me, but even though my family isn''t the type to mind this sort of thing, I''m sadly already spoken for, and you know it," Alistair joked, trying to maintain a serious expression before cracking a smile. As they laughed, the sun cast a golden glow over the majestic landscape, and they let the smooth, soothing liquid work its magic as they savored the moment while Alistair stroked Viv''s fur as she purred contently in his lap. They watched as a trio of jets flew past nearby, a reminder of the increased patrols as the sanctuaries and enclaves filled with more and more people. The main sanctuary, New Veneto, sported a banner with a winged lion, a symbol from their old banner that had taken on new relevance in this magically inclined world. Alistair talked about how Earth now actually contained winged lions, most originating from Africa, with a few former zoo animals thriving in the less dangerous, expanded European parts of the continent. This got them wondering which other Zoo animals had managed to establish themselves, which led them down a rabbit hole as they queried the Network. Sensing Riseth''s immediate approach, they packed up and headed back towards New Veneto. Time was precious, and the longer they delayed, the more opportunity the Blackmarket Syndicates had to gather a fleet or catch wind of their plans. A lot of curious bystanders joined them at the runway, including a handful of Sol''s dignitaries, such as the local lord Giovanni, and people planning to leave with the Ryser Clan. Alistair found himself talking to members of the Fichera family while holding Viv back as she hissed at Pasha, the little Chihuahua of Fillipo''s sister Giulia, who barked his little head off at Viv. As more people gathered, Viv became increasingly uneasy, so Alistair stored her to help her feel more comfortable. Alistair hadn''t been stoked to learn that they would bring not just one but multiple Chihahaus with them among a lot of other pets; while he loved most animals, he wasn''t a fan of the small bug-eyed creatures. As far as he knew, a lot of people joining them had reunited with their pets, most of which had taken Sol''s offer for shelter. Part of him was glad they had picked up the biosphere regulator for their AI Core, as the number of cats could actually become problematic if people didn''t keep them close and let their pets roam once it was deemed safe. He would have to throw some classes on summoning but was relieved to hear Fillipo had picked up the mantle and taught quite a few people in his family and friend circle how to become a summoner. They watched as the Artemis rapidly approached, blazing through the atmosphere. As it drew nearer, its asteroid-like appearance must have bewildered many onlookers, who likely mistook it for a comet. Some even took cautious steps back as the ship continued its high-speed approach, only to suddenly decelerate and pivot on its axis, effortlessly landing before them. Alistair observed as the door opened, and Riseth, with Fluffy perched around her neck, leaped out of the Artemis. In a blink, the craft vanished into her storage. She hurried into Alistair''s outstretched arms, showering him with kisses, and he lifted her in an embrace.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. "You never know how much you miss someone until they''re a galaxy away," Riseth joked, easing up on her affectionate assault. Alistair grinned, still holding her aloft. Pasha, true to form, continued yapping incessantly, much to Fluffy''s evident irritation. The serpent looked disdainfully at the tiny dog. "Oh, you have those too," Riseth sighed, her voice tinged with slight annoyance and resignation. Alistair failed to stifle a laugh, not surprised a Demon planet had Chihuahuas. Giulia quickly stored the yapping critter in her storage before stepping forward to greet Riseth. The two women had bonded during their few encounters in the trial, and Alistair doubted Giulia''s choice of pet would strain their relationship. Giulia was an interior designer before the initiation, and the two women, along with some others interested in the topic, had talked at length about how to decorate, design, and build structures within their future colony, mixing features from Earth and Neshan and taking the best ideas from both worlds. Most of these discussions had been headed by a Master Builder from Neshan called Braxik. Though Alistair had hardly interacted with the Libranor demon, he only knew the knowledge demon would be the man in charge of construction for their new colony. He joined the clan early on after witnessing Nessyra''s business acumen and their clan rising to prominence in the Trader''s Market subspace. Alistair pushed the idle thought to the side as he mentally prepared himself to leave Earth and make sure he said his goodbyes. The whole procession was purposefully short-lived. Giovanni tried to have them stay a little longer, but they insisted that they had important matters to attend to. They exchanged only a few words before Alistair hugged his mother and sister goodbye, and Simon, James, and Jessica boarded the Artemis alongside Riseth and him. The initial plan had been for James and Jessica to join the Kaiakos, but they were now needed to help set up the railgun emplacements and space mines before switching over to the Kaiakos. James, Jessica, and Alistair joined Riseth in the cockpit while Simon checked his quarters. Using space magic, the ship''s quarters had been slightly expanded for added comfort, as the rooms had initially been quite small, except for the captain''s quarters. This enhancement was a slight drain on the reactor but barely noticeable in the grand scheme of things. Alistair used his magic to root himself in place while the others took seats at different stations. The familiar smell of ozone briefly filled the air as the reactor started up. On the ship''s displays, Alistair watched the small crowd outside, waving as the Artemis slowly lifted off the ground. The people grew smaller and smaller as the ship picked up speed and exited the atmosphere. He was somewhat impressed with the zoom but knew that it was technically barely adequate for their needs as they would need to enter orbit to see the surface in high detail, whereas their other sensors could only provide limited information. "Good thing the Sol system has so many planetary bodies. It gives us plenty of Lagrange points to use, making jump calculations much faster. Flying in from the edge of that gas giant''s gravitational well was a pain," Riseth commented as she finished programming the autopilot. "By the way, I got the green light from Sol to deploy a beacon for the Kaiakos to hone in on, which should shave a lot of days of travel," James added, working at the sensor station. "Also, it looks like Sol has retrofitted some jets to work as space interceptors. I see a few patrolling nearby." Riseth shook her head in confusion for a moment before looking at James. "Why does he need interceptors patrolling right now? It will take years before the first outsiders arrive." Alistair, who knew the answer from talking to Giovanni, explained, "Sol isn''t a fan of the Blackmarket syndicates and wants to prevent them from coming and going. Multiple cells have already been found collecting slaves." Sensing there was more to the story, Riseth kept her eyes on Alistair, waiting for him to elaborate. "Remo''s sister was captured, and I got involved in freeing her, which allowed me to learn some things about Sol''s forces and earned me some goodwill with them," Alistair explained. He expected her to be slightly upset that he had gotten himself more involved, but to his surprise, she seemed unbothered. As they continued sharing stories of their time apart, the ship reached the Lagrange point. Jessica initiated the jump drive, setting it to calculate the preplanned destination in a distant galaxy at the center of the universe. Meanwhile, James deployed the beacon and sent a message to the Kaiakos. The navigation system would take days to complete the calculations, so they each retreated to their quarters to stay busy. Riseth gazed at Alistair with curiosity, her eyes filled with longing, and he grinned warmly as they made their way to the captain''s quarters. As they settled into bed, Riseth nestled into his chest, and Alistair felt Viv scratching at the back of his mind, asking to be let out. He knew introducing Viv to Riseth in such a small space might slightly unsettle the cat, as she was unfamiliar with her. Confident that Viv would adjust in time, he planned to ask Riseth to refrain from overwhelming the shy cat with too much affection. "I forgot to mention that I found Viv back on Earth. She waited for me in my old apartment, and I established a summoning contract with her," Alistair shared, prompting both Riseth and Fluffy, who had been resting at the foot of the bed, to perk up. "That''s wonderful! Why keep her in the shard? Bring her out," Riseth eagerly suggested. "Just try not to overwhelm her. She''s quite shy and needs time to adjust to new people," Alistair cautioned before summoning Viv onto his lap atop the covers. Viv appeared slightly disoriented, glancing around the room and sizing up everyone present. Alistair quickly scooped her up to prevent any escape attempts, mindful of the potential complications if the void cat could pass through walls while aboard the Artemis. Viv stared wide-eyed at Riseth, who squealed with delight and dropped her veil, sending signals of affection to the cat, holding herself back from reaching out and petting the cat, which still stared at her. "Shh, it''s okay," Alistair soothed Viv with gentle strokes, explaining that they were in space and instructing her through their summoning contract not to pass through walls while aboard the Artemis or any other spaceship. Meanwhile, Riseth disregarded his reassurances and muttered in his ear, "You taxdriver! You told me she was a small cat, not this tiny and adorable! I thought most felines were bigger than dogs!" Riseth''s surprise was evident, having expected Viv to be much larger based on her previous encounter with felines. Based on her brief descriptions, Alistair was sure that the people of Neshan kept tigers and mountain lions as pets. Thinking back, he realized none of the videos they had watched had contained any house cats, and Riseth must have gotten the wrong idea from watching National Geographic. After a moment, Riseth reached out to pet the cat. Riseth almost vibrated in delight as she stroked the soft fur, and Viv leaned into her hand. Alistair could sense through their resonance that she did her best not to just pick the cat up and smother her in affection. To Alistair''s surprise, the cat stood up, planted herself on Riseth''s lap, and began purring. Eventually, Riseth couldn''t help herself, so she picked the cat up and squeezed her to her chest while petting her, which caused the cat to eventually turn ethereal and pass through her and jump off the bed with an indignant look, much to Riseth''s visible dismay. Chapter 143: Body Enchantment In the following days, they spent most of their time cultivating and enjoying each other''s company after being apart. Viv quickly warmed up to both Riseth and Fluffy. To Alistair''s surprise, the serpent wasn''t overly jealous of the cat, and they got along quite well. Alistair often found Viv curled up on top of the coiled snake, dozing together. Alistair realized they both had a knowledge gap when it came to pets of their respective planets and took the opportunity to show Riseth some cat videos. She was weak in the knees once she realized the baby-sized cats had kittens themselves, calling it unfair that they had nothing like it on Neshan. In return, she showed him images of Neshan''s pets. His guess of tigers and mountain lions had not been too far off the mark, though more interesting to him were the different breeds of Cerberus they had. Nessyra had a variant that looked quite similar to a Doberman, though the dog was apparently scared of Dexter, marking the Yagan as the top dog. Neshan also had a wide variety of lizards as large as Komodo dragons kept as pets. Few animals among Neshan''s pet selection would Alistair categorize as ''cute,'' which explained Riseth''s reaction to some of Earth''s pets and Fluffy. Fluffy had apparently made some progress with her Polymorph skill but hadn''t shown Alistair her results yet. According to Riseth, she still looked too much like a beastkin according to the serpent standards and wished to appear more humanoid before revealing herself to everyone. King had been less forthcoming about his progress in their messages, though he knew the Wyvern at least occasionally worked on it. Viv had also leveled up quite a bit just from Alistair''s rescue operation and records trickling down, which put her at level 89. After three days, the Jump drive completed its calculations, and Alistair experienced his first jump. Magic seemed to focus, condense, and bend around them before suddenly cracking and jerking them away. Despite not being physically moved, he felt an intense pull at the core of his being and grasped his chest as the Artemis entered warp space. He also realized he had lost connection to all the Networks the second they had jumped. Riseth snickered at his surprised expression. "It feels weird, right? We''ll be traveling in this warp space for a few hours before being thrown out at the edge of the target galaxy''s gravity well." Sensing she was withholding something, he asked, "How bad does exiting warp space feel?" "You''ll see," she said with a toothy grin. Giving her a flat look made her relent. "It''s pretty mild, like stopping mid-run without actually running." She was proven right; it felt exactly like that. Simon and Jessica, in particular, stomped down on the metal flooring as they exited warp space despite not having moved before. The displays turned on, showing a magnificent view of the nearby galaxy. While Alistair marveled at the display, Riseth took a seat at the navigation station and typed away as she targeted the largest gravity well within the nearby nebula outside of the unknown galaxy. This jump would take the longest, as the possible gravity wells were much smaller and the distance still quite large. Once there, they needed to find a suitable system for an ambush. They required specific criteria to align so their setup railguns wouldn''t be out of place when the ambush was finally sprung. They planned to use a Lagrange point with a nearby natural satellite that always faced it so the guns wouldn''t be misaligned. It would be even better if they found a system with multiple such points. They would also need to place a handful of other beacons to place a trail for the Kaiakos to follow so they could ensure they were being followed. Having placed beacons would also allow the Kaiakos to flee before whatever syndicate group was following them was able to deploy jump disruptors and attack them prematurely. Though they hoped they would be able to avoid that eventuality. It took almost a week for the Artemis to calculate its second jump. Unfortunately, the system they jumped into had no suitable locations or interesting planets, and they decided to jump to a nearby planetary system instead. During their waiting times, everyone got a bit antsy and bored being cooped up in the spaceship. Fortunately, there were plenty of entertainment modules and activities to keep them occupied. Alistair had taken out the Dragon Heart manual, which, much like the children''s book his sister had shown him in the Nurturing Ward, was heavily enchanted, making it nearly impossible to absorb. It took him several days and the conversion of Qi to mana to get the job partially done as he couldn''t copy all the aspects and information from the manual as there seemed to be an almost endless amount of questions and information he could potentially extract from the manual. The soul imprint left on the manual prevented certain aspects from being copied by his Akashic Link, much to his annoyance. He had tried to read the manual, but instead, it allowed him to experience things from the perspective of the author in an almost dreamlike state. By directing his intent, he was able to pose questions, which the manual answered through visions, thoughts, and explanations from the author, whose soul imprint seemed to be the source of the manual''s information. While this imprint allowed her to show and explain things to him, she refused to answer certain questions. One puzzling aspect was that the Dragon Heart manual, upon acquisition, referred to itself as both a body cultivation and body enchantment manual. The Soulimprint embedded within it refused to elaborate further. It dawned on Alistair that Mitania had been subtly indicating that he was applying cultivation terminology to something that might not strictly qualify as true cultivation. Reflecting on it, there were many stark differences between body cultivation and true cultivation, and the overlap was actually smaller than the overlap with regular magic, particularly enchantments. Mitania hinted at the absence of inner demons back then. Still, there was also the lack of stages, breakthroughs, and the refining of Qi, which is the foundation of cultivation, as well as the absence of tribulations. The only thing that gave him pause was dual cultivation, which firmly belonged to the cultivation sphere. Riseth was the first to point out a flaw in the logic when Alistair shared his thoughts with the others.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. "Don''t normal dual cultivators refine their Qi instead of essences? Also, do regular cultivators even use essences in any of their other techniques?" Riseth questioned. Alistair paused and reviewed the knowledge base stored within his Akashic Link skill on regular, dual, and body cultivation before reaching a conclusion. "No, they don''t." "I think we put arbitrary limitations on ourselves based on another misconception again," Alistair said as he felt himself level up to 112, which he took as a sign that he was on the right track. He had been so close to leveling up, and seeing that gaining insights also provided enough records to level up was valuable information in itself. "Maybe we could refine things other than essences or Qi with dual cultivation," Riseth added. Their discussion, which was at first awkward, clearly piqued the interest of James and Jessica in particular; being able to refine their bodies and different magical energy sources through sex had some appeal when you were trapped within a small spaceship for weeks on end. Alistair took the chance to browse his Body Cultivation for Dummies and other sources. Still, unfortunately, it lacked hints or instructions as to how one would use Dual Cultivation to refine aspects other than essence. "It''s not like we don''t have time to practice and figure it out," Riseth commented with an almost predatory smile. "Yeah, rub it in that I''m the only one alone on this ship," Simon retorted, shaking his head as he left. "Don''t you still have that goat-like summon?" Alistair called out, which earned him a scowl and a middle finger, though Alistair saw the tell-tale signs that Simon was barely holding it together from not bursting out laughing out loud. Riseth turned to Alistair with a slightly worried expression. "Is he going to be alright?" "Yeah, don''t worry," Alistair reassured her. "He''s just being dramatic to mess with us. He''ll be fine." He knew Simon well enough to know when he was actually upset. Though he was envious, it wasn''t something that would cause issues. So he turned his attention back to the topic at hand, searching the rest of his knowledge base only contained hints at refining Qi, which was something he wasn''t comfortable trying as he did not wish to accidentally step on the path of true cultivation and said as much to the others. Taking the realization that they did not need to restrict themselves to cultivation themes when it came to body cultivation, they considered changing the terminology to Body Enchantment. Still, they decided to leave it as is for the moment but would keep an eye out for paths of advancement that they would have otherwise potentially overlooked. Their discussions were cut short as they arrived in the next system, and Alistair and some others reflexively stomped their feed down. James took his place at the sensor station while Riseth prepared the Artemis for its next jump. "We shouldn''t set up here, but it might be worth putting down a beacon," James commented. "We need to hide it, though, since there seems to be some fauna in the system." Alistair''s curiosity was piqued. He knew the nebulae were now incredibly dense with magic and served as nurseries for most space fauna. He would love to see some, even though approaching them could potentially lead to issues. "What kind? Are they big?" Alistair asked. "They''re about the size of the Artemis, so not particularly big as far as space fauna goes," James replied. "Though they might be juveniles. I don''t have much data to work with here." According to Riseth''s Cosmic Pathfinder topic, the larger Space Fauna could even function as a host for certain clans and groups that wished to stay mobile. Space turtles, whales, rays, dragons, and other space fauna could grow as large as a moon or even a planet or have subspaces or other strange environments that allow people to live on their backs or inside their bodies. Some individuals even searched for juveniles to tame and guide their growth to evolve them into such beings. Alistair had initially thought they should try that if they came across a suitable beast. But Riseth and Nessyra had shot that down as it was very rare, a lot of work, and a planet had its own advantages, which allowed for more stable and less limited growth and expansion. While they would still tame such a creature and take it as a summon if they came across it, they wouldn''t use it as a foundation for their clan. They deployed a drone carrying a beacon towards a Lagrange point with some asteroids where they could hide it. It was one of many beacons Riseth had created for the Artemis and Kaiakos to track. This process repeated for about a week as they mapped out multiple star systems per day, occasionally finding habitable planets and locations of interest. They didn''t stop to investigate, planning to either revisit these locations later or sell the map data to the highest bidder. On their fifth jump, they discovered the perfect location with multiple moons and an asteroid belt, allowing them to hide and spread out the weapon emplacements, which would allow them multiple angles to shoot at opponents while at the same time providing partial cover for some of the emplacements. While everyone else was busy deploying the equipment, Simon and Alistair kept tabs on the sensor station. They had been in occasional long-range communication with the Kaiakos, who had reached Earth and had already departed to their nebula. Everything had been according to plan, and a left-behind spy drone had confirmed they were being followed. They were followed by a fleet of roughly a dozen ships, most of which looked somewhat ramshackle and hastily put together. Multiple ships appeared to be hollowed-out asteroids with engines and weapon emplacements strapped to them. The pursuers'' procedure involved a waiting period allowing the Kaiakos to leave the system before one of the smaller ships jumped ahead of the fleet and sent a message back before the rest followed shortly after. This complicated their plans with the space mines, forcing them to relocate and hide them in the asteroid belt. They had not yet agreed on how to deploy the mines or execute their ambush. Riseth cursed at the prospect of her hard work being rendered useless before it could even be utilized. They all gathered on the bridge to discuss how they should enact their ambush. Chapter 144: Ambush "I see two viable options here," Riseth began. "First, we could take the tracking beacon from the Kaiakos to the Artemis and temporarily jump out, luring the scout ship into an ambush without using the weapon emplacements. If we''re lucky, the pirates or whatever they are will take the bait and jump into the system to try and attack us." "This means we''ll be down one ship temporarily, and it relies on the pursuers being aggressive enough to follow up on their loss," Simon pointed out, voicing the flaw that had been bothering him. "True," Alistair replied, "but it would also mean we take out at least one of their ships with minimal cost. My intuition tells me they''ll still take those odds, thinking we''re overconfident or are under the misconception it''s just that one ship trailing us." Riseth nodded. "Exactly. The second option is to stay in place and wait for them to jump in altogether. We won''t have to hide the mines in the asteroid belt if they jump into the Lagrange point. However, this carries the risk of them waiting for reinforcements or jumping in at the system''s edge rather than directly into the ambush location." "I think that''s less likely as it would give us too much warning and the chance to escape," Simon pointed out. Alistair nodded in agreement. Simon''s tendency to focus on worst-case scenarios contrasted with Alistair''s optimism. The second plan had the advantage of not splitting their forces and a higher likelihood of their mines doing damage. Prefiring based on spy drone transmissions promised to inflict significant damage in the initial volley. The AI core, which they had temporarily integrated into the Kaiakos, had run simulations that favored the first approach, as it was more likely for the enemy fleet to engage in the parameters they wanted. It would, at worst, still kill the scout following them while their enemy threatened. "I think we should proceed with the first option," James suggested. "In the worst case, we destroy the tracker if they don''t take the bait, and salvage their scout ship as a consolation prize." Simon grumbled but acknowledged the strategic advantage of the first plan. Riseth also supported it, noting that while deploying the mines mid-battle would likely result in many being destroyed before they could be effective, they would still provide distraction and some damage. Jessica deferred to the group''s decision, while Alistair affirmed his agreement with a nod as he to preferred the first option. "Alright, transmit our battle plan to the Kaiakos. We''re going with the first plan and hoping they take the bait," Alistair instructed. "We''ll need to hold back and intentionally miss some shots to allow the scout ship to send out a distress call and lure the rest of the fleet into a false sense of security," James added, outlining their tactical approach. An hour later, the Kaiakos jumped into the system, leaving the initial kill box as it approached the Artemis. Alistair''s eyes were glued to the second display, which showed a delayed perspective of the neighboring system where the Kaiakos had just departed. He counted a roughly 20-second delay between the Kaiakos disappearing on the footage and reappearing in front of them. Once communications were no longer delayed, Nessyra appeared on another screen. "Ah, it''s good to talk to everyone in real time again," Nessyra greeted warmly. I agree with the plan, but I''d suggest a few small additions. Alistair, Riseth, and James should come on board the Kaiakos. If they attempt to board, we''ll need every strong fighter we can get to repel them." James immediately interjected, "No, I won''t leave Jessica''s side," earning a kiss from her as she leaned over. "Besides, the Kaiakos has excellent targeting thanks to the AI core, but the Artemis could use my expertise." Nessyra mulled it over as the two ships approached each other. The Artemis maneuvered into position to dock with the Kaiakos, whose hangar bay had been purpose-built to accommodate several crafts the size of the Artemis. "Alright, you got a point," she admitted, "we already rigged the tracker with an explosive, so you will be able to eject it and return and blow it up later." Alistair watched on the screens as a moderately sized ship, covered in half-painted metal plating, jumped into the sector the Kaiakos had just left. The spy drone registered a long-range message being sent out, indicating they needed to act quickly. Remaining stationary longer than usual could attract the pursuer''s attention or signal that something was amiss. Alistair observed Oconoe approaching with what appeared to be an explosive device. They greeted each other, and James inspected the device before nodding and taking it back onboard the Artemis. As Alistair hurried toward the bridge, Nessyra shared her vision with him, revealing the rest of the pursuing fleet jumping into the other sector, each ship arriving with an accompanying white flash. Annoyingly, they had a new addition, increasing the fleet size to 13 ships. Fortunately, the newcomer was small and lightly armed compared to most of the other crafts. Their plan relied heavily on the success of their ambush and the fact that the Artemis had recently traveled to the other system. This would significantly cut down the jump drive''s calculation time, ensuring that the Artemis would likely appear within minutes after the battle had started. The tension was palpable as Alistair sensed the powerful shields of the Kaiakos being activated. All non-essential parts of the ship went inert to save energy, causing the lights in the corridor to dim, leaving only the path on the metal flooring illuminated. Riseth and Alistair arrived at the bridge just in time to watch the Artemis, with the tracker on board, jump out of the system in a white flash of light.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Immediately, Alistair noticed Nessyra sitting in the captain''s chair, idly stroking Dexter, who sat on her lap, giving her a bond villain look as she oversaw the rest of the bridge. He also noted the number of demons and humans on board, manning different consoles. Despite the redundancy, he knew the AI core would handle most of the heavy lifting. The bridge crew''s job was mainly to keep everyone apprised of any changes and support the AI as best they could. They were also prepared to take over in the worst-case scenario where the AI was damaged, though this was unlikely. None of them believed the pursuing ships possessed the magical or technological marvels capable of disrupting its functions. Multiple timers appeared, displaying the predicted jump times and the arrival of various parties and events. Alistair watched as the timers rapidly counted down. The silent anticipation was almost unbearable, and he considered activating his Akashic Soundboard. His offer to play some epic music was met with a snicker from Riseth and some of the crew, while Nessyra and the rest gave him disapproving looks. Seeing the fear in some of their eyes, he decided to lift their morale. "Listen up! They may have the numbers, but we have the quality and the element of surprise. Don''t underestimate the planetary-grade defensive emplacements we''ve put down. Our enemies will learn the hard way that the Ryser Clan is not to be fucked with!" As if to underscore his words, the Kaiakos powered up its weapon arrays and confirmed readiness across the board, with predictive algorithms completing their tasks. The bridge erupted in cheers as the first countdown reached zero, and the enemy scout jump vanished in a flash. They waited as the minutes ticked down to the next timer. They watched as the Artemis ejected the tracking device, with a slight delay in the footage. Alistair knew they were already calculating their return jump. "Get ready for a show. We''re going to cripple that ship so it can call its parasite friends for help. I¡¯ve ensured the AI will record all outgoing messages and decode them, so we may learn what these black-market wastrels are up to," Nessyra announced. Her words were met with enthusiastic cheers from the Neshan crew members and slight confusion from the human crew before they too joined in, cheering a bit delayed. Alistair heard and sensed the laser weaponry powering up as the smell of ozone grew stronger. The ship seemed to brim with energy in anticipation of the scout ship jumping into their sector. As the timer approached zero, the crew''s eyes were glued to the main screen, focused on the arrival point of the scouting craft. In a flash, the tube-shaped ship appeared, only to have its main weapon and half its engines shaved off by their laser fire, with other shots scraping across or hitting empty space as planned. Alistair noted the AI detecting an outgoing message and beginning to decode it. The tube-like ship''s shields activated as missiles arced out from the Kaiakos toward the much smaller craft. Though Alistair knew this was just a fraction of their missile pods, they needed to appear to be struggling with just one craft. On another monitor, Alistair watched the enemy fleet, his heart beating faster, hoping they weren''t fleeing, willing them to do something stupid and take that bait. The scout ship''s return fire barely scratched their shields. Its shield flickered but held until the second volley of lasers penetrated it, incapacitating the craft. The crew watched with bated breath as the timer reached 0, and the rest of the fleet jumped out of the neighboring system one after the other, just within the margin the AI predicted. They cheered, knowing everything was going according to plan. Alistair''s intuition told him they had the enemy hook, line, and sinker. The Artemis, jumping from the other system, would arrive roughly one minute after the attacking fleet if they chose to jump into their sector. A demon at a console called out, "We got green light on all emplacements. They are ready to fire!" A human woman at another console was next to speak, "Space mines are leaving the asteroid belt. ETA roughly 20 seconds after enemy fleet arrival!" Alistair heard an intense humming sound and knew the Kaiakos''s main railgun was powering up to shoot its devastating payload into the fleet, which was shortly arriving. It was followed shortly after by the main thrusters of the Kaiakos starting up as they approached the battlefield for a pass, which would allow them only one shot with the main railgun. The timers approached 0, and Alistair watched as multiple missile groups they had preemptively fired out of their tubes and reached the kill box, which would shortly be followed by their lasers while the missile pods continuously cycled, sending new missiles streaming towards the predicted targets. Another demon sitting on a different console was the next to speak up, "The main railgun is ready to fire at the predicted flagship location," Alistair watched the fleet appear on their main screen just as the missiles arrived at their location, impacting in a cacophony of explosions before their weapon emplacements on the nearby moons and stable asteroid satellites all fired upon the fleet. Alistair had expected there to be some rumbling, but there was only a bright flash of light as the main rail gun fired upon the largest and most elaborate ship, piercing straight through where they had expected their bridge. As soon as they confirmed the hit, the Kaiakos veered off course for a broadside. Their prediction turned out to be wrong as it hadn''t been the bridge of the flagship but the main reactor location, which blew up in a blinding flash of light due to being sheered in half mid-fusion process, tearing the craft apart as it hurled toward the other crafts in the formation, which weren''t fairing much better under the assault. Particularly, the asteroid ships broke apart and crumbled as they were hit by railgun fire from the emplacements. The enemy shields flickered out of existence one after another, as they had to split their fire between the Kaiakos and the approaching mines. Despite their flawless execution, the Kaiakos'' shields were also taking a beating and wouldn''t hold much longer. Alistair watched the shield flash and crack on the screen as they flew closer, with their point defense weapons already overheating from shooting down the incoming missiles. Then it happened. The Kaiakos'' shield vanished, likely not to recover before the battle''s end. The first attacks impacted their armored hull, causing the entire ship to violently shake under the assault from the remainder of the enemy fleet. Chapter 145: Fleet Commander Alistair steadied Riseth by gripping her shoulder as she reached for a nearby console to regain her balance. Across the viewscreens, escape pods ejected from the wreckage of the enemy ships, only to be swiftly torn apart by laser and point defense guns. Alistair briefly pondered if that had been a war crime but decided he wouldn''t dwell on it as they were just a bunch of pirates and slavers out to kill them. Said escape pods were aimed at the Kaiakos instead of away from the battlefield, and he was quite sure they attempted to get close and board their ship, and the AI apparently decided it would have no part in that. On another screen, they watched the Artemis appear and immediately unload its own missile pods and laser weaponry on the now five remaining enemy crafts. Dexter, who had so far been on Nessyra''s lap observing, panicked and telepathically yowled that they were all going to die. The remaining enemy ships had all been stripped of their shielding and most of their armament. Although they had managed to knock out most of the weapon emplacements scattered among the nearby satellites, the exchange had clearly favored the Artemis and Kaiakos. The Kaiakos shuddered as one of its missile pods was destroyed by enemy return fire. At the same time, Alistair observed with grim satisfaction as another enemy craft detonated, its reactor exploding in a blinding flash as the ship''s reactor was destroyed, sending a visible wave of energy outwards before the fragments and debris scattered away, peppering the leftover ships and the remains of their former allies. Another salvo of their remaining railgun emplacements sealed the deal, as the leftover ships lacked the shields and armor plating to resist the assault. The last of the crafts broke apart, and the AI halted all fire, choosing to only use its lasers to shoot any individuals abandoning ship. They watched as the Kaiakos slowed down, its sensor suite sweeping over the battlefield with meticulous precision to ensure no hostile remnants remained. Determined to allow only the panicked transmissions, the pirates likely sent to their allies to escape. As the scans indicated they had won and none of the other spy drones reported any new incoming hostiles, the bridge erupted into loud cheers and hugs. Alistair kissed Riseth, who eagerly reciprocated. As they separated, Alistair shouted with triumph, thrusting his fist towards the sky in celebration. As he looked around, he noted a human woman who had announced the ETA of the mines making out with a demon from a neighboring station. James appeared on a screen in front of Nessyra, who had a content smile on her face, with Dexter excitedly sending out telepathic commentary of how exciting that fight was despite panicking the second the shields had broken. "We did it! We fucked them up good!" Simon, who pressed into view, hollered. James elbowed him out of the way, asking if the scanners had truly not found any survivors, which Nessyra confirmed for him. This got a much more muted but intense celebration from James, who balled both of his fists in front of him and silently screamed internally. To Alistair''s surprise, multiple notifications had rang out, which he had half ignored in the excitement of their victory.

Titles: Tier: [Epic] Name: Fleet Commander Effect: Overall performance of a craft under the user''s control is improved by 10%. Grants and Increase in the [Power] of the Craft under the user''s command during an ambush. Grants a slight increase in [Power] [Control] to the craft under the user''s command when fighting against a larger force. Origin: Acquired by participating in the leadership that directed a fleet to a successful engagement against a numerically superior foe. This evolving title improves with the type, number, and quality of successful engagements.
After consulting with Riseth and Nessyra, Alistair discovered they had received the same title, though Nessyra''s version was named "Stellar Warlord" and shared the same tier, effects, and description. By focusing his intent, Alistair realized he could switch the name of his title back and forth, though none of the other elements seemed as flexible, so he left them unchanged. Alistair had suspected there might be titles and skills that would affect a piloted spacecraft but had been unsure of their specifics. Now he had an answer, and it was more significant than he had imagined. Did the ship truly have stats, or was this his system interpreting the available information in its own way? After discussing it with the others who had received the title, they concluded that the system was likely compensating for their lack of comprehension. The results, however, were clear: their ship would hit harder and more precisely when ambushing other vessels, even if outnumbered, and would generally perform better if directed by one of them. "I wonder if the ship can level up and get skills," Alistair joked. Everyone seemed to pause in shock before they looked at him with uncertain expressions as it dawned on him that it was a distinct possibility for a ship to earn achievements and gain benefits. "The System is fucking weird," A man working on a nearby station said aloud while massaging his forehead, and Alistair agreed with the sentiment. Alistair looked to Riseth as if she should be the person to know as her topic was the most likely to cover that particular topic, and she was disappointed as she spoke up. "I just checked, and yeah, it looks like that''s a thing," Riseth said. "Active skills are almost unheard of in regular ships but are found in sentient ships and certain space fauna. However, it''s perfectly capable of acquiring passive skills; according to my topic, it is very similar to faith magic. The more infamous a ship becomes and the more battles it survives, the more passive benefits it acquires. For example, when the guns of a craft are well known for almost never missing, their accuracy will increase. But it can also gain negative traits. If a ship is well-known for breaking down or being fragile, those traits will become more pronounced as well."If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "So wait, if we had used the elixir that bestows sentience from the trial rewards on the Kaiakos, it would be able to learn active skills?" Alistair asked. "Huh," Riseth replied as she browsed her Akashic Link for the copied knowledge. "Yeah, that would have actually been a pretty good idea down the line. However, it would have risked our AI Core being integrated more permanently. It is generally recommended to only bestow sentience upon a craft you have a history with, and that has already earned some achievements. This makes it more likely to be fiercely loyal to its captain, crew, or owner and accept a magical contract." Alistair wondered just how energy-intensive it would be to summon a sentient spacecraft and considered if it was even practical to do so. There were presumably other more suitable contracts and people who specialized in space warfare, though much like the crafting path, it felt wrong and alien to him. However, the idea of a space dogfighting specialist intrigued him. As he mulled things over, Nessyra deployed a large number of drones the Kaiakos carried to salvage the wreckage of the battlefield for worthwhile items, treasures, and recoverable parts from the enemy crafts. Exhaustion swept over Alistair after days of hurried activity and mounting stress, amplified by the sight of the Artemis docking safely in the hangar. He decided to retire to the luxury quarters he and Riseth reserved on the Kaiakos, seeking rest and a chance to celebrate. Unlike Nessyra and James, who were too eager to dive into the salvage operations, Alistair had no inclination to join them. Riseth sensed his intentions and brushed her hand against his before they intertwined, and they stepped off the bridge to get their well-deserved break before they went out to find a new home for their clan. The next day, Alistair and Riseth joined Nessyra and the rest of the clan leadership on the bridge as they listened to the decoded messages they had managed to intercept. The messages confirmed that the pirates had been part of the Blackmarket Syndicate and had been hired to destroy the Kaiakos. Unfortunately, the messages did not reveal who had hired the Void Reavers and other smaller pirate syndicate members to attack them, as nobody deigned to respond to the pirate''s messages and requests for reinforcements, nor did they know if they had destroyed a significant portion of the syndicate factions members or merely eliminated a few disposable pawns sent to disrupt their plans. Most of the other messages were desperate cries of defeat, laden with curses directed at their clan in their final moments. This outcome brought grim satisfaction; they had sent a message, knowing they had potentially saved thousands from the brutal fate filth like these pirates would inflict upon others. The salvage operation was already fully underway, and the Artemis was already calculating its jump to the distant galaxy closest to their target nebula. According to the reports, most of the crews consisted of humans and orcs with various beastmen. Unfortunately, many of the more valuable treasures had been destroyed or thrown into deep space by the explosions. However, they had managed to recover quite a few storage items, and their clan members were sorting through the loot and recovering salvage of the destroyed crafts as they could use some of the reactors that had not been destroyed, among other valuable parts. It would take days, if not weeks, to process most of the salvage. "I say take the most valuable stuff and then leave. Also, keep the jump engine trained on Earth if another fleet seeks revenge," Alistair said after reviewing the information at hand. "I second this," Riseth concurred. Returning to Earth instead of Neshan was a calculated risk. They owed Sol a favor, and given his confirmed hostility toward the Blackmarket Syndicates, he was far more likely to assist them in case of an attack. In contrast, Zaltom had already reaped most of the benefits from their agreements, and while future trade and the option to request their help were still on the table, the Ryser Clan was an independent faction that wasn¡¯t worth risking a conflict with a major faction like the Syndicates. Zaltom likely wanted to keep his options open for future dealings with them, making Sol the safer bet for support. Nessyra and James, ever the united front, frowned as both of them wanted to get as much as possible out of the spoils they had earned. "How about this?" James suggested. "Once we''ve recovered the emplacements and the Artemis departs, we halt all EVA activities. Instead, we''ll rely only on drones for material recovery while keeping the Jump Drives primed for an immediate departure." Alistair frowned but considered the offer. It should be quite safe, and the possibly worst-case scenario was that they''d lose some drones and get confirmation that the Blackmarket Syndicate would continue sending pirates their way. Simons'' unexpectantly siding with James and Nessyra convinced Alistair to let them do it. "We should salvage what we can," Simon suggested, "but once we''re done, the Kaiakos need to jump back to Earth and conduct a thorough sweep to ensure we don''t have any new trackers." Despite having a sizable portion of the crew and the AI Core performing deep scans of the ship and surroundings, they hadn''t found any trackers or beacons yet. But they couldn''t afford to let their enemies know where they were headed, and it was a necessity they all agreed needed to be done. They also had some repairs to do as multiple weapons systems and other modules had taken damage. However, the Adamend armor plating had prevented the worst and had already repaired itself. The Artemis had gotten out of the fight unscathed, as its late arrival had meant its shields had held up the rest of the fight. "Alright, just don''t take any unnecessary risks," Alistair conceded after exchanging a look with Riseth. Clapping her hands approvingly, Nessyra moved on to the next point of discussion. "Great! With that settled, we can talk about who goes with the Artemis. I still think the crew should stay mostly the same, but Oconoe should remain here with his family. The likelihood of you guys finding technologically advanced ruins or anything similar seeded by the system is slim to none. We could use him here to repair and repurpose the salvage from the battle." Alistair nodded, approving of the notion. They had initially planned to bring Oconoe along in case they encountered any tech for him to work out, though with the destroyed pirate fleet, it made more sense to leave him with the Kaiakos. "Do we even need to fill his spot? Or should we just go with Alistair, Simon, Desily, and me?" Riseth asked. The group fell silent, contemplating whether they had any other strong fighters or willing participants for the expedition. "We could make an announcement and see if anyone is interested," suggested Melissa, who had been quiet until now. She had recently been given the title of Chief Scholar, ensuring her inclusion in any system events involving clan leadership. Her new role focused on magical research and the accumulation of knowledge. They had given most of the core members more or less arbitrary leadership roles, such as chief of security for Simon and so on. "No, I think I know who we should send," Nessyra said with a toothy smile as the rest of them turned to look at her. Chapter 146: Braxik "Braxik is the obvious choice. Having another prospector and Master Builder will speed up finding a suitable location for our clan''s seat," Nessyra exclaimed. Riseth nodded in approval. "He isn''t a strong fighter, but having his expertise to bounce ideas off of could be invaluable. Simon would probably need to stay close to protect him." Simon grumbled at the prospect. "I don''t know the guy. Who is he?" "He is a capable demon who felt how the money was flowing and decided to take a chance on us early on." Nessyra said "We''ve mentioned him in multiple meetings, and you agreed to give him access to our information so he could do a better job. As the new Chief of Security, I expect you to remember these things." Simon raised his hands and took a step back. "Alright, I got it. Protecting him shouldn''t be too hard, unless he''s still low Grade 9." As a refresher, Nessyra displayed Braxik''s dossier from her Bloodline tab and started reading it off. Braxik was currently level 79 and a Libranor knowledge demon. He had been a Master Builder on Neshan before the Initiation and had overseen multiple large city-state projects, some even above ground. They had shared with him some relevant information and techniques on Riseth''s Cosmic Starfinder topic, and Braxik had spent most of his time learning construction and other relevant magics so he could continue working in construction as it was his life''s passion. According to Nessyra, once she had clued him in that they wouldn''t just stay on Neshan but build a whole new colony and industry on another planet, he had been beyond excited at the prospect and willing to permanently join their clan as a member, which only further improved Nessyra''s opinion of the demon. Alistair was briefly shocked at just how expansive and in detail her Bloodline tab was when compared to his own, as she must have spent a lot of time restructuring and reorganizing it, and was again glad to have her to rely on. Alistair himself had only occasionally seen the man and hardly exchanged words with him. He had mostly approved of them sharing information on their plans, magic techniques, and topic information so he could study them in preparation for their settling on a new planet. Riseth had spent more time with Braxik discussing plans and the potential design of their colonies. Fortunately, Braxik had a suitable set of affinities to fill his role with no big noticeable gaps, though they didn''t know his core concept as they hadn''t asked, as few were willing to share their strongest concept unless avoidable, and they had respected the decision. There were quite a few other demons and other followers of note Alistair had hardly talked to or interacted with, like the herbalists and breeders in charge of their Herb and Lomie farms, as well as the Alchemists now working under Jessica, who had taken the title of Chief Alchemist. Usually, Nessyra was their point of contact, and she handled the members and followers. So he listened as she elaborated further. "This is also a good opportunity to get to know him and see if he should be given an official leadership role and be let into our circle for relevant discussions," Nessyra added on a more serious note. Alistair paused at that request. While he trusted Nessyra''s judgment, he would be reluctant to add people he hardly knew to their somewhat sensitive discussions. However, getting to know Braxik and having his expertise at hand could potentially be invaluable and alleviate at least some of his concerns. "I think it''s a great idea, but did you ask him if he even wants to join the expedition? It¡¯s going to be dangerous," Alistair questioned. "Not yet, but knowing him, the chance to prospect planets for building sites isn¡¯t something he¡¯d pass up," Nessyra replied confidently. After some back-and-forth, they agreed to meet with Braxik alongside the rest of the expedition team if he was interested in joining. About half an hour later, Alistair and Riseth sat in one of the spare Tactical Operations Centers (TOC for short) with Simon and Desily, who was lazily perched on Simon¡¯s shoulder, waiting for Nessyra to bring Braxik over. It wasn¡¯t long before Nessyra arrived with Braxik in tow. The demon was large and sturdy, with dark blue skin and black hair. His thick, partially braided beard gave him a rugged appearance. He lacked both a tail and horns, though he had small, decorative bone growths on his forehead. In a way, he resembled a well-built middle-aged lumberjack, though his clothing was off the mark for that comparison. Alistair remembered Braxik as calm and professional from their last encounter and was surprised when the demon lit up enthusiastically, revealing long canine fangs as he greeted Riseth. Riseth stood to greet him, and Alistair, along with the others, quickly followed suit. "Good fortune, Riseth. It''s so good to see you again," Barxik said, taking a deep bow before turning to Alistair. "Good fortune, Patriarch. I thank you for this amazing opportunity," he said with a more respectful and professional demeanor before bowing again. "Yeah, none of that," Alistair replied. "If we''re going to be stuck on the Artemis for weeks, let''s keep it casual. Just call me Alistair." After a brief shock, Barxik recovered. "Certainly," He said excitedly before bowing toward the other two people in the room. "Fortune upon the two of you. I am Barxik; the profit is ours; what might your names be?"Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. After the initial introductions were complete, everyone sat back down, and Braxik began to introduce himself. Most of what he shared was information they already knew from Nessyra, who had left after dropping him off. Still, Alistair listened intently as Braxik talked about what he hoped to achieve on the expedition and some of his favorite projects before his initiation. Simon eventually cut in, asking, "How good are you at fighting, and what kind of concepts do you generally use?" Braxik responded, "I primarily focus on construction-related concepts and magitech, so I¡¯m proficient with Earth manipulation and can shoot earth spikes. Aside from that, I mostly rely on my hammers in combat. I have a reasonably high affinity for creation magic, which allows me to craft objects with sufficient energy, though it''s very energy-intensive and hasn¡¯t been particularly useful in a fight. That said, I did reach the adept levels in the Dungeon arena." He trailed off slightly as he considered his answer, then expanded on his capabilities. From Braxik''s description, it was clear he didn¡¯t rate his combat strength too highly. A quick glance at Simon confirmed that he was thinking the same. They continued asking questions to get a better sense of Braxik¡¯s abilities and personality, while only Desily seemed disinterested, casually observing the conversation. "And you''re certain you want to join this expedition team? It will be dangerous, and we might not always be able to protect you," Riseth asked, her concern evident. Braxik shook his head enthusiastically. "This is the adventure and opportunity of a lifetime! Traveling to uncharted planets to find the perfect home and then planning and building it within my now much-extended lifetime? This is beyond anything I could ever ask for. Dangers be damned," he declared with conviction. His answer was more than satisfactory for Alistair, but he didn''t let it show immediately; the man had the drive and enthusiasm necessary to walk his chosen path, and Alistair would veto any dissenting opinions from the others as he wanted to see how far Braxik could go with a non-combat path. Through his resonance, he sensed that Riseth shared his opinion. The demon''s enthusiasm and excitable personality were infectious, and even Desily eventually spoke up in his favor. "I usually don''t like to get involved, but I''d feel bad if we didn''t bring him along, and he seems qualified," Desily said, trying to maintain a reserved facade. As Braxik thanked her, she waved him off. "Yeah, yeah, I''m not the one you need to court. Save that for the others," she said dismissively, though Alistair sensed that she was happy at the attention. Alistair looked to Simon, who sighed. "It''s going to be a pain to watch out for him, but yeah, we should bring him." Braxik looked at him with a nervous expression, and Alistair smiled at him. "You got it. Welcome to the expedition." Alistair could tell that he wanted to let out a sigh of relief but kept up the professional demeanor that his Neshan upbringing expected of him. Alistair was glad for his sharp senses and ability to read emotions this clearly, especially since he felt like an HR person who had just hired someone, which felt awkward to him. But he knew they needed to make a show of due consideration for the demons of Neshan as it was considered taboo to just hand out positions of power and influence. He supposed that he would have to vet more people in the future, especially those who would be making decisions within his clan. After telling Braxik about their expectations and talking with him about his ideas for the new colony and its infrastructure, Alistair excused himself as he had different plans and knew Riseth wanted to talk to Braxik some more. Three days later, the team boarded the Artemis as its jump drive, assisted by the AI Core within the Kaiakos, completed the necessary calculations. They arrived at the edge of a moderately sized galaxy. Alistair knew that once they found their new home, establishing contact with any nearby civilizations in this galaxy and the surrounding ones would be crucial. There were likely factions open to trade. They had already spent valuable time exploring the wrong nebula and ambushing pirates sent by the Blackmarket Syndicates. Alistair was eager to finally push forward with their expedition. Their first jump into the nebula, however, was a disappointment. A blue supergiant star dominated the system they entered, and despite the introduction of magic, none of the planets orbiting it managed to sustain life, though the presence of a blue supergiant within a nebula was odd and indicated a lot of time acceleration within the system. Some of the local asteroids could hold valuable and aged treasures or even materials they would want to return for. After mapping what they could while waiting for the jump drive to complete its next calculations, they moved on. The following days proved similarly unproductive. Although they found several habitable planets, none met their standards. Some had insufficient mana density, others were too small, arid, or covered in inhospitable deserts, dense swamps, or jungles. They did deploy occasional beacons to mark these planets for future exploration but ultimately agreed to continue their search elsewhere. Alistair was busily trying to solve the latest challenge posed by the arcane puzzle cube he had acquired from the nurturing ward when he felt the familiar tug of the ship exiting warp space. He stored the cube and made his way to the cockpit. Upon entering, he saw Braxik petting Viv, who sat contentedly on his lap at the Navigation station while Riseth was already working at the sensor station. Viv had quickly warmed up to the large demon despite initially being startled by his presence. Alistair nodded at them before joining Riseth. Simon had already joked that the nebula, or at least the quadrant Alistair had picked, was a dud, and Alistair was starting to worry, hoping this system would finally have a planet worth checking out. "How''s it looking? Any suitable planets?" Alistair asked. After a brief pause and running the sensor sweep a second time, Riseth smiled at him. "Yes, two in fact," she replied. "One is a dense jungle, so presumably unusable, but the second planet is large enough with rather high mana density. It is on the arid side, but not as bad as the others." Alistair felt conflicted. This was the first planet worth investigating, but its arid nature was a significant drawback. Despite this, he wanted to leave the ship for a while and perhaps pick up some easy treasures before moving on. He watched as Riseth deployed a drone carrying one of their beacons while Braxik looked at him expectantly. "I doubt this is the one," Alistair said, "but we should check it out. Having two habitable planets with sufficient size and mana density is already a plus. It might serve as a secondary location where we can farm for materials." He exchanged glances with Riseth and Braxik, who both nodded in agreement and began typing away on their respective consoles as the Artemis picked up speed toward the planet. Noticing the change in course, Desily and Simon joined them, curious about the shift in plans. Alistair quickly filled them in on the situation. Chapter 147: First Expedition After roughly an hour of flight and anticipation, the planet finally came into range of their scanners, revealing a visual of its surface. To Alistair''s surprise, deep blue oceans covered roughly half of the planet, contrasting beautifully with the red continents. Patches of green stood out vividly along the rivers and in perfectly circular spots dotting all three continents. It was a profoundly beautiful planet from space, and Alistair''s excitement grew as the images grew sharper as they approached. "What the hell are those green dots?" Simon asked, leaning in and squinting his eyes as if it would improve his view of the screen. "I presume they are patches of greenery," Braxik replied. "Perhaps there are craters that are filled with water, creating oases where the surrounding plants can thrive." Riseth disrupted their theorizing with a frown. "I''ve got some bad news; the scanner isn''t picking up any major mountain ranges, so the odds of finding strong dragon veins are rather low," Riseth reported. "The planet will probably mostly have ley lines." Alistair clicked his tongue in frustration; this meant the planet wouldn''t suffice even as a potential backup. However, as they got closer, their visuals improved, and what they had thought were oases turned out to be plateaus brimming with magical power. These plateaus transformed the earth on top and in their immediate surroundings into spirit soil, likely supporting herbs and plants that thrived in dry environments, like cacti. They decided to aim for one of the plateaus near a river for their landing site. Reluctantly, Alistair stored Viv away, unwilling to let her roam until they had a better idea of the local beasts'' strength, much to her displeasure. As they touched down, Riseth quickly stored the Artemis, and they took in the scene around them. A reddish landscape stretched out, broken up by patches of greenery. The wind whistled softly, carrying with it the sounds of distant insects. They scanned the area for any signs of danger but sensed nothing amiss. The air was dry, yet it held a pleasant mix of floral scents and the earthy smell of soil and vegetation. The ground beneath them was a rich red hue, yet not as parched as Alistair had expected. Most notably, the mana in the air was dense and plentiful, far from the suffocating thinness of some other subspaces they had visited. While it wasn¡¯t quite on par with Earth, the difference was subtle enough not to be a concern. Alistair summoned King before he and Riseth took to the skies to survey the area. After a few minutes of reconnaissance, they determined that the surroundings were safe enough for now. From above, they spotted small herds of large, bison-like creatures, each with axe-blade antlers lined with sharp, spike-like protrusions along the non-edged sides, and white stripes covering their bodies. A quick identification marked them as [Kocno - lvl 57], confirming they posed no significant threat, especially since they seemed incapable of flight. As they descended, they noticed Simon and Braxik constructing a rudimentary shelter fortified with spiked walls, using their earth magic. They were also busily setting up turrets and automata to secure the landing site. Overhead, Desily observed as King indulged in the local wildlife, effortlessly taking down one of the bison-like beasts, causing the rest to scatter. Alistair landed beside the outpost, considering their next steps. "Let''s explore the plateaus while they finish setting up," Riseth suggested. "Should we bring King along, or let him roam on his own?" Alistair asked, watching the wyvern tear into the Kocno''s carcass.
Riseth tapped her chin thoughtfully before replying, "The plateau is nearby. Have King capture a few of those beasts intact if they taste good. Then, set him to patrol the area and alert us if he comes across anything interesting." Alistair nodded and used his Summoner skill to relay instructions to King, while Riseth communicated the plan to the others through the Akashic Link as they made their way toward the nearby plateau. As they drew closer, Alistair immediately noticed the spike in mana density. The perfectly circular plateau ahead of them harbored a dragon vein¡ªless powerful than the one in the Study Dungeon, but potent enough to nurture the unique flora that thrived on the peculiar landscape. The plateau, standing about 100 meters high with a circumference of roughly 2 kilometers, resembled a smaller, more overgrown version of Devils Tower on Earth. Alistair briefly wondered what had become of Devils Tower after the advent of magic, regretting not having looked it up. His musings were cut short when Riseth landed near the base of the plateau and began examining a reddish plant with pink fruit, resembling a large, thornless cactus. After a quick inspection, she plucked one of the fruits and tossed another to him. They both tried a bite, and Alistair looked at the fruit in disbelief as it tasted like sweet bubblegum. Riseth''s reaction was similar; she was surprised before she tilted her head and ate the rest. "Definitely something we could turn into a dessert of sorts. Does your identify have a name for it?" Riseth asked before uprooting the plant and storing it in her storage. He ate the rest of his fruit before trying to Identify one of the other plants in the area, but it also spat out [Alien Cacti]. ¡°Might be a new discovery or just something obscure. We should gather more; Barton could probably whip up some great desserts with these,¡± Alistair said, examining the pink fruit.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. They continued collecting the plants, which turned out to be plentiful around the plateau. Alistair decided to call them "Gumcacti" for now. As he gathered the last few, it occurred to him that the planet itself didn¡¯t have a name yet. He briefly considered naming it but dismissed the idea¡ªchoosing a planet¡¯s name should be done with care, to avoid ending up with something ridiculous like ¡®Bob.¡¯ The Gumcacti plants likely didn¡¯t hold much value beyond culinary uses, but chefs like Barton or Luca had the skill to magically enhance and refine them into higher-tier dishes. These refined creations could offer various benefits, including permanent stat increases, similar to those provided by potions. Barton, in particular, had made significant strides in this area toward the end of the trial. After discovering how to properly refine ingredients, he became adamant about improving the grade of the lomies once they settled, hoping to enhance the benefits the meat already provided. According to Barton, certain ingredients were naturally better suited for cooking magic, and the taste was often the best indicator of their potential. Despite lomie meat coming from a low-grade beast, it had proven to be a high-tier cooking ingredient, making it invaluable for their culinary endeavors. "Did your nose pick up any nearby treasures?" Alistair asked after he collected the last of the plants, watching a cat-sized lizard flee from his presence. Riseth had spent a significant amount of time cultivating her nose with luck essence, aiming to refine and mold the augmented body part to literally sniff out treasures. Although it had been challenging to test on the Artemis, she had undergone several iterations. She had finally managed to sniff out items Alistair had hidden around the ship for testing. Meanwhile, Alistair had immersed himself in studying the Dragonheart Manual. Despite weeks of preparation, he was still in the early stages, as the Dragonheart transformations were extraordinarily intricate. The tiny changes, molds, or rather enchantments, required all his control and focus to shape them one by one. This would be his most elaborate augmented organ by far, potentially taking months or even years to complete, depending on how much time he could dedicate to the task. He needed regular breaks, as the constant focus was draining. "No, the range is fairly limited, but I¡¯d wager some credits that the plateau itself holds some valuable treasures." "I''m not betting against that," Alistair replied. "My Conceptual Awareness already picked up several intriguing concepts when we flew over it." They took to the air, and Alistair inspected the vines and flowers growing on the side of the plateau. Although they didn''t seem to possess any inherent magical properties, they looked quite appealing. He sent an image of them to Braxik to see if they were worth collecting for decorative purposes. Braxik responded negatively, explaining that he preferred using local flora in his designs and believed that architecture should be beautiful enough on its own without the risk of overgrown vines requiring maintenance or damaging structures. Upon reaching the top, Alistair and Riseth landed on the edge and began making their way through the underbrush. Alistair immediately noticed the teal sheen of spirit soil grass, which also appeared on the odd trees as if it were moss covering the roots. He knew they could harvest spirit wood from the trees or leave them to age, allowing them to slowly increase in tier and value over time. "These plateaus are like natural greenhouses; we might be able to use this in the future," Riseth remarked, tracing her fingers along a gnarly-looking tree brimming with mana. Alistair nodded but had some reservations. "It all depends on where we end up settling. These plateaus are quite scattered, and we would need to set up both teleportation and defensive arrays, which would consume a significant portion of the dragon vein''s output. If there are strong monsters here, it might be difficult to defend these locations with just arrays against beasts that could devour the treasures growing here." "I guess you got a point. We can''t really hide these plateaus. Did any of the others find anything of interest?" Riseth asked as she inspected a perfectly circular leaf with a red flower at its center. Alistair figured that if they had discovered anything significant, they would have notified him, but he checked his messages anyway. To his surprise, King had sent an image of what appeared to be a giraffe-like wyvern. Alistair hadn¡¯t known King could do that, but guessed the wyvern had somehow developed a limited version of the Akashic Link skill through his Summoner skill. On closer inspection, though, he wasn¡¯t sure if the creature in the image was truly a pseudo-dragon. While it had front legs, its hind legs sported flaps of skin that likely functioned as secondary wings. Its face resembled a beak, with much sharper horns than a giraffe¡¯s, and its long tail ended in bright orange feathers. The creature¡¯s body was covered in orange and white scales patterned like a giraffe¡¯s spots. Intrigued, Alistair sent the image to Riseth, who also found it an amusing coincidence. "If there are enough strong beasts, we could earn a Slayer title from them," Alistair remarked. But after checking with King, the wyvern informed him that the giraffe-like pseudo-dragons were only late Grade 9 and would only pose a challenge for their weaker members. As they looked around and walked back to the edge, Alistair spotted some of the beasts flying in the distance. He managed to identify them as [Giraffon - lvl 89]. Considering the age of the universe, these beasts were reasonably strong and could potentially grow even stronger in the future. They could also make for decent summons. He sent this information to Simon, Desily, and Braxik, knowing that most of them only had placeholder summoning contracts with weak beasts. Simon, for instance, had a Lomie and a goat-like beast, both of which were due to reach the next grade soon. They had chosen these beasts with the intention of increasing their grade to see if the goat''s fur and the Lomie''s meat would improve as a result. Simon had named the Lomie ''Steve'', and they had no plans to eat him. Instead, they used him as a breeder to observe any differences that might arise from the grade increase, hoping the offspring would start at a higher level. Unlike Enlightened species, most beasts did not start at level 1 when they were born, and their levels and records heavily depended on the species and records of the parents. Riseth called Alistair over and pointed to three small, bird-like creatures perched together on a branch of one of the gnarly trees. They were quite ugly, with pale, skin-like coloration and a distinct lack of feathers covering their bodies. Feathers were only present on their wings and the tips of their overly-long tails. They had mohawk-like skin flaps, adorned with red and green patterns, which they could erect or retract. Alistair found them thoroughly unappealing, especially when one of them yawned, revealing a mouth that opened to almost half its body length. "God, those things are ugly," Alistair remarked, and Riseth stifled a laugh. Chapter 148: Riddickulus They spent two more days on the planet, harvesting valuable herbs and spirit wood. Although they encountered a few more beasts, most were of little consequence or interest. They had not been attacked, and besides the Giraffon, they found no significantly strong or dangerous monsters. None of their companions chose the Giraffon as their summon. Simon showed some interest but decided to hold off, as having too many beasts in storage without a clear plan would affect his records. He added the Giraffon to his list of potential summons but preferred to see what else they could find on their expeditions before making a final decision. It took them two more jumps to find another nearby system with suitable habitable planets. Alistair and the rest of the team watched the sensor readouts as they approached a planet that appeared to be more continental but temperate and slightly on the cooler side, with smaller oceans and multiple large lakes within the continental bodies. The planet boasted plenty of hills, mountains, plains, and forests, though it lacked the diversity of Earth as it had no deserts or tropical environments. However, what intrigued the demons the most were the extensive cave systems running through the entirety of the planet. "This just might be it. These tunnels could shave months, maybe years, off construction work and function as bunkers for our clan," Braxik said, barely able to contain his excitement. Alistair smiled at the prospect. "Great, the system with the first planet is also quite nearby, which would make jumps much faster and ease the burden on our future logistics." They excitedly exchanged ideas as they looked for a landing site and decided on one of the smaller lakes adjacent to a mountain chain. The sensors indicated a large dragon vein present, and the nearby forests and fields had a teal sheen, a tell-tell sign of spirit soil ideal for growing herbs and plant-based treasures. After disembarking, they entered their routine, with Riseth, Alistair, and King going out to scout while the rest built a secure camp. The air smelled incredibly fresh, and the mana density was also quite high, pretty much ideal for their purposes. However, what struck him as odd was that there were quite few beasts around. He only spotted small flocks of raven-like birds and the occasional small-sized lizards sunbathing on the rock faces. Their scans had indicated there was a lot of fauna on this planet, but he wasn''t seeing it. However, the surroundings looked serene and beautiful, and he pictured how they could build a compound overlooking the lake. "Wasn''t this planet supposed to have a large amount of beasts based on the sensor readings?" Alistair questioned as he put his Conceptual Awareness skill into overdrive to see if tiny animals were around, spotting the occasionally incredibly well-hidden beasts within hollowed-out tree trunks and slightly buried underground. "Yeah, it''s odd. Perhaps they are concentrated within the underground system? I spotted multiple tunnel entrances already. Let''s go check it out," Riseth said, already flying toward one of the many cave entrances scattered throughout the mountain face. Alistair felt uneasy as he looked at the many cave entrances punching through the rock faces. He hoped he was wrong, but he said as much to Riseth, who didn''t feel anything off. The cave entrances looked to be carved out of the rock rather than natural. "Do you think there are burrowing monsters infesting most of the underground? That could be a pain to deal with if we settle," Alistair commented, touching the rocky face of the tunnel they walked through. "Let''s hope not. Having to eradicate a species to make the planet usable would put a damper on things," Riseth replied. After about ten minutes of walking, they entered a vast underground chamber. The space was cloaked in darkness, illuminated only by the faint glow of fungi and moss that crawled with insects and small lizards. Alistair''s senses heightened as he noticed hundreds of sleeping creatures clinging to the ceiling. They resembled giant bats but were covered in scales instead of fur, with large fangs and claws that glinted in the dim light. The sharp stench of ammonia filled the air, a clear sign that the overgrown floor was sustained by their droppings. A quick identification revealed these beasts as [Daxtzal - lvl 77], with levels ranging from 44 to 81. Alistair quickly deduced they were nocturnal predators, likely hunting on the surface at night. The discovery of these creatures raised serious concerns about the safety of Braxik''s shelter if more of these lairs were hidden throughout the area. "I think I know why the outside is so devoid of life. These buggers must hunt whatever doesn''t hide well enough on the surface," he said over their Akashic Link as he hovered above the floor, unwilling to stand in the monsters'' droppings. "It''s still better than actual burrowers, but I don''t think these tunnels were dug by them. We should check deeper to see what else is down here," Riseth replied. They flew to a tunnel leading deeper and descended for what felt like ages when Alistair sensed a familiar clicking sensation and let out a groan. He hoped it was another kind of beast that used the same means to navigate, but he wouldn''t be this lucky as a [Cave Wendigo - lvl 96] bounded the corner and immediately attacked them but was quickly put down. "Fuck. I don''t think this planet is it; massive colonies of bats and Cave wendigos in the cave systems? All that''s missing is a burrowing monster to make this planet completely worthless for settling," Alistair commented over their link. He sensed Riseth''s reluctance but noticed her attempt to maintain optimism. "Well, I still need that slayer title for the Wendigos." Alistair shook his head before posing a question. "Do you know what you call a group of cave wendigos?"Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. "No?" She asked, slightly confused. "An infestation." He said pointedly, "This isn''t the trial. If their matriarch calls for help, we might have a planet''s worth of wendigos to fight off, and based on the level of that beast we just killed, I don''t fancy those odds." As if to prove his point, more clicking sounds came from down below and grew in a cacophony as Alistair picked up the body of the killed Wendigo. "We need to get the fuck out of here," Alistair said as he felt intense bloodlust radiating from the caves below, and Riseth nodded as they rushed out of the caves as fast as they could. Alistair sensed that they were being pursued, and as they entered the large chamber, the bats on the ceiling started to rouse as well, sensing the disturbance as they let out screeching sounds. "Everyone, Pack up! King, get back to the rest of the group. We need to leave!" Alistair informed the rest of their clan as they rushed for the tunnel leading toward the exit, the first bats already joining the pursuit. They exited the cave in record time, but Alistair still spotted bats and wendigos spilling from other exits. He had half hoped the different beasts would fight each other, but they were cooperating as the larger bats let some wendigos grab their clawed hind legs as they pursued Alistair and Riseth. The first beasts were already intercepting them, and he heard King roar in the distance alongside the gunfire of their turrets. "What the fuck? This planet has Wendigos?! I am so sick and tired of these fucking things! We are not settling here!" Simon yelled over the Akashic Link. Alistair conjured his Battlespheres and used his Telekinetic skill to crush the intercepting bats'' wings, which sent them hurling toward the ground in pained screeches as they dropped the wendigos they had been carrying. To his shock, the injured Daxtzal was immediately set upon by both wendigos and other Daxtzal, which consumed it shortly after it crashed to the ground. Fortunately, Simon and the others were in the valley and only had a small swarm of wendigos to contend with as the mountainsides spilled hundreds, then thousands of the monsters, all heading their direction. Seeing this, Alistair couldn''t help but change the planet''s name to ''Riddickulus'' over his Akashic Link and send it to the others for review. Simon immediately accepted, and Alistair knew his friend was likely to laugh at the reference. In contrast, the rest of the crew accepted as well after a short pause, likely unsure of what he was referring to, presuming it was only a play on the word ridiculous. Braxik and Desily collected the turrets while Alistair and the rest of the team held off the wave of monsters. Riseth took out the Artemis mid-air and immediately initiated the starting procedures. Alistair was the last to enter the craft, and the rest hurried through the two open doorways of the Artemis before they soared toward high orbit, leaving the monsters behind. Alistair jogged to the cockpit, checking the screens Simon had pulled up, and found a sea of monsters rampaging across the surface. He even noticed some infighting between the two beast types. "I am not even sure this planet is good for hunting. This looks like a death sentence for anyone without a ship to leave or absurd stealth skills," Alistair commented as he looked over Simon''s shoulder. "Conquering that planet would likely require a full-blown war, and I doubt anyone has the means or interest to undertake such an endeavor for such a remote place," Simon remarked. "The planet was way too cold for my liking anyway," Desily added. "At least this local cluster seems promising. The nearby nebula is densely packed with mana, which has apparently elevated most of the local systems and their planets," Riseth remarked. "We should continue exploring here or seek out other branches of the nebula similarly rich in mana." The local cluster still had quite a lot of systems they had not investigated yet. It would take them around half a year to just explore that particular cluster, which meant Alistair felt quite confident they had found at least the cluster they wished to settle as most of the planets within had apparently become magically dense enough for life to emerge and take hold thanks to the system''s interference. He hoped the system had seeded some interesting treasures and locations as it would be a large boon for them to come across. They had no luck finding dungeons or realms yet, but it was just a question of time before they found some. He was quite sure the planets they had visited had some they hadn''t discovered due to the limited time they spent exploring. His Dungeon Sense skill had at least indicated that all the planets they had visited contained dungeons. They spend the next three weeks traveling from one system to the next, probing multiple planets and scavenging treasures but not finding a perfect planet to settle on as something or other was wrong with the planet. One planet, in particular, had tickled Alistair''s and Desily''s fancy as it had large floating islands covered in treasures. To his surprise, both Riseth and Braxik were against the planet, as it would also limit underground construction far too much for the demons in their clan''s comforts. Alistair''s suggestion of splitting the settlements into ground and flying islands would be too problematic for defense. Especially since any attacker would just have to take out the base of the flying island to completely screw over whoever settled on or below it, which meant that while they would definitely return to the planet and keep it in mind for potential expansion, it wouldn''t become their main settlement. It was a particularly painful decision because the planet had by far the highest mana density and a multitude of wyverns and pseudo dragons and a vast array of flying beasts. However, most of them wouldn''t have been too problematic to keep at bay as they weren''t overly aggressive. They had named the planet Skyreach, and Alistair insisted they kept the planet in consideration as it was bound to contain many more treasures, and many of the issues could be circumvented with some work. He could tell Braxik was clearly tempted as it would be an incredibly interesting challenge to him, but held back as he knew that Neshan''s culture, which put high importance on depth and security, wouldn''t mesh with Skyreach''s environments. They were already approaching the next promising planet, and he hoped it didn''t contain bothersome monsters they would have to deal with. More than one planet by now had some sort of critical flaw, most often in the form of either the environment being unsuitable or hordes of beasts making a nuisance of themselves through their numbers or behaviors, making them hard to deal with. One of the planets had large fish that attacked anything that came too close to the water for more than a second, forcing many other beasts to evolve to absorb moisture from rain and the environment. Alistair half suspected that the time the planet had spent sped up by the system was far longer than the average as they had found multiple aged treasures on the planet. Another planet they had found looked quite promising until they got closer and noted that most of the surface was covered in sharp, porous volcanic rock with plants growing over it. Despite its high mana density, the terrain made the planet impossible to build on. Alistair let out a sigh as he headed for the cockpit. "Perhaps this next planet will be the one," he thought. Chapter 149: Sapphire and Jade Hapthus smashed the communicator in front of him in a fit of rage, sending some of his more skittish beastkin followers scattering, whereas Bratak, the orc prick, chuckled at his expense, Hapthus glared at him to shut up. He had just received the reports that the entire Void Reavers fleet, alongside its allies, had been destroyed by that accursed Ryser clan. A fleet of 13 ships had been taken down in a prepared ambush of two ships and a large array of weapon emplacements. They had been following the tracker one of his operatives planted on the Kaiakos for weeks, and nothing had indicated that they had been noticed. The only thing that stood out was that the demon they used to get close to the Kaiakos had acted a little strange. They had failed to assassinate him, but Hapthus had ascribed it to his operative doing a poor job at luring the demon into their disposal trap. The Pirate fleet had even scouted ahead to ensure they wouldn''t fall into any traps just for the bloodthirsty orcs and arrogant Grandarian human pricks to be lured into a false sense of security when the Kaiakos seemed to struggle to put their scout ship down. Hapthus kicked a chair aside, his rage still boiling over as he paced in a circle. He never should have accepted the open contract posted by the Blackmarket Syndicate. It was supposed to be an easy job to cause as much damage as possible to the Ryser Clan, with a hefty bonus for killing any of their leaders or destroying their two known spacecraft. He had outsourced the job to the Voidreevers, paying them a significant sum, confident that their fleet could easily take down two ships and potentially eliminate some of the leadership. At the very least, they should have been able to strand them in a star system. Hiring the pirates had drained nearly all of his funds, and now it would cost him even more in standing within the syndicate. He had sent a not-insignificant fleet to their doom in this budding universe, based on what would now be seen as a faulty lead. He faced the prospect of becoming a laughing stock or, worse, being assassinated for his failure. Laying low was his only option now, especially since the rest of the syndicate had already learned of the Bloodreevers'' demise from their desperate screams into the void, calling for reinforcements, calls that no one would be able to answer in time. "Idiots, all of them," he muttered bitterly. In his rage, Hapthus hadn''t noticed Bratak''s approach. The towering orc bodyguard loomed over him, his gaze intensifying Hapthus'' fury. "What do you want, Bratak? Can''t you see I''m busy?!" he spat, but his words were cut off as the orc''s hand wrapped around his throat, crushing his windpipe. He felt space magic locking down around him, trapping him in place. "Sorry, but I jus'' got a new job offer wiv a bonus if I brings ''em yer ''ead," Bratak grunted, his foul breath washing over Hapthus before everything went dark.
Frixbis cursed under her breath. Her contract to deal with the Ryser Clan had been completly taken off the Blackmarket contracting board. It had initially been claimed by a promising individual who had dispatched a small pirate armada to destroy the clan''s precious ships and strand them in whatever system they ended up in. The mission had been a miserable failure. The bastards at the Blackmarket had even claimed the bond she had put up for the contract, arguing that the pirates had fulfilled the terms by attacking the Ryser Clan and inflicting some damage. They refused to pursue the contract further but assured her she wouldn''t need to pay out the full reward. They also reassured her that the Ryser Clan had been noted and would eventually be dealt with. They had provided images of the Kaiakos returning to a hostile planet called Earth as evidence of the completion of their end of the contract. The ship showed light to moderate damage at best, with burn marks across its surface and a few destroyed weapon emplacements, but it was still operational. How could they call this a completed contract? They had failed to kill Nessyra or her sister. Not even that arrogant human lover of hers had died. She hadn''t even received confirmation that anyone was killed in the attack. She sent another inquiry about the Ryser Clan and what they knew of this planet called Earth and paid the fee the local syndicate network demanded. Frixbis fumed as she read over the lackluster information package. All she could gather from it was that it was a Human planet and the origin planet of the ascendant Alistair Ryser and countless others. The planet was under the control of a tricky Natural god called Sol, and the Kaiakos had already left again and had not been spotted since. Sol had apparently at first made the Blackmarket syndicates believe he would tolerate their presence in exchange for a cut of their trade exiting his system. Just to expose their outposts and send his fanatics to attack almost all of their members who failed to leave the planet or hide within the ranks of other emerging factions. There were multiple standing contracts to extract their members from the planet, but browsing the topic showed that nobody was dumb enough to take them, as Sol had the planets in the system patrolled thoroughly by his ever-growing fleet. She growled as her tail swished back and forth in agitation. If she wanted something to be done right, it had to be done by herself. She would eventually sniff out that damn Clan and have her revenge for the disrespect they had shown her. That bitch Nessyra had undermined all of her business, and almost everyone she tried to acquire ran to that Demon harlot where they knew Frixbis couldn''t pressure them. She bit her tongue at the thought of forming her golden core without first resolving these heart demons. Perhaps she should redirect her efforts, channeling her rage into an even sharper weapon. Revenge would come inevitably, and the taste of bittersweet success would be hers.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.
Alistair joined the rest of the team in the cockpit, sensing the growing excitement as Braxik read out the sensor data. "I think we got the big payout," Braxik began. "We found a habitable temperate planet with a livable moon orbiting it. The readings indicate the moon is on the warmer side, and the main planet''s mana density is the second highest we''ve encountered." Alistair''s smile widened as he joined them. "What kind of environments and terrain are we looking at?" Braxik and Riseth, both examining the readouts, let out simultaneous groans. "The majority of the moon appears to be covered in oceans, and we have signs of habitation," Riseth reported. "But the main planet is a Gaian variant, more specifically, a river world," Braxik continued. "It''s slightly colder and lacks seasons due to its axial tilt being almost perpendicular, but more importantly, it shows no signs of habitation." Alistair sucked in air through his teeth. Signs of habitation in the nebulas were almost exclusively recently emerging species that had not been part of the trial. Fortunately, they weren''t on the planet they were aiming for, but depending on the disposition of the inhabitants, they had either a trading partner and friend or a potential nuisance at their hands, and Alistair prayed it was the former. Even If the planet they were approaching wasn''t the one knowing of other civilizations and trading with them could be incredibly valuable, they would have to visit the people living on the moon. The readouts got more detailed as they grew closer, and Alistair waited intently for Riseth or Braxik to keep them appraised. He and the others waited with bated breath. "Yes!" Riseth exclaimed, pumping her fist into the air before hugging Alistair, while Braxik let out an appreciative whistle. "We''ve confirmed multiple mountain ranges with dragon veins strong enough to be detected even from this distance," Braxik said. "And it doesn''t look like there''s a significant monster infestation; the monster populations seem on the low to moderate end and not as concentrated like Riddickulus," "What about the moon?" Simon asked. After a short pause, switching the readouts, "We should come into visual range shortly, but based on the planetary index we put together, it''s an Archipelago planet," After furrowing his brows and stroking his beard, he added, "Weird. The infrastructure seems to be on the bottom of the oceans, not the islands," "An aquatic species?" Simon probed. "Looks like it," Braxik said as multiple screens came alive, showing the planet and moon in question. Alistair let out an appreciative whistle, with Riseth still clinging to his side, his arm wrapped around her. The moon''s oceans were a beautiful, delicate shade of jade, and the small continents had a mix of dense jungles surrounded by white sand beaches and overgrown grasslands with mostly warm orange and occasional green vegetation. They could see storms moving across the surface, but it didn''t detract from the beauty. Alistair thought the moon would put many island resorts on Earth to shame as he caught a glimpse of its beaches and coves. The terrain was mostly flat, with only the larger continents having any mountains, and even those weren''t very big. What really impressed him, though, was the Lake planet. It matched the moon''s beauty with its varied landscapes. It had one huge, deep, sapphire-blue ocean connecting most of the planet, taking up a third of the surface. Countless rivers and lakes flowed from the mountains into beautiful valleys dotted with colorful fields of flowers, spreading lush green and streaks of blue and pink vegetation across the globe, with dense pockets of spirit soil grass that had a teal sheen. The planet''s vegetation was of the most common type, similar to Earth and Neshan, yet still alien and interspersed with occasional megaflora. Near the equator, small deserts were crisscrossed by rivers, bringing life to the harsh environment. He wondered if some of the larger plants were world trees. As the resolution increased, he felt in his gut that this was it. They had found their new home. He only half-listened to the crew''s excited chatter about the planets. He heard Simon''s silent prayer, hoping the planet had no bad hidden surprises. Braxik mentioned that if the ocean had been any larger, the planet would have been categorized as a Water World, as both rivers and lakes seemed to be extremely frequent on the rocky planet. When Desily asked about the megaflora, he said there wasn''t enough to classify it as a megaflora World, unlike the jungle planet they had found a few jumps back. He perked up more when Riseth added her own knowledge to his conjecture. "The fact that there is civilization on that moon means this system has undergone far above average time dilation and is bound to be brimming with aged and mana-infused treasures," Riseth remarked, her greedy little smile making Alistair chuckle. He watched as Simon sent out a drone to place a beacon on the Lagrange point between the planet and the moon; his mind was already racing with ideas on how to name the planet, though he would most likely accept whichever names the inhabitants of the moon had given their home planet and closest neighbor. Their being aquatic made it less likely to clash over territorial claims as they both had different environments they aimed for, and they had found plenty of other planets in the local cluster with large oceans they had skipped out on as the landmass was too small for their demands. However, that might fall apart if they had overly aggressive fish people or enlightened sea monsters to negotiate with. Alistair took a seat as they started to orbit the planet, keenly watching the camera feeds. Unlike the other potential planets, this one looked much more promising from the get-go. They planned to do extensive scans of its surface, hoping to find ideal spots for a settlement and potential large natural treasures or formations and terrain features that could influence their decision. He hoped they wouldn''t discover another underground network filled with wendigos or similar pests. He knew Nessyra was about to finish picking up their scattered members. He decided to send a long-range message to the Kaiakos, instructing them to jump to the freshly deployed beacon once their tour was complete. He had to keep the message short and vague, as it could be intercepted and decoded. It was unlikely, but he didn''t want to take any chances. Even if they found major issues with the planet and had to leave, Nessyra could at least establish diplomatic relations with the moon''s inhabitants while they continued their search. After sending the message, he stood behind Riseth, who had taken out a chair to sit beside Braxik on the Sensor station. He massaged her shoulders, hoping she had more good news to share. Chapter 150: Will you be mine? They spent an entire day in orbit, analyzing survey data before narrowing down their selection to one location. This location was a mountain range containing multiple dragon veins, including one of the largest on the planet. This had initially caught their eye and had only become more appealing as its geographic location proved almost ideal, requiring only moderate terraforming to meet their needs. The mountain range, situated just above the equator, stretched into the nearby ocean and the north. It was also the source of several major rivers and, with their springs near the dragon veins, had turned large portions of the rivers'' paths into spirit soil. These rivers flowed from mountain lakes down through the hills and plains, accumulating into multiple larger and smaller lakes that covered a good portion of the planet''s landscape before eventually reaching the ocean. The peak with the strongest dragon vein was relatively close to the ocean, offering a commanding view of the valleys and fields of flowers below. Terraforming that peak to house Alistair''s Heavenly Purity Ginkgo would be an intensive project, but the rewards were bound to be significant. The location featured a large mountain lake thoroughly infused by the dragon vein. Instead of directly flowing off into a creek or river like many other springs, the lake eventually overflowed after accumulating enough water, cascading down in a waterfall and creating a smaller lake downhill connected to a creek. Based on their scans, the mana concentration was high enough that drinking its water could be compared to consuming a mana potion of their grade, making it dangerous for lower-grade individuals. This high mana concentration had attracted a powerful beast that made its lair in the lake''s depths, but their sensors lacked the functionality to give them more information. The local peaks themselves were home to several wyvern species that needed to be captured or slain before they could claim the land. The planet hosted a wide variety of species, many high tier, with the most powerful ones already at early to mid Grade 8. So far, they had only observed these beasts from orbit. Alistair and the rest of the crew were eager to explore the planet and claim the location for their clan. They had found the perfect spot to settle, but its surroundings were teeming with powerful beasts that could potentially endanger the Artemis. They debated disembarking mid-air and fighting off whatever came their way but deemed it too dangerous. Instead, they decided to land near a lake on the flowery plain at the foot of the mountain. By the time they had made their decision and were ready to land at the location, the sun was already settling at their landing site. When Alistair stepped out of the Artemis, he was greeted by a stunning sight. They had landed in a field of flowers in deep magenta, blue, and purple hues. The nearby lake had a beautiful jade coloration, reflecting the breathtaking sunset that was almost overshadowed by the splendor of the nebula above. The scene was framed by somewhat familiar-looking green trees, and he could see spirit soil on the north side of the lake, closer to the source of the river that flowed down the nearby mountainside. Incredibly beautiful Butterfly-like creatures fluttered idly about, and magic dust visibly dispersed from their wings as they mingled among the flowers. They stood there in stunned silence for a moment, and Alistair reached out to Riseth. They held hands, watching the sun slowly descend behind the mountain chains that they would transform into their home. Deep down, they knew they had found the place they wished to settle, no matter the cost. Alistair sent the others a request to keep quiet for a moment as he took out a small, richly decorated chest and took a knee before offering the chest toward Riseth, who looked at the box and his actions curiously. Simon, who had caught on to what he was about to do, caught Desily as she approached, and Alistair had to suppress a chuckle as his friend desperately tried to keep the other two bystanders quiet. When Riseth opened the chest, she was greeted by an intricately woven choker featuring a serpent and a wyrm entwined around each other with a beautiful spherical cosmic gem. Their maws clutched the gem as if about to consume it, whereas the gem looked to contain the cosmos within. It was a treasure Alistair had acquired a while ago and he had been taken by the incredibly beautiful visuals contained within the gem. Seeking Resni''s expertise, he had entrusted her with crafting it into a masterpiece. Knowing Riseth''s preferences, he had aimed for a sleek, elegant look, not an overly ornate design. Alistair had read up on the cultural norms for Neshan courtship, which were much more restrained and usually did not take location or gestures into account; all that was required was the offering of an item depending on the partner'' subrace, a large celebration, and a simple question. "Riseth, would you do me the honor to be mine?" Riseth stood frozen, staring at the choker, her mind reeling with happiness. The choker was stunning, far beyond any design she could have imagined for herself. She marveled at how she deserved such a sweet and insightful man, savoring the moment she had longed for. Courtship in Neshan was usually much shorter, and she had been tempted to put a choker on Alistair herself to make a point. But Nessyra had convinced her to wait a little longer, assuring her that Alistair would make it worth the wait. And he hadn''t disappointed. With somewhat shaky hands, she took out the choker and stored the small chest. She gazed at the beautiful gem in its center, which seemed to reflect the star-filled sky above them. She looked at Alistair, and despite his attempts to maintain a cool facade, she could sense his intense nervousness through their resonance. It was endearing, and it made her smile. This prompted him to step closer, and they embraced in a kiss. "Yes, I shall be yours, and you shall be mine." She replied as they seperated.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Alistair had been worried at her frozen demeanor and lack of sensory feedback until he felt the happiness overwhelm Riseth, and she turned to smile at him. Separating from the kiss and hearing her response, he took the choker from her hands and put it around her slender neck. Stepping aside, he inspected her before he heard whistling, clapping and hollering from their other companions who had observed the exchange. He smiled at them as he reached out for Riseth''s hand, and they walked toward the others, who eagerly congratulated them. Simon embraced Alistair in a hug, congratulating him. "Good thing I¡¯d even kill Cave Wendigoes for this planet," he added with a grin. Alistair snorted in amusement. "I''ll be sure to remind you of it if we find some." They continued talking until the sun finally set, at which point Simon and Braxik began working on their temporary shelter. The odd butterflies stood out even more in the darkness, their thoraxes glowing with a wide array of colors. Alistair noticed they were brimming with a particular essence and wondered if there was some application for it. Being only mid-Grade 10, they posed no threat to even the weakest in their clan. They seemed quiet, impassive, and mindlessly flying about rather than behaving like actual beasts. Alistair took the chance to take out King and have him fly patrol to see if his presence would aggravate any nearby wyverns. While both Alistair and Riseth wanted to keep enjoying the moment, they knew they should get back into gear and make sure the surroundings were safe before relaxing too much, as there were quite a few powerful beasts out and about. They enjoyed the sun settling together before they went into the air to check on their surroundings. After a few minutes of flying, they spotted what Alistair thought were deer, but upon closer inspection, he realized that they were covered in dark green and brown feathers, not fur. He used Identify to reveal that they were [Linin - lvl 53]. Teleporting next to one of the beasts and restraining it with his telekinesis. As he inspected the Linlin he was reminiscing how he had hunted Lomies and how he had not even thought of using Telekinesis instead of his blasts. When Alistair looked closer, he saw that what he had thought were small horns turned out to be four sets of ears covered in brown and black feathers, and their snout ended in a beak. Even their short tail turned out to be made of feathers. They had four ostrich-like legs that propelled the rest of the herd away at impressive speeds for their level. The Linin let out chirps, and sensing the beast''s panic, he stored it within his storage. It was necessary as they needed to see if they were worth hunting or farming for in the future. "I think this is the first time I saw a bird running on four limbs," She mused aloud before looking the nearby trees over. Alistair checked them himself. They looked like pine trees, though their bark was a little strange and rubbery; however, they felt rather mundane compared to the trees closer to the spirit soil further north, and he wasn''t sure they had a real purpose for them as they had found plenty of other wood sources on other planets that would be much superior quality though these trees were pretty enough to use for decorative purposes and their strange triangular fruits seemed to be a source of food for the Linlin and other beasts. "We should fetch at least a few of these fruits. They are quite abundant, and they might taste alright," Alistair suggested before they flew up and gathered some of what they suspected were riper fruits. "Maybe we should turn invisible and reign in our presence a little more. This way, we probably find a few more obscure beasts," Riseth suggested before turning invisible. Alistair joined her and turned invisible himself as they continued to scour the nearby forests, lakes, and hills. During their search, they mostly encountered small critters. One was a Zerster, a small levitating weasel capable of manipulating nature and hunting by growing vines that ensnared its prey. They also found a six-legged toad called a Vossugan, which could change its skin to mimic anything it touched. At first, they thought it was a rock toad, but when it jumped into the grass, its body transformed into leaves and compacted dirt. When it leaped into the water, its camouflage was so effective they almost lost track of it. Unfortunately, these creatures were low-grade, and unless left to grow, they wouldn''t consistently provide useful cores. However, they added them to a list for Melissa and their crafters to experiment with, as the toads were just an intense bundle of the adaptation concept. They also found a one-and-a-half-meter tall three-headed goose called a Trigander at the shore of one of the lakes. Once they revealed themselves, the goose attacked them, fearless of the difference in grade as it was only level 75 itself. Alistair quickly dispatched the animal and added it to their slowly growing selection of beasts they could potentially hunt or farm. The only strong monster they encountered was a three-meter-tall Rixoron, a beast resembling a Triceratops but walking on muscular hind legs and balancing itself with a thick, spiked tail that dragged along the forest floor. It had a set of arms with long, sharp claws and was covered in dirt and moss, allowing the lumbering giant to blend into its environment. Its thick, robust armor plating and skin made it a formidable sight. After flying around for a bit, they spotted multiple Rixorons averaging around level 85, but the creatures seemed smart enough to avoid confrontation with them when they revealed themselves and retreated into the forest. Satisfied that their surroundings were safe, they returned to their campsite, where King was tearing into what looked like a torn-up Trigander. Alistair landed next to the large wyvern, patting his muscular winged forelimb. "Did any of the wyverns take offense to your presence?" Alistair inquired. "No, based on what I sensed, they soiled themselves when they noticed me," King replied. After tearing out another chunk, he added, "There was one presence that contested me, but I don''t think whatever it was can fly." Alistair was proud of the wyvern and let the emotion show through his veil. He knew it must have taken King restraint not to rise to the challenge and stick to his mission. He would give his wyvern the chance to live up to the challenge tomorrow. He sorted through the images the wyvern had sent and found many of the same beasts they had already found, along with a few additional ones. "Tomorrow, you get your chance if you''d like to respond to the challenge," Alistair said with a casual smile, which was met with an appreciative huff of the wyvern as Alistair sensed mild bloodlust radiate from King. Alistair chuckled and headed for Riseth, holding the very last pair of spirit orchid wine bottles he had saved for this occasion. He was intent on spending a pleasant evening under the bright, beautiful sky. Chapter 151: Lirsaross The night was peaceful, with no attacks. Alistair and Riseth spent it on the roof of their outpost, gazing at the breathtaking night sky. The nebula bathed everything in vibrant colors¡ªpinks, purples, blues, and greens. Luminescent clouds formed intricate patterns, while stars appeared softer and diffused. Dynamic changes in the nebula added to the mesmerizing scene, as the flow of mana made the colors above them roil and interweave. The next morning, Alistair and Riseth got off their vantage point and approached King, who rose from his slumber once he sensed their approach. "Hey, wait for me, I''ll come too," Desily called out, flying over to them. Alistair considered it for a moment. He quickly decided that Simon and the weapon emplacements would provide enough security until they returned, and in the worst case, they could use the teleportation beacon. It would damage the beacon, and they only had two in their clan, but it was a calculated risk. "Alright, hop on," Alistair said. True to form, Desily tried to land on King''s head. He snapped at her small form, forcing her to step through the void to avoid the attack. "Try and land on my head, and I''ll eat you," King said imperiously, and Alistair could tell he was serious as a rumble went through the wyvern''s body and an intimidation skill radiated out. Alistair half-expected King to refuse to let her ride him at all, but the wyvern seemed content when she landed on one of his armor plates in front of Alistair and Riseth. Desily had a somewhat spooked expression, and as their gazes met, she sent a message through their Akashic Link. "Your wyvern is scary as fuck," she said. Desily was usually quite nonchalant and not easily spooked, but King wasn''t to be taken lightly. His level was higher than hers, and he was by no means lower tier. Alistair sensed the intimidation skill King had used, recognizing it as a new addition. He suspected King had acquired some skill points from his Trial rewards. The sheer size difference alone made King intimidating, but Alistair knew that the wyvern had become significantly more powerful after taking the pill of enlightenment. While Alistair had once been able to defeat King with relative ease, he realized that now it would be a much tougher fight. He was still very confident he would win, but King could at least partially overpower his defensive skills, making his ability to absorb attacks less effective. Alistair was glad to have such a strong summon and companion. "Alright, let''s do this!" Alistair called out, and King took to the air with a single flap of his powerful wings. As they rapidly approached a nearby mountain chain, they observed the surrounding hills and lakes for points of interest and potential beasts. The first creatures they spotted were small packs of bird-like wyverns, their grey and white feathers scattering as they saw King approaching. These wyverns were barely half his size and blended into the mountainside with feathers, almost an inverse of a snowy owl. When Alistair got a good look at their heads, he noted their large yellow eyes. He couldn''t find a direct comparison to any Earth bird; their heads were a unique blend, almost like a cross between an owl and a hawk. Identify told him they were Hukris Wyvern, and their levels ranged from 60 to 80. Alistair was quite sure their average level would increase once more time had passed, but they didn''t strike him as overly dangerous. They were clearly one of the more numerous species within the range and would be one of the beasts they had to either domesticate or learn how to keep away from their new home. "We should try and catch some of these to check their temperament. At first glance, they seem a bit cowardly," Riseth suggested. "I don''t know about that. King is a huge threat they have no chance of facing, even in a pack. They might just be quite smart instead of cowardly," Desily replied. "They might be both," Alistair added. King, for his part, only let out a huff, clearly unimpressed with his brethren. "The only other beast that matters is whatever has made its lair in the lake. We might need to cooperate to beat it," King said. Alistair raised an eyebrow, realizing that implied an incredibly powerful beast, at least in the middle of Grade 8 or higher. "Are you sure?" Alistair asked. "You''ll see," King replied. Alistair didn''t have to wonder long as they approached the large, slightly glowing mountain lake, as a wave of bloodlust washed over all of them. Alistair''s hairs stood on end at the implied power of the beast, and King flew toward a cliff overlooking the lake where they dismounted, looking at the deep blue lake hiding the beast. "Definitely at least level 150," Riseth said, looking down the cliff. They had faced larger gaps in power before, but this was the first time since leaving the trial. They knew they had to proceed cautiously. "Maybe we can befriend whatever it is," Alistair suggested, pulling out a leg of a Lomie he kept as a snack for King, who eyed the leg with desire. Riseth shrugged. "It''s worth a shot." Alistair tossed the leg toward a shallow part of the water where they could see the creature if it came to retrieve the morsel. As he looked around, Alistair noted how the soil, flora, and rock were deeply infused with mana and had essentially turned into mana-aspected treasures, making him worry about just how magically charged a beast living at the source of all that mana would be. A beast''s progression was quite different from that of an enlightened individual, and they could advance their record by making use of treasures and natural formations such as this lake. Fighting was just one of many ways for a beast to advance, and they had fed natural treasures to King and Fluffy whenever they had found suitable ones.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Alistair didn''t sense any bloodlust, only distrust, and caution, as the creature clearly considered the morsel a potential trap. With a sigh, he took out another leg and tossed it into the deeper part of the water. As the leg sank, they saw rapid movements and six glowing eyes in two groups, along with an elongated head adorned with large red whiskers. An orange claw, twice the size of the leg, snatched it and dragged it into the depths. The last thing they saw was a long, heavily armored tail with large orange plates arrayed into a paddle, displacing an immense volume of water and scaring some large fish as it swam away. "Did any of you manage to use Identify on it?" Desily asked. They shook their heads. The most likely explanation was that they hadn''t seen the beast clearly enough or there was some kind of interference, either from a veil or the lake''s water. One thing was clear: the beast was at least as big as King, if not bigger. Alistair had managed to make out three pairs of claws reminiscent of the front limb of an Asian-style dragon. Though he didn''t want to get his hopes up about finding a dragon this soon, the possibility lingered in his mind. "This is just a guess, but the claws and whiskers are something associated with a particular breed of dragon, but the eyes and tail don''t quite match," he mused. This excited King, who now intently looked at the waters below. "If this is a Dragon, it''s mine to kill; none of you interfere," King demanded in a tone that didn''t allow for reproach. Alistair knew how important this was to King, and while potentially befriending a dragon would benefit them more, King becoming a true dragon was just as significant. Alistair wasn''t sure what the best approach would be and decided it wasn''t worth speculating too hard since it might just be a wyrm of sorts. The skittish behavior also spoke against this being a Dragon, as even low-tier ones were far more intelligent than the average beast and usually quite confident in their power. Before he could voice his suspicions, the creature approached the shore where he had tossed the first leg, clearly appreciating the first morsel enough to risk getting this second one closer to shore. "Oh I think we have those on our planet they are usually our size though," Desily commented as the creature came into view. They were greeted by an enormous shrimp-like monster adorned with armor plates interspersed with occasional shimmering scales. Its deep blue armor protected smooth, muscular skin underneath, while its underbelly displayed beautiful symmetrical patterns of black, dark blue, and yellow. Moving on four powerful legs, each adorned with three slightly curved sharp orange claws capable of precise grasping, it also featured large front limbs with slightly larger claws. Adorned with spots and sharp, decorative stripes, the creature boasted large red whiskers likely serving as sensory organs. Its head sported a small maw in proportion to its large head and body, giving it a stature akin to that of a centaur or similar beast. Along its body''s length, orange and red, almost decorative armor platings added to its imposing appearance, contrasting with its otherwise deep blue scales and smooth skin. Finally able to Identify the creature, they learned it was a [Lirsaross - lvl 151] though that didn''t tell them much without Dexter around. "What kind of life form is that exactly?" Alistair asked Desily, who responded with an exaggerated shrug. "I ain''t no water fairy, but I don''t think that''s a dragon," Desily remarked. Her words deflated the wyvern beside them, and Alistair could sense its disappointment through their bond. He gently tapped the wyvern''s muscular forelimb. "I''m sure we''ll find you a dragon eventually," he reassured him. They watched as the Lirsaross deftly snatched the severed leg and stuffed it into its somewhat small maw, revealing no fangs as it kept its wary eyes fixed on them. "Its head is big enough for a large brain, so it might be smart enough to communicate, and worst case, we should be able to kill it," she looked expectantly at Alistair, who nodded and jumped down the cliff, slowly gliding to the bank of the lake close to the beast. "Can you understand us?" Alistair called out, but before he finished his sentence, the Lisaross moved its front limb with almost imperceptible speed, sending a thin sickle of water directly at him in a surprise attack. Alistair instinctively twisted his body to evade, but the water blade sliced through his left arm, severing it completely as his defensive skills failed to absorb the overwhelming energy of the attack fast enough. His ribcage surged with kinetic energy, and four spheres filled with the potent force sprang out of his body. Immediately, he spent half the stored energy to empower himself as he activated his other boosting skills and evaded the ensuing attacks while teleporting closer to the Lisaross to retaliate. The water around the beast glowed ominously, and through his conceptual awareness, Alistair realized how the creature was utilizing the lake''s energy to enhance its own capabilities and attacks. Determined to neutralize the threat, he swiftly exhausted all stored kinetic energy and concentrated it on his Telekinesis skill, gripping the monster with an intense force and forcefully yanking it out of the water. As he did so, King''s Sonic blast and Desily''s void lances struck the struggling beast, driving it further onto the shore. The creature fought desperately to return to the water, forcing Alistair to rapidly convert more energy through his Arcane Energy Manipulation skill just to restrain it. Riseth teleported beside the creature, her fury palpable through their resonance. Her bone blades elongated and curved, seeming almost alive as she infused them with space magic. With a swift slash, she targeted the beast''s muscular neck, cleaving deep into its thick, smooth rubbery skin. The space magic surrounding her blade tore through the flesh, causing it to rip apart. The beast recoiled from the attack, retreating from the water''s edge, and Alistair let it go as he briefly dropped his Telekinesis skill. Taking advantage of the momentary respite, Alistair intensified his energy manipulation into [HP] to close the wound on his bleeding stump before firmly locking the beast down; after it unleashed more water blades, they had to evade. The creature pushed once more with all its might as it attempted to escape back into the lake again, straining Alistair''s ability to hold it to its breaking point as he felt blood flowing out of his nose and eyes. King, who had stopped blasting the creature, lunged into the fray, crashing into the Lirsaross and pinning it to the ground with high momentum as his claws tore into the creature''s flank, scraping across its thick armor plating and skin. At the same time, his jaws ripped out a chunk from its already wounded neck as the rest of the group joined him to finish off the pinned monster. Chapter 152: Mountain Conquest Riseth, holding his severed arm, approached him with a worried expression. They had managed to slay the Lirsaross after King and Alistair pinned it long enough for the others to finish it off, severing its head and destroying its surprisingly small brain effectively ending the fight. "What does it need such a big head for if it has no brain to fill it with?" Desily cursed, still glancing worriedly at the stump that had been Alistair''s arm. Using her healing ability, Riseth reattached his arm, though the process was incredibly painful and unpleasant for Alistair as he had to focus on his body not resisting her magic as his flesh and bones reconeccted. After he flexed his reattached arm and wiggled his fingers, she spoke up. "We need to exercise more caution. No more approaching powerful beasts like that," Riseth said firmly. "Yeah, I shouldn''t have gone that close. I didn''t anticipate it could attack so swiftly and at that range," Alistair admitted. "It''s nearly forty levels above us. We should have taken it more seriously. Even if we''re all powerful and high-tier, we can''t afford to take risks like that anymore," she emphasized. Alistair nodded quietly. The fight underscored the dangers of monsters outside the trial and revealed several flaws in his skills and combat style. Due to his experiences in the arena and the Ascendant Tournament, he had developed a habit of physically evading attacks instead of teleporting out of the way. He realized he needed to break this habit and use both means of evasion to ensure his safety even if one ended up being supressed. His Body Cultivation was also behind the curve now, and he needed much more storage to withstand powerful monster attacks. Additionally, he needed to significantly improve the rate at which his skills could absorb and convert energies. While his Kinetic Skinguard was incredibly powerful and useful, it struggled to keep up if the power difference was too large. It made him almost impervious to weaker attacks, but single powerful strikes exposed a weakness in the skill. He needed to enhance its ability to cope with such attacks. He had also been allocating more and more points into his power stat lately to bolster his Telekinesis skill. This potent tool had been hindered by his previously insufficient power stat. Alistair wasn''t sure that it was a good thing and would seek to balance his allocation again. He had leveled up twice from this encounter, which was far more than he had expected, especially since they had grouped up, though he supposed he had been close to a level-up to begin with. His plans to develop his Dragon Heart would have to wait, as he urgently needed to refine his skin and ribcage to keep up with the increasing dangers they faced. Prioritizing this would ensure his survival and effectiveness in future battles. But what surprised him more was that he was given a skill selection. It had been the first one in what felt like ages, and it meant he had received skill selection every 15 levels, not 20.

Skill Choices: Tier: [Epic] Skill Name: Enchantment Proficiency Description: Enchantment Proficiency Greatly enhances the efficiency, speed, and cost-effectiveness of all enchantment-related tasks. This encompasses enchanting the body, equipment, consumables, and performing rune and array techniques and all other enchantment-related techniques. The user''s [Control] and [Senses] stats are greatly improved when working on any enchantments. Passively increases the quality and [Power] of all enchantments created by the user where applicable to a large degree. - Tier: [Epic] Skill Name: Persuasive Description: Passively enhances the user''s ability to influence and intimidate others, significantly swaying attitudes in favor of the user''s perspective. The effectiveness of this skill is determined by a contest between the user''s [Mind] stat and the opponent''s. The skill''s impact is further amplified when the user''s arguments are perceived as reasonable by both parties and diminished when the arguments are deemed unreasonable. Additionally, this skill slightly boosts the effectiveness of other charm-related abilities. The user''s Aura Suppression skill can conceal and nullify the effects of the Persuasive skill. When suppressed, the user''s skill level and [Mind] stat engage in a contest against the target''s [Senses]. - Tier: [Rare] Skill Name: Space Manipulation Description: A [Compound] skill that enhances the user''s ability to manipulate the surrounding space by a moderate amount. When utilizing space manipulation or related abilities, the user''s [MP] and [Qi] costs are reduced by a moderate amount. The overall efficiency is improved due to the user''s stronger space affinity. Compounded Skills: [Enlarge Space][Tighten Space] [Bend Space] [Tear Space] [Fold Space] [Anchor Space]
Alistair kissed the top of Riseth''s head after briefly reading over his skill selection. "Don''t worry. I''ll be sure to watch out better." He hadn''t been overly careless, maintaining a fair distance between himself and the beast. However, its attack had been so blindingly fast, and the water it used was so incredibly charged with magic that it was far more lethal than if it had used ordinary water. Upon closer inspection of its claws, they discovered that the creature could store water in chambers located within its claws and paws, enhancing its potency before launching an attack. The process had become even more formidable with an entire lake of mana-rich water at its disposal. It reminded Alistair of pistol shrimps from Earth, but instead of creating a bubble bullet, it had unleashed a water sickle. He was impressed by the ingenuity of the creature''s ability and wondered if that was just a quirk of shrimp-like species.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Taking a moment to look over his new skills in detail, he picked up both the Enchantment Proficiency and Persuasive skill. In Alistair''s opinion, both of these skills had been overdue, as he had spent significant amounts of time practicing and walking both paths. He wondered if his realization that Body Cultivation had been a type of enchantment all along had delayed the skill upgrade but discarded the thought as the System occasionally dropped hints through the skill acquisition, occasionally making him aware of misconceptions. Persuasive was a great skill, though he hoped its passive nature wouldn''t be viewed as rude by others. However, he knew of a handful of races that had inherent persuasive and charm skills, such as Sirens, so he doubted many in the wider multiverse would take offense to such a reasonable persuasive skill. He would still test the skill to see how effective the skill was and how difficult it was to veil the effects of the skills from others. The Space manipulation skill was something he had started practicing with Riseth a long time ago, and it had since fallen to the wayside since he had learned how to manipulate space and enter small spaces long after he had needed it for the Wendigo-infested tunnels. He had no need to pick up the skill at this point in time as he could manually use the skill and didn''t have any other space skills that could benefit from the passive benefits other than his teleportation skills. "Let''s hope these beasts aren''t too common," Alistair said after finishing his skill selection. "We should relocate our outpost here to prevent another monster from taking over. Once we clear the rest of the mountain, we can start preparations for setting up the anti-scrying array." This set things into motion. Desily contacted Simon and Braxik, while Alistair sent King to fetch them once they finished dismantling the emplacements. Alistair had discussed the array placement with Braxik, who insisted on digging into the main mountain to create a dedicated chamber. This would vastly enhance the array''s security, as setting it up outside would leave it too exposed. This had the added bonus of letting the array extend into the wall and ceiling of the chamber, and they could expand the chamber to house more arrays up to a point, which meant they would have to dive relatively deep to leave the chamber enough space to expand in the future. They had plans to build on the foothills of the mountain, but the local terrain was quite uneven, with limited building space. To address this, they would need to excavate a significant amount of material from the mountain and its surrounding elevations. The mined rock and dirt could then be used to create a flatter, more buildable area, essentially expanding the buildable area and transforming the site into a formidable mountain fortress. Looking at the rock face, Alistair hoped the mining equipment they brought would be strong enough to handle the magically infused rock. At the very least, the magically infused rock would make for a powerful foundation upon which to build. Alistair and Riseth went about scouring the mountainside some more and scaring off the last of the wyverns that occupied the mountain, watching them settle some mountains over in the distance. Curiously, they had only found one species of wyvern, but from their scans and visuals, they knew there had been more, though they might be migratory or had extended hunting periods and simply hadn''t returned yet. They found a lot of beasts that were harmless and docile and left them alone as they wouldn''t threaten any of the workers bound to arrive in the coming weeks or days. They found quite a few local herbs and even an ore seam that Alistair identified as Oricalcum as it was almost a blind spot to his Conceptual Awareness as it rejected the surrounding magic. Roughly a week later, the operation was in full swing, with the main mountain firmly under their control. Multiple bunkers armed with emplacements ensured that beasts were kept at bay, and squads of automata mined into the mountainside, with hovercrafts unloading the mined material in the designated locations. They were a few days away from the chamber reaching a sufficient size for the array plate to be used. Alistair already yearned to go out and explore the planet but knew his presence was needed to ensure the safety of the location. Simon was hard at work using his earth magic to terraform and extend a cliffside near the peak. This area would house the Heavenly Purity Ginkgo and serve as the residence for Alistair and Riseth. Despite Braxik''s warnings about the peak''s vulnerability in an attack, even with shielding and protective arrays, they remained steadfast in their decision to live there. They were drawn to the breathtaking landscape and the practicality of integrating the gathering array into their living space. Alistair had already begun carving in the large gathering array and devised plans to place the focal points in separate chambers adjacent to their living space to store treasures without clutter while also ensuring they could guard the most valuable items due to their proximity. Creating the array now would allow them to cover most of it under floorboards and other obstructions, hiding it and protecting it from damage. Initially, Alistair and Riseth told Simon that their accommodations were not a high priority since they would be out and about most of the time and suggested he help Braxik with more pressing projects. However, Simon waved off their concerns, insisting they treat it as a wedding gift. Braxik also sided with Simon, pointing out that Neshan culture wouldn¡¯t tolerate its leaders living in accommodations worse than those of their workers, as it would reflect poorly on their standing. While Neshan norms dictated that leaders typically reigned from the depths, Braxik acknowledged that their demon followers would respect the decision to live at the peak. The human cultural norm of placing important people at the top was something the demons could understand and respect, even if it diverged from their own traditions. Despite the cultural differences, the breathtaking view from the peak provided a compelling argument for the decision. Braxik admitted that the view from the peak was stunning, rivaling even the most elaborate decorative underground flora and lava fall chambers he had created for the wealthy. While most of Neshan''s surface was barren and unappealing to the demon¡¯s sensibilities, with the exception of the occasional jungle, their origins underground had taught them to appreciate the flora and environments deep below. This planet''s surface offered a rare and stunning beauty that even Braxik found hard to resist and suspected others would want to live at higher elevations to enjoy the view. They suspected they would cause Braxik some logistical headaches by setting up so high while most of the prepared space was deeper inside and below the mountain. However, Braxik embraced the challenge, surprising them by immediately deploying their specialized automata to construct elevation shafts. Unlike the small square elevators Alistair was familiar with from Earth, they opted for a Neshan design: circular and significantly larger, capable of rapidly transporting people and equipment across various elevations within the mountain. Braxik confided that he had been looking forward to creating these, especially with the new possibilities magic allowed for. He was also developing elaborate plans to fabricate magically enhanced glass panels. Neshans had made great strides compared to Earth, creating glass that could effortlessly resist molten lava while still providing a clear view. The older demon had been working hard during the trial to further improve these designs with the introduction of magic and couldn''t wait to build them into the mountainside. For his part, Alistair couldn''t wait to see the mountain transform. He sat with Riseth on the cliffside Simon had extended and smiled as he looked out to the sea in the distance, dangling their legs over the cliffside, taking a well-deserved break. Chapter 153: Reunited Sitting on the ledge with Riseth, Alistair decided it was time they addressed the naming situation. He had half dreaded the question but knew they should address it before Nessyra and the rest of the Clan arrived. "Alright, what should we name this mountain and its surroundings? Should we also decide on a name for the planet or wait to hear what the other civilization called it?" Alistair leaned back, gazing into the vibrant blue sky where streaks of purple slowly traced behind a passing cloud. "Well, according to Neshan custom, new lands are usually named after the family in charge of discovering them, or after one of its members," Riseth remarked. "But we can''t just slap our names on everything," Alistair teased, grinning. "Unless you''re really aiming for something like ''Mount Riseth.''" Riseth chuckled and playfully nudged him. "Oh, absolutely not. That''s awful." She paused, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "How about ''Riverrise''? It ties into the deeper meaning of our Clan''s name and reflects the planet''s rivers and lakes." Alistair considered it, then nodded. "It does sound a bit like ''Riverwood,'' but I like it. It¡¯s close, but maybe not quite perfect." He delved into his knowledge of Earth and Neshan lore, scouring for a word or name that would be fitting. They sat together, brainstorming ideas and exchanging thoughts, yet each attempt seemed to fall short. It felt like hours passed until Alistair stumbled upon an intriguing passage in Neshan literature discussing something similar to double meanings. In their culture, they crafted words that held layers of meaning, calling them ''Edax''. From there, they scoured the list of Edax for a term that sounded great and had a fitting meaning until they came across the Edax ''Rathos''. It could be interpreted as new heights or depths, depending on the interpretation, and it could also mean rise to or depth of power. "I think that''s perfect. Rathos... it has a nice ring to it!" Riseth said enthusiastically. "You didn''t know about Edax before today?" Alistair inquired. "Well, I did, but we don''t use them much anymore. They fell out of regular use about a century ago, though we still learn about them and occasionally use them," Riseth explained. Alistair let out a sigh of relief, glad that he wouldn''t have to name anything for some time. Half a week had passed with Alistair and Riseth busy fending off wyverns and other monsters investigating or seeking to reclaim the mountain they had claimed. Monsters were attracted to the dense magical mountain lake like moths to a flame. Still, Alistair''s presence, radiating out his bloodlust, eventually persuaded most beasts to stay far away. In contrast, those he didn''t manage to scare off were killed by either them or the defensive arrays and turret emplacements they had set up. They had spent significant chunks of their time planning, discussing, and organizing things for the arrival of the rest of the clan. The automata had also finally finished excavating the array chamber, and Alistair, with the help of Braxik, had placed an illusionary array that would hide the chamber and its precious arrays, such as the anti-scrying array, from those not meant to be there. The array manuals they had acquired contained a wide assortment of defensive arrays, including alarms, illusions, and straight-up offensive arrays. They hadn''t set up any large-scale offensive or shielding arrays yet since these would need to extend beyond the chamber to be effective. They would have to place the arrays in a separate chamber and extend them outside the mountain. This task would have to wait until they had laid a more solid foundation for their structures and completed the planning on how to incorporate them effectively. However, a large problem they had with the arrays was that their efficiency depended heavily on the amount of energy funneled into the arrays themselves. They had only one reactor with them, and it required fuel to function, which posed a bit of a problem. While they could use the mana from the dragon vein, it wouldn¡¯t be very efficient since the vein already provided a pure form of energy and was better suited to fuel other functions. Further processing and refining the mana within the reactor wouldn''t be much use either. They hadn''t found anything ideal for a fuel source yet. There was a vast selection of materials that could be used as fuel; some factions used fast-growing natural treasures, essentially burning them for fuel, while others relied on less magical means such as wind, water, or things like geothermal power from natural formations or other environments. Some factions demanded a tax from its citizenry and had them provide a chunk of their regenerating mana. More cruel factions resorted to using enslaved beasts or even people to meet their fuel needs. They had debated whether to use their Trial rewards to purchase a crop they could use for fuel but decided that such resources should be common enough to find during their explorations. However, their limited scouting had revealed little other than lakes they could dam up and ley lines they could tap for energy generation, both of which would require significant infrastructure. There were only so many naturally occurring sources that produced mana without siphoning it from the environment or damaging the planet over time without introducing new ones. Dragon veins were one such source; while they could sustain them temporarily, the output was limited. Additionally, they needed the dragon vein to remain strong enough to prevent the Heavenly Purity Ginkgo from withering. The tree itself would very slowly but continuously and passively improve the mana density and purity of the planet, besides providing essential essences for Riseth and Alistair''s Body Cultivation.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Fortunately, they already possessed fluxbloom gems, which would eventually solve all their needs for magical energy storage. However, it would take years for the gems to grow and multiply sufficiently to create a large enough energy bank. They had looked up the costs of these gems in the list of trial rewards and found even the smallest chunks of the gems to be incredibly expensive. They technically could use mana-infused wood as it was quite abundant, but it felt like a waste as they could use it as building material instead. Alistair had high hopes they could find something once they went out and explored the planet properly. Having a whole untouched planet to explore, they were bound to find treasures, veins, and beasts that would be solving most, if not all, their needs. In the worst case, they could explore and import what they needed from other planets. Their discussions were cut short as one of the screens sprang to life and informed them that their transponder had noted the arrival of the Kaiakos in orbit. "Finally, they are here; I was getting tired of guard duty," Riseth commented as they stood up to greet the others. They had flattened and evened out a large area for the Kaiakos to land as a temporary landing site, as they would create more dedicated landing sites later. At a later point, the flattened-out area would make up a chunk of their above-ground building area. Alistair and the rest of the group watched as the Kaiakos entered the atmosphere and approached the landing site. As they watched the landing procedure, he received a request from Nessyra for all the information about the planet and the discussions they had. He was sure she had asked Braxik the same question based on his reaction. Sneaky as she was, she hadn''t sent one to Riseth. Alistair shook his head but sent the requested info package with a small message to remind her not to put work first all the time and at least enjoy the reunion. "I''ll enjoy the reunion, but I need to know what I''m working with here, or I can''t enjoy it properly! Look at this gem of a planet and its moon," Nessy''s voice rang out through the Akashic link, her excitement barely contained. "Also, I hope you finally proposed, or I swear I''ll kick your ass." She added with what Alistair knew must have been a smirk. Alistair laughed at the franticness of Nessyra''s voice, drawing the attention of the others, but he waved them off. He knew Nessyra''s mind must be racing, envisioning the possibilities and the prospect of directing the growth and expansion of an entire planet. To her credit, when she eventually disembarked with the others, her focus was on Riseth, and she immediately rushed to her sister, hugging her with joyful squeals. Meanwhile, Alistair embraced his mother and the rest of his family, who excitedly chattered about their journey and bombarded him with questions about the new planets he and the others had discovered. Alistair noticed the glance Nessyra gave him after inspecting the choker he had put on Riseth. After hearing Riseth''s side of the story, she came over to congratulate him, which broke the news to the rest of his family, who also broke out to congratulate him and insisted they had to throw a celebration. Alistair watched his mother hurry off to intercept Riseth, who was approaching their group, embracing her in a tight hug. After greeting and talking with his family, Alistair excused himself, leaving them to fuss over Riseth. He joined Nessyra, who had stored the Kaiakos after everyone disembarked and started greeting the rest of their clan members. They looked wide-eyed and excited, taking in the surrounding landscape. "Welcome to Rathos, our very own seat of power and, more importantly, our new home," Alistair announced. After a short pause, allowing his words to settle in, the crowd broke into excited cheers, and Alistair noticed some of the Neshan members explaining the meaning of the name to those who seemed confused. Nessyra pulled him away to rejoin the family, content to leave things at that as Braxik took over. As they walked back, Nessyra summoned both Dexter and the Doberman-looking Cerberus, whom she had stored temporarily while addressing the crowd. Alistair inspected the new summon he hadn''t seen before. Although it seemed well-behaved, he knew its presence would be intimidating for many non-combatants. The ''dog'' was still rather large for a pet, coming up to his hip. Following his curious gaze, she spoke up, a hint of sadness in her voice. "This is Akrias. He belonged to Kycius, and I couldn''t bring myself to leave him behind. Don''t worry, he''s well-behaved." Alistair waved off her concern and reached out to pet the Cerberus, reaching for the closest head and scratching him behind the ear, which prompted another head to lick his hand while the third looked at him curiously. Alistair briefly wondered if the creature had three independent minds and personalities, but they reached the rest of the family, who curiously looked at Akrias. Riseth immediately broke off from the group as Akrias excitedly sprinted over to tackle and shower her with kisses. It didn''t escape Alistair''s notice that both his sister, brother and mother looked at the creature with hesitation, as it was almost as big as them. "Akrias, stop. Be a good boy," Riseth said as she effortlessly pushed the dog away. "How does that work? Does this dog have three brains?" James couldn''t help but ask. "He does, but they are kind of in sync and just help his heads to act more independently, but he is still just one creature, not three sharing a body if that''s what you are speculating," Riseth replied. Alistair wondered if the same principle applied to other beasts with multiple heads. Disregarding the idle thought, he stepped over and wrapped his arm around Riseth, rejoining the conversation. Eventually, they moved on as they saw the rest of the people getting ready to settle in and begin the work on the colony in earnest. Alistair and Riseth led their family to the peak of the mountain, eager to show off the breathtaking view from up high. The roughly carved and earth-shaped chambers Simon had created would eventually become their personal space but, for now, would function as a temporary space for their family and friends. They had reserved most of the space directly below them for the rest of the family to claim in case they were interested. But Alistair suspected most of them to settle on a lake or the nearby beach once they had expanded their territory to the nearby lakes and sea adjacent to the mountain chain, which promised countless beautiful spots for them to put down roots if they wished to have their own place. Chapter 154: Rathos Grows It had not taken long for Nessyra to call in a meeting, as the very next day, Alistair found himself in an impromptu meeting within his almost blank carved-out space if it weren''t for the gathering array runes he had carved out. They had set up their usual circle with the furniture they had taken from the trial around the usual projector, this time showing their new planet alongside its moon, which was temporarily designated Sapphire and Jade. Notably, the projector was powered by a small gem attached to a cord, and Alistair noted the stark difference when compared to the nice accommodations they had during the trial. They technically did have an operation center they could have used, but it was currently going through rework and expansion, so they had chosen to hold their meeting here. Most of the people were the usual suspects; however, Braxik had earned his place in their circle for now, eagerly talking with James as they animatedly talked about setting up different kinds of production lines and infrastructure, with James listing one request after another while the bearded demon listened intently nodding along making the occasional suggestions. Alistair himself was discussing with Riseth which sites they should investigate for treasures and points of interest first, based on a list of potential targets. James had already set up his drone network and had them map out and scan the entirety of the planet''s surface. With the current number of drones, it would take months to finish even a basic outline, but it would still make their own exploration more targeted as the drones would mark down any points of interest before moving on as there was a lot of ground to cover. Alistair and Riseth paused their discussion as the projector view shifted to Jade, who zoomed in on a section of the ocean near the largest continent, highlighting multiple red dots beneath the ocean surface. The room''s attention turned to Nessyra as she finished typing on a physical pad and looked up to address them, ensuring she had everyone''s focus. "As you all know, the moon orbiting our new home seems to house another enlightened species. Befriending them or, even better, bringing them under our wing is crucial. We can''t afford to have a hostile force in our proverbial backyard," Nessyra stated. The implications were clear: if this race turned out to be extremely aggressive and hostile, conflict was likely inevitable¡ªa prospect none of them were comfortable with and all hoped to avoid. "Fortunately, it doesn''t appear we''re dealing with an aggressive or expansionist species like our own," Nessyra continued. "Our scanners detected only one centralized location for their civilization, no clear borders or indicators of conflict or advanced magitech. However, we do detect a lot of magic and at least two individuals of Grade 8." Alistair and many of his family let out a sigh of relief. Aggressive and expansionist races like humans and demons, while not rare, were uncommon. Most species and cultures preferred peaceful dealings and only waged war when necessary or for what they called the greater good. Alistair was a little surprised to learn that the civilization already had two individuals at Grade 8, which was unusual for a non-expansionist species at this point in time. "I initially planned to recommend we send an envoy. However, as a safety precaution, it might be better if Alistair, Riseth, Simon, and I go as soon as possible. This would not only demonstrate our strength but also show that we care and consider this matter important enough to send our leaders directly," Nessyra suggested. "Isn''t that very risky for an underwater species we know little about?" Simon interjected, and Alistair, along with many others, seemed to agree with him. "We would, of course, train for underwater combat first and keep the Kaiakos hovering above their city, maintaining a crystal beacon for us to teleport out if needed," Nessyra reassured. Alistair wasn''t entirely convinced, and he could tell Simon wasn''t either. But he knew they had to do this themselves. Sending a capable follower could risk their lives if they misjudged the situation, and he voiced this concern, sparking a discussion. They shared their experiences with underwater combat and suggestions on effective magic. Fortunately, Melissa mentioned that teleporting underwater wasn''t an issue and was a common method for those with low water affinity to stay mobile. Not wanting teleportation to be their only means of escape, Alistair questioned what other options they had. "Other than teleportation, many upgrade their flying skills to work underwater. Others rely on their overwhelming power or find a mount or summon that can provide the mobility they lack," Melissa explained. Alistair rubbed his forehead, exchanging a look with Simon, who relented with a sigh. "Fine, I guess we do some underwater combat training." Glancing around the circle, Alistair saw everyone else in agreement and gave Nessyra the signal to continue. Nessyra nodded, giving a quick glance to Braxik, "The next topic is our own currency. We got lucky. Braxik has let me know that we have multiple confirmed low-tier veins of mundane gold that our automata have dug up, so we will be able to proceed with our own currency plans instead of using USC." Alistair let out a sigh of relief. They had discussed this at length during the trial. While they had a large sum of USC, they had no means of creating more. This wouldn''t be an issue if they could find a suitable material, like gold, to use as currency for their followers to spend on services and rewards for their own service and hard work. This was one of the main reasons they acquired a Planetary AI, as managing the currency would be significantly easier with the AI monitoring the situation. If they hadn''t found a suitable source, they would have needed to get creative or use USC, neither of which would have been ideal. Neither humans nor demons would work long without compensation, and the same applied to the other species following them, with perhaps the exception of the fairies. He was just glad they finally had a use for the big chunk of gold he had recovered from that Aztec-like dungeon.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. The discussions continued, with Alistair''s input being minimal as Nessyra and Braxik primarily led the presentations on various projects and findings. Alistair found Braxik''s segments particularly engaging, focusing heavily on converting lakes, aquifers, and other water sources into energy sources and plantations for their crops. These projects resembled rice terraces but with the twist of using magically infused water, fostering the growth of mundane plants that could potentially evolve into higher-tier varieties through selective breeding and propagation, a suggestion Alistair had made and would take some time to be realized. The blueprint for those terraces was discovered in the sub-sections of the Qhut''al, which was the same species as Es''el, who had mastered the use of elevation in their agricultural practices and turned it into an art form. These terraces had proven highly efficient for cultivating a diverse range of crops while also powering themselves and adding to the landscape''s aesthetic appeal. Alistair continued to hang back, giving occasional opinions unless it directly involved him. The first such instance concerned his mana heart treasure, which would be placed in a water chamber to act as a mana source for projects situated far from any Dragon vein. He agreed to its use, recognizing that it would benefit both their efforts and the environment in the long run. Nessyra hesitated as she looked over the next point in her agenda, meeting Alistair¡¯s eyes before firming her resolve. ¡°There is one energy source on this planet we could use. However, most of you will find it distasteful,¡± Nessyra began. ¡°The local butterfly subspecies could technically be used as a fuel source.¡± ¡°You want us to burn butterflies to fuel our engines?¡± Melissa asked incredulously. Riseth looked a bit torn, while Simon chuckled at the prospect, drawing reproachful looks from Alistair''s mother and sister. Nessyra seized the moment to explain. "I know they are beautiful, and we wouldn''t remove all of them from the environment. They breed quickly when their numbers dwindle; they absorb ambient atmospheric mana and refine it within their bodies before expelling it back into the atmosphere, making them good candidates. Plus, they are hardly sentient and act solely on instinct." "The way you describe them, they are already helping the planet. Capturing and breeding them just to burn them feels a bit ungrateful," James added. Nessyra looked a little torn, seeing her usual ally not siding with her. Alistair could tell she wanted to refute the argument as overly sentimental and irrational. "There is also a bit of karma involved, even if it''s negligible. Let''s keep our options open for now. I''m not comfortable burning living creatures en masse, even if they lack the mind to comprehend it," Alistair added, effectively ending the discussion as the majority of the room nodded in agreement. Recognizing it was a lost cause, Nessyra moved on to the next topic: individual requests to build and settle in different planned districts and the associated rent they wished to implement. This subject, however, failed to capture the interest of anyone present except for Nessyra herself. Five days later, Alistair, Riseth, Nessyra, and Simon had finally settled most matters and had some time to dedicate to their training. The completion of the AI Core chamber took a lot of micromanagement off their hands, allowing them to train in underwater combat at the nearest beach. They first had to scare off some lower-level beasts that had staked their claim on the local beach. During their regular trips outside, they could see the construction projects visibly advancing, with both internal and external structures beginning to take shape as both people and automata hustled and bustled to build their new home. Alistair found the terraces being carved and grown with earth magic along the foothills and lower mountainsides particularly intriguing. They breathed life into the rock faces, giving the surroundings more character and unique charm as they spread across the landscape. The runoff from one of the partially finished terraces flowed to the crimson foothills, nurturing the Dragonstalk bamboo they had planted there, which had adapted remarkably well to the environment. The bamboo already grew quickly enough for harvesting, though it would take time before it blossomed and provided more precious seeds for further propagation. The Dragonstalk bamboo, according to the description they had received when they bought it, was an artificially created plant perfected over countless generations of crossbreeding and had a unique growth pattern. After an initial rapid expansion, it redirected its growth into its bamboo stalks, halting further spread and focusing instead on strengthening itself. This behavior was in stark contrast to most bamboo species, which typically expand aggressively. Presumably, the creators had successfully bred this trait out of the plant, making it more stable and manageable. Also, due to its exceptionally high mana conductivity, the material was integrated into their infrastructure. The vibrant red hue of the processed bamboo stood out, adding a unique aesthetic to their buildings and infrastructure while enhancing the magical transition and flow. Resni, in particular, had been eager to craft weapons from the material. The resulting weapons were a striking crimson red, reminiscent of something out of a fantasy setting. They were robust and lightweight, though Resni noted that the material was better suited as a component in an alloy due to its mana conductive properties. Nevertheless, she was more than content to use the material as it was, finding it stronger than most steel and comparable to pure mithril weaponry. However, it wasn''t as strong as the adamantine she was accustomed to working with. Chapter 155: No rest for the Wicked Alistair''s suspicion would be proven right as he and Simon took over one and a half weeks before their skills finally upgraded, allowing them to maneuver underwater as well as they did above ground. Nessyra had managed to finish a week before him and had returned to Rathos to oversee its development, with Riseth finishing her upgrade shortly after but choosing to stick around and help them develop their skills and explore the local beach. However, Alistair found her lazing about on the beach more than once, though he didn''t begrudge her the break. Simon finished a day before Alistair and took half a day to relax on the beach before heading back to Rathos to speed up their projects with his earth manipulation skills. Alistair let out a cheer when he finally got the notification confirming his upgrade. Having a low water affinity had been a real challenge, and he was glad most of his strong affinities aligned with the concepts he wanted to use. He knew that spending so much time in the water would slowly improve his affinity for the water concept, though it was a slog. Most literature on concepts and affinities he''d read suggested focusing on strong affinities instead of trying to improve weaker ones, except for concepts like magic and combat, which could be boosted with enough training and study.

Skills: Tier: [Rare] Name: Sky and Sea Flight Description: Enables the user to fly at a tiny [MP] cost over time. This skill taps into the concepts of acceleration, deceleration, and control, allowing for exceptional aerial maneuverability with rapid bursts of speed and quick halts at minimal additional [MP] cost. The user can infuse [MP] or [Qi] to achieve extreme speeds during acceleration and deceleration.This skill also allows the user to fly underwater, providing additional environmental protection from water by using manipulation magic to displace water around the user. This enables movement nearly as fast as in the sky at a small additional cost of [MP] or [Qi] over time, which increases with underwater pressure. The User''s body augmentations provide additional protection against interference, moderately increasing the skill''s resistance to hostile abilities.
Alistair was confident the skill would prove incredibly useful in the future. It created a small artificial layer through water manipulation and force, preventing direct physical contact with the water. This layer protected him from electricity and heat-based attacks, though it did increase the maintenance cost of the skill. The deeper he dove, the more underwater pressure his skill needed to counteract. Now that he had finally upgraded the skill, they could properly reach out to their new neighbors. Nessyra had prepared gifts from their produce, such as Spirit Orchid wine, metal bars made from Dragonstalk, Lomie meat, and other items she suspected would be well received and could be offered for trade in the future. He wasn''t sure how well any of those gifts would be received, though it wasn''t a bad idea. Flying back to the beach, he breathed in the fresh salty smell of the ocean and the sand. Looking over the beach, he found it empty except for the strange green crab turtles. These creatures either lay in the sun or grazed on the nearby grass. They had the body and head of a sea turtle but crab legs and pincers. The Qexrus were a little larger than his foot, most of them around level 15 to 20, and were essentially mundane animals. While he didn¡¯t mind the official name, he couldn''t help calling them crab-turtles. His Identify skill eventually adopted this name. He figured he would probably rename other hard-to-pronounce species with names he and the others found more fitting. As Alistair flew back to Rathos, he observed the significant progress made on the walls surrounding the core of their territory. Small forts were taking shape at regular intervals, indicating their expansion was moving much more rapidly than he had anticipated. Alistair had received several requests to assist with the larger array formations on the walls once they had concluded both diplomatic and exploration matters. Within those walls, pastures spread into the local hillsides, where they were rearing Lomies. Multiple guard towers protected these pastures, as the local wyvern population had attempted to feast on their herd. Considerable effort had been expended to kill the attackers and scare off other wyverns. The towers still found regular use due to occasional attacks from the less intelligent Hukris wyverns, who continued to try their luck despite the increased defenses. The Hukris were the closest thing they had found to pests on this planet; they were numerous and opportunistic and endangered weaker species whenever they spread into a new territory. Their bodies had no real desirable materials besides their cores, which weren''t aspected with any particular affinity and swang between camouflage wind and greed concepts. Flying up to the peak, Alistair continued to scan the surrounding area but didn''t find anything amiss. Landing on the platform that now housed his ginkgo tree, he noticed a new, modern-looking door at the entryway to his and Riseth''s place. As he approached, the door responded to his aura signature and slid into the rockface, granting him entry. Descending the stairs, he noticed that the stone floor had been replaced with spirit wood that had a warm golden coloration, filling the room with a refreshing, calming scent of nature. Automata and a few workers glanced at him briefly before returning to their tasks, installing magitech necessities, including screens and other modern conveniences. The space was transforming into a harmonious blend of natural elements and advanced technology.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Looking for Riseth, he found her talking with Giulia about the interior decoration in front of a new circular window that framed a large built-in jacuzzi, designed for them to enjoy the view while relaxing. Alistair also noticed a nearby shelf where herbs and other treasures were neatly stored, adding to the room''s elegant yet functional design. "Oh hey, Mr. Legendary, you finally finished?" Riseth asked with a cheeky grin before giving him a hug and planting a kiss on his cheek. "I did. But when did you get all this done?" Alistair asked, bewildered. He had only been gone for a day, and the progress was staggering. "Magic helps a lot with construction, and capable craftsmen can do something like this with ease. Do you like it?" Riseth replied. "It looks amazing," Alistair said, nodding to Giulia, who beamed at them with a bright smile. They turned to face her, and Giulia seemed eager to talk. "Thank you so much for this opportunity. Working in interior design with so many new and great insights from other worlds and incorporating magic has been amazing," Giulia said enthusiastically. "I should be the one thanking you. You and Riseth have done a great job so far. I can''t wait to actually have the time to enjoy this space," Alistair replied. "Did you know feng shui is an actual thing now? I even got a skill for it and made sure to optimize the space for a harmonious energy flow," Giulia added. Alistair noted the harmonious and calm energy flow in their space despite his array directing some of it. Giulia continued discussing all the ideas she and Riseth had, talking about which plants could go where and asking if he had any requests. Alistair declined, wanting to leave it to Riseth, who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying herself. Looking around, Alistair wondered where Viv was, as she hadn¡¯t come up to greet him like usual. ¡°Where is Viv, by the way? She usually comes to greet me when I get back,¡± Alistair asked, peeking into their bedroom, which had also undergone significant changes. The room looked much less sparse, with crystal lamps casting a soft light and black carpets covering most of the floor. ¡°Your mother took her to her place. She wasn¡¯t comfortable with all the workers around,¡± Riseth explained. ¡°Ah, got it,¡± Alistair replied, as it made sense to him. Before he could sit down on the new couch in their finished living room, Nessyra entered their home with an eager look in her eyes and Dexter hot on her heels. "I got a report you returned. Did you finish upgrading your skill?" she asked without much preamble. Alistair looked longingly at the couch before letting out a sigh. "Yeah, I did." "Great, let''s get going then. We''ve only been waiting for you to finish. By the time we get back, our network should be up and running," Nessyra said energetically. "No rest for the wicked, I suppose," Alistair said as he trotted over to her. "Wicked? You? That''s an odd expression and not fitting at all," Nessyra replied with a smirk. He watched as Riseth gave Giulia a hug before hurriedly joining them. Together, they made their way outside, where Simon, Zarrias, Karrut, and one of Oconoe''s fully grown offspring waited for them. Alistair hadn''t met most of Oconoe''s brood yet, and since many hadn''t earned a name, a customary practice in their culture, it was difficult to address them properly. Their similar features didn''t help either; he couldn''t tell if this one was a son or a daughter of his as they all looked like huge humanoid crabs to him. As they approached, Simon asked, "Are we taking the Artemis, or are we assembling a crew for the Kaiakos?" "We''ll be using the Kaiakos; making a strong impression is key. I had James on standby with our designated bridge crew. They should arrive shortly, so we can board soon," Nessyr said, most of her attention on her system pad. Alistair felt a bit rushed; he would''ve loved to relax a little. However, he knew he didn''t actually need to rest, and his Grade 8 body could go for weeks without adverse effects. His desire to sleep and rest was more of a remnant from his previous life routine. "Have we learned anything new about Jade and its people?" Alistair asked Nessyra out of idle curiosity. "Interestingly, they seem to stay put in their cities, although we detected the signature of a powerful Grade 8 beast attacking them. They managed to scare it off, though it cost some lives," Nessyra replied with a frown. "Don''t they have two or more individuals at Grade 8? Why can''t they just kill it?" Alistair asked, puzzled. "One of the Grade 8 individuals is situated at the center and is presumably the ruler who doesn''t want or can''t risk their life. The other might be a crafter. Everything indicates they are not a warlike species and seem to be actively struggling against powerful beasts," Nessyra explained. Alistair wasn''t sure how to feel about this. On one hand, he was glad they wouldn''t likely have to contend with them. However, their struggle to fend off a single Grade 8 beast didn''t bode well either, as they were likely to ask for protection. As he considered the situation, James arrived with a group of uniformed demons and humans, all wearing eager expressions. James quickly deployed the Kaiakos, and the group boarded the ship with enthusiasm, while Alistair and his team followed at a more leisurely pace. Alistair and the others decided to stay in the entry hangar, knowing they would be dismounting soon. It was a short trip, and the craft''s artificial gravity would keep them mostly unaffected by the Kaiakos''s takeoff. Nessyra took the opportunity to brief everyone on the procedures and their respective roles. Nessyra, Alistair, and Riseth were expected to handle most of the negotiations, while Oconoe''s offspring, apparently a female, would serve as their representative and, through this act, earn a name from those she works with. Karrut would act as a bodyguard, or rather a "lawyer," for the crab woman, also assisting her with Neshan''s perspectives and common sense. He would, of course, be on a rotation and would not have to stay on the planet. Their shipwright had recently begun constructing shuttles within the partially finished shipyard, which would allow them to travel within the system. Larger projects would have to wait until the shipyard was fully completed. Alistair leaned against the bulkhead, waiting for takeoff, as he listened to Nessyra''s explanations. He was eager to see what kind of race they would encounter and what they looked like. Chapter 156: Empress Denodia Naurei Alistair waited with bated breath as they approached the vicinity above the underwater city. They avoided flying directly over the city to prevent appearing too threatening, though there was still a slight chance the Kaiakos could be attacked. With their shields up just in case, they descended without incident. Disembarking first, Alistair breathed in the salty air and felt the sharp winds at this altitude, taking a moment to absorb the scene. The massive Kaiakos loomed overhead, casting a large shadow over the landing site and sending any nearby flying beasts scattering. As the others followed, Karrut and the crab woman descended using jetpack-like devices, still lacking the necessary flight skills. Alistair kept a watchful eye on their descent, ready to step in if needed, but both landed gracefully in the water and quickly stored their jetpacks. Dexter, thrilled to be in open waters, swam rapid circles around them. Alistair took a moment to enjoy watching Dexter''s playful swimming, waiting for the rest of the group to catch up. Diving into the water with the others, he looked about the depths, seeing a magical outline of large structures in the distance through his conceptual awareness with some smaller forms approaching them. Fortunately, his new flight skill didn''t distort his view underwater, and his conceptual awareness skill adapted quickly due to his practice on their own planet, allowing him to see much farther than his eyes would normally allow him to. "We have some incoming, but not enough to be a threat. Try not to overreact to whatever they are," Alistair called out over his Akashic Link, which connected everyone in the group. He waved at Nessyra as Riseth had already joined him. They floated in front of their group, waiting for the inhabitants to approach. Due to the somewhat clear nature of the ocean, they quickly spotted them, and Alistair saw that they were mermaids accompanied by mermen. While he had seen mermen before, it was his first time seeing mermaids. He knew they weren''t necessarily of the same species but were merely compatible, so he looked up the available information on mermaids. Nessyra frowned and cursed over their link. "This isn''t good. If they are all mermaids, we have an issue," she said, biting her lip. Alistair turned to her in confusion. Nothing he knew about mermaids or was currently looking up indicated they would be problematic. "What''s the problem?" Alistair asked over the link, still confused as he watched the small group approach. The mermen and mermaids were clad in what looked to be masterfully crafted metal and chain-link armor that seemed heavily enchanted and impervious to the ocean waters. This indicated they were skilled craftspeople, which was quickly confirmed by the knowledge he had copied into his knowledge base. They were a famous yet incredibly rare species, even more so than dragons and other mythical creatures, and were known for crafting legendary weapons and distributing them to chosen heroes and champions. Before he could digest more information, Nessyra spoke up after a slight hesitation. "They aren''t known to be great fighters, and mermaid flesh is one of the most coveted dark alchemical ingredients due to its incredible healing and regenerative properties. If processed correctly, it can grant a lesser form of immortality, providing effects similar to reaching Grade 5, where the body regenerates and heals any wounds with enough time; it also rejuvenates the consumer and prevents aging. This is why most mermaid enclaves, once exposed, are attacked, hunted down, and enslaved by Blackmarket syndicates and forced to breed work and be slaughtered for their flesh once deemed useless. If we didn''t have a target on our backs before, we definitely will now if we take them under our wing." Alistair''s voice was firm over the Akashic Link, which connected only Riseth, Nessyra, and Simon to the conversation. "Fuck the Blackmarket Syndicates," he said. If there was a crafting-specialized race on the moon that needed protection from the Syndicates, he would provide it. They had already demonstrated that they wouldn''t tolerate the Syndicates, and he wasn''t about to back down now. "I agree," Nessyra replied, determination in her voice. "But it''s still not ideal. We need to inform them and work to keep their presence a secret with formations, especially scrying formations, as soon as possible before someone tracks this place and finds them and, in turn, us." Simon cautiously added, "We should talk to them as planned first, before inciting any panic among their ranks and leadership." They agreed and waited for the Mermaid carrying a spear and shield leading the proceeding to address them. The green-haired mermaid spoke up, some tightly restrained fear in her voice as she hovered in front of them, the Shadow of the Kaiakos still blotting out most of the surrounding light. "Welcome, visitors; my name is Ayano. How may I address you?" "We are the Ryser Clan. You may address me as Alistair, and this is my wife, Riseth; we are the Patriarch and Matriarch of the clan," He said before introducing the others. "We came here to speak to your leaders," he concluded. Alistair noted how Ayano calmed down but couldn''t help but notice how incredibly tight her control over her aura was. This also applied to the rest of the proceeding. If he wasn''t this much more powerful than them, he would not have been able to use his Identify skill on them [Ayano¡ªlvl 71]. After identifying her, she looked at him surprised and failed to do the same to him, a worried expression barely contained before she spoke up again. "What do you wish to discuss?" She askedThe tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. "We have settled the neighboring planet and wish to establish friendly relations and initiate negotiations with your people," Riseth said warmly, her smile helping to ease the tension among the small group. "Of course, we must ask your group to wait outside the palace while we seek the empress''s agreement. Please follow us," Ayano replied. They followed the small group as they approached an expansive underwater cityscape, characterized by curved metal spires and colorful deepsea quartz structures. The inhabitants watched them cautiously from a distance; most were mermaids, with the occasional merman and unfamiliar aquatic species that Alistair couldn''t even categorize. All the mermaids were incredibly beautiful and seemed to be blessed by ethereal youth as they lacked any signs of aging. They were led down the main path toward the heart of the city, where a massive palace stood as the centerpiece and largest structure. Its towering metal spires and fortified walls were visible from afar, surrounded by warding spells that protected the impressive structure. Fish and other underwater species glided above them, akin to birds in the sky. They were requested to wait in front of the gatehouse as Ayano rushed into the large structure. The guards let her pass, and they didn''t seem to take offense to her carrying her weapons into the palace in a hurry. After what felt like 10 minutes, Ayano rushed back out towards them. "Empress Denoida Naurei is eager to speak with you and invites Alistair, Riseth, and Nessyra to join her. Your other companions will need to wait, but they are welcome to partake in a small banquet in the meantime," Ayano announced. They nodded in agreement and were led inside the palace. The guards eyed them with some worry as the rest of the group was escorted down a different corridor. Ayano led Alistair, Riseth, and Nessyra into the throne room, where they were greeted by Empress Denoida. She was a stunningly beautiful mermaid, about the same size as Alistair when he wasn''t restraining his size. Her long cobalt blue hair and smooth skin highlighted her elegant form. She wore chain mail armor that also functioned as an elegant dress, adorned with metal scales, insignias, and decorative gems that almost distracted from the incredibly powerful enchantments worked into the armor. A soft and pleasant voice rang out as Ayano bowed and left the room, closing the gate behind her. "The Ryser clan, I have been hoping you would be the ones who would find us, and it''s so much sooner than I expected," Denodia said with visible relief. Alistair was a little surprised by the statement and the lack of any guards or protectors, as nobody else was present to guard or support their empress. Riseth and Nessyra also looked around in slight confusion. "What do you mean, hoping we would be the ones to find you?" Nessyra questioned. Denodia let out a soft chuckle. "Apologies, I am getting ahead of myself. To preempt some confusion, my strongest concept is that of ''Future.'' It allows me to act as something of a prophet at times, and your arrival and our meeting are among the strongest and most important potential events I have been able to foresee." They exchanged hesitant glances; dealing with someone claiming to see the future was a little troubling. "Do you have any evidence to support that claim?" Nessyra asked skeptically. Denodia seemed quite relaxed as she tilted her head from side to side before responding. "The red metal you wish to gift me is something I looked forward to working with," she said with a cheeky smile. "It still feels a bit like a parlor trick; she could just see what''s in our storage," Alistair said over their Akashic Link. "I don''t know, but I agree I don''t trust this," Nessyra replied over the link before pressing Denodia further. "Do you have any other evidence besides this? What do you know of us?" Nessyra inquired. Denodia idly played with her long blue hair, which slightly flowed in the water, still smiling at them. "Unlike most of the other potential events, I know you come as friends and want us to join your clan." After a short pause, she added, "I know you will tell us of a potential outside threat and offer to protect my people from them, but anyone could have guessed this much, I suppose..." Alistair thoughtfully scratched his chin before speaking up, deciding to skip some of the preamble. "What is your stance on joining our clan, then?" She beamed at him before answering, "I personally welcome the offer, though tradition dictates that you would have to marry me to lay claim to the throne and officially become the leader of our people." Alistair was taken aback, his doubt about her ability to see the future deepening as all the women in the room looked at him with curiosity and expectation. "I''m already married, and while I''m flattered by the offer, I don''t plan on taking multiple wives," Alistair responded with a smile. Denodia pouted before smirking at them. "I kind of knew it wouldn''t work, but the future isn''t set in stone, so it was worth a try. He''s a good catch for a mate, and we will all live long lives. Perhaps you''ll change your mind," she added teasingly. Nessyra seemed more peeved than Alistair as she spoke up. "Is there no alternative to marriage?" she asked. "Of course there is," Denodia replied with a laugh. "I can send out a chosen one on a quest to slay a beast of renown before granting them a weapon of power, signifying their divine right to lead our people alongside me. And as it happens, there is such a monster threatening my people right now," she added with a less cheerful expression. Alistair and Riseth exchanged a knowing look and had to hold back their laughter, struggling not to crack. Nessyra looked at them in confusion while Empress Denodia chuckled. "I know, strange women distributing weapons are no basis for a system of government. But I hope you can bear with our farcical aquatic ceremony," Denodia said, showing them a toothy smile. "Oh, what the fuck," Alistair said as he burst out laughing, with Riseth and Denodia joining in. This was by far the most compelling evidence that she spoke the truth. Especially since he had been completely unable to pierce her veil and deeper intentions, however, her words and facial expressions painted her as a fun and casual individual. "And yes, you can expect to wield supreme executive power," She added. Alistair snorted. "Alright, I believe you can actually see the future," he said, raising his hands to quell Denodia''s quips. Nessyra, still confused, received a short memory recording from Alistair to explain the exchange and let out a groan after reviewing it. "Until the beast returns, please stay so we can get to know each other better," Denodia offered, noticing that Nessyra had felt a bit left out of the loop. She engaged Nessyra, asking questions and answering some of them in return. "Oh right, what do your people call this moon and its planet?" Riseth asked. "We call our moon Nautilis, and the planet we have named Lacustrine," Denodia replied. "Lacustrine... I like it; that saves me the time to come up with something," Alistair said with relief. This initiated a more relaxed and casual exchange than they had anticipated. Denodia eagerly inspected their gifts, particularly the red bars of dragonstalk metal, and thanked them, her bubbly personality radiating warmth and friendliness. Chapter 157: To deal with Mermaids Denodia had initially swum down from her elevated throne to eagerly exchange words with them, clear up some misunderstandings, explain her future sight skills a little, and make some minor agreements with Nessyra, inquiring about a wide assortment of topics in more detail. Then, she addressed the matter of her people joining the Ryser Clan. "I have four demands that need to be fulfilled. Once these are met, I and the rest of the people of Nautilis will join the Ryser Clan as full members without reservations," Denodia said in an almost businesslike manner, quite different from her previous demeanor. "And what are those demands?" Riseth asked. Denodia raised her index finger. "First, Alistair will act as a prospective champion and slay the poisonous sea wyvern that is killing my people. He will receive one of my best works as compensation, satisfying our cultural demands for a champion." Raising her middle finger, she continued, "Second, you will help us create an anti-scrying formation for my people as quickly as possible." Stretching out her thumb, she said, "Third, I expect two contracts to be made, the first stating that the Ryser Clan will protect us from the Blackmarket Syndicates and other threats to the best of their abilities. The second contract is a secrecy agreement for those aware of our existence to prevent them from disclosing our location to outsiders." Finally, she curled her thumb back into her palm and extended her remaining four fingers. "Fourth, I expect fair treatment of my people and a leadership position as governor of Nautilis." Alistair thought all of these agreements were more than reasonable and were things they would have likely done either way. Looking at the sisters, he saw that they were both in agreement. "We accept these terms, though I will need an exact definition of what is considered the best of our abilities and how far you expect us to go," Nessyra replied as she started to pen a magic contract. After only half an hour, she led them to a large, water-free dining room, transitioning effortlessly and levitating above the ground. Most of their party was sampling various kinds of seafood, surprised by their early arrival and the Empress''s casual demeanor. After giving their group a quick update over the Akashic Link, they relaxed and began introducing themselves. Oconoe''s offspring was the first to approach, but before she could introduce herself, Denodia spoke up. "Greetings, Nanalo. I look forward to working with you," she said with a wide smile, shaking the armored hand of the newly named crab woman, who radiated happiness at being named so quickly. "Thank you for this amazing name, Your Highness. I love it!" Nanalo said excitedly. "I know," Denodia replied casually before turning to Karrut, looking him up and down. "You''ll be popular. Try not to get involved with too many of our ladies," Denodia said with a sly grin before turning to Simon. "The same goes for you," she added with a wink. Alistair and Riseth stood to the side, observing the exchange. They snickered as Simon made excuses for himself, watching Denodia dismiss the conversation to greet the rest of the group. "Why did you decline her? She seems like a fine piece of tail," Riseth whispered teasingly. Alistair chuckled. "Just like Simon said, I wouldn''t even know how the logistics of that would work, and I stick true to my commitments." This earned him a passionate kiss from Riseth. "She is a cute one, though. I love her hair," she added thoughtfully, playing with her hair, which temporarily took on the same blue color as Denodia''s. "But I can always just borrow her looks," she added with a mischievous smile. Alistair panicked a little as he noted that Denodia had noticed their exchange. She approached them, her tail transforming into a long pair of legs, her lower body covered by her armor as it extended into a medium-length, asymmetrical skirt adorned with decorative metal scales. "We can change our forms to go on land. We just prefer our tails, so the logistics aren''t an issue," she said to Alistair before turning to Riseth. "I don''t mind you taking some aspects of my appearance, but at that point, you might as well invite me every now and then," she added teasingly. This time, it was Riseth''s turn to respond. "Sorry, but he''s all mine," she said, wrapping herself around Alistair''s arm. Denodia laughed good-naturedly. "What makes you think I don''t want to steal you from him?" she teased. Seeing their surprised expressions, she waved them off. "Apologies, I shouldn''t tease you two too much. We mermaids are a bit lax in such matters because our chances to bear offspring are quite low, which keeps our population growth limited. This is only offset by the fact that we don''t age. It''s actually a bit of an issue, as mermen, while long-lived, do age." Her voice carried a hint of sadness before she glanced at the rest of the group, who were busy talking among themselves, occasionally glancing their way, particularly Nessyra, who had facepalmed upon noticing Riseth''s blue hair. "Just how old are you? You shouldn''t be that old, as the local natural gods would have halted time acceleration once this planet had too many Grade 8 individuals or advanced too far," Riseth inquired, her confusion evident. "Indeed they would have, so I worked on my foundation and crafts a lot, spending long periods lazing about with different mates, who all eventually died. Meeting individuals who might live as long as I do is exciting. My role as empress and prophet allowed me to convince others to hold back on advancing their grades. Being able to see the future helped me avoid death and stretch how far I and the others could advance before they caught on and put a stop to it," Denodia said with a sly smile.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "Care to get more specific with your age?" Riseth asked curiously. "I kind of stopped paying attention, but I''d say closing in on half a millennium, maybe 300 or 400 years, give or take," she said casually. Alistair couldn''t imagine pretending to do nothing for hundreds of years just to extend the periods during which she could refine her skills. This made him more wary of Denodia and her abilities. While he doubted she had malicious intentions, he knew he had to be prepared just in case. He wasn''t even sure if she was serious with her flirtatious attempts, as her aura veil was impenetrable, revealing only the emotions she chose to display. As he mulled over the abilities she had explained, he suspected that seeing the future must have its drawbacks. She could see possible outcomes, some more likely than others. Perhaps she was pushing and probing for unlikely events just for the thrill, which would be concerning. Dwelling on the term prophet also reminded him of Adam, who had shown similar abilities and aimed for an evolution with ''prophet'' in its name. Initially, he thought it had religious or no relevant connotations, but now he realized it branched into a different aspect of the term. As he mulled over these topics, her aura veil, which had shielded her so tightly before, suddenly dropped completely. "Don''t worry; while I did pick up some odd habits due to my affinity and longer lifespan, I have no twisted intentions. This is just me messing around," she said with a wink before her veil reemerged, and she walked off toward Nessyra, who had been observing their exchange. She must have seen his worried expression and used her skill to predict different outcomes of the conversation. In one of those scenarios, he must have revealed what was troubling him. Although not truly reliable, It was still an incredibly fearsome social skill that he was sure Nessyra had been eager to acquire the moment she heard about it. From what Denodia had told them, her affinity proved highly versatile, allowing her to use variations of her future sight in crafting and combat to achieve the best results. However, it didn''t always work in her favor, especially in combat against significantly more powerful opponents, where she could become overwhelmed by possibilities and dead ends, unable to react effectively, and get too distracted by possibilities. Alistair was pulled from his musings when Riseth addressed him over their Akashic Link. "Dealing with someone who can have half a dozen conversations ahead of time is weird," Riseth commented as she watched Denodia leave. "She does have a habit of overusing that skill of hers," Alistair agreed. The rest of the day proceeded less eventfully as more mermaids and the occasional mermen joined their gathering. They exchanged friendly banter, with some mermaids flirting with the male members of their group. Alistair waved them off when Simon and Karrut gave him questioning looks. Karrut, in particular, wasn''t sure how to handle the situation as two very attractive mermaids relentlessly flirted with him. Alistair, observing his student''s plight, sent a message over their Akashic Link. "You don''t need my permission. You''ve recently reached maturity, so it''s your decision to make. Just remember the consequences of your actions. Their empress gave you a green light, too. Just remember Nessyra will tear you a new one if you create problems for the clan, so try not to upset them." Suppressing a chuckle, Alistair watched as Karrut, the large bull-like demon, was dragged off by the mermaids, looking both excited and apprehensive. Alistair was tempted to ask if mermaids laid eggs but thought better of it, considering it might actually be true. A quick search in his Akashic Link confirmed that mermaids indeed laid eggs, typically one to four, which required protection until the embryos matured and were ready to hatch. Conception, however, was the same as for humans and demons. Alistair would have found the prospect of humanoid beings being born from eggs strange some mere months ago, but now it was just another Tuesday. Before he could think too hard on it, Denodia approached again, and he worried she might chide him for his thoughts. "The beast is approaching. Please head to the small city of Areus, which is a few kilometers to the east. Time is of the essence; I didn''t get much forewarning this time," Denodia hurriedly said. Alistair was about to ask how Denodia knew what a kilometer was, as unlike usual, the system didn''t translate it from a different measuring system, but he shook his head, dismissing the thought as he hurried outside the palace. He blitzed past Dexter, who was busy hunting the fish circling around the palace. Seeing Alistair, Dexter decided to tag along, effortlessly keeping pace as he swam on his back. "Where are you going?" Dexter asked telepathically, casually matching Alistair''s speed. "I''m supposed to go out and kill a beast," Alistair responded. "That sounds fun. Let''s go! It''s adventure time!" Dexter''s excited voice rang through the telepathic link. Alistair chuckled. "Alright, you can tag along, but don''t interfere with my fight. I need to defeat the beast on my own." Alistair sensed slight disappointment in Dexter, but the Yagan still decided to tag along. As Alistair approached the new structures near the city, his eyes were drawn to an enormous dome of swirling water rising up to shield the city. Mermaids and mermen, clad in armor, manned the sea quartz fortifications lining the perimeter. While their defenses lacked traditional turrets, the crystalline structures they guarded hummed with energy¡ªlikely their version of heavy weaponry. Before he even saw the threat, he could feel its rabid bloodlust closing in on the city. Instead of taking a position with the defenders on the wall, Alistair flew forward to intercept the incoming beast. Strange orbs shot out from the city behind him and began to orbit his position. He glanced at them curiously, suspecting they were the local equivalent of scout drones. Before he could ask through the network what they were, Riseth¡¯s voice echoed in his mind via the Akashic Link. "Denodia''s got some Palantir network¡ªit¡¯s like their version of TV, but massive crystal balls instead of screens. You¡¯re live, so try to smile for the audience," Riseth teased, her tone laced with playful mischief. Alistair shook his head, amused by the antics, and focused on the task at hand. In the distance, over the sandy dunes, he spotted the creature. A massive red lionfish with an elongated, eel-like body surged toward the city. His [Identify] skill confirmed its name: [Vozorid - lvl 125]. If he had to guess, it was a form of sea wyvern. But with Dexter, his dog-like companion, beside him, there was no need for guesses. "Hey, Dexter, what is that thing exactly?" Alistair asked telephatically. "That''s a Vozorid, a sea wyvern or sea serpent. It''s a wyrm subtype known for its incredibly potent poison spines and not much else," Dexter replied absent-mindedly as he looked at the strange orbs circling them. Alistair buffed himself and browsed his library for some suitable boss battle music as the creature rapidly approached. The Vozorid only spared Alistair a glance before fixing its eyes on the nearest mermaid on the fortifications, swimming past him and ignoring the sacred rules of epic stand-offs. "Did that fucker just ignore me?" Alistair asked, surprised and mildly annoyed. He then converted Qi into power, using his telekinesis to rip the beast towards him, completely overpowering it and slamming it into a moderately sized, sharp-looking coral reef in front of him, which earned him the wary attention and ire of the beast. Chapter 158: Mermaids Ally The Vozroid quickly recovered, twisting its body and launching a hail of poison-covered spines at Alistair. Raising his hand, Alistair halted the attack, freezing the spines in midwater. He frowned slightly; he had tried to siphon the kinetic energy from the spines to fuel his telekinesis but ended up just stopping them instead. Despite his incredible affinity, manipulating and reusing kinetic energy through telekinesis was a skill he was still struggling with; he noted that he needed to solidify and strengthen his kinetic connection further to succeed. Additionally, the beast seemed disappointingly weak for its level, with hardly any power behind its attack. The only noteworthy aspect was its rapid regeneration, as the cuts from the coral reef healed almost instantly. "Hey, Dexter, do these creatures normally regenerate this fast?" Alistair asked telepathically. "Nope," Dexter replied. Alistair''s expression grew grim at the implication. This beast must have killed a significant number of mermaids to gain such regenerative benefits from consuming them. Almost involuntarily, Alistair let slip his Bloodcurdling Presence, feeling the monster''s fear. It had initially ignored him to snack on another victim, but now it flipped around, sending more spines as it tried to flee. With his left hand, Alistair blocked the attack with his telekinesis, partially succeeding in absorbing the kinetic energy as a trickle reached him. He watched the spines slowly drift downward while using his telekinesis to grasp and crush the Vozroid. Using his right hand as a focal point for the skill, he dragged the beast towards him as the beast squirmed fruitlessly to escape his grasp. He felt its spindly bones crack and try to heal themselves through the telekinetic connection. It wasn''t a pleasant sensation, but he reinforced the connection, feeling the power he could exert even at this distance slowly increase. He sensed Riseth''s worry, her voice reaching him over the Akashic Link. "Alistair, you need to stop this. People are watching, and if you kill the beast this way, they''ll fear you instead of celebrating you." Taken aback, as she rarely called him by his name anymore, he released his grip, tossing the beast in front of him. He drew his poleaxe, twirling it in his hand, and deactivated his Bloodcurdling Presence. Instead, he switched to using vicious mockery, despite its reduced efficiency against beasts; it was the best way to annoy the beast and incentivize it to stay and fight rather than flee. If the people wanted a show of their hated foe being dismantled, he would give them what they asked for. "Come here, fishy fishy," Alistair taunted, spreading his arms to give it an opening to attack. The Vozroid took the bait, lunging at him with reckless abandon. Its large maw opened wide, revealing long, glass-like serrated teeth filled with a black liquid at their core. At the last second, Alistair teleported to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack. He lashed out with his poleaxe, carving a long streak along the beast''s eel-like body, ripping its fins and shattering spines along the way. The Vozroid sprawled momentarily from the impact. "Ole," Alistair said, leaning his poleaxe casually against his shoulder plate as he approached the beast. The Vozroid twisted again, sending out spines in a diagonal arc. Alistair tilted out of the way, letting the spines miss him by a slim margin. He knew if he made it look like he was struggling more, it would make for a better show, but he still wanted to make it clear that this beast was nothing to him. Showing a bit of his overwhelming power early on might be a good thing in the future, as it would discourage any potential dissent or people presuming he wasn''t even that strong. However, he suspected he didn''t need to worry too much about this with these people. "Good. Much better. Less Darth Vader and more Mr. Legendary is definitely the right call," Riseth''s voice chimed in through the Akashic Link, her approval evident in her tone. Alistair watched as the long gash along the beast''s flesh visibly healed, and its spines and fin rapidly regrew. "Man, I''m tired of fighting regenerating opponents. I wish there were a bit more variety," Alistair thought. He knew, however, that the higher in grade he climbed, the more common regeneration would become. Even without augmenting some organs to aid his own regeneration, he would eventually achieve the same at Grade 5 at the latest. His titles alone encouraged him to create such an augmented organ, but he had more pressing augmentations to get to. He didn''t have the luxury to sit on his ass and stay in Grade 8 for too long if he wanted to become immortal before growing old, even with the extended life span higher grades provided. Alistair had a massive head start and was bound to receive many records and titles for managing his clan and should reach a high grade in a reasonable amount of time. He had wondered why they didn''t seem to receive any clan-specific titles, only ones related to negotiations and, in Nessyra''s case, management-related titles, though they weren''t denoted as bloodline-related either, as far as he knew. While continuing to put on a show fighting the beast and searching his memories through his Akashic Link skill, it finally clicked. He realized that the 10-year clause allowing them to withdraw from the clan and keeping its stage at the Establishment was likely the reason why they were being held back from receiving more specific titles. He would need to ask Nessyra to revise that portion of the contract. Alistair knew the two sisters would readily agree, and Nessyra would still receive the lion''s share of the credit, especially once the colony reached a complete and self-sustaining state. This change should shower them with accumulated records. Alistair countered the beast''s third pass, impaling it with his poleaxe by thrusting its point into its wide-open jaw and robbing it of its momentum before slamming it into the sandy floor again. This time, he twirled his weapon and brought it down in an overhead swing onto its head, activating his Blazing Edge skill. Despite the gap to the water, the skill boiled the surrounding water in a stream of bubbles as the white-glowing edge came down on the beast''s head, severing it and killing it instantly.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Storing the beast''s body with a wave of his hand, Alistair reached out to Nessyra and Riseth over the Akashic Link, sharing his suspicions. "Wow, I did notice your head wasn''t fully in the fight, but that''s actually impressive," Riseth said with a snicker. "You might be right. I apologize; with everything going on, I hadn''t noticed since I receive plenty of titles for what I do. Let''s adjust that clause once we get back to Rathos and see if something changes," Nessyra added. Having finished his business with the Vozroid, Alistair turned and headed back to the palace, waving at the cheering people from the nearby city as he flew past them. Dexter, looking for a different kind of distraction, headed off towards some coral reefs. It didn''t take Alistair long to return, and he was greeted by Denodia and his group upon his arrival. Empress Denodia was the first to step forward. "Good showing there. I was worried for a second," Denodia said with a smile. "But with this, you qualify to become a chosen champion of ours. All I need to do is present you with a weapon worthy of a champion." "No big ceremony or announcements?" Alistair asked in surprise. "Oh, If that''s what you want, we can have a big official announcement, hold a large ceremony, and do endless talking and showing you off like a prized seahorse if you like," Denodia replied with a chuckle. "Or I can just toss you a weapon now and make the public announcement myself later." "Never mind, the second option, please," Alistair backpaddled. Denodia smirked at Alistair, throwing him occasional glances as she theatrically rummaged through her storage. After a few moments, she finally pulled out an impressive weapon¡ªa large, curved blade seemingly crafted from ethereal metal or crystalline ice. Its golden spine curved gracefully, ending in a spiraling guard that encircled an orb. The guard extended down toward the handle, offering protection for the user''s hands. The orb contained immense amounts of water and ice-aspected mana, swirling with power. The blade''s surface shifted constantly, radiating cold and water magic in a mesmerizing, fluid dance. The handle, made of black monster bone, was wrapped loosely with a navy blue sash that hung elegantly from the hilt. "Sorry, I didn''t know what kind of weapon you use. And I thought you can usually never go wrong with a sword," Denodia said, slightly embarrassed, before tossing him the weapon. Alistair snatched it out of the air, and as soon as he did, a chime went off, informing him of a new title acquisition. He first inspected the blade with Identity and chuckled at the name of the blade.

Item: Tier: [Supreme] Name: Forging Tides Qualities: [Soulbound] [Mana Storage] [Energy Conversion][Concept Conversion] [Self-Repair] [Growth] Description: A blade awarded to Alistair Ryser for slaying a beast of renown, presented by the Mermaid Empress Denodia Naurei, signifying his status as a chosen champion of her people. Forged by the Empress herself, this weapon is crafted from high-tier water and ice-aspected treasures and monster parts. This curved blade grows alongside its user, increasing in mana capacity and power as Alistair advances through the grades. The weapon can store large amounts of mana relative to its grade and convert its stored mana into ice or water concepts with very high affinity, allowing the user to channel skills through the blade and change the concepts into ice or water-aspected ones.
For someone smaller, this blade would have been a two-hander, but for him, it was more like a bastard sword, usable with either one or two hands. Despite his low affinity for both ice and water, the weapon did not feel uncomfortable. He was quite satisfied, as it would allow him to deploy some ice and water-aspected attacks through the weapon. He could sense the enchantments, which allowed him to store magic within the orb above the hilt. He wasn''t sure exactly how it would work, as he didn''t have many attack skills that could make use of this blade, but he suspected that blasts should work, and he could perhaps channel his battle spheres through the weapon. However, it would need some experimentation. While he would have preferred a poleaxe, he didn¡¯t dare complain, as he didn¡¯t mind switching things up every now and then. Perhaps this weapon could be improved at some point to take on different forms. As if reading his mind again, Denodia confirmed his thoughts. "I can eventually improve the weapon to do even more and take on different shapes as we advance in grade. That way, it will become more suitable for your needs. For now, it should serve you well as it is," she said with a confident smile. Alistair returned the smile. He noted that he would need to pull her aside at some point and request her to use that skill of hers less, though he suspected she already knew he would bring that up eventually or already had, which didn''t seem to stop her. With some curiosity, he checked the new title and its associated skill.

Titles: Tier: [Epic] Name: Mermaid''s Chosen Champion Effect: Grants a 5% bonus to all stats. Bonus skill: [Mermaid''s Ally] Origin: Chosen by [Denoidia Naurei], Empress of a rare Mermaid enclave, to be their champion and protector. The system guards the title, preventing divulging the path to its acquisition or existence. Warning: The title and its associated skill may be lost when betraying the trust of the Empress or her people. -

Skills: Tier: [Unique] Name: Mermaid''s Ally Description: A skill bestowed upon those allied to the rare and reclusive Mermaid race. It leaves a trace on the user''s aura, notable even through their veil, which is only registered by Mermaids and those also holding the title, marking them as Allies.
Alistair scratched his chin, feeling that the title wasn''t entirely deserved, although neither the title nor the skill seemed particularly noteworthy. However, he reconsidered. His faction would be responsible for protecting this moon and its people, a commitment far beyond just disposing of a sea wyvern. The skill itself might prove useful if he ever encountered a mermaid undercover or in hiding during his travels, as they would recognize him as an ally. That recognition could be valuable in itself. Still holding the blade, he itched to try it out, his mind racing with possibilities. However, he stored it for the moment and rejoined the ongoing conversations, eager to enjoy the local foods and take a short break before he needed to start setting up an anti-scrying array. Chapter 159: 10-Year Clause Alistair spent about a week refining the anti-scrying array, a task significantly expedited by the help of mermaid array experts. They had already laid a solid foundation but lacked the precise rune work needed to complete it, which he provided. Meanwhile, the Ryser Clan''s Network finally went online, covering the entire star system. With it came the introduction of Ryser Credits¡ªa currency system Nessyra spearheaded. She had crafted gold coins of varying sizes, each stamped with their clan¡¯s sigil on one side and its value on the other. When stored, these coins were converted into digital credits within the Network, allowing for seamless transfers or reconversion back into physical gold, solving what would have otherwise been a logistical Nightmare. In preparation for the Network¡¯s launch, they coordinated wages and service pricing with key figures like Resni Stoneheart, Barton, the Fichera family, and others. The AI Core played a crucial role in managing an exchange system that enabled people to spend their credits on services, skill training, and treasures. The Alpha AI Core proved invaluable in establishing fair exchange rates and automating credit distribution, saving Nessyra and her team months¡ªif not years¡ªof administrative effort. While he worked on the array, Riseth and the others explored Nautilis and its resources, the most notable find being a growing crystal reef treasure. These crystals could be transplanted into their own oceans and larger lakes. They could serve as a fuel source for their mana reactors, as they were packed with water-aspected mana and grew at a steady rate without affecting the mana density of their environment. Nessyra was particularly thrilled by this discovery and spent much of her time coordinating with Denodia to harvest these crystal reefs while also aligning finances, currency, contracts, and trade. She also had people work on a teleportation array between the planet and its moon to facilitate easier travel. Alistair looked around in the dimly lit bunker, examining the now almost finished array faintly glowing on the stone floor, a small host of mermaid array experts applying the finishing touches, throwing him the occasionally longing glances with one of them approaching him again. They had dropped a lot of hints and flirtatious comments during the time he had been down here. His solution to this had been to send them all Simon''s way, and since none of them returned, he kept doing it. He started his usual spiel on the mermaid to send her Simon''s way when he sensed Simon coming down into the bunker and approached him in a huff once he realized what he was doing. ¡°Damn it, Alistair, stop sending every mermaid my way!¡± Simon exclaimed. ¡°What¡¯s the issue? You¡¯re a young, eligible bachelor,¡± Alistair replied playfully. ¡°Is it because you have a thing for feet? Don¡¯t worry about that; they can transform their tails,¡± he teased. ¡°You know that¡¯s not it. And unlike you, I don¡¯t go for the first woman who shows interest in me,¡± Simon retorted with a smug expression. Alistair embraced him in their usual greeting before continuing to rib his friend as they headed for the exit, still bantering. The mermaids, seemingly unfazed by their exchange, watched them depart before continuing their work. "I''m surprised it took you this long to call me out," Alistair remarked as they ascended toward the palace above. "A gentleman doesn''t tell," Simon retorted with a smirk. "Actually, Nessyra told me to fetch you because the ladies down there don''t need your assistance anymore." Nessyra had informed Alistair that they would be departing soon, so this news didn''t come as a big surprise. As they made their way through the palace, Simon led him to an office space where Nessyra had been working, then quickly excused himself, apparently eager to get somewhere. Upon entering the office, Alistair found Nessyra and Riseth discussing upcoming tasks while Nessyra packed up her belongings in preparation to leave Nautilus. "Ah, good you are here; let''s settle that contract clause while we are here," Nessyra said as a magical contract appeared in front of each of them, stating the terms they had agreed to what felt like ages ago. As soon as all of them signed and agreed to strike the clause, something clicked into place. Alistair heard a series of chimes, and a quick glance at his bloodline tab revealed that it had advanced from the Establishment stage to Established. The tab was now filled with new information, including growth speed, clan potential, average clan member and follower satisfaction, estimated strength relative to their surroundings, and more. Overwhelmed by the sudden influx of information, he temporarily swiped the tab aside and focused on the new title instead.

Titles: Tier: [Unique] Name: Ryser Bloodline Patriarch Effect: Territories held by the Ryser Clan experience a slight growth in magical density and quality. Members and followers of the Ryser Clan receive the skill [Akashic Link] at the Grade 8 [Rare] tier. Clan leadership''s ability to sway the attitudes of members and followers is improved. Arrays maintained by the Ryser Clan have overall increased efficiency. Beneficial Heritage Records for Offspring for all Bloodline members. Origin: A title held by [Alistair Ryser], the Clan patriarch of Clan Ryser, and shared with [Riseth Ryser], the Clan Matriarch. This title evolves, with its potential benefits and drawbacks scaling with the clan''s success. Success is determined by the clan''s actions, number of members, influence, member and follower satisfaction, individual power of its members and leadership, quality of leadership, amount of claimed territory, and economic power and growth.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
Alistair whistled appreciatively. He could make educated guesses about most of the effects the title conferred. He surmised that the ability to sway attitudes stemmed from the high satisfaction levels among their followers, which were excellent at the moment. This made it significantly easier to implement policies that might have otherwise met with grumbling¡ªthough he found this influence somewhat unsettling. Setting aside his personal reservations about some of the titles, he examined the second benefit. They had been promoting the Akashic Link skill in anticipation of their Network going live. However, many had already spent a skill point to acquire it and wouldn''t gain any additional advantage. Still, he was certain that the effort of spreading the skill had contributed to the perk appearing in the first place. The only thing that truly surprised him was the increased array efficiency. While they worked frequently with array formations, he wouldn''t have considered them specialized in it. He suspected their acquisition of various array formation manuals through trial rewards must have elevated their status among other bloodlines using arrays. He wouldn''t complain, as it was one of the better benefits. "God damn it, we should have done that earlier," Nessyra cursed as she swiped wildly through her system structure. "Yeah, I didn''t expect it to make such a huge difference either," Alistair admitted, glancing between the title and the greatly expanded Bloodline tabs. Their bloodline title, which enhanced the environmental magical density and quality, was an especially significant boon. Alistair surmised that this benefit resulted from their efforts to balance environmental stability while increasing Lacustrine''s mana density and quality. They had managed to enhance the planet''s mana without harming the environment, and the title''s benefits might continue to improve as long as they maintained this careful approach. However, the fact that there were no organizational or similar benefits bothered him as Nessyra did a lot of incredible work. "Did you get a separate title?" Alistair inquired as he felt like the title he got did not reflect her efforts. "Yes, check your bloodline tab. There is one listing the bloodline titles for different leadership positions," Nessyra replied while continuing to flip through the pages. Alistair sucked in air through his teeth as he reviewed the various bloodline-related titles. Bloodline benefits were no joke. As he browsed through the titles, he noticed that each had different levels of benefits based on the performance of the individual leader. Nessyra and James, in particular, had remarkable benefits, some of which enhanced their abilities, such as increased mental stats or improved record gains while performing their duties. However, most skill effects were passive in nature and quite different from his usual, more combat-related skills and titles, as most of their benefits were mainly directed toward the members and followers rather than just the owner of the bloodline title. However, what stood out to him more was that they currently only had 12 slots for bloodline titles based on the clan size, and 8 of those slots had already been assigned due to him and Riseth sharing one of the slots. This meant they needed to be more restrained when handing out made-up titles as they now had even more relevancy. Even Denodia had received a bloodline title, but since she had only recently joined them, she hadn''t gained many benefits from it yet. Alistair was pulled out of his thoughts by a knock at the door. Riseth opened it to let in Denodia, who had come to see them off. Most of them had grown closer during their weeklong stay, and Deonida had proven an excellent host, although a little too flirtatious at times. "It''s such a shame you have to leave already. I am looking forward to seeing you all again," Denodia said in her usual bubbly manner as she hugged them. "Not to worry, Alistair and I are sure to visit again; the food and the beaches are too enticing to pass up," Riseth assured warmly. Having spent most of his time in a large underground bunker beneath the palace setting up an array, Alistair hadn''t had the chance to explore the surroundings. He was particularly curious about the beaches and the beautiful crystal reefs he hadn''t been able to experience for himself yet. "Oh, I look forward to hosting the two of you," Denodia said with a toothy smile. Alistair didn''t miss the undertone but didn''t even bat an eye anymore, and neither did Riseth or Nessyra. Accompanied by Denodia, they made their way to the surface. Simon would remain on Nautilus until the teleportation array was completed to protect the mermaids from any emerging beasts and threats. Karrut alone wouldn''t be powerful enough, and it would take time to implement the defensive arrays from their manuals. Over the past week, Alistair had grown more adept at laying down arrays, even identifying inefficiencies that the system had not highlighted. Once he recognized them, the interface updated based on his insights, though it did not result in a skill upgrade. He mused that a programmer or technician would likely excel in enchantment, speculating that their previous professions might have granted them an increased affinity for it. After waving his goodbyes, Alistair boarded the Artemis, which Riseth had deployed a few meters above the ocean. He eagerly anticipated a change of scenery and the opportunity to explore Lacustrine properly. Taking advantage of the moment, he initiated a group call with his brother, who had asked him to check in once they were on their way back. "Oh, hey guys! Glad to hear you''re on your way back. And Alistair, your cat''s been getting a bit restless, so make sure you pick her up when you get home," James said. Alistair felt a pang of guilt but knew his cat would be just fine. It wasn''t the first time he''d left her with his mother for a week. "But that''s not the main reason I''m calling," James continued as Alistair received a stream of information. "My drones have discovered a wide assortment of interesting locations. One stands out in particular, and we suspect it might be either a dungeon or a realm." Alistair sat up a little straighter as curiosity gripped him. Either possibility would be a significant boon. His dungeon sense had already detected a handful of dungeons on both Lacustrine and Nautilus. The difference compared to the trial was quite pronounced; during the trial, he sensed an incredible number of dungeons, even though he had found hardly any. On planets he had visited outside the trial, he suspected finding dungeons without a proper seeker skill like an improved dungeon sense would rely heavily on patience and time. "The location is a few dozen kilometers northwest of Rathos, in the heart of one of the green forests. Take a look at this," James said. Alistair, Riseth, and Nessyra gathered to inspect the footage. The drone flew over a vast forest expanse dotted with creeks, small rivers, and lakes. The majority of the forest had the same green trees and foliage as around Rathos, but at its center was a large patch of gold and autumn-colored trees, standing out like a sore thumb. "We suspect that either a small dungeon is forming and converting the area, or it''s a dungeon realm or regular realm spilling over. We initially discovered the location due to sensors reporting the appearance of a strong Grade 8 beast. Still, we couldn''t properly spot or record it, as it seems to appear and disappear at will, presumably returning into the Dungeon." The footage showed the drone navigating through the different environments. The trees in the golden patch resembled oaks more than the pine and poplar-like trees they had encountered so far. Before long, a weasel-like Zerster beast attacked the drone, driving it out of the area. James was already talking and showing footage of a few other locations of interest, and Alistair keenly listened and disseminated the footage, eager to explore each one. Chapter 160: Promising Dungeon After dropping off Nessyra and fetching Viv, who had sensed Alistair''s return and intercepted him with his mother hot on her heels, they boarded the Artemis for the short trip to the golden forest, as they called it. Viv contentedly sat on Alistair''s lap, purring on his lap as the forest came into view on their screens. "That''s really close to Rathos; if this truly is a realm of sorts, we lucked out," Riseth commented as she prepared to disembark, powering down the Artemis. "Well, that depends on what''s inside. The golden fall trees are promising, but the one monster on our scanner is already firmly in Grade 8, so we might have a serious fight on our hands if it is a dungeon core that seeks to expand," Alistair cautioned. "A strong dungeon would still be good, even if it has an expansionist core. All we need to do is contain it and make sure we stay or become stronger than it," Riseth said with a chipper voice. She picked up Viv from Alistair''s lap, petting the cat as she walked toward the exit hatch. Alistair followed as they jumped out of the hatch, and Riseth stored the Artemis while Alistair took out King to survey the surrounding area before entering the golden forest. "Viv, stay close, try not to stray too far, and keep your aura subdued," Alistair cautioned as both he and Riseth toned down their auras. They stopped some distance from the golden forest, hoping to sneak in unnoticed and catch the elusive beast their sensors had detected off guard. Quietly, they descended into the regular forest that bordered the autumn patch of golden trees. As they passed through a cluster of poplar trees with strange star-shaped leaves and twisted branches, Riseth let Viv leap from her arms. The small cat instantly melted into the shadows cast by the thick canopy, her golden eyes gleaming as she moved with silent grace. Alistair felt a surge of confidence, knowing Viv¡¯s stealth was likely superior to both his and Riseth¡¯s. He felt comfortable letting her roam ahead as they crept deeper into the woods. As they traveled through the forest, Alistair kept scanning the surroundings with his Conceptual Awareness skill, spotting multiple plants, mushrooms, and herbs that could be of interest to their alchemists. He made sure to collect some samples. Meanwhile, Riseth''s augmented nose occasionally detected hidden treasures Alistair had missed, such as buried tubers. They were close to the golden forest when he heard a familiar meow he used to dread, indicating that Viv had successfully hunted something. Sure enough, the roaming cat returned dragging a Zerster almost as big as herself in her mouth. Unlike in the past, he praised Viv as he retrieved the body and stored it in his storage. Although the cat''s advanced age, she had always been a good hunter, frequently bringing him birds, snakes, mice, and all sorts of other critters. At least now, this quirk of hers was beneficial. Happy at being praised, Viv jumped back into the shadows and started roaming again. "How cute. Do cats usually try to make gifts for their owners?" Riseth inquired. "Yes, but I used to be much less stoked when she brought me live or dead critters," Alistair replied with a chuckle. "One time, she brought me a live snake, and I had to toss that wriggling mass out of my house by its tail. It was hissing and snapping in panic, trying to wriggle free," Alistair recounted, shaking his head at the memory. He grew quiet as they approached the border between the two forests, exchanging a look with Riseth before they both lowered themselves and started communicating over their Akashic Link. A small creek marked the divide between the two distinct forest types. Alistair could see saplings of the thicker, oak-like trees growing on the other side of the creek, displacing the weaker saplings and trees. As they snuck closer, they noticed that the stronger trees seemed to have uprooted the others, their fallen trunks nurturing the environment. The thick wooden trunks were sturdy and clearly magical in nature, with leaves that shimmered in gold, dark red, and orange hues. "If nothing else, these trees look beautiful," Riseth commented over their link as she harvested some of the saplings. "They are quite magical in nature based on my stored knowledge. They have nature, gold, and fall affinities, from what I can tell," Alistair replied. "Fall affinity? What''s that good for?" Riseth asked curiously. "No idea, it doesn''t seem that useful, but there might be things we''re not aware of," Alistair mused. They continued sneaking into the forest, noticing occasional clearings mostly centered around small ponds that brimmed with magic, turning the soil around them rich in mana or ''spirit soil'' as some manuals they had read called it. Mana visibly streaked through the ground, promoting the growth of a wide assortment of plants, flowers, and trees in the vicinity. They suddenly froze as they approached the center of the golden forest, sensing a powerful presence entering a nearby clearing. They turned invisible and quickly hid behind a large rock face overlooking the clearing. What greeted them was a Unicorn with pristine white fur and a long white wavy mane streaked with occasional golden strains reaching almost the floor. On its forehead, it had a slightly curved, long golden horn that radiated a golden aura that contained traces of luck, nature, Purity, light, and healing concepts. Every step it took seemed to promote plant growth under its hoofs. Alistair gaped, not believing their luck. They had struck gold if that was a beast capable of respawning from the dungeon. "Is that an honest-to-good unicorn?" He questioned, and a quick use of his Identify skill confirmed it, [Aurelian Unicorn - lvl 120] "I presume it''s a beast you know of? It''s beautiful. It kind of looks like the horses you brought from Earth," Riseth commented as she browsed her knowledge base. Alistair then explained what he knew, cross-referencing it with what he had found in the different libraries of the Trial. When Riseth made to approach the beast, he grasped her by the shoulder. "What are you doing?" Alistair questioned. "Unicorns are apparently friendly to maidens, so I wanted to see how it would react," Riseth replied. "Pure maidens Trouble," Alistair corrected, "You''re a succubus, If it sees you, it just might go into anaphylactic shock,"Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. This earned him a slap on his shoulder and a snicker almost giving away their position as the Unicorn looked in their direction. "We both cultivate purity aspects at our core. It might just work, and we kind of spooked it now," Riseth said, still indignantly pouting at his earlier comment. With a sigh, Alistair relented, and they revealed themselves, slowly approaching the beast. It eyed them suspiciously before attacking in a flash of light originating from its horn, slicing the rock they had been hiding behind in half as both evaded the attack. Alistair tried to restrain the unicorn with his telekinesis, but it somehow slipped free and dashed away, fleeing deeper into the forest as they pursued. The chase didn''t last long; the unicorn jumped into a rift in space and vanished. Alistair and Riseth stopped in front of the rift, inspecting it closely, their Dungeon Sense ringing as they did. Alistair called back King, who reported not seeing any beasts out of the ordinary. The wyvern arrived shortly after, and Alistair stored him. "Pretty sure this is a Dungeon Realm of sorts. Now we only need to figure out if it is instanced or not," Alistair commented after circling around the rift once. There were different types of dungeons: those that spread in real space and those that created their own pocket realms or rifts. It wasn''t uncommon for dungeons to form their own realms, as they rarely enjoyed their surroundings enough to expand in real space. Among these realms, the most important distinction was whether or not they had multiple instances of themselves. Instanced dungeons were preferable because they endlessly cycled, allowing people to enter without worrying about others missing out, as there were endless instances to farm. These instances existed as long as any dungeoneer stayed within them. Non-instanced dungeons meant everyone entered the same space; those were usually much larger, with more powerful beasts and an increased respawn rate of monsters. However, they could never keep up with the farming efficiency and perks of an instanced dungeon. "Considering the unicorn left and returned to the dungeon, it''s unlikely to be instanced since they usually can''t return to their original instance," Riseth observed. "One can hope," Alistair replied. "An instanced dungeon containing unicorns with even a sliver of luck affinity is something larger multiverse factions would wage war over." Riseth frowned at the realization. "That''s not a good thing!" Alistair smiled at her. "It just means we need to get strong enough before the bridge properly establishes." Riseth let out a soft groan. "Fine. You go in first; I''ll wait ten minutes before following. That way, we know for sure whether or not it is instanced." Viv melded out of a shadow nearby and jumped onto Alistair''s shoulder as he walked toward the dungeon rift. "I think we should enter together. There might be a title associated with entering and discovering a natural dungeon nobody else has. We can check if it is instanced at any time," Alistair said, stopping a few meters short and stretching his hand out toward Riseth. Riseth took his hand. "Good call," she said as she stepped up next to him. He was sure this wouldn''t be the last dungeon they discovered, and they would have plenty of opportunities to get that title if there were any. Still, there was no reason to miss out right now, either. Stepping through the rift together, Alistair sensed the familiar darkness take over before he found himself in an environment quite similar to the one they had just left, but he couldn''t appreciate the sight as he felt intense bloodlust directed at them before the unicorn they had chased back into the dungeon assaulted them. Alistair and Riseth teleported apart to evade the attack while Viv jumped into a nearby shadow as the unicorn spun its head, sending a sickle of golden light flying at Riseth; the unicorn in hot pursuit, incredibly enraged by Riseth''s presence. Alistair reached out with his telekinesis to restrain the beast, managing to absorb its momentum and slightly empower his telekinesis. Despite both of them having a purity foundation, to a unicorn, a succubus must be the vilest thing imaginable. The unicorn reared and struggled against Alistair''s telekinesis, which strained to hold it in place. Riseth spun around, her bone blades plunging into the beast''s neck. Milky silvery blood flowed from its wounds as Riseth twisted the blades, ripping open the unicorn''s neck. Despite Alistair''s best efforts to fix the beast in place, it continued to slash at Riseth with its horn. He suspected its luck and purity concepts were working against his powers, shrugging off his attempts. Alistair was sure his own luck, and affinity were the only reasons he could restrain the beast at all, as it felt remarkably similar to fighting against the freedom of movement enchantment. While he struggled, Viv pounced out of a nearby shadow, her claws extending to a set of four large void blades as she tore a chunk out of the Unicorn''s flesh before diving back into a shadow. To Alistair''s shock, Riseth''s bone blades transformed into circular bone saws, rapidly spinning and starting to sever the beast''s head. The unicorn began to thrash wildly, forcing Alistair to exert his full focus, strength, and skill to restrain and press down on it, occasionally almost slipping as he still lacked proficiency while Viv kept her distance. Riseth finished her gruesome work, and the unicorn collapsed, followed by a series of chimes. Alistair looked at Riseth''s weapons in shock, and she just shrugged. "It''s the weapon spirit I imbued into the paired blades," Riseth explained, also looking mildly surprised. "It''s its way of trying to be useful." The weapon then transformed back into simple short bone blades, abandoning its previously complex form. Alistair, who had previously thought the weapon spirit slightly overpriced for what it did, reevaluated his opinion as he turned to read the notifications.

Notifications: You have discovered a Natural Dungeon for the first time. Special conditions met: You are the first to enter this dungeon, and a suitable title for upgrade has been found. The Title [Tomb Raider] has been Upgraded to [Veteran Tomb Raider] [Level 116 reached. Stat points allocated, free stat points available.] -

Titles: Tier: [Rare] Name: Veteran Tomb Raider Effect: Provides the [Dungeon Sense] Skill. Origin: Originally obtained for being the first to conquer a high-difficulty artificial dungeon of a lost civilization. Upgraded through continued exploration of never-seen-before dungeons. -

Skills: Tier: [Rare] Name: Dungeon Sense Description: Allows the user to determine the presence or absence of a Dungeon and its rough location at a much larger range. The user benefits from increased awareness of traps and treasures within dungeons. Improved sense of direction within dungeons. All mentioned benefits scale moderately with the [Sense] stat.
Alistair read over his notifications as Riseth stored the body of the slain unicorn. The fact that the unicorn didn''t warrant a notification suggested it wasn''t one of the guardians. He also noted that the Dungeon Sense skill he had miserably failed to upgrade now promised a much larger range of detection. He was curious about how significant this increase would be, as before, the skill only alerted him to the presence of dungeons on a planet or in the vicinity of space and when he was almost directly in front of one. The increased scaling to moderate might also help a lot. There were other things to consider, but for now, he carefully scanned his surroundings as he didn''t want to get ambushed again. Chapter 161: Forging Tides Once Alistair was sure there weren''t any hidden monsters waiting to ambush them, he stepped out until he could confirm that the dungeon wasn''t cycling and that this wasn''t an instanced dungeon. He also noted the lack of a Dungeon event window. This wasn¡¯t surprising, given that it was a natural dungeon and they were the first to enter it. Over time, older or more intelligent dungeons could create scenarios or conditions, but this dungeon seemed relatively inexperienced, with its intelligence still unknown. Determining the intelligence of the core was one of their next objectives, as it could vary widely. He had read extensively about Dungeon core intelligence, finding that some cores were exceptionally intelligent while others were as dumb as rocks... literally. Occasionally, these cores even claimed to be reincarnated beings. Whether this was a System-deployed measure to help cores cope or give them specific personalities remained unknown, as these reincarnated cores never remembered their names or planets of the origin or they stated names and places that couldn''t be found anywhere in the multiverse, making it hard to impossible to verify their claims. Some of these assertions even sparked religions centered around reincarnation. This was further complicated by some cores creating entire sapient species that often worshipped them and helped the core eventually advance to godhood. Alistair found the whole topic incredibly fascinating and spent much of his free time reading history books on different cores, their accomplishments, and their actions. Another important point was that dungeon cores could generate near-endless amounts of mana out of seemingly nothing, giving credence to believers that cores were people or, at the very least, a type of beast. Cores have various methods for generating energy, the most powerful and prevalent being from the delvers who enter them. What¡¯s intriguing is that this energy collection doesn¡¯t seem to drain the mana of the delvers themselves. Other common methods include gathering emotional energy, harnessing energy from treasures, or through combat within the dungeon itself. Regardless of the type of energy generation¡ªwhether internal or external¡ªall dungeon cores grow stronger over time, especially when delved regularly. Some scholars have even speculated that cores receive titles and rewards from the system for hosting, interacting with, defeating, or even slaying delvers, which encourages a form of symbiosis between dungeons and delvers. Well-managed dungeons often become valuable assets for factions, providing a steady, endless supply of materials, records, and treasures. However, improperly managed cores could wither and die, essentially committing suicide especially when the core had been subdued. Since this dungeon lacked a scenario, it meant they would need to defeat its defenders, commonly called guardians, scions, or dungeon bosses, to complete the dungeon. Finding the core to subdue the dungeon wasn''t guaranteed either, as many cores hid themselves incredibly well, while others positioned themselves in seats of power and significance, generally at the end of the dungeon. As Alistair stepped out of the dense golden forest and overlooked the golden plains, with another large forest and a megafauna version of the golden oak at its center, he felt confident he would find the core there. His confidence grew when he spotted a large marble-like structure surrounding the foot of the massive tree. Riseth stepped up next to Alistair and whistled as they both gazed at the massive expanse laid out before them. ¡°Such a stunning view. I doubt an unintelligent core could create something so beautiful,¡± Riseth remarked, admiring the scenery. Alistair nodded. ¡°I agree. There¡¯s a sense of design here, structured but still natural. A less intelligent core would have settled for a basic cave, only evolving as it ages.¡± ¡°I loved reading about the different cores and how they function,¡± Riseth added with a smile. ¡°Though I wish we had more detailed books on the magical processes behind them.¡± ¡°That would be amazing,¡± Alistair said, returning her smile. ¡°It¡¯s definitely one of the more interesting reads.¡± Riseth nodded eagerly and pointed at some moving forms in the distance. "Seems like unicorns are one of the more common monsters in this dungeon. I see multiple small herds ranging from one to three unicorns." While not numerous, unicorns were reasonably powerful. Having them as one of the more common beasts in this dungeon was great news, as their materials were incredibly valuable. As Alistair looked around, he noticed a griffin subspecies flying through the sky. However, instead of eagle and lions'' bodies, these had some unknown type of golden peafowl and Jaguar-like body adorned with a mix of gold, black, and white feathers. The griffins had elaborate golden manes with black feathers standing on end like a crown, and peafowl-like tail feathers with occasional long separate feathers ending in gold and black. They looked almost more decorative than dangerous, which made Alistair wonder about the personality of the core. It seemed to prefer creating beautiful and fanciful beasts over vicious and threatening ones. Identifying one of them at this distance let Alistair know it was a [Asarian Suncrest Griffin - lvl 121]. "Alistair nodded thoughtfully. "These creatures are quite powerful based on their levels. We should consider fortifying the area around the dungeon. We don''t want griffins and unicorns of that caliber causing havoc on our planet." "We could set up an illusionary array to conceal the dungeon exit," Riseth suggested. "Unless the dungeon itself intervenes and guides the monsters, that should be sufficient to keep them contained." "Which means we need to understand the dungeon''s personality," Alistair mused, eyeing the extravagant surroundings. "It seems to favor golden and ornate aesthetics." "I''m honestly impressed that the core managed to make all this look so good without the golden decorations appearing gaudy," Riseth remarked. Alistair continued to scan the surroundings, gazing toward the horizon that seemed to stretch endlessly, interspersed with fields, hills, and forests. He noted some birch-like trees mixed in with the oak-like trees but couldn''t spot any other monster types. They would need to thoroughly explore the area to locate treasures and points of interest where valuable materials might be harvested.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. "We should save that palace structure around the massive tree for last. Let''s see what we can find elsewhere first. Plus, I''m itching to try out my new sword," Alistair said. Although Alistair had been practicing his telekinesis a lot lately, he felt it was time to get back into the thick of things and test out that new weapon he got. Riseth was the first to take off toward a group of three unicorns, and Alistair summoned King to cover them and shred apart any suncrest griffins that might intervene. As he pondered the potential materials they could obtain from the griffins, he realized they could potentially be tamed and used as common summons for their clan. However, he wasn''t sure the overly fancy-looking beasts were the right fit, but they could potentially still sell them. As for the other known beasts, having unicorns would undoubtedly attract unwanted attention. As they approached, Alistair conjured Forging Tides, the bone handle wrapped in the blue sash feeling comfortable in his hands. He attempted to charge a blast through the blade, and at its tip, his Qi rapidly transformed from its usual kinetic charge into densely packed water. As soon as the unicorns noticed their approach and began to charge, Alistair shot the water blast at the leading unicorn. Although it did solid damage, the beast shrugged off the attack, as it was quite underpowered compared to his regular kinetic blast. He then switched to ice, directing his intent to elongate the sphere as he dodged the incoming golden sickles racing towards them. Meanwhile, Riseth had teleported behind the two leading beasts, plunging her bone blades into the last of the creatures. The blades transformed into chainsaws, ripping and tearing into the beasts to devastating effect.
The beasts nearly halted their charge, spinning their heads around to witness their fellow creature being torn asunder by Riseth as King swooped in and took another beast out of the equation. His powerful talons ground the unicorn into the dirt, his sharp claws threatening to rip the unfortunate beast apart as he brought down his powerful jaws on its neck. Alistair wasn''t in a rush as he still tried to figure out the spell structure; his usual stake blast variant didn''t seem to click into place as smoothly as he had expected. However, it was a minor fix. He let the densely packed ice take over the shell of his arcane construct, disregarding the need for it to be contained by a sphere of force. The ice lance shot out, a long, sharp shard impaling the beast''s shoulder. Despite the injury, the beast powered through, intent on taking down Alistair. Almost casually, he managed to keep his distance, the beast unable to restrict his teleportation. As he dodged, Alistair fiddled with different arcane structures, experimenting with his Battle Spheres skill to see if he could channel and shoot ice lances through the blade. He noticed Riseth and King, who had both taken down their respective beasts, exchange a look. Riseth shook her head while King let out a grumble as they watched him fight. Alistair didn''t feel pressured; this was worthwhile practice. He hadn''t even begun to explore the more interesting applications of Forging Tides'' enchantment, as he had a potentially devastating move in mind. Battle Spheres were merely the next step after a single blast. After a few minutes, guided by the blade''s enchantment and his own experience, he managed to manifest the Battle Sphere skill, and it orbited around the blade instead of him. He rapidly shot icy lances and then water bullets at the beast, which quickly healed itself. Alistair let it, finding near-mindless Dungeon beasts perfect for practice. He didn''t feel guilty using them this way; unless they were subdued and bonded as Summons, they had barely any personality beyond following the dungeon core''s orders and killing intruders to gain rewards from the system. While keeping the beast at bay with teleportation, Alistair checked his skills. Although they hadn''t upgraded, both his Blast Master and Battle Sphere skills had an additional line mentioning the use of equipment, allowing for additional Compound skills. Notably, Ice Lance and Water Blast were highlighted with an asterisk. However, Ice Lance hadn''t integrated with Blast Master, as it wasn''t compatible with it because it was not a blast. He was confident that if he contained cold instead of ice, he could make it work, but that was far down on his list of priorities. He glanced at his companions and saw they had grown impatient watching him experiment with magic. They had already moved on to hunt other nearby packs of beasts. King had taken on a small group of Suncrest Griffins, while Riseth had engaged a duo of Unicorns by herself. Alistair noticed another lone griffin heading toward King to aid its brethren. It was almost too perfect a target for his next experiment. A wicked smile crossed his face as he sidestepped and lashed out with his blade, decapitating the unicorn that had charged him. The blade passed through the beast with almost no resistance, and it tumbled a few more meters. He hadn''t expected it to cut this sharply and looked at the blade in wonder; it was far sharper than his poleaxe. However, that usually wasn''t an issue as it meant he had an easier time feeling the momentum and kinetic energy of an attack. Pointing his blade skyward toward the griffin, Alistair activated an aspect of a skill that had previously been useless due to his lack of affinity and the power of the attack. Light manipulation, particularly the beam, had been underwhelming, but he knew just how powerful a beam of light could be from fighting Savagio. The question now was whether the beam would retain its speed despite having its concept converted. It had been the case with his blasts, but if this worked, and he could channel light through Forging Tides and utilize its built in high affinity and physical nature, the resulting attack would be... Alistair watched as the griffin was sliced in half by a thin beam of water arcing out at almost imperceptible speed. An incredibly loud crack rang out due to the beam''s immense speed as it penetrated the beast''s defenses after mere seconds of resistance, cutting it cleanly in half. This drew the attention of both King and Riseth, who stared at him in disbelief. But he wasn''t done. He summoned his Battle Spheres skill, which he had already practiced shooting multiple beams of light with, though its power had been too weak to use effectively before. Now, six beams of water lanced out, cutting the Suncrest Griffons into ribbons. The water beams, while not at the speed of light, still moved at incredible velocity, and their ability to maintain physical form made them highly effective. It was probably for the best, considering the catastrophic devastation a light-speed water beam would cause. Alistair knew that creatures with strong defenses could likely withstand or shrug off the attack, thanks to their magical and physical resistances, among other factors. His kinetic blasts packed far more raw power but were much slower¡ªand unlike the water beams, he hadn¡¯t yet managed to shape his kinetic attacks into a continuous beam and wasn''t sure it was a good idea to begin with. That made the water beams particularly valuable. Their sheer speed and high artificial affinity made them nearly impossible to dodge as they could track targets incredibly well, posing a deadly challenge to fast but lightly armored enemies. King could likely handle them, though; his inherent magic resistance, thick skin, barriers, and armor plates would easily absorb the hit. While he had seen people make incredible use of seemingly simple magic enchantments, this put things into perspective as he felt like he had not tried hard enough to acquire or create magic items. He needed Denodia to upgrade his weapon to allow the conversion to harness his kinetic affinity as soon as possible. This would probably make him even more of a menace within his own Grade. Alistair stared at the blade in his hands as he felt King approach and Riseth teleport next to him, looking intently at him. Chapter 162: Exploring the Dungeon Alistair wore a satisfied expression while Riseth looked at him and the blade curiously, and King radiated some annoyance. "Sorry, I won''t steal your kills again," Alistair reassured King, who let out a rumbling huff. "You better not," King replied, and Alistair couldn''t quite tell if the wyvern was joking or serious. Riseth started tapping her foot impatiently. "Well? How the hell did you manage to break what looked like simple enchantments?" She inquired over their Akashic Link. Alistair knew the dungeon could likely observe everything within the dungeons, and depending on how intelligent it was, they shouldn''t be talking aloud too much. He chuckled before responding. "I was curious whether I could convert the beam of light from my Light Manipulation skill into water using the enchantment, and the answer is a resounding yes." Riseth''s eyes lit up with a competitive gleam as she covered her mouth with her hand and began pacing. "That''s brilliant! Do you think Denodia could create some turrets with similar properties?" she asked, excitement bubbling in her tone. Alistair loved the idea but doubted Denodia could create the enchantments on a large scale. He suspected they required powerful materials to make the turrets as effective as his new blade. He shook his head. "That''s a good idea," Alistair said, "but I suspect the lack of power behind the attack, plus the material costs, would make mass production for turrets impractical. We might manage to create a few if we provide the right materials or advance our understanding of enchantments. Still, they''d likely be useless underwater, so their only practical use would be for defending Lacustrine." "True, but these unicorns have a light concept, which might help with that. Plus, we''re on an archipelago planet. There¡¯s bound to be some water treasures or beasts we could use. Denodia had to have gotten the materials for that blade from somewhere," Riseth pointed out. "It¡¯s worth exploring. The problem with the unicorns is that their concepts are too layered. Refining them for turrets would be difficult, and we''d lose out on their luck concept¡ªwhich is just too valuable to waste on this. Fueling and finding suitable treasures to power and build the turrets isn''t an issue, but the real concern is the turrets¡¯ stopping power in the long run. We¡¯d need to find a way to enhance and empower the beam to make sure it¡¯s effective," Alistair added, thoughtfully scratching his chin. King, who grew bored, spotted another group of griffins and chose to engage them, leaving them to their musings. "This dungeon loves shiny stuff. There might be another beast using light concepts," Riseth said, hopefully stretching her arms out, indicating their surroundings. "Yeah, let''s keep looking, but we should stick together. Taking this dungeon for granted could cost us dearly," Alistair responded and sent King and Viv a similar message to stay close. Riseth nodded in agreement, and they headed toward the forest beyond the meadow. Alistair''s conceptual awareness didn''t highlight any of the flowers, no matter how pretty or elaborate they were. However, the entire area was infused with elevated atmospheric mana, as everything within the dungeon had been artificially created by the core''s magic. This technically made everything a treasure of sorts, though most of them were hardly worth their time. As they reached the forest, it didn''t take them long to spot the next beast: a silvery, T-shaped insect with incredibly thin, spindly legs. Its wings were hidden beneath the top of the T shape, while its body was encased in the perpendicular section of sturdy, silvery chitin that protected its main form. Using their Identify skill on the dog-sized beast, they learned that the insect was a [Silverspine Stenac - lvl 70]. Before they could inspect the beast more closely or discuss it among themselves, the beast extracted its mosquito-like stinger from the trunk of the tree, silvery liquid dripping off its stinger as it tried to flee from them at incredible speeds. Alistair barely managed to restrain the beast with his Telekinesis skill as it struggled in vain to escape his grasp. Alistair had to restrain himself, not to crush the fragile creature accidentally. He brought it closer for them to inspect. "Quite weak compared to the other beasts," Riseth remarked. "Also, what''s that silvery stuff? I doubt the dungeon would create something that would weaken or damage its own environment." Alistair flipped the beast over, examining its body, a large portion of which seemed to be one large, elongated sack containing more of the silvery liquid and protected by the silvery chitin. "That''s because this is likely the opposite," Alistair responded through their Akashic link. Riseth looked at him curiously, waiting for him to expand on his comment. "More intelligent dungeon cores can create beings not meant for combat but to cultivate the environment or produce treasures, some of which grow old and intelligent enough to become sapient species. On my planet, we have bees, incredibly helpful insects we''ve domesticated to produce honey, and this could be something like this." "You mentioned something like that and that you failed to find any suitable bees on Earth to bring along," Riseth said, nodding along. "Yeah, I presume Sol has claimed most of them and uses them to create some kind of treasure, maybe his ambrosia, but that''s just a guess," Alistair explained. Riseth looked at the creature, still struggling within Alistair''s telekinetic grasp. "We should release it and follow it; perhaps it has a hive of sorts where they store that liquid of theirs; we can then harvest some of it and have our craftspeople figure out what it is." Riseth sugguested.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Alistair considered the suggestion and nodded, releasing the Silverspine, which raced away. Both he and Riseth turned invisible and pursued the insect as it rushed deeper into the forest. Before they could see what the creature was trying to reach, King reached out through his Summoner''s skill. "Watch out. There are multiple hives of these insects right ahead of you, and they seem agitated by my presence even from this distance," King warned. Alistair relayed the information, and they stopped chasing the insect, which dashed toward a thirty-meter-tall obelisk-shaped structure riddled with entry points, each slightly dripping with the silvery liquid. Countless Silverspines circled around the obelisk in a dazzling display, forming perfect silver rings. It appeared they were either guarding their hive or performing some sort of refinement technique, as Alistair sensed a magical interaction between the coordinated display and the obelisk. Scanning the obelisks and their guardians, Alistair didn''t find any Silverspine Stenac higher than level 75. They presumably relied on their numbers to fight, and Alistair had noted that their T-shaped wing guard had been rather sharp, which was presumably their primary way of attacking. Alistair felt very confident they could handle them; neither he nor Riseth had anything to worry about at their level of power as they could shrug off most, if not everything, these beasts could throw at them with their powerful defensive skills. "Let''s not piss the dungeon off too badly. We''ll just take a bit of that silvery liquid and have our crafters figure out if it''s worth harvesting," Alistair said aloud, confident the Core was watching them. Riseth tilted her head before replying, "Alright, but you go fetch that stuff then." Alistair groaned but nodded. He sent a message to Viv to stick close to Riseth and not follow him and to King not to attack until he did. Maintaining his invisibility, he flew toward the nearest obelisk hive and began telekinetically extracting the liquid, storing it. However, his invisibility proved insufficient as the hive quickly noticed his presence and actions. The Silverspines swarmed around him, their sharp wings slicing through the air at high speed. Despite their efforts, all they managed to do was fuel his kinetic storage, as they lacked the power to penetrate his Kinetic Skinguard skill. Undeterred, the swarm continued their assault. Once Alistair had gained enough distance and accumulated kinetic energy, he unleashed most of it in a kinetically charged shockwave, pushing the swarm away and killing most of the insects close to him. Although this hardly dissuaded the dungeon beasts from attacking, it cleared his vision, allowing him to see again. King, who took this as a sign that he was clear to attack, unleashed his sonic beam, carving through what was left of the swarm in short order. Satisfied with their gains so far, they continued scanning the various meadows, forests, and hills for more treasures and beasts. Initially, they only encountered reddish bronze-colored birds with long tail feathers and crests atop their heads. These birds weren''t combative and scattered whenever they approached. Alistair wasn''t sure of their purpose within the dungeon but half suspected they were there just to ''look good.'' However, he gave the core the benefit of the doubt and considered the possibility that they served as scouts outside the dungeon. The inner workings of a dungeon and its advancement weren''t well understood because of the System-enforced secrecy, preventing even friendly cores from sharing their insights. However, a prevalent theory suggested that the baseline of the beasts available to a core over time was at least semi-random, with the core having free rein to modify them before placing spawn points in their dungeon. Picky dungeons often refused to use most of the offered baseline creatures, instead investing their energy into fewer creatures and heavily modifying the baselines of the ones they preferred. This approach typically led to less diversity but resulted in stronger or more interesting monsters, usually indicating an intelligent core or one with very set preferences. In contrast, less intelligent and less picky dungeons spawned whatever creatures they received without much modification, leading to a more diverse and numerous but generally weaker population of beasts. Picky cores generally loved to work with specific themes, aesthetics, and beast types, spending considerable energy transforming whatever creatures they had to match their vision. Examples include dungeons that focus on creating only one type of beast, like serpents, constructs, or draconic creatures. Others prefer certain concepts and fashion their environments and beasts accordingly. Alistair was quite certain this dungeon was very picky and had a specific aesthetic it aimed for, a suspicion reinforced by the lack of diverse beast types they encountered. Dungeons like this were usually easier to manipulate if you worked within their framework and made suggestions that aligned with the core''s sensibilities while also being advantageous to you. Alistair could think of many ways to influence this core''s growth and decided it was time for them to try and find its core and determine its exact personality and intelligence. "I think we''ve seen all this dungeon has to offer on its outskirts," Alistair mused over the Akashic link. "I agree. Let''s go storm the castle," Riseth replied with a toothy smile. As expected, it didn''t take much to convince Riseth, who frequently glanced at the massive tree in the distance, to stop their exploration. They had encountered the same beasts repeatedly for the last few hours, and Alistair was almost certain that some of them weren''t even new packs but respawns of the same ones. They flew on King''s back, effortlessly cutting apart any suncrest griffins bold enough to try and stop them. It quickly became apparent that the white marble-like structure they had seen was a massive palace at the foot of the colossal golden oak tree. Alistair''s stored knowledge of dungeons suggested that this tree wasn''t a world tree yet; it would take much more effort and time from the core to make it one. Nevertheless, the progress was already impressive and very apparent. The core must have spent a significant portion of its energy income on cultivating the tree. "Look, I think the core is panicking," Riseth said over their connection and pointed at the packs of unicorns and suncrest griffins that headed towards the palace, presumably to defend the core. "That''s just gonna make hunting them easier," Alistair commented aloud. As they grew closer, they found that the unicorns had grouped up in a formation led by a much larger unicorn, whereas the suncrest griffins had joined a white wyvern at the top of the palace structures dome. "Those must be its guardians," Riseth commented, drawing her blades. Alistair did the same, focusing on the white wyvern. According to his Identify skill, it was a [Gividian Wyvern - lvl 150], making it by far the strongest beast present. The wyvern looked somewhat unusual; it lacked feathers or scales, with its entire body appearing leathery and muscle-bound. A long tail ended in a decorative leathery flap. Its head and maw were smaller than those of most wyverns and more draconic in appearance when compared to King. Instead of horns, it had a golden growth that protected its head and neck. The wing and foot claws were golden as well, more ornate than sharp and wicked-looking. The same golden plating that protected its head and neck was interspersed across its leathery body, protecting its vitals. Alistair could sense King''s eagerness to fight the other wyvern. Despite being at a lower level, he could clearly tell King was confident he could take on the guardian. "How about I clean up those griffins while you handle the Guardian Wyvern?" Alistair suggested to King, whose excitement noticeably grew. Alistair chuckled and looked at Viv, concerned about her safety in such a chaotic battle with so many potentially higher-level forces. But Viv, for her part, jumped into his shadow in a stubborn display. "Alright, fine, you can fight, but only if you stay in my shadow," he relented. Riseth patted his shoulder, an eager smile on her face. "I think it''s time to let Fluffy out too. She''s been too broody for a while now; it''s time for her to come out and play." Chapter 163: Fighting the Guardians While Alistair aimed Forging Tides at the monsters on the roof, summoning his Battle Spheres skill to unleash his new Waterflash Beams compound skill and slice through the griffins, Riseth descended into the formation of unicorns. The unicorns shot golden sickles at her, but she effortlessly dodged and teleported out of harm''s way. Alistair''s beams tore through a few of the griffins, wounding others, but the Wyvern reacted swiftly, summoning a barrier of holy light. The shimmering dome encapsulated both the Wyvern and the remaining griffins, deflecting Alistair''s attacks with ease. Holy concept? Alistair mused before he glanced at the battle below for a moment before engaging the rest of the griffons. Riseth had, in the meantime, reached the unicorn formation and unleashed Fluffy, who instantly grew larger, her body coiling among the unicorns like a serpent in battle. Lightning crackled off her feathered hide, sending shocks rippling through their ranks. Fluffy sank her teeth into one of the unicorns, injecting it with venom as it buckled beneath her grip. At the same time, Riseth''s bladed tail chain and bone blades lashed out rippling with space magic, ripping and slicing into the closest unicorns. Meanwhile, King hadn¡¯t been idle. He unleashed his Sonic Beam on the dome protecting the wyvern and its allies. The barrier strained, darkening under the force as King closed in, his glowing talons crashing through it. The once-gleaming shield blackened and began to melt away as it shattered completely. Without hesitation, King¡¯s Talon shot toward the leathery gividian wyvern¡¯s armored neck. The wyvern twisted away with surprising agility, retaliating with a beam of holy light, but King deflected the attack with a barrier of his own. Alistair didn''t have the luxury to watch the battle unfold. He teleported into the thickest cluster of griffins, lashing out with his blade and killing two before they could retaliate. Their claws scraped helplessly against his defenses, and a sphere charged with kinetic energy sprang from his body. Viv seized the opportunity, void magic and shadows enveloping Alistair as she lashed out, extending her void claws to slice through the skull of a beast. The griffin recoiled with a shocked screech before Alistair finished it off with a kinetic blast from his free hand, blasting its head off as it went limp. Alistair sidestepped a magic-infused peck and retaliated with a swift slash of his blade, aiming to decapitate the beast. But he misjudged the angle, and the griffin''s erratic movements caused the blade to lodge in its ribs. Viv quickly stepped in, her void-infused claws slicing cleanly through the creature, allowing Alistair to free his trapped blade. With a quick forceful telekinetic punch, he sent another griffin, eager to exploit his stumble, flying off the palace rooftop. Alistair clicked his tongue in frustration, recognizing the shortcomings in his swordsmanship. He admitted to himself that he relied more on sheer power, battle experience, various skills, and the quality of his weapon than any natural talent with a blade. These issues were less apparent when he wielded his poleaxe, a weapon with which he had a better sense of range and angles. His Temporal Combat Reflexes skill¡ªenhancing reaction time, spatial awareness, and even time dilation¡ªhelped him compensate, allowing for more precise strikes even when his execution faltered. However, the absence of his Kinetic Poleaxe Proficiency was far more noticeable than he had anticipated. It was becoming clear that he needed formal training from a weapon expert, as rising through the ranks would demand more than raw power and system-granted abilities. Unless he was willing to abandon weapons and focus purely on magic¡ªwhich didn¡¯t feel like the right path for him¡ªhe would need to sharpen his skills. Alistair activated his Razor Aegis, another skill he knew he needed to upgrade but hadn''t found the time or inspiration to do so. Zathen had recommended he replace the razor concept with vorpal, though Alistair had a much harder time envisioning it. He wasn''t sure if this was due to a lack of affinity for the concept. It didn''t make sense, as Zathen wouldn''t suggest a concept that was less suitable for him than the razor concept he already used. Perhaps it was similar to the control concept, inherently more challenging to master. Thinking of it as a higher-tier concept didn''t feel right either. Many believed this, but Mitania firmly stated it was incorrect. Each concept had its own strengths, aspects, and relationships to others. While some concepts were generally considered more desirable, powerful, and rare, anyone could achieve remarkable results with any concept. Without the protection of the Gividian wyvern, the griffins fell quickly. The Razor Disks made short work of the remaining griffins, efficiently slicing through them. King was engaged in a fierce battle with the guardian wyvern, his body covered in burn marks and scrapes. In contrast, the once-pristine white wyvern was now battered, its red blood staining its skin, and its golden plating cracked and broken in many places. It had a noticeable limp but was still nimble, deftly evading many of King''s more telegraphed attacks. Alistair''s Conceptual Awareness skill revealed that the wyvern was rapidly healing itself. Despite its injuries, the gividian remained agile, dodging King¡¯s larger strikes, aiming to outlast the more violent and annoyed grikad. King pressed his advantage relentlessly. His long, blade-like tail, charged with magical energy, lashed out in a vicious spin, nearly severing the other wyvern¡¯s left wing. The guardian wyvern barely managed to pull back, retaliating with a beam of holy light from its maw. King countered with his own sonic beam, and the two attacks collided with a deafening bang. The air rippled from the force of the clash, but King steadily, then suddenly, overwhelmed the guardian¡¯s beam. He came dangerously close to blowing its head off, stripping away most of its golden armor. In a flash, King teleported forward, clamping his massive jaws down on the wyvern¡¯s head, shaking it violently before tearing it clean off, spine and all, basking in his victory for a moment before storing the head in his storage, presumably as a trophy. "God damn!" Alistair whispered under his breath, recoiling slightly at the gruesome display.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. His initial thoughts on the gividian Wyvern being useful for materials and as a summon were pushed to the back of his mind as he witnessed the brutal scene. King let out a victorious roar, placing his claw on the fallen guardian''s body and spreading his wings in a fearsome display. Desily had a point; King was indeed a terrifying beast. Alistair decided to let King have his moment of triumph and returned to the edge of the building, curious to see how Riseth and Fluffy were faring.
Riseth sliced into another unicorn, redirecting some of their golden sickles back at them using her Veil of Space skill. As her blade pierced the unicorn''s flesh, it transformed into chainsaws, ripping and tearing through the beast. The weapon spirit she had purchased was surprisingly vicious for something labeled as ''helpful'' in the trial reward section. It responded to her intent easily, but she found it most effective when she let the spirit act on its own, especially once reinforced with her Warping Blades skill. She glanced at her summon, Fluffy, who was roiling through the herd of unicorns. Fluffy was busy chomping down on one unicorn and flicked another away with her massive tail as lightning flashed imparing the movement of many of the attacking beasts. Riseth knew Fluffy would have rather stayed in her shard as she had been reclusive lately, focused on mastering her polymorph skill. The serpent was determined to find the perfect form for herself, and Riseth suspected Fluffy had a few favorite shapes already, as she had shown her some but was still reluctant to commit to any one of them. Riseth''s attention shifted as the leader of the unicorns'' horn glowed with golden light, and the wounds of all the beasts began knitting themselves together, even regrowing limbs she had chopped off moments ago. Well, that''s annoying, she thought before teleporting and plunging her blades into the back of the unicorn leader. The lead unicorn bucked, and before Riseth or her blades could react, a shockwave of mana drove her back, forcing her to leap off the beast''s back. Her Battle Intuition skill had warned her that staying in her Ethereal Shift skill that would have turned her incorporeal wouldn''t have helped. Quickly recovering, she bombarded the beast with a rapid stream of Arcane Bolts fired from her bone blades, which had rapidly transformed into sharp-looking, jagged bone pistols in an effort to empower her attacks. The explosions riddled the guardian''s neck and body, throwing it off its legs. Though the unicorn visibly began to heal, Riseth intervened by using her Healing Manipulation skill offensively. The beast''s flesh became misshapen, with painful, spiky, and frayed bone growths appearing where there shouldn''t have been any, causing the unicorn to neigh in agony and halting its regeneration. Riseth hadn''t had many opportunities to use this skill outside of arena battles, but it had proven to be a valuable tool. The skill upgraded to the supreme tier once she incorporated its offensive capabilities. Though she suspected she could have gotten there by improving the healing aspects of the skill, she still needed to get the hang of dulling the pain her type of healing inflicted. The sheer pain seemed to overwhelm the guardian. Riseth seized the opportunity, teleporting back into the fray with her tail equipped with the bladed sepaskerite chain. The chain quickly wrapped around the beast''s neck, ripping and tearing as her blades did much the same once more transformed into vicious chainsaws. Riseth wondered if the weapon spirit had gotten the idea from watching her bladed chain or had copied it off one of the weapons James had made for some of their lawyers, but based on the timing, the weapon spirit had first shown that form, it was likely the latter. The guardian unicorn died collapsing under Riseth''s foot, and Fluffy had by now killed most of the other unicorns by poisoning them and thrashing about with her lightning-coated body, some wounds covering her body as the unicorns had managed to get through her tough scales. Looking up, Riseth noticed Alistair watching their fight, his task apparently complete, while King''s triumphant roar echoed from out of sight. She waved at Alistair, and he waved back with that wide, excited smile of his.
Once they had collected the remaining bodies and stored their summons, Alistair and Riseth prepared to head inside the palace. Alistair speculated whether the dungeon core had laid traps within the palace, but he doubted it. Such tactics didn''t align with what they had observed so far unless they involved some kind of golden saw blade or a massive golden boulder falling on them. Nonetheless, he kept a keen eye out for any unusual magical signatures that might indicate hidden dangers within the structure. As they walked through the richly engraved marble-like halls, they drew closer to the center and the large golden oak. Some of the pillars had become overgrown with plants, though in an almost decorative manner, with roots and vine-like plants becoming more and more prominent. The corridors and halls were well lit by circular windows, letting in the artificial sunlight from the outside. Riseth suddenly stopped and inspected one of the more colorful purple vines that radiated a more complex mana signature but nothing extraordinary. "What is it?" Alistair asked, also inspecting the plant with his Identify skill, which told him it was an [Imp Vine]. "This is imp vine! It''s one of the ingredients needed for the enlightenment pill, which we didn''t buy because it''s a very common plant in the multiverse," Riseth said excitedly, carefully cutting the stem to harvest the plant. "Oh, that''s great!" Alistair replied. He would have overlooked it, assuming it was just another low-tier herbal ingredient like so many they had found before. He appreciated Riseth''s keen eye for detail. The Enlightenment Pill recipe was something she had fought hard to convince her sister to acquire from the Trial rewards. In the end, Nessyra had agreed to get the recipe and the more rare ingredients required. They had compromised by not getting the lower tier and more common ingredients required for the pill. Hoping to either acquire them later or have their alchemists find suitable substitute ingredients. Finding the imp vine here would simplify the process for the alchemists quite a bit. It would also make for a great decorative plant, Alistair mused as he started to help her harvest the rest of the imp vine within the corridor. As they approached the center, the main corridor led them into a vast chamber, culminating in a throne room framed by two massive, twisted roots of the gargantuan golden oak. In the center, an elevated pedestal held an elongated, torso-sized bipyramid-shaped core hovering above it, resembling white marble with intricate golden veins. The core was encased in golden, root-like tendrils at both ends. Alistair had to dial back his Conceptual Awareness skill due to the overwhelming concentration of compressed mana within the core¡ªgreater than anything he had encountered, save perhaps Mitania. But what truly left both him and Riseth stunned was the sight of the core wrapped in vines, with a swarm of birds desperately attempting to lift it. The largest and most striking bird, adorned in radiant gold and bronze feathers, let out a screech in an absurdly deep and booming voice, completely at odds with its appearance: "It''s too late! Please don''t kill me!" Both Alistair and Riseth stared at the scene in disbelief before Alistair blurted out, "What the hell?" Chapter 164: Everbright Dungeon The birds furiously flapped their wings, continuing their fruitless attempt at rehousing the core. The largest bird, a [Nivibil Alpha - lvl 60], puffed himself up and spread his wings, shielding the core while continuing to scream that he was going to die and begging them to spare him. Alistair and Riseth exchanged another glance, and Alistair rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Just stop. We won''t kill you or harm the core," Alistair reassured. "I... I will fight you if I have to! Don''t test me!" The deep voice of the Nivibil Alpha rang out, not listening to Alistair in his panic. Alistair looked at the bird with a raised eyebrow and was about to repeat himself when the bird went slack, its eyes glowing with a swirling white and golden coloration. Alistair recognized this as the core assuming direct control of one of its monsters. This was one of the ways a core could communicate; other common methods included having their beasts speak for them without taking direct control, telepathy, or writing messages on various surfaces within the dungeon, such as walls, floors, plaques, or stone or in rare cases modern tablets. The Nivibil stopped puffing himself out and seemed almost to hug itself with its wings as it looked at them. "You promise you won''t hurt me?" Its voice was still deep, but it had lost its previously boisterous quality. Alistair sensed worry and fear from the core-controlled bird, and its voice reflected that though it had also taken on an ethereal aspect. "Yes, we settled the planet you are located on, and you are the first Dungeon Core we found. " Alistair calmly explained. The birds stopped pulling on the vines and scattered, landing on nearby roots and roof purchases to observe the exchange. There was a pause as the core seemed to consider his words. "And you do not wish to subdue or destroy me?" the core questioned, its distrust obvious. "Clearly Quite Intelligent," Alistair mused, exchanging a look with Riseth, who seemed to share his line of thinking. "Let''s get to know each other first. My name is Alistair and this is my wife, Riseth. We are the leaders of the Ryser Clan," he continued. There was another pause, and Alistair began to wonder if the Dungeon was stalling, perhaps hoping to respawn enough beasts to thwart them or to orchestrate an escape. This would suggest it was not as intelligent as he currently believed. But then the bird spoke with a quivering voice. "I am Vaerin; at least, that''s the name I came up with." After another short pause, the core added, "Welcome to Everbright, my little piece of home." Riseth gave Vaerin a warm smile, "It''s nice to meet you, Vaerin. Can you tell us a little about yourself?" Alistair still sensed some reluctance and fear, though they had taken a backseat to curiosity and hope. The core clearly had expected them to just subdue or destroy it. From what Alistair had read, cores always had a very strong sense of self-preservation, no matter their personality or type. This usually ended with the core trying its utmost to kill or stop anyone from claiming it. It would most likely try and talk itself out of the predicament, hoping he and Riseth chose to leave it to its devices. Something he would agree to if the core could be reasoned with and had a suitable personality for cooperation. A non-subdued core had far stronger growth and more options and was less restricted by the system, so it was in both of their interests to get an amicable solution. "I don''t remember much, but I think I was an Elf princess. I died with regrets, though I can''t recall why," the core began. "It''s a core that believes itself reincarnated," Riseth said over the Akashic Link, and Alistair nodded in agreement. "Once I regained the ability to see, I found myself as a tiny rock in an unfamiliar green forest. It looked all wrong, and before I knew it, I was in the golden fields of my homeland," Vaerin continued. She then spoke of how she grew in power and understanding, learning instinctively to change the world around her and recreate it in the image of her home as best she could. There were moments she wished to share more but couldn''t, and Alistair was certain it was due to System secrecy interference. He could guess what the core wanted to convey based on his knowledge of cores. "Things were peaceful until you and your beasts arrived here," Vaerin eventually said, a hint of accusation in her tone. "Vaerin, I understand your concern but you are a dungeon now, and we are delvers. Isn''t this how its supposed to be? All your beasts will respawn and didn''t you benefit from our presence?" Alistair inquired. The core paused again. Alistair hoped this wasn''t an overly caring core. A handful of cores viewed every beast as its child or family, which made negotiating near impossible, as they almost always reacted incredibly violently. Based on their talks, he doubted it, but he had to be sure before he felt comfortable not subduing the core, leaving it to its own devices. "I suppose this means you two successfully delved into my dungeon by slaying my guardians." The Core pronounced, and Alistair received multiple notifications. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

Notifications: The Natural Dungeon Everbright has been cleared for the first time. The Dungeoneer title has been upgraded to [Dungeoneer 6] [Level 117 reached. Stat points allocated, free stat points available.]
The core must have subconsciously or purposefully set the conditions for successfully delving the dungeon as slaying its guardians. Alistair was relieved; if reaching its chambers had been the condition, it could have spelled trouble, especially if others had delved into this dungeon. He then noticed the usual loot sphere appearing in the center of the room, slightly behind them, though he decided to look at it later. "Well then, Princess Vaerin, I think it''s time for us to come to a mutually beneficial agreement," Alistair said, pausing to wait for the core to respond. When Vaerin remained silent, he continued. "We will not subdue or destroy your core, and we or members of our clan will regularly visit to talk with you and protect your dungeon from other forces that would potentially subdue or destroy you. In return, we expect you to do your best not to kill those who delve into this dungeon. I want peaceful relations between my clan and your dungeon." "I suppose this means you''ll call me a friend in name but keep me a prisoner in my own dungeon, while you continue to harvest my beasts and expect me to be content with the rewards your clan gains from delving into my dungeon while I gain the dregs of what the system rewards me with," Vaerin replied, clearly not satisfied with the arrangement. Alistair nodded, recognizing her point. It was indeed too optimistic to simply demand that a dungeon refrain from killing its delvers and tolerate their presence under threat. "If you put it that way, you''re correct. This isn''t a truly fair exchange. Do you have any strong feelings about expanding beyond your dungeon? And what do you wish in return?" The core paused longer this time. Riseth, who didn''t think her input was needed, stepped over to the loot portal, pulling out a large branch imbued with powerful growth and nature concepts. Alistair stopped observing after inspecting the branch and turned back to the core and its possessed Nvibil, clearly still mulling over how to respond. "Expansion outside my dungeon isn''t of paramount importance to me," Vaerin finally replied. "However, it will limit my ability to acquire treasures, inspiration, and new materials that I could potentially use." Dungeons often absorbed external treasures for a bit of additional mana. There were theories suggesting that dungeons could spawn items they absorbed, though no faction could prove they had successfully fed a dungeon core treasures and had it recreate them consistently. This theory only persisted because cores sometimes spawned items related or similar to the absorbed treasures, albeit inconsistently. The likelihood increased if the treasures aligned with the dungeon''s general personality and concepts. However, many claimed that it might be a coincidence or that the dungeon already had the option to spawn it and was inspired by a provided item. "How about this?" Alistair suggested. "We could provide you with offerings before every delve, things like pictures, small treasures, or something the individual thinks you would appreciate as a gift?" Alistair noticed Vaerin''s growing excitement and knew the idea strongly appealed to her. He wasn''t disappointed when the core responded. Vaerin tried to hold her composure, making it sound like a barely sufficient exchange. "This is an acceptable agreement. I will ensure there is a structure for the delvers to leave their offerings. However, expect my throne room to be off-limits." "This still feels too easy," Alistair thought. "Is there nothing else you wish in return? We benefit greatly from your presence, and I don''t want you to feel like you got tricked," Alistair added. Vaerin replied surprisingly fast. "I will keep that offer in mind, but I am satisfied with the current arrangement, I wish you farewell," she said through her bird before relinquishing control over the bird, signaling the end of their conversation. The bird immediately went into panic mode again as if no time had passed, spreading its wings and puffing itself up to shield the core. It continued a tirade of empty threats for a moment before falling silent, presumably reprimanded by the core, before flying away as fast as it could. Taken aback, Alistair watched the bird until it disappeared through one of the circular windows. He shrugged and reached into the loot orb, pulling out a large bar of gold radiating holy and healing concepts. A quick use of his Identify skill revealed it to be [Saint''s Gold]. Though likely less useful than the growth and nature treasure Riseth had received, he was certain this item would still prove valuable. As soon as he retrieved the loot, he received a notification asking if he wished to teleport out of the dungeon. Riseth stepped up next to him and touched the orb as well. "Guess we''ll have to call this in. I don''t know about the other resources within this dungeon, but the unicorn horns are pretty incredible loot," Riseth said as they both reappeared outside the dungeon portal. Alistair nodded. "As far as dungeons go, this is a very good one, and it''s still growing. Who knows what we can expect to get from it in the future." He resummoned King, and they quickly took to the air. While flying to the next point of interest, Alistair wrote a report on the dungeon. It was a shame the dungeon had no real resource-generating locations other than the hives of the Silverspine Stenacs and the sun oaks, most of which were juvenile and would take ages to mature unless the dungeon invested significant effort in promoting rapid growth. Typically, dungeons could spawn and regenerate treasures like metal nodes that wouldn''t naturally replenish, which were usually more powerful and valuable. Mining and harvesting dungeons, especially those with multiple instances, were often the bread and butter of powerful factions that managed to claim such a dungeon. However, he couldn''t complain. Any form of luck-concept treasure was extremely valuable, even if mixed with other concepts, and he suspected the unicorn horns made for excellent magical material. Additionally, the fact that the dungeon wasn''t expansionist and was amicable was a significant boon. Their next destination was a significant river system nearby, where their sensors had detected multiple Grade 8 signatures. Strong beasts often indicate a rich environment, powerful treasures, or possibly even an instanced dungeon break. After sending his report to Nessyra over the Network, he took the opportunity to properly take in the surroundings ahead of them, noting the large lake with rivers flowing in and out, extending to the nearby sea. The water was a deep cobalt color, and he sensed multiple powerful beasts scattered beneath the lake''s surface, moving in and out through the connected waterways. The trees surrounding the lake were an unusual blue willow-like variant he had only seen in displays before. They appeared both alien and strangely familiar. Both he and Riseth stood up, getting ready to explore this lake more thoroughly and see what kind of beasts inhabited it. Chapter 165: Lacustrine Diving into the surprisingly warm water, Alistair and Riseth prepared themselves for any beasts that might come their way. However, none seemed aggressive or foolish enough to attack them. The first thing Alistair noticed was the sheer variety and abundance of fish swimming around them. They came in all sorts of sizes, colors, and shapes. Although none appeared to be a significant threat or particularly magical, some of the fish were early Grade 9, yet still seemed mundane. It felt strange to think of these fish as normal, especially considering that merely a year ago, he wouldn''t have been able to hurt most of them. "Can you capture some of them with your telekinesis?" Riseth inquired over the Akashic link, her eyes following a school of fish resembling armored carp in shades of dark red, brown, and yellow. "Sure thing," Alistair replied. Although they didn''t really need additional food sources, since the mundane plants they brought with them grew rapidly and they had a growing stock of livestock, discovering new ingredients could still be beneficial. Barton and the other magical cooks could use these new ingredients for magical cooking, which could provide stat boosts and other benefits. Fish, in particular, had a higher chance of being suitable for magical cooking. Alistair used his telekinesis to capture a portion of the school, pressuring the fish until they allowed themselves to be stored in his storage. Good food would also help with mental fatigue and boost morale. As they descended deeper, they approached the nearest of the Grade 8 beasts they could sense, maneuvering across the rocky and sandy lakebed. The water was quite clear but still limited their visibility. They instinctively drew back upon recognizing the beast: a Lirsaross. Although this one was much weaker than the one in the mountain lake, spotting another of these creatures suggested it was one of the more common powerful beasts on their planet as they had found a few around Rathos. This was good as they tasted great, and it meant they weren''t just native to Rathos and it''s surroundings, but the planet''s waterways as a whole. They also made for the most massive shrimp-on-the-barbie. "Another one of these scythe shrimps," Riseth remarked with a frown. "Yeah, let''s leave it alone. There''s not much value in killing it until it becomes stronger," Alistair concurred, moving towards another of the nearby Grade 8 beasts, hoping it wasn''t another Lirsaross. He paused when he noticed Riseth hesitating. Following her gaze, he saw the beast feeding on what looked like long white tentacles with red rims. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was a type of kelp. "Let''s see if we can find some of that kelp while we look around. Something tells me it could be valuable," Riseth suggested. Alistair''s Conceptual Awareness skill confirmed her suspicion. He detected traces of water, nature, and purity aspects within the kelp. It made him ponder whether purity might be a more common concept than he initially thought, as they had already encountered several sources and treasures containing it. Perhaps it relates to a planet''s purity? Alistair mused, glancing around at the clear water and recalling the unspoiled landscapes of Lacustrine. They would need to work hard to preserve its pristine nature, though it should be worth their efforts and quite manageable with the magic available to them. Floating over a crevice, he noticed more of the kelp, gently swaying in the low currents. He descended, using his Telekinesis skill to move the rock and soil, unearthing the plant. Riseth guarded the top of the crevice, sensing a powerful presence approaching them, though it lacked any bloodlust, at least for the moment. He was about to stop his work and join her when she signaled him to continue still drawing her bone blades. "I got this," She confidently said over the Akashic Link. He hesitated for a moment but then hurried up, the presence growing closer, though it still lacked any hostility or bloodlust. It was slightly unnerving. Just as he finished collecting the last of the kelp, the sparse light from the surface was blotted out by a massive beast, almost as large as King. Its fins were a bright light purple, transitioning into dark blue scales that grew orange around the edges, shimmering with an almost golden sheen in the dim light. The creature had the body of an Arowana, but the front of its body was a mix of draconic and fish-like features, complete with long whiskers. Alistair realized it had to be a wyrm variant but paused as he noticed its front limbs connected to wing-like structures specialized for underwater mobility. Despite its lack of hind legs, he wouldn''t categorize it as a sea serpent either. His Identify skill only revealed that the creature was an [Arowanath - lvl 124], but he had no prior record of it within his stored knowledge. Based on its name, he surmised it might be related to an Arowana. Did Earth have this very same beast? "What the hell is that thing exactly?" Alistair asked, slowly ascending while observing the beast. It spared him a glance but idly swam past, uninterested in engaging with them. Riseth didn''t lower her guard, her gaze still fixed on the creature, noting its higher level. "I don''t know. It''s not in my Akashic Link''s knowledge base or the Network." Curiosity piqued, Alistair reached out to Dexter through the Akashic Link, adding him to the conversation. "Hey Dexter, what is this Arowanath?" while sharing his vision. "Hi, Alistair!" Dexter''s excited voice rang over their Akashic Link. "What do you mean by ''What is this Arowanath?''" "I mean, what species is it? It looks like a sea serpent, but it has front limbs with wings instead of fins," Alistair explained. "Oh, I see!" Dexter replied. "The Arowanath is an amphithere. It''s part of the draconic family closely related to Fluffy''s species and is essentially the underwater version of a wyvern." Alistair hadn''t heard that term before and suspected it had to do with the term amphithere, which sounds a lot worse than just calling it a sea wyvern.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. "Can you tell us anything about its combat style?" Riseth questioned, still wary of the beast despite it lazily swimming out of sight. "Hi, Riseth!" Dexter replied eagerly. "The Arowanath primarily utilizes powerful water-based abilities. When engaged in combat, it relies heavily on manipulating water and leveraging its considerable strength and agility underwater. However, they''re generally quite peaceful and prefer to feed on algae and the cores of water-aspected beasts. Due to their calm nature and striking appearance, they''re often kept as ornamental creatures by powerful individuals." They both relaxed a little. "I guess we worried over an ornamental fish," Alistair said with a chuckle. Before Riseth could reply, they sensed a clash between two Grade 8 monsters, sending ripples of energy through the water. They hurried to observe and found the Arowanath battling the Lirsaross. The scythe shrimp unleashed rapid water scythes at the sea wyvern, but the Arowanath either redirected the attacks with its magic or easily shrugged them off with its tough scales. The Arowanath moved like a blur, tackling the Lirsaross and sending it sprawling over the rocky surface. With a flick of its claws, the Arowanath tore the water around the shrimp, ripping off one of its arms before diving in to bite its long neck. It plunged its claws into the scythe shrimp''s head and upper body, pressing it into the rocky lake floor and tearing at it, staining the water red with blood. Riseth looked at him with a smug expression. "Just an ornamental fish, huh?" "We both know you were about to agree," Alistair pointed out. "Uh! Exciting! I''ve been quite bored lately. Can I watch you guys explore more often?" Dexter inquired hopefully. They watched as the Arowanath buried its snout into the hole it had created in the chest of its opponent, ripping out its core and instantly killing it. It swallowed the core and turned to look at them again before swimming away, a little faster this time. "Sure, as long as you don''t distract us and help us identify the beasts," Alistair said, keeping an eye on the departing Arowanath. "We might as well retrieve the body. It''d be a waste to let it rot," Riseth added, moving toward the fallen Lirsaross and storing its body and severed claw. As they continued to explore, they didn''t find any more beasts or treasures of note. The lake hadn''t grown more powerful from a dungeon break or hidden treasure but was a natural formation. The circulation of different rivers in and out of the water, each with slightly different diffused concepts, increased the magical density and promoted the growth of the local algae, fish, and monsters. They continued exploring other nearby sites of interest along the equator. Still, most were similar in nature, with only a handful of unknown, generally low-tier treasures and monsters, with no new monsters that had reached Grade 8 yet, though some were very close and would advance in grade soon, and they decided to leave them alone.
After three and a half weeks spent exploring some of the most dangerous locations across Lacustrine, they decided it was time to reassess their next steps. Their followers could continue the exploration while they shifted their focus to much-needed training and body cultivation, areas that had been neglected over the past few weeks. Despite this, they had still managed to level up twice. Currently on the southern continent of Lacustrine¡ªless lush but still vibrant with life thanks to its network of lakes and rivers¡ªthey knew it was time to return to Rathos. They needed to deliver their accumulated treasures and materials for their clan to process and assess, having only briefly returned after the Everbright Dungeon to deposit those materials before diving into planetary exploration. The stop at Rathos would also give them a chance to address important matters, as they knew much had likely unfolded during their absence. While regular updates and meetings through the Akashic Link skill kept them informed, these communications were intentionally kept brief to prevent distractions, trusting their people to manage things in their stead. As Rathos came into view on the screens of the Artemis, both Alistair and Riseth stared in disbelief. Rathos had visibly expanded again, with its walls and farms stretching much further than before. More harvesting terraces were covered in various crops and herbs, not all of which Alistair recognized. The walls now had a proper star-shaped fortress look, surrounding the entire main mountain and some of its neighbors, covering an incredible amount of landmass when considering their population. Turrets and automata were stationed atop the walls, occasionally directed by demons or humans. Traces of a recent battle were evident as hovercraft rushed down new roads leading outside Rathos, collecting what appeared to be killed Hukris wyverns. From their vantage point, they could see ongoing excavation work on the surrounding mountains, with earth mages transforming the terrain at an almost visible rate even from their height. Riseth adjusted the scans, attempting to gauge the full extent of the underground expansion, but her sensors were blocked, indicating that many of the basic defensive arrays had already been put in place. As Alistair observed the numerous automata patrolling the walls and tending to the fields, he felt reassured. Keeping one of the automata replicators had proven to be an excellent decision, as the growing number of these mechanical workers greatly accelerated both the expansion and the overall security of the area. "We might need to make a longer stop to get an update on Rathos," Riseth commented as they approached a new landing site between the mountains. A massive hatch, disguised as a ridge, slid open to both sides, creating a gap large enough for them to land. "Braxik and Nessyra have truly outdone themselves," Alistair remarked, admiring the massive hatch with its metallic frame and what he suspected were magic-powered hydraulics. "Pretty sure your brother also deserves his fair share of credit for this," Riseth noted. Alistair was still astonished by the sheer speed of the expansion. He knew that mass-producing automata and using magic would accelerate progress significantly, but this was beyond his expectations. Projects of this scale would take years, if not decades, to complete on Earth before the initiation. When they disembarked, they were greeted by Simon''s father, Thomas, who waved them over. "Alistair, Riseth, it''s good to see you two!" he said with a wide smile, embracing Riseth first, then Alistair, clapping his back. "It''s good to see you too, sir. It has been a while," Alistair replied. "Bah, don''t call me sir. You are essentially my boss now. Call me Thomas, like I told you," Thomas corrected. Thomas was accompanied by a handful of demons and humans Alistair didn''t recognize. He nodded in greeting, and they responded with nervous bows. "Nessyra mentioned that the two of you have been collecting many interesting and valuable specimens. I can''t wait to work on something other than Hukris," Thomas said, his excitement evident. Alistair didn''t openly comment and simply extended his hand as they exchanged storage items, dropping off all the captured and killed beasts. "Well now, I never thought I''d get to work on something like this." Thomas said, intrigued," The alchemists and healers, in particular, are going to love this," Thomas added, looking at his system; based on the way Thomas seemed to thumb through a book, he presumed his system was also represented by a book much like Alistair''s mother. Before Alistair could ask more questions, Nessyra''s assistant and Alistair''s former student, Zarrias, hurried their way; seeing his face, Alistair knew their stop would be much longer than they had expected. Chapter 166: Inside Rathos Thomas followed Alistair¡¯s gaze. ¡°I should probably get back to work,¡± he said, patting Alistair¡¯s shoulder, a challenging gesture given Alistair''s new height. ¡°See you around, Alistair, Riseth.¡± Alistair nodded, thanking Thomas as their former student, Zarrias, approached and bowed respectfully. ¡°Welcome back,¡± Zarrias greeted them. ¡°Thanks, Zarrias,¡± Alistair replied. ¡°What¡¯s the rush?¡± ¡°I was supposed to meet you upon your return, but it took me a moment to reach the nearest teleportation hub,¡± Zarrias explained. Alistair chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. We just got here.¡± He paused, intrigued. ¡°Teleportation hubs? We¡¯ve got those now?¡± "Yes, thanks to the combined efforts of your mother and other space mages, we¡¯ve established a basic teleportation network with several hubs," Zarrias said. "But it''s still a work in progress." He indicated a corridor he had just left, and they joined him. "Lady Nessyra has ordered me to escort you to your quarters and catch you up on recent events," Zarrias said professionally. Alistair was a little surprised. He had half-expected to be whisked back into one of their command centers. Getting to enjoy their own quarters, which should have finished construction by now, would be a blessing. It had been a while since he had good food that wasn''t stored for later consumption, so visiting one of the newly established restaurants greatly appealed to him. A glance toward Riseth showed she shared his relief. They walked past multiple well-lit and decorated corridors with plaques indicating different production facilities and housing sections. The corridor Zarrias led them toward was marked as the South East Teleportation Hub. They entered a large, well-lit chamber, its walls adorned with vines, plants, and water features. Occasional screens displayed the outside to break up the monotony of the rocky walls typical of underground living. The floors were lined with intricate, self-cleaning enchanted carpets, making Alistair wonder if they had discovered a plant that could be woven into cloth or if they had managed to evolve some of the sheep or other livestock they had brought along to produce enough fabric for carpets this early in the colony''s development. Alistair then inspected the map behind the hub''s teleportation circles, noting that they were number and color-coded, though some colors and numbers were missing their corresponding teleportation circle. He didn''t have much time to ponder this before Zarrias stepped onto the largest, centermost magic circle, marked in red for the central hub. Alistair exchanged a meaningful look with Riseth before they followed, appearing in a vast, open space. For a moment, he thought they were outside, but his conceptual awareness revealed the illusion array at work. The array made the hollowed-out interior of the mountain appear as if it were the outside world, with the carved-out sections seamlessly disguised as towering structures and the rock walls depicting a picturesque exterior. The area bustled with activity, resembling a city square with shops, restaurants, bars, schools, and other facilities seamlessly integrated into the rock-face structures, though most were still unoccupied. The carved-out buildings were cleverly designed as beautiful, large, modern structures with a sharp aesthetic integrated with the illusionary array. Their design incorporated elements of both Earth and Neshan architecture, featuring sleek lines and elegant curves alongside intricate carvings, sharp edges, and ornate balconies typical of Neshan''s design. He noticed illusionary circular structures that indicated locations where people could fly in and out of the mountain, adding to the dynamic atmosphere. He wondered if the energy cost of powering the runes for such illusions was justified, though the effect was stunning. The buildings appeared to stretch far into the sky, connected by a web of stone bridges and platforms. "This is incredible," Riseth said, her astonishment reflecting Alistair''s own. "Yes, everyone has been working hard to make Rathos a true home," Zarrias replied, letting his professional facade drop to reveal a toothy smile. Alistair felt a twinge of guilt, thinking he hadn¡¯t contributed as much as he should have. Noticing his expression, Zarrias said with sincerity, "None of this would have been possible without everyone¡¯s efforts, including yours, Mr. Ryser." Riseth stepped closer, taking his hand and offering him a reassuring smile. Alistair nodded, though a lingering doubt still tugged at him. Zarrias led them to the central shaft, where they stepped onto a large circular elevator. Alistair presumed this would take them higher up and closer to their private quarters located at the peak of Rathos. He found it challenging to orient himself, having not been inside the central hub since before his journey to Nautilis when it had only been a massive excavation site. He had also preferred to fly outside the mountain as there had been no reason to fly through the mountain and disturb the workers. He now regretted missing the opportunity to witness the progress within Rathos. They dismounted the elevator at the topmost level, heading north toward their private quarters. As they crossed one of the stone bridges, Alistair couldn''t resist glancing at the city below. They were hundreds of meters above the central teleportation hub. Some people recognized him and Riseth as they passed, offering small polite bows before moving on. Riseth joined him at the parapet, looking down at the bustling activity below.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Zarrias looked at them and said, "Take your time. I''ll order some food and wait at your quarters." Riseth turned with a smile, "Thank you. We''ll follow shortly." Alistair knew he couldn''t stop moving forward and enjoying this for long, but he would take at least a few days to get his head straight. He picked out the medallion Mitania gave him from his storage and looked at it. Zathen''s words still plagued him. This token could potentially allow him to reach Mitania and her husband, which could give him some pointers as to how he could utilize his concept properly. While he had worked on his telekinesis skill as a medium to bring his kinetic concept to bear, it hadn''t worked yet made more difficult because most opponents broke before he could reach that next step. The ability was powerful, but he wasn''t quite forcing things to bend to the power of his concept, and he was sure it was due to his gaps in knowledge. He knew he should be able to do far more with the concepts of kinetics, which encompassed movement and force¡ªboth incredibly versatile and powerful in their own right. But were they distinct concepts themselves? Did his strongest concept influence them? It seemed likely, given how much more easily he could manipulate them compared to other concepts. Gravity, too, should fall under the umbrella of kinetics, yet when he tried utilizing the concept, it was almost as challenging to handle as the earth or water concept. He could envision countless ways his concept could truly excel, but frustratingly, he just couldn¡¯t seem to fully grasp that power, as he suspected there was a pattern of magic interactions he wasn''t aware of. While he did have some fun experimenting with his magic, it took far too much time; time he didn''t know he could afford to spend. "What are you thinking about?" Riseth probed through the Akashic Link as people passed by, occasionally glancing at them. He sighed and shared his thoughts and frustrations about his inability to grasp the power Zathen had hinted at. "It''s likely due to our grade and lack of time," Riseth responded. "At our level, only the strongest and highest-tier phoenixes and dragons can do what you describe. While it''s possible, it would be truly extraordinary for anyone to actually reach that level of mastery over their concepts at our grade or in such a short time without guidance." After a short pause, she added, "Hell, we''re not even halfway up the grading scale. My core concept of Manipulation is just as powerful, and I know I could potentially do much more, but it''s barely been over a year. You''re too hard on yourself." Her words eased his worry and frustration. It had only been a little over a year since they had been introduced to magic, and they had objectively done extraordinarily well for themselves. Striving for even greater mastery while struggling wasn''t a weakness. He wasn''t a peerless genius; he had been lucky with his affinities and had worked hard to get where he was. Though he refused to rely on luck any more than he already had. "Thank you. You''re right, I''ve been too impatient," he said, leaning in and giving her a kiss. "You always know what to say when I''m lost. You keep me grounded, and I don''t know how I ever got through things without you." Riseth blushed a little at his cheesy line, giving him a playful jab with her elbow. "Don''t start. We''ve got your student in our quarters, and I''d rather not throw him out before he finishes his job," she teased. "True shame that," Alistair quipped. Riseth smirked at him, then reached out and touched the token he still held in his hands. "They might be able to help us. Neither of us had any proper training and we''ve just muddled through," she said thoughtfully. "We should reach out to them. We don''t know when we''ll run into something more powerful than us, and proper training could be the difference between life and death." Alistair nodded in agreement, and they lingered for a while, taking in the sight. Looking down on Rathos''s central district, the weight of their duty truly sank in for him. Their most important responsibility was to protect everyone here. Though they had at least a year before the bridges between universes properly established themselves, allowing the first wave of low-grade invaders to pass through, Alistair still felt pressured to advance. Their progression would inevitably be outpaced by the opening bridges if they didn''t continue to work hard to reach higher grades. There was also the threat of invaders and factions like the Blackmarket Syndicates growing powerful within the new universe, making use of advanced training techniques, treasures, and generational knowledge they simply didn''t have access to. Eventually, they headed for their quarters, where the first thing Alistair noticed was the divine smell of Italian food. Zarrias was waiting on the couch, and on the table were multiple pizzas and pasta dishes, far more than they could eat in one sitting. "I wasn''t sure what you guys liked, but this Human food is incredible. So, I got a little of everything. We can store the rest," Zarrias explained in response to Alistair''s questioning look. Alistair immediately headed for the couch opposite Zarrias. The Fichera family hadn''t been able to make proper pizza within the trial as they had lacked many ingredients, mostly a suitable grain variant for dough, cheese, and tomatoes, and it had been over a year since he had the chance to eat pizza. "Is that pizza?" Riseth asked, her eyes widening with curiosity. "You''ve always raved about it, but we never got the chance to try it in the trial." Alistair shot her a smile and nodded. "Sure looks like it. Let''s hope the taste matches too," he said, picking a slice for himself. He let out a soft moan of pleasure as he took a bite. The pizza tasted incredible, even better than he remembered. Alistair suspected it had something to do with it being a magical dish, prepared by an actual magical pizzaiolo. Alistair wondered whether Luca had received an actual pizza-related skill; he would need to ask the next time they met. Alistair leaned back on the couch, watching for Riseth''s reaction. She didn''t disappoint; her eyes widened, and she let out a soft moan. "This is amazing," she said, leaning back and letting her body relax, feeling just as fatigued as Alistair in that moment. Zarrias retrieved some bottles from his storage, the labels revealing them to be spirit orchid wine. Placing one in front of each of them, Alistair noticed that the bottles seemed enchanted to keep the contents at the perfect temperature. He also realized that the pizza and other food maintained an ideal temperature, despite having been placed there for a while. The more he ate, the less fatigued he felt. After finishing the first pizza and diving into some pasta, he even gained a stat point each in both mental and body attributes. His Sunforge organs processed the food effortlessly, absorbing essences such as ''Enchantment'' and ''Strengthening.'' "The bottles need to be returned, but I''ll handle that," Zarrias said. "The enchantments on them aren''t difficult, but they do take some time, so we shouldn''t be wasteful." "Thank you, Zarrias," Alistair said, stretching his arms. He rested his left arm on the couch behind Riseth and gestured with his other hand for Zarrias to speak, as he seemed eager to update them on what had transpired since their last detailed report. Chapter 167: Caught up Zarrias began his report by detailing the numerous production facilities, infrastructure changes, and energy expenditures Rathos had undergone since its founding. The most notable additions were the Teleportation Hub, the Spirit Orchid Distillery, and an assortment of service and entertainment industries. He also mentioned that the Adamantine Root had grown large enough to provide a small harvest soon, giving them a reliable source of adamantine beyond the occasional seams uncovered during Rathos''s construction. Interestingly, the illusionary array wasn''t even that expansive as it merely depicted the weather outside. However, it could, for an additional upkeep cost and some enchantment work, be expanded to show whatever weather they wanted to; most of its upkeep cost stemmed from the array''s sheer size. Fortunately, the clan''s enchantment efficiency boon greatly helped with Rathos''s energy upkeep. Those not involved in construction kept themselves busy refining their skills, offering services, and setting up small businesses to meet the growing demand. Jessica and the other alchemists were focused on developing new potions and alternative methods for producing the Enlightenment pill. They worked alongside herbalists, who were expanding their selection of available herbs through careful cross-breeding, magical techniques, and expeditions. However, it would be a long process before any real progress was made. These expeditions and gathering parties, tasked with finding new herb sources and valuable treasures, were often accompanied by miners, refiners, and hired muscle for protection. "Nessyra has also organized multiple expeditions to establish additional defensive locations and set up the planetary defense grid on both Lacustrine and Nautilis," Zarrias continued. "Once she received a report on the Everbright Dungeon, she dispatched one of the reserve forces to claim and protect the area as soon as possible." Alistair nodded; setting up their defense grid was crucial. While their location was currently unknown to anyone, it was only a matter of time before one force or another discovered their new home. He preferred to be prepared in case whoever found them wasn''t friendly or sought to take what was theirs. Despite being likely stronger than most individuals who could find them, effectively fighting in space was quite a few grades outside their capabilities. This made it necessary to bolster their defenses as much as possible, as an orbital bombardment would be a significant threat they couldn''t yet properly defend against. "Lady Nessyra has also tasked me with seeking your permission to retrieve the second batch of settlers and to increase our recruitment efforts," Zarrias stated. Alistair was a bit taken aback, and a quick glance at Riseth showed she felt the same. "What do you mean by increased recruitment efforts?" Alistair asked. "Nessyra wishes to bring more people into the clan to sustain our current rate of expansion and to ensure our projected growth. By increasing the number of new members, we can enhance the clan''s power and security," Zarrias explained. "Of course, all new members would be thoroughly vetted, and she will personally oversee the process." Alistair felt strongly that this issue warranted a discussion with the rest of the leadership, rather than Nessyra sending a messenger to just the two of them, as significant unrest could come from such an action even if they were to vett the new members thoroughly, and Riseth echoed his sentiment. Zarrias raised his hand and gestured the Neshan sign for ''sorry about that.'' "I apologize for not being clear. This matter has already been discussed with the other members of the clan leadership, and they all agreed while the two of you were exploring. Lady Nessyra believes this needs to be addressed promptly, and everyone is currently incredibly busy with their own projects and workloads." Alistair processed this information, feeling uncertain about the decision. However, he acknowledged that everyone was indeed swamped with work, preparing for worst-case scenarios. Given Nessyra''s role as Clan Executive, calling in a meeting involving the entire leadership for every matter wasn''t practical, and they had agreed that delegation would be crucial. He raised his hand to signal Zarrias to pause for a moment. "Sorry, I''ll give Simon a call and ask him about this," Alistair said, while Riseth added, "I''ll talk to Nessy." Alistair contacted Simon to get his perspective, as it fell within his purview to ensure security, and bringing in new people posed significant risks. "Yes, Nessyra reached out to all of us for our opinions," Simon said. "While I was initially reluctant, I believe it''s necessary. Though it¡¯s certainly a risk, we need more people. There are only so many tasks our Automata can handle, and I''d feel safer with more people on our side. The Mermaids were a great boon, but their numbers are limited and won''t increase anytime soon." "Is it really that bad? I didn''t have much time in Rathos, so I can''t really tell if we truly need more people," Alistair asked. "Yes, it is," Simon replied. "We lack enough personnel to fight and work on all the projects we want to tackle. The wall defenses are mostly automated and manned by Automata. While the teleportation hub helped, if we''re attacked by multiple strong forces, we won''t be able to cover our current expansion properly. The walls will fall, and we will suffer potentially heavy losses." He continued, "Several expeditions and expansions are on hold due to the lack of personnel. While most of the planetary defense network can be manned by Automata, as the planet''s beasts grow stronger, we need rapid response forces to handle them." He chuckled, adding, "And as the AI core put it, not setting up the planetary defense grid is an unacceptable risk."Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. After thanking Simon and discussing it with Riseth over their Akashic Link, Alistair learned that Riseth had received similar information from Nessyra. They then informed Zarrias that they agreed, despite their concerns about letting the Kaiakos leave, as it posed a risk for both the ship and the system if someone discovered them during its absence. "There is some relevant information," Zarrias added hurriedly. "Just yesterday, we were able to produce a pair of frigate-sized combat crafts to protect our system. However, neither craft is equipped with a jump drive, as building those requires much more time and specialized manufacturing than we are currently capable of." It began to sink in just how much they had missed while flying all over Rathos'' surrounding area. Despite their short time on the planet, their crew of shipwrights had already completed the construction of two moderately sized vessels. He knew they had also created some shuttles for in-system travel, but this was far beyond expectations. "Are there plans to retrofit the ships to fit jump drives later?" Riseth inquired. Zarrias shook his head. "No, they will be able to dock on the Kaiakos and jump with it, given their relatively small size for frigates. The shipwright crew prioritized creating combat-capable crafts without jump drives while training their new apprentices." Riseth nodded. "Alright, is there anything else we need to know?" "No Ma''am, this covers the most important points. However, if you wish to review anything, all information is documented and saved on the network," Zarrias replied. Riseth frowned slightly at being called "Ma''am" but chose not to correct him. "If you''ll excuse me, Mr. and Mrs. Ryser, I have other duties that require my attention," Zarrias said before taking his leave. Once Zarrias had left, Alistair suggested in a teasing voice, "It would be an honor if you could accompany me to the bedroom, ma''am. It''s been a busy few weeks." "Oh, don''t you start!" Riseth said, pointing an accusatory finger at Alistair, though her voice had a playful tone. Alistair touched his chest and feigned hurt. "So only Zarrias gets to call you ma''am?" he asked, pretending to be disappointed. Riseth shook her head, flashed him a smile, and leaned in. She pulled him closer by his collar and planted a kiss on his lips. "If you would accompany me, good sir," Riseth said in a sultry voice before leading him toward their bedroom. As they reached the door, they paused in surprise. The room was practically bursting at the seams with magic to the point that even Riseth could visually see the magic without the conceptual awareness skill. "Oh right, the gathering array has been running for a few weeks since we last were here," Alistair commented. Riseth gave him a cheeky smile. "Guess we gotta work that off," she said, opening the door and pulling him inside. They were woken up in the early afternoon by Nessyra, who informed them that she would be leaving with the Kaiakos in a few hours and had left Zarrias and Braxik in charge of her duties during her absence. Later, they noticed the food they had left untouched was still hot. Deciding to store it for later, they felt invigorated from their long sleep and dual cultivation in the incredibly dense magical area, which had significantly boosted their stats and netted them a lot of rare essences. Both were in a good mood despite the heavy rainstorm outside, with the sounds of thunder and occasional flashes of lightning in the distance. This wasn''t an uncommon occurrence on Lacustrine, and they had learned just yesterday that the lightning was harvested for energy. At the same time, the rain helped fill their dams, boosting Rathos'' power generation and storage. This made the frequent rain beneficial for their growing colony. During their exploration, the rain often hindered their ability to thoroughly investigate the designated areas. As a result, they used the time to train their skills and spar against each other, rather than waiting idly for the rain to stop. Now that they were back in Rathos and had completed most of their current tasks, it was time to use the token to contact Mitania and her husband and take them up on their offer to train them. Both had powerful concepts and, despite knowing their current grade was a limiting factor, felt they could achieve much more with proper training and guidance. Although this would mean missing out on some records, they agreed they had muddled through long enough. They placed the token, featuring the imagery of an intricate tree enveloped by large, feathery wings, on the table. As they channeled mana into it, they immediately felt an intense reaction: the token eagerly siphoned their magic with an insatiable hunger, like a slumbering beast awakening and ravenously consuming everything in its path. Despite nearly five minutes of continuous mana flow, the token showed no signs of activation. Alistair picked up the token and examined its remarkably intricate arcane structure. It extended beyond the surface into an almost spiritual plane, stretching the limits of his Conceptual Awareness skill. He realized that extended inspection could significantly enhance both his conceptual awareness and enchantment skills. However, he refocused and was determined to find out if this was a test or if the token required something more specific to activate. Upon closer inspection, he noticed that all the veins of the arcane pattern led to a large core hovering at the center of the odd spiritual plane. This core seemed disconnected from most of the veins, appearing slightly out of place. After sharing his discovery with Riseth, she furrowed her brow in thought. "Do you think it is broken?" she asked. Alistair continued channeling mana into the token while contemplating her question. "I don¡¯t think so. It might be designed this way or perhaps it''s a test. But I¡¯m not sure how to manipulate anything within that plane." Riseth focused intensely, stretching her perceptual manipulation skill to the limit as she examined the token. "I see it now. I think we need to move that core back into place," she said. My specialty is manipulation, and movement is an integral part of your core concept. Together, we might be able to reposition it." Her insight sparked a revelation in Alistair. He realized that the aspects of their concepts he had previously overlooked could be crucial here. Although he hadn''t considered force and movement as particularly relevant for enchantments before, applying them to manipulate the token''s intricate, almost organic veins and core seemed essential for this higher-tier enchantment. Both strained their senses to their limits. Alistair used a variation of his telekinesis, combined with his force and movement concepts, while Riseth expertly wielded her manipulation magic to direct the microscopic core and its veins into place. It took nearly two and a half hours of precise adjustments and a few breaks to finally nudge the core even slightly. But once they got it into the correct position, the vein''s resistance lessened, and they connected, channeling magic into the core. As it grew brighter from their combined magic, the rest of the token responded, slowly coming to life in sync with their efforts. Alistair heard a series of chimes before he could check them. Then, an elegant and surprised male voice filled the room. "Well, I''ll be damned." Chapter 168: Master Sotarr A large ghostly figure, bearing a spectral presence similar to Nuk from the first dungeon, materialized before them. This apparition felt significantly more substantial, and Alistair suspected that the entity he presumed to be Sotarr could potentially interact with objects despite its ghostly form. The figure, humanoid in shape, wore richly enchanted armored robes that looked powerful yet were not excessively ornate. The robes bore the Lyraxis symbol, an intricate tree enveloped by feathered wings emblazoned on the shoulder. His draconic body shimmered in silvery-white and golden hues, adorned with feathers of the same colors. His sharp, golden horns appeared almost decorative, and Alistair could make out two pairs of wings extending from the back of this imposing figure. His golden draconic eyes looked down at them, inspecting them with curiosity. "Sotarr, I presume?" Riseth inquired, meeting the dragon¡¯s gaze after both their attempts to identify the dragon failed. "Indeed," he responded, his voice resonating with a mix of elegance and surprise. "Color me surprised!" "I didn¡¯t expect you both to decipher and influence the Arcane Substrate of the token¡¯s enchantment, let alone see it. I anticipated the core would realign itself after a decade or so before you figure it out; then again, time is more precious to seedlings like yourselves." "You don¡¯t seem to have high expectations for your potential students," Alistair remarked. This gave Sotarr pause. "My apologies," he said, reflecting. "I should have had more faith in my wife¡¯s judgment. She was quite taken with you both from the start, and I worried she might have been overly sentimental because of your resonance." He paused, scratching his chin with a long claw, then added with a warm smile, showing his many razor-sharp teeth, "Nevertheless, she certainly knows how to choose them," while giving Alistair a reassuring pat on the shoulder with his large, clawed hand. Since Sotarr had appeared, he had exuded an aura of such commanding presence that it filled the room, making it hard for Alistair and Riseth to speak, though neither of them let themselves be cowed by that. Alistair watched as Sotarr began inspecting their quarters. The two exchanged glances, aware that the dragon was using some sort of passive social skill, so they decided to observe and let Sotarr talk. "What a beautiful home you have here," Sotarr remarked, glancing at Riseth¡¯s neck. "Ah, congratulations on your marriage. Mitania will be thrilled to hear the news." "Thank you," Alistair responded, still feeling the intense pressure from the dragon¡¯s presence despite Sotarr only being a specter or some sort of projection or soul imprint. "Ah, where are my manners!" Sotarr said with a rumbling chuckle. "You called me here for a reason, and here I am, yapping away while letting my skills run free among the young." As soon as he said this, the pressure in the room lifted. Sotarr shrank down to their size, sitting on a nearby couch and looking at them expectantly. Alistair rolled his shoulders and took a seat on the opposite side of Sotarr, with Riseth joining him. Both wondered if this display of power had been another test by the dragon. There was a long pause as Sotarr slightly lifted his veil, looking at them with an expectant gaze and giving a sense of a warm, almost fatherly disposition. Finally, Alistair spoke up, "We wish to be trained. Both of us feel inadequate in our comprehension of our concepts, magic, and martial skills, and we hoped your guidance could help us better protect ourselves and those we care about." The Dragon made a show of considering their request, tilting his head from one side to the other but never letting his gaze wander from the two of them. "Considering the clear talent you have already shown and the recommendation of my wife, I am willing to consider taking you two as my disciples." Alistair was slightly surprised. He had presumed this was already a settled matter, not something they had to earn or convince the dragon of. Through their resonance, he sensed that Riseth felt the same, though she did her best to appear unsurprised. Getting a high Grade, presumably a high-tier dragon, to take them under his wing wasn''t something they should have taken for granted. Even if they managed to befriend his wife and receive a token, she had only claimed it would open doors that would otherwise be closed. She hadn''t promised that her husband would accept them either. Sotarr glanced to the side, seemingly looking at something or someone they couldn''t see, before turning back to them. "Before I consider taking you as my disciples, I need to know what I am even working with. I had originally only been looking for one student, and Mitania hasn''t been willing to share either of your core concepts, telling me it will be a surprise." They understood that keeping one''s core concept hidden was somewhat difficult. If they were to become his disciples, he would also gain access to view most of their skills and titles, though he wouldn''t be able to share them with others. Nonetheless, it felt uncomfortable to reveal such personal details to someone they hardly knew, even if he was Mitania''s husband. "My strongest, or rather, my core concept is Manipulation," Riseth stated. Alistair noticed the dragon¡¯s pupils twitch, and a barely contained grin spread across his draconic face as he heard her proclamation. Sotarr¡¯s golden eyes then bored into Alistair with burning curiosity and anticipation. "My core concept is Kinetics," Alistair declared. The dragon''s eyes narrowed, and his smile widened into a greedy, almost predatory grin. A deep, rumbling laughter welled up within him as he looked between the two with barely contained glee. "A resonance-bonded pair with Kinetics and Manipulation concepts, and talented too..." Sotarr exclaimed, his excitement radiating through the room as he stood up and started to pace with at least one of his eyes always fixed on them. The infectious nature of his enthusiasm, bolstered by his social skill, made Alistair and Riseth feel a surge of anticipation as they watched the Dragon consider them.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Having read up on the Master and Disciple agreement, which was a rather common magical contract variant within the multiverse, and having taught numerous students themselves, they understood that while instructing many students in a handful of skills and topics had value and provided a healthy stream of records, it paled in comparison to the rewards of entering a proper Master and Disciple agreement. Alistair was confident that he and Riseth were excellent prospective disciples. If Sotarr taught them well and they reached high Grades, he would certainly reap significant rewards and titles, which was very valuable for high-grade individuals as their progression speed at higher grades could be described as glacial at best. Fortunately, the new contract didn''t conflict with any of their existing agreements or standing contracts. It mainly granted Sotarr access to most of their system status and provided him with records of their progress under his tutelage. In return, Sotarr would be responsible for teaching and protecting them, with the contract imposing severe karmic backlash if he failed in his duties. Although this agreement would noticeably slow down the rate at which they leveled up, and prohibited them from sharing any of Sotarr''s teachings without his explicit permission, both Alistair and Riseth had already agreed that these were sacrifices they were willing to make. "Still hesitant to take us as your disciples?" Riseth questioned with a confident, toothy grin. Alistair chuckled, sharing Riseth¡¯s confidence, and looked at Sotarr, who stopped pacing and regarded them. "Yes, yes, the two of you are great seedlings, as Mitania put it, but I had to be sure. Unlike me, she often prefers very odd and non-combat concepts and believes they are just as powerful." Noticing their expressions, he quickly added, "Of course, that''s not entirely wrong, but some concepts are more combat-oriented and have more useful directly linked concepts and strengths than others. Or are at least more interesting to teach, and your concepts are certainly... interesting." Noticing the slight hesitation in his voice, Alistair spoke up, "What do you need from us? There is clearly something holding you back." Sotarr nodded approvingly. "Yes. There are significant risks involved. If I let two such promising disciples die, the karmic backlash would be rather harsh. Moreover, the fact that you are in a fresh universe, out of my immediate reach and ability to intervene, is a small problem. I need detailed information on both of your skills and your current situation before I would be willing to agree." Alistair received another ping from his network, indicating that Sotarr had requested high-level access to information usually restricted to the clan''s leadership. Almost immediately, a call from Simon came through. "Alistair, we have an unknown individual named Sotarr trying to access our network. I just received a warning from the AI core. Someone powerful must have found us," Simon''s slightly agitated voice echoed. "It''s fine, Simon. That''s Mitania''s husband. We''ve established a connection to enlist their help. There''s no need to worry. I''ll make a quick announcement over the network," Alistair reassured him over the Akashic Link. Alistair quickly followed through, instructing the AI core to make a brief announcement. This elicited reactions from Nessyra, who hadn''t left the system yet, and Simon, who remained hesitant about granting too much access to an unknown entity. After some back-and-forth discussion, they agreed to share most of the information, excluding only the most crucial details. The AI core curated a file that omitted overly sensitive data, such as their exact location and images of the sky that could reveal their whereabouts. However, they were sure Sotarr would be able to find them if he tried, as he would likely only need to walk towards the window, and the ongoing rainstorm would likely do little to mask the sky above when faced with dragon''s eyes. They hesitated, and it took a while to overcome the warning the system''s avatar had given them about sharing skills and personal information. For now, they only shared their most commonly used combat skills until Sotarr agreed to take them in as disciples, as they didn''t want to share all their personal information just for him to walk out on them. Once they did, Sotarr seemed to peruse the information rapidly, his eyes occasionally flicking. Alistair took the chance to check the other notifications he had gotten, noticing that he had reached level 120 and his Array Adept skill had upgraded to Array expert, now noting his ability to perceive and interact with the arcane substrate of enchantments, which was apparently a big deal as it jumped straight into supreme despite him barely being able to interact with the substrate and the same applied to his Enchantment Proficiency.

Skills: Tier: [Supreme] Name: Array Expert Description: The user is able to place arrays on any surface he is capable of penetrating or inscribing upon, ignoring atmospheric interference. If the user has access to the schematics through [Akashic Link] or other means, he can perfectly measure, adjust, calculate, and combine arrays for a chosen area. The skill grants a moderate boost to [Control] when imprinting arrays and highlights issues with the array based on the user''s [Senses] and experience. Due to the assistance of the [Akashic Link] and [Conceptual Awareness] skill, the user can create a visual overlay to simplify and double-check runic placements and is able to visualize and interact with the Arcane Substrate of enchantments - Tier: [Supreme] Name: Enchantment Proficiency Description: Greatly enhances the efficiency, speed, and cost-effectiveness of all enchantment-related tasks. This encompasses enchanting the body, equipment, and consumables and performing rune or array techniques and all other enchantment-related techniques. The user''s [Control] and [Senses] stats are greatly improved when working on any enchantments. Passively increases the quality and [Power] of all enchantments created by the user where applicable to a large degree. Slightly reduces the focus required of the Conceptual Awareness skill to visualize the Arcane Substrate of enchantments, as well as a slight improvement in [Control] when interacting with the Substrate.
"Impressive," Sotarr said, standing up and walking toward the window as Alistair had worried he would. "A nebula, just as I thought. Good call," he murmured more to himself than to them. Turning back, he gestured for them to stand with a clawed hand. "I, Sotarr, a Lyraxis Dragon of the Lyraxis Ascendancy, offer you, Alistair and Riseth Ryser, the opportunity to become my direct disciples. Do you accept?" Alistair felt the promise''s weight, similar to that of a summoning contract. He instinctively knew that Sotarr would do his best to teach and aid them in their growth. While this agreement had its drawbacks, having a powerful dragon teach them how to properly use their concepts was invaluable in comparison. They needed this. "I, Alistair Ryser, accept and greet Master Sotarr." "I, Riseth Ryser, accept and greet Master Sotarr." Stub Announcment. Hi everyone! First off, I want to sincerely apologize for the sudden removal of the the Paths of Akashic Initiation chapters and the sudden stub. As some of you may have noticed, the first book has been removed from Royal Road. My publisher has just now informed me that, in order to comply with Amazon¡¯s Kindle Unlimited (KU) policies, I had to take it down 10 days before the official release. Unfortunately, this slipped through the cracks and should have been handled about five days ago to avoid any legal issues. I understand this might have been frustrating for those of you in the middle of reading, and I truly apologize for the inconvenience. It¡¯s been an incredibly stressful and hectic few days, and this detail flew under my radar. I was under the impression I had to stub before the Kindle Unlimited and E-books were available, not 10 days in advance. I completely understand how frustrating it must be for those of you who were reading and suddenly got cut off. I¡¯m truly sorry for the inconvenience, and I¡¯ll make sure to stay on top of things better moving forward. That said, I¡¯m really excited to confirm that the release date is now officially locked in! You¡¯ll be able to pick up the book on Amazon on October 30th in both eBook and paperback formats. If you¡¯re a Kindle Unlimited reader, you¡¯ll be able to read it for free through KU as well. Plus, the audiobook voiced by the talented Adam Stubbs and Mia Fothergill will be available at Audible.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. I¡¯m incredibly grateful for all the support you¡¯ve shown me during this process. Writing and publishing a book is no easy feat, and it comes with a lot of learning curves¡ªespecially when it comes to all the technical aspects of publishing. Thank you again for your incredible support. I can''t wait for you all to experience the full release and would appreciate any support or recommendations you can make for me. Cheers, Bai I¡¯m kind of forced to write at least 500 words for this post (unfortunately!), so I need to pad it out a bit instead of keeping things short and sweet. It¡¯s not my usual style, but here we are. If you have any questions or just want to chat about the book, feel free to reach out, join the Discord, or check out the Patreon. I¡¯m always happy to connect with readers, whether you have feedback, questions, or just want to discuss the story. Again, I truly apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. The sudden removal of the stub was not something I planned, but due to Kindle Unlimited¡¯s policies, it was necessary to take it down earlier than I expected. I''ll be monitoring the comments for a while while cleaning the house on Patreon, etc! Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the big release day on October 30th! ... Holy crap, how do other people do these single-chapter announcements hahaha Sorry mates! Chapter 169: Echoes of Conflict Once they entered the agreement, Sotarr took some time to review their skills and progress and learn about Rathos and their bloodline. He asked many pointed questions about things they didn¡¯t know or that weren¡¯t included in the shared information package on the network. Afterward, he shared schematics for an arena enchantment that would allow anyone to fight and train in a safe environment. This was a glaring omission in their otherwise solid preparations for their colony and the rewards they had acquired from the trial. While there were limits to what Sotarr was willing or able to share, the runework needed to create an illusionary arena was not one of them. "Your efforts to increase your planet''s mana density and promote its overall health and growth are admirable," Sotarr said. "However, they lack scope." He then introduced an interplanetary array formation centered on the Lagrange point between Lacustrine and Nautilis. Thanks to the strong water aspects of both the moon and the planet, they were compatible enough to establish a formation that would allow their energies to cycle, refining both celestial bodies in the process¡ªsimilar to a form of dual cultivation. This practice, Sotarr explained with a chuckle, was fairly common. Interestingly, opposing planets, like those with fire and ice aspects, worked even better, though such pairs were extremely rare. Initially, they had planned to construct a defensive space station at the Lagrange point for protection. But Sotarr, with a smirk, suggested, "Why not do both? The energy cycling between the planets will generate an abundance of excess energy¡ªmore than enough for the station to make use of." "Is it really alright with the system for you to share this kind of knowledge with us?" Riseth asked, a hint of concern in her voice. Sotarr shook his head. "The trial is over, so sharing information isn''t as restricted. However, if I overshare, it might negatively impact your records. That''s why I''ve provided you with the basic enchantments in both cases. Improving upon them will be up to you and your quaint little clan unless I deem it necessary to speed up the process." Sotarr''s appearance and the information he shared caused quite a stir within the clan. Nessyra almost delayed her departure, but Sotarr made it clear to her that she wasn''t his student and that he would only share or involve himself with the clan if he deemed it necessary or beneficial for his two disciples'' growth. Construction on the arena began almost immediately, as many clan members were eager to use it for training and sport. The space station project was also accelerated, scheduled to start upon Nessyra''s return. The shipwrights were now focusing on creating construction ships to build the station in orbit between Lacustrine and Nautilis. For the first few days, Sotarr instructed Alistair and Riseth to create simple enchantments involving the arcane substrate to improve their fine control of magic and utilization of their concepts. These items were distributed among their crafters, particularly the enchanters, as learning tools. The goal was for them to discover the substrate independently, allowing for advancement through discovery rather than simply being told about it. The only clue they were permitted to give was the necessity of a sight or intuition-based skill, which most of their crafters possessed in some form. James, while not an enchanter, was the first crafter to notice. His wide assortment of visual-based crafting skills allowed him to pick up on the substrate, something he had previously seen in the Alpha AI Core but had deemed far too complicated. The simplified enchantments created by Alistair and Riseth made the substrate much more accessible, opening new avenues of crafting he had previously considered out of reach. Alistair initially wondered why they were training enchantments instead of their core concepts before being told that he was training his directly linked concepts, which was the only hint Sotarr gave them for now. He promised to explain in more detail once they improved their control over their magic or if they figured out enough of it by themselves before he ran out of patience. As they continued honing their core concepts through their enchantment techniques, both Alistair and Riseth found that the more they practiced, the quicker they became at creating nodes and cores, manipulating them into increasingly complex and powerful enchantments. After nearly a month of working on such a microscopic scale, they¡¯d passively gained over 20 points in their control stat. Yet, the true testament to their progress was the noticeable improvement in their magical power and precision. Sotarr, recognizing this, instructed them to test their skills in the private arena array they had built around a mana crystal, which they¡¯d retrieved from the Heart of Mana¡¯s excess deposits. The crystal hovered in the corner of their living room, its glow soft yet brimming with potential. Initially, the arena array, courtesy of Sotarr¡¯s enchantments, had been a simple, flat battleground. But with their newly refined enchantment abilities, they had expanded its capabilities to simulate a variety of terrains. They also discovered that by integrating monster cores into the crystal, the arena could simulate those creatures for combat practice, as the crystal eagerly absorbed and integrated the cores into its expanding matrix. Alistair stood in a plain arena, his body somewhat ethereal, but that was normal for an arena enchantment. On the other side stood Riseth. This was the first time they were able to fight each other seriously. Part of him rejected the idea of fighting her, but the other half looked forward to it, and he felt the same emotions mirrored in her. Sotarr looked down on them from a stand, his voice ringing out loud and clear, "Begin!"
Nessyra let out a frustrated sigh. Almost everywhere she went to recruit, she found planets embroiled in internal conflicts. Neshan had been no exception; jealous factions had attacked the Zekaria Corporation, igniting a corporate war to weaken their position and steal their ship-building techniques and skills, deeming the Zekaria Corporation too powerful. Fortunately, the corporate war was already petering out when Nessyra arrived, and Satari reassured them that the losses had been within an acceptable margin. The situation resulted in a surge of refugees and individuals seeking to leave their home worlds, adding significantly to Nessyra''s workload. She had already intercepted multiple spies, some from Neshan''s rival corporations and others from the Blackmarket Syndicate, attempting to infiltrate their ranks. Sorting through this influx of people was proving to be a challenging task. The Blackmarket Syndicate had also attacked the Kaiakos not long after their arrival in Earth''s orbit, and they had been fortunate that Sol''s fleet had come to their aid. Without that intervention, the damage to the Kaiakos would have been far more extensive than it already was. "James won''t be happy about this," she thought with another sigh.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. While on Neshan, Nessyra learned of the formation of the Aegis Coalition, or simply ''AC'', which was diligently recruiting members to unite against invaders from other universes. The AC was nearing completion of a universe-spanning network to coordinate defense efforts among participating factions. Multiple advanced species, already allied with each other, had begun constructing massive defensive installations at the nearby establishing bridges, huge space phenomena connecting two universes. These efforts aimed to stop the invaders at their proverbial doorstep, with numerous factions sparing no expense to ship materials and warships to the closest establishing bridges, particularly those located in galaxies nearest to the bridges. She had tentatively declined the AC''s offer to join, stating that she lacked the authority to make such a decision. Still, she assured the representative that, given the Clan''s leadership, they would discuss it and certainly consider contributing to the AC''s efforts if possible. Nessyra told them they had already participated in space battles against the Blackmarket Syndicate, which had earned her some respect, as the Syndicate frequently ambushed supply lines headed for the bridges, which resulted in the Syndicate being marked as hostile invaders and traitors by the AC. To Nessyra''s surprise, the AC representative had offered to pay the bounty for the confirmed pirate kills as a mercenary force. Still, she declined this as well, preferring to establish a good rapport with the AC and stating the Syndicates were their enemy as well, which she was quite sure had warded off any unfavorable designation for their clan by the AC. She wasn''t surprised when she found that Earth was even worse off than Neshan, engulfed in a full-blown war for supremacy, with Sol fighting almost everyone who didn''t join his faction. Nessyra had to give credit to Sol, as a much larger number of factions had chosen to join him than she had expected. Most factions fought for their independence on Earth, while some were out for blood, and the Blackmarket Syndicate acted like vultures, profiting from the misery created by the conflicts. Despite Sol''s best efforts to keep them out of his system, the pirates and smugglers of the Syndicate managed to frequently bypass the patrolling fleets, selling weapons, tools, and necessary goods for war and taking slaves, among other things, for payment. There had also been a surprising number of beastkin factions emerging, further complicating the situation on the ground, many of which were also applying for refuge with their clan. If Nessyra had thought the number of applicants on Neshan was overwhelming, it paled in comparison to the flood of applicants from Earth. Most had to be turned down as they would bring the chaos and violence with them instead of leaving it behind. She was pulled from her thoughts by a message informing her of another applicant¡ªone her assistants hadn¡¯t been able to get a good read on. His Grade was too high for them to handle. She stepped out of her body, leaving behind an illusion of herself sitting in the chair, appearing to work. It was a skill she had long relied on for safety; defending from a seated position, even for someone like her who primarily used mind magic in combat, was never ideal. Dexter¡¯s ears flicked as he perked up from his little bed, sensing the shift in energy. He knew the drill¡ªtime to hide his power and act the part of the lazy pet instead of a potential threat. They¡¯d been through this before. There had been a handful of actual assassination attempts during these interviews, though most were simply strong individuals seeking to join them for their own reasons. She hoped it would be the latter, but she remained prepared for anything. A confident knock signaled the arrival of her guest. A human male entered, characterized by mostly shaved black hair, sharp facial features, a beard, and a healthy tan. Nessyra recognized some features that suggested a heritage from Earth''s southern regions, often referred to as ''Latino.'' However, he had clearly evolved into a different human subrace she couldn''t quite place. Her Identify skill registered him as [Andr¨¦s - lvl 107]. His high level was impressive for someone seeking refuge, which in itself was suspicious. What unsettled her more was the strongly veiled hostility he directed toward her. His level was almost equal to hers, and he was clearly more combat-oriented. This made him far more dangerous than she was comfortable with. She discreetly ordered Levine and her fellow lawyers to be on standby nearby through her Akashic Link skill, as she didn''t want to immediately tip off the man in front of her. Nessyra scrutinized the man for any sign that he had seen through her illusion, but there was no indication of such. She had her illusion speak up. "Welcome, Mr. Andr¨¦s. I have been told you wish to apply as a member of our clan, and I would love to hear a little about yourself."
He gave her a toothy smile that made her intuition tingle; it was a fake smile. "Yes, I come from some meager means from before the initiation but have been doing well for myself, as you can see," he said, stretching his arms out to display himself. "It is simple, really. Most of my family died before the initiation, and the rest perished during the trial or upon our return, so nothing truly keeps me on this rock. The Ryser clan seemed like a great opportunity for a fresh start, certainly better than joining the wars," he added, still wearing the same toothy smile. Even without her skills alerting her to the half-truths he was spinning, Nessyra felt increasingly uneasy. "I am sorry to hear that," Nessyra''s illusion said, showing some sympathy. "I will have to ask some questions to see if you are a good fit and what you can provide for the clan, if that is alright with you?" "Of course," he said, idly rubbing his fingers, a nervous gesture accompanied by a noticeable rise in hostility. "Excellent," Nessyra replied, before proceeding to ask a series of questions about what he could offer to the clan and what his expectations were. Her lie-detecting skill indicated that he was spinning an intricate web of half-truths, presumably to avoid getting caught by a lesser social skill. However, Nessyra''s skills were anything but lesser; not even her assistants would be fooled by his play. She had made sure of that. His body language and her intuition told her he was likely to attack her soon, and she hated herself a little for putting herself into this position without better preparation, having only a handful of defensive enchantments and a small team close enough to help her almost immediately. She sent them a message to disregard stealth and come to her aid immediately. "Are you part of or have any connections to a faction hostile to the Ryser Clan?" Nessyra''s illusion asked. Either the question or sensing the approaching lawyers triggered Andr¨¦s, who, overcome with bloodlust, leaped over the table in a blur. His wicked blade slashed through the illusion''s neck, severing its head. Dexter sprang into action, using his telekinesis to slam Andr¨¦s into the metal office wall. The slightly irritated Andr¨¦s as his eyes met Nessyra¡¯s real ones, realizing the sensation had not been quite right. "Tricky puta! Taking somebody''s head off feels much more satisfying than that," he spat as he threw a dagger-like spell at Dexter, who jumped out of the way as Andr¨¦s charged her with that wicked blade. Her teleportation skill was being restricted and the restrictive magic placed on Andr¨¦s didn''t seem to slow him much. The barrier she erected, while partially stopping the first strike, still shattered under the second, leaving her with a slash across the stomach. She and Dexter''s Mind magic assaulted Andr¨¦s, who strained heavily but somehow managed to power through despite their best efforts. He had likely been picked exactly because he was strong against mind users. This had technically been according to her plan; she wanted to lure out assassins such as this. But as the pain radiated through her body, she wondered if she had been too careless this time. Chapter 170: Hubris The assassin kept slicing chunks out of her, his face a wild mask of unhinged glee as he seemed to thrive and grow stronger on her pain. His magic amplified the agony, making her head woozy and making it hard for her to defend herself. Dexter viciously used his telekinesis and mind attacks to keep Andr¨¦s at bay, restraining him and flinging him against the wall despite being pierced by multiple dagger-like arcane constructs that radiated pain through his small body. After what felt like an eternity but had been only a handful of seconds, the door to her office burst open, and two of her lawyers dashed in with flash steps, interposing themselves between her and the assassin. Kraukion immediately died as his head and arms went sailing through the air, having tried to tackle Andr¨¦s. Zeremon''s shield was slashed apart in the same heavily empowered attack, leaving him wounded but still in the fight. From the door, Levine unloaded her magitech rifle into the assailant, using her fire magic to create explosive rounds and increase the propulsion of the bullets. She made use of the split second Kraukion had bought with his life to tear Andr¨¦s'' arm off in a series of concentrated explosions, giving Nessyra and Dexter another opening to unleash their magic. Nessyra, using her own magitech pistol empowered with her mind magic, tore into Andr¨¦s'' mind and body, finally cracking his Mental Fortress skill. Andr¨¦s finally showed some signs of weakness as he slowed down. Before Zeremon could finish the assailant with his axe, Andr¨¦s shot them a wicked grin as his internal magic signature ran out of control, not unlike the unstable blasts Alistair created. Zeremon acted before he could think, tackling Andr¨¦s to the ground behind the desk and summoning a metal barrier from his storage alongside a conjured magical barrier to contain the blast. The explosion ripped through the Kaiakos'' internal structure, leaving Nessyra, Dexter, and Levine heavily wounded. They had only managed to sprint out into the corridor and summon multiple layers of barriers to protect themselves. Nessyra groaned as sirens blared around her. She couldn''t feel one of her legs, and upon looking down, she saw it was gone. Her other leg wasn''t much better off. She cursed her own overconfidence. She wasn''t a fighter like her sister or Alistair. This had been a stupid mistake. She shouldn''t have conducted interviews onboard the Kaiakos no matter the amount of security precautions she had taken to catch and trap spies and infiltrators. The time pressure and conflicts on the planet, combined with her own hubris, had cost the lives of at least two subordinates. Levine, who had emerged from the explosion, was still able to stand and act, likely due to her power armor made by James and her affinity for fire and explosions. Levine dragged Nessyra from the danger zone as other clan members rushed to their aid and extinguished the fire. Nessyra gritted her teeth. "Sweep everything for hidden trackers again. Leave no room unattended! Nobody is to enter or leave the Kaiakos!" she managed. She cursed internally, regret and anger at herself threatening to overwhelm her. Two of her most promising lawyers had died, maybe more. Both Zeremon and Kraukion had family in the clan. She would ensure their families would want for nothing for Zeremon''s and Kraukion''s sacrifice for the clan. They had faced a lawyer''s hardest duty and did so with honor. She couldn''t show weakness after their heroic acts; she needed to be strong and do her duty as well. Healers rushed to her side, doing their best to stabilize her and Dexter. The uncomfortable sensation of having her leg regrown made her flinch as it was accompanied by even more pain. This had been far too close for comfort; if she had been a lower grade, she might have died from the wounds the man had inflicted. "Nessyra, it hurts. I try to heal, but it hurts," Dexter''s voice whimpered in her head. All she could do to comfort him was give him pets and soothing words as she, too, felt the amplified empathic pain through their connection, which seemed to grow despite the healers'' efforts. She forced herself to focus and continued ordering the people around as the healers continued fixing her. "Lady Nessyra, we killed another of the potential workers who tried to flee from the lockdown, and he carried multiple trackers. We found three planted trackers from our first sweep, two of which were placed on other applicants. We have detained them for now," a strained voice beside her said. Focusing her attention, she noted it was Maldoras, a Vanitix Sovereign and one of the strongest lawyers under her retinue. "Thank you, Maldoras. Please ensure every applicant is under strict guard. Shoot them if they turn hostile. We can''t allow the Kaiakos to take even more damage." She paused. "Once the third team completes its sweep and my assistants finish with the last of the applicants, we will jump the hell out of here." Maldoras saluted, sweat pearling on his pale yellowish forehead, shouting, "Yes, ma''am!" before storming off to relay orders. Nessyra let out a sigh of relief as the healers finally managed to stop the agonizing pain left lingering by her injuries and the assassin''s odd pain constructs, which had further aggravated the pain of all her wounds. If that man''s core concept had been pain, his mastery had been mediocre at best and quite narrow as well. It was a good thing he was dead before realizing his potential, though the cost had been high. His core concept had most likely been what allowed the assassin to power through the combined efforts of her and Dexter to split his mind, giving his mental fortress a ridiculous pain resistance boost. The man had not even flinched when his arm got torn off. They had gotten the followers they needed and made some connections, but the trip had otherwise been a disaster. Once her leg had grown enough to stand, she picked up Dexter, who, fortunately, had been relieved from his pain before her. Watching him in pain had only increased her own suffering, as even after the assassin''s death, his skill still amplified any kind of pain. Dexter looked at her worriedly, but she gave him a reassuring smile, which calmed him down. She strode toward the bridge, and part of her now regretted not accepting some pirate hunting contracts from the Aegis Coalition because she sure would love to blow some of the bastards up right about now. Putting her misgivings aside, she entered the bridge, which grew quiet as everyone looked at her with a mix of worry and admiration. She returned the stares with determination, flexing her leadership skill to lift morale and squash any lingering doubts as their gazes also grew determined. It was time to go home.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
Alistair tried to grasp Riseth with his telekinesis, but despite his best efforts, she managed to escape again by turning ethereal. Frustration built up as he saw her slip through his grip. Sotarr sat in the stand and gave them short commentary while analyzing their skills, which was slightly unusual as Sotarr was usually quite busy and only gave them a set of instructions and checked up on them afterward. "Alistair, your telekinesis and kinetics alone are unsuitable for opponents able to turn ethereal." There was a pause that left Alistair worried as there were a lot of opponents that were able to turn ethereal in one way or another, and he needed a method to deal with them. Sotarr seemed to pick up on his worry and reassured him. "You need to improve your skill to force your opponents to stay corporeal. You have an incredible force affinity advantage there. I recommend you use it," Sotarr suggested, his voice echoing through the arena. Sotarr then explained how Alistair''s blasts being enveloped by force was a very good thing, presumably a premeditated gift from the system, as the force bubble wasn''t truly necessary to contain the kinetic energy but could both be used to ensure the attack hit incorporeal opponents and increase the force and therefore the power and damage of the blast. This meant that while the Blast Master title was still useful, particularly for its passive boosts to all blasts and allowing for a variety of blasts with different concepts, Sotarr recommended he pick up and develop a handful of specialized kinetic skills. Sotarr was usually a patient master, but Alistair noticed his frustration as he groaned, "Celestrina almighty," while watching Alistair and Riseth clash in close combat. Riseth had the advantage of three weapons attacking, making it incredibly hard for Alistair. He tried to fend her off with his poleaxe and shield but was driven back, ensuring she didn''t land too many clean hits and robbing her of momentum to empower himself, exploiting the change of pace. While Riseth still managed to break through his defense occasionally, Alistair''s freedom of movement made her attempts to restrain him moot, and he benefited from the close-quarter exchange far more than she did, gaining energy as she expended hers. However, it was clear that both of them lacked proficiency with their weapons or a proper combat style in general. Once Alistair felt he had stored enough kinetic energy, he converted it into power and threw Riseth off balance, robbing her of her momentum. With a swift push, he struck one of her blades aside with his poleaxe and aimed for her sternum. Before it could make contact, she turned ethereal and stepped away with Flash Step. In response, Alistair summoned his battle spheres, which bombarded her with kinetic blasts as he gave chase. He tried to act on Sotarr''s advice, doing his best to prevent her from turning ethereal, though with little success as he couldn''t quite grasp the technique. "Riseth, while it''s good to have some close-quarters options, your core concept and its branches lend themselves more to a disabler and support role. You need to manipulate your opponent and interfere with their skills. That is the next step you should take, and Alistair, with his high resistance, is a good target to practice this on," Sotarr instructed. "And Alistair," Sotarr continued, "your core concept is Kinetics. You should be much more formidable in close combat. Your defensive skills are good but need refinement and focus. I''ll give you some body enchantment manuals to get you on the right track later. Riseth shouldn''t be able to push you in close quarters at all. While practicing evasion and minimizing the damage you can''t convert is beneficial, it shouldn''t be your goal. You should be able to absorb a near-endless amount of physical punishment. However, your current rate of conversion is lacking. Your offense is even worse; it lacks power and the ability to hit opponents. You need to work on that." As they continued fighting, Sotarr remained mostly quiet, offering occasional instructions on which skills to improve, change, or phase out if they were less suitable. The most surprising recommendation was regarding Alistair''s flight skill. "It''s a good thing you improved it to work underwater; from now on, that should be its primary role. Your affinity for Telekinesis is far superior to your flight affinity and would grant you much better mobility overall. If your next evolution comes with wings, make sure to use your body enchantment to refine them with telekinesis for mobility and utility purposes," Sotarr advised. The next big surprise came when Sotarr critiqued the Freedom of Movement enchantment. "Your armor is well-built, but Freedom of Movement is something that should be a skill, not an enchantment," he said, his tone measured. "The armor can be salvaged by a proficient enchanter or by letting it integrate another enchantment replacing Freedom of Movement. You could repurpose the enchantment to empower your own skill rather than substitute for it. I suggest, if given the chance, you swap it out for something more suitable as soon as possible." He glanced up, his gaze intent. "And make sure to train that skill. It''s not as crucial as acquiring a few properly specialized kinetic combat skills or a telekinetic mobility skill, but it''s definitely one you should aim for with your next skill selection since you''re lacking in skills that can be directly improved. Also, you should consider refining that Kinetic Wave skill and turning it into a specialized combat ability. As for that unselected Death from Above skill, with a lot of focused effort and intent, you could transform it into a solid telekinetic mobility skill." Sotarr''s expression grew serious. "Whatever you do, do not integrate a flight aspect into your current Telekinesis skill. That could limit its growth by ruining its specialization, pulling it into many directions and functions." He then turned and gave Riseth a list of skills and tasks to work on before asking them to fight again. Alistair''s task was to prevent Riseth from turning ethereal, while Riseth had to manipulate his Battle Spheres to attack him instead. Alistair and Riseth bowed in thanks before facing each other again. From an outside perspective, it might have seemed like Sotarr was simply pointing out their flaws, but this wasn''t the case. This training was for him to see them fight and use their techniques in combat so he could create a proper curriculum. Sotarr started by giving them single tasks and explanations to address knowledge gaps crucial for advancing through the grades. One of the key lessons he had drilled into them was the importance of keeping combat and utility skills separate. Mixing them, he explained, diluted the potential power of combat skills and made their improvement much harder. Skills could grow like trees, and the more branches they had, the more they had to grow alongside the trunk or core of the skill. This understanding was essential for maximizing their abilities. Their training was suddenly cut short as both Riseth and Alistair were alerted to the return of the Kaiakos, who had apparently taken significant damage and suffered some losses. "Go and check on your people," Sotarr said. "I have other matters to attend to and will create a combat style for each of you, as your current combat style is... lacking. I''ll also create a curriculum for you to complete, tailored to address issues and gaps I noticed and enhance your strengths." With those last words, he disappeared, leaving them to check what had happened to the Kaiakos and its crew. Chapter 171: Core and Linked Concepts Alistair and Riseth rushed through Rathos, teleporting above the central teleportation hub. A steady stream of people exited the hub, filling the large central square with a mix of relief and awe on their faces. Alistair noticed many demons and humans, as well as a significant number of beastkin, particularly Oconoe''s kin. Without wasting time, they immediately stepped onto the outgoing teleportation circle leading to the shipyard, where the Kaiakos was docked due to extensive damage needing repairs. Upon arrival, they quickly found Nessyra, James, and Simon talking in an office space typically used by their shipwrights. As they entered, everyone had a complicated expression, and Nessyra still wore a slight scowl. Her armor''s cleaning enchantment hadn''t managed to remove all the bloodstains covering her body. "Nessy!" Riseth called out, immediately hugging her sister. Nessyra''s scowl lessened upon seeing her. "Are you alright? What happened?" Riseth demanded as she inspected her sister. Nessyra frowned. "I tried to lure out and kill assassins hidden among the refugees, and I almost took on a bigger loan than I was able to repay," her voice tinged with bitterness and regret. James and Simon, who had already heard the story, remained quiet as Nessyra recounted the events. Alistair was baffled at the risk she had taken. If she had set a proper trap leading the target into an isolated room and assisted by her full retinue, he would have understood or even thought it was a good idea. While strong, Nessyra, even with Dexter''s help, wasn''t a combat specialist. Taking on a specialized assassin in such close quarters, even with a higher level and nearby assistance, was far too risky. He knew she chafed at feeling inadequate in combat and relying on others, but he hadn''t thought she would take such risks to grow. Riseth had a pained expression. "Don''t do that again," she said, her tone clearer and sharper than usual, brooking no argument. Nessyra nodded. "I won''t. I should have led them into an ambush and detained or killed them instead of provoking them to act. I wanted to make sure myself before putting the life of a potential applicant at risk or risk tipping them off too soon and getting my assistants and guards killed, but I should have taken better precautions. I was too overconfident." Turning to James, she added, "I would like to request some of your power armor; my own armor seems to be quite lacking." "I''ll be busy helping repair the Kaiakos," James replied, "but I''ll create a specialized power armor for you as soon as I can. Getting the Kaiakos back in fighting shape has higher priority." "Naturally," Nessyra replied before briefing them about the Aegis Coalition and what she had encountered on Earth, Neshan, and Vacadis, Oconoe''s home planet. Vacadis had been quite friendly to the Ryser Clan, with many young crabkin eager to join them into the unknown. In contrast, both Earth and Neshan had been embroiled in conflict and power struggles, resulting in numerous refugees and opportunists looking to sign up with them. They decided to postpone addressing the Aegis Coalition until their planetary defense network was properly established to prevent or at least interfere with any orbital attacks, and they had a capable fleet to defend themselves. Currently, their largest fleet asset was barely operational. Many of its weapons were heavily damaged or destroyed, one of its reactors was compromised, and a hangar door mechanism had been reduced to slag after the pirate ambush. Although they had planned to do some upgrades while working on other projects, those plans would now have to be delayed. "How is training with Sotarr?" Nessyra eventually asked once she had shared most of what happened during her trip, and James had rushed off to work on the Kaiakos. Alistair and Riseth exchanged a glance, and Riseth was the first to speak up. "He''s a wellspring of knowledge and insights. Unless it harms our path, he freely shares any information we request, or he deems important for us to advance, which helps a lot, but there''s so much for us to work on," she said with a sigh. Alistair nodded. "While he''s usually busy, he had us fight in the arena array, giving us pointers before your return cut the session short." Nessyra frowned a little. "I''m sorry." Riseth shook her head. "It''s fine. He would have likely left soon anyway, and he needs some time to search out some manuals and create a curriculum for us." Nessyra nodded, brightening up a bit. "Is there anything that I or the others could use to speed up our progress?" "Plenty," Alistair replied. "We put it up on the network, though we locked some of it to leadership only. We don''t want to influence or harm people''s progression by taking away certain discoveries. We''ve set it up in a way that allows people to discover things for themselves by giving clues or recommending certain books, techniques, and skills. Just like we did for the enchanters and the Arcane Substrate." Simon added, "That trick with using intuition to tear yourself out of your Soulscape when somebody is approaching is really useful. It lets me use the time dilation provided by the skill a lot more, and it''s a great way to train intuition specifically." Alistair nodded. "Still, don''t do it in public and preferably have somebody watching out for you," he cautioned.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
They had underutilized the Soulscape skill ever since they settled on Lacustrine due to the skill''s inherent danger, especially since they didn''t have access to their personal space in the Study Dungeon anymore. However, the fact that they could train their intuition to detect even non-hostile threats allowed for the skill to be used in private. This saved them valuable time while studying manuals or engaging in limited-skill training. While they exchanged pointers and made recommendations, Alistair mulled over the lessons Sotarr had already given him. Sotarr had eventually lost patience and expanded on how concepts interacted with each other and what a core concept actually meant. He now had a ton of material on how kinetics and its other linked concepts worked to go through. It wasn''t enough to just add this to his knowledge base with his Akashic Link skill; he needed to know this knowledge by heart. In the heat of battle, there wouldn''t be time to browse through information on how his core concept, kinetics, interacted with elements like light or lightning, which was very little to none. Science and Magic, despite their overlaps, didn''t always correlate as one might expect. His kinetics affinity did very little to help him manipulate lightning or affect gravity. Still, his energy affinity, which was one of the concepts directly linked to kinetics, was much more helpful. If he wanted to use lightning effectively, he would need to train his affinity through practice and body enchantment, which, according to Sotarr, would be a waste of time. One of the first things Sotarr had expanded on was how one''s strongest affinity, or Core Concept, worked. After Alistair and Riseth had continuously questioned why he discouraged the development of certain skills, Sotarr eventually explained: "Every concept is linked to all the others in an endless web of connections," Sotarr began. "Everyone has at least one core concept. In exceptionally rare cases, often found in mythical species, an individual might have two, and in a handful of examples across eons, three core concepts. These core concepts allow them to exceed what would normally be the skill ceiling because these concepts are part of who they are; they are ingrained in their soul. The concepts most closely related to the core concept, often called ''linked concepts'' or ''branches,'' can most often be trained with much less effort to reach that ceiling alongside the core concept but not exceed it until you become a god. Of course, that ceiling rises with each grade." Alistair couldn''t help but ask a question that had bothered him for a long time. "What differentiates a god from, let''s say, a Grade 2 or 1? Sol and Zaltom are powerful, but I can tell that you are more powerful despite not being a god yourself," Alistair questioned. Sotarr looked at him with his draconic eyes but eventually relented. "It''s impressive that you can even tell at your grade. This is something many withhold from their students, but I don''t see the harm in telling you." Sotarr''s words garnered the rapt attention of both Riseth and Alistair. "The difference is that the power a natural god possesses is purely their own." They looked puzzled; he smiled at them and elaborated on his earlier statement. "Once you reach Grade 1, there are no more levels, new skills, or titles to gain. To become a god, you need to make that power your own." He chuckled dryly. "The System aids you on your path, ensuring you can feasibly reach that level of power, but to progress and advance beyond to become a true god, that power needs to be yours, not borrowed or using a crutch. That is what differentiates a god from someone still relying on the System." "How does one claim their power and magic as their own?" Riseth questioned, and Alistair nodded in agreement. Sotarr shook his head. "That I cannot tell you, even if I wanted to. It is something everyone must figure out for themselves, and it will be a long time before it becomes relevant for the two of you." They fell into silence for what felt like minutes, digesting that information, until Riseth decided to ask another question. "Can you tell us more about core concepts and their linked concepts?" Riseth requested. Sotarr scratched his chin, contemplating the question. "Usually, I''d use the fire and flame concept as an example, but I''ll take Alistair''s kinetic concept to explain," Sotarr said. "The Kinetic concept is desirable and powerful in its own right and has many strong concepts linked directly to its core. Concepts such as energy, movement, telekinesis, and force are all powerful. But let''s take the movement concept; it is also desirable and powerful as it links to other concepts that kinetics doesn''t directly link to anymore, such as teleportation, travel, and friction. However, it doesn''t have access to force as it is linked to force through Kinetics and other concepts. Magic is a complicated beast, and some things you would expect to relate do, while others don''t. Core concepts only elevate affinities directly connected to them, not those one or more steps removed. That is why kinetics has no direct link to lightning, while someone with an energy or storm affinity would." Almost as an afterthought, Sotarr added, "Of course, sometimes you get unlucky, and your affinity for a directly linked concept is so poor that not even being elevated by the core concept can make it viable. Of course the opposite is true too, everyone can have a high affinity for concepts regardless of them being directly linked to your core concept. Those are often worth investing in, especially if they are complementary to your core concept. You can also often achieve certain desired effects resembling other concepts by clever utilization of available concepts. For example, Alistair rooting himself and others in place by utilizing his kinetics," Riseth had gotten even more material to read as manipulation was directly linked to many other concepts in relevant fields, such as social, crafting, and combat. Control, arcane, influence, and conversion, in particular, were powerful concepts directly linked to manipulation. While she didn''t have a direct link to any basic elemental concepts other than gravity, as they were all connected over the energy concept one or two steps down the chain instead of directly to manipulation, her strong space affinity, which she had trained and used frequently, was something Sotarr was confident she could improve alongside her core and linked concepts. Alistair was eager to get back to training, and fortunately, Nessyra felt the same. She had to help her people settle in the Clan''s newest members, dragging Simon along despite his mild protests. Seeing this wasn''t a good time to bring up that the clan had to eventually return to Riddickulus to manage the Wendigo infestation before it festered and spread to the neighboring system, he opted to add it as a talking point for the next planned Clan Leadership meeting. "We should get back to sparring," Alistair idly commented. Riseth shook her head. "I''d like to go out for dinner before we get back to training. With the influx of people, the best places are going to be crowded, and I''d hate to add to the burden." Alistair tilted his head before agreeing, offering his arm for her to link. "Good call." Chapter 172: City Life Alistair and Riseth spent the following weeks training in their personal arena, honing the skills and techniques Sotarr had recommended. Since Nessyra''s return with the Kaiakos, Sotarr had not made an appearance. The influx of people had not fully resolved the issues Rathos faced, as most newcomers needed training for their new roles, whether working as crafters, joining expeditionary and combat teams, or establishing their own businesses. One of the most successful new businesses was Al-Farisi''s Magic Emporium, opened by a friendly and industrious Middle Eastern family. Their most popular items were flying carpets and feather fall rings, which quickly became a common sight in Rathos. The Al-Farisi family had a long history of crafting and selling carpets and jewelry on Earth, catering to tourists and wealthy locals. With the introduction of magic, they expanded their craft to include various magical trinkets with all kinds of effects. Resni Stoneheart had also partnered with the Al-Farisi family, using their emporium to sell her own magical equipment. Occasionally, she collaborated with them to create new items, such as the feather fall ring, a safety measure introduced after a few accidents involving people falling off flying carpets. Fortunately, no one had been seriously hurt, but the rings provided an added layer of security. During their training, both of them had made a lot of progress. Riseth had managed to turn one of her unselected skills into an ability called ''Hijack.'' It allowed her to take control of opponents'' skills, such as his battle sphere, manipulating their friend-foe recognition, among other effects. Riseth had a much harder time hijacking and manipulating any skills that were located within his body. She had tried targeting his conceptual awareness and arcane energy manipulation skills, but Alistair''s inherent resistance and purity foundation made it extremely hard to wrestle control from him. Alistair''s efforts to resist and reclaim his battle spheres had, over time, increased their inherent resistance, providing excellent practice for the meta aspect of his force concept. Sotarr had explained that the force concept wasn''t just about its physical aspect; it was also likely Alistair''s strongest social and meta concept. He could use force to both physically and metaphorically expel other concepts, whether defending against Riseth''s attempts to hijack his skills or against mind-based attacks. This led to a series of discoveries for both of them, which would likely have taken them a long time to figure out and master. Alistair planned to follow Sotarr''s advice and create a handful of specialized kinetic skills, including a significantly improved kinetic blast and a passive skill to enhance his kinetic skills overall. Alistair felt confident he would obtain the freedom of movement skill in his next skill selection, as he was intimately familiar with it. Due to his high affinity for the relevant concepts, it had been easy to pick up on its proper execution, much like learning the kinetic blast from his kinetic combat gloves had been in the past. Upgrading his auto barrier skill to auto force barrier was also relatively straightforward. Although it still lacked defense against mental attacks, it was something his force barrier would eventually be able to stop just as well as physical and magical attacks; it opened new avenues for him to further upgrade the skill in the future.

Skills: Tier: [Epic] Name: Automatic True Force Barrier Description: Protects the user by automatically creating a protective force barrier that either surrounds the user or a designated area at the cost of a slight amount of [MP] or [Qi], shielding the user from attacks. The Barrier drains a tiny amount of [MP] or [Qi] over time and requires additional [MP] or [Qi] to maintain itself based on the damage it receives. The Barrier has a very high efficiency when defending against physical and energy attacks and a moderate efficiency when defending against mind and other esoteric concepts.
The last skill Alistair had been working on was "Death From Above." Despite his best efforts and directed intent, it still refused to transform into a "Telekinetic Mobility" skill that boosted attacks from elevated positions. Sotarr had warned him that this might be the case, as the wording of the skill and the initial intent behind the skill were not ideal, but he assured Alistair it could be changed with sufficient effort and time. Using telekinesis for mobility, on the other hand, was not very difficult for Alistair as he had gained a lot of practice with telekinesis by now. After some initial problems with using too much energy and lacking fine control, he eventually managed to get the hang of it. It was far more energy-efficient than flying, and mobility and momentum were not as much of an issue, allowing him to move at incredible speeds and unpredictable angles and acceleration. Since it wasn''t flight, he could likely circumvent many lesser skills and anti-flight arrays with this technique. This experience also opened Alistair''s eyes to his issues with fine magic control. He was always a little too forceful, and he considered developing a ''Fine Magic Control'' skill to help him with that. This skill would likely be useful in general, particularly for enchanting. As they advanced, the scripts and arcane structures became more intricate, and he struggled a lot more than Riseth to avoid botching things and having to start over, likely due to her having the control concept as a linked concept. When they weren¡¯t training, they were either attending meetings or planning large-scale expeditions; they were enjoying their free time in Rathos, which had grown into a bustling city. The selection process for new residents had been careful, aimed at minimizing the number of troublemakers or those likely to bring conflict with them. As a result, despite the wide variety of species represented, there was little friction among the inhabitants. People could release their frustrations through combat expeditions or in the public arenas, where leagues and teams were forming for competitive matches between similarly skilled individuals. Crafting events were also organized to encourage healthy competition, adding to the community¡¯s activities. However, the number of Crabkin in Rathos had noticeably decreased, with most relocating to Nautilis. During the initial wave of settlement, many Crabkin had declined to join the clan, as the specifics of their new home planet were unclear. However, during the second wave of recruitment, when it became clear that the clan had settled on an archipelago moon and a lake planet, many Crabkin took up the offer to join the clan, drawn to the more suitable living conditions. During this time, they learned that most species didn¡¯t appreciate being referred to as some kind of "beastkin." In fact, many species viewed humans and their subraces as nothing more than "monkeykin," while demons were often considered "Demonkin." The term Demon, in this case, applied to an underground, bipedal, humanoid lizard-like species that thrived in hot, volcanic environments, a species not found on Earth. Unless the term was used derogatorily, Alistair wasn¡¯t particularly bothered by being called monkeykin. Still, he and others made a conscious effort to address different species by their chosen species names.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. One of Alistair¡¯s favorite activities was the regularly held cooking competitions, which were also televised over the network. These events often featured ingredients newly discovered by the expedition teams exploring the planet and its moon. Neshan cuisine was typically highly garnished, with a strong emphasis on visual appeal as well as flavor. Human food, on the other hand, prioritized taste and was generally less elaborate to consume compared to the often intricate and over-garnished Neshan dishes. Although demons shared a similar sensibility to humans regarding taste and presentation, their dishes occasionally had a nightmarish appearance. Alistair was particularly horrified by a dish of eyeball turtle soup, served in the turtle¡¯s polished shell, with the wyvern eyeballs floating in a highly garnished vegetable broth, arranged to stare at the eater, with the turtle¡¯s skull grinning ominously from the center. However, despite the diversity of dishes, Barton and his team of halflings often emerged victorious, striking the perfect balance between creativity and inoffensiveness to humans, demons, and beastkin alike. Luca and the rest of the Fichera family also managed to secure multiple wins, sparking a fierce but friendly rivalry between them. This competition benefited everyone, as the two chefs continually pushed each other to create even more delicious dishes, many of which found their way onto the menus of their respective restaurants. Their plans to explore the southern continent had been deprioritized until another dungeon or treasure with a powerful guardian was discovered. Instead, they focused on a major military expedition to Riddickulus. The operation would require establishing multiple defensive positions that could withstand Wendigo attacks while they dealt with the inevitable waves of monsters. The mission promised valuable experience, regeneration materials, and the coveted Slayer title. However, many were hesitant to join due to the inherent danger. Wendigos were formidable foes individually, and the prospect of facing swarms of them, aided by bat-like creatures attacking from the air, was daunting. The primary motivation for cleansing Riddickulus was the risk of some Wendigos evolving into stronger, more intelligent, and overall more dangerous variants, capable of spreading to other worlds. Ensuring prepared escape routes and achieving orbital, if not aerial, superiority would be crucial to success. Since prefab bunkers and emplacements were impractical, Wendigos would inevitably burrow their way in. James and his engineers were working on ''Project Ziggurat.'' This initiative involved developing flying battlecraft that would provide elevated positions for attacks and retreats, armed with numerous emplacements and turrets and were capable of escaping into high orbit.
In the sixth week since the return of the Kaiakos, Alistair nearly spat out his morning coffee as he surveyed Rathos from his platform, where his Ginkgo tree stood, and spotted a walker mech stomping across the field on four massive mechanical legs. The mech unleashed its oversized plasma weapons and missile pods on a group of Hukris approaching the walls, turning the concept of overkill into an art form. When Alistair eagerly demanded an explanation from his brother, he was informed that the large machine was the brainchild of Aknis. Despite its impressive firepower, the mech was still a prototype. Its current design, while as fast as most off-road vehicles from Earth, had low mobility, limiting its use to that of a large, semi-mobile gun emplacement. However, Iknis had plans for a variety of mechs that he was sure would be more useful as they promised much higher mobility and could potentially assist the expedition to Riddickulus. They had discovered a handful of blueprints from various species utilizing mechs in the study dungeon. However, most races had taken different approaches to military doctrine and combat vehicles. Mechs, while not uncommon, were rarely the centerpiece of combat strategies, typically serving in support roles, tackling challenging terrain, or engaging in heavy assault missions. Aknis believed that the introduction of magic made mechs more viable than traditional tanks and emplacements, but he acknowledged that creating a truly viable design would take time. One of his early successes was a smaller version of the quadruped mech, named the Yuret after a common cave spider on Neshan. This mech was already popular due to its ability to jump, cling to walls, and still carry significant firepower along with a small shield engine. It was a clear upgrade from their standard automata produced by the Synth Alliance Self-replicator. However, they lacked the means or industry to mass-produce the Yuret like the Automata. James, on the other hand, preferred working on power armor, finding it more practical. He had already produced a significant amount of standardized power armor for the expedition to Riddickulus. Still, he didn¡¯t mind Aknis branching out in a different direction, as they could both learn from each other¡¯s work in the future. Mechs and power armor would become significant power multipliers for many of their people who didn¡¯t excel in individual combat like Alistair did. Although Alistair wouldn¡¯t be piloting any mechs into battle, he was already recommending color schemes for the mechs and was looking forward to taking them for a joyride, just for the thrill of it. He couldn¡¯t wait to see what Aknis would come up with next. After another long day of training, Riseth had arranged a dinner for them on their platform, offering a breathtaking view of the landscape below and the vibrant evening sky above, where colorful nebulae and stars shimmered. Despite their elevation, the air was pleasantly warm, with a gentle breeze drifting over them. The freshness of the air seemed enhanced by the towering Ginkgo tree nearby, its leaves swaying lazily in the wind. Riseth looked stunning, and Alistair couldn''t help but glance up from his large plate of Lisaross Jambalaya, smiling contentedly at her. She noticed his gaze and smiled back, though he sensed a hint of nervousness as she awkwardly cleared her throat before placing a small box in front of him. "I understand that, in human culture, pairs exchange wedding bands. Since you honored our tradition, I thought I should do the same." He was caught off guard, staring at the box for a moment before carefully picking it up and opening it. Inside was a golden ring, likely crafted from the Saint''s gold they had discovered in the Everbright dungeon. The band itself was formed by a wyrm and a serpent coiled around each other, their maws appearing to consume the cosmic gem set in the center. The design mirrored the intertwined creatures on the choker he had created for her. He put on the ring, ensuring it would display even if his comfort array would display his usual armor, smiling at her as they leaned in for a kiss. Chapter 173: Serpents Waltz and Aegis Stride A few days after observing the first armed flying platforms being tested outside of Rathos, Sotarr returned to assess their progress. The Body Enchantment manuals he had left for Alistair and Riseth were incredibly detailed and advanced, far surpassing the structures they had initially devised on their own. These manuals included partial Arcane Substrate structures integrated into their bodies and the outer layers of their souls, significantly enhancing their physical strength and overall abilities. Alistair''s capacity to absorb energy, convert it into kinetic energy, and store it in his body had progressed to the point where he no longer needed to dodge any of Riseth''s attacks, except for her most powerful strikes, even when she tried to manipulate his energy conversion rate. Beyond the benefits of Body Enchantment, much of this improvement came from his relentless work on refining his Kinetic Combat skill, which he had been honing alongside his physical training for months. Riseth, in turn, had honed her ability to pass through most attacks, making her nearly untouchable. Despite Alistair''s significant improvements with telekinesis, he still couldn''t fully grasp her, though his now ridiculously powerful kinetic blasts could partially hit her. Meanwhile, Riseth had developed the ability to interfere with the arcane processes within his body, albeit only on a surface level. Her skill in manipulating her opponents and surroundings had become something to be feared. Their sparring matches against other clan members and high-grade beasts highlighted just how much they had progressed in the months since becoming Sotarr''s students. A lot of the power Alistair could now display came from his relatively new Kinetic Combat skill, which he had initially improved from his Kinetic Wave skill. He still had not managed to convert the Death From Above skill, but he felt it was close as it had upgraded to include a line on how to attack with Telekinesis after he used telekinesis to tackle a wild Lisaross into the ground, splattering part of its body in the process.

Skills: Tier: [Legendary] Name: Kinetic Combat Description: Greatly increases all relevant stats when using Kinetic skills and reduces both energy expenditure and maintenance. Utilizing the user''s Augmented Physiology, such as Kinetic Skin and Kinetic Ribcage Storage. Due to the user''s affinity, the conversion and storage of any type of energy into Kinetic Energy are enhanced at an abnormally high rate based on the user''s Grade. When the user attacks with Kinetic energy, whether through waves, blasts, body strikes, or weapons, the power is further amplified based on the user''s Kinetic Affinity. - Tier: [Legendary] Name: Kinetic Grappler Description: The user robs opponents of their momentum by utilizing and siphoning [KE] at the cost of a minuscule amount of [Qi] [MP] or [KE]. If possible, the stolen [KE] will automatically be used to fuel the skill and empower the user with a burst of [Power] based on the amount of stolen kinetic energy or harm opponents if connected either magically or physically to the user by violently unleashing the [KE] in their body. The user may repurpose the stolen [KE] or store it in spheres provided by the [Kinetic Skinguard] skill or in the user''s other augmented body parts. This skill has very high resistance against outside interference by using the user''s augmented skin and body and inherent resistance. The skill provides a very large bonus in [Power] and [Control] against opponents attempting to resist, disperse, or avoid the effects of this skill; the user is able to grapple ethereal opponents.
Alistair''s Kinetic Blast had retained its name despite a significant increase in power, now capable of causing more devastation than his explosive blasts ever could and effortlessly tearing apart small hillsides even with minimal energy input. Most of his other blasts were now helplessly outmatched. Alistair believed this enhancement stemmed from the combined boosts of his Blast Master and Kinetic Combat skills coupled with the benefits of his Kinetic Combat Gloves and his refined manipulation of the arcane structure of the force sphere that used to contain his kinetic energy. This refinement not only amplified the blast''s power but also made it effective against both ethereal and corporeal targets. Even Riseth, with her ability to turn ethereal and use her Veil of Space to redirect attacks, couldn''t fully evade it. Instead of being redirected, the blast would often violently unleash its energy unless Alistair carefully adjusted the arcane structure before firing. He was currently working on an even more powerful variant of Kinetic Blast he dubbed Kinetic Strike, with the intent to create a skill not tied to the Blast Master skill as a compound blast. His Kinetic Grappler skill also eventually upgraded when he finally managed to grapple Riseth by utilizing his linked force concept. The skill now immediately paid for itself and empowered him for a longer period of time. Maintaining the kinetic energy to empower himself was one of the first things he tried once he finally was able to grasp Riseth, who in turn constantly got better at avoiding being grasped by him. They had earned two levels each in those months, most of which came from their skill training and occasional hunts, though further refining their bodies and essences through their Dual Cultivation had also greatly helped. However, the strain from their Master-Disciple agreement was unmistakable, almost like sharing their records with an entire set of new summons. After Sotarr inspected their ''Body Enchantment,'' a term he insisted on using instead of ''Body Cultivation,'' likely due to some past grievances with cultivators that he preferred not to dwell on¡ªhe had them spar again. Alistair could relate to this sentiment, having only encountered a handful of cultivators in his life, all of whom were either insufferably arrogant or outright hostile from the moment they met. Judging by Sotarr¡¯s sly, draconic smile during their sparring session, it was clear he was satisfied with their progress as he finally called them over.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. "I''m glad to see the two of you advancing at such a healthy rate," Sotarr said, his tone warm and fatherly. "If this continues, I won¡¯t have to worry about you dying in an accident or from overconfidence anymore." He paused, his expression softening even further. "But I sense some unease. If something is bothering you, I¡¯m here to listen." They hesitated, the concern gnawing at them ever since they had received the body cultivation manuals. The knowledge gap between the old universes and this new one felt insurmountable. Developing techniques that could even begin to rival those they had been given would take years, if not decades. The time they simply didn¡¯t have, with the first bridges to their universe soon to open, allowing the initial wave of Grade 10 individuals to cross over in their spacecrafts. Though they had been led to believe they were exceptionally powerful for their grade within the Trial, the techniques Sotarr had provided revealed a stark reality. Even low-grade invaders, with access to the ancient and sophisticated knowledge of the old universes, would advance quickly and pose a significant threat. When they finally voiced their concerns to Sotarr, however, he merely laughed good-naturedly. ¡°The two of you are under my direct tutelage,¡± Sotarr said, a hint of amusement in his voice. ¡°I¡¯m a Grade 2 dragon and part of an ancient faction. The techniques I¡¯ve developed for you are leagues beyond what your universe can currently produce.¡± He paused, watching their reactions with his sharp, draconic eyes and a knowing smile. ¡°It should be obvious, but most factions won¡¯t go to the trouble of creating such advanced techniques for their regular followers, much less the bottom-of-the-barrel individuals at Grade 10. You¡¯re my direct disciples, and that puts you in a different league.¡± His eyes twinkled as he added, ¡°I doubt any faction looking to expand into your universe would be foolish enough to send their scions or direct disciples in the first three bridge expansions. It would be wasteful and reckless. Who would send a high-potential Grade 10 infant into a new universe guarded only by Grade 10 servants or slaves? Many species don''t even birth children of such a low grade.¡± Hearing his words, they relaxed a little. Unless the AC, who took it upon themselves to guard the bridges connecting them to the other universes, utterly failed, they should be able to manage the first few waves unless they were utterly overwhelmed with numbers or tricked somehow. Sotarr chuckled softly, the sound more like a deep rumble. ¡°But don¡¯t get too comfortable. There are millions of individuals in your universe who are getting special attention from powerful factions and individuals looking to either find suitable disciples or expand in a less hostile way into your new universe or for a myriad of other reasons." What he said made sense. They were aware that there had been many more receptionists overseeing the trial subspaces than just Mitania or Isku, who had been responsible for the arena and study dungeons in their section of the universe. They had also heard of many factions and gods reaching out to individuals as the Trial was nearing its end, so they weren''t the only ones being scouted for an outside faction or individual. Sensing that their worries had eased, Sotarr pressed on with his plans. ¡°It wasn¡¯t easy finding and convincing some of my colleagues to share the fundamentals of their techniques so I could modify and tailor them for your needs. I had to make a few concessions,¡± he added with a hint of amusement. Neither of them wanted to imagine what kind of concessions a dragon of his stature would have to make. After a quick exchange of glances, they bowed in gratitude. ¡°We¡¯ll do our best to live up to your expectations,¡± Alistair said, trying to sound confident. Sotarr waved them off with a dismissive gesture. ¡°I¡¯ve told you before, keep it casual. The best way to repay my efforts is by staying alive and continuing to advance. That alone will repay my time and efforts manyfold.¡± Sotarr stretched out his massive arms, holding two highly enchanted manuals delicately between his large claws. When they took them, he said, "Don¡¯t bother trying to integrate these with your current skills. You¡¯ll have to learn them from scratch, practice until you get the forms right, and shed the unnecessary movements and bad habits you¡¯ve picked up while training without proper guidance." "Riseth," Sotarr continued, "yours is a blend of combat stances, dances, and techniques designed to keep distance, manipulate your opponents, and exploit openings. It complements Alistair¡¯s technique well. I¡¯ve named it the Serpent¡¯s Waltz." Turning to Alistair, he added, "Yours is more steadfast, compelling your enemies to play by your rules. It maximizes your kinetic concept and its branches, rendering your opponents'' attacks futile as you overpower them with relentless force and exceptional mobility. I¡¯ve named it Aegis Stride." Alistair gazed at the manual in his hands with reverence. This marked the end of his days muddling through and wasting his potential. While they still had to master most skills and body enchantments on their own, this new foundation and the insights it provided would make their progress much smoother. Their fighting techniques, which had been a patchwork of improvisation and intuition, would now evolve into something refined and purposeful. He listened intently as Sotarr outlined which skills they should use alongside Serpent¡¯s Waltz and Aegis Stride and which ones would best support different aspects of these techniques. They began with the initial stances and forms, the manuals imprinting visions of shadowy figures executing fluid and precise movements across a variety of weapons and scenarios. Alistair suspected that whoever had shared their insights for his manual had wanted to remain anonymous. This was particularly evident when compared to Riseth''s manual, where the dance-like movements were demonstrated by a well-dressed elven woman in a flowing gown, her face perpetually adorned with a sly, satisfied smile. As Alistair studied his own manual, he realized that Sotarr had planned for him to use a linked concept he had largely neglected until now: the concept of mass. There were several techniques that required not just force but also mass, making him even harder to move and adding significant weight to his attacks. Though he had experimented with the concept before, he found it slightly less intuitive than his other linked concepts, likely because his inherent affinity for it was somewhat lower, only elevated by his core concept. Recognizing this, Alistair knew he would need to dedicate time and effort to mastering the concept, increasing his familiarity with it, which shouldn''t be too hard as it was a linked concept after all. Sotarr had also informed him that none of his current skills would suffice for Aegis Stride, meaning he would need to train diligently to acquire the skill, or at least lay the groundwork for it, by the time he reached his next skill selection in eight levels. Alistair regretted having wasted many of his human benefits, with several of his skill slots being either too specific or ultimately useless, making them difficult to transform into long-term usefull skills. Others, like his melee proficiency, were too valuable to change into something he needed more urgently, like the Aegis Stride technique. However, rather than letting this discourage him, Alistair threw himself into training with renewed vigor, just as eager to master Aegis Stride as Riseth was to learn Serpent¡¯s Waltz. During their practice, they often exchanged smiles, both deeply committed to their training. Sotarr frequently paused their movements to correct their stances, his sharp draconic eyes catching even the slightest missteps and body turns. Each adjustment was another step closer to mastering the powerful techniques that would define their future combat style. Chapter 174: To Venture Out Sotarr stayed around longer this time, checking in on them more often than ever before. He made sure they didn¡¯t pick up any new bad habits while helping them shed the old ones. Alistair started to truly realize just how much wasted movement and untapped potential there had been in both their combat techniques and their use of magic and core concepts. He knew there were still plenty of gaps to find and fill, and the thought of uncovering them excited him more than any hobby he had before the initiation. He had always enjoyed self-improvement, but magic was different. It fueled him in a way nothing else ever had. Even when he was working with concepts that actively resisted him, he couldn¡¯t help but smile, driven by the thrill of overcoming those challenges. Sometimes, it didn¡¯t even feel like work, a quality that Riseth envied in him. Though she, too, loved magic, she admired how effortlessly Alistair embraced the challenges. The time they spent together, figuring things out and pushing each other to get better, had become something they both looked forward to, bringing them closer as they shared in the joy of progress. After nearly a month, James informed them that preparations for the expedition to Riddickulus were finally complete. This timing aligned perfectly with their growing confidence in their new techniques¡ªSotarr rarely needed to intervene anymore, content to silently and keenly observe their progress. It was during this period that they saw his true form for the first time. Sotarr was massive, his scales a lustrous pearly white with hints of golden spikes and hues accentuating his form. Three golden horns curved backward from each side of his head, and he possessed two sets of wings, one pair that also functioned as arms, like a wyvern''s. However, despite these wyvern-like features, he was still very much a dragon, with powerful hind legs and sturdy front limbs that doubled as arms, easily supported by his winged arms when not in flight. Both pairs of wings were adorned not with leathery membranes but with long, elegant white and golden feathers. His tail was lined with feathers and golden spikes along the ridge, and his draconic features were sharp, with piercing golden eyes that commanded attention. His neck was covered in a series of ridges, both white and gold, that almost seemed decorative. He exuded a powerful sense of warmth and authority despite only being a projection from the Token of Connection. Though he could shift into his humanoid form in the blink of an eye, Alistair could tell that Sotarr felt most at ease in his dragon body, a form that truly embodied his true nature and power. Alistair watched closely, hoping to catch a glimpse of the technique Sotarr used as he smoothly polymorphed back into his humanoid shape before approaching them. "With your clan ready to move out and the two of you now comfortable with your new techniques, it''s time for you to venture out and experience the wider universe once again and apply your new skill outside of training." Both Alistair and Riseth bowed deeply, grateful for all he had done for them and their clan by sharing his knowledge and training them. "Thank you, Sotarr. Your help means a great deal to us," Riseth said, meeting the dragon''s eyes. A toothy grin spread across Sotarr¡¯s face, his sharp fangs on display as he chuckled softly. "No need for thanks," he replied, warmth in his voice. "I''m just glad to see your progress. I only wish I could meet you in person and have you spar with the other disciples of the Lyraxis Ascendancy; it would let you interact with more peers and give me something to brag about." He laughed good-naturedly, clearly proud of how far they had come in the time they had spent together. "I''ll be checking in on you both regularly," Sotarr began, "but for the foreseeable future, I¡¯ll be occupied with other matters. Several wars have broken out over the impending opening of the bridges to a new universe, sparking a chain reaction." Noticing the concern in their expressions, he quickly reassured them, "No need to worry. The Lyraxis Ascendancy isn¡¯t under attack. But chaos breeds violence, and many are fleeing from it, while others seek to take advantage of the turmoil. Neutral Factions like ours are often called upon to mediate, and my assistance is required to manage the situation." Alistair nodded, feeling a twinge of disappointment as Sotarr prepared to depart. Yet, the anticipation of testing his newfound power and techniques tempered that feeling. After exchanging final farewells, they watched as Sotarr¡¯s form began to shimmer, gradually fading and becoming more ethereal. Just before vanishing completely, his head turned as if addressing someone or something beyond their perception, speaking words they couldn¡¯t hear. And then, with a final flicker, he was gone, leaving them alone. Riseth dispersed the arena array, causing the serene dojo that had been displayed to vanish, leaving them standing in an empty chamber. The array had created a tranquil courtyard scene, complete with a stone-tiled arena, bonsai trees, bamboo, and a small pond with koi swimming peacefully. Alistair had been particularly proud of this variation, having spent a lot of time perfecting the ambiance. Even Sotarr had appreciated the atmosphere it created despite grumbling over the cultivator aesthetics. "I think it''s time we take care of that infestation problem of ours," Riseth said, her voice laced with excitement. Alistair joined Riseth as she made her way to the door, though he couldn¡¯t quite muster her level of enthusiasm. He was eager for a fight, but he¡¯d be happy to face anything¡ªexcept those goddamn Wendigos again. Simon felt the same way, which was why he and some of the other strong fighters were staying behind to maintain security in their absence. In the event of an emergency, Alistair would return to Lacustrine first, while the rest of the team evacuated Riddickulus and followed after him.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. The expedition had been prepped for nearly a week, during which time the team thoroughly mapped Riddickulus and its wendigo hives, trained extensively, and constructed another of the broad, diamond-shaped bastions James had named ''Valrus.'' The name drew inspiration from a Neshan legend of a flying mountain, a tale with intriguing parallels to Arthurian myths. However, the human members of the clan quickly nicknamed the bastions ''Walrus'' due to their slow, massive, and ponderous movement. These airborne fortresses were primarily constructed from magically infused stone excavated during Rathos''s creation, reinforced by an adamant support frame. Despite the stone''s density, it surprisingly didn¡¯t add as much weight as Alistair had anticipated. The bastions were powered by reactors that absorbed atmospheric mana and converted water-aspected crystal reef chunks into a steady stream of energy, keeping them aloft and their formidable defenses fully operational. While they had considered using some of the flying islands of Skyreach, it would have disrupted its ecosystem quite a bit, and they could emulate the desired effects easily enough with some material investments and time. The next day, Alistair and Riseth entered the TOC aboard the Kaiakos, which was positioned in high orbit over Riddickulus, overseeing the deployment of four Valrus bastions above large pockets of Wendigos. Inside, Nessyra, Desily, and Melissa were already deep in discussion, while Levine and Maldoras, members of Nessyra''s retinue, stood off to the side, with Levine and Karrut engaged in an animated conversation. Alistair gave a brief wave to his former students before approaching the holographic display that depicted Riddickulus, highlighting underground locations in red to indicate the massive concentrations of monsters within the caves. Nessyra¡¯s expression was tense, and her tone matched as she acknowledged their arrival. "Good, you''re here. We''ve got a situation." Alistair felt a sense of unease at her words and exhaled slowly, waiting for her to explain. "The Wendigos and Daxtzal have crossbred, and some of their hybrids¡ªespecially the winged Wendaxzal¡ªhave evolved into enormous flying monstrosities. We¡¯re also seeing far more Grade 8 monsters than we initially anticipated. Though the overall number of monsters is lower than expected, it seems they''ve been fighting among themselves, growing stronger in the process. They¡¯ve nearly wiped out the planet¡¯s fauna, and without magic, I¡¯m sure the flora would be next," Nessyra explained. Alistair could sense the tension of everyone in the room rising as she said that. Their primary goal was to not lose any lives on this expedition but it suddenly seemed a bit more far-fetched than he had hoped. "It¡¯s a good thing we got here when we did," Nessyra said, her voice tinged with concern. "If we leave them unchecked any longer, they¡¯ll grow too powerful and numerous for us to wipe out without having to glass the planet." "I¡¯ve only had to deal with these things once, and I say we should glass the planet right now," Desily remarked, her tone casual but her expression deadly serious. Melissa looked at the fairy in shock. "It''s not that dire yet. As long as we focus on the clusters of hives and don¡¯t spread ourselves too thin, we should avoid any losses. There''s a lot to gain from this." Desily huffed in frustration. "You¡¯re only saying that because you haven¡¯t faced these vicious bastards. When you go down there, and one of them grabs you, trying to stuff you into its maw, we can talk again if you still feel the same way." She shuddered at the memory, recalling a too-close-for-comfort encounter during their escape from Riddickulus. Despite her void magic allowing her to escape the wendigo¡¯s grasp after it had breached the turret fire and snatched her, the experience had clearly left its mark. Alistair couldn¡¯t fully grasp what it was like for Desily, being so small that every monster loomed enormous in comparison. He sympathized with her fear but found himself siding with his sister. "We can handle it," Alistair said casually. "But if you¡¯re not comfortable fighting them, it''s fine if you stay on the Kaiakos." Desily shot him an offended look as she took the bait. "No way am I hiding up here while you guys are fighting. I''m no coward. Watch me¡ªI¡¯ll kill more of those fucking things than you!" Alistair smirked, knowing he¡¯d sparked her competitive spirit. "Oh? Want to bet on who takes down the most of them?" "You''re on!" Desily declared. Then, turning to the room, she asked, "Anyone else want in on this action?" Her challenge drew chuckles and a few raised hands. Alistair knew he had lit a fire under Desily and suspected this could boost overall morale if they tied some rewards to performance. To his surprise, Nessyra grinned widely. "I was planning to track kills and performance anyway. I can keep tabs on the bets through the Akashic Link while coordinating our deployment from the Kaiakos," she offered. "Do I get credit for the kills the bastions rack up?" James asked. "No," Desily and Alistair replied in unison. But Nessyra had a different idea. "Actually, yes, but the credit will be distributed among all the crafters involved in creating them." James clicked his tongue in mild disappointment but then shrugged, stepping out to board one of the platforms. Jessica joined him, giving the group a wink as they exited the TOC. "Anything else we need to know before we head out?" Alistair asked, glancing at his rapidly accumulating message notifications, not in the mood to sift through them. "Yes," Nessyra responded. "Our strongest fighters are assigned to intercept any Wendaxzal that might target the platforms. They''re powerful enough to bring the bastions down, and we can''t afford the casualties that would result." "I''ll inform our clan battle groups," Nessyra said. Then she turned to Alistair, "I''ve transmitted the data you requested. Give them hell." Alistair grinned while Desily eyed him suspiciously, and the rest of the room¡ªwith the exception of Riseth¡ªlooked at him with curiosity. "You got it," he responded, heading out of the TOC. Desily determined not to let him get ahead, she flew over to him and perched herself on his shoulder with a determined expression. Riseth found the scene amusing and gave Alistair a quick peck on the cheek before rushing down another corridor. She would be deployed closer to the Valrus platforms to support and distract the enemy forces alongside their main troops. Alistair, however, had something else in mind. Chapter 175: Competitive Spirit Alistair had descended some distance from the Kaiakos, which loomed above them in high orbit. Desily accompanied him, and once they fully entered the atmosphere, he released King to join them. They watched as the four Valrus platforms deployed, slowly descending in a tight formation toward a massive cluster of Wendigo nests in the mountains and hills below. Lights of spells and cannons flashed almost immediately as a seemingly endless swarm of tiny dots started to fly at the Valrus formation. Desily glanced at Alistair, puzzled when she realized he wasn''t rushing ahead of the platforms. "What are we waiting for?" Desily asked. Alistair smirked. "There''s something I want to try. How often does someone with a kinetics core affinity get the chance to indiscriminately bomb monster hives from orbit?" Desily frowned, still unsure. "I don¡¯t get it. What¡¯s your affinity going to do from this distance?" She sounded a bit concerned, worried he had a plan that might give him an edge in their bet by wiping out a lot of Wendigos at once. Alistair let out a dark chuckle. He had requested map data from Nessyra on the major hives they were targeting and had positioned himself directly above the largest one. He''d been refining the concept of mass for some time, and while it had numerous practical uses, one of the most devastating applications, a ''Heavy Mass Blast,'' was something he would rarely have the opportunity to unleash as it required very specific circumstances to be useful and unleash its true potential. He extended his hand, palm facing the starry sky, as a deep black spherical mass began to form above it, rapidly growing in size and density. Desily watched with a mix of confusion and concern as the orb expanded, unsure of what Alistair was planning. When the mass reached its optimal size, Alistair turned his palm downward, aiming at the largest nest situated on a hilly mountainside riddled with large, visible holes even from their altitude. He began accelerating the blast, carefully controlling its speed. He could have done it much faster as he had made big strides in the concepts of velocity and acceleration, but he wanted to avoid causing more devastation than necessary. Desily remained puzzled, unable to grasp the destructive potential of a high-mass object launched at high speed from low orbit. Her home planet wasn¡¯t technologically advanced, and fairies weren¡¯t typically warlike, so she had no idea just how devastating such an attack could be. As Alistair released the blast, she watched it shoot downward, accelerating rapidly until it disappeared from sight. "If you¡¯re done, we should get down there. The others are already fighting, and I don''t see the point in warning them by knocking on their door with that heavy ball," Desily remarked, preparing to descend. But to her surprise, Alistair gently and effortlessly halted her with his telekinesis. "I agree," King added gruffly, circling below them, clearly eager to engage the enemy. "Hold on, you don¡¯t want to miss this," Alistair said with a grin, pointing downward as he sent a message to the rest of the clan, alerting them to watch for the incoming impact. With no shield or barrier arrays in place and no interceptors to counter the attack, the only thing standing between his blast and the hives was the magically infused rock of the mountainside, allowing his blast to reach its full potential. The rock had also been so thoroughly weakened by the Wendigos¡¯ relentless tunnel burrowing that it resembled Swiss cheese more than any kind of protective barrier. They waited in tense silence, Alistair keenly aware of both Desily''s and King''s growing impatience. Then, in a flash, the blast hit the mountainside. The sheer force of impact was staggering, instantly liquefying the rock in a rough circle, vaporizing the stone as the high-density mass drilled deep into the earth before cooling just as fast. The entire mountainside collapsed like brittle glass, leaving behind a massive crater with spiderweb-like fractures rippling outward from the impact site where the wendigo nest had once stood. A series of chimes rang in Alistair''s mind, confirming the success of his strike. Alistair checked the notifications, noting that his Devastator title he had obtained oh so long ago, had upgraded. The fact that it jumped from uncommon to epic worried him as it meant that Supreme would likely require him to blow up a planet, which was a worrisome prospect and he hoped he would never have to do that.

Titles: Tier: [Epic] Name: Devastator Effect: Enhances [Power] by a factor of 1.5 for area-of-effect attacks. Origin: Earned by obliterating an incredible amount of hostile monsters alongside the terrain.
The trio stood speechless, gazing at the devastation, until Desily finally broke the silence, finding her voice. "Well, that''s unfair," She blurted out. "Also, they don''t count if you don''t know how many were in there!" Alistair chuckled. "Fair enough. That¡¯s one hive for me to keep things interesting," he replied with a grin. Desily muttered in disbelief, "I think I need to find a dragon to teach me too." "You really should," Alistair teased with a smirk before growing a bit more serious. "But honestly, that was just physics. Without the Wendigos setting up magical defenses like we did for Rathos, my Heavy Mass Blast had plenty of time to pick up speed. I gave it a pretty fast start, too. You could probably pull off something similar if your affinity is strong enough or if you carry a few tons of tungsten or similar material in your storage." King stayed silent, circling above, his eyes locked on the rising dust cloud that obscured the crater below.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. "Something''s coming. Get ready," King growled, snapping Alistair and Desily''s attention downward as they both sensed multiple sources of intense bloodlust surging toward them through the dust cloud. "Oh, just my luck. Why did I have to tag along?" Desily groaned, backing up as magic flickered and coiled around her hands. Alistair summoned his poleaxe from storage and began to descend, positioning himself to be the first to meet the approaching monsters. "Why not blast them with that insane attack of yours?" Desily asked, tension clear in her voice. "I can''t," Alistair replied, shaking his head. "That attack only works in specific situations. These things could easily dodge or deflect it with a barrier, and the blast could cause more unnecessary damage to the planet." Alistair frowned as his Conceptual Awareness revealed the shapes of their attackers. One stood out¡ªa hulking, almost impossibly large figure. He wondered how he hadn¡¯t noticed it in the crater earlier, suspecting it had been buried beneath the rubble. The creatures moved silently, likely hoping the lingering dust cloud would conceal their approach until it was too late. But Alistair had already sent a warning, and Riseth was rushing to their position¡ªone of the few who could handle this threat aside from King. Alistair glanced at Desily, considering sending her away as the situation was about to become far too dangerous. "Desily, I recommend you leave. There aren¡¯t many, and I can handle them easily enough, but these things could pose a real threat to you," Alistair called out. "Fuck that! I''ll stay and provide ranged support!" she shouted back. Alistair charged his newly developed kinetic blast varient, which hadn''t yet integrated into his Blast Master compound list¡ªlikely because he intended to refine the skill separately. Unlike the standard blast, this one gained velocity as it traveled, with a dense core of mass tightly infused with kinetic energy, causing it to crackle and glow ominously in his hand. He had also enhanced its force to strike even incorporeal opponents. This potent blast variant, which he tentatively named ''Kinetic Strike,'' had the potential to obliterate less powerful and defensively equipped enemies if it hit them¡ªat least in theory. He hadn''t yet tested it on a live target, but that was about to change. Alistair raised his left palm, aiming the blast at the largest of the approaching monsters. With a resounding crack, he unleashed the Kinetic Strike into the dust cloud, dispersing it instantly. The Kinetic Strike hit the beast even as it sensed the danger and tried to coil out of the way. The blast was too fast, tearing a massive chunk out of the long, draconic, serpent-like body of the [Wendaxzal Empress - lvl 161]. In the wake of the impact, three [Wendaxzal Hive Guardians - lvl 112] were revealed as the dust cloud began to further disperse. The Empress was an almost serpentine creature, reminiscent of a Chinese dragon. However, her monstrous torso resembled that of a lamia, with six long arms ending in razor-sharp claws, each as long as Alistair himself. Her visage was nightmarish¡ªa gaping maw filled with rows of jagged teeth, and four large, red-and-orange eyes with slit pupils that regarded him as nothing more than slightly more resilient prey. Her exterior was a grotesque mix of scales, bones, and spikes, all covered in bladed edges. She had two sets of large, leathery wings that shimmered in a bleak, greyish-white hue, matching the rest of her body. To Alistair''s annoyance, the Empress retained the Wendigo''s ability to regenerate. The grievous wound he''d inflicted was already beginning to heal, tendrils of flesh knitting and coiling within the injury. Her Guardians, though less elongated, shared her terrifying visage, each with three eyes and a slightly less intimidating presence. However, they were still formidable, each as large as King, with four muscular arms and powerful legs all adorned with spikes and large, menacing claws. Desily spread her hands, and a hail of darts darker than space hurled toward the Hive queen and its guardians, tearing into their flesh, before following up with balls of explosive magic disrupting the monster''s ascent, buying Alistair time to fire his own blasts. Alistair managed to fire off three more blasts, each narrowly missing the Empress''s head but still tearing chunks out of her serpentine body and torso. One of the blasts struck with such force that it sent one of her massive arms spiraling down toward the surface. Riseth arrived and seized the moment by teleporting behind one of the Hive Guardians and ramming her bone blades into it just as it turned to assist its Empress. She manipulated the creature to assault one of its brethren instead. King dove into the opening, evading a slash from the Empress''s remaining arms, which grew unnaturally long in order to reach him, King unleashing a sonic blast that impacted the last Guardian before they clashed and tumbled out of sight. Alistair couldn¡¯t afford to be distracted, trusting his allies to handle themselves as he focused on the enraged empress. He deflected her many arms with his poleaxe in one fluid motion, absorbing all the kinetic energy from her attacks, disrupting her flow by robbing her momentum and shifting her mass. The Empress''s eyes widened in shock as Alistair, propelled by his telekinesis, dashed into the opening in the blink of an eye. With all the force he had accumulated from her strike, aided by some of his own energy, he delivered a devastating punch, exploding half her torso and sending her reeling. In the past few months, Alistair had grown immensely, and a mere level or power gap no longer posed a significant challenge. It would take more than just a large powerful, self-healing beast to give him a real fight now. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder if this was how Zathen had felt when fighting him. Alistair didn''t let up. Using his incredible mobility, he positioned himself above the Empress''s head. His poleaxe raised high, moving in a perfectly smooth arc, glowing and wreathed in the flames of his Blazing Edge skill, further empowered by his Kinetic, Mass, and Force concepts. He aimed to split her apart, but just as he struck, she teleported. Alistair barely managed to restrain her with his telekinesis, forcing her in place and preventing her from fully escaping. This maneuver saved her from a fatal blow, but she still lost her left arms and a portion of her long lower body, parts of which immediately began to regrow. As he held her in place, a vortex tear shot from Riseth, who had already finished off the Hive Guardians. The vortex struck the Empress¡¯s head, sucking it into the tear and decapitating her. In one smooth cut, Riseth carved out her large core, exposed by Alistair¡¯s earlier attack, ending the threat once and for all. Alistair turned to check on King, who had been in a vicious tumble toward the surface last he saw. He spotted the wyvern already on his way back, looking somewhat chewed up but victorious, carrying the partially crushed skull of the Wendaxzal Hive Guardian in his talon. Desily seemed fine, though a bit flabbergasted by the battle. Alistair couldn¡¯t blame her. Personally, he felt more disappointment than satisfaction¡ªthe Empress hadn¡¯t been as intelligent as he had worried. Based on what he had seen with his Conceptual Awareness skill, she might have posed a greater threat if she had used her Growth concept more creatively instead of simply enlarging and empowering herself and elongating her limbs. He suspected she had utilized her affinity more to benefit her hive than for direct combat. Either way, a huge monster core with a growth aspect had many uses, but he would leave it to Nessyra to figure out the best use. With the Empress''s body now limp in his telekinetic grasp, Alistair stored the massive corpse, swiftly catching the falling pieces with his telekinesis and pulling them in until they were close enough to be stored as well. A quick glance into the distance revealed waves of monsters swarming from underground, relentlessly assaulting the Valrus bastions in what seemed like an endless tide of bodies. "They''ve got plenty of monsters to fight. If you want to win that bet, you''d better hurry and join them," Alistair remarked casually, glancing at Desily, who seemed to have momentarily forgotten about the wager. Suddenly remembering, Desily whirled on Riseth, pointing at her. "This still only counts as one," she insisted, breaking her silence. Alistair and Riseth couldn''t help but burst into laughter. Chapter 176: Balancing Risks Eberus left the Syndicate council meeting, his mind buzzing with activity. The recent developments in their newly integrated universe had given him much to consider, but he felt fortunate that his enhanced mental capacity allowed him to keep track of everything. There were so many moving pieces on the board¡ªsome he could manipulate to improve his standing, while others were clearly plotting to take him down and claim his seat at the table. Yet, Eberus wasn''t worried. His foundation was strong, and his followers were loyal and wouldn''t dare go against him. Only fools dared to challenge him, and he relished the thought of crushing their ambitions. Especially that prideful lamia; what a silly inferior serpent. The thought of making boots from her skin, to trample on her pride for as long as he pleased, brought a dark, satisfied grin to his face. Sitting down on his large elfskin armchair, he pondered what he had been told. The Aegis Coalition had by now properly marked them as hostiles and traitors and had found and killed most of their hidden operatives among their ranks. Only their most skilled infiltrators had successfully joined the Aegis Coalition undetected, continuing to provide critical intelligence at exorbitant prices. The Aegis Coalition¡¯s recent bounties on the Syndicate and its members had been a setback. Though, the thought of hopeful bounty hunters chasing him was amusing. Still, if the Syndicate wanted chaos to thrive and keep their business growing, they couldn''t allow the AC to establish a secure perimeter around the bridges and stop the invaders. They needed to strike at them swiftly before the situation wasn''t as malleable anymore. He would direct some of the fleets he had acquired to attack some of the AC members, preferably one dealing in the production of war equipment, as he could sell it back to the AC or other parties for a good price. Eberus mulled over his lack of personal informants within the Aegis Coalition, realizing the growing need to cultivate a few reliable operatives capable of handling high-risk assignments. It seemed like a necessary investment, especially with the Syndicate willing to cover the steep costs these agents demanded. Yet, the Syndicate had more to worry about than just the AC¡¯s interference. Several Natural Gods had recently turned against them, betraying former allies and business partners, sending their fanatics to hunt down Syndicate members. However, just as many gods had chosen to protect or collaborate with the Syndicate, recognizing their value and eager to benefit from their services. Eberus harbored no deep loyalty to the Blackmarket Syndicate, but he couldn¡¯t deny the convenience they offered in terms of payment, goods acquisition, and overall reliability and the chance of an outsider''s tutelage. Their efforts to establish their own Universal Network were particularly promising, and he eagerly anticipated its completion. For now, though, the Syndicate expected his organization to shoulder some additional responsibilities. Eberus didn¡¯t mind; they paid handsomely for every service provided. His exploits on Eldorion Prime had been a particularly fortuitous stroke of luck. The elves and humans on the planet were locked in a vicious civil war, with one faction inexplicably aligning with the Synth Alliance, opting to transform their elegant elven and human bodies into bland synthetic forms. Fortunately, many elves sought to flee, and they made for exquisite furniture and highly sought-after slaves, especially among Humans, Demons, and Orcs who had a penchant for crossbreeding with other species, elves in particular. These captives had done wonders for his concept and records, despite the relentless efforts of the Synths and arrogant high elves to drive them out. With the High Elves on the back foot and their lovely princess now cushioning his behind, he knew his business there was nearing its end. He would soon need to identify another lucrative target to sustain his profits and bolster his reputation. Hunting down one of the factions opposing the Syndicate seemed like a promising next move. The payment would be substantial, and successfully eliminating a threat would keep the Syndicate off his back for a while. A few noteworthy clans had proven particularly troublesome, notably the Beshin Clan, Noross Cabal, Ryser Clan, and Neobit Collective. These groups had not only survived previous attacks but had also retaliated, destroying hidden Syndicate outposts, decimating pirate fleets, and even luring and eliminating their assassins, operatives, and other valuable assets. Fortunately, reports from their agents indicated that the Aegis Coalition¡¯s Universal Network was set to go online soon. Its activation could finally draw these and other more elusive factions out of hiding, perhaps narrowing the search from the vast expanse of the universe to specific nebulas or galaxies. While still a daunting task, it felt more achievable. Perhaps they could ambush and capture some faction leaders and torture the information out of them. Eberus shivered in pleasure at the thought of it. Once these factions were located, the Syndicate would undoubtedly crush them with superior numbers or, if necessary, sufficient funds to hire someone who could. Someone like him. There was always a price, and the Syndicate was often in a position to pay it, no matter how obscure or depraved. Still, Eberus wouldn¡¯t waste his efforts unless he believed the endeavor would be profitable or further his own ambitions or desires.
Alistair and Riseth entered the TOC, finding Nessyra already waiting, still surprised by their insistence on speaking in person. They had received a message from her earlier letting them know that she had her retinue, accompanied by Melissa, hunt down and capture one of the Wendigo Queens, with some of the expedition members almost dying. "Nessyra, please tell me why you deemed it necessary to capture a Wendigo queen," Alistair asked, disbelief in his voice. "To breed them and extract their regeneration-aspected cores, of course," Nessyra somewhat surprised at the question. Riseth¡¯s tone was equally disbelieving, her worry evident. "Nessy, we can''t bring one of those things to Lacustrine or any other planet. You have seen what they do to a planet; the risk is far too high!" Understanding flickered in Nessyra''s eyes, and she waved them off. "Of course not. I¡¯ll keep them on this planet, within a reserve." Alistair¡¯s was taken aback. While this wasn''t as bad as they thought, it still felt like she was playing with fire and said as much. Nessyra shook her head, "I am as careful as is reasonable and took a calculated risk. This planet is already a wasteland. The wendigos have scoured it of all other sentient life and most treasure. Once the recovery operations are done and we retrieve their bodies, there¡¯ll be little to nothing left here for them to grow on. They¡¯re not sapient; they¡¯re monsters, pure and simple. Since this planet is already lost, they won''t be able to grow and recover any time soon as long as we monitor them. We might as well take advantage of the only thing they offer¡ªtheir cores."This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. Alistair and Riseth frowned. As much as they didn¡¯t like to admit it, Nessyra had a point. The Wendigos, along with the bat-like Daxtzal and their hybrid offspring, had ravaged the planet, stripping it bare to fuel their own growth. The only Wendigo they had encountered that showed any semblance of sapience was a Wendigo Mage. This creature had put up a fierce fight when Melissa, Levine, and Maldoras attempted to capture the queen it was protecting, resulting in severe injuries and near fatalities among the lawyers and expedition members. If not for Melissa¡¯s abilities and the use of her concept to put them in stasis and preserve them, the outcome might have been far worse. Left unchecked, this particular Wendigo could have eventually led its hive off the planet and into the stars, possibly through the use of portals or teaching others. In the last week, they had taken out almost all of the monster''s hives and their queens, and now the beasts were on the back foot, either hiding or attacking their bastions in waves while they continued their cleansing of Riddickulus which would take a while but could be left to their followers. The planet was now a ravaged husk of its former self after months of those beasts consuming it and themselves to grow. The only remaining appeal lay in its dragon veins and the still above-average mana density. However, that was steadily declining due to the damaged environment and the near-total depletion of mana-producing treasures. Alistair couldn''t even sense any dungeons on the planet anymore, as their cores had likely been consumed or destroyed. What few treasures the Wendigos couldn¡¯t consume¡ªores, crystals, and similar materials¡ªwere usually stored in their nests. Alistair had likely obliterated a good portion of those with his orbital strike, which he now slightly regretted. Their people were currently combing through the hives, recovering whatever was left. Unlike most beasts, which tend to stay in one place, claiming treasures and natural formations to gradually elevate themselves or their brood while refining both the treasures and themselves in a way that benefits the planet, the ravenous Wendigos and Daxtzal consumed everything in their path for their own growth, giving nothing back. This behavior had earned them the classification of "infestation." They had thoroughly researched this particular topic and even sought Sotarr¡¯s opinion. Due to the planets undergoing accelerated growth and a significant portion of the beasts being seeded by the system, most planets within nebulas tended to have somewhat lackluster biodiversity¡ªLacustrine and Nautilis included. Alistair and Riseth had plans to explore their quadrant of space and supplement Lacustrine¡¯s and Nautilis¡¯ ecosystems by introducing beneficial and interesting creatures wherever possible. With the assistance of their AI core¡¯s biosphere regulator module, they could ensure that these new additions would enrich the planets¡¯ ecosystems without growing out of control¡ªa benefit far greater than they had initially anticipated. "I still believe this is exactly why we should eradicate them; if they ever manage to spread, they will ravage more worlds. Also, I don''t think the cores are worth risking the lives of our members," Alistair insisted. "We already have more cores than we¡¯ll likely ever need," Riseth added, her tone measured but firm. "Do we really need to risk them spreading further just to harvest more?" Nessyra frowned, her expression serious. "That¡¯s not entirely accurate. The cores we¡¯ve gathered are indeed a great bounty, and they¡¯ll last us a long time. But if we want to produce adamend in large quantities for things like power armor and starships, we¡¯ll need a steady supply. Eventually, we¡¯ll run out unless we find another source. In my opinion, this is the only reasonable use left for this planet. Even if we eradicate the last of the Wendigos, we¡¯d still need to monitor the planet for any signs of their survival and reemergence, and it would take centuries¡ªif not longer¡ªfor the planet to even begin to recover without intervention." They paused, considering her words, and Nessyra took the opportunity to press her point. "Infiltrating that last nest was a calculated risk, but we can¡¯t always play it safe. Capturing the queen gave us options, and even if the clan decides to kill her in the end, at least we had that choice¡ªa choice we wouldn¡¯t have had if we¡¯d taken the safer route and wiped her out along with her guardians. It was also a chance for those who wanted to earn some records and grow stronger. We can¡¯t expect you two to shield us from every danger. If we never take risks, we¡¯ll never grow. And yes, people die. We do everything we can to prevent it, but it¡¯s a reality we have to face." Alistair''s sister''s soft voice broke in as she entered the TOC. "She''s right, Alistair. Having guides to help us grow stronger is invaluable, but our people also need opportunities to take risks and grow on their own." Riseth crossed her arms and let out a breath. "You could have explained your plan to us or at least informed us ahead of time rather than acting on your own and asking for forgiveness afterward." Nessyra nodded. "We could have. I apologize for not discussing it with you earlier; it wasn¡¯t my intention to keep this from you. But as the clan executive, I made the decision and stand by it. Involving you would have diminished the potential experience and records our people could gain. I deemed this operation not significant enough to require your direct involvement, and that is why I informed you after the operation and planned to bring you in for the ultimate discussion regarding the queen and the planet¡¯s fate." As the tension eased, Alistair and Riseth exchanged a glance, silently communicating through the Akashic Link. ¡°She''s right; we are a bit overprotective,¡± Riseth suggested. ¡°Yeah, but to be fair, we didn¡¯t have the full picture, which is why we came,¡± Alistair replied. ¡°Bringing a queen to our home planet would¡¯ve been a disaster. Nessy does have a tendency to focus a bit too much on the profit and results at times.¡± Alistair sighed and turned to Nessyra. "We apologize, too, Nessyra. We were a bit too protective and initially thought you were taking risks in the name of profits, but your plan is sound. That said, I want you to make sure these things don''t get off this planet." Nessyra let out a sheepish chuckle, glancing at Melissa. "Don''t worry about it. I''d be lying if I said I wasn¡¯t tempted to lock the beast in a chamber on Lacustrine and harvest the creatures it spawns. But I now know Earth sensibilities would not allow that even for a planet-ruining monster." Alistair raised an eyebrow, feeling a mix of relief and slight concern. It seemed their worries weren¡¯t entirely unfounded after all. He made a mental note to ask Melissa to keep an eye on Nessyra and act as her moral compass while he and Riseth were away. Nessyra was incredibly reliable, but her upbringing made her a bit cutthroat, and Neshan''s sensibilities could be upsetting for people on Earth. Having ensured escaped wendigoes wouldn''t accidentally haunt their other planets, he refocused on their plans to explore some of the planets they hadn¡¯t fully investigated yet, suspecting there were valuable treasures to be uncovered. There were also a few newly discovered planets and systems, identified by the newest addition to their space fleet, the exploration vessel, Origin, which was currently flying around their local sector cataloging planets and keeping an eye out for other factions settling down as well as native species they could trade with or integrate. Alistair sighed, imagining all the things they could potentially find. They still hadn''t found a realm or dungeon outside their own planet, and he knew Nessyra wanted them to capture an instanced dungeon, preferably one that they could use for farming or harvesting other resources from. Perhaps they would get lucky. Chapter 177: Skyreach Alistair felt the familiar sensation of exiting warp space, though he didn''t reflexively put down his foot anymore. They had strategically placed a beacon at one of Skyreach¡¯s Lagrange points near its two small rocky moons, which saved considerable time in both jump calculations and approach. Now, they could bypass the need to enter from the system''s edge, streamlining their arrival. On their last visit, they had only observed the planet from high orbit. During that time, they detected numerous dungeons on the planet, and with their Dungeon Sense skill recently upgraded, their chances of locating dungeons increased significantly. They had also observed a variety of griffin species. Alistair had taken an interest in introducing a few of them to Lacustrine, as they seemed docile enough to coexist peacefully but strong enough to fend for themselves. Some of these griffins could also make for excellent summons. While they likely wouldn¡¯t actively enhance the planet like some rare species, increasing Lacustrine¡¯s biodiversity would still be a welcome improvement. Naturally, they¡¯d also keep an eye out for any creatures that could offer more tangible benefits, similar to the butterfly species already native to Lacustrine. Riseth brought the ship to a stop high above one of the largest flying islands, still managing to spook a few of the more skittish creatures below¡ªsmall birds and even some flying rabbits scattered at their arrival. Alistair dismounted, watching them flee, while Riseth stored the Artemis. ¡°I don¡¯t think this big island has a dungeon, but my Conceptual Awareness is picking up something in those rocky outcrops within the forest,¡± Alistair said, scanning the area. ¡°Do you see any of those griffins you wanted to catch?¡± Riseth asked. Alistair shook his head. ¡°Not yet.¡± Alistair let his gaze wander over the stunning, magical landscape as Riseth joined him. The air was fresh, carrying the mild scents of flowers and greenery. The trees were a mix of white, green, and teal¡ªa coloration reminiscent of plants grown in spirit soil. The planet''s mana density was even higher than Lacustrine''s for now, making each breath feel just as rejuvenating. He was certain he was absorbing a few useful essences with every inhale. Below them, the large flying island drifted lazily across the sky, like a cloud but at a slightly slower pace. It served as a natural sanctuary for the many airborne creatures, protecting them from predators bound to the planet¡¯s surface. He couldn¡¯t wait to explore further and discover more of the planet''s inhabitants. Their last visit had been far too brief, as they didn''t even land even though they had registered multiple sites with potential treasures because they had been in a hurry to find a more suitable planet. Now, with time on their side, he was eager to delve into the mysteries this world had to offer. "I still can¡¯t believe you guys talked me out of settling here," Alistair said, his eyes soaking in the scenery. "It is stunning," Riseth agreed, "but the thought of living on one of those floating rocks gives me goosebumps." Alistair chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of Riseth''s head before teleporting toward the rocky protrusions he had spotted earlier, with Riseth close behind. Pushing aside some underbrush and wiping away dirt and moss, he uncovered what he now realized was a massive, amethyst-colored crystal column jutting out of the ground. After some inspection, he identified the crystal¡¯s concept as gravity. Tampering with it seemed unwise¡ªthere was a good chance it connected to a larger crystal beneath the island. Damaging it could destabilize the entire structure. Riseth, noticing his concern, pushed aside more vines and glanced around. "Do you think it¡¯s connected to a larger crystal deeper inside the island?" Alistair frowned thoughtfully. "It¡¯s possible," he replied. "If it is, that could be both a blessing and a curse. A crystal of that size would be incredibly valuable, but extracting it might wreck the whole environment." Since neither Alistair nor Riseth had a strong affinity for earth magic, Alistair decided to carefully excavate the crystal using his telekinesis, being mindful not to crush or damage it. Suddenly, the ground rumbled, and the island shook as the crystal and its neighbors began to rise, pulling along chunks of earth and trees rooted in its wide base. It was creating a smaller floating island of its own. Alistair and Riseth quickly leaped off the chunk as it ascended, with Alistair using his telekinesis to halt its climb and inspect the hovering crystal. "It looks like there could be multiple large crystals¡ªor maybe one massive one with smaller offshoots like this," Alistair mused, peering down into the hole left by the crystal''s departure. He couldn¡¯t see any connection to a larger crystal below. "I think we should bring this one along." They spent the next few hours exploring the large floating island, collecting plants, fruits, trees, and herbs, while carefully noting the various beasts they encountered. Every creature they found on the island had wings or some other means of navigating the skies, freely moving between the floating islands and the ground below. Eventually, Riseth was drawn to a series of feeping sounds coming from the top of a rock formation. From the cooing noises she made, it was clear she had discovered something irresistibly cute. When Alistair joined her, he found her bent over a nest, gently reaching into it to pet whatever was inside. Although he didn¡¯t sense any other beasts nearby, he knew the parents of these creatures probably weren¡¯t far off.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. What he saw was a baby variant of one of the griffon species he had been considering introducing to Lacustrine. These griffons were a hybrid between a budgie and a horse, and they came in a variety of colors. The hatchlings were already as large as Teddy, Melissa''s Bernese Mountain Dog, and displayed an interesting array of hues. Some were the typical green and yellow, while others were white with teal, darker blue, red and brown, and one even sported a bright pink mixed with white¡ªa coloration he hadn¡¯t seen on the griffins he''d observed from orbit. A quick use of his Identify skill revealed their name and level: [Lavogriff - lvl 50]. It confirmed that they started their lives at grade 9, a promising indicator of their potential. Curiously, the Lavogriff hatchlings showed no signs of distress at his and Riseth¡¯s presence, allowing her to pet and feed them without fear or aggression. However, it wasn¡¯t long before someone who was very much bothered by their presence made themselves known. A piercing screech rang out, and Alistair felt an intense wave of bloodlust as two adult Lavogriffs¡ªone white and teal, the other red and brownish¡ªrushed toward them at alarming speed. Both were [Lavogriff - lvl 89]. He was relieved he hadn¡¯t brought King, knowing the dragon¡¯s presence would have likely provoked a much stronger, possibly lethal, reaction. With several skilled beast masters and summoners among their ranks back in Rathos, these creatures would make valuable companions. Alistair didn¡¯t want to kill the griffins if he could avoid it. Riseth withdrew her hands, sending out a wave of calm, positive emotions toward the approaching griffins. She was always careful not to rely too heavily on her manipulation skills. Meanwhile, Alistair prepared himself to restrain the creatures with his Telekinesis if things went south. Placing a hand on her shoulder, he gently pulled her back from the nest. ¡°Let¡¯s not aggravate the griffins too much. They might be smart enough to realize we mean no harm if we don¡¯t hover over their babies.¡± The griffins¡¯ threat display was fierce¡ªboth parents landed between the humans and their nest, wings spread wide, talons on their front limbs gouging deep furrows into the rock. Their back limbs, more hoof-like, added to their imposing stance. Their intimidation skill might have been enough to send most beings fleeing, but Alistair and Riseth were far from intimidated. The griffins quickly realized their display wasn¡¯t going to work. Alistair and Riseth continued to project calm emotions and speak soothingly, offering the lomie meat they had initially brought as bait. After about half an hour of this cautious standoff with the occasional bribe in form of meat and soothing words, the female white Lavogriff hesitantly approached. She allowed herself to be petted and examined, eventually calming down as she sensed no threat from them. Meanwhile, the male continued to eye them warily, but he no longer made any aggressive moves, understanding that these beings weren¡¯t here to harm them. "I originally thought we¡¯d just capture some beasts and release them on Lacustrine, but with these Lavogriffs, we might want to bring them to Rathos instead," Alistair mused, watching the griffins closely. Riseth nodded thoughtfully. "It¡¯ll take time to build their trust, and if we just snatch them away, they might react poorly. Forcing them won¡¯t do us any favors." They decided to focus on earning the griffin pair¡¯s trust over time while keeping an eye out for other nests they could approach. For those Lavogriffs without a nest, they¡¯d capture and release them directly on Lacustrine. Their beast breeders would likely fall over themselves to work with such magnificent creatures over the Lomies and other beasts they were currently breeding. They continued their routine, gradually earning the trust of the Lavogriffs over the course of a week. During that time, they discovered six nests where the parents weren¡¯t as aggressive, and they worked patiently to build rapport. Along the way, they uncovered several well-hidden nests tunneled beneath the flying islands, belonging to a different griffin variant: the Bavogriffs. The Bavogriffs had the front of their bodies resembling a Kingfisher, with hind legs like those of a feline. Their striking teal fur and feathers were interspersed with white and warm brown tones, making them quite beautiful. Unlike the Lavogriffs, these Bavogriffs were much smaller and extremely skittish, making it nigh impossible to befriend them. They decided to capture these Bavogriffs for Lacustrine, where they¡¯d hopefully thrive in a new environment. Both griffin species primarily hunted the numerous winged rabbits that populated the planet. While "rabbit" wasn¡¯t entirely accurate¡ªthe creatures had long tails and wings¡ªthey shared enough similarities to warrant the name. They captured some of these winged rabbits as well, finding them quite delicious. Introducing a familiar prey to Lacustrine would likely help the griffins acclimate to their new home. It took them nearly half a month to fully befriend the first Lavogriff nesting pair, who eventually followed them willingly and allowed themselves to be stored. The male was the most difficult to win over, while the hatchlings would have been ready to go immediately if they had simply decided to take them. During that time, they explored much of the planet, uncovering a range of large and small treasures for their crafters, as well as encountering an interesting variety of beasts. The most notable among them were the Mavros draconians. Though not yet sapient, Alistair suspected that some might eventually evolve into a true winged sapient draconian species. These gray-scaled, lizard-like creatures inhabited the planet¡¯s surface, unable to reach most of the flying islands due to their lack of wings. However, they were excellent climbers and jumpers, their muscular bodies adorned only with a line of reddish fur starting at the tip of their tails and following the ridge of their spine until it ended behind the horns near their scalp. Though they hadn¡¯t observed the Mavros using tools, Alistair noted their five-fingered hands, which would certainly allow them to do so if they chose. He worried that them fighting other beasts and using weapons might have sparked ideas and behaviors in them that they wouldn¡¯t have developed on their own any time soon. The biggest surprise came at the end of the month when they stumbled upon a technologically advanced door set into the side of a rocky hill on the underside of a flying island, radiating a steady flow of magic. Chapter 178: The Platijum Lily ¡°That''s a dungeon,¡± Alistair said, slightly stunned and excited that their Dungeon Sense had finally led them to a dungeon they might have otherwise missed despite the steady flow of mana streaming out of it. Riseth, giddy with excitement, exclaimed, ¡°Do you think this is instanced? It looks way more technologically advanced than any dungeon we¡¯ve found so far.¡± Alistair cautioned, ¡°I¡¯m not sure. While Nessyra is eager for us to find an instanced dungeon that we can farm, this might not be the type she¡¯s hoping for.¡± The door slid open smoothly, revealing a portal that enveloped the entire frame, obscuring their view of what lay behind. They exchanged a glance and a shrug before stepping through. They were briefly engulfed in familiar blackness before emerging into a massive glass dome that resembled a spaceship or space station. The interior was lavishly decorated with rich, light-red carpets and ornate fountains, giving the space an extravagant feel. Through the glass dome, they could see the stars stretching out far into the distance. Just as Alistair was absorbing the grandeur of their surroundings and wondering if a butler might greet them, a chrome and gold-plated sphere with a mechanical eye exited through a circular opening in the wall and whizzed toward them, excitedly calling out in a robotic voice. ¡°Welcome! Welcome! Dear guests, apologies for the delay!¡± The drone exclaimed as small fireworks erupted to the sides of the room. A cloth banner unfurled over the pillar in the center while showering them with confetti and reading: Welcome, Dear Guests! Alistair stared in disbelief. He had read about carnivals and odd-themed dungeons, but this was still very odd. Riseth, equally perplexed, kept her eyes on the exuberant drone that buzzed in front of them. "I must congratulate you! You are the very first guests for the Platijum Lily''s opening, and you won a chip prize!" the drone chirped, its enthusiasm reminiscent of the more hyperactive fairies he¡¯d encountered in the trial sub-sections.

Raid Party Dungeon Scenario: Welcome to the grand opening of the Platijum Lily, dear guests! The Platijum Lily promises top-tier entertainment and events! You can win and buy prizes with Platijum Chips! You can exchange Chips for either random or known prizes! Each group will be assigned a Personal Assistance Liaison, or ''P.A.L''! Your P.A.L will guide you, answer any questions, and start any events you wish to participate in! We hope you have a wonderful time in the Platijum Lily! Type: [Entertainment] [Events] [Random] [Dungeon Shops] [Natural] Duration: Please stay! Victory Condition: Have fun! Rating: No boring ratings, just fun and prizes! Dungeon Currency: Platijum Chips
¡°The Administrator is in a great mood as we can finally open the Platijum Lily to our first set of guests! As a welcome gift, we grant each of you 1000 chips!¡± P.A.L announced excitedly while Alistair and Riseth read the information. Alistair cast a cautious glance at the portal leading outside, making sure it was still intact. This dungeon was anything but ¡®Natural,¡¯ and Riseth mirrored his concern, much to the P.A.L''s dismay. ¡°Dear guests, please don¡¯t leave without experiencing some of our attractions!¡± the P.A.L chirped cheerfully. Turning to Riseth, Alistair used their Akashic Link to keep their concerns discreet. ¡°We should keep our discussion to ourselves. This dungeon is very odd, and the raid designation being scratched out makes me uneasy as it means the dungeon is messing with the system to fit its whims.¡± Riseth nodded in agreement. ¡°The dungeon did provide us with a P.A.L., but we should inquire about the raid dungeon designation.¡± Alistair scratched his beard, his eyes fixed on a square pillar in the center of the room. It housed a richly decorated elevator that appeared to lead to the lower levels of what seemed to be an enormous space station. The dome''s angle obscured the full layout of the dungeon, but as he approached the railing and looked down, he saw parts of the station below. From what he could tell, they were at the very top. As he relayed his observations to Riseth, she decided to probe the P.A.L with a question. ¡°Are you sure this is alright? We¡¯re only two, and the status window classifies this as a raid dungeon,¡± Riseth asked, her tone a mix of concern and curiosity. ¡°Oh, bollocks, it says Party Dungeon!¡± the P.A.L replied, its excitement momentarily replaced by a hint of frustration. ¡°The Administrator tried his best, but his programming is a bit limited. He has to work within the System. There are no real dangers, just fun events I''d love to show you!¡± ¡°And who exactly is this Administrator?¡± Riseth inquired.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. ¡°Oh, nothing nefarious!¡± the P.A.L assured them. ¡°Just the preprogrammed AI core in charge of this grand entertainment module we call home!¡± Riseth frowned slightly in confusion. ¡°AI core?¡± The P.A.L tilted its axis, looking from Riseth to Alistair. ¡°Ah, apologies. I should have realized from your attire. An AI core is a magical device that controls this place at the behest of its creator.¡± Riseth raised a hand to stop the drone as her clothing transformed into a refined dress. ¡°We know what an AI core is; we have one ourselves. Is it possible to communicate directly with that AI?¡± The drone paused for an unusually long time, its sensors seemingly focused on Riseth. ¡°Apologies, dear guest, but the AI core is currently occupied with maintaining this place and isn¡¯t available for direct communication at this time. However, I¡¯d be delighted to show you some of our attractions!¡± Alistair transformed his armor into a sleek suit as he joined Riseth. "I think this core believes it¡¯s an AI, or at least it¡¯s pretending to be one. Let¡¯s not call it out on that just yet. If this turns out to be a trap, we¡¯re strong enough to handle it.¡± He offered his arm to Riseth, and she locked hers with his as they approached the elevator. "Excellent!" the P.A.L exclaimed, its excitement palpable. It then launched into a rapid-fire list of games and events, rattling off a series of unfamiliar activities that neither of them recognized. Alistair¡¯s attention piqued when he heard something that sounded vaguely familiar. "Show us that Bavobil Race," he requested, interrupting the drone¡¯s enthusiastic spiel. "Certainly, good sir!" the P.A.L responded with a cheerful tone. "May I know the names of our dear guests?" "I am Riseth Ryser, and this is my husband, Alistair Ryser," Riseth replied with a polite nod. "What¡¯s a Bavobil Race?" Riseth asked through the Akashic Link. "No idea," Alistair replied with a mental shrug. "I¡¯m guessing it¡¯s like a horse race, which might give us some insight into what this dungeon is really about. Or, you know, you could just ask the drone." Before Riseth could inquire further, the elevator doors slid open, revealing a vast open field. Hovering stands lined the sides, overlooking a straight race track. At one end, a finish line was marked by a red ribbon stretched across the track, while the other end featured a large coop filled with what looked like oversized dodos. The creatures were outfitted in various colored harnesses, each adorned with unfamiliar numbers and symbols. Their translation skills didn¡¯t recognize the markings, suggesting the language either didn¡¯t exist or was some kind of made-up gibberish not recognized by the system. As they turned around, they noticed that the elevator shaft stretched far into a fake sky above and likely deep underground as well, leading to other chambers or subspaces¡ªAlistair¡¯s intuition hinted at as much. ¡°We¡¯re in luck! The first race is about to start! Would you like to place a bet on which Bavobil will reach the finish line first?¡± P.A.L. asked, its voice brimming with enthusiasm. ¡°Sure, but how does someone bet if they don¡¯t start with chips like we did?¡± Alistair inquired. ¡°You may exchange up to 100 chips¡¯ worth of currency from the Universal System Credit (USC). However, if your chip count exceeds 100, you can no longer purchase more and must earn them through participating in various events!¡± P.A.L. replied cheerfully. ¡°Do you happen to have Blackjack or Roulette?¡± Alistair asked out of idle curiosity as they approached the hovering stands. He scrutinized the different birds, trying to gauge if any were stronger or faster than the others. His attention was drawn to one of the Bavobil that seemed drooling and glassy-eyed, so he dismissed it and instead picked the red one because, obviously the red one would go faster. ¡°I cannot find those events in my database,¡± P.A.L. responded. ¡°But if you¡¯d like to suggest them, and the Admin approves, we¡¯d certainly reward you with chips and free rounds at the bar for your valuable insights and contributions to our roster!¡± Before Alistair could ask more questions, P.A.L droned on: "If you wish to place a bet, the amount must be a multiple of 5. This is consistent with every event; the general minimum bet is five chips and you may not share or pool chips with another guest. Winning the Bavobil Race earns you three times the bet sum, while picking wrong loses you the bet sum. There are 10 Bavobil per race, the subspace is limited to 5 people but can be expanded if necessary, which will, in turn, increase the amount of Bavobil''s racing. At first glance, Alistair couldn''t find a way to game the system unless the Roster of Bavobil racing that day clearly had stronger or impaired birds on the starting line. He bet ten chips on the one in the red harness, whereas Riseth bet ten on the Bavobil in the green harness. They watched as the Bavobils were launched out of their coops by a spring-loaded floor, sending them flying and tumbling a short distance across the race track. Before they stood up and started running, they were still slightly disoriented and wobbly on their feet, creating a chaotic mess on the race track. They ran into each other, and some of them, including the one in the red harness, were fighting and pecking at each other. The drooling one almost won as it just waddled toward the finish line, but one in a pink harness overtook it, easily winning the race. Alistair couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the silly sight. The Bavobil were unharmed, but they weren¡¯t the sharpest creatures. They let out gurgling coos, flapped their little wings, and ran in circles, only to crash into each other and start squabbling all over again. "Oh, what a shame! But don''t worry, you can try again!" P.A.L offered, clearly pleased that his guests were having fun. Alistair noticed how the dungeon''s magic subtly drew energy from their heightened emotions. Nessyra had once asked his brother to investigate a similar idea, and Alistair had helped James test emotion-based mana generators. These devices could passively collect essence from strong emotions and convert it into energy without draining the original feeling. While the generators weren¡¯t very efficient and Nessyra''s plans to create self-sustaining entertainment centers had fallen flat, the concept still showed promise for slight passive energy generation, though he suspected a dungeon that lived off people delving it had a much more efficient and powerful energy conversion. "I think we¡¯re good for now," Alistair chuckled. "Since you seem to have a lot of attractions, I¡¯d like to see what kind of prizes we can win. There should be some shops, right?" "Indeed! What better way to build anticipation and tension than by knowing what one is playing for? Follow me!" P.A.L said, zooming excitedly toward the entrance of the dungeon before turning back to check if they were following. "You think that drone is the Dungeon Core controlling the P.A.L?" Riseth asked over their link. "Definitely. It feels a lot like when Vaerin controlled the bird. A core wouldn¡¯t struggle with splitting its mind, so it could easily have one of these drones follow each group while observing and guiding them. It¡¯s smart, stretching the limits of what¡¯s possible within its framework. We might want to consider using our Realm Catcher on it." "Or," Riseth suggested, "we could just bring the island it¡¯s on back to our planet." "That... might actually work. But can Artemis safely transport an island of this size?" Alistair mused. "No, but the Kaiakos certainly can. So we don¡¯t necessarily need to conquer the dungeon itself, but we should still try. A core is obligated to provide a path to reach it, and I bet it¡¯s the most expensive prize in its reward selection," Riseth replied. They took their time walking toward the drone, not wanting to reveal too much of their magic by teleporting. Alistair smiled, curious to see if Riseth¡¯s hunch was right¡ªwhether meeting the Administrator was indeed the ultimate prize and what other treasures this dungeon might hold. Something told him there would be some very intriguing trinkets and items for them to discover. Chapter 179: The Administrator Alistair gazed at the wide array of prizes displayed on the screens and shelves, each protected by seemingly impenetrable invisible barriers. He doubted he could breach them, even if he tried, as they were likely safeguarded by both the Dungeon and the System and would only open once the price had been paid in full. As it turned out, Riseth was right¡ªmeeting the Administrator was indeed an option, but it came at the steep price of 100 million Chips. However, most of the other prizes were more reasonably priced. What really caught his attention was a large, whirring machine that resembled a slot machine, its screen displaying various symbols moving in erratic patterns as random as the symbols themselves. It had a lever with a glowing, runed orb at the end, and next to it was a plaque listing values¡ª500, 1,000, 10,000, or 100,000¡ªeach representing the cost to play, with the promise of random treasure. The higher tiers offered better odds of rare prizes, and excluded the lower-tier rewards and less desirable outcomes. "What kind of random prizes can you win with this machine?" Alistair asked. "Anything!" P.A.L. responded enthusiastically. "Well, anything within reason. Not even the Administrator knows exactly what might come out of these rewards!" Alistair scratched his chin, intrigued. "Do you know of any specific possible prizes?" "You could potentially win keycards of different rewards based on tiers, allowing you to choose a prize from the list corresponding to your tier or lower! But most rewards correspond to the magic symbols the machine lands on," P.A.L explained. "But be warned, even the fixed prizes change periodically, so don¡¯t hesitate too long on the ones you really want!" "Nessyra would love this place," Riseth remarked, eyeing a jade-colored ring behind one of the protective barriers. "You should invite her! The more, the merrier!" P.A.L chirped. Alistair glanced at the drone, which continued to bob up and down enthusiastically while they walked around the massive, richly decorated dungeon shop. It had a similar aesthetic to the entrance, with red carpets, colorful lights, occasional fountains, and what looked to be a pool with a bar in its center in the corner of the room with another bar taking up a whole side of the room with bar stools and a robotic bartender on what sounded like a pair of tracks. "We should question it to see if it would be willing to cooperate if we bring it to our planet," Riseth suggested over the link. "Sure, but let¡¯s play along with its space station story for now and see if it has any plans to leave the station," Alistair replied. After exchanging a glance, Alistair leaned over to inspect another prize while Riseth made her way to the bar. "So, P.A.L, tell me, do you get those treasures from outside your station? Do you send drones to fetch them, or do you get deliveries made? Or does your station make them itself?" Alistair asked casually. There was a noticeable pause before P.A.L answered. "The station''s programming prevents the AI from leaving the boundaries of the Platijum Lily due to the AI Core''s integrated safety procedures. All these prizes are made in-house, but how we do this is a trade secret," P.A.L said with what Alistair thought was a wink, as the robotic eye flashed and the drone tilted slightly. "I have to say, your station is in the middle of nowhere. But we could bring it to our planet, where we could have some of our citizens visit the Platijum Lily. Of course, we¡¯d need to ensure this place is safe first with some safety inspections," Alistair offered. "Test all you want! This place is as safe as can be! You have the ability to move the station to a more populated planet?! That would be excellent! The Administrator has informed me that it is within his permission from the station owner and even encouraged to relocate to a more populated site," P.A.L responded, almost buzzing with excitement. Alistair struggled not to raise an eyebrow at the obvious lie and heard Riseth snort from the bar, though P.A.L seemed too excited to notice. Alistair weighed the risks and benefits carefully. His primary concern was that eventually, some of his people might let slip the truth¡ªthat this was a dungeon, not an AI. Would opening up a dialogue now prevent a bigger headache later? As he consulted with Riseth over the Akashic Link, P.A.L. eagerly started asking questions about which orbit they would tug the station into and how many visitors he could expect. Riseth speculated that the dungeon was either lonely or simply eager for more visitors. Like all dungeons, it would greatly benefit from the influx of people, allowing it to expand much faster compared to sustaining itself in isolation with only passive energy generation. "What are the chances one of our people lets something slip? Should we instruct people to keep playing along, or is it better to try an open dialogue with it now?" Alistair mused, considering their options. "We should at least try," Riseth suggested. "It just might resist the idea; Dungeon Cores can be quite stubborn about their identity and understanding of the world. That¡¯s why some dungeons have such bizarre and otherworldly environments." "Let¡¯s hope it doesn¡¯t react poorly," Alistair said cautiously. "But with its chipper and eager attitude, it might just wave us off." Clearing his throat, Alistair addressed the drone, "Pal, there are some things we need to discuss. Riseth and I are the leaders of our Clan, and we have the authority to make decisions, but we''d like to speak with the Administrator."The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. The drone paused momentarily before responding, "Understood. High priority recognized. Connecting now." A cheery, unfamiliar jingle played as P.A.L. mimicked establishing a connection. "Good day, Mr. Ryser and Mrs. Ryser! I am the Administrator, in charge of the Platijum Lily, and I''m eager to discuss terms with you!" The voice maintained its cheerful tone, but there was a subtle strain as it tried to sound more formal and professional. Riseth joined Alistair, sensing that this conversation could take a bad turn, and knowing it was unwise to be separated at such a critical moment. Alistair exhaled slowly, knowing he had to address the elephant in the room. "Before we move forward with negotiations, there''s something we need to clarify. From the perspective of the Ryser clan, the Platijum Lily is a Dungeon, and our people would naturally treat it as such." There was a brief, noticeable pause. The drone''s eye swiveled slowly from side to side, as if carefully considering Alistair''s words. When the Administrator finally responded, its voice retained its usual cheerfulness, though there was a slight, almost forced quality to its upbeat tone. "Ah, I see! Yes, yes, my System did mention something along those lines, but I¡¯ve always considered it just a minor glitch¡ªa bug, if you will! You see, I¡¯m an AI Core, not a Dungeon Core, and my role is to manage this space station. But of course, you¡¯re free to call it whatever you like. Though, ¡®Dungeon¡¯ does carry some rather negative connotations, doesn¡¯t it? This is a place of entertainment and joy¡ªwhy associate it with a term like that?" The Administrator let out a small, mechanical-sounding laugh, as if trying to lightly brush aside the concern and move on. Alistair and Riseth exchanged a glance, recognizing the deflection but choosing not to push further for now as they got what they wanted. There was an undercurrent of something else in the Administrator¡¯s tone¡ªa mix of anxiety and determination to maintain its narrative. "Well, as long as we¡¯re on the same page about working together," Riseth said diplomatically, "that¡¯s what matters most." "Exactly!" the Administrator chirped, its tone noticeably lighter, as if relieved to move past the subject. "Now, let¡¯s focus on how we can make this partnership truly shine!" They began discussing their expectations, occasionally slipping in trick questions to gauge the dungeon¡¯s reactions. The Administrator¡¯s responses remained consistent with what they had observed so far, reassuring them that this place was less dangerous than most dungeons. Afterward, they suggested several new events, including Blackjack, Roulette, and some of Neshan¡¯s more popular games like Pactflip and Red Gambit. The Administrator seemed pleased and, as a gesture of goodwill, provided them with a few thousand chips after they transmitted their information through their Akashic link to a panel that extended from P.A.L.''s mechanical body. When they brought up the idea of combat events, however, the Administrator became noticeably more reserved. Although it acknowledged it could enforce a ''Life Guard'' condition on any event to prevent serious harm, it was clear that violence among its guests clashed with its strict values. "I do not wish to see my guests hurting each other or getting hurt under my care," the Administrator stated firmly, its usual cheery tone now tinged with an unyielding resolve. After a brief pause, it added, "However, I could host events where beasts fight each other, and you could place bets on which creature might win." Alistair considered this for a moment. "What about our summons? Could they participate in those matches?" he asked, curious about the Administrator''s response. "Ooh! Pet battles, that sounds exciting!" the Administrator exclaimed, its enthusiasm palpable. Riseth shook her head. "Many of them aren''t pets; they''re companions," she corrected. "Bah, semantics! Who cares?" the Administrator replied dismissively. "I''ll create some beasties to challenge your pets, and we can bet on them and have them earn prizes!" The Administrator¡¯s surprisingly casual acceptance of this kind of violence, as long as it didn¡¯t directly involve the delvers themselves, took them aback. "Of course, they would be life-guarded. I wouldn''t want to harm my guests'' pets!" it added cheerfully. They tried to convince the Administrator to use the term "summons" instead of "pets," but the AI Core adamantly refused, much like when they attempted to persuade it that it was a Dungeon Core rather than an AI Core. The Administrator dismissed their objections with the same cheerful indifference, even sending them more chips as a reward for inspiring the idea of pet battles. "I must tend to these new events now. It was a very productive talk, and if you wish to add any more games to my roster, please let your P.A.L know!" the Administrator said before withdrawing its focus. As the Administrator''s presence faded, Alistair noticed a subtle but distinct change¡ªthe core''s attention seemed more fragmented, and while they were still interacting with its P.A.L. persona, its responses had become noticeably less sharp, even more so than before their discussion. Despite this, based on what they had learned, they realized they could technically finish the dungeon right then and there by spending the chips they had earned on any prize, which would be enough to meet the dungeon''s conditions for a clear. However, the core seemed eager to encourage them to linger or return as much as possible, subtly nudging them toward extended engagement by enticing them into interacting with its events. While they had earned a decent amount of points simply by sharing their ideas and suggestions, Alistair was eager to experience some of the events firsthand. However, once they started participating, it quickly became clear that many of the events were heavily skewed against them, making the experience less enjoyable. Most of these were little more than numbers games with minimal skill involved. They raised their concerns with P.A.L., who promptly put those events into maintenance¡ªlikely for good. The skill-based events were far more enjoyable, but some of them suppressed their magic, leaving them feeling oddly vulnerable and off-balance, as if a vital part of themselves had been stripped away. This unsettling sensation prompted them to voice their discomfort. In response, the Core lifted the restrictions, allowing them to fully utilize their powers and easily dominate those events, particularly the obstacle courses and platforming events. However, this imbalance resulted in those events also being placed into maintenance until the Core could find a better compromise or implement a less severe magic suppression. Despite this, P.A.L. let them keep the substantial winnings they had earned, both as a reward for their efforts and as an apology for the discomfort. As they continued exploring the list of events, they discovered a few that struck the perfect balance, challenging yet enjoyable, even with their magic in play. The events involving dungeon beasts were particularly engaging. Their affinities gave them an edge in most skill-based magic interactions, allowing them to excel and amass a small fortune in chips. By the end, they had more than enough to exchange for the prizes they wanted, concluding an enjoyable and rewarding experience as they made their way to the Prize Vault, which served as the Platijum Lily''s Dungeon shop. Chapter 180: Gamblers Paradise After entering the Prize Vault, Riseth began browsing through the catalog of prizes, while Alistair approached a large, magic slot machine. He intended to leverage his high Luck affinity to get a sense of the kind of rewards they could expect, as this slot machine would likely be the primary source of rewards for this dungeon. Starting small, he spent 500 chips¡ªthe lowest reward tier¡ªand pulled the lever. The display, filled with an overwhelming number of symbols, began to spin. Out of the chaos, only four symbols started to whirl rapidly before slowly petering out. Two of the symbols halted on alchemy flasks, one halted on a symbol of three metal bars stacked on top of each other, and the last on a fluctuating, intertwined symbol he didn''t recognize. As the symbols came to a stop, a familiar glowing orb materialized beside him. Reaching into it, Alistair pulled out what appeared to be a silver bar. However, upon sensing the concepts embedded within it, he realized the unknown symbol represented adaptation. The moment he grasped the bar, a chime echoed, indicating that his Dungeoneer title had upgraded to level 7, granting him an additional skill point. This was a welcome boost, especially since he had gained two levels in the past weeks, reaching level 124, and his next skill selection was fast approaching. A quick use of Identify revealed the bar''s true nature: [Chimerasilver]. Based on the alchemy symbols, Alistair decided to give it to Jessica to see if it held any value for her alchemy projects. Riseth stopped her browsing to curiously look over his reward. "Chimerasilver?" "Yeah, before the symbols came to a stop, half the symbols were alchemy flasks. Probably, this is some kind of alchemical ingredient or material used in alchemy tools," Alistair speculated before storing the bar in his storage. This was technically the lowest kind of reward, but it was still quite good. Some of their people might just work the dungeon professionally, he thought as he spun for another 500, but this time, two of the four symbols came to a halt on a red X. One landed on a gem symbol, and the last on a symbol he didn¡¯t recognize. Just like before, a portal appeared beside him. Reaching in, he pulled out a gem that resembled a ruby, though it emanated a concept he wasn''t immediately familiar with. After letting his skills analyze it, he recognized it as the concept of conductivity, and his identify skill confirmed it was a [Geradium Gem]. He stored that small gem, too. "This might become an issue," Riseth mused, her tone thoughtful. "This place is a gambler''s paradise. If people get hooked on the more luck-oriented events, they might end up spending an unhealthy amount of time here." P.A.L. quickly interjected, its voice bright and reassuring. "There is no such thing as an unhealthy amount of time spent in the Platijum Lily! I wouldn''t waste my guests'' time!" Alistair glanced at the chrome and gold-plated drone, which had always kind of reminded him of fancy Wheatley from Portal 2. Responding to Riseth over their Akashic link, he said, "I''m sure Nessyra can handle it once we figure out how¡ªand if¡ªwe can move the flying island with the dungeon on it. There might be some magical interference. I can''t imagine just lifting the ground, like with regular dungeon rifts, can be done on a whim." "I dunno," Riseth replied, considering the situation. "This dungeon entrance is different. It''s directly connected to the island instead of just being a loose portal. It might work differently." Sure hope you are right about that, he thought. The dungeon was very peculiar, and it would be a shame not to recover it. It might be worth using a realm catcher if necessary. The chances of someone else finding the planet and discovering the dungeon were slim, at least for now. But they weren''t nonexistent. The planet was a gem, and many factions would wage war over a world like this. They couldn''t stake a claim just yet, as they were still working to ensure Lacustrine and Nautilus were safe from outside threats. They would have to rely on the vastness of the universe to obscure them long enough to grow their numbers and secure their claims before other factions expanded into their projected territory. As Alistair considered their situation, he continued testing the slot machine by feeding in 1,000 chips to gauge the difference in reward tiers. He had enough saved for two spins at the lower tiers and one spin at the 100,000-chip tier, hoping the results would be worth the investment. Meanwhile, Riseth was still browsing the available items, seemingly torn between a few specific choices. As he reached out for the lever to pull it, he considered the dungeon. They had accumulated far more points than usual by sharing ideas and exploiting the unrefined nature of the events. However, they noted that most events allowing participants to bet on themselves didn¡¯t multiply earnings¡ªthose payouts were usually fixed. Only the primarily chance-based games offered large multipliers, which would slow down the speed at which their people could earn rewards. Still, dungeon farming wasn¡¯t uncommon, and the time investment here seemed worthwhile. The random nature of the rewards made it somewhat inconsistent. Still, it was likely to produce valuable prizes eventually, making the time spent delving not only safer but more enjoyable than in most dungeons. This time, six symbols began to spin on the machine. To his annoyance, two of them landed on the red cross again, signaling a dud. However, he noticed new symbols that hadn''t appeared in the earlier spins. Eventually, the symbols petered out again; one was a hammer, another a die, and two others were unfamiliar but likely represented some obscure concepts. When the spinning stopped, he reached into the glowing loot portal and needed both hands to pull out his prize: a large stone barrel that streamed volatile, unstable mana in an endless torrent. Holding the wild contraption at arm''s length, Alistair turned to P.A.L., who was observing the object with keen interest. "What just happened?" Alistair asked, still wary of the mana-spewing barrel.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. P.A.L. chirped with enthusiasm. "Ah, what a fascinating combination! As I mentioned earlier, the effects are random, with each rune symbolizing a different modifier. The modifiers you land on determine the prize you receive. While you had some bad luck with a couple of less favorable modifiers and missed out on two, you also hit one of the rarest modifiers at this tier¡ªa mana-producing one! Unfortunately, it came paired with the ''volatile'' modifier, which explains the current... behavior. I would strongly recommend putting that thing in storage for now." "Just how dangerous can these rewards get?" Alistair asked, still examining the peculiar barrel. He noted that it seemed to be connected to a plane brimming with chaotic mana before finally storing it away. P.A.L. paused as if carefully considering how to respond. "Very," it replied nonchalantly. "For example, if you were to land on modifiers like death, volatile, and explosion, you might end up with a literal bomb. At least, that¡¯s my best guess. Whether or not that bomb would be active, though... I couldn¡¯t say." "And what happened to not wanting to see your guests harmed?" Riseth questioned, her tone skeptical. "Of course, I don¡¯t want to see my guests hurt," P.A.L. replied with its usual cheer. "I always keep healers at the ready and will intervene if I deem the situation or result to be truly dangerous." This realization gave them pause. The rewards from that particular machine were almost more of a gamble than half the events in this dungeon. A mana-producing treasure was quite valuable, even with its volatile nature. One of the most significant ways magic¡ªand mana, in particular¡ªdefied conventional laws was in its disregard for the Law of Conservation of Energy. Mana could be both created and generated out of nothing, yet it could also be destroyed or depleted just as easily. For instance, planets gradually increased in mana density over time, generating it through a variety of external and internal processes. Similarly, individuals experienced a natural regeneration of their energy pools. While mana had many known sources, it typically didn¡¯t materialize from nothing. However, mana could refine and multiply itself, even without converting or using other forms of matter and energy. However, the process was far more efficient when such conversions were involved, especially under certain favorable conditions. Alistair and his clan had explored various methods to improve their planet¡¯s mana density. Their goal was to ensure that they wouldn¡¯t be a burden on the planet, but rather help it grow faster while bearing the weight of their presence, elevating it alongside them. Beasts and materials could also enrich an environment¡ªwhether through refinement processes between them and the planet, or through their own mana generation and usage, where the excess mana would accumulate and enhance the surroundings. Dungeons also improved the mana density of planets they were on over time. The more powerful the dungeon, the stronger the benefit and the more mana spread out from it. He noticed that Riseth had finally narrowed down her choice of prizes to two items: a jade magic ring that boosted mana regeneration and an array plate containing a long-range offensive array. The latter would be a valuable addition to their collection, offering additional insights into the structure of such enchantments. As his attention returned to the slot machine, he observed a promising sign¡ªonly one dud symbol appeared this time. Two symbols landed on an alchemical flask, suggesting that alchemy-related rewards were common; another symbol resembled a plant, and the final one was an hourglass. Alistair had a strong suspicion about the concept it represented. He reached into the loot portal with his right hand, the one more adept at handling time-distorted treasures, and pulled out a strange root that looked like deep purple ginger, although more spindly and twisted. Immediately, he sensed the time deceleration effect within the root and quickly stored it in his inventory, recognizing its potential value. It was hard to tell just how valuable these small treasures would be as far as materials went they were pretty good and if they could propagate the [Chrono Root] it would be well worth the time and points he had spent. The silver bar and gem were less valuable, though he had hopes they could be used in some alchemical tools even if they likely couldn''t propagate those materials. The most valuable reward was by far the barrel even though chaos aspected mana wasn''t ideal. Alistair had saved enough for just one 100,000-chip roll, and he was too intrigued by the potential high-tier reward to spend his points on multiple smaller, lower-tier spins. He and Riseth watched intently as he pulled the lever for the final time. This time, ten symbols began to whirl. They cursed when two duds appeared, leaving them with eight active symbols. Two landed on a symbol depicting armor, while another initially showed a weapon but then flipped to armor. One symbol was blank, but it writhed and morphed in a way that caught P.A.L.¡¯s attention, who called out excitedly. "How fortunate! That¡¯s the symbol for an Unattuned Concept, combined with strengthening, regeneration, and three armor symbols. The wood and weightless symbols add an intriguing twist to the mix!" A new loot portal materialized beside Alistair, and he felt a surge of curiosity. If this armor could be attuned to Kinetics like the unattuned Affinity orb, it would be an incredibly valuable dungeon reward, surpassing all the others he had received so far. What he pulled out seemed to be a full suit of black armor. At first glance, it appeared to be simply colored, but upon closer inspection, he realized the incredibly light wooden material was black through and through. The armor had a sleek, futuristic design with elements reminiscent of samurai armor, though it lacked the traditional flair and decoration. He quickly checked to see if they could replicate the enchantment structure for unattuned concepts, but despite his efforts, the intricate details remained elusive but he and Riseth still did their best to map and memorize them for later review in his Akashic Link. Once they had recorded the incredibly complicated, unattuned pathways to a satisfactory degree, he infused the armor with the concept of Kinetics, and it immediately responded. He did his best to observe the changes as they happened. The suit rippled as energy coursed through it, and he could feel his kinetic energy circulating and propagating within the armor, smoothly flowing back toward him. The true test came when he attempted to integrate the new armor with his existing set. He encountered a barrier and instinctively knew that he would need to overwrite the healing enchantment from his bracers, the boost to blasts he received from his kinetic combat gloves, and the freedom of movement enchantment to allow full integration. Fortunately, he had planned to discard the freedom of movement enchantment, as he intended to acquire it as a skill during his next skill selection. He had several people working on enchantments for his armor, but most had either not been up to par yet or were still in the process of being made, so this was a significant boon. Accepting the exchange, his armor absorbed the new one, taking on a darker hue as the engravings on his armor warped and changed to accommodate the powerful new enhancements. Alistair watched the changes with a wide smile. Chapter 181: Stick to the Plan Alistair inspected his new armor with Identify, still in disbelief at the staggering value of this prize compared to anything they had won before.

Item: Tier: [Legendary] Name: Rulkith Lusak (Sentinel''s Garb) Qualities: [Soulbound] [Kinetic Regeneration And Strengthening] [Protection Of Mind And Soul] [Poison Protection] [Summoner''s Storage] [Comfort Array] Description: A full set of enchanted sepaskarite alloy armor. All craftsdwarfship is of the highest quality. It is inscribed with powerful and useful enchantments. It was crafted by Nuk, a 7th grade Master Craftsdwarf. It protects the user from harm of physical and magical nature. It is enchanted with [Kinetic Regeneration & Strengthening], [Summoner''s Storage], [Protection of Mind and Soul], and the [Comfort Array] enchantment.
Alistair was quite happy with the upgrade to his armor, though he lamented the loss of the Graxidae material it was made of. Seeing the Freedom of Movement and Healing Touch enchantments disappear after having been integrated into his armor for so long felt strange. There was no way they could afford to let this dungeon slip away, even considering Alistair''s above-average luck. The potential of having people farm this dungeon was invaluable; the sheer diversity of loot could offer endless insights into enchantments and provide them with plants and alchemical ingredients they could potentially propagate¡ªall within a relatively safe environment. He exchanged a glance with Riseth and knew she was thinking the exact same thing. If it came down to it, they would use the Realm Catcher to ensure this dungeon could be integrated into Rathos. Dungeon-enchanted materials were highly coveted, often providing fresh, creative, and arcane insights into rune structures. While the unaspected concept runework remained elusive, the newly attuned kinetic runes were crystal clear to Alistair. He was already beginning to glean valuable insights from them. Once he had the time to fully dissect the enchantment structure and return to Rathos, he planned to share his findings, contributing to the ever-expanding knowledge of enchantments. P.A.L. did his best to keep them in the dungeon longer, but once they mentioned contacting their people to move the station immediately, he almost seemed eager for them to leave. He rushed them into the elevator, which moved noticeably faster than it had during their previous rides. Even the elevator¡¯s cheery tunes were accelerated, which momentarily worried them before they came to an abrupt halt, the doors opening to the dungeon''s entrance lobby. P.A.L. cheerfully wished them a great day and urged them to come back soon. They waved and stepped out of the dungeon, finding themselves back on the underside of the flying island, with the sun just beginning to rise over the horizon. "That was fucking weird," Alistair said, glancing back at the dungeon door embedded in the rocky surface. "But definitely worth it. I¡¯m going to contact Nessyra immediately," Riseth replied. It didn¡¯t take much to convince Nessyra. She promptly sent them a return message informing them that she had rescheduled the next recruitment tour to prioritize securing the dungeon after Alistair and Riseth confirmed that the island could be moved without magical interference. The Kaiakos arrived within a week, and during that time, Alistair and Riseth stuck close to the dungeon and regularly visited the Lily, though they didn¡¯t discover many new beasts of interest in the area. King, however, who traveled further than them, quickly grew bored with the monsters on the planet. Fortunately, The Platijum Lily¡¯s Pet Battle events were completed three days into their wait. They had to reassure the Administrator that King wasn¡¯t just an ordinary summon, which led the admin to spend extra time creating stronger beasts that could potentially challenge him. Luckily, since the event was life-guarded, creating such beasts was less intensive than the Administrator had initially feared, as confirmed by his P.A.L. persona. When the Kaiakos finally arrived, Alistair used his Telekinesis to lift the entire island into orbit, carefully loading it into the massive empty hangar of the Kaiakos and assisting the crew in securing it. They handed over the beasts they had captured, along with detailed instructions for the beastmasters. In return, they received a comprehensive update on the progress of the Lacustrine expansion. Multiple smaller colonies had been successfully established across the planet, finalizing the planetary defense grid and utilizing natural formations such as dragonveins and cycling river systems as bases of operation. These efforts would be reinforced and expanded from there, but for now, Alistair and Riseth were relieved to know that Lacustrine, and to a lesser extent Nautilis, were well-protected. In other news, Alistair''s suggestion to elevate mundane Earth plants with magic was met with partial success. He was shown images of fields and orchards where the plants grew unevenly and in patches¡ªsome had successfully absorbed the infused essences, growing much more slowly than the mundane variants. However, the end results for most crops were still unknown, and the herbalists and botanists were cautiously optimistic that if not this batch, another would eventually yield desirable results.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. An expeditionary team had also discovered another dungeon on Lacustrine, though it was fairly standard, featuring a diverse array of monsters within a cave system. The dungeon core wasn¡¯t as intelligent as those they had previously encountered, but it did produce a unique, extremely sturdy ore. This provided them with an endless source of material that meshed well with their Dragonstalk bamboo. The most intriguing news, however, was about a volcanic planet recently discovered by one of their new exploration vessels. Rich in ores and gems, the planet was also teeming with draconic monsters, including various subspecies of dragons. Alistair was hesitant to visit the planet, knowing that while King was strong, he would struggle to take down even a regular low-tier dragon unless luck or an affinity advantage was on his side. Dragons possessed incredible inherent power advantages, such as a natural mastery of magic and higher-than-average intelligence and cunning, with most dragons becoming sapient by the time they reached grade 8 or 7 at the latest. Before he departed, Sotarr expressed interest in discussing their summons, and Alistair hoped it was to offer training or assistance for them. However, he suspected Sotarr might instead try to convince him to release Viv from her summoning contract, perhaps keeping her as a pet rather than a summon. Alistair and Riseth had done their best to train King, Fluffy, and Viv. While King and Fluffy made significant progress, Viv struggled to fully grasp the training due to her limited intellect. They had tried various methods, even bringing in Desily, whose concept of Entropy was linked to Viv¡¯s Void concept, but progress with Viv remained slow. Alistair still had a pill of enlightenment but was hesitant to use it. Viv was already quite smart for a cat and would likely reach enlightenment on her own. He also worried that artificially accelerating her intellect might fundamentally change their relationship. There were other interesting planets that had been discovered that were worth checking out, though the longer they waited, the more powerful the dragons would become; there was also a chance of a particularly ambitious and cruel dragon rising to prominence by slaying its brethren and reaching a high enough grade to traverse space on its own. Since their exploration vessel had prioritized safety, they hadn''t approached or observed the dragon''s behavior for too long but had at least one instance of two different subtypes fighting where one killed the other. Alistair mulled things over; further training might not yield the result they needed as the largest thing holding back both Fluffy and King was that they didn''t know their core concepts, and none of the measuring items they had indicated that it was one of the assorted concepts they couldn''t even narrow it down as there were just too many concepts to go through, Melissa was working on a skill to identify others core concepts but until she made more progress, they wouldn''t be able to discern the exact concept, and could only work with the ones they knew their summons had a strong affinity for. He left a message with the crew of the Kaiakos that he wanted to be informed as soon as Melissa managed to develop the skill. "We need to make a decision," Riseth said, leaning against one of the Kaiakos'' bulkheads. "Do we head to that dragon planet and see if King can find a low-tier dragon he could potentially take on, or stick to the plan¡ªcollect beasts and use the extra time to prepare him until we hear back from yoursister?" "I¡¯ve already arranged for them to contact us when she¡¯s ready," Alistair replied. "But if King finds out about this planet, he¡¯ll jump at the chance, ready or not. His pride won¡¯t let him back down." Riseth nodded thoughtfully. They didn¡¯t like keeping King¡ªor any of their companions¡ªin the dark, but this was likely the safest approach. If King could defeat a low-tier dragon, it would trigger his evolution into a dragon himself. According to the information available, consuming a dragon¡¯s heart would catalyze that transformation. But defeating a dragon was no small feat for a wyvern. King¡¯s unknown core concept and original species would heavily influence what kind of dragon he¡¯d become. Most likely, he¡¯d evolve into a completely new species, becoming the progenitor of that line. The chance that another grikad wyvern had evolved into a dragon and shared King¡¯s concept or a related one and shared similarly rich records was unlikely in the extreme. Especially since Grikas seemed to be a new species to their universe, according to Dexter, as there was a distinct lack of historical information few other monsters shared. His core concept will, one way or another, be a massive factor, Alistair thought as they prepared to disembark from the Kaiakos. They were the best example of this¡ªneither of them had mastered their concepts yet, but with Sotarr''s guidance, they improved by leaps and bounds. Alistair was confident that either of them could easily crush their previous selves in a fight. The realization sent a shudder down his spine, making him acutely aware of just how lucky they were not to have encountered a truly dangerous opponent since leaving the Trial. Undocking from the Kaiakos, they set a course for a rugged planet they had come across in their initial scouting for a home planet. The planet in question had a strong magical density, but most of its surface was harsh and unforgiving¡ªmuch like Neshan, with vast deserts, badlands, dense jungles, small salty seas, and a generally hot environment. Such planets often harbored beasts that had either adapted to extreme conditions or altered the environment around them. Both types were highly desirable: the former could provide valuable components like armor plates or specialized aspected cores, while the latter could be a boon to Lacustrine. The equatorial regions of Lacustrine were hot, humid, and covered in their own jungles and rocky terrain, so some of these beasts might feel right at home. It took their navigation station only a few hours to lock onto the beacon, calculate drift obstacles, and account for interference before they made a brief jump through hyperspace. They soon found themselves orbiting an orange and purple planet. The planet''s foliage had a distinct purple hue, creating an intriguing visual that complemented the stunning nebula backdrop. It was orbited by two smaller moons, but as they purposely passed by, neither of them nor their ship''s sensors detected any dungeon or notable magical signatures. Instead, they set course for a large canyon, surrounded and partially overgrown by jungle¡ªlikely a hotspot for points of interest. "What do you think we''ll find down there?" Alistair asked as the ground loomed closer, their displays lighting up with highlighted beasts and mana signatures detected by the sensors. Riseth tilted her head thoughtfully. "Definitely more plants, but I''m hoping for some interesting beasts¡ªor even better, an actual realm." Chapter 182: Big Payouts As they neared the landing site, their sensors picked up on significant cave systems branching out from the canyons. "Well, that¡¯s going to make exploring a bit of a hassle," Alistair muttered. Riseth, however, saw it differently. "You¡¯ve just had a few bad experiences with underground systems. They can be incredibly beautiful, full of wonders¡ªentire biospheres could be thriving down there." She brightened at the thought. "I think we should definitely check it out. There¡¯s a large cavern in the jungle nearby that connects to the canyon, and according to the sensors, it even has multiple entrances within the jungle. There are bound to be some interesting beasts there," she said, clearly excited by the prospect of exploring. Her excitement was contagious. "Yeah, you¡¯re right. Let¡¯s go check it out," Alistair agreed, joining her after he released King to his usual scouting while she stored the Artemis. They had landed above the jungle since there was no suitable landing site anywhere near the canyons and jungle¡ªthe terrain was too rough and overgrown. As he glanced around, Alistair paused when he noticed a flock of macaws perched above them. Some had extra eyes, while others sported unusual colorations like purple and red. One of them was a striking mix of all the colors of the rainbow, arranged in a stylized pattern. Riseth stopped beside him, looking up at the birds. "They¡¯re beautiful," she remarked, squinting a little. "Wait, don¡¯t you have these on Earth?" "Yeah, we do. It just caught me off guard, seeing them on an alien planet," Alistair replied. "Do you want to introduce them to Lacustrine?" Riseth asked. "No, they''d probably just end up as prey for the griffins we¡¯re planning to introduce," Alistair said with a chuckle. "That would be a shame. But maybe we could introduce them to Nautilus. They might not bring much beyond nostalgia for us humans, but that¡¯s still something." "They¡¯re beautiful, and that alone counts for something," Riseth pointed out. "Nessyra mentioned there¡¯s growing interest in developing resorts and other infrastructure on Nautilus, for people to relax and enjoy the beaches. A flock of these would add to the charm." Alistair considered the options and decided to capture the flock. Macaws were quite intelligent and could make for decent pets or be released again in the future. After securing them and a few other flocks they encountered while navigating the dense jungle, they came across a massive, overgrown rift in the ground, leading to one of the many caverns extending underground. As they descended, they discovered a small biosphere within¡ªa serene pool of water at its center, surrounded by vines and other flora that thrived in the sunlight filtering through the cave''s entrance. Further in, they found beds of colorful, slightly bioluminescent mushrooms. The most intriguing discovery, however, was a vine bearing fruit that resembled a lightbulb in both shape and function, glowing brightly enough to allow the jungle¡¯s vegetation to flourish far beyond the cave entrance. A quick Identify showed him that it was a [Olae] vine. "Now, this is a vine I can see a lot of uses for, even if it doesn¡¯t hold much value in alchemy," Alistair remarked, lifting the plant and inspecting the glowing fruit. Riseth eyed the vine with interest. "We had stories about plants like this. It''s a shame to disturb this cave, but we need to bring some of these back. They''d be popular among the people of Neshan, and since we lack a steady source of light crystals, this could be a good substitute." Alistair scratched his beard thoughtfully while Riseth began harvesting the vines. "Braxik wasn¡¯t keen on introducing vines, but maybe he can work with our specialists to breed a strain that reduces maintenance and other issues," he mused. "They¡¯ll figure something out," Riseth replied with a shrug, storing the last of the vines as Alistair finished collecting the different mushrooms with a casual use of his telekinesis. After realizing that the chamber didn¡¯t connect to the larger network of caves, they made their way out and headed toward the main canyon nearby. Along the way, they encountered various insects and beasts, but none seemed particularly interesting or promising until they stumbled upon a small swarm of cat-sized, ant-like creatures. These creatures absorbed energy from everything they consumed, filling their gasters, which expanded and took on different colors depending on the type of plant or material. It was clear the ants were refining the energy they consumed within their gasters, so Alistair and Riseth decided to follow the swarm to see what they did with the refined material. The trail led them deep into the jungle, where they discovered a massive mound enveloping several trees. The ants disappeared into the mound, making it difficult to discern their activities, as the soil was so dense with magic that any attempt to sense beyond a shallow depth was futile. "Any type of refinement process could be a winner, unless the ants waste all the energy on multiplying themselves. That would just lead to a lot of ants without making a significant impact on the planet''s environment," Riseth observed. Alistair hummed thoughtfully. The magically dense soil suggested that the ants weren¡¯t wasting all their energy on mere reproduction. He considered the idea of destroying the hive, collecting both the soil and the ants¡ªwhich his Identify labeled as [Dosholea - lvl 60] and digging deeper to see what they might uncover underground. The ants themselves posed no threat to them, and if they wanted to make use of these creatures, capturing the queen would likely be necessary.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "Shall we dig?" Alistair asked. "Let¡¯s dig," Riseth replied with a nod and expectation and greed gleaming in her eyes. Alistair chuckled. He loved that little glint in her eyes when they found something potentially valuable. He began to unearth the hive, using his Telekinesis to carefully scoop out sections of the dense, magic-infused soil. As he worked, he stored both the ants and the soil for later study. As they dug deeper, they uncovered a vast underground structure, its tunnels reinforced by a shimmering resin produced by the Dosholea ants. The resin was energy-conductive, promoting the flow of magic throughout the hive while strengthening the tunnels. The most significant discovery was the hive queen¡¯s chamber, buried deep underground and encased in a crystallized cocoon made of the same resin as the tunnels. Alistair had to crack open the cocoon to subdue the queen, who, at level 106 and about the size of a bison, looked imposing. However, like most hive queens, she specialized in nurturing and strengthening her hive rather than combat, so subduing her took little effort. One of their up-and-coming beastmasters would likely take her on, making hive control much easier, though her high grade would mean it might take some time before anyone was capable of bonding with her. Inside the cocoon, they found a treasure trove of crystallized resin chunks, which, unlike the rest, contained concentrated concepts, functioning similarly to essence crystals and gems. While none of the concepts immediately intrigued Alistair, he knew they could potentially direct the types of concepts these creatures refined. Additionally, the soil surrounding the hive promised to be excellent for farming, which just added to the ant''s potential value. "It''s the big payout!" Riseth cheered, hugging Alistair¡¯s side and planting an excited kiss on his cheek. Alistair grinned, lifting her off the ground for a moment as she let out a delighted squeal. This was exactly the kind of discovery they¡¯d been hoping for on this planet, and he had a feeling there were more surprises waiting for them. His hunch was confirmed when they descended into the overgrown canyon and entered an expansive underground network. The cave system was breathtakingly vast, illuminated by the vibrant glow of Olae vines. The plants and fungi inside were arranged in a wild, colorful display that made the place feel almost otherworldly. The air was thick with the earthy, wet scent of the jungle, mixed with a hint of something spicy¡ªsomething that might have worried Alistair before the trial but now only intrigued him. "I told you, these places can be beautiful," Riseth said, letting her gaze wander. Alistair, however, was focused on a large three-toed imprint in the soft cavern floor, leading deeper into the tunnel network. The size of the print suggested the presence of a beast as large, if not larger, than King. "What do you think? Big subterranean lizard? Maybe some kind of drake or lindwurm?" Alistair speculated. Riseth knelt down, touching the soil around the print. "Whatever it is, it''s big and really heavy. It''s also bipedal from what I can tell. There''s no sign of a tail or body dragging along, so it''s probably not a lindwurm. Maybe some kind of heavily armored dinosaur or draconian beast?" she suggested. Alistair pondered the suggestion as he inspected the tunnels. Something about them felt off. The tunnels didn¡¯t appear to be formed by natural erosion or water flow, nor did they seem like the result of simple burrowing. There was an unnatural quality to them¡ªuneven and twisting, with frequent jagged protrusions jutting out from the walls. He couldn¡¯t quite put his finger on what had caused it, and even Riseth seemed uncertain. Deciding to investigate further, they followed the massive footprints, descending deeper into the earth, using the sporadic glow of Olae vines to light their way. As they followed the large tracks, they descended deeper and deeper underground. Alistair became increasingly certain that some of these tunnels had either been created or expanded by the creature they were tracking. Riseth paused, tracing her fingers over a particularly jagged section of the tunnel wall. "I think this beast isn¡¯t just burrowing; it¡¯s eating the rock," she observed, noting the large, uneven chunks torn from the rock face. "This looks like a huge maw took a bite out of it." Alistair stepped closer, inspecting the rough surface. "I think you¡¯re right. It could be refining the rock and ore within it. That would be another incredible find." "Unless it¡¯s just digesting all the rock and leaving it as waste," Riseth added with a smirk. "Could still be valuable," Alistair countered. "For all we know, processed rock waste might become our first major material export." "We¡¯d have to work on the name, though," Riseth laughed. "Calling it ¡®processed rock poop¡¯ wouldn¡¯t make for a great sales pitch." Alistair grinned. "We don¡¯t have to mention it¡¯s monster waste. We¡¯ll just give it a fancier name." Their banter was interrupted by the sound of loud grinding echoes through the cave system. Wordlessly, they picked up speed, descending the tunnel until they reached an enormous underground chamber. The ceiling stretched at least a hundred meters above them, dimly lit by the glowing fruit of the Olae vines. The floor was a patchwork of packed dirt, rocky surfaces, moss, and beds of fungi¡ªmany of which had been trampled by massive draconic bipedal beasts that were currently clashing in what appeared to be a territorial battle. The creatures were heavily armored, their bodies covered in layers of metal-like material in varying colors. Alistair and Riseth exchanged a glance¡ªthey had hit the jackpot again. These beasts clearly refined the material they consumed to enhance their armor. As they watched the two massive Brenga beasts battle, they quickly agreed these creatures wouldn¡¯t be suitable for Lacustrine or Nautilus. The planets'' abundant aquifers could easily drown the beasts, and they didn¡¯t seem particularly bright. The last thing they wanted was these creatures chewing through their home worlds. However, they could potentially introduce them to other worlds¡ªperhaps even Riddickulus¡ªsince these Brenga, at levels 150 and 155, respectively, would likely have a great matchup against the native wendigos and could make use of the now barren rocky nature of the planet without suffering much from the lack of natural treasures besides the rock and ore the wendigoes hadn''t been able to consume. "We should wait and see if they truly consume the rock," Riseth suggested through their Akashic link. Alistair nodded, though he was fairly confident their theory was correct. He could sense the magical process occurring within the beasts even as they fought. However, he didn¡¯t notice any immediate changes to their armor, aside from the occasional crack when they struck each other with their club-like tails. Interestingly, despite their massive, unhinged jaws, the Brenga didn¡¯t bite each other during their confrontation. Instead, they resorted to threatening displays¡ªopening their maws wide, grunting, and roaring in an attempt to intimidate. Alistair was certain their crafters would be thrilled at the idea of working with the Brenga''s metal-like hides, melting them down and combining them with other crafting materials. His thoughts were interrupted when the larger of the two beasts drove off the smaller one with a loud, victorious roar. Alistair and Riseth exchanged a quick glance, nodding in silent agreement, and each began following one of the two Brenga as they separated. Chapter 183: Aegis Coalition Universal Network A wide smile spread across Melissa''s face as the bell finally chimed, confirming her skill upgrade. Arathos, a cambion and the first child born in Rathos¡ªa name chosen to honor the occasion¡ªgrasped her finger, letting out an adorable coo. Melissa had worked with many volunteers, hoping to develop a skill that would allow her to discover their core concepts, but this had to be the most endearing one yet. Arathos¡¯s parents, Emily and Garris, had a story that Melissa would have loved to see turned into a romance movie. Emily, a lawyer from New York, had met Garris, an Infernarii, during the trial¡ªmuch like Alistair and Riseth¡ªand the two had formed a quick bond. The amusing twist came from Garris''s initial misunderstanding. To the people of Neshan, humans were nearly mythical before the trial, and in their culture, lawyers were more like mercenaries or enforcers, ensuring business interests were upheld by contract¡ªor force. So when Emily introduced herself as a lawyer, Garris believed she was a fierce warrior goddess, skilled in both combat and law. The misconception stuck for a while, as Emily¡¯s sharp wit, tough demeanor, and natural magical affinity allowed her to excel during the trial, further reinforcing Garris''s belief. Unlike her previous volunteers, this little one didn''t know his core concept, and his parents were eager to learn it so they could properly guide and teach Arathos once he was old enough. When Melissa had heard the bell¡ªa sound identical to the one from her old workplace as a kindergarten teacher¡ªshe knew she had succeeded. She looked at the parents with a confident smile. "Miss Ryser, did you figure out what Arathos''s core concept is?" Emily asked hopefully, squeezing Garris¡¯s hand. "Please, call me Melissa," she replied warmly. "And yes, I finally succeeded." The parents watched her with bated breath. "It¡¯s the concept of ''Law.'' Congratulations," Melissa said, handing the small child back to his parents. Emily and Garris received their child, barely able to contain their excitement as they hugged each other and thanked her profusely. Melissa smiled, happy to have helped them. She knew Alistair had requested to be informed as soon as she developed the skill, so she sent a quick message to Nessyra through the network. Nessyra had also wanted to know as soon as possible, anticipating an influx of children in the coming months. Parents would be eager to learn their children¡¯s concepts, and Melissa didn¡¯t mind dedicating some of her time to help. Though she might have to gently remind Nessyra not to impose a fee for this kind of service.
During their expedition, Alistair and Riseth eventually named the planet Calidor''s Cradle¡ªa fitting name given its intense heat and the wealth of beauty and useful creatures it harbored. Over the course of roughly two weeks, they explored its diverse landscapes, taking advantage of the challenging yet relatively safe environment to train with their summons against a wide array of beasts. King, in particular, developed a fondness for the swarms of massive flying crabs, finding them especially delicious. However, both Alistair and Riseth were hesitant to introduce these crabs to their home planet or moon. Although they were quite tasty, the crabs multiplied and spread rapidly, thanks to their ability to fly and their high mobility both on land and water. They were also rather ugly and highly aggressive, constantly seeking to expand their territory. While their spread was limited by the few briny seas on Calidor''s Cradle, this wouldn''t be the case on Lacustrine or Nautilus, where abundant water sources would allow them to thrive unchecked. They had captured some of the swarms and kept them in reserve, hoping to find a suitable use for these creatures. Unfortunately, the Brenga were the last of the "Big Payouts," as Riseth liked to call them, using a Neshan term similar to Earth''s "jackpot." Although she was fond of the Earth term, old habits died hard, and she often reverted to the Neshan version whenever they encountered something potentially valuable. While they failed to find any of the dungeons or beasts they could introduce to their planets, there were a handful of surprises; the first had been an exploration title that pushed them to level 125.

Titles: Tier: [Rare] Name: Clan Explorer Effect: Grants a 5% bonus to the [Senses] statistic and slight environmental resistance. Origin: A growing title acquired and improved by exploring, mapping, and enriching [Clan Ryser] through planetary explorations and expeditions.
The second one was announced with a chime Alistair had never heard before, and by the confused look Riseth had, she had received something similar. When he checked his notifications, he found that he had connected to the Aegis Coalition Universal Network, or ACUN, along with a message. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.
[ACUN] Faction Message: Title: Provisional Access to Aegis Coalition Universal Network (ACUN) From: Aegis Coalition Headquarters Well met, Clan Ryser, In recognition of your Clan¡¯s ongoing efforts and alignment with our shared objectives, the Council of the Aegis Coalition has designated Clan Ryser as an Independent Friendly Party. As such, we are pleased to inform you that your Clan has been granted provisional access to the basic functionalities of the Aegis Coalition Universal Network (ACUN). This access will enable you to utilize key resources, including the [Mercenary Mission Board] and [Universal Messaging System], and more to support our mutual interests. We look forward to your continued contributions and collaboration as we work together to protect the universe from external threats.
Nessyra had previously informed them about the Aegis Coalition (AC), and they had considered reaching out for trade opportunities, mercenary work, and possibly special assignments that required powerful combatants. As Alistair explored the newly available functionalities, he noticed that access had been granted selectively¡ªonly the Clan''s Leadership had been greenlit, with the option to request access for additional Clan members or Allies if needed. The third surprise came in the form of immediate messages from both Melissa and Nessyra through the new network. Melissa shared the news that she had successfully acquired the Core Concept Identification skill. The second was from Nessyra, who mentioned she was already in touch with a representative from the AC and would handle the diplomatic talks, keeping them in the loop if anything important came up that required their attention. "It looks like it¡¯s time to head back to Lacustrine," Riseth said, glancing at their still sparring summons. Alistair nodded. "Yeah, I was hoping we¡¯d find at least one dungeon before leaving, but I¡¯m happy to leave that to the other teams. Plus, I¡¯m really eager to find out what King¡¯s and Fluffy¡¯s concepts are." Hearing this, their summons, which had only slowed slightly to listen, immediately perked up. Both King and Fluffy stopped sparring and turned their full attention to Alistair, their excitement obvious. "Is it finally time?" King asked, his usually deep, imperious voice tinged with anticipation, his sharp, draconic eyes locked on him. Fluffy shrank back to her regular size, slithering onto Riseth¡¯s back, her gaze fixed intently on Alistair. "Yes, my sister finally upgraded her skill, so we can start your training in earnest," Alistair confirmed with a wide smile. King insisted that they leave immediately, and Fluffy vigorously nodded her head. Alistair chuckled at their impatience before complying with their wish. He picked up Viv, who had been rubbing against his legs, noting the change of atmosphere and wanting attention. It stung a little that they hadn''t found another dungeon, especially since both Alistair and Riseth had sensed they were getting close in their last underground expedition. However, they had mapped the area quite thoroughly, and by now, they had multiple groups of explorers within their clan who could take over their expedition and pick up where they had left off. Discovery of a dungeon was associated with large payments, and Alistair would have preferred to find the dungeon themselves so they could have picked up those extra skill points and any rewards without having to return to the planet later. But their time was valuable, and they had run out of real challenges days ago and mostly stuck around in the hope of discovering the dungeon they were sensing. As they lifted off from Calidor''s Cradle, Alistair browsed through the ACUN network. There were plenty of intriguing opportunities to earn both [USC] and [ACG], the Aegis Coalition''s currency. The network featured various tabs for trade, map data, fleet actions, material acquisition, and, most interesting to Alistair, a Special Request section and a Bounty Board. There were only a handful of open Special Requests, and they often vanished soon after they appeared; they would likely have to pay someone in their clan to keep an eye on the network for them and send the suggestion to Nessyra. The Bounty Board, on the other hand, was overflowing with thousands of bounties, organized by type. Most of these bounties targeted pirate fleets and individual ships, but there were just as many for specific individuals and hostile factions, many of which were tied to the Blackmarket Syndicates. The listings included details such as last known locations, known abilities, behaviors, and any other available intelligence. Every bounty listed the target''s crimes in graphic detail, and as Alistair continued to read through them, a deep sense of anger and disgust churned within him. With each new horror, his resolve hardened. He wouldn''t let these monsters continue their atrocities if he could stop them. Determined, he linked his Akashic Link directly to the Bounty Board, enabling his Identify skill to cross-reference any targets he encountered with the database. He felt like he was on the brink of upgrading his Akashic Link skill again, suspecting that the provisional access and amount of available information were the only things holding him back. Riseth, noticing his tension, gave him a worried glance. Alistair managed an apologetic smile and explained what he had found and how he had linked his skill to the network¡¯s database. Riseth checked for herself and grimaced. ¡°I know that on Earth, people try to imprison and rehabilitate criminals,¡± Riseth began, her tone steely. ¡°But this... this is beyond redemption. If we come across any of these monsters, I won¡¯t hesitate to end them.¡± Alistair met her gaze, his expression hardening. ¡°I¡¯m with you on this. Slavers, mass murderers, torturers, and worse... they need to be stopped. Permanently.¡± Riseth reached out and squeezed his hand reassuringly, and he gave her a small smile as he tried to shake off the dark thoughts. I¡¯m not on Earth anymore, he reminded himself. These people go out of their way to spread misery and death. Most of them aren¡¯t even human. They¡¯ll get what¡¯s coming to them. As Alistair leaned back in his chair getting comfortable for the trip back to Lacustrine, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder what kind of affinities their summons would reveal. While nearly any concept would work for them, he hoped their summons received ones that were on the more straightforward side. It was essential that King and Fluffy grasped their own concepts since Alistair and Riseth could only offer guidance and suggestions. Imposing too much of their own understanding, wishes, or ideas onto the summons could stifle their growth¡ªand, given their link, it would affect Alistair and Riseth¡¯s growth in turn, he was already struggling to teach Viv, still hesitant to feed her the pill of enlightenment, she was bound to grow even smarter as they advanced in grade. However, their speed had slowed to a crawl since leaving the trial for a multitude of reasons and he was grateful for every title that had helped mitigate the difference even slightly, he knew he shouldn''t prolong the decision for much longer. Still, he wasn¡¯t too concerned for King and Fluffy. In fact, he was eager to see just how much more powerful their summons would become once they fully understood their core and linked concepts. Chapter 184: Core Concepts Revealed. Alistair spotted his sister and mother waiting on the docks and hurried over to embrace them. Viv wasted no time joining in, purring as she affectionately rubbed against their legs until his mother scooped her up, showering her with well-deserved attention. "Hey, Mom, Sis, how¡¯ve you both been?" Alistair asked with a grin. His mother and sister smiled warmly. "We¡¯ve been great! The people here are really friendly, and there¡¯s always something happening, especially since the Platijum Lily got connected to the city," his mother replied. Alistair raised an eyebrow. "Oh? I haven¡¯t heard much about the dungeon since I left with the Kaiakos. Is it drawing a lot of attention?" As Riseth arrived and greeted his mother with a warm hug, Alistair turned his attention to Melissa, who scoffed. "Attention? It¡¯s practically the city¡¯s new obsession. Even the kids are spending their free time exploring it. Thankfully, we¡¯ve managed to keep the gambling events restricted to the adults." "It''s quite the energetic and excitable dungeon," his mother added. Alistair chuckled and wrapped his arm around Riseth as they made their way to their quarters, choosing a more scenic route through Rathos. The city buzzed with life, even more so now with the influx of people from various species. Nessyra¡¯s initial meeting with the AC revealed a few planets that wouldn¡¯t be hostile to their recruitment efforts and would fit their other recruitment requirements, and Rathos became a melting pot as a result. Alistair noticed that elves had become more common, and it seemed that sheep and ramkin had overtaken the minotaurs and crabkin as the most numerous beastkin in the city. What caught his attention was how humanoid these newcomers appeared, a likely indication that they had participated in the trial. Interestingly, there were also quadrupedal sheepkin, leading Alistair to wonder if they used polymorph to better fit in or if both forms had been represented on their planet. A quick search revealed that these newcomers called themselves the Shophan and Ixpir. Both races shared a world and a distant ancestry but had evolved quite differently, with one taking on a more humanoid form and the other maintaining a centaur-like appearance. They didn¡¯t interbreed, having been biologically incompatible before the trial, though there were instances of childless marriages between the two races. Such unions, however, were frowned upon. They shared a few similarities, such as their universally white or light golden hair and fur, as well as similarly shaped ears and horn variants. However, that¡¯s where the resemblances ended. The Ixpir had more sheeplike or ibex-like heads with darker furred skin, while the more humanoid Shophan closely resembled humans in their skin tones and features, though they shared some horn shapes with the demons from Neshan. Their clothing styles also differed significantly. The Ixpir favored loose, colorful robes with rich, intricate patterns, while the Shophan preferred thicker, more practical attire that resembled a mix of winter clothing and gambesons. Their garments were typically in muted colors like white and brown, reflecting the materials used. Unlike their quadrupedal neighbors, the Shophan¡¯s clothing had many pockets and bags, with minimal decoration. As they moved through Rathos, Alistair took in the city¡¯s rapid growth. The diverse crowd, bustling shops, and flying carpets all blended with the magic woven into daily life¡ªit was staggering to realize this vibrant square was just a small part of an ever-expanding city. Rathos was steadily becoming large and populous enough to be considered a true capital¡ªa capital that he was, technically, in charge of, with the duty to protect and guide it. The weight of that responsibility hit him in a way it hadn¡¯t in a while. He didn¡¯t want to imagine what might happen if he and Riseth failed to advance and were discovered by the Syndicates or other powerful individuals with ill intent. In this new reality, a single person could bring doom and misery to an entire civilization. He had surrounded himself with family, friends, and capable allies, and they had prepared thoroughly for the challenges ahead. Still, none of that guaranteed true safety¡ªif such a thing even existed anymore. When they reached Alistair and Riseth¡¯s quarters, they headed straight for their massive training chamber with its arena array, eager to uncover King and Fluffy¡¯s core concepts. As they stepped into the chamber, anticipation hung thick in the air. The array activated, transforming the space into a large, circular, stone-tiled arena reminiscent of the one where Alistair had first met King. He summoned King, while Riseth called forth Fluffy beside the towering wyvern. King immediately locked eyes on his sister, who, to his surprise, didn¡¯t even flinch under his draconic gaze. "Finally," King rumbled. Melissa smirked. "I suppose you want to go first, unless you¡¯d prefer to save the best for last?" The wyvern paused, glancing at the small serpent beside him. Fluffy wriggled with excitement, looking up at him with big, round, pleading eyes. King let out a huff. "Fine," he grumbled. "Let her go first. As you said, let¡¯s keep the best for last." Alistair raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised. He knew King had a soft spot for Fluffy, but he hadn¡¯t expected him to actually step aside for the eager Quetzalcoatl. Melissa patted the wyvern¡¯s head before approaching Fluffy, who eagerly propped herself up to touch Melissa¡¯s outstretched hand with her snout. Melissa closed her eyes, her expression tightening with concentration. A moment later, her eyes snapped open, narrowing as she seemed to mentally grasp something. "It¡¯s the concept of Metal," she said slowly, retracting her hand and studying the serpent intently. "Huh," Alistair and Riseth said in unison, both surprised. They had expected Fluffy¡¯s core concept to align more closely with her strong wind and lightning affinities and had expected one of them to be her concept or at least a linked one. Maybe those affinities are a racial benefit of the Quetzalcoatl species, Alistair mused.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. "Metal is great; with her high affinity for electricity and magnetism being a linked concept to metal, she got some incredibly potent options there," Riseth mused aloud as Fluffy slithered onto her shoulder, intently looking at King and Melissa, who placed her hands on King''s head, her expression tight with focus. "You should talk to my brother," Alistair suggested. "He¡¯s got the highest metal affinity I know of and the most experience when it comes to working with it and using the Plane of Metal. He could teach her a lot." Riseth nodded thoughtfully, "That''s a good idea. I''ll do that. Let''s hope he can make some time." "I am sure he will make some time," Alistair reassured her, though he knew his brother was one of the busiest people around. He had technically overtaken both of them in terms of levels, constantly spearheading crafting endeavors. His personal power armor was something to behold¡ªcontinuously upgraded and enhanced. Last time Alistair checked, it was already at Mark 24, and his brother was already working on the next major upgrade. He noted the frown on his sister''s face as she continued to inspect the wyvern, taking much longer than she had with Fluffy. King marinated his stoic presence, but Alistair could tell he was growing somewhat uneasy and impatient. Please don''t let him have a weird esoteric concept, Alistair prayed internally. Melissa looked up at King, her hands letting go of the wyvern, a slightly troubled expression on her face. "What is it?" King grumbled in his deep, imperious voice. Melissa shot Alistair a quick, hesitant glance before meeting the wyvern''s gaze. "You have the Curse concept," she stated. There was a silence in the room that seemed to stretch out as her words sunk in. Alistair considered the information. The concept of curses wasn''t ideal, but it was a powerful concept linked to several powerful concepts, though most had negative connotations. The more Alistair thought about it, the more he liked the idea, as curses didn''t have to be strictly negative or inflict harm; becoming immortal could be viewed as a curse. He suspected there was some flexibility to the concept that, if used right, could allow King to empower himself and weaken his opponents. A quick search confirmed that the concept of energy was connected, as well as the concept of Sin. This opened up the possibility for King to harness Sinenergy or even cursed energy, perhaps both. Ideas began racing through Alistair¡¯s mind, but he had to rein them in as he noticed the more complicated expressions on the faces of those around him. "I suppose that makes you the King of Curses," Alistair quipped to break the tension. King rumbled in approval. "I like that name." "I figured you would," Alistair replied with a smirk. Melissa still seemed unconvinced, but after searching his eyes, she relented with a sigh. ¡°Fine. Just don¡¯t overdo it.¡± Alistair, who had been about to crack a ''let it go'' joke, thought better of it and nodded appreciatively. ¡°I won¡¯t. I promise.¡± As Riseth joined Melissa to seek out James¡ªor at least some of their engineers¡ªto help elevate Fluffy¡¯s core concept, Alistair turned to his wyvern, who was watching him expectantly. ¡°Let¡¯s get you strong enough to kill a dragon,¡± he said, a wide grin spreading across his face. King tried to mimic the smile, but the result was more terrifying than anything else. Over the next month, they quickly discovered that to keep King¡¯s curse concept from slipping into the realm of blessings, any empowerment had to be tied to a condition or come at a cost. While King could enhance himself by cursing others, this approach wasn¡¯t foolproof¡ªespecially if the target resisted or there was no one to curse. King confided in Alistair that he had saved most of his skill points and had invested a significant portion of his trial reward into boons that increased his skill points gains. With his heightened intellect, he realized that his current abilities, like his beam and feather attack, wouldn¡¯t be sufficient in the long run. This strategic saving left them with enough skill points to work with; even if many of his available skills weren''t immediately useful, they managed to upgrade them by applying a variety of curses to them. Some unselected basic skills could be shaped into something more versatile, while others would require refinement¡ªsimilar to Alistair''s work with Death from Above, which had recently evolved into Telekinetic Death from Above. Once the skill had taken on its new telekinetic nature, further upgrades became much easier. Although upgrading it further at his current grade would be challenging, this allowed him to shift focus to other skills. He suspected that his recent bombing of the hive had helped loosen the resistance around the skill. While training the new skill, he managed to elevate his Telekinesis skill to the legendary tier as well.

Skills: Tier: [Legendary] Name: Telekinetic Death From Above Description: This skill drastically increases [Power] when attacking an opponent from above. The focus required when using telekinetics to move the user is drastically reduced, and [Control] is increased by a large degree. The user''s ability to resist interference, disruption, manipulation, etc., when using any Telekinesis is greatly increased. Due to the incredibly high affinity in kinetics and telekinesis, any energy siphoned from momentum, movements, or impacts through telekinesis is increased to a large degree. Any kinetic energy generated from landing on an opponent is increased by a large degree.
Alistair was pleased with both his and King¡¯s progress, and Riseth reported similar success with Fluffy, who had received custom-made gear and armor for her enlarged form. King, however, was currently held back by the need to wait for his next skill selection before he could use his new abilities more efficiently. Despite this, he had taken to curses far more quickly than Alistair had anticipated. To Alistair¡¯s surprise, King finally revealed his humanoid form, something he had kept secret, but Alistair had suspected the wyvern had been capable of doing for a while now. Alistair stared at King¡¯s new shape: reddish skin, sharp features, and black and red hair slicked back, giving him a stern, imposing appearance. He stood as tall as Alistair, and Alistair suspected that King had modeled his height after him out of respect. His eyes retained their piercing draconic quality, and his face seemed to carry a perpetual frown, exuding an air of boredom and condescension. Alistair couldn¡¯t help but ask, "What¡¯s with the frown?" "I dislike taking this form," King rumbled in his deep voice, "but it helps me with my core concept." He let out a long sigh. Alistair was taken aback. "How does taking on your humanoid form help with curses?" "Empowering myself while being trapped in this form, unable to use many of my other techniques, is a significant price," King explained. "It allows me to wield a different set of curses that require greater sacrifice on my part." Alistair let out an appreciative whistle. " Now that''s smart." A Creepy smile crept on the wyvern''s face, hearing the praise. Right, we need to work on that smile, Alistair thought, giving King an awkward smile in return. Chapter 185: Call for Aid Their training sessions were abruptly cut short when they received an emergency message from the Aegis Coalition.
[ACUN] Urgent Emergency Message: Title: Requesting Immediate Support From: Aegis Coalition Headquarters Approximately [20 minutes] ago, the Aegis Coalition came under large-scale assault by the Blackmarket Syndicates. Hundreds of planets across the universe are currently under attack, with Coalition fleets stretched thin defending critical infrastructure worlds. We urgently request that all available forces mobilize to assist the Coalition in any way possible. Any aid provided will be generously rewarded. Requests for enhanced communication channels and beacon access are being fast-tracked for all allies and independent factions willing to assist. This attack is not merely an assault on the Coalition¡ªit is an attack on the universe as a whole. The Syndicates are targeting infrastructure and population centers, taking slaves, and crippling our ability to defend against external invaders. Your help may make the difference between our universe being overrun by invaders or holding fast at facing adversity. The Fate of our universe hangs in the balance; stand with us now. Together, we can turn the tide and save lives; please respond without delay.
Alistair and Riseth rushed to enter their Tactical Operation Center for an emergency meeting. They were among the first. Nessyra, James, and somehow Denodia were already present; Denodia sat in a large, richly decorated chair and waved at them with a small smile. They took a seat watching the rest of the clans leadership arrive in short order, once everyone was present Nessyra stepped up, a grim expression on her face. "I do not wish to take much time as we have a time-sensitive situation on our hands," Nessyra began, her gaze sweeping across the circle to ensure she had everyone''s attention. ¡°We¡¯ve all received the emergency message from the Aegis Coalition, but I was able to gather more intel through my contacts. As the message stated, the Syndicates have launched a massive, coordinated attack on hundreds of planets, primarily targeting critical infrastructure and killing anyone who stands in their way." She paused briefly, letting the gravity of the situation sink in. "It is not looking good. While the Coalition¡¯s fleet is significantly larger and better organized than the Syndicate¡¯s pirate fleets, the difference isn¡¯t as vast as we¡¯d hope. Coalition spies have confirmed that the Syndicates are using their own universal network to coordinate this widespread assault. Their strategy appears to be to spread the Coalition thin by threatening key planets from core factions, effectively tying up critical assets." "My personal recommendation is that we assist at least one of the nearby planets. There are multiple targets in neighboring galaxies with accessible beacons, and the Syndicate fleets in those areas are small enough for us to handle with minimal losses." She cleared her throat. "I¡¯ve already recalled all available assets and deployed teams of lawyers and combat personnel to our ships. Jump calculations for what I deemed to be the best target are in progress, so we potentially won¡¯t waste any time once we¡¯ve made our decision." Simon frowned. "Isn¡¯t it risky to help in a neighboring galaxy? Couldn¡¯t that narrow down our location for the Syndicate?" Nessyra shook her head. "I don¡¯t believe so. We¡¯ve been recruiting across various regions, and I¡¯ve made sure to create false leads by sending some of our exploration vessels to distant nebulas and galaxies. Those ships were seen by both independent factions and some of the larger ones, thanks to information from my Coalition contacts. We should be safe, and this could also help us build rapport with the Coalition and the local populations." Alistair frowned, considering the stakes. "So, if we stay out of this conflict, we risk not only alienating the Coalition and losing access to their network, but they might be too crippled and preoccupied to hold off the invaders at the bridges, their main defense line. If that happens, the outsiders will breach the universe." Nessyra nodded gravely. "Exactly. If the Coalition fails, the burden of defense will fall not only to the galaxies nearest to the bridges but the wider universe unimpeded, as not every faction cares to establish a bridgehead near the universal bridge. The invaders will spread chaos from there, and the Syndicates will thrive in the disorder, likely reinforcing their numbers with the invaders¡¯ support. They¡¯ll circle the battlefield like daregs¡ªor vultures, for those from Earth." A low murmur of conversation spread through the group as everyone weighed the potential targets, the risks, and the larger consequences of either intervening or remaining hidden. Alistair eventually turned to Denodia, seeking her insight. "What do you see?" he asked, hoping her ability to glimpse potential futures might guide them. Denodia met his gaze, her expression unusually solemn. "There are too many moving pieces," she said, her eyes flicking between him and Riseth. "I don¡¯t want to say too much, but you should know this mission comes with real danger. If we¡¯re not careful, some of us won¡¯t make it back. That includes both you and Riseth." A heavy silence settled over the group as Denodia¡¯s words sank in. The idea of one of them not returning hadn¡¯t fully registered with Alistair until now. The thought of being stranded temporarily if their fleet was forced to retreat was troubling enough, but the possibility of losing Riseth or dying himself twisted his stomach in knots.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. Denodia continued, her tone measured. "Do not misunderstand; this is a distinct possibility at all times and it doesn''t matter if you go out seeking treasures and dangers among the stars or sit here on this world waiting for danger to find us instead," "Well, that¡¯s not exactly helpful," James commented with a frown on his face. Denodia nodded. "It¡¯s frustrating. The closer and more defined an event is the fewer variables and potential outcomes I have to contend with. Honestly, my concept is more useful in crafting and direct combat than in situations like this." Riseth crossed her arms, deep in thought. "Either way, if we¡¯re going after the Syndicate fleet and handling the forces they¡¯ve left on the ground, we need to keep our weaker members well protected. Either Alistair or I should stay close to the main group at all times. We have no idea how many of the Syndicate members have received outside training like Alistair and I have, so we can''t afford to take any chances." Alistair sighed, scanning the room before speaking. "Alright, who here is willing to go out and help save these people? And who thinks this is too risky and would prefer to stay behind?" To his surprise, nearly everyone raised their hands to volunteer, except for Melissa, Braxik, and Jessica. The Ryser siblings all glanced at their mother, Juliana, who had her hand raised. "Mom, there¡¯s no way we¡¯re letting you go into a warzone," James said firmly, with the others nodding in agreement. Juliana remained calm but resolute. "My teleportation magic is powerful enough to work even through strong interference. I can evacuate and reinforce our forces faster than anyone else, even without a beacon. You need me and my abilities." Alistair grimaced, exchanging concerned looks with his brother and sister. "If you¡¯re going, I¡¯m going with you," Melissa added quickly. "I won¡¯t let you go alone. My magic can defend us, and I can put anyone who¡¯s mortally wounded in stasis until we get them to safety." Alistair liked this less and less. If it was just him, Riseth, and maybe Simon and James heading out, he wouldn¡¯t be nearly as worried. But the thought of his mother and sister near the front lines unsettled him, even if they were powerful and far above the curve in terms of levels. Sensing his unease, Nessyra spoke up. "Since we''ve agreed to focus our efforts on Planet Edos, we need to board immediately. The calculations should be complete soon. Once we destroy the enemy fleet, we''ll drive off the invaders on the ground and operate in large, heavily protected groups. I¡¯ll remain here to coordinate our attacks using the Aegis Coalition¡¯s enhanced network communications. May fortune be with you all." With time running out, Nessyra quickly jumped to the task of organizing and directing the boarding efforts. Every second they delayed gave the Syndicates more opportunity to murder, plunder, destroy, and enslave. There wasn¡¯t enough time to wait for any off-world combat forces to return, so the available teams boarded the Kaiakos and their small fleet of combat ships as quickly as possible. The fleet now consisted of eight frigates, a destroyer-class ship, and a small armada of jet-sized fighter crafts stationed aboard both the Kaiakos and their destroyer, the Akris. With Nessyra staying behind, Captain Kazire, a demon in charge of the Kaiakos whenever the clan leadership was absent, would pilot the ship and command the fleet. The mission aimed to secure an improved Fleet Commander title for him, as well as for the captains of the frigates and the pilots of the fighter crafts. Alistair watched demons and humans board the fighter crafts as he walked through the hangar. He knew that most of the fighter crafts had been custom-made for their pilots, complete with safety measures and emergency ejection functionality to increase their chances of survival. Despite these precautions, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that these crafts were little more than metal coffins. No matter how much they empowered their vessels, he struggled to see them standing up to larger ships with their current power. He would have preferred all fighter crafts to be remotely piloted, but the pilots had insisted that doing so would stifle their advancement on their chosen paths. He breathed in, recognized his misgivings, and let them go. It was their choice, and if they were willing to risk their lives that way, it was their choice to make, and if he was anything to go by, they could very well tear larger crafts apart eventually. He was glad that Nessyra would remain in communication through the AC Network, having requested and immediately been granted access to improved communication features as soon as she confirmed their intent to come to the coalition aid. Her coordination and sharp wit would save many lives, or so he hoped. By the time all the ships had been boarded through shuttles, the jumpdrives were a mere half hour away from completing their calculations. Despite it only being a half hour, time slowed to a crawl, and nervous energy built among those on board the ships. They all knew that this would be their first true taste of combat, and some of them might not return. Some even requested to return to the planet and were granted leave as they wouldn''t force anyone who didn''t have the nerve into combat. They had received word from the inhabitants of Edos that their fleets were still fighting, and the beacon''s location was safe to jump. However, they requested that they hurry, as they couldn''t stop the many transport ships from landing on the planet without allowing the enemy warships to bombard their infrastructures and cities, and their young fleet was close to breaking. As the seconds ticked down to their jump, Alistair squeezed Riseth''s hand, glancing at his mother and sister seated nearby aboard the Artemis. Feeling the weight of the moment, he rose from his seat and approached the captain, requesting a brief moment to address the crew, hoping to lift their spirits. The comms crackled to life. "This is Alistair Ryser," his voice steady but resolute. "Many of you might know me only by name or reputation, but today, I want you to know this: I am here with you, shoulder to shoulder, all the way. Some of you joined us to protect your families, to find a safe haven away from the violence. And that¡¯s exactly why we¡¯re doing this¡ªthis fight is for them. He paused for a moment, letting the words sink in before continuing. "We cannot sit back and let the Syndicate run wild. We can¡¯t let them sabotage the shield that holds back the invaders from beyond. If we allow that, everything we¡¯ve fought for¡ªeverything we¡¯ve built so far will be in danger. So, I say this: Fuck the Syndicates and Fuck the Invaders. We¡¯ve defeated scum like this before, and we¡¯ll do it again. We will stand together, and we will crush them. Today, we fight not just for ourselves, but for the future we¡¯re building. Now, let¡¯s go out there and remind them who we are!" The comms cut off, and a charged silence followed before the crew erupted in cheers, ready to face what awaited them on the other side. Alistair watched as the seconds ticked down to 0 and feeling the familiar pull of warp space as they received the command to jump, he saw flashes of the Kaiakos and the other ships as they jumped out. Chapter 186: Brewing Misery Eberus exhaled a contented sigh as raw power surged through him. His concept was truly a work of art, a gift that had drawn the attention of a much larger predator from the wider multiverse. Under this mentor''s guidance, he had learned to wield it to its full potential. Misery had been his constant companion for as long as he could remember, but now, sowing it yielded a bountiful harvest of power. The Syndicate¡¯s universal network had enabled a coordinated, large-scale assault on the Aegis Coalition, allowing him and others to exploit the ensuing chaos and strike where it hurt most. He had held a portion of his forces in reserve, waiting for the right moment to see if any of the more elusive factions would try to aid the Coalition in its hour of need. Turning to his dark elf secretary, Nealdin, he cast a knowing glance. Nealdin responded swiftly, reporting exactly what he expected. "Four hidden factions have been sighted within range of one of our hidden beacons as reported through the network: the Noross Cabal, the Heavenly Light Sect, the Odramoth Ascendancy, and the Ryser Clan." Eberus licked his fangs, considering his options. The cultivators of the Heavenly Light Sect were best left alone¡ªdealing with Cultivators was always far more trouble than it was worth. The Noross Cabal was even less appealing. Traveling aboard a giant space ray, their entire faction lived on the back of the creature, and even with his stealth ship, infiltrating would be nearly impossible. The beast would likely sense his presence long before he or his assassins could strike. The Odramoth Ascendancy was a tempting target, but then... there was the Ryser Clan. The thought of the Rysers made his lips curl into a cruel smile. A faction mostly made up of cowards, families, and weaklings banding together in some idealistic pursuit of a new, better future. How quaint. Their leaders, while powerful, didn¡¯t have the benefit of training from outside the universe¡ªor at least, not to his or the Syndicates'' knowledge. Even if they had, they weren¡¯t likely to stop him if he caught them by surprise. Better yet, their leaders were a couple. Killing or torturing one would send the other into a frenzy, like a rabid dog, making catching and dispatching them so much easier. The mere thought of torturing and dismembering one of them in front of the other or sending the head of their loved one to their families made him shiver with delight. The misery he could create in that moment would be intoxicating, empowering him beyond anything he had achieved so far. Yes, the Rysers would do nicely, he thought, shivering in anticipation before addressing his secretary, "What is the situation on the Ryser front?" Nealdin straightened, "The Ryser Clan has arrived in the system and attacked the Syndicate forces that were engaged with what was left of the defenders of Edos. Their losses have been minimal, and they have destroyed the Syndicate fleet. Only two crafts escaped, while many Syndicate transports are stranded on the surface. They are currently descending on the planet''s surface. If we leave now, we shall arrive within the hour," "Excellent," Eberus rumbled.
Alistair''s tension mounted as the planet''s surface loomed closer. The space battle had ended as quickly as it had begun¡ªthis time, they had both the numbers and the firepower on their side. Unlike their previous encounter, the Syndicate forces had already been engaged with the planet''s defenders, leaving them vulnerable to a swift and decisive strike. Their fleet had made short work of the enemy ships. Now, the remaining Syndicate raiders, those who hadn¡¯t fled with the transport ships, were trapped, their every movement tracked by the fleet above. They would have blown them to smitherens but they had hostages in the form of captured citizen. The planet was inhabited by humans; along with cat and dog beastkin that had lived in a delicate balance, with the humans providing a balance to the scales, keeping the other two from constant warfare by interjecting themselves. It was an interesting world, and people, and Alistair would have loved to explore it in less dire circumstances. Everything had gone almost too smoothly; besides some of their combat crafts being destroyed and damage to some of their frigates, they had come out mostly intact. He had a bad feeling but wouldn''t let paranoia stop him from helping those in need; based on their reports, the majority of the raiders were in early grade 8 or high grade 9, which made them very dangerous. He would be joining their main camp, protecting his mother and sister as a guardian, while Riseth Simon and Desily would take combat teams into the field. He would have preferred to be the wrecking ball against the stronger Syndicate forces but recognized that his presence would ensure the safety of the main camp, and with his mother''s presence, he would be able to be teleported and reinforce any of their groups that bit off more than they could chew. "Look alive, everyone. We''ve detected a jump signature in the system, but our sensors aren¡¯t picking up any incoming ships. Stay on high alert and keep the shields at full power," Captain Kazire''s voice came through the leadership channel. Alistair nodded to himself. Kazire was proving to be a strong candidate for an Admiral position in command of their combat fleets. His quick, decisive thinking had already minimized fleet damage, and Alistair approved of most of the man''s decisions. However, it would be wise to wait until Kazire gained more relevant titles and power before promoting him to an actual leadership position. As he disembarked from the Artemis, Alistair shared a brief kiss with Riseth before she hurried toward her assigned shuttle, where a Lawyer squad waited for her. Alistair hovered above the city, watching as his mother and sister disembarked with their own teams. A squad had already begun setting up on a hill overlooking the sprawling modern city below, deploying a slightly damaged crystallin emergency beacon and turret emplacements.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. From his vantage point, Alistair could see the squads announcing themselves to the citizens, directing them to designated safe zones. Demons, humans, and Shophan from the Ryser clan were busy reinforcing those positions with earth magic, shield modules, turrets, and automata. These defensive measures wouldn¡¯t last long if a powerful Grade 8 enemy showed up, but nearly half their force was made up of early Grade 8 individuals by now¡ªstrong enough to hold their ground long enough for him to intervene.
As the shuttle neared the Syndicate transport, Qhavlin, their pilot, warned them of their approach. Just as they prepared to descend, Riseth¡¯s danger sense flared violently. A beam of searing energy shot from the transport, arcing toward them with lethal precision. The shuttle strained under the sudden evasive maneuvers, engines roaring as it swerved out of the beam¡¯s path. Reacting without hesitation, Riseth activated her manipulation concept, bending the energy to her will. She redirected and diffused the beam, dispersing it harmlessly before it could reach the shuttle. The shuttle then descended swiftly toward the outskirts of the city where the Syndicate transport had landed. The moment the shuttle touched down, her team of Lawyers sprang into action. Doors flew open, and they disembarked, their power armor humming to life. Riseth followed but remained near the shuttle until Qhavlin had safely secured it. Once it was stored, the young demoness descended gracefully to the ground, carried by her own power. Almost immediately, Syndicate attackers appeared. Instead of engaging directly, Riseth turned invisible, prioritizing the rescue of the hostages. She trusted her Lawyer squad to handle the Syndicate forces as the battlefield erupted with flashes of magic and gunfire and missiles. As the two sides clashed, she subtly took control of one of the Syndicate attackers, forcing them to fire on their own allies, sowing chaos while slipping past them and making her way toward the transport. As she moved past a cluster of trees and a low hill, she saw what her senses had already told her. There, bound invidious-looking barbed magical restraints, were human and catkin prisoners. The barbed bindings glowed with dark energy, sapping their strength and digging deeper into their skin with every movement. Many bore streaks of blood where they had struggled, the ground marked with red as the Syndicate captors dragged them toward the waiting transport craft. She angled her approach to see inside the craft, noting stacks of far too small cages where anyone captured was pressed into the cages made of what she suspected was an adamantine alloy. Fortunately, none of the captured individuals were currently held as hostages directly, and if she had killed the ones guarding the cages and dragging more prisoners, she should be able to free them. A surge of anger and disgust welled up inside her as Riseth unleashed Fluffy, on the two Syndicate members furthest from the group. At the same time, she appeared behind those inside the transport, her bone blades flashing in a deadly arc. With a swift, fluid motion, the blades pierced through the Syndicate attackers, their bodies involuntarily jerking into the attack as the blades transformed into saws, tearing them apart in a brutal yet oddly beautiful display as she flashed forward, sending two heads flying, ending her movement with a graceful spin. Fluffy struck with ruthless precision, sinking its fangs into the first Syndicate soldier and injecting a venom so powerful that the man collapsed almost immediately before tearing him in half with a jerk of her jaw. Lightning crackled across Fluffy¡¯s body, surging outward to the second attacker and leaving him paralyzed in its wake. In the next heartbeat, a whirlwind of razor-sharp metal plates erupted from Fluffy, shredding the stunned enemy to pieces. As soon as the attackers fell, the deadly swarm of plates retracted, orbiting protectively around Fluffy''s other metal plates in a lethal dance. Lightning continued to arc between the plates, flickering in a mesmerizing yet ominous display, ready to strike down any who dared to approach. Riseth swiftly eliminated the Syndicate pilot who had come to investigate the disturbance, then turned her attention to her Lawyer squad. They were handling the fight with ease, their superior skill complemented by the advanced power armor they wore. While it wasn''t on par with James''s latest designs, the armor''s integrated magic miniguns and missile launchers were devastating for most within their grade. If there were enough of them on the field, even she would need to be careful not to get saturated by sheer firepower. They immediately set to work, freeing the pleading captives from what would have been a miserable fate as slaves¡ªor worse. However, before they could finish liberating the prisoners and begin the evacuation, a sinister power descended upon them. The very air grew oppressive, and Riseth''s skin crawled. Many of the captives collapsed, and several of her Lawyers dropped to their knees, some retching as a palpable darkness pressed down on them. The energy was overwhelming, dark and deep as the ocean, and unmistakably infused with the Concept of Misery. Riseth fought against the crushing weight with her own Concept, instinctively attempting to send out a warning. But as she reached for the Akashic Link, a thick blanket of isolation enveloped them, severing all external communication. Whoever was attacking them was incredibly powerful, intent on cutting them off completely. The malevolent presence was potent enough that Riseth knew she was facing someone who could pose a real threat, even to her. Yet amidst the stifling pressure, one connection remained untouched¡ªher Resonance with Alistair. Drawing strength from it, she continued to push back against the dark power, stepping out of the captured transport to assess the situation. They were surrounded. At the center of the enemy forces stood an unsettling, draconic, snake-like figure in humanoid form, his dark scales shimmering ominously. His clothing sent shivers down her spine, and Riseth quickly recognized the horrifying truth¡ªhis garments had been crafted from the remains of sentient beings. A sickening sensation welled up within her, and if she still had a normal stomach, she would have likely vomited on the spot. The grotesque sight was nearly overwhelming. She recognized his race, some kind of hydra. He likely evolved into this form rather than starting as one, which was a small mercy given the situation. Riseth''s mind raced. Alistair was coming. She just had to hold the line and protect the prisoners for as long as possible; she needed to play for time as the isolation spanned a massive area, and she pressed her senses. She could sense incredibly potent flight and teleportation restricting as more attackers appeared, likely finished setting up the array, though it wouldn''t stop Alistair''s telekinesis once he got here. The Hydra looked at her, showing long, sharp teeth and a draconic tongue that flickered along them. He seemed to shiver in pleasure as he approached, his yellow serpent-like eyes fixed on her and Fluffy, who slightly recoiled at the glance and fear transmitted through their bond. Chapter 187: True Misery "Ah, what a delectable morsel has fallen into my claws, Riseth Ryser, is it?" Eberus asked, barely able to contain his glee as his assassins tightened the circle around their prey. "I am Eberus, and I was hoping I would catch one of the infamous Ryser couple alone, and I have been hoping it would be you." "Quite confident if you believe you already got anything other than a swift death at your claw," Riseth replied. A deep, dark chuckle rumbled from Eberus, building into full-blown laughter. "Ah, forgive me," he sneered, his amusement barely contained. "I thought you were better at reading the situation. You can¡¯t even begin to fathom the depths of my power. I spread misery on a scale you can¡¯t comprehend, and I grow stronger with every ounce of suffering I create." He took a step closer, his voice dripping with venomous intent. "I will kill you, slowly... painfully... degradingly. But considering you¡¯re a succubus, I might be willing to grant the others a quicker end if you... entertain some of my men." He was a terrible match-up for her to face, empowered by the very forces she tried to manipulate against him. She needed to stall for time¡ªher connection with Alistair was strong, and she could sense his worry and fury, but she wasn''t sure how long she could hold off this monster. His power was suffocating, he had so much energy it almost felt like he was a whole grade above her own. "Talking to you is miserable enough," she spat, buying time as her mind raced for an edge. "But why us? Money? Fame?" "Oh, no," he purred. "Nothing so banal. You have nothing to offer me as exquisite as desecrating you, crushing you under my heel as you writhe in agony and despair. And just long enough to see the look on your... what is it? Boyfriend? Husband? Please say, husband! That would make your death in front of him so much sweeter." Riseth stayed quiet, not willing to give him the satisfaction as her lawyers managed to gather themselves as the enemies'' focus was on her alone as she did her utmost to fight his mental onslaught, trying her best to turn it against him and his minions. They raised their rifles and miniguns as the other assassins approached, outnumbering them two to one while they were a handful of vulnerable individuals left in their backs, shivering and twitching on the ground or crying in utter panic, adding to their opponent''s power. Fluffy let out a hiss, her plates spinning faster and faster as electric currents gathered and empowered. Riseth, in turn, continued her best to hijack the hydra''s power and turn it on his minions instead. Whenever she succeeded, they, unlike their master, crumpled under the weight of his misery-fueled aura. But she knew that wasn¡¯t enough. It would delay the lesser enemies, but Eberus required her full attention. Vortex bolts materialized around her, and her veil of space magic shimmered to life just as a barrage of attacks came their way. Riseth deftly redirected them while her lawyers opened fire. Their shots hit home as she disrupted the assassins'' defenses, shattering their barriers and weakening their protective skills. Eberus launched himself at her with terrifying speed. Fluffy erupted forward in a blur of motion, releasing all the stored energy she had gathered. Her spinning plates slammed into him, tearing into his flesh. But Eberus let out an eerie laugh, his body relishing the pain as it rapidly healed, his wounds stitching together almost as quickly as they formed as the pain was shared between himself and Fluffy, who roared in agony, recoiling away from Eberus before refocusing. Riseth and Eberus clashed; his claws met her space-warped bone blades. She sensed how he tried to inject pain through the contact but resisted as she and her weapon spirit pushed back the pain ejecting it at his minions. Using her Serpent''s Waltz technique, she twisted out of one of his strikes with graceful precision, her blade extending as she manipulated space, pulling him toward her blade and ripping into his face with her blades space-warped edges. Flesh and scales peeled away, but Eberus only squealed in sick delight, his eyes locked onto her as if savoring every moment. Riseth''s bladed tail and concept restricted him for a brief moment as she unleashed her vortex bolts, hurling them at him, but highly concentrated blasts of dark energy shot from Eberus''s body, colliding with her attacks and stopping them mid-flight by overpowering them with sheer energy. Though he had expended some of his energy, it showed just how bottomless and overwhelming the energy reservoir within him was, ever-growing, ever-present. Through her concept, she knew this wasn¡¯t an illusion¡ªhe wasn¡¯t bluffing or amplifying his aura to deceive her. His power was nearly endless, and to win, she would need to obliterate his entire body. She immediately used her healing manipulation to disrupt his regeneration but struggled. To make things worse, Eberus shuddered in pleasure as part of his wounds regrew misshapen, and bone growths appeared over his body. His energy seemed to have partially recovered from her attack. He lunged and tried to grasp her but she gracefully stepped back, turning ethereal, barely resisting his attempt to grasp her with his concept-infused claws. She was incredibly thankful for her training with Alistair, who had a much more suitable and difficult concept to overcome. She drew back, noticing that half her Lawyers were dying or dead, their power armor crushed, blood pooling beneath them while others struggled in close combat engagements in a confined space against the assassins. She couldn''t help them, as even with Fluffy''s assistance, she barely kept Eberus at bay. Fluffy powered through the pain and continued to try and tear the hydra apart, his incredibly tough scales protecting him from the worst while he seemed in his own little world, delighted at the pain he inflicted on Fluffy and himself and the fear he invoked in everyone on the battlefield. As Riseth fought, she noticed a dark elf emerging from the nearby forest, flanked by even more Syndicate fighters advancing toward her. Her stomach churned with dread¡ªshe could not afford to be captured, not by him. She spun and twirled out of Eberus¡¯ reach, narrowly dodging his claws using everything she had learned. But her heart sank further when his body enlarged, his neck split, and new heads began to sprout, revealing his true hydra form. Maws snapped at her, each head aiming to tear her apart.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Fluffy struck back fiercely, sinking her fangs into one of the necks and injecting it with venom. This time, it seemed to have an effect¡ªEberus let out a guttural growl. But before Riseth could press the advantage, black and green flames erupted from one of his four maws, washing over Fluffy. The fire clung to her like a living thing, burning with agonizing intensity, yet leaving her scales unscathed. The flames inflicted not just physical pain but a deeper, more sinister torment, as if the sensation of burning was searing directly into her soul. Fluffy¡¯s protective metal plates blocked most of the inferno, retaliating with sharpened edges that struck Eberus again, but she was weakening. The constant barrage of pain took its toll, and Riseth could feel Fluffy growing wary and drained. Where is Alistair? How large is this teleport restriction? She cursed internally, fear threatening to overwhelm her despite her best efforts to quell it and fight against his mental intrusion. Her mental fortress skill was cracking, and more enemies were approaching. She wouldn''t give up. She would kill them all if she had to, twisting just a moment too late as one of the jaws snapped shut around her left leg. She sensed the paralysis creeping up her leg and cut it off in one smooth motion, using her healing skills to stem the bleeding; she would need to use her tail and wings to balance herself from here. The enemies opened fire, and she redirected their spells and attacks toward the growing hydra, which shrugged the attacks off as if it were nothing. A dark, rumbling chuckle escaped the Hydra. "Ah, what a shame¡ªno more running for you." Eberus oozed malicious glee as he stomped forward, savoring his looming victory. Riseth''s heart pounded, but a sudden pulse through her resonance gave her a split-second warning. A moment later, Eberus¡¯ heads snapped upward, sensing the danger above¡ªtoo late to stop it. With a thunderous impact, Alistair descended from the sky like a meteor, crashing into the hydra with devastating force. He had descended from Orbit; his mass and density and speed increased through his concepts, which were further empowered by concentrated kinetic energy and the Death from Above skill, turning him into a living weapon, focusing as much of the energy as he could on the hydra itself. The sheer force of the impact caused Eberus to literally explode in a shower of gore. The multi-ton transport craft that was mercifully on the edge of the impact site was flung away alongside the remaining assassins outside the craft, who had nearly overwhelmed the last of her lawyers; the ship crashed into the distance and was torn apart by the shockwave and impact as it rolled through the field. Thanks to Alistair''s warning, Riseth reacted instinctively in the final moment before impact. She swiftly stored Fluffy and turned herself ethereal, narrowly escaping the devastating blast as the battlefield erupted in a surge of kinetic energy, transforming the landscape into a glowing crater of destruction.
Alistair could feel the agony of their people and the tortured captives reverberating through the battlefield. He couldn''t hold back any longer¡ªnot if he wanted to prevent the hydra from slaughtering them all. The grimace on his face deepened as he realized the collateral damage he had caused in his attack, knowing some innocent lives had been lost as the transport craft was flung away and broke apart. But there was no time for guilt, no room for hesitation¡ªhe had to press his advantage or risk losing everything. His attack had damaged the array sufficiently for the rest of their forces to help Riseth kill what was left of the attackers and save those injured by his stunt. With a surge of power, he unleashed the stored energy from his Battle Sphere skill, blasting apart eight body parts writhing on the ground before sending two empowered kinetic strikes toward two of the larger remnants of the hydra''s body. The strikes tore through its flesh, obliterating what remained intact and preventing it from regenerating or reconnecting. His telekinesis propelled him forward at blinding speed toward one of the flying heads, the hydra¡¯s eyes locking onto him as it attempted to cast a spell. But Alistair was faster. A blazing edge appeared on his weapon, ignited by his fury, and he hacked down with brutal precision. The head split apart under his strike, its regenerative abilities seared away by the blaze, ensuring it wouldn¡¯t reform but he exploded it with a rapidly charged kinetic strike for good measure. As he turned, he watched how, even with time dilation, the two remaining heads rapidly reformed a body each; even larger chunks of his body were warping and growing new bodies, drawing on a seemingly endless pool of misery. He rushed the closer one while charging another kinetic strike, summoning King, who rushed the other body, sending rapid instructions to King to use his curses to restrain the regeneration of the hydra. They had, despite initial hesitation, developed an anti-regeneration curse involving decay, as regenerating opponents were far too common not to prepare for. He cursed, wishing more of the body had been obliterated, but with a body as large and resilient as this hydra, that would be too much to hope for. He managed to obliterate one more head and another large chunk of hydra flesh when he watched a humanoid figure stepping out of one of the last large chunks of flesh, dressed in a horrifying suit that was clearly made of people and beastkin. King''s cursed energy enveloped the man, but the endless well of energy fought against the cursed energy as black lightning seemed to crackle as they sought to overpower the other. With King being on the losing side against the seemingly endless well of misery, the hydra was drawing on. Just what had this man done to accumulate so much emotional energy? He didn''t even want to think of that as he pressed his own bloodcurdling presence down on the man and used his telekinesis to rapidly engage the hydra, who glared at him with a frown on his face. He tried to send a message to Riseth, but the damn concept of isolation permeated everything. He did his best to send his thoughts to Riseth through their resonance, which seemed to bypass the isolation, as yelling would have been drowned out as well. "Riseth, you need to help king overpower his defenses. I''ll hack that bastard to pieces," He received a confirmative and relieved signal back and sensed her approach. He watched the humanoid hydra hiss at him, taking a stance as he prepared for Alistair''s attack. From the battlefield Riseth rushed towards them, her leg visibly regrew, and with her flight unimpaired, she entered the fray in no time flat and extended her magic to rip the tight control over his defense from the Hydra''s claws. They would end this here and now for good, one way or the other; one side would be dead at the end of this. Chapter 188: Putting an End to Misery Alistair swung his poleaxe, meeting the hydra''s darkly rippling clawed hand with a resounding clash. Thanks to his body purity refinements, he resisted the waves of pain and misery surging through the contact, though the creature seemed equally unfazed by his attempts to rob it of momentum. Still, that didn¡¯t matter¡ªAlistair was better armed, quite literally. With his Blazing Edge skill empowering his weapon, he cut through the hydra¡¯s arm, sending it sailing through the air. Magic flames licked hungrily at the severed limb, burning it and impeding its regeneration. To his disgust, the hydra shuddered with delight at the loss of its arm, its other claw arcing toward his face, sharp and menacing. Alistair scoffed, batting it away with his shielded arm, the jagged edges of the shield tearing into the creature¡¯s flesh as he twisted it. As if in response, more heads and limbs sprouted. Alistair fired a point-blank kinetic strike, blowing a chunk out of the hydra''s rippling torso and scorching away parts of its grotesque jacket¡ªstitched together from the writhing bodies of its victims. The bastard snarled in fury as his jacket was damaged in the attack. He lashed out with a savage kick, but Alistair countered with his own, the full force of his Kinetic Combat-enhanced kick snapping the hydra''s leg, threatening to tear it clean off. Hydras were a real pain in the ass when it came to regeneration¡ªworse than wendigos, and that was saying something. Alistair couldn¡¯t help but wonder if King had cursed him to keep fighting enemies that refused to stay dead. He made a mental note to either improve his Blazing Edge or another skill from the ground up, to the point it could cripple regeneration outright or push his Kinetic Strike far enough that it could blast apart even massive creatures like this so they couldn¡¯t pull themselves back together. However, he suspected that wasn''t feasible against opponents of the same grade. As frustrating as it was, to make things worse, his telekinesis wasn¡¯t effective against the hydra. The bastard simply had too much damn energy to throw around. Despite Alistair''s superior combat skill and strength, the hydra¡¯s nearly endless reserves of power gave it the upper hand in a prolonged fight. Its sheer magical weight made it impossible for him to move the main body as he pleased. Alistair knew he couldn¡¯t outlast this thing; his power, though formidable, wasn¡¯t limitless like the hydra¡¯s deep wells of dark magic¡ªespecially since most of its attacks weren¡¯t kinetic or were too infused with dangerous energies for him to absorb. Meanwhile, Fluffy had been resummoned and continued her assault, hurling her remaining plates at the hydra while trying to inject venom wherever she could. Alistair caught the name Eberus whispered through the battle, likely from suppressed words surrounding them, as the hydra¡¯s isolation magic started to crack under their combined efforts. Running the name and the fact he was a hydra through the AC Bounty Board immediately spat out Hydra of Misery Eberus. A cold sweat built on Alistair when he realized he was among the highest bounties. Suddenly, Eberus moved faster than expected, claws lashing toward Fluffy¡¯s neck. Alistair barely had time to react, hooking the hydra¡¯s claw with his poleaxe and wrenching it aside, stopping the strike just before he could rip her throat out or worse. Alistair maintained his relentless assault, blocking and slashing with precision as he drove the hydra back, occasionally using telekinesis to hurl severed body parts toward Riseth. She was deep in concentration, forcing open a volatile tear in reality¡ªa dangerous vortex of energy that grew more unstable with each passing second. The very essence of the planet resisted her efforts, straining against the unnatural rift she was creating. But Riseth pressed on, expanding the tear, ensuring it would obliterate the hydra and anything else unfortunate enough to be caught in its reach. Unfortunately, this was the kind of fight where Riseth, King, and Fluffy had to carefully pick their moments, wary of disrupting the battle¡¯s rhythm and causing chaos. Alistair did his best to create openings for them to exploit and to shield them if they overextended¡ªor worse, if Eberus tried to pick them off. But this was exactly where Aegis Stride thrived, forcing Eberus to play by his rules. Alistair tried to telekinetically hurl Eberus into the vortex, but the hydra¡¯s magical weight resisted him, barely budging. Still, it was enough for Alistair to notice something important¡ªthe seemingly endless energy Eberus wielded was starting to diminish, ever so slightly. The combined efforts of him, Riseth, Fluffy, and King were finally taking their toll. The fight was far from over, but they were chipping away at the monster¡¯s power, drawing closer to victory. ¡°You think tearing both me and reality apart will stop me from butchering the lot of you once you run out of steam?¡± Eberus taunted, his laughter dark and mocking. Alistair shot back without missing a beat, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Quit your yapping. I¡¯ll have you parceled up and tossed into a shredder soon enough, you miserable pain in my ass." The hydra scoffed, but Alistair caught the faint flicker of annoyance crossing its twisted features. He rewarded that reaction with a kinetically charged punch from his shield hand, the sharp ends of his shield stabbing through the creature¡¯s thick scales and driving into its head and brain. The impact was so fierce that the humanoid hydra¡¯s neck snapped violently, but the tough bastard merely smiled, even as the bones knitted themselves back together in a fraction of a second. Despite the oppressive isolation magic, Alistair was surprised his voice could be heard. The hydra must have realized communication wasn¡¯t the key to stopping them, so he shifted his efforts, refocusing his energy from the concept of isolation to empowering himself. But Alistair knew they were wearing him down, bit by bit; while he couldn''t use the telekinesis to move his opponent like usual, he could kick, punch, and carve him up just fine, driving Eberus closer to the rift. As the fight got fiercer, the combat style Eberus was using grew more vicious and smoother as desperation mounted. But Alistair could tell his technique was superior, and coupled with his superior power, he battered the dark hydra, carving it up piece by piece, King''s sharp dark feathers cut into Eberus who disregarded them like the metal plates but his eyes widened in shock as the sharp feathers unleashed the new cursed energy that was now violently coursing through his veins and rampaging through his magical pathways tearing and ripping at them. A vicious new technique he and King had devised where his cursed energy would be injected through King''s newly upgraded Cursefeather Cascade, a compound skill that would unleash a selected assortment of horrible curses and hexes rampaging through an opponent''s body that gets hit by the feathers.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
With the isolation concept vanishing, Alistair could sense that his clan had wiped out the remaining assassins and helpers who had survived his initial onslaught. They kept their distance, careful not to interfere or disrupt the flow of combat while things remained in their favor. James and Simon were the closest, poised to jump in if the situation grew more dire. Alistair silently prayed it wouldn''t come to that. Thankfully, misery itself didn¡¯t directly empower its wielder, nor did any of the related concepts Alistair could recall off the top of his head, his attention fully consumed by maintaining the relentless pressure, unable to review the information stored within his Akashic Link skill. Riseth''s strained voice reached him through the Akashic Link: "I can''t push the tear very far, but if you get him within five meters, I can use my manipulation combined with your force to push him in." He watched as she inched the rift toward them, painfully slow, sweat beading on her forehead, a trickle of blood running from her nose under the strain. Now that he knew the distance she could manage, his determination solidified¡ªfive meters was doable. Alistair''s battle spheres morphed into streams of flame, scorching the Hydra''s flesh and further stalling its regeneration. Eberus thrashed wildly, trying to enlarge his form while swiping with claws and tails, pressing down on Alistair with immense magical force and focus. But Alistair¡¯s heavenly purity foundation, combined with his natural resistance and sheer grit, kept the overwhelming tide of power at bay. With a surge of effort, Alistair drove the point of his poleaxe deep into Eberus, forcing the Hydra to stumble back¡ªone step, then another¡ªuntil the weapon nearly pierced through his body. Eberus clutched the poleaxe shaft, desperately trying to tear it from Alistair¡¯s grip, but Alistair slammed him with a backhanded blow from his shield arm, the impact cracking the Hydra''s neck yet again. Channeling a surge of energy into a savage kick, Alistair sent Eberus staggering further, his clawed fingers ripped from the weapon as he was thrown off balance. Closing in, Alistair unleashed a burst of telekinesis, locking Eberus in place for but a moment. The Hydra¡¯s eyes widened in shock just before a Kinetic Strike from Alistair¡¯s free hand obliterated half of his head as Eberus managed to prevent the worst by twisting out of the attack despite the telekinesis. Seizing the moment, Alistair swept the Hydra¡¯s legs with his returning poleaxe, sending Eberus crashing down. With a final kick, he drove the falling hydra toward Riseth, clearing the last bit of distance. At that moment, Riseth hurled her rift forward with sudden speed, catching the Hydra off guard as the previously semi-stationary rift screamed toward him, cracking reality as it went. Eberus screamed in rage as both Alistair and Riseth used their concepts to shove him deeper into the rift, which began tearing his body apart before disintegrating him. His enraged screams echoed as his form was consumed. Sensing the volatile reaction from the ocean of misery¡¯s energy as it responded to the disintegration, Alistair and Riseth moved quickly. They recalled their summons, teleporting away just in time, scooping up Simon and James to escape the impending explosive release from the unstable energy field. An unholy mixture of magic expanded, swallowing the forest, hills, and fields in its path. Alistair and the others ran and teleported desperately to escape the massive black orb of death and misery. Alistair barely registered the series of chimes sounding in his head, his focus on grabbing anyone within reach using telekinesis as they rushed to safety. Thankfully, the orb stopped its relentless expansion and began to contract. But as Alistair looked back, he was stunned. The landscape wasn¡¯t obliterated¡ªit was transformed. The oppressive concepts of Misery, Death, and Chaos lingered in the air, seeping into the earth, the plants, and the trees. The once vibrant forest had become a grotesque, twisted version of itself. Dark, warped trees now stood like sinister parodies of life, their blackened branches and roots clawing at the sky, as if the world itself had rotted from within. Alistair grimaced at the sight before turning to Riseth. He pulled her into a tight embrace, kissing the top of her head. But even her safety and the death of the Hydra couldn''t quiet the dark thoughts clouding his mind. If the Syndicate ever found their planet and sent more monsters like Eberus, they¡¯d have no choice but to abandon everything¡ªunless they grew significantly stronger and gained powerful allies. His senses picked up on approaching figures from multiple directions, and he knew they couldn¡¯t afford to appear vulnerable now. Riseth glanced toward their family, closing in. "We need to reach the next Grade," she said, steel in her voice. Alistair followed her gaze and nodded. "And no more splitting up." Riseth offered a half-smile, trying to lighten the weight of the moment. "Good thing I don¡¯t mind your company." Alistair chuckled, though the weight in his mind remained. There would be time to process what had just transpired, but for now, their mission wasn¡¯t finished, and they needed to leave. It wasn¡¯t out of the question that the Syndicate, with its vast universal network, was already aware of everything and might send reinforcements to finish what they''d started. Leaving now would likely do more good for this planet than staying. Taking a deep breath, he glanced at his newly earned titles.

Titles: Tier: [Legendary] Name: Dark Hydra Slayer Effect: Grants a 20% bonus to [Control] and [Body] statistics and significantly enhances the effectiveness of all regeneration-disrupting and impairing skills. Origin: Acquired through the slaying of the Hydra of Misery Eberus, a very powerful mythical dark hydra. - Tier: [Legendary] Name: Legendary Bounty Hunter Effect: Grants a 10% bonus to all stats and provides the [Sense Bounty] Skill. Origin: A growing title acquired through killing an individual within the top 50 highest bounties within the freshly integrating universe.

Skills: Tier: [Epic] Name: Sense Bounty Description: The user is able to sense if an individual within his senses has a bounty on his head. Individuals with a bounty are highlighted through the user''s Conceptual Awareness and may be shared through his Akashic Link skill.
Chapter 189: Aftermath Alistair was quite surprised when he looked at the titles. Usually, slayer titles provided benefits that mimicked the abilities of the slain beast. However, it wasn¡¯t entirely shocking that this one also granted benefits related to slaying a hydra rather than just mimicking it. He suspected this had something to do with the tier of the title, as it was his first Legendary Slayer title. Mythical beasts like Dragons, Hydras, and Phoenixes were in a league of their own. The Legendary Bounty Hunter title wasn''t a surprise, though he suspected they skipped quite a few steps by killing Eberus. He had also gained three whole levels from the ordeal, which was an enormous amount for their grade. While Alistair reviewed his newly gained titles and skills, Riseth had already informed Nessyra of what had transpired, which triggered an immediate evacuation of planet Edos for the Ryser Clan. They couldn''t afford to be caught off-guard or ambushed again, so they began tracking down and recovering every clan member and fallen body, refusing to risk necromancy being used to locate them. Though only a select few in the clan knew their exact location in the universe, there was no reason to leave anything to chance. Within the hour, they were off the planet. During their search for missing clan members, however, they discovered Eberus''s stealth craft. They handed it over to the planetary government, only asking that any blueprints or valuable discoveries be shared with them. They wanted nothing to do with the dark hydra¡¯s ship or the possibility of being tracked through it. They had also thoroughly checked all their ships and people for trackers, finding a handful stuck to power armor and the bodies of their dead. By now, their specialists had developed skills to detect these things¡ªcaution was paramount. They would still jump to prepared beacons far from their location after each excursion, running another sweep before returning to Lacustrine. This protocol would remain in place until their planet was discovered and became public knowledge, something Alistair hoped was far in the future. Once aboard the Kaiakos, Juliana practically tackled Riseth, overwhelmed with relief and apologizing profusely for failing her. Despite his mother''s best efforts, she had been unable to breach the array set by Eberus¡¯s minions. Their best approach had been to teleport Alistair into low orbit, where he descended like a meteor¡ªthe fastest, most effective option he could think of at the time. Riseth, visibly moved by Juliana''s concern, hugged her tightly. "I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s over now," she said, trying to reassure her. But Alistair knew better¡ªneither of them were fine. They had come dangerously close to catastrophe. The ripple effects of Eberus''s death would be immense, and Alistair knew it wouldn¡¯t be long before the Aegis Coalition reached out. But for now, he was just grateful to be leaving the system. Even then, the tension lingered until they finally made the jump to warp space. When the familiar pull of warp travel hit, a wave of relief washed over him¡ªsomething he knew he¡¯d remember for a long time. Looking around, he realized he wasn¡¯t the only one feeling it; others on the ship visibly relaxed, their shoulders slumping. They had lost too many people in this fight. The ground battle had been far uglier than the space combat. Up in orbit, most had survived thanks to their ejection systems and skills, but on the surface, it had been much worse. At least they had managed to recover the bodies of those who hadn¡¯t been utterly destroyed, preventing the Syndicate from using necromancy to question the dead. The power armor their people wore had prevented even more casualties, but that did little to ease the sting of their losses. Alistair had cursed being stuck guarding the main encampment, unable to move as freely as he¡¯d wanted, especially as a steady stream of information came in about his people¡¯s encounters with Syndicate members. A few had proven to be serious threats¡ªSimon had even lost an arm to one Syndicate member wielding the blade concept, transforming his body into a razor-sharp weapon. Despite the injury, Simon had still managed to kill the opponent. Thankfully, their healers had reattached his limb quickly after the battle. The fight had been touch and go, and Alistair had nearly been forced to intervene. That individual had a bounty on his head, and in total, they had killed roughly twenty Syndicate members with varying bounties. After they had left the system and were likely safe from retaliation, they sent a detailed action report to the Aegis Coalition, outlining their actions, the enemies they had encountered, and the bounties placed on the Syndicate members they had eliminated. Alistair and Riseth then retreated to their cabin aboard the Kaiakos, needing some time to themselves to process and review everything that had transpired. They had technically won the battle and struck a significant blow to their enemies, but it didn¡¯t feel like a victory. Instead, it felt like a sobering reminder of how small and isolated they were¡ªan independent faction meddling with forces vastly larger than themselves. Alistair¡¯s thoughts spiraled for a moment, feeling the weight of the situation. But then he shook his head, his resolve hardening. No, that¡¯s not right. They wanted us dead the moment we refused to play by their rules. Today wouldn¡¯t have changed their minds¡ªthey would have come for us anyway. At least now, they know we aren¡¯t easy prey. Determination surged through him. There were others like them out there, and they needed to find allies among those forces if they were to survive. Perhaps the Aegis Coalition would reconsider its standing after this as well. His eyes met Riseth''s, and the embers in her eyes portrayed a similar resolve growing within her. They would come out of this experience stronger than ever and press on.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.
"Let me get this straight. You want me to be your right-hand man as you rise to the open council seat?" Donovan asked, disbelief lacing his voice. "If you make me repeat myself again, I¡¯ll find someone else," Hadeon¡¯s gurgling voice replied, his tone devoid of humor. Donovan struggled to process it. He had done well for himself within the Syndicate, steadily climbing the ranks to become one of the more powerful figures under Hadeon¡¯s group. But Sol had thrown a wrench in his grander schemes, forcing him to abandon Earth with his followers before Sol could strike his hideout. Since then, Donovan had built his reputation as a ruthless raider and slaver, recently expanding his fleet to half a dozen ships after trading a group of captured nightshade-elven women. Though tempted to keep some for his own pleasure, he saw more value in growing his fleet¡ªa move that had already proven lucrative. The shipwright had given him an excellent deal in exchange, allowing him to continue raiding Coalition fleets and planets, with a few independent worlds thrown into the mix. Still, despite his recent successes, nothing about his efforts seemed to qualify him for such a high-ranking position. He chewed on his lower lip, mulling over Hadeon¡¯s motivations and personality before finally asking, ¡°Why me? I don¡¯t have the following or the track record for this position.¡± Hadeon¡¯s gaze remained steady, evaluating the towering J?tunn before offering a nod of approval. ¡°You¡¯ve got a sharp mind, you don¡¯t hesitate on your jobs, and you¡¯re powerful. That¡¯s enough reason for me. But there are other factors at play.¡± Donovan nodded, feeling his resolve solidify. This was an opportunity he couldn¡¯t afford to squander. If he played his cards right, he might even attract the attention of powerful outsiders¡ªpeople who could help him climb even higher. For now, his resources were limited, but he¡¯d change that. A greedy, self-satisfied smile crept onto his face, though he quickly tempered it. Curiosity got the better of him again. ¡°Who did you kill for that council position?¡± The Kraken let out a guttural growl. "I didn¡¯t kill anyone. One of the council members got themselves killed during our large-scale assault, trying to hunt down some leaders of a small independent faction." Donovan chuckled darkly. "Didn¡¯t know we had any council seats left for weaklings and idiots. Who managed to get themselves killed?" Hadeon rumbled in displeasure. "Eberus." Donovan froze, staring at Hadeon in shock before quickly composing himself. Eberus had been one of the Syndicate¡¯s powerhouses, evolving from a serpent beastkin into a hydra. He wielded the concept of misery, spreading, sowing, and harvesting it to fuel his infamous near-limitless energy supply. He had thrived on torturing his slaves and entire planetary populations, his cruelty was legendary. Eberus had even caught the eye of a powerful Syndicate member from the outsiders, which made his death even more shocking. He was among the last Donovan would¡¯ve expected to fall, alongside the dragons and other monsters sitting at the top of the Syndicate''s food chain. Part of Donovan was glad that monster was gone; Eberus¡¯s twisted tastes had been disturbing, even by Syndicate standards. He had made life hell for everyone¡ªenemies, rivals, allies, it didn¡¯t matter. Rumor had it that he had nurtured a relationship between two of his subordinates, only to break them in the cruelest ways imaginable before discarding them once they were broken. He¡¯d even killed the subordinates of other Syndicate members whenever he visited their bases. Anyone with half a brain did everything they could to stay out of his path. "Eberus? That damned beast? Who in the hell managed to kill him?" Donovan asked, his curiosity piqued. A dark, unsettling chuckle echoed from the Kraken, his strange, multicolored eyes locking onto Donovan¡¯s with a hypnotic intensity that sent a chill down his spine. "Your son and his wife." Donovan¡¯s thoughts spun¡ªWhich son? He had many children from various marriages and relationships, and considering they knew it was his son, it was likely from one of the women he¡¯d been married to when he was younger. But before he could dwell on it, they reached the communications center for their meeting. Realization hit him hard¡ªthis revelation and his new position would draw far more attention than he had bargained for. This connection would bring both scrutiny and danger, but also opportunity. If I can survive the week, he mused, maybe I¡¯ll catch the eye of the outsiders, elevating me beyond my peers... and maybe even beyond Hadeon.
Alistair and Riseth made their way to the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) for their meeting with the Aegis Coalition representative. Their recent actions in aiding the Coalition had significantly shifted their standing, and now they were set to discuss the evolving nature of their relationship. Among the key points on the agenda was the staggering sum the Coalition owed them, largely due to the bounties they had collected¡ªmost notably Eberus¡¯s, which had been valued at over a billion [ACG], or roughly a hundred million [USC]. The talks had been delayed for a few days as fighting continued across the universe, with both Alistair¡¯s faction and the Coalition managing the aftermath. However, the Coalition wasted no time holding internal discussions and quickly reached out, even assigning them a permanent liaison. For this meeting, only Alistair, Riseth, and Nessyra would be present, as everyone else was still busy dealing with the fallout from the battle. Alistair and Riseth''s fight, along with the losses they had suffered, had opened many eyes and stoked a fire within the Ryser clan. Many blamed themselves for the lives lost, particularly James, who furiously worked to upgrade the standard power armor using battle data to address weaknesses in conceptual defenses and resistances. When they entered the meeting room, Nessyra was already deep in conversation with a light-skinned demon sporting striking red hair and curled horns. He wore a sharp, deep green uniform adorned with the Aegis Coalition¡¯s emblem¡ªa shield at its center, encircled by an interconnected cluster of stars, with intricate decorative symbols. The demon noticed their arrival and greeted them with a broad smile. ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Ryser, it¡¯s a pleasure to finally meet you! My name is Rolmeros, and I¡¯ll be serving as your liaison to the Aegis Coalition,¡± he said warmly, his broad smile matching the friendly tone of his voice. Chapter 190: Liaison Rolmeros After finishing their introductions and exchanging pleasantries, they quickly got into the swing of things. ¡°To start these talks properly, I must thank both of you and the Ryser Clan as a whole for coming to our aid in such a critical moment. Your actions won¡¯t be forgotten, and the Coalition will make sure to repay the favor,¡± Rolmeros said, his gratitude clear. Nessyra, sharp as always, quickly jumped in. ¡°Does that mean we can expect the Coalition¡¯s aid if our planet is discovered?¡± ¡°That¡¯s exactly what we¡¯re here to discuss.¡± Rolmeros clasped his hands together, leaning forward slightly. ¡°The Aegis Coalition is, at its core, a coalition. While we have evolved into something resembling a Confederation, we still identify as a coalition. It¡¯s a network of interwoven alliances, some of which trace back to before the Initiation itself. These alliances are often clustered in different corners of our universe, and not all of them wish to formalize into something as rigid as a Confederation. Outside of that core, we have partnerships with factions that share our interests, including independent groups like yours, though those groups are typically less involved. Up until now, your clan has been considered an Independent, friendly party¡ªnot a full member. Today, we¡¯re offering you the chance to formally join the Coalition.¡± Noticing their reactions, he quickly raised his hands in reassurance. ¡°To be clear, this won¡¯t affect your independence. You wouldn¡¯t be obligated to follow the Coalition¡¯s mandates or take part in our fleet actions. But you would gain access to our resources, services, and, if you choose, a seat on the council.¡± Riseth narrowed her eyes, her tone skeptical. ¡°What¡¯s the catch? What do you expect in return?¡± Rolmeros nodded, acknowledging the concern. ¡°It¡¯s an offer we extend only to a select few. In this new universe, sheer numbers alone don¡¯t win battles¡ªpowerful individuals like yourselves can turn the tide or devastate entire planets. You and your husband fall into that category. You managed to kill Eberus, one of the most dangerous and vile members of the Syndicate¡¯s leadership¡ªyou did so while ambushed, aiding one of our own in our time of need. Frankly, the Coalition needs individuals like you. We can¡¯t afford for smaller independent factions like yourselves to be picked off. That¡¯s why we¡¯re launching a new initiative to help connect factions like yours, allowing you to protect each other in case one of you is targeted. The Coalition will, of course, assist where we can, but our main focus must remain on safeguarding the bridges.¡± They took in the information. The fact that the Coalition was willing to offer them this kind of assistance instead of waiting for them to be forced to join them or another faction told them a lot about the mentality of their council. Much like themselves, they looked ahead. Instead of immediate and personal gains, they fostered valuable relationships early. Nessyra gave a measured nod. ¡°That¡¯s quite generous, but I can¡¯t help but suspect you intend to call on Alistair and Riseth when it comes to handling powerful Syndicate members and outsiders.¡± Rolmeros met her gaze, unflinching. ¡°You¡¯re right, but rest assured, we wouldn¡¯t leave you unsupported. We would provide full intelligence and the necessary backing to ensure you have everything needed to accomplish any task. And, of course, you¡¯re free to decline any request. However, I do appeal to your sense of duty¡ªby helping us, you help yourselves. The stronger we are, the better we can shield this universe from invaders. Threats like Eberus need to be stamped out before they spread further, much like the Syndicate would stamp out any independent faction they stumble upon. The key difference is, unlike them, we don¡¯t seek selfish gain. While they only help each other for profit, we aim to build genuine alliances. We do have funds set aside for mercenary forces, but our true hope is that we can establish a mutual agreement¡ªone of protection and shared goals.¡± While very diplomatic in his wordings, Alistair was quite satisfied with the offers made and said as much over their Akashic link. Both Nessyra and Riseth agreed. They desperately needed more protection than being hidden. Being able to defend against a fleet in orbit was just the first step; the next would be being able to hold on against an attack from a group of more powerful individuals like Eberus was crucial. Establishing connections with other independent factions within the Coalition would be essential, and the Coalition¡¯s support itself would be invaluable. Seeing them being amenable to his suggestion, Rolmeros took the opportunity to press on. ¡°We¡¯ve already received several requests for introductions from smaller but formidable factions aligned with the Coalition¡ªgroups similar in standing to yourselves. For instance, the Noross Cabal, the Aion Alliance, and the Heavenly Light Sect are among those eager to establish contact and explore the possibility of forming defensive pacts or other agreements. I¡¯ll make sure you have all the relevant information we have on each faction. Additionally, I¡¯ll be available to answer any questions or accommodate requests where possible." They took the chance to discuss among themselves through the Akashic link "His offer makes a lot of sense," Alistair began, keeping his expression composed. "We desperately need allies. Hiding can¡¯t be our only defense. We''ve seen the kind of stealth tech Eberus was using. If the Syndicate sends a team of five or more elites, we could lose everything." Riseth failed to keep a frown from her face. "I agree. While I would love to stay out of the wider politics of the multiverse, we need allies, and the Aegis Coalition''s offer is definitely in our own best interest."The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Nessyra looked at them before glancing at Rolmeros, who patiently waited for them, seemingly unbothered by the wait. "I will discuss the exact terms and agreements with them and ensure we don''t sign away our souls or independence, but I think we should accept their offer and take that seat on their council. That offer might be time-sensitive, and once we have a seat, we can still discard it." Alistair measured her. He was sure half the reason she wanted to enter these agreements was the potential records she could gain from participating in those council meetings. But having a voice on the table was definitely nothing to sneeze at. "While I agree," Alistair began, "I do want to hear what else they have to say. Apparently, they want to talk to us about our bounties. If they¡¯re posting bounties they can¡¯t pay, I¡¯m not sure they¡¯re as reliable as they seem." Both Nessyra and Riseth nodded in agreement and turned to face Rolmeros again. "Before we dive into the specifics of joining the Coalition, you mentioned our bounties," Alistair said, his voice calm but probing. "I¡¯d like to hear more about that." A flash of understanding crossed the demon''s face. "Of course! We have set aside the owed funds to be paid in full," he said smoothly. "However, I am obliged to ask if you would be interested in exchanging some of these funds for some of our services, technology, or materials. Due to the recent attacks of the syndicates, we are currently rebuilding and reinforcing our defenses. We have use for these funds and would be willing to turn them into a loan, with interest, of course. Alistair glanced at Nessyra, speaking through the Akashic Link, keeping his expression neutral. ¡°Was that diplomatic speak for ¡®we¡¯ve got the money, but we¡¯re kind of broke after the attack¡¯?¡± Nessyra returned a warm smile. "Possibly. Given that he¡¯s a demon, he might just be testing how greedy we are and gauging our reaction. But overall, I don¡¯t see it being an issue. I¡¯ll still recommend we take them up on their offer to join. Also, letting our money sit around does us no favors, so pushing for interest is just good business. Besides, I was planning to use the funds to buy intel and invest in tech, enchantment structures, and array formations anyway. But you can leave those details to me." Alistair looked at Riseth, who gave a slight smile, "I agree, we should join them, and I''m more than happy to leave the details to you sis," They turned to their liaison, and though he did his best to keep a neutral expression, Alistair noticed the subtle strain on his face. ¡°The Ryser Clan will join the Coalition under the terms we¡¯ve discussed,¡± Alistair stated. ¡°Nessyra will likely be taking the council seat, but Riseth and I will attend the occasional meeting when necessary. As for the bounty payments and any finer details of joining the coalition, I¡¯ll leave you in Nessyra¡¯s capable hands.¡± The tension on Rolmeros¡¯s face eased, replaced by a wide, genuine smile. ¡°Welcome to the Aegis Coalition. May fortune bless us both,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯m already looking forward to our in-depth negotiations, Lady Nessyra.¡± Alistair wondered if the demon had picked up that expression while researching Neshan or if it was a common one among the Demon races. Considering he was a diplomat, both scenarios were equally likely. "The pleasure is all mine," Nessyra replied with an almost predatory smile. Rolmeros leaned back in his chair, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "Would you prefer to discuss another topic, like the current state of affairs or the factions interested in establishing diplomatic ties with the Ryser Clan at this point? Or shall we finalize our agreements before moving on? Of course, we can reconvene at a later time to finish up, should that be preferable." Alistair considered briefly before responding. "I¡¯d be interested in hearing about the current state of affairs in the universe," he said. "But Riseth and I have other matters to attend to soon, so we¡¯d like to finalize our agreements afterward." "Of course," Rolmeros nodded. "The Aegis Coalition is still reeling from the coordinated attack by the Blackmarket Syndicates. I¡¯m sorry to say that you weren¡¯t the only faction targeted. While you were among the few able to eliminate your attackers, many others were not so fortunate. The losses have been significant." Alistair frowned, and a similar expression passed between Nessyra and Riseth. Riseth was the first to speak. "Did you manage to gather any information on the attackers¡ªconcepts, species, combat styles?" "We¡¯ve compiled reports on most of them, though some are more detailed than others," Rolmeros replied, swiping something on his tablet and uploading the data to their network. Alistair quickly downloaded the information, scanning through the comprehensive reports on hundreds of individuals and battles. His expression darkened when he saw the presence of multiple dragons among the Syndicate ranks. He had hoped that dragons, with their notorious pride and independence, would avoid allying with such a group. But it seemed the Blackmarket Syndicates offered enough convenience, connections, and the allure of powerful outsider patrons to even sway them. What particularly caught his attention was a higher-tier dragon named Xariarach, whose bounty was more than four times that of Eberus¡¯s. He was listed as one of the biggest threats based on his concept. According to the records, Xariarach was suspected of wielding a concept tied to disease or pestilence, as the planet it attacked had to be entirely abandoned. Even within quarantine, most of the population perished despite the healers'' best efforts. Rolmeros had also sent over a list of factions interested in establishing contact with the Ryser Clan or similar groups. As Alistair cross-referenced the names with the battle reports, a few stood out, and he made a mental note to discuss them with Nessyra and Riseth later. Looking up, he noticed that their liaison was patiently waiting for them to process the information before continuing. ¡°We are actively working on gathering more intelligence on Syndicate positions and planning large-scale retaliatory strikes once we¡¯ve recovered or an opportunity presents itself. We hope the Ryser Clan will join us when the time comes.¡± They exchanged grim but determined glances. Although still recovering from their last battle, they knew now that there would be no peaceful coexistence with the Syndicates. Alistair, for one, had lost any hesitation when it came to killing Syndicate scum. ¡°For now, we¡¯ll focus on recovering and learning from our mistakes,¡± Riseth said, her voice steely. ¡°But when the time comes to strike the Syndicate where it hurts, I want in.¡± "Fuck the Syndicate," Alistair growled. To his surprise, Rolmeros, usually composed, nodded in agreement, his tone quieter but firm. "Aye, fuck the Syndicates." Chapter 191: Check up After concluding their meeting with the coalition liaison, Alistair and Riseth made their way to James¡¯s workshop, where he had been immersed in his work ever since the battle of Edos. Though his mother and Jessica had frequently checked on him, Alistair hadn¡¯t had the chance to visit himself, and it now felt long overdue. Upon entering the workshop, hidden deep below their main industrial sectors, they were greeted by a massive chamber bustling with activity. Mechanical arms whirred and moved with precision while various automatons delivered and organized materials. Workbenches and racks were stacked with magitech devices, armor, and weapons in varying stages of assembly. A bright yet non-blinding light illuminated the ceiling, though some of the room''s glow came from screens mounted on walls or hovering drones that floated throughout the workshop. James had never been known for keeping his workspace tidy, but he always insisted he had a system¡ªone where he could find anything in seconds, while others would be lost for hours. In stark contrast to the chaos around the room, one corner stood remarkably organized, housing large vats filled with colorful liquids in various states of activity. Some were being gently stirred, others swirled inside their transparent containers as different liquids and gases were added. A few bubbled as they were heated, while others underwent a mix of processes. Alistair recognized the silvery sheen of the vats as Neshan glasswork, known for providing visibility while being just as strong¡ªif not stronger¡ªthan metal containers. He strongly suspected that particular corner belonged to Jessica''s lab. As they navigated through the larger chambers, they eventually spotted James and Jessica hard at work on what appeared to be a reinforced version of their light power armor. James was in the process of securing Neshan glasswork containers into a slot on the back of the opened suit, while Jessica meticulously connected tubing that spread from the glasswork throughout the armor. The intricate network of tubes wove through the suit like veins, and Alistair noticed additional containers positioned on either side of the helmet, just above the ears. The two were engrossed in their work as they worked meticulously and efficiently. ¡°Were you able to speak to my sister about the preservation enchantments?¡± James asked, breaking the silence as he adjusted the components. ¡°If we can integrate them into the head and torso sections, we could keep the wearer alive and regenerating with your potions. Maybe that way, if someone managed to crush their head or torso, they should be able to survive in grade 8, but I¡¯m still concerned about the integrity of the enchantment if the armor takes that level of damage.¡± Alistair raised an eyebrow at Riseth, who shrugged as they leaned against a nearby workbench, observing the two talking and working together. "Yes, we have the basics of the life preservation enchantment," Jessica replied, connecting the tubes to the redundancy glass flasks strategically placed within the armor. "But we¡¯re still struggling with the arcane substrate portion. Unlike Alistair, I can¡¯t just force the lines to align and connect the way I want them to." "Yeah, and trying to automate that process is impossible," James added with a grunt as he reached for a tool just out of his grasp. "Anything related to the arcane substrate is beyond the realm of machines. We might need to bring on more dedicated enchanters if we want to produce enough of these improved suits for our people." Alistair smirked and used his telekinesis to float the cutting tool over to James, who took it with a quick "Thanks, Alistair. I¡¯ll be with you in a minute." Jessica turned around and gave them an apologetic smile before resuming her work on her section of the armor. "What are you working on? Looks like a reinforced version of our light power armor," Alistair commented, stepping closer and using his conceptual awareness to inspect the armor. The suit was layered with an intricate network of concepts and enchantments woven throughout the plates, sections, and spine. Alistair had to focus hard to decipher them, as many of the enchantments were cleverly camouflaged and reinforced to resist identification or external interference. James wiped the sweat from his forehead while Jessica stood up, brushing off her overalls. "Yeah, it¡¯s a prototype for the replacement version of our light power armor," he explained. "Our battle reports showed that most of our casualties were among those wearing the current variant." Alistair caught the determined look in his brother¡¯s eyes and decided to let him continue without interruption. "Notice the lighter coloration?" James gestured toward the armor. "We¡¯ve incorporated treated unicorn horns from the Everbright Dungeon. Their purity and luck concepts should significantly enhance the armor¡¯s resistance to magical interference while giving the wearer that little bit of extra luck they need to stay alive. The focus here is survival, even if their armor or bodies take heavy damage. The predictive algorithms aren¡¯t perfect yet, but thanks to the built-in redundancies and planned life-preserving enchantments, I¡¯ve got high hopes this variant will do a much better job keeping our people alive." He patted one of the sleek shoulder plates with a sense of pride. "Isn''t using the luck concept going to draw a lot of unwanted attention once somebody notices?" Riseth asked after hugging Jessica. James shrugged. "We did our best to camouflage the concepts and enchantments. Besides, what''s the point of having a resource like that if we don¡¯t use it to keep our people alive? I¡¯ll be integrating the new alloy into the heavier armor as well, but for now, life-saving mechanisms are the top priority."This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. Alistair embraced his brother after Jessica, giving him a knowing look. James picked up on it immediately. "Don¡¯t start," James said, shaking his head. "I know the armor¡¯s just a tool, and staying alive is ultimately on the person wearing it. Like I told Mom, I¡¯m not fragile, alright? But if anything good came out of that fight, it¡¯s that the hydra¡¯s dead, and I¡¯ve finally got real battle data to work with¡ªno more guessing from beast encounters. At least the heavy power armor did its job¡ªtanked hits, resisted interference, and kept our fighters breathing. But those lighter suits¡­ they weren¡¯t just compromised; their design focused too much on mobility and offense. In hindsight, I should¡¯ve traded some of that for better magic resistance." A dark expression crossed James'' stressed face. "One of those Syndicate bastards had a rust concept. I watched as he latched onto Lekaria¡¯s suit. She was trapped, and before I could do anything, her own armor shredded her." Alistair didn''t know Lekaria personally but assumed she had been one of the fighters or lawyers working with James. Seeing someone you know die like that was rough, but he could tell his brother was processing it in the healthiest way he knew¡ªby talking it out and channeling his grief into improving the armor, trying to prevent such losses in the future. James paused, taking a steadying breath. "I¡¯ve overhauled the design since then. The new version has much stronger resistance to interference, and I¡¯ve built in redundancies¡ªespecially around the head and torso. If one part gets crushed, the other can still keep the wearer alive long enough for them to survive." Alistair noticed that James deliberately avoided mentioning how some of their clan¡¯s fighters had fallen to enemies using variations of metal concepts¡ªcrushing helmets and causing devastating losses. He figured his brother just needed to vent, so Alistair decided to keep him talking. ¡°I presume all those improvements come with some drawbacks?¡± Alistair asked. James nodded. ¡°Yeah, unfortunately. The material requirements have skyrocketed, which means the cost of production has gone through the roof, and we won¡¯t be able to roll these out as quickly as we¡¯d like. Equipping our forces with the upgraded version will take time. I also had to scale back the integrated weaponry built into the armor itself. Instead, I¡¯ve designed detachable armaments that can be stored in their individual storage. It¡¯s an improvement in flexibility, but it lacks the raw power that a fully specialized, integrated suit can offer." "That''s a shame. Those minigun arms were devastating against both the wendigos and the Syndicate," Alistair lamented. James nodded, his expression serious. "The heavy power armor variant will keep the minigun and rocket launchers, but the armor will have to bulk up to maintain its mobility and defensibility with all the upgrades. No way I¡¯m compromising on firepower for that model." As they continued discussing James'' project, Alistair could hear Jessica and Riseth chatting nearby about alchemical ingredients and potion-making. It wasn¡¯t hard to keep James distracted¡ªthere were a million unfinished machines and magitech devices scattered around the workshop that Alistair could ask him about. He noticed how, as the conversation flowed, James began to relax, his earlier frustration fading as he passionately explained the details of his magitech creations. "It''s a shame," James sighed, shaking his head. "I can''t seem to create combat automatons powerful enough to keep up with grade 8 combatants, no matter how many I deploy or how big I make their weapons. It''s like tossing droids against an army of Jedi Masters¡ªthey just get their shit kicked in, in no time flat." Alistair chuckled at the analogy. "So, while we can pad out our numbers, they aren¡¯t really an effective tool in higher-tier combat?" "Exactly!" James said, pointing at him. "They can buy our people some time and do well in a fortified position and maybe get off a lucky shot, but at those levels, the material investment is just not worth it. Honestly, unless I stumble upon some more efficient blueprints or make a breakthrough in robotics or magitech, those combat automata are eventually going to be phased out." "At least they¡¯re still useful for construction and logistics," Alistair mused. "Maybe you could switch focus to evasive flying drones that pack a punch?" "That¡¯s an option," James replied, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "But magitech really performs best when it¡¯s directly used or piloted by someone and enhanced through dedicated skills. We¡¯ve got a lot of lawyers and fighters who¡¯ve developed power armor skills that sync with the suits, making them even stronger. I¡¯ve been swamped with requests for custom-made power armor to fit their concepts and fighting styles. The same goes for the fighter pilots¡ªI¡¯ve got more work than I know what to do with." Alistair knew his brother well enough to catch on to the subtle hint that James while appreciating his visit, was itching to get back to his work. "Yeah, I don¡¯t want to keep you too long," Alistair said with a grin. "You¡¯re doing amazing work down here, but you and Jessica have a habit of getting lost in your own world. Gotta check in and make sure you¡¯re still breathing every now and then." James matched his grin. "It¡¯s appreciated, but now get the hell out of my workshop," he said, pulling him in for a quick embrace. Meanwhile, Riseth, who had been sitting on one of the workbenches chatting with Jessica, hopped down. Jessica turned to them, raising an eyebrow. "Leaving already?" she asked, giving James a pointed look. "You can go with them if you want," James replied with a shrug. "I can finish up here. Those hugs pretty much drained what was left of my social battery." Jessica sighed dramatically before shooting an apologetic look at Riseth and Alistair. Riseth patted her on the shoulder with a smile. "Don''t worry about it. We''re just heading to the Crucible to check on the combat teams¡ªand see if Simon''s still hanging around there." "I wouldn¡¯t count on it," Jessica said with a knowing smile. as they made to leave "I hear he¡¯s been spending a lot of time on Nautilis lately." Alistair raised an eyebrow, this being the first he¡¯d heard of it. "Is that so?" he asked with a wide grin. "Did he finally get some tail?" "He didn¡¯t tell you?" Riseth asked, a little surprised. Alistair shrugged. "He did mention something, but he''ll fill me in if it''s serious or the next time we hang out. Things have been pretty hectic lately." Jessica let out a soft chuckle but quickly shot a slightly exasperated look toward James, who was already moving back to his tinkering. Alistair reassuringly waved her off, knowing his brother well enough to understand that James'' quirky nature wasn¡¯t something to be bothered by. When he was deeply absorbed in his work, James didn¡¯t have much social energy left, as his mind was often elsewhere. Alistair could tell Jessica felt similarly, though she seemed more reluctant to shoo them away so soon after they¡¯d arrived. Before they left, Alistair and Riseth gave Jessica a quick hug, waving as they made their way out. ¡°Take care, and make sure you provide proof of life every now and then,¡± Alistair teased, earning a chuckle from both Riseth and Jessica. ¡°You wish!¡± James called over his shoulder, giving them a quick wave before diving back into his work. Chapter 192: The Crucible Making their way through the industrial sector toward the closest teleportation pad that led to the Crucible, Alistair and Riseth were surrounded by the lightly decorated and utilitarian atmosphere typical of the area. Signs pointing in various directions led to different manufacturing hubs, from armaments and shipyards to magitech development. The Neshan''s emphasis on security was evident¡ªthick blast doors and meters of magically infused rock concealed and protected most of the industrial and sensitive areas. Unlike the more open and scenic parts of the city, this part of the mountain offered little in terms of view or charm since everything was hidden behind layers of protection. Alistair was looking forward to checking out the Crucible, as it had been a while since his last visit. The Crucible was a more recent addition to Rathos, having evolved from the original Illusionary Arenas. What had started as a small setup had expanded rapidly, offering not only a much larger variety of illusionary combat scenarios but also multiple chambers and vast arenas. These included podiums for spectators during organized tournaments and specialized chambers for real magical training, designed to withstand punishment from non-illusionary exercises. The scale and variety had grown significantly since its initial creation. They had created an official league and a series of tournaments, hoping that by holding them regularly, they would eventually be recognized by the system and awarded the Gladiator title along with its upgrades. According to Sotarr, consistency was key¡ªif they could maintain the tournaments for long enough, the system would eventually acknowledge them. Stepping out of the teleportation circle, they were immediately met with the roar of cheering and the distant clash of battle echoing down the corridor leading to the Crucible. Entering the brightly lit underground chamber, they gazed down from the stands at three exhibition arenas, each filled with combatants. Large screens in the corners of the arenas prominently displayed the fighters'' names and teams, ensuring visibility for the crowd no matter where they sat in the surrounding stands. In the leftmost arena, a Minotaur and a swift demoness clashed in close combat within a jungle environment. Meanwhile, the center and right arenas hosted team battles, both set in stone-tiled landscapes dotted with pillars and small buildings, offering elevation and obstacles to enhance the tactical depth of the fights. The spectators¡¯ attention was firmly on the centermost arena, where the Inevitables were battling the Stormstrikers. Both teams were fairly well-known¡ªthe Stormstrikers consisted mostly of young demons and humans from the first wave of settlers, while the Inevitables had a similar makeup but included a few newer arrivals. Among them was Valthos, a young Solivorus demon from Neshan, who had quickly gained a reputation for his showmanship and talent. Unsurprisingly, in this exhibition match, his team held back as he took on the last three members of the Stormstrikers alone, all of whom were holding their ground. From what Alistair knew, Valthos¡¯s core concept was suspected to be Duplication, an intriguing ability with linked concepts like cloning, which allowed him to create multiple versions of himself. However, each duplicate grew weaker as their numbers increased. He also made skillful use of the Copy and Mimic concepts, enabling him to replicate his opponents'' magic, though again, at reduced power. This combination made him a jack of all trades but master of none¡ªa drawback in one-on-one combat but an incredibly versatile asset in team battles. Most individuals had worked on developing their core concepts, but much like Alistair and Riseth, many hadn¡¯t fully grasped the exact relationship between core and directly linked concepts. That knowledge had spread quickly after Sotarr revealed its importance. Understanding why certain concepts meshed with their core while others didn¡¯t had been a long-standing issue, and the growth in power across the board following weeks and months of refining directly linked concepts was undeniable. The revelation had been too critical to withhold for the meager record gains not knowing had provided in their opinion. Not sensing Simon anywhere near, Alistair and Riseth took a seat in the stands, drawing a few curious glances from those nearby. Having refined their combat styles and concepts so much, watching the fight below felt a bit awkward. Alistair hesitated to call it flailing, but it wasn¡¯t far off as it was a mixture of vicious strikes with wide openings and uncovered angles he was now acutely aware of. He had quite a bit of experience in hand-to-hand combat from before the initiation, but his armed combat style had been just as lacking as theirs, particularly with a blade. The fighters'' movements and usage of magic reminded him of his own early struggles, muddling through with bits of knowledge pieced together from whatever sources he could find and a lot of trial and error. They had brought in a few skilled individuals to train others in close-quarter combat, particularly armed combat, but it would take time for people to shift from their wild, beast-like fighting styles to more disciplined techniques. Not everyone was convinced of the benefits yet. The change was gradual, and Alistair knew that achieving true mastery would require patience. Even though he had shed most of his bad habits and developed a solid foundation under Sotarr''s guidance, he still had a long way to go. His own journey toward mastery was far from complete¡ªhe would need to refine his Aegis Stride and continue expanding its capabilities over time. They also ran into a problem where many of their techniques had hit the ceiling of what was possible at their grade, which was problematic as they were still in the early part of their Grade. Sotarr had reassured them it should be quite fine as the better their skills, stats, and overall quality of their records, the better the second racial evolution at grade 7 would be. "Please don¡¯t tell me I¡¯m the only one who thinks their flailing is hard to watch. I almost feel bad," Riseth asked over the Akashic Link, a hint of an awkward smile on her face.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Alistair chuckled as he watched Valthos block the lightning attack with a barrier before quickly retaliating. "No, I thought the same. We¡¯ve done what we can to set them on the right track, but considering the circumstances, they¡¯re doing quite well." The fight below took a sudden turn as Valthos followed the lightning with a windblade he had copied from another fighter, swiftly eliminating one of the opponents. Now, only Valthos, his duplicate, and two remaining fighters were left. With the Stormstrikers having lost their numbers advantage, the fight quickly came to a close. The arena erupted in cheers and applause as the final blow landed, sealing the Inevitables'' victory. Alistair and Riseth joined the others in clapping as the illusion dissipated, revealing the fighters safe within their protective podium, turning to wave at the small crowd of fighters and spectators scattered across the stands. "Who here thinks they can beat the Inevitables?! We take all challengers!" Valthos called out, his voice magically amplified within the protective arena. His team jeered and grinned widely, their confidence infectious. The young demon''s gaze swept over the crowd, but no one seemed willing to take him up on the challenge. "No takers?" he teased before his eyes landed on Alistair and Riseth, seated calmly in the stands. "Clan Patriarch and Matriarch, what an honor for you to witness our battle!" Valthos exclaimed, his tone carrying the unmistakable hint of a challenge. Alistair could already tell where this was headed, and he fought to keep his expression neutral, resisting the urge to let a predatory grin spread across his face. "If I might be so bold," Valthos continued, "would you do us the honor of showing us your prowess? Naturally, it will be a fair two-on-two duel, in an arena of your choosing." Alistair raised an eyebrow and glanced at Riseth, who wore a slightly annoyed frown. "They¡¯re challenging us," Riseth said over the Akashic Link, her tone laced with a mixture of amusement and irritation. "Most haven¡¯t seen us fight, and for many, our prowess is still just rumor. This might be the perfect chance to put that unrest to bed." "Leave it to me," Alistair responded calmly. Still seated, he connected his magic to the voice amplification system, letting his predatory smile emerge as he addressed Valthos. "I accept your challenge," he said, amusement in his tone. "But let¡¯s make it interesting¡ªyour entire team against me, in an arena of your choosing." "I let Nessyra know, and she helped spread the word," Riseth said over the Akashic Link. "Try not to end it too quickly." "Fine," Alistair replied in mock disappointment. "But only because you asked." He gave her a quick kiss before shifting his focus to the upcoming battle, his grin lingering as he watched the arena turn into a circular sandstone-tiled arena surrounded by a Middle Eastern cityscape. He was a bit disappointed by the boring pick, though he could flatten pretty much any arena with waves of kinetic energy, so it didn''t truly matter what they picked. Alistair interacted with the mana stone of the illusionary array, appearing in the city scape at the arena''s edge. Dissatisfied with his starting position, he used his Telekinesis to lift himself skyward at incredible speeds, then teleported to the center of the arena. Alistair knew they had seen him teleport to the center of the arena, but they were taking their time, spreading out to encircle him. He chuckled to himself, pulling up his Akashic Sound Board. No way he¡¯d miss the opportunity to play some good music while entertaining these eager youngsters. Maybe Free Bird? Or some boss music? he mused, sensing the Inevitables closing in, empowering themselves for the fight. He didn¡¯t feel enough of a threat from them to push himself beyond what the Akashic Sound Board would add. Valthos dashed at him head-on, and Alistair made his choice: Kickstart My Heart. As the track blared to life, a brief look of confusion crossed the Solivorus demon''s face. Then, Valthos activated his duplication ability, lightning arcing toward Alistair while gunfire erupted from the sides of the open space. Another attacker rushed from behind, but Alistair remained calm, his grin widening as the music pulsed through the arena. The power behind their attacks was so underwhelming that Alistair didn¡¯t even need to move. He stood still, letting his Automatic True Force Barrier effortlessly block some of the hits while absorbing and converting the rest into kinetic energy. He felt a subtle shift in the magic around him¡ªone of their supporters had locked down flight and teleportation. The strength of the formation was actually impressive, but it wasn¡¯t enough to prevent him from using his Telekinesis to move around. As Valthos and his human teammate, John, closed in, Alistair took note of the latter¡¯s evolution. "Human" wasn¡¯t quite accurate anymore¡ªJohn had become an Ironborn, his skin taking on a dark gray sheen with protective, metallic properties. The pair pressed forward, but Alistair remained calm, taking the first stance of the Aegis Stride, his poleaxe pointed at Valthos. Suddenly, John sped up, dashing at his back, quickly followed by the demon and his duplicate. Alistair smirked, using Telekinesis to move backward rapidly, ramming the sharp butt of his weapon into John''s stomach, increasing the force, mass, and kinetic energy at the moment of impact, spreading out the magic slightly so he didn''t just impale the man as he didn''t want to immediately kick him out of the arena. John''s eyes bulged as his iron body was crushed, and he was sent flying through one of the sandstone buildings. Alistair winced¡ªhe had overestimated the fighter''s resilience as John was torn from the illusion. "Whoops," Alistair said with a chuckle. Valthos lashed out with his chain swords, four pairs striking in unison. Alistair casually sidestepped the first strike, parrying the next with his poleaxe, stealing the momentum and shifting Valthos''s mass to his other arm, throwing him off balance. His duplicate had to quickly pull back to avoid slashing the original. After the parry, Alistair smoothly redirected the point of his poleaxe toward the demon¡¯s neck. Valthos tried to twist out of the attack, but Alistair locked him in place with his Telekinesis, intending to stop the thrust just short. To his surprise, Valthos, despite being held in place, used magic to contort and split his body in a bizarre, uncomfortable-to-watch display to evade the blow. Meanwhile, the rest of the Inevitables abandoned their ranged attacks and charged at Alistair, realizing their previous tactics were futile. Amused, Alistair paused and, instead of pressing the attack, hurled the twisting demon toward his teammates with Telekinesis, not quite ready to end the fight just yet. Chapter 193: Young Elites Alistair struck swiftly, slicing Valthos''s duplicate in half, its form shattering as the magic dispersed. At the same time, the original Valthos was caught by their Minotaur teammate¡ªthough, with the added force and mass Alistair had applied to his body, the impact sent both of them skidding across the stone-tiled ground. The rest of the team had to halt their charge as Zavari, the demoness who had set up the anti-flying and teleportation array, rushed over to heal them. Alistair casually approached, satisfied to see that the team members who had previously tried to encircle him were now repositioning to protect their teammates. "We got this! We can beat him!" Valthos shouted as he stood up, brushing himself off. "Keep pressure on him! We can overwhelm him!" he commanded, his voice full of renewed determination. Alistair shook his head in dissapointment, stopping a fair distance from the team. "I was hoping you''d have realized by now that I¡¯m holding back¡ªfor your benefit," he said, his tone calm but firm. "Being determined and driven are great traits, but you need to properly analyze your opponents and recognize when you''re outmatched. Out in the field, it won¡¯t be an illusion." "He¡¯s bluffing! Stick to the plan," Valthos insisted, his voice laced with stubborn confidence. Alistair frowned. He had hoped to teach them through a gradual process, offering glimpses of insight as they fought. But it seemed he would need to crush them utterly to drive the lesson home. Solivorus demons were known for their unshakable belief that they were the center of all reality, so perhaps giving Valthos a harsh wake-up call would be more beneficial in the long run. At least one of his teammates seemed to realize Alistair wasn¡¯t bluffing. Zavari looked uneasy, glancing between him and Valthos with growing doubt. Valthos dashed forward, a duplicate appearing at his side as the rest of the team charged close behind. Alistair activated his Bloodcurdling Presence, and those with lingering doubts hesitated, their mental defenses buckling under the pressure. He boosted himself, rapidly converting his Qi into kinetic energy and empowering his telekinesis, halting the entire team in their tracks. The strain of holding so many opponents¡ªeach technically in the same grade as him¡ªwas beginning to show. He¡¯d need to act quickly. With a swift squeeze, he shattered the duplicate; instantly, shifting his focus, he quickly followed this by crushing the original, sending Valthos out of the arena. With his focus and magic stretched thin, the Minotaur Oklios tore himself free through sheer force magic freeing himself. Oklios''s effort gave Zavari enough time to free herself, and much to Alistair¡¯s surprise, he felt some of his power fight him. That wasn¡¯t an easy feat, and he briefly wondered what her core concept was. His focus had been too divided to analyze her actions. Deciding to end his boosting skills, Alistair took a step back and inspected the pair before him: Zavari, a Bellavex sovereign¡ªknown for their fierce, warlike nature¡ªand the resilient minotaur. "That was impressive," Alistair said with a genuine smile, dropping his Bloodcurdling Presence skill while letting the music fade as he acknowledged their efforts. "Now, with just the three of us, how about we use this as a learning experience? Come at me with everything you¡¯ve got," he added, his tone both challenging and encouraging. "Thank you for your guidance, Clan Patriarch," Zavari said, a grim but determined expression on her face as she executed a curious bow. The minotaur punched his fists together in a display of recognition, his chain axes clinking against each other, letting out a grunt as many of the recently enlightened minotaurs struggled with speech, not having gained the Myriad Language Comprehension skill like those that had participated in the trials. He wore one of the heavy power armor suits, while Zavari wore one of the lighter ones¡ªthe exact same one his brother was currently intent on replacing with a better version. She used a spear, though he had noted that she had often used it like a scepter to perform magic. Alistair suspected her affinity for magic and enchantments was quite high based on the lockdown on magic and teleportation she had placed down. Alistair''s musings were abruptly cut short as Oklios charged at him, swinging his chain axes wildly, their roar filling the air. Alistair could have easily dodged with a slight tilt of his body, but the Aegis Stride wasn¡¯t about evasion. Instead, with a swift flick of his poleaxe, he batted the axe blades aside, stealing half their momentum and increasing their weight to pull the Minotaur off balance. Oklios¡¯s muscles bulged as he strained to regain control. Before the Minotaur could recover, Alistair struck with the hammer side of his weapon, infused with kinetic energy and enhanced with force and mass at the moment of impact. The blow landed hard against Oklios''s chest, nearly breaking his ribs and sending him reeling backward. Zavari wasted no time, slipping around the staggering Minotaur. Her spear thrust toward Alistair¡¯s neck, vibrating at extreme speeds as it sliced through the air with deadly precision. Notably, she hadn¡¯t made a sound during her approach. Suddenly, Alistair found himself surrounded by Arcane Missiles, and he quickly recognized the use of the concept of delay as his True Force Barriers effortlessly blocked the attacks. In response, Alistair dashed forward, hooking her spear with his poleaxe. The vibrations coursing through her weapon became useless as he effortlessly stole its momentum, his Kinetic Storage steadily filling with the energy flowing from Zavari''s enhancement. When she finally ceased the technique, Alistair stepped in close, his palm extended just inches from her face. Rather than blasting her head off, he lowered his hand slightly, then unleashed a wave of kinetic force, sending her flying, her neck snapping back painfully from the impact.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Some of the force reflected back toward him, and Alistair clearly recognized the concept of reflection. However, it made little difference¡ªhe absorbed the reflected energy back into his body with ease. Alistair watched as Zavari executed a graceful backflip, landing on her feet and sliding a few meters. His interest in the minotaur waned¡ªwhile Oklios used magic to empower himself and some force magic, it wasn''t enough to keep Alistair intrigued. Zavari, however, was different. Based on the concepts she had shown, Alistair could make an educated guess about her core concept. Reaching out through the Akashic Link, he asked, "Could your core concept perhaps be ''Echo''?" Alistair''s tone was filled with curiosity. Zavari looked at him in surprise, chewing her lip as she weighed whether or not to answer. Meanwhile, the minotaur, using a rage skill, charged at Alistair again. With a quick burst of Telekinesis, Alistair effortlessly moved to the side, hooking Oklios''s thick leg with his poleaxe. The leg was too wide for the gap in the weapon, but Alistair shifted the minotaur''s mass again, sending him tumbling to the ground and leaving a deep gash in both the power armor and Oklios''s leg. "Yes, Echo is my core concept," came Zavari''s reply through the Akashic Link. Alistair scratched his chin, intrigued. Her talent and concept were well aligned. He had occasionally taken time to teach his former students alongside Riseth when their schedules permitted, and adding Zavari to those sessions could potentially cultivate another true elite within the clan, given enough time. The minotaur, consumed by his rage skill, charged again, his mind lost to fury. Alistair swiftly turned, lashing out with his poleaxe. The strike cut through Oklios, and as the illusionary form of the minotaur shattered, he was teleported out of the arena. Without missing a beat, Alistair pointed his poleaxe at Zavari. "You¡¯ve got potential," he told her through the Akashic Link. "I''ll be in touch." Before she could reply, a Kinetic Strike shot out from the point of his poleaxe, piercing her chest in an instant and shattering her illusionary body. Moments later, Alistair was dragged back into his booth beside Riseth, greeted by the thundering cheers and applause of a much larger audience than he had anticipated. Alistair waved, schooling his expression. Though the crowd was excited, he hadn¡¯t truly enjoyed how the fight had played out. He would have preferred facing a stronger opponent or, better yet, taking the time to train them properly. But this battle had been about displaying power, and revealing too much¡ªespecially in public, even among his own clan wasn''t a good idea. They ended up staying longer than they¡¯d planned, watching several matches and even participating in a few. It turned out to be more enjoyable than expected, as Alistair and Riseth took the opportunity to teach some of the fighters. They pointed out flaws, directed their growth, and, in some cases, offered advice on how to potentially advance their concepts. Along the way, they identified a few promising candidates for elite training, if they proved to have both the talent and mindset needed. Their original intent of meeting with Simon fell to the wayside, especially since he was nowhere to be found, and they didn¡¯t feel like calling him if he was truly busy on Nautilus. Sitting in one of the private booths encircling the Arena, Alistair watched the ongoing fights of the impromptu tournament, but his mind was elsewhere. It had been a little over a year since they colonized Lacustrine, and the bridges were set to open soon. A celebration was already in the works, largely due to Nessyra¡¯s insistence and the Neshan population''s refusal to let the occasion pass with a somber mood. What troubled Alistair most was how much their speed of progression had slowed since leaving the trial, and it wasn¡¯t just them¡ªeveryone¡¯s growth had ground to a near halt. On top of that, both he and Riseth had hit the skill ceiling for many of their key abilities, their current grade holding them back. The limited access to quality hunting grounds and dungeons only made things worse. While they could grind out a few more levels in the Everbright Dungeon or on Lacustrine and the surrounding planets, the pace was far too slow for Alistair¡¯s liking. The best solution to their problem wasn¡¯t simply to seek better hunting grounds¡ªit was to hunt people. Fortunately, Alistair had few qualms about targeting members of the Blackmarket Syndicates and their allies. However, the associated risks were no small matter, and they would need to form strong alliances to shield themselves from inevitable retaliation. What made this all the more troubling was the knowledge that the Bridges connecting to the older universes could open any day now, bringing with them the first waves of invaders. While Alistair knew the Aegis Coalition had placed strong defenses and fleets in position, guarding the Bridges vigilantly for any sign of change, he worried that the sheer number of invaders could overwhelm them. Some might break through the blockade, slipping into the wider universe to hide and grow just like they were doing right now. Nessyra had informed them that she had already called a few of the potential allies, and Alistair knew he and Riseth would inevitably be dragged into the discussions soon enough. Their fight and triumph over Eberus was spreading fast, strengthening their reputation and proving their viability as allies. This helped offset some of the prejudice many of the factions and races had against demons and humans in particular. Humans were generally known to be untrustworthy allies, prone to backstabbing even their own kin, and frequently responsible for great acts of cruelty. Alistair was relieved they had Nessyra managing the negotiations. Having a demon who specialized in contracts as the face of the discussions helped immensely in countering that reputation. Though Alistair knew that wasn¡¯t the only thing humans and demons were known for, he already dreaded the inevitable questions some of their potential allies might ask. He was reminded of a time during the trial when Simon had managed to pull him and the half-troll Zathron away for a short drinking binge. Once they¡¯d had a few too many, they started asking about Zathron¡¯s parentage, which unleashed a tirade about humans and demons. Zathron¡¯s planet had countless different races, and he lambasted them with stories about how notoriously horny humans were. It was hard to argue, especially since Zathron claimed his own father was human. According to Zathron, humans and demons had earned a reputation for crossbreeding with just about any species. He even told them about a conjurer named Frank he¡¯d met during the trial, who had summoned a fire elemental and became so captivated by her curves that he was currently going to great lengths to obtain a potion for temporary fire immunity. Zathron added, with a snicker, that elementals typically didn¡¯t even have genders, yet with the introduction of magic, he had no doubt that humans with elemental bloodlines would soon emerge. He insisted that humans and demons didn¡¯t care about the size or shape of genitals¡ªor how many teeth an orifice had¡ªthey¡¯d still, for some reason, try to mount it. Alistair chuckled at the memory, he wondered how Zathron was doing; they technically had given him a beacon, but he had yet to activate it, and he knew at the very least Desily would be happy to see him again. Chapter 194: Whats Worth Fighting For? Alistair lay in bed once again, struggling to fall asleep, the past week having passed in a blur. Tomorrow''s festivities loomed closer as tension mounted around the bridges, with the first ripples already observed on the surface of the strange phenomenon. Alistair had only seen the phenomenon through live recordings on the Aegis Coalition Universal Network, though reports claimed the transmissions didn¡¯t do it justice. To him, it looked like a kaleidoscope of stars and colors he couldn¡¯t quite describe¡ªsomething that had become more common the deeper he delved into magic. Constantly shifting, morphing, distorted yet somehow orderly, it was alien to behold, even on a screen, and the structure itself was a gargantuan sphere. How any of it worked, nobody knew¡ªand Alistair hardly cared to find out. Despite its breathtaking beauty, it was a doorway that would bring nothing but invaders and death bound to swarm their untouched universe like locusts in their greed to expand and grow their ambitions and desires. Perhaps, in the future, it might become a gateway they could use for new opportunities, connecting them to a greater whole. But for now, these bridges were a threat to everyone in their young universe. Sotarr had murmured about a heated debate over what to call the new age once the bridges opened. Alistair, however, didn¡¯t see why the name mattered. Honestly, he¡¯d prefer something dull or neutral, like the Age of Stars; it would mean less trouble. As much as he would love to strike out and slay some dragons on that volcanic world they¡¯d discovered to grow their powers and better prepare for when the proverbial dam finally broke, he recognized that their need for powerful allies took priority. Nessyra had already made connections and arranged private meetings with various factions during the upcoming Gathering of independent factions. The Aegis Coalition had gone above and beyond in assisting the neutral factions, offering neutral sites, fleets, and personnel to ensure the safety of all parties¡ªan offer they and their potential new allies readily accepted. While hesitant to draw on the AC''s forces at such a crucial moment, they couldn''t afford to be ambushed and picked off by the Syndicates, and their potential allies shared that concern. Holding their meeting in a neutral and already well-guarded location was the best compromise. They were slated to meet in just a few days. Fifty independent factions were set to gather above the world of Sabis, one of the Coalition¡¯s core worlds, located close to the relative center of their universe. It would represent a meeting of some of the strongest in their universe¡ªat least, those with a favorable standing with the Aegis Coalition. Considering the thousands of factions and worlds that had joined or supported the Coalition in one way or another, Alistair was almost surprised at how selective the invitations had been, with only fifty independent factions being invited. Riseth turned in her sleep, and Alistair did his best to calm his mind, not wanting to disturb her. He closed his eyes, attempting to relax, letting the built-up fatigue pull him toward sleep. Slowly, he drifted off. The next morning, they left their quarters to find the festivities already in full swing. Floating lights, banners, and colorful decorations from various cultures adorned Rathos'' halls. The smell of food filled the air, even more than usual, as street vendors lined the roads, selling knickknacks, street food, and booze. Alistair noticed sound spheres scattered about, where different musicians played for crowds of varying sizes. It was a bit of a shame there wasn''t universally accepted music, but since he wasn¡¯t a bard nor had any music-related concept beyond his Akashic Sound Board¡ªwhich he mostly used to either boost himself or poke fun at others using elements of the Vicious Mockery skill that had been absorbed into it¡ªhe didn¡¯t mind too much. "This will likely be our last chance to relax for a while," Riseth mused, locking her arm with Alistair''s, a wide smile on her face. "We might as well make the best of it." "Well then, we shouldn¡¯t keep Nessyra and the others waiting," Alistair replied. They made their way to Nessyra''s quarters deep underground, near the TOC, where their little gathering was being held. Nessyra had opted for a luxurious Neshan underground estate. She wasn¡¯t the only one who stayed true to her Neshan roots rather than blending them with aspects of Earth and other cultures, though she did have a few illusionary windows showing the outside world. Beyond that, her chambers closely resembled Zaltom¡¯s from the Trial. Richly decorated in warm, dark colors, the estate underscored her heritage and her personal aesthetic preferences. As they entered, the soft sound of jazz music greeted them, just before Akrias came barreling down the entrance corridor. The Cerberus eagerly tackled Alistair, tail wagging furiously. The large, Doberman-like creature had taken a particular liking to Alistair, especially since he could tackle him as hard as he wanted. Alistair roughhoused with the dog for a while, the three heads whining and whipping around, prancing excitedly between him and Riseth. "Right on time! You two made it," Jessica said, peeking around the corner with a smile. Alistair grinned, standing up as Akrias became distracted by Riseth. "Figured we''d get here a bit early." "No need to rush. Most are already in the living room," Alistair¡¯s mother chimed in as she walked down the corridor, carrying a pot that smelled delicious. Dexter followed closely behind, eyes locked intently on the pot.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Before they entered the living room, Alistair released Viv. Initially confused by her new surroundings, she was visibly aghast at Akrias'' presence. However, she quickly calmed down after sensing the vast power difference between them. Letting out a low growl, she sent Akrias hiding behind Riseth. Satisfied with his reaction, Viv went off to explore. Alistair then summoned King, as it would have felt wrong to leave him out even if the wyvern claimed he didn''t care for gatherings like this. Inside, they found most of their family and friends already gathered in a large circle of black couches, chatting and watching a series of hovering screens. Some displayed the Crucible, while others showed an ongoing cooking competition¡ªof which there would be several today. One screen in particular caught Alistair''s attention: a mesmerizing view of one of the bridges, with the occasional patrol fleet crossing in front of the camera. On the carpet in front of James was Teddy, Melissa''s Bernese mountain dog; upon seeing them, the huge lazy lug got up to get some loving from them, too. James looked up from a small, incredibly intricate device he had been tinkering with. "Glad you made it. I was just about to call you to let you know the get-together was starting," he said, smiling as he set his work aside. Alistair glanced at the device. "I''d say I''m glad you managed to tear yourself away from work, but I guess that¡¯d be giving you too much credit," Alistair teased with a smirk. James chuckled in response, not even attempting to defend himself as he returned his attention to the device. Alistair let himself fall onto the dark leather couch, glancing around just in time to see Nessyra approaching. To his surprise, she wore a comfortable-looking grey woolen sweater and loose cloth pants instead of her usual prim and tight Neshan dresses and suits. It was almost out of character to see her so relaxed, making herself comfortable for once. She settled next to King, who had taken a seat at the corner of the arrangement, his eyes fixed intently on the screen displaying the ongoing fights in the Crucible. The aroma of the food his mother had been cooking wafted over to him, mouth-watering even from where he sat. She had always been a great cook, and in Alistair¡¯s opinion, learning magical cooking methods had only enhanced her skills. It looked like she had made goulash¡ªone of his personal favorites. He glanced over to Riseth, who was still standing in the corridor, seemingly deep in conversation through the Akashic Link. "Alright, if you''re sure," Riseth said aloud, a small smile on her face. Next to her, a small girl with long green hair interspersed with red feathers appeared. She looked like she was in her early teens, her light skin somewhat similar to Alistair''s, with features faintly resembling Riseth''s but with sharper contours. Her eyes were a swirling mixture of green and yellow, with slit pupils, and she wore colorful clothing reminiscent of the Ixpir goatkin, though clearly designed for a bipedal species. Although he hadn''t seen this form before, Alistair immediately recognized her as Fluffy. Fluffy caught his gaze and waved at him excitedly. He waved back, just about to get up, when she darted over, running toward him and the rest of the family seated near the couch arrangement, drawing curious glances from those nearby before coming to a stop in front of Alistair. "Hi everyone!" Fluffy chirped, her voice soft and high-pitched, even for her youthful appearance, as she let her gaze sweep around the seating arrangement. "Do you like my new form? I worked very hard on it!" Despite retaining some of her serpent heritage, she looked undeniably adorable. Her big, swirling eyes locked onto Alistair, clearly eager for his approval. "You look adorable," Alistair said with a grin, ruffling her hair, which was fluffy and soft, much like the feathered coat she had in her beast form. "She kind of looks like your and Riseth''s kid if you added some snake into the mix," James commented with a smirk. But when he noticed Fluffy''s dismayed expression, he quickly added, "In a cute way, of course!" This brightened her up, and Fluffy happily made the rounds, fishing for praise and attention. She received plenty, especially when she reached Juliana, who was now busy fixing her hair. While it was nice to finally hear Fluffy speak, it became quite clear that she was still very much a beast who loved attention. Alistair noticed Riseth wearing a slightly complicated expression as she watched her summon interact with his mother before sitting down beside him. "What''s the problem?" Alistair asked through the Akashic Link. "She¡¯s so childlike. It¡¯s hard to imagine her in a fight now, and it makes me feel bad for exposing her to monsters like Eberus," Riseth replied, heavy concern evident on her face. Alistair wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer. "Don¡¯t worry. She¡¯s tough, and I¡¯m sure she¡¯d let you know if she didn¡¯t want to fight," he reassured her. Not wanting to stir up fresh wounds by discussing danger or that monster any further, Alistair decided to steer the conversation in a lighter direction. "Let''s just be happy for her that she¡¯s finally chosen a form for herself," he said gently. "You¡¯re right. Thank you, love," Riseth replied, giving him a soft kiss. Alistair returned the kiss briefly before responding, "Always," he said with a smile, then turned his attention to his brother. "Where is everyone else? I don¡¯t sense them in the building," Alistair asked. "Melissa went out to fetch Simon and his parents," James replied, his eyes still fixed on the strange device. "They should be back soon." Alistair nodded and let himself relax, watching his family mingle. Viv had claimed Nessyra''s lap, content as Nessyra gently petted her while the demoness looked at the display showing one of the bridges. Alistair wasn¡¯t surprised¡ªNessyra''s calm demeanor and lack of fidgeting made her an ideal target for the cat. Many people didn¡¯t realize that cats preferred those who didn¡¯t actively seek their affection, favoring the tranquility of someone who let them come to them on their own terms, something Riseth still struggled with. Fluffy had settled down as well, leaning against Teddy on the couch while Alistair¡¯s mother returned to the kitchen to check on the food. Sensing Melissa, Simon, and his parents approaching, Alistair smiled and waved as they entered the living room. Simon, grinning widely, held up two large bottles of spirit orchid wine, while his mother, Aisha, shook her head before hugging Juliana, who had stepped out of the kitchen to greet them. Simon''s father, Thomas, beamed when he saw Alistair and waved back. Alistair¡¯s smile grew. He knew that everyone had their own perspectives and values, but for him, this was what he fought for¡ªthis quiet peace surrounded by loved ones. He¡¯d protect it at all costs, not just for himself but for everyone in the clan. Chapter 195: Old Friend Alistair was still reminiscing about the bliss of the last few days when they jumped into the Sabis system, part of the Citar Sector. The familiar tug of exiting warp space pulled him out of his idle thoughts. He looked up at the screen on the Kaiakos''s bridge, which displayed the first set of scans hinting at a massive fleet presence and the zoomed-in images of a massive space station orbiting a planet. However, what truly caught his attention was the ringworld encircling the star¡ªa testament to the technological prowess of the system''s inhabitants, the Tok''eall, one of the most advanced species in their universe. The Aegis Coalition had provided an information package that included images and details about the Tok''eall. Humanoid in appearance, they were far shorter than humans, averaging around one and a half meters in height. Hairless and without visible noses, their heads were slightly more elongated, and their eyes, lacking pupils and irises, glowed faintly in the dark or in shadows. Their skin came in a wide range of colors¡ªolive, white, black, auburn, various shades of blue, and more¡ªreminiscent of demon diversity. The Tok''eall typically wore intricate synthetic robes and other cloth garments, often adorned with symbols of status around their shoulders and chests. A notable aspect of the Tok''eall culture was their extensive use of biological and biomechanical modifications. Around 60% of the Tok''eall were considered cyborgs, a trait that had served them well during the Trial, opening unique evolutionary paths to enhance their abilities. Within their empire, they housed two ringworlds, which served as vital hunting grounds for both their people and the Coalition''s elites. These ringworlds were home to biomechanical beasts far stronger than average, their bodies often containing valuable components and cores infused with intriguing and rare technology-themed concepts. Alistair was eager to explore these hunting grounds one day, though for now, his destination was the station in Sabis'' orbit, where the upcoming gathering would take place. The screens on the bridge zoomed in on a variety of fleets and crafts from different factions. One of the most intriguing was a massive living crystalline structure, which functioned as the mobile home of the Zondu Collective, a faction they were slated to meet. Made up mostly of Dinosaurkin, the Zondu Collective was one of the strongest and most well-known factions in the universe. Their crystalline home was unique within their universe, and the ferocity of their fighters, paired with their legendary hatred for a devouring swarm hivemind threatening their universe from within, had earned them widespread respect. The Zondu weren¡¯t the only faction to choose a mobile base over a planet. A handful of other factions had bonded with massive space fauna, creatures so large they could sustain entire ecosystems and livable environments within their bodies, serving as mobile habitats or contained subspaces similar to realms. However, Alistair still had to find a realm the AC had offered to sell them known locations of realms that hadn''t been claimed, though based on the information they had been provided on the realms, it wasn''t a big surprise as they were attuned to some rather esoteric concepts they didn''t really have a use for, but somebody using those concepts would kill for. "I wonder what kind of realm that living crystal contains," Riseth mused beside him. Alistair shrugged. "We might get to find out, though seeing all these massive space fauna and crafts does make the Kaiakos feel small in comparison." "We''ve got an entire planet and moon under our control," Nessyra interjected, having comfortably claimed the captain¡¯s chair. Captain Kazire stood at attention beside her, his eyes locked on the tactical screen. A realm tied to a living being carried as many risks as it did benefits. Simply having the fortune of finding such a creature in the first place was a great boon. They had discussed the possibility before, but without coming across one, the point had remained moot. Many factions still wandered the stars, searching for a suitable creature to become their home base. Convincing such a beast wouldn¡¯t even be the most difficult part, as most space fauna capable of housing realms or biospheres within themselves tended to enter into symbiotic relationships with their inhabitants, helping both grow. In particular, planting treasures and having individuals grow and refine their internal realms was highly beneficial to these creatures. "Fair point," Alistair admitted, standing up. Docking procedures wouldn¡¯t take long, and it was time to head to the landing bay. As they made their way to board the station, Nessyra filled them in on recent developments, key figures, and proper etiquette, reminding them that a wide assortment of species would be present at the Gathering. When the boarding hatch opened, they were greeted by Rolmeros, their personal liaison, and, more unexpectedly, Esta, their elven friend from the first dungeon, who greeted them with a wide grin. She wore a crisp white uniform bearing the sigils of both the Coalition and the Vibrantis Society, the governing body of her world before the Initiation. They had apparently managed to retain power even after everything that happened. Riseth hurried down the ramp and hugged her. "Esta! What are you doing here?" "I got a call from up the chain, asking if I¡¯d be interested in working as a liaison for some individuals I knew," Esta replied with a laugh. "Good thing they phrased it that way. I was about to toss the message when I saw it was liaison duty again." "I had to send three requests before she even bothered to read them," Rolmeros said, his annoyance clear. "Can you blame me?" Esta retorted, adjusting the stiff collar of her uniform. "I''m a fighter, not a diplomat. This suit is making me itch." Rolmeros let out an exasperated sigh. "Putting you in a suit is like giving a starknav a bath."Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Alistair chuckled, imagining that a starknav must be something like a cat¡ªdifficult and unwilling. It was clear Rolmeros had learned the hard way that Esta wasn¡¯t suited for etiquette and diplomatic talks, being blunt by nature. Seeing her struggle in a formal suit was almost worth the trip. Esta had been a mechanic before the Initiation, and watching her struggle to fit into this formal setting was very amusing to him. "Stop smiling like an idiot," Esta chided, flashing him a toothy grin. "I still want to take a swing at you before this is over. I want to see how strong you¡¯ve gotten." She then pulled him into a quick hug. "Sure, I¡¯d like to see what you can do too," Alistair replied, sensing she hadn¡¯t fallen behind¡ªlikely having found a master from the outside as well. "How long have you been here?" "Better part of a week, waiting for you to show up," Esta said with a shrug. "Any interesting individuals you''d recommend?" Alistair asked. Esta tilted her head thoughtfully. "Yeah, actually. I¡¯ll introduce you two later. But for now, let me show you your accommodations." Rolmeros turned from his discussion with Nessyra. "Good call. While you do that, I''ll be assisting Lady Nessyra in setting up her workspace." He shot a pointed look at Esta. "And try not to cause a diplomatic incident again while we''re gone." "Again?" Riseth asked, raising an eyebrow. "Eh," Esta waved him off, already heading down the brightly lit corridor. "He''s exaggerating. It was just a friendly sparring match." Alistair and Riseth followed her, walking through the corridor, which was lined with screens displaying scenes from the planet below, showing its striking orange and dark blue foliage, waterfalls, and cityscapes in the background. Occasionally, they passed doors leading deeper into the station, though the hallways were otherwise sparsely decorated, with only the occasional air shaft in the ceiling and display pads scattered around. As they ventured deeper into the station, they passed an assortment of strange aliens¡ªbirdkin, lizardkin, Mollusca-like beings, and one particularly unsettling figure: a squid-faced alien in a flowing robe. Its body seemed to be made entirely of tentacles hidden beneath the fabric, making Alistair uneasy just to look at it. Moving through layer after layer of the station, they encountered all kinds of rooms until they finally reached a more richly decorated, circular open space. Here, doors led to private quarters, and the ambiance was far more elaborate than in the previous corridors. Lush plants lined the area, while water features filled with colorful, eel-like fish slithered gracefully through the pools. Tables were scattered around, with various aliens sitting together, discussing business and pleasure while indulging in exotic foods. Alistair guessed this was some sort of public lounge¡ªa place for relaxation and conversation. Esta led them to one of the doors on the second floor, where they entered their quarters. The room was moderately sized and comfortable, with a large screen, a bed, and a bathroom. While nice, it couldn¡¯t compare to their living quarters back in Rathos. "Bit bland, but it¡¯ll do," Riseth commented as they stepped out of the room. "Yeah," Alistair agreed. "Anything interesting to do around here besides sit around and chat?" Esta grimaced slightly. "Well, they do have an illusionary array for combat, but beyond that, the station doesn¡¯t offer much. It¡¯s mostly a place for negotiations and meetings." "I doubt these talks will last long," Alistair said, patting her shoulder reassuringly. "Most of the factions don¡¯t want to leave their homes vulnerable, especially those who brought their entire faction along with their space fauna. Having their whole faction sitting here isn¡¯t exactly ideal." "This just shows we''re not the only ones looking for allies for mutual protection," Riseth added. "Yeah," Alistair agreed. "Bringing their entire factions along and showing off their massive beasts is also a show of force I suppose." They spent the next few hours exploring the station and catching up, knowing that most factions were slated to gather that evening. Nessyra was already holed up in her new workspace, busy making deals and agreements with other faction representatives. Esta told them that her world had remained surprisingly peaceful, and despite the casualties suffered during the trial, their losses were minimal. They quickly reestablished themselves with the help of their natural god, Anarzee. The Vibrantis Society had almost immediately joined the Coalition upon making contact, reaching a near-unanimous vote on the decision to align with them. Esta herself had been quite fortunate as well¡ªan outsider approached her through the Coalition due to her known core concepts and elven heritage. Her master was an independent associated with the Astra Condottiere, the Mercenary faction Nuk''s descendants had joined for safety. This had also allowed her to send a message to Nuk''s people, as they had promised the old craftsdwarf. As soon as Esta shared the news, Alistair and Riseth felt an unexpected sense of relief, as if a burden they hadn¡¯t even realized they were carrying had been lifted. ¡°Ugh, I didn¡¯t even realize that oath had been weighing on me,¡± Riseth groaned, rolling her shoulders for emphasis. Alistair let his neck pop before rubbing it. ¡°Yeah, we should let Adamar know, though he doesn¡¯t seem to be in the Coalition Network.¡± Esta looked at them in surprise. ¡°They haven¡¯t reached out to you about the Synth Alliance?¡± They looked at her in surprise, "Why did something happen?" Riseth inquired. "Well, the Synth Alliance is technically considered an outsider faction," Esta explained, her expression tightening. "They aren¡¯t attacking anyone yet, but there¡¯s growing concern they¡¯re quietly building their forces to strike the Coalition from within. Your relationship with the Synth Alliance is well known, so I¡¯m surprised they haven¡¯t contacted you to act as mediators. They even reached out to me because I know Adamar." Alistair and Riseth exchanged a glance. "I suspect they haven¡¯t reached out yet because we were still classified as an independent faction, not officially part of the Coalition," Alistair said. "But I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if they contact us¡ªor at least Nessyra¡ªsoon, especially during our stay here." "Do you think Adamar would actually attack the Coalition if the Synth Alliance asked him to?" Esta asked. Alistair frowned. "I''m not entirely sure... I don¡¯t think he would, but a lot has changed for him. It really depends on the Synth Alliance. They aren¡¯t the most aggressive faction, but their goal is to spread their gift and find new individuals willing to become synths. If the Coalition tries to block them or restrict their outreach, I could see them turning to violence or intrigue to push through those blockades or any imposed isolation." "As long as they stick to people who willingly want to change, there shouldn''t be a problem, right?" Esta asked. "Well, that''s the tricky part, isn¡¯t it?" Riseth replied. "They tend to target individuals in desperate situations, offering help in exchange for joining them. While they usually walk a fine line to keep it technically ¡®acceptable,¡¯ it still rubs me the wrong way." Chapter 196: New Friends Time passed quickly as they tested out the Arena array, where Esta, Riseth, and Alistair fought a few lighter sparring matches. Despite Esta¡¯s own impressive progress, they dominated each round, showing a sheer qualitative difference in their combat styles, which gave Esta great insights. However, she was a bit bitter about losing. Eventually, Esta led them to a central conference hall¡ªan expansive space filled with tables and chairs, buzzing with powerful individuals who chatted casually while discreetly sizing each other up. They spotted Nessyra already mingling among the crowd, but before they could reach her, their attention shifted to one of the balconies overlooking the gathering. Standing there was a Tok¡¯eall dressed in dark blue and gold robes, exuding an unmistakable presence. Nearly his entire body had been replaced with cybernetics matching the hues of his robes, and his head was crowned by a decorated golden plate. His mechanical eyes gleamed as he scanned the crowd below, observing each member with piercing intensity. "Welcome, esteemed guests!" His enhanced voice resonated across the hall, immediately drawing the crowd''s attention."On behalf of the people of Sabis and the Coalition, I, Anarzeem, extend my warmest greetings and welcome you to Sabis Alpha Station." He paused, letting his words resonate before continuing. "Among us stand some of the most powerful individuals, all of whom have agreed to work with the Coalition in one capacity or another. As you all know, this gathering was organized to strengthen our ties, forge alliances in this vast universe of ours, and shield each other from those who threaten our way of life." "I won¡¯t keep you long, as I know you all have pressing matters to attend to," he continued. "But let it be known, the Tok''eall are not merely hosts in this event. We, too, seek to build new alliances. To any interested in collaboration¡ªor in exploring our renowned hunting grounds and advanced technologies¡ªour doors are open." After finishing his speech, Anarzeem bowed, arms outstretched and palms facing the sky. At that moment, drones carrying food and drink floated into the hall, and additional tables rose from the floor, likely through the use of nanomachines, as they emitted only a faint magical signature. These newly formed tables were laden with exotic dishes from across the Coalition. Alistair had been about to clap but caught himself, remembering that this gesture wasn¡¯t customary in most cultures here. It would only confuse the other species in the room, draw attention to himself, and potentially cause misunderstandings. He wasn¡¯t the only one¡ªhe noticed a few others who had made similar moves before stopping themselves. Luckily, it went largely unnoticed as the new tables were quickly swarmed, and others returned to their earlier discussions, paying the others little heed. "Alright," Nessyra said. "Remember, we have a meeting with the Noross Cabal in a few hours. You know where to find my space?" Alistair nodded. "Yeah, Esta walked us past it, and I¡¯ve already mapped out most of the station." "Good," she replied. "Try to make some connections. Not everyone here will be swayed by words alone, so I¡¯ll need the two of you to convince those I can¡¯t." "You got it," Riseth said with a toothy smile. Nessyra rushed off in a flash, heading straight toward Anarzeem, who had teleported to the edge of the crowd but had yet to be approached by anyone. Alistair exhaled, looking around, uncertain of who to approach first. "Ah, there¡¯s Nikki," Esta said, gesturing. "She¡¯s the friend I told you about." They followed her toward a group of Oni. Their attire, a mix of armor and robes, evoked a traditional Japanese aesthetic. The largest of them stood slightly taller than Alistair when he wasn¡¯t using Polymorph to limit his size. Alistair activated Identify, revealing [Kujo Beshin - lvl 138]. His broad, blue-skinned chest was marked with intricate rune tattoos, partly visible beneath an open, beautifully decorated flowing grey robe. His hands, adorned with golden magical rings, bore slight claws, and his massive, dark horns crowned his head with a regal yet fierce elegance. His black hair and beard had a wild, untamed quality to them, while his glowing red eyes flicked toward Alistair, returning the Identify with a subtle, knowing gaze and a small subtle smile on his face. Beside Kujo stood a slightly smaller Oni woman dressed in similar flowing robes. Her dark red skin contrasted sharply with her wild white hair, which was gathered at the end with a metallic golden hairband. Though her horns were smaller and more refined than the others, they were still large and pointed, adding to her imposing presence. She revealed more skin than most, displaying intricate magical rune tattoos of dragons and flowers that adorned her body. Alistair activated his Identify skill, revealing her as [Nomura Beshin - lvl 135]. Like Kujo, she turned toward them, her sharp green eyes flicking over their group as they continued to follow Esta¡¯s lead. Their approach now caught the attention of the last two Oni. One of them, clearly Nikki, flashed Esta a wide, wild grin. [Nikki Beshin - lvl 125] wore armor reminiscent of a samurai, her reddish-pink skin covered in intricate runic tattoos similar to the others. Her white hair, shorter and less wild than Nomura''s, was also tied with a golden hairband of a similar make. Her horns were more in line with what Alistair had expected from an Oni, but what set her apart was the long tail¡ªhairless and tattooed, with a tuft of white fuzz at the tip, resembling a mix between a demon''s and a bull''s tail. It was clear they had all evolved into different Oni variants, but the most striking among them was the final member of the group.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. [Hara Beshin - lvl 124] looked almost human at first glance. Her small, slender frame and deeply tanned skin gave her a more human-like appearance, though the large horns on her head, straight white hair, and piercing red eyes marked her Oni heritage. Like Nikki, she wore samurai-inspired armor, though hers was lighter. Her tattoos differed slightly from the others, and Alistair could feel the mana radiating from her¡ªshe was clearly a magically inclined individual, and her evolution reflected that. To his knowledge, Oni''s were distantly related to demons, much like humans were to elves. Alistair''s attention was drawn to Kujo as he exuded power, and there was a challenging gaze in Kujo''s eyes, which Alistair met, an eager smile growing on his face as well. All of them had the Primal Revelation title, which wasn''t too unusual, as many individuals within the room seemed to carry this title. Esta and Nikki greeted each other with a hard smack of their arms, a gesture that looked almost like they were about to backhand one another. "Esta! Good to see you, friend," Nikki exclaimed with a grin, her gaze sizing up Alistair and Riseth. "Are these your friends from the Trial?" Esta flashed a confident smile, pointing over her shoulder with her thumb. "Yep, they can kick serious ass; at least they kicked mine earlier." "They look small," Kujo remarked, bending down slightly as if to inspect them closer, "but I can sense a roiling inferno inside both of them." Alistair and Riseth gave a small bow, a gesture of respect nearly universal among most races. The Onis seemed slightly standoffish, though intrigued. If they played their cards right, they could make powerful allies and perhaps even friends. "I''m Alistair Ryser, and this is my wife, Riseth Ryser. We are the Clan heads of the Ryser Clan. It¡¯s an honor to meet the Beshin Clan," Alistair said, straightening back up, his body subtly shifting as he reversed his polymorph''s height reduction, meeting Kujo¡¯s gaze directly. Riseth followed suit. Kujo chuckled, clearly impressed by the subtle transformation. "First an elf, now a demoness, and what looks like a human? I might just have to make you our official diplomat." Nikki''s expression turned to shock and dismay, drawing deep, rumbling laughter from Kujo, quickly joined by the rest of the group. "Don¡¯t worry," Kujo said, his massive hand clapping down on Nikki¡¯s shoulder. "I¡¯m not planning the downfall of our clan just yet." Alistair got the impression that there were a lot of similarities between their clans. They might just make great allies and friends. He was curious how they had gained such high levels. They must have access to rather excellent hunting grounds, though those questions would have to wait until they knew each other better. And he could sense an incredible wild surging energy contained within Kujo''s body. He wasn''t sure if it was part of his core concept, but his earlier comment pointed at the concept of inferno; there was a noticeable heat within the man''s chest barely contained by his magical tattoos and body. Kujo and the rest of his group returned the bow. "I am Kujo, and this is my wife, Nomura. We are the clan heads of Clan Beshin. These two," he gestured to the warriors beside him, "are Nikki and Hara, our strongest fighters besides ourselves." They then exchanged greetings in the oni style, smacking their arms together as a customary gesture. Kujo, with a grin, used the greeting as an opportunity to test Alistair¡¯s strength. Despite the clear difference in their levels, Kujo''s expression shifted to one of satisfaction when he was pushed back with ease. Alistair could feel that Kujo was undeniably powerful, having likely received conceptual training from an outsider. However, Alistair¡¯s own concept was better aligned for such a contest, giving him the upper hand in this subtle show of strength. The others looked on in surprise, watching their leader being driven back so easily; Riseth and Esta exchanged sly, smug smiles as though it had been their own achievement. Unfazed, Kujo stroked his black beard thoughtfully, studying Alistair and Riseth with newfound interest. "Your names... they sound familiar. Where have I heard them before?" It was Hara, who had remained quietly observant until now, who spoke up. Her voice, though soft, carried a quiet authority. "They¡¯re the ones who took down the Hydra of Misery." Recognition flashed in both Kujo''s and Nomura''s eyes. They exchanged a grin, revealing sharp teeth. "Impressive!" Kujo said, clapping both Alistair and Riseth on the shoulders, his gaze fixed with intent. "We¡¯ve been taking down Blackmarket Syndicate monsters ourselves¡ªhaven¡¯t gotten a hydra yet, but we did slay one of their krakens not too long ago. How about we form an alliance? Together, we¡¯d be a force to reckon with!" Alistair knew any hesitation could be easily misinterpreted, so without delay, he extended his arm perpendicular in a warrior¡¯s handshake. Kujo immediately recognized the gesture, and they clasped each other¡¯s forearms. It had been a gamble on Alistair¡¯s part, but he was pleased to see the gesture translated well across cultures. "My sister-in-law, Nessyra, is a contract demon and serves as our clan executive. She usually handles the details. Who can I send her to?" Alistair asked. Kujo let out a hearty laugh. "My wife handles those matters. I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll get along." Nomura offered them another polite bow. "Well, none of you can be trusted with such duties," she teased, casting a glance at Hara. "Well, most of you." She turned back to Alistair, her eyes sharp with curiosity. "I¡¯d like to know more about your bodies. They seem enchanted, but neither of you uses the runic tattoos like the ones I created. How does it work?" Alistair smiled, returning the polite bow. "I am willing to exchange pointers in terms of enchantment, but I''d rather not do so in public." Nomura looked around the room and nodded, "Agreed, we can discuss this in our meeting chambers; they aren''t occupied," They made their way out of the hall toward the Beshin Clan''s chambers, idly chatting and sharing stories and insights. Alistair showed them aspects of Japanese culture from Earth through his Akashic Link, which displayed a screen, and the members of the Oni Clan absolutely loved it, as it shared a lot of overlap with their own aesthetics and sensibilities likely having trickled in from the wider multiverse. Their earlier somewhat standoffish attitude had completely melted away; even Hara began to open up, asking questions about Japanese culture, particularly the traditional clothing and armor, which seemed to pique all of Oni''s interest. Chapter 197: Forming Alliances Alistair, Riseth, and Esta spent the next few hours with the Beshin Clan, talking and drinking. The Oni were quite fond of Spirit Orchid Wine, so much so that they insisted on opening up trade between their clans. In return, Alistair and his group were introduced to a rum the Oni made from magical cane they had discovered on their settled planet, as well as a very pleasant floral tea that Hara presented, quickly becoming one of Alistair and Riseth¡¯s favorites, having a similar soothing effect as the wine. During their conversations, the Oni revealed that much of their rapid growth had come from hunting down powerful individuals within the Blackmarket Syndicate and conducting swift strikes against Syndicate outposts and shipyards, aided by intelligence from Coalition spies, which drew both Riseth''s and Esta''s attention. Alistair and Nomura, meanwhile, were engaged in a deep discussion about body enchantments. Her insights into magical tattoos were fascinating, though Alistair found himself completely locked out of the technique, as his body cultivation methods didn¡¯t align with the use of runic tattoos. Despite this, they found significant common ground in their approaches, and Alistair¡¯s initial impression¡ªthat the Beshin Clan had much in common with his own¡ªwas confirmed as they quickly developed a natural camaraderie. Nomura shared that her core concept was ink, a defining element that had shaped much of her growth and combat style. She insisted that her greatest contribution to the clan was the development of magical tattoos, which offered a unique layer of power beyond the limitations of traditional magical equipment. Unlike armor or weapons, the tattoos functioned as body enhancements, similar to cybernetics and Body Cultivation, providing permanent strength and versatility rather than the temporary boosts of conventional gear. Alistair further elaborated that modifying one''s body¡ªwhether through cybernetics, runic tattoos, or body enchantments¡ªwasn¡¯t bound by the same limitations as magical equipment, but it came with its own risks. He noted that while he hadn¡¯t observed any particular issues with her runic tattoos, it was still important to be cautious. Nomura nodded in recognition and thanked him for the insight, admitting that some individuals who had taken on too many tattoos experienced strange side effects, which only improved when she had drawn the ink back out of their bodies. She had initially thought the problem was due to a mixture being too potent, as she often used beast materials to create her ink. The recent acquisition of a Kraken¡¯s ink sack had proved almost too powerful for her current grade. She had since switched back to using ingredients like wyvern blood, opting for safer, more stable sources until she could handle the more potent materials. During their discussion, Nomura even requested that Alistair train one of their offspring in body cultivation when the time came, as no one in their clan currently practiced it. She believed it held incredible potential. In exchange, she offered her tattoo services and training for his future offspring. Alistair smiled and explained that they didn¡¯t have immediate plans for children, but he would consider training her child if they showed promise, which seemed to satisfy the Oni woman. Riseth spent most of her time talking with Hara, whose core concept related to manipulation. Hara was eager to learn more about magic, and Riseth¡¯s insights into manipulation proved invaluable to her. Meanwhile, Kujo ended up bonding with King, whom Alistair had summoned soon after they arrived at the Beshin chambers. Fluffy stuck close to Riseth and Hara, while Kujo and King dug into the food provided by both clans, exchanging recommendations. They repeatedly called on Alistair and Riseth to bring out different foods from their storage. Italian dishes and Lom Lom meat quickly became favorites, so much so that the Oni insisted on establishing a direct gate between their worlds, joking that they had been "culinarily enlightened," as Hara put it. Though Alistair felt things were progressing swiftly, the Oni were good people, and with the proper security measures, he saw little cause for concern. Everyone kept their aura veils loose, genuinely enjoying the gathering, making it difficult for him and Riseth to excuse themselves as they had promised to support Nessyra in her talks with the Noross Cabal. Before leaving, they assured the Beshin Clan they¡¯d return with Nessyra once the meeting concluded. Esta, King, and Fluffy opted to stay behind with the Oni, as the discussions with the Noross Cabal seemed far less exciting. The Noross Cabal was one of the more renowned factions, known for traveling atop a massive Mana Ray, a type of giant space fauna that contained its own realm. This realm could be accessed through the Mana Ray''s pores, scattered across its body¡ªa somewhat unsettling thought to Alistair, as the idea of entering and exiting through a living being¡¯s pores made his skin crawl. The Cabal itself was a coalition of magically inclined species known as the Xaross. Though they had many evolutionary branches, most appeared as gray-skinned aliens with blue and green decorative markings, elongated heads, and large, black, shark-like eyes. Their mouths, shark-like and lipless, gave them a predatory look, which they often concealed beneath practical yet plain robes, the rims of which rested just below their eyes. These robes, fastened with straps, opened at the sides for ease of movement. Alistair had spotted a few Xaross earlier in the gathering hall, noting that some had four arms while others had only two, and their sharp, elongated ears, reminiscent of elven ears, only heightened their already alien appearance. Nessyra had been in talks with the Xaross for quite some time and had warned Alistair and Riseth that they weren''t a particularly emotional species, driven primarily by logic. They had a fondness for debates, though these were usually kept brief. The Xaross weren¡¯t looking for close alliances but were keen on fair, equal exchanges of knowledge and mutual protection. However, they insisted on meeting the leadership of the Ryser Clan in person before committing to any protection agreements.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. As they entered Nessyra''s space, three Xaross greeted them with cold, shark-like eyes that fixated on Alistair and Riseth. The lack of movement in their gaze or bodies gave the encounter an eerie stillness as the door slid shut behind them. Briefed by Nessyra earlier, Alistair addressed the four-armed individual standing in the center, [Stexan Noross - lvl 126], the chosen representative for this negotiation. Alistair knew he was to address only him. "Greetings, High Seat Stexan. It¡¯s an honor to finally make your acquaintance," Alistair and Riseth spoke in sync, stepping to Nessyra''s side. The Xaross were a peculiar species operating and communicating through a psychic link. This connection allowed them to act in perfect harmony with one another, with one chosen individual typically leading the link. With the introduction of magic, this link further empowered them, which was why they preferred to establish more permanent psychic links. Speaking in unison had been a deliberate move on Alistair and Riseth''s part, building rapport with the Xaross by mirroring their synchrony. All three Xaross nodded in unison. "Thank you, greetings to the clan heads," Stexan responded, his voice raspy and filled with phlegm. Alistair had difficulties not grimacing. As far as allies went, he strongly preferred the Oni over these strange aliens that lived within a space ray. However, he could tell they were powerful and seemed to almost share their mana pools. More interestingly, they seemed to have a type of energy he wasn''t familiar with that was even more abundant than their mana, perhaps some form of psychic energy or race-specific energy type related to their connection. "We are satisfied with this arrangement. Your leaders are as powerful as promised. Please proceed with signing the agreement," Stexan intoned. One of his lower arms extended, offering a glowing pad filled with text. Nessyra took it, swiftly scanning through the document to ensure everything was in order. Once satisfied, she signed and handed the tablet to Riseth. After a quick review, Riseth signed as well, passing it on to Alistair, who did the same. The agreement was rather sparse, focusing primarily on limited trade and knowledge exchange, with the core aspect being mutual protection. Both parties would implement magical safeguards to conceal their respective clan locations, with the Ryser clan receiving a tracker to locate the Noross Cabal wherever they were in the universe. After Alistair signed, he handed the contract back to Stexan, who accepted it with an expressionless nod. Without a word, Stexan and the two Xaross accompanying him turned in unison and exited the room in single file, never glancing back. Moments later, Alistair received a copy of the signed contract through his Akashic Link, courtesy of Nessyra. "Seriously, sis, why did you go through so much trouble to ally with the Noross Cabal?" Riseth asked, raising an eyebrow. Nessyra sighed. "Managing a web of alliances with different species can be tricky, but they¡¯re powerful and, more importantly, require little maintenance from us now that we¡¯ve signed the agreement." She paused for a moment before adding, "Plus, we don¡¯t have to worry about offending other factions by working with them. We¡¯ve already had enough pressure from our past dealings with the Synth Alliance." "Were our dealings with the Synth Alliance such a big deal?" Alistair questioned. "Quite," Nessyra responded. "We gave an outsider faction the means to mass-produce military and labor forces within our universe using those replicators. Without our help, it would¡¯ve taken the new members of the Synth Alliance months, maybe longer, to build them, especially without a direct link to their main faction. It would have also cost the Synth Alliance most of the permitted resources within the trial to provide these blueprints without our help, which they now use to mentor powerful individuals. It¡¯s a blessing they haven¡¯t used those replicators to attack the Coalition, or our standing here could¡¯ve been very different." She paused for a moment, her tone more serious. "Remember, invader species are heavily restricted in what they can share with the new universe¡ªat least until the first bridges open. Once that happens, we¡¯ll see an explosion of people receiving tutelage from outsiders, which would be my guess, especially if the coalition falters at one of the bridges." "Right," Alistair nodded. "They were pretty eager to get those blueprints. Sharing them during the trial would¡¯ve limited the Synth Alliance quite a bit, I suppose." "Regardless, did you manage to approach any of the other factions for a meeting?" Nessyra asked, shifting gears. "Yes, we made great friends with the Beshin Clan. We were hanging out with them before coming here," Riseth replied. They took a moment to bring Nessyra up to speed on everything that had transpired with the Oni clan. Alistair watched as she pinched the bridge of her nose but eventually relented, a hint of satisfaction in her expression. "I would¡¯ve preferred to vet any faction and be involved in any agreements, but from how you¡¯ve described them, I probably wouldn¡¯t have been much help anyway," Nessyra admitted. "We got to choose our battles while we are here, and allying with the Beshin felt right." Riseth added confidently. Nessyra raised her hands defensively. "No, don¡¯t get me wrong¡ªthey sound like excellent allies. It just means I¡¯ll have to review their relations closely to make sure I don¡¯t step on any diplomatic landmines." Nessyra then caught them up on her progress with the other factions she¡¯d spoken to. Apparently, during their absence, the dinosaurkin from the Zondu Collective had made a loud proclamation that they would only accept allies who proved themselves worthy in the illusionary arena. "I¡¯m not sure allying with them is the best move," Nessyra admitted. "But if we can¡¯t find enough strong allies, one of you beating up one of their warriors could solve that." "Do we have any other prospects at the moment?" Alistair asked. "Yes, I managed to get into a forming Alliance cluster. They aren''t the strongest of the 50 factions present, but they are still powerful and make up one of the larger forming clusters; having them on our side would help pad our number of allies." "Doesn¡¯t that also increase the odds of one of them being found and dragging us into a fight?" Riseth asked. "That¡¯s not necessarily a bad thing," Alistair interjected. "It would give us more chances to strike back at the Blackmarket Syndicates alongside allies. We''re already starting to trail behind in levels. We might even want to join the Beshin in their raids to hit harder targets with relative safety." Riseth considered this and nodded, turning to Nessyra, "So who is part of that forming Alliance?" Chapter 198: Unstoppable Force against an Immovable Opponent. "The alliance in question is the New Light Alliance, currently being founded by the Ethos Crusade," Nessyra began. "They align most closely with our ideals and are quite powerful. While the other factions involved are strong, they¡¯re not the most impressive. Still, this was the only faction open to considering us." She paused briefly before continuing, "As you know, Humans and Demons aren¡¯t exactly the most sought-after allies. They informed me that they would conduct due diligence to verify that we uphold their tenets and are eligible to join. I received confirmation and an invitation for further talks just a few hours ago." Nessyra¡¯s gaze shifted meaningfully toward Alistair and Riseth. "Our next stop will be with High Preceptor Lothar." ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get to it, then,¡± Riseth replied, standing up from the desk she¡¯d been leaning against. Together, they headed for the door. They spent the next two days at Sabis Alpha Station, navigating the intricate web of diplomatic talks and alliance formations. During this time, they oversaw the growth of what would become the New Light Alliance¡ªone of six major alliance clusters that emerged during those negotiations. While they didn¡¯t find another faction they connected with as strongly as the Beshin Clan, they established solid and reliable relationships with all the members of the Alliance. The Beshin ultimately joined the New Light Alliance, thanks in part to a recommendation from the Ryser Clan. The Beshin had previously struggled to secure allies beyond the Zondu Collective, who had demanded proof of strength before even considering an alliance. Kujo, representing the Beshin, delivered a decisive victory against the Zondu¡¯s chosen representative. His performance demonstrated their strength, earning the respect of the Collective and securing a firm alliance. Besides the Beshin and Ryser Clan, the New Light Alliance consisted of five other factions¡ªa colorful mix of various races and cultures. Three of these factions still resided on their home planets, supported by their Natural gods, though all had reached spacefaring capabilities, so reinforcements wouldn''t be an issue if needed. At first, Alistair had been hesitant about factions aligned with natural gods, as most of these gods were limited in their ability to intervene due to the difference in power. However, the Ethos Crusade, a faction primarily composed of High Elves and Humans, changed his mind. They made strong use of faith magic, with their Natural god, Ethos, serving as a conduit. Through their prayers and belief, they empowered their god, who then channeled that energy back to them as blessings and intervened on their behalf in the form of miracles, creating a cycle of divine power. Alistair had heard that Sol used a similar system, though on a smaller scale. He hadn¡¯t looked into it much, as his own affinity for faith magic was low¡ªsomething Sol had pointed out during their first meeting. Earth had also joined the Coalition, having struggled to form alliances elsewhere. Now considered a fortress border world, it was still in the midst of turmoil. Sol had been winning the war for Earth''s unification, though it was still chaotic, with most of Earth being untamed wilderness filled with monsters; however, many factions chose to surrender and join rather than resist further, especially as the threat of outsiders loomed closer. Alistair had learned of this by frequently reaching out to his friend Remo and receiving the occasional messages from him through the Coalition Network, keeping him updated on the state of Earth and reassuring him that he and his family were safe and doing well. Overall, the past few days had been productive, but it was now up to Alistair to ensure they made the most of the upcoming challenge. As they stepped into the grand chamber housing the illusionary arena array, their attention turned to the scheduled battle with the Zondu Collective. Upon their rrival, a sizable crowd had already gathered to watch, and the Zondu Collective warriors were waiting in anticipation. Among them, Alistair immediately spotted their leader, which was surprising, as the Zondu leader typically stayed in their crystalline home, leaving the forging of alliances and testing of new allies¡¯ strength to their more powerful warriors. After exchanging bows and greetings, [Urixes Zondu - lvl 125], their usual combat representative, stepped forward to access the Illusionary interface. He had a humanoid body, clad in thick futuristic armor that accentuated his hulking, muscular frame. His species looked like a cross between a T. rex and a triceratops¡ªpredatory in nature, yet marked by horns and facial plating. Interestingly, Urixes had two eyes on each side of his head, all of which measured Alistair intently as Alistair sized him up in return. "I mean no disrespect, but I¡¯m going to have to decline this fight," Alistair said, his voice firm. The crowd responded with surprised murmurs, some jeering at his refusal. "I want a real fight," Alistair continued, his gaze shifting past Urixes. "And the only way I¡¯ll get that is from you." He pointed directly at [Zorrakir Zondu - lvl 135], their leader¡ªan even more massive figure, a dinokin that had seemingly evolved into a dragonkin, likely intent on becoming a true dragon through guided evolution. His black scales were streaked with deep red, while the soles of his hands and tail bore pale white streaks where his natural armor was thinner. Traces of his aquatic origins lingered in the spiked fins along his arms and tail, giving him an even more fearsome appearance. The crowd''s energy shifted, growing more excited as Alistair issued his challenge. Zorrakir¡¯s fanged smile widened, and without hesitation, he pushed Urixes aside. "Excellent," Zorrakir growled, his voice heavy with anticipation. "I accept your challenge, Alistair Ryser." Alistair wore a confident smile. He had learned of Zorrakir''s concept and studied it in the hopes the leader of the Zondu Collective would show himself for this fight, drawn out by the stories of Alistair and Riseth slaying the Hydra of Misery.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. His opponent''s concept was that of deflection, which made him highly defensive and gave him access to techniques that were notoriously tricky to counter, similar in some ways to Alistair¡¯s own abilities. Despite the level difference, Alistair felt sure of his advantage. Zorrakir''s concept didn¡¯t connect directly to energy like Alistair¡¯s did, so while Zorrakir could deflect attacks back at him, he likely wouldn¡¯t be able to outlast Alistair like he would most opponents. Alistair had mastered the art of repurposing energy, meaning any attack redirected toward him would only fuel and empower him further. Zorrakir might believe he held the upper hand, but it was up to Alistair to prove how wrong he was. As Alistair entered the illusionary arena, the surroundings shifted into a dense jungle interspersed with ancient, overgrown temple structures. The ground was uneven, with patches of stone paving occasionally visible, though most were disrupted by thick roots that had broken through the surface, splitting the slabs apart. Massive vines snaked over crumbling stone, and towering trees framed the scene, their roots twisting around the temple ruins. In the distance, the roar of a river and waterfall echoed through the jungle, adding to the atmosphere. Alistair was quite impressed with the illusionary environment and would ask for an imprint to add to their own arrays. Zorrakir appeared in front of him, standing firm amidst the uneven terrain. Neither made a move to utilize the surroundings, both silently gauging each other¡¯s strength as tension mounted. ¡°So, we¡¯ve got the classic scenario¡ªwhat happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable opponent? Care to bet on who¡¯s left standing?¡± Alistair teased, using his Vicious Mockery skill to break the silence. Zorrakir chuckled, drawing a massive warhammer from his side. As he did, he unleashed a bloodcurdling presence that felt eerily similar to Alistair¡¯s own. Not one to back down, Alistair returned the favor. The air between them grew thick with raw, oppressive energy, but neither seemed fazed. Both warriors stood their ground, unaffected by the other''s intimidation. ¡°Silent type, eh?¡± Alistair smirked. ¡°I can work with that.¡± Alistair pulled out his poleaxe and casually strode toward Zorrakir, who mirrored his movement, slamming his warhammer into his clawed palms as he advanced. Through his Conceptual Awareness skill Alistair could see reflective barriers and shields flickering to life around the Zondu leader, the energy flowing through his channels as his power steadily rose. Alistair activated his own empowering skills, keenly aware that despite Zorrakir¡¯s defensive nature, underestimating the hulking figure¡¯s potential for an offensive strike would be a mistake. He had to be ready for anything. Time to test those defenses, Alistair mused, shifting into his stance before blurring forward with a burst of speed. Utilizing his Telekinetic Death From Above bonuses, he moved past and above Zorrakir in an instant, bringing his poleaxe down in an overhead swing. As his axe blade hurtled toward Zorrakir''s thick neck, its mass massively increased. The Dragonkin was too slow to react fully, still in the process of turning. Alistair fueled the strike with pure kinetic energy and force and activated Blazing Edge, watching as his poleaxe cleaved through a magical shield that attempted, and failed, to deflect his attack only slightly slowing his attack failing to rob his momentum as Alistair''s proficiency with that particular trick was far too advanced. Their concepts clashed violently as Alistair''s attack impacted with a barrier enveloping Zorrakir''s body. The intense magical reaction surged between them as Alistair¡¯s concept crashed against Zorrakir¡¯s, causing energy to ripple and crackle through the air akin to lighting. The energy was unlike anything Alistair had seen before, colored in hues his Conceptual Awareness could barely comprehend, making it clear this would be no ordinary fight. Despite his best efforts, the barrier managed to reflect his strike, redirecting the energy back toward him with enhanced force. Alistair watched as the rebounded energy surged in his direction, but he remained unfazed. As it connected with his Kinetic Skin, the force was channeled seamlessly, kinetic spheres springing from his body, while the rest of the energy was smoothly absorbed into his ever-growing kinetic pool. Since force was primarily made up of kinetic energy, it was one of the worst possible ways of attacking Aliatair; as Zorrakir''s warhammer, brimming with raw kinetic energy, lashed out at him, Alistair made use of that as he channeled more of the stolen power into his counter strike. Their weapons clashed with such force that the impact tore through the surrounding soil and rock, even uprooting a nearby tree. Alistair attempted to rob Zorrakir of his momentum but quickly realized that the dragonkin was equally adept at countering that aspect of his skills. Despite Zorrakir''s hulking form and baseline stat advantage, Alistair¡¯s empowerment and the highly increased mass of his strike sent Zorrakir flying into one of the massive temple structures, with Alistair hot on his heels. Before Zorrakir¡¯s massive frame could collide with the heavy stone slabs, his barrier skill activated, tearing apart the terrain and halting his momentum. The force blasted the rocks apart, causing the structure to collapse around them. Seizing the opportunity, Alistair activated Telekinetic Death from Above, massively increasing the mass of the falling debris and hurling it at Zorrakir. Once again, Zorrakir¡¯s barrier activated and sent the rubble flying back at Alistair, who effortlessly shattered the debris, fueling himself further with kinetic energy from the impacts. After shoving the last stone slab aside with his telekinesis, Alistair groaned as he watched his opponent still standing unscathed. Zorrakir¡¯s defenses were no joke, and his resistance to magic was intense. This battle was going to be a slog. "I know it''s filthy rich coming from me," Alistair called out, slight frustration and amusement lacing his voice, "but your powers are bullshit!" This elicited a deep, rumbling laugh from Zorrakir, "You fight well! It has been a while since somebody pushed me back, an impressive feat," Alistair snorted at the insinuation that getting tossed into a stone building was the equivalent of being pushed. "Well, at least we figured it''s the immovable opponent that moves," Alistair teased, channeling his vicious mockery into the taunt. Zorrakir¡¯s eyes narrowed. A shimmering shield appeared on his arm, and he began twirling the massive warhammer in his hand, his focus locked on Alistair. He didn¡¯t rise to the bait; instead, he stood firm, waiting for Alistair''s next move, his defenses poised for whatever came next. Alistair had by now a solid grasp on Zorrakir''s abilities. The number of skills his opponent was holding back should be limited¡ªAlistair, being a former human, had access to a much broader skill set, while Zorrakir likely had some that were entirely ineffective against him. Zorrakir exhibited tight control over the concepts of Deflection, Force, Momentum, and Barriers. But Alistair could tell the dragonkin¡¯s energy pool was depleting rapidly, much faster than he could replenish it, whereas Alistair was steadily brimming with more power after every exchange. Any other opponent might have thrown in the towel by now, but Alistair respected that Zorrakir, who was likely well aware of how this battle would end if things didn¡¯t change, still pressing on, giving him a challenging fight. Their first clash had made it clear just how crucial tight control over one¡¯s magic was. When two concepts collided, the one with superior control often overpowered the other¡ªunless there was an inherent advantage in one concept over the other. Unfortunately for Alistair, Zorrakir¡¯s concept had a slight edge, allowing the dragonkin to deflect his attacks as long as he had enough energy to keep resisting. He needed to be careful not to let that edge Zorrakir had stab him and cost him the fight. Alistair let out a breath, raising his poleaxe in another offensive stance. Time for round two... Chapter 199: The Bridges Open Zorrakir blurred forward, and Alistair quickly recognized what he was doing¡ªhis opponent had utilized his concept to deflect himself off the ground to forcefully propel himself forward. Alistair sidestepped, curious to test how advanced Zorrakir''s movement skill was or if he was improvising. His suspicion was confirmed when Zorrakir violently deflected himself off the air, redirecting his path to follow Alistair. Their weapons collided with a bone-rattling impact, and Alistair tightened his grip, feeling the violent force surge through him as he absorbed the kinetic energy from the clash, fueling himself. But Zorrakir wasn¡¯t letting him gain an advantage. Using his concept of deflection, Zorrakir redirected most of the force away, refusing to be overpowered. He¡¯s trying to deprive me of energy, and his power is growing. A momentum-based empowerment skill? Alistair mused, noting how his opponent''s movements seemed to gain fluidity with each deflection. Alistair felt his own momentum powers being nullified. However, his enhanced mass strikes still gave him the edge in most of their exchanges, causing Zorrakir''s barrier to flare with each impact, rattling the dragonkin. Adapting quickly, Alistair adjusted his Aegis Stride to compensate for the lack of his momentum-robbing ability. This was invaluable practice, as fighting someone using the same momentum concept gave him valuable insights. Zorrakir''s power kept growing while his energy pools dwindled; Alistair wasn''t sure if there was a correlation or if it was just that his opponent was racing against the clock to overpower him. Alistair began to struggle, even as he poured more power and force into each strike. Without his usual momentum manipulation, absorbing energy wasn¡¯t enough; he found himself being shoved around, though not as much as his opponent. Zorrakir¡¯s barriers had faltered in a handful of moments, allowing Alistair to tear into the tough skin beneath, blood now staining the floor and splattering across his armor. "I can¡¯t tell you how much I appreciate the fact that you are not regenerating," Alistair remarked after deflecting another strike and shifting Zorrakir''s mass just enough to make him stumble. Seizing the opportunity, Alistair surged with more energy, empowering himself. In less than a blink, his poleaxe swung in a sharp, precise arc, the hammerhead slamming into Zorrakir¡¯s side. The draconian''s barrier tried to deflect the blow but faltered under the sheer force and kinetic energy. A sickening crack echoed as Zorrakir¡¯s ribs shattered beneath his scales, sending him hurtling to the side. Alistair quickly followed up with a brutal overhead strike, intending to end it by caving into his opponent¡¯s chest. But before he could land the finishing blow, Alistair felt himself deflected¡ªthis time by the very ground beneath him¡ªsending him hurtling toward a stone pillar despite his efforts to resist. He crashed feet-first into the pillar but absorbed the impact, using the momentum to push off and destroy the structure with the force of his boost. Alistair grinned from ear to ear, thoroughly enjoying the fight. He knew he shouldn¡¯t reveal so much of his prowess in such a public setting, but Zorrakir was a worthy opponent. Despite his lack of banter, the toothy grin he wore¡ªeven while enduring the effects of illusionary pain¡ªwas unmistakable. Both of them shared the Primal Revelation title, and both reveled in the pure struggle of their battle. Alistair sent a kinetic wave toward Zorrakir, which was promptly deflected away from the fight. It wasn¡¯t particularly effective, but every bit of energy Zorrakir expended brought Alistair closer to victory. Their weapons clashed again, and Zorrakir attempted to deflect Alistair with a shield bash, but Alistair countered with his own shield, meeting the attack head-on. Using his telekinesis, Alistair hovered just above the ground, denying Zorrakir the ability to deflect him and using the gained time to gather more momentum. While Zorrakir could attempt to deflect him through the air, it was a much more challenging feat, and his efforts were bound to fail against Alistair''s resistance. Despite Zorrakir''s impressive momentum-based empowering skill, it was clear to Alistair that his opponent was running out of time. Zorrakir¡¯s energy reserves were starting to strain, and while he had been playing for time to empower himself further, the window of opportunity was closing fast. Alistair''s relentless onslaught was wearing down his defenses, pushing him to the limit. Alistair lashed out, sending Zorrakir hurtling backward. Before he could recover, Alistair used his telekinesis to grab hold of him, pinning him in midair. The point of Alistair¡¯s poleaxe hovered threateningly close as Zorrakir strained against the telekinetic grip, realizing his plan had failed. He gave one last attempt to break free but, seeing no escape, relented with a tired smile, acknowledging his loss and shattering the illusion. Cheers and the occasional disbelieving stares greeted them as they exited the illusionary array, the crowd having watched their match with rapt attention. Alistair even noticed a few individuals exchanging currency, and he made a mental note with Akashic report of those who had bet on and against him. "We should do this more often," Alistair said, extending his hand with a grin. Alistair had genuinely enjoyed the match, and he could tell Zorrakir felt the same. The dragonkin flashed a toothy grin as he grasped Alistair''s hand, though the gesture clearly wasn¡¯t something he was entirely accustomed to. "Indeed we should," Zorrakir rumbled, his tone carrying a weight of respect. "The Zondu Collective would be honored to call you friends and allies." Alistair celebrated internally. Securing such a solid group of allies and being recognized as founders of one of the six major alliances formed during the gathering was no small achievement. The knowledge that their clan was now much safer brought a measure of relief, especially as the Coalition Gathering neared its conclusion, with many factions already departing.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. "Likewise," Alistair replied, activating the Private Sphere around them. The two delved into a discussion about their fight, exchanging thoughts on how it was the first time both had experienced their powers being partially suppressed by someone using the same concept in a similar manner. As more combatants began arriving to use the arena, they decided to relocate to the Rysers¡¯ chambers. Upon arriving, they discovered a small celebration already underway. The Beshin Clan and several prominent individuals from the newly formed New Light Alliance were present. Alistair spotted Nessyra finalizing agreements with Xhec, the representative of the Krynera Republic, a faction mostly consisting of Satyrs like Xhec himself, who was haggling just as hard as the demoness. Riseth joined him and Zorrakir as they settled on a nearby couch. They continued exchanging insights about powerful foes and concepts they had encountered, particularly focusing on their shared, linked concepts. Their lively discussion attracted attention, and soon, Esta and a few Beshin Clan members joined in, adding their own insights and sparking even more fresh ideas. As their celebration began to wind down, Alistair relaxed with his arm around Riseth''s shoulder, deep in conversation with Kujo and Nomura about a potential raid on a Syndicate shipyard. The Coalition had asked the Beshin to hold back for now so they could integrate the strike into their larger retaliatory campaign against the Blackmarket Syndicates. This approach would allow them to hit more significant targets without drawing too much attention from the Syndicate as a whole. Listening intently, Zorrakir became intrigued by the idea. With their combined strength, they could strike at one of the Syndicate''s vitally important sites. They began planning to inform the Aegis Coalition of their willingness to cooperate in the larger assault, confident that the Coalition could point them toward an even more strategically important target than the shipyard. Their revelry and discussions came to an immediate stop as everyone received an emergency message. Alistair heard devices going off around him while others seemed distracted. Shortly after, a siren blared through the space station. Alistair was ready to jump into action when the siren abruptly shut off, and he watched as a mass of metal¡ªnanotech from their hosts¡ªshifted to form a screen on the far wall. It flickered to life, displaying a massive space phenomenon: one of the bridges. The structure rippled wildly, the kaleidoscopic scene of stars, lights, and shapes swirling more rapidly for a brief moment. Two more screens formed, showing a similar sight of the other bridges; Alistair could sense the entire station jumping into a frenzy, many disembarking for their crafts and watching as people checked their devices, the tension palpable. Are the bridges opening?" Esta asked, pulling out a device. "They are," Nessyra replied, her expression grim. "The first wave is about to hit." The Satyr, Xhec of the Krynera Republic, who had been talking with her just moments after signing the contract, took off, hurrying out of the chamber, only giving them a quick wave before vanishing out of the door.
[ACUN] Urgent Emergency Message: Title: The Bridges Are Opening From: Aegis Coalition Headquarters The three bridges at the edge of our universe are opening, and the first wave of invaders is about to breach our universe. All secondary Aegis fleets are en route. Do not jump to the bridges to offer support unless you have been officially greenlit by the Aegis Coalition, or you will be fired upon. If you wish to provide assistance, contact your representative or any available administrator. Do not fear, for we, the Aegis Coalition, will hold the line. May we stay strong in the face of adversity.
Alistair read the message, his expression darkening, before noticing he had been granted access to camera drones positioned at the three bridges. Taking control of one, he directed it away from the main bridge already displayed on the large screens. His drone revealed an absolutely gargantuan fleet of ships surrounding the space phenomenon. He swiveled the view further, spotting a series of massive space stations¡ªsome still partially under construction¡ªbut from what he could tell, they were armed to the teeth. The same stations could be found at each one of the universal bridges. He watched as flashes of light marked the arrival of more ships, warping in across the area. Some, lacking clearance, were fired upon almost instantly, obliterated in the blink of an eye. The drone''s enhanced magical visuals allowed Alistair to view the vastness of space in unprecedented detail, offering a much clearer picture of the approaching ships than would normally be possible. Around him, he noticed others doing the same¡ªpulling up drone visuals and sharing them with those who had gathered nearby. The tension thickened as they all watched the unfolding scene. One of the bridges spewed an enormous volume of asteroids, hurtling in every direction. The asteroids collided with previously invisible mines that had been strategically placed all around the phenomenon. Alistair watched as brief brilliant flashes blossomed across the void surrounding the bridge, temporarily splitting his attention. He glanced toward another bridge, where sleek, silvery ships slipped through, fairing far worse as they too were caught by the minefields and obliterated by the waiting ships and stations. But the onslaught didn¡¯t stop. More and more of the sleek ships poured through in an unending wave, getting closer and closer until they eventually reached firing range. Hundreds of thousands were decimated within minutes, but they kept coming relentlessly while the asteroid swarm continued to pour in from the first bridge, still being shot down by the defense fleet. The third bridge, however, remained ominously quiet, no activity visible¡ªa fact that no doubt frayed the nerves of the fleet stationed there. His amazement was cut short when Nessyra grabbed him and Riseth by the shoulders, putting a bit more pressure on them than necessary. "I must apologize," Nessyra said, her voice loud and steady despite the tension. "We would love to stay longer, but we should all return to our homes and monitor the situation from there. But we''ll stay in touch through the ACUN network." She addressed the rest of the room with a reassuring smile, though Alistair knew her well enough to sense the anxiety she kept hidden beneath her calm exterior shielded by a thick layer of aura control. The rest of the room snapped to attention, suddenly aware they¡¯d been too absorbed in watching the historic moment unfold. They scrambled to say their quick farewells, with Esta looking a bit torn, clearly not eager to part ways just yet. "Go on," she said, forcing a smile. "We¡¯ll see each other again soon enough, but with the war starting, I¡¯ll be needed here for a while longer." Riseth hugged Esta tightly, patting her back. "I''ll miss you. Please try to visit us at some point. Just reach out, and we''ll come pick you up." Alistair smiled at their exchange before turning his attention to Kujo and Nomura, who approached him. He angled his arm, expecting the usual Oni greeting, but Kujo surprised him by opting for a warrior''s handshake instead, clasping Alistair¡¯s hand firmly. "It was good meeting you, friend. We¡¯ll be heading out now, but don¡¯t wait too long to reach out. We have much to discuss and organize," Kujo said, his tone unusually serious as his eyes flicked toward the screen. Alistair followed his gaze, watching as explosions filled the view and an incredible amount of debris began to choke the space around the universal bridge. His chest tightened as he silently hoped the Aegis Coalition would be able to hold the line. Chapter 200: Gathering Storms Hadeon watched the recording of Alistair Ryser¡¯s fight against Zorrakir, leader of the Zondu Collective, in the illusionary arena. "What a bunch of monsters," he muttered, his gaze hardening. Many already considered Hadeon a monster, but the footage and intel gathered by his spies painted a grim picture. Several powerful alliances had formed, and their leaders were far from ordinary¡ªelite fighters, deeply committed to protecting their own and wiping out those like him. His right-hand man, Donovan, was supposedly the father of that Ryser menace. Alistair Ryser was among the last people Hadeon wanted to cross. Worse still, his wife, Riseth, was just as deadly¡ªif not worse as her suspected concept countered his own quite well, and after Eberuses failed attack, they were bound to stick together more closely than ever, making the prospect of attacking them quite unappealing. Their techniques were leagues beyond earlier reports, almost certainly directed by a master of immense power¡ªlikely a god or a similarly powerful figure in the multiverse. This development had surpassed even Hadeon''s expectations. He had gathered every bit of information available on Alistair and Riseth Ryser. After Eberus¡¯s failure to eliminate them, the two had only grown stronger, solidifying themselves as one of the most dangerous threats in this young universe¡ªrivaling even the original dragons and other mythical species if encountered together. The earliest footage from the arena dungeon showed them wielding a range of diverse powers, not specializing in anything but still keeping well ahead of the curve. As time passed, however, their combat styles and abilities had sharpened, narrowing in on their core concepts. They had grown more focused. Their strength back in the trial was comparable to that of some of the strongest elites under his and others'' employ right now. Back then, Headeon, as a powerful Kraken, could have crushed them with a bit of effort... but now? They had become true elites, forging powerful bonds with other elites and ascendants. No longer were they just promising aspirants with strong affinities and talent¡ªthey had evolved into a force to be reckoned with. Even with his new master''s aid, Donovan had his work cut out for him. Eberus¡¯s old master had started instructing the Jotun, driven by a thirst for revenge. Eberus¡¯s death hadn¡¯t just caused him severe backlash¡ªit had also deprived him of any potential records or insights Eberus could have provided, stalling his own progress. The loss of such a promising disciple had likely delayed his advancements for a long time to come. The Rysers had made a formidable and vengeful enemy from the older universes. Still, unless they crossed over, that particular hidden master would have to settle for raising minions like Donovan, hoping to exact his revenge from a distance. Hadeon had received an offer for training and power in exchange for helping Donovan kill the Rysers¡ªa proposition that led him to gather as much information as possible before making a decision. He stroked his tentacle beard, deep in thought. There was much to gain if Eberus¡¯s power and Donovan¡¯s recent progress were anything to go by. Still, he was already a formidable figure, and with the bridges opening, he¡¯d soon be within reach of countless masters casting their Karmic Echo through the budding universe. This mysterious call, something akin to echo-location, would reach only those with the potential to respond¡ªa powerful voice transmitting the master¡¯s will, one he could respond to once he heard it. That is, assuming he wasn¡¯t killed first. Going after the Rysers seemed like a fast track to an early death. Hadeon grumbled, the decision made. He would cut ties with Donovan and avoid the whole mess. This wasn¡¯t a real opportunity¡ªjust a shortcut to an early grave. Depending on who the Rysers'' master is, Hadeon mused, it wouldn¡¯t be unthinkable for him to hunt down anyone who tried to assassinate his disciples. Based on their techniques, their master had to be exceptionally powerful and well-connected. Hadeon growled, frustration mounting. Now, he needed to figure out how to cut ties without becoming a target himself. Perhaps the safest course of action was to eliminate Donovan before he grew too powerful and contested him for control of the syndicate. But Donovan had already grown too strong to be taken out in a mere "accident." If Hadeon wanted to succeed, he would have to commit fully to the attempt¡ªor disappear quickly, laying low until the rest of them inevitably tore each other apart, which was certainly the safer of the two options. The hidden master likely plans to kill me if I refuse, Hadeon thought grimly. The fact that the offer had even been made suggested Donovan might already be strong enough to do just that. Hadeon let out a guttural roar, the sound tearing through the room before his fist came crashing down with brutal force, obliterating the table beneath him. Shards of wood and debris scattered as he stood there seething. So much work, so much risk, and now his very life hung in the balance¡ªfor nothing more than petty revenge. No, he thought, his eyes narrowing in cold determination. Running would ruin his reputation, and that wasn¡¯t an option. He would gather his own allies and call in the favors he was owed. History is written by those left standing.
Alistair remained glued to the screen, watching the situation at the Universal Bridges unfold as the Kaiakos prepared to jump out of the system. He wasn''t alone; almost no one aboard gave the Sabis system or station another glance, their focus entirely on the escalating events. The third bridge had finally revealed its invaders, and by Alistair''s estimate, they were by far the worst of them all. Eldritch-looking creatures poured out of the phenomenon¡ªsmall, grotesque masses of flesh, eyes, tentacles, and rows of teeth scattered chaotically across their forms. Unlike the invaders from the other two bridges, these creatures weren¡¯t trying to break or evade the Aegis Coalition''s blockade. Instead, they merged together, growing exponentially in size and power, quickly surpassing Grade 10.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. The Coalition forces were desperately trying to prevent large clusters from forming. Still, the creatures too far from fusion hurled themselves suicidally at incoming missiles, lasers, and plasma fire, acting as shields for the rest. To make matters worse, the monsters were followed by a wave of shuttles and smaller crafts, far less biomechanical in nature, likely from another faction, and these vessels actively attempted to break the blockade, creating an utterly chaotic battlefield. Meanwhile, the flesh creatures continued to fuse, some reaching grade 8 and could potentially grow even stronger but had thankfully been stopped from doing so. Strong individuals from the Coalition began intervening to prevent larger monstrosities from forming, but they were bound to tire and would need to be rotated out. The endless horde of bodies being thrown at the Coalition fleet felt overwhelming, and although the Coalition still fought to contain the threat with jump inhibitors and massed fleets, they had to tread carefully, ensuring they didn''t leave themselves vulnerable to an opportunistic strike from the Blackmarket Syndicates so reinforcements would be few. Fortunately, the fleets stationed at each of the bridges were gargantuan, and only a limited number of invaders could pass through at any given time. The situation at the other two bridges appeared to be less of an immediate concern, but it was far too early to consider reassigning forces. Any sudden shift in strategy could be a feint, and the invaders would undoubtedly exploit any opportunity to break through the blockade if the Coalition left even a single bridge vulnerable. Alistair felt the familiar pull of entering warp space and glanced over, catching Riseth¡¯s worried gaze. "Is everything alright?" he asked through the Akashic Link, not wanting to draw attention to them in the eerily quiet bridge, where only the hum of machinery and soft chatter of the crew at their stations filled the silence. "I''m fine," she responded, though her concern bled through. "But those eldritch beings have me worried. They¡¯re already fusing into massive monstrosities, and it¡¯s only been an hour since the bridges opened. They¡¯ve already reached Grade 8¡­ what if they can grow to Grade 7 or even worse?" She grimaced, her worry deepening. "Our home is still hidden, but it¡¯s only a matter of time until someone stumbles across us." Alistair took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll be alright," he said, meeting her hesitant gaze. "This is why we came to the Sabis system. We¡¯ve made strong friends and allies, and we¡¯re doing everything we can. We¡¯ll keep pushing ourselves," he added, his voice steady. "Fusing into a Grade 8 might look terrifying, but it can¡¯t compare to real training and gaining skills. Those creatures are bound to be very weak for their grade." Riseth exhaled slowly, nodding as she squeezed his hand in return. Some of the tension eased from her posture, her gaze growing more fierce and determined. "Besides, I¡¯m pretty sure a nicely charged kinetic blast could pop that thing like a pi?ata," Alistair said with a grin. "You¡¯re right," she replied, her own grin spreading. "I could probably force that thing to tear itself apart." Her earlier worries seemed to fade, replaced with confidence. When they arrived back in orbit above Lacustrine, not much had changed aside from the Coalition adapting more effectively to the invaders¡¯ tactics. Alistair swiped the screen away for now; if anything major happened, he could always review the footage later or rely on the network to notify him. His brows furrowed slightly. Time was ticking. Now that the bridges had opened, they would gradually widen, allowing more powerful individuals and creatures to pass through as the connection stabilized. Grade 9 beings would likely begin crossing within half a year, and Grade 8 could take a year or two. Further openings would slow considerably, as the passages for such magically powerful entities required much more time to stabilize. If they could reach Grade 5 before the Grade 6 gate opened, Alistair felt confident they¡¯d be in a strong position. The bridges would continue to strengthen, but at a much slower rate¡ªat least from his perspective. He¡¯d heard many times that hundreds of years were just a blink to immortals, but to him, it was still plenty of time. Once they reached Grade 5, where the path of immortality began, the journey of growing stronger would be much more arduous than anything they had yet experienced, especially if they failed to raise Lacustrine alongside them. They exited warp space travel, and Alistair heard the familiar sound of crew members stomping their feet to steady themselves, the jerky sensation still disorienting for many¡ªespecially the new recruits. Some of the more experienced crew members had since moved on, now in charge of their own ships, leaving fresh faces aboard the Kaiakos. Alistair¡¯s gaze shifted to the screen, which displayed Lacustrine and Nautilus, with a massive station being constructed between them. Drones and construction ships buzzed around it like a hive of busy bees. The station was making impressive progress; the spine and much of the base structure were already in place. The speed at which magic and robotics accelerated construction still amazed him. As the Kaiakos slowly entered a stable orbit, Alistair and Riseth made their way to the bay to descend to Rathos. When they finally arrived in their quarters, they collapsed onto the couch, letting out long, tired sighs as they sank into its comfortable cushions. Alistair¡¯s gaze wandered to the bronze map of Asteroid City of Magral hanging on one of their living room walls, a memento from their first dungeon. He smiled, remembering how Adamar had insisted on trimming the edges of the map. They had come so far since then¡ªroughly two years had passed since they left that dungeon, yet it felt like an eternity ago. They had made countless friends and enemies, faced unimaginable challenges, and discovered things that had changed them forever. Alistair thought back on all the decisions he¡¯d made, briefly considering the "what ifs." But with a content smile, he shook his head. Even if given the chance, there was little he would change. Despite the opening of the bridges and the looming threats on the horizon, he felt a deep sense of peace in this moment. Wrapping his arm around Riseth, they leaned against each other, savoring the brief respite. They both knew that much was bound to change, and more challenges would arise. But whatever came their way, they would be ready to face it¡ªtogether. Chapter 201: There be Dragons Sotarr flew through the vastness of space, observing the conflicts unfolding around the bridges. The first few slots had been settled, and the gods and high-grade masters of various factions were gradually finishing their duels. He and the other observers had managed to minimize the chaos by making the factions duel for the right to send their minions into the new universe. Fools, Sotarr thought. Such petty battles over an arbitrary order of arrival. With the bridges'' passage so fragile right now, there was little point in crossing. I could understand the urgency during the second or third cycle, when lower-grade soldiers could be sent through, or when the resistance of the universe¡¯s inhabitants had been shattered and footholds established to send young scions¡ªbut this? His nostrils flared as he scanned the surrounding spacetime. Countless smaller factions and individuals had already gathered, waiting for years to pass so they could unleash themselves on the fledgling universe and its inhabitants. Part of me wants to crush them all, he mused, but there are far too many narrow-minded gods and individuals who would take offense, only making things worse. As Sotarr gazed at the bridge, his thoughts drifted to his disciples. They had grown strong in a remarkably short time¡ªhopefully strong enough to face whatever challenges lay ahead. He had received troubling reports of spies asking about his disciples, likely in connection to a powerful individual linked to the Blackmarket Syndicates. It seemed their actions had drawn unwanted attention, perhaps from the very people whose disciple they had slain. A wicked grin spread across his face, his fangs bared, and a sense of pride awakened within him. The Syndicates were a vile scourge, too numerous and deeply embedded in the fabric of the multiverse to fully eradicate. There had been many attempts to wipe them out, but they always survived¡ªprotected and patronized by gods and powerful figures alike. Killing them all was futile; no matter how thoroughly one burned their stain away, someone would always rise to take their place. But in this new universe, Sotarr mused, killing a powerful individual has far more lasting consequences. Replacing them in an isolated universe like this is far more difficult. He drifted through space, pondering the situation. Perhaps he should find and eliminate whoever was inquiring about his disciples. Losing them would set him back millennia, especially considering the records he could earn through their ascension. But then again, if fools sent weaklings to die at their hands, it would only sharpen his disciples'' claws¡ªa good thing in the long run. Unless they use underhanded tricks, or try to terrorize them by targeting those around them... While a little strife could help his disciples grow, this was a threat he decided to snuff out early. He would send a message to his wife, Mitania, asking her to look into it. After her service during the trial, she still had a few decades of freedom from most of her duties within the Lyraxis Ascendancy. Knowing her, she would likely investigate the matter thoroughly herself¡ªand tear apart anyone threatening Riseth and Alistair.
Alistair and Riseth watched as King forced a Lirsaross to collapse under the weight of his curses, withering away as it failed to breach his newly upgraded Cursed Barrier skill. They exchanged a meaningful glance. "I think he¡¯s ready to take on a dragon," Riseth remarked. "I think so too. Good timing¡ªwe¡¯re running out of time. The retaliatory strike by the AC is supposed to start soon, and I¡¯d like to get that dragon slayer title." "Speaking of dragons, what do you think Sotarr¡¯s up to?" Riseth asked. "Probably still babysitting the bridges from the other side," Alistair replied with a shrug. King, in his human form, turned around, his perpetual frown deepening. "What are you talking about? Do you know of a place where we can find dragons?" Alistair smiled. "We recently acquired information on a volcanic planet orbiting a gas giant. It''s seeded with all kinds of draconic beasts, including a decent variety of dragons." To his credit, King didn¡¯t growl as he usually did. Instead, he let out a sigh. "That is good. I¡¯m ready to leave immediately," he said without much preamble. Alistair nodded as they headed to the shipyards. They had spent roughly another week training since returning from Sabis, and things had been developing rapidly since. The blockades on the bridges were still holding, locked in a never-ending struggle, though a few crafts had managed to slip through and were now being actively hunted with moderate success. These ships were likely scouts, meant to feed information about the new universe back to the old one. The Coalition, however, wasn¡¯t willing to take any chances, doing their best to track and intercept the crafts when possible, with additional patrols waiting on crucial border worlds to catch any scout craft. During this time Alistair and Riseth finally reached level 130, pushing themselves to reach their new skill selection, having also delved the recently discovered cave dungeon on Lacustrine to obtain another skill point.

Skill Choices: Tier: [Legendary] Skill Name: Aegis Stride Description: A Combat style centered around the Concept of Kinetics, utilizing most of its linked concepts to force the opponent to fight by the user''s rules. Increases all applicable statistics by an enormous amount when utilizing Kinetics and directly linked concepts, increases close quarters and armed combat proficiency, and increases reaction speed when using the technique to a large degree. Kinetic Energy conversion and utilization are further improved, and any required focus while utilizing the Aegis Stride technique is greatly reduced. Telekinetic movement speed is greatly increased and extremely resistant to outside interference.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. - Tier: [Legendary] Skill Name: Kinetic Strike Description: An Incredibly advanced Kinetic Blast variant based on highly concentrated [KE] coupled with the concepts of force, mass, acceleration, and many more directly linked concepts. The [Power] and [Control] of the blast are greatly increased, while all energy costs are greatly reduced. Through the concept of velocity and acceleration, the blast will further gain [Power] the longer it travels at an exponential rate. Through the force concept, incorporeal opponents may be afflicted just as effectively as corporeal ones, requiring extremely high resistance to partially avoid a connecting strike. The user may manipulate the blast to be more concentrated or create greater devastation upon impact at no additional cost. The required focus to create Kinetic Strikes is greatly reduced. - Tier: [Supreme] Skill Name: Freedom of Movement Description: The skill prevents opponents within the user''s grade from grappling him or impeding his movement, resisting any attempt at restraining the user at extremely high efficiency and little to no focus automatically unless the user intended otherwise. This includes paralysis and spells that would slow the user down up to a degree. The skill''s efficiency is moderately reduced when faced with higher-tier spells and abilities within and above the user''s grade but gives the user near immunity from anyone with a lower grade.
Alistair had immediately picked up all three skills, which was a small price to pay as a former human. He still enjoyed the human benefits¡ªadditional skill points and more skill options compared to other races¡ªcoupled with the dungeons he had recently delved into. He wasn¡¯t worried about running out of points, as he still had three left, some of which he planned to spend developing new skills when time allowed. While the three skills didn¡¯t add anything entirely new to his capabilities, the boosts to his statistics and the reduced focus required were greatly appreciated. In the fight with Eberus, Alistair had pushed his focus to the absolute limit just to maintain his technique and press the hydra, preventing him from killing him and his companions. While the main appeal was the reduced focus required, the boost in statistics was also quite noticeable, adding a whole new layer of power. Riseth, too, had acquired her Serpent¡¯s Waltz and Realm Tear skills¡ªthe power she had used to tear apart Eberus, a feat that had taken everything she had just to maintain before launching it at the monster. As Alistair boarded the Artemis, he glanced at his stats tab, something he didn¡¯t do much anymore. While he loved seeing the numbers grow, he viewed them mostly as arbitrary figures that gave a rough estimate of his power. Still, he made sure to note down any thresholds he crossed, leaving them for others in his clan to analyze and decipher. To better track his progress, he changed his visualization to display only the total stat points, with the current stat multiplier listed at the end of each stat description.

Stats: Power [2074] Increases Physical and Magical Damage as well as general speed and the ability to lift heavy things. Provides a small bonus to self-healing and stamina recovery. Current stat multiplier: 170% - Mental [1677] Increases magical capacity and determines the quality and quantity of mana [MP], increases memorization and comprehension capacity, and increases spell power by a large degree. Current stat multiplier: 155% - Control [2161] Increases motor skills and magic and energy control by a large degree and increases the ability to concentrate by a moderate amount, with a large impact on the efficiency of [Qi] and [MP] usage. Current stat multiplier: 185% - Body [2760] Increases robustness and vitality of the body, with a large impact on [HP] and [Qi] capacity, moderate impact on damage reduction and environmental and magical resistance, and large impact on self-healing. Current stat multiplier: 200% - Mind [1581] Increases the defense of mind and soul, as well as mana regeneration by a large degree, and also increases the number of tasks possible at a time. It also significantly heightens the efficiency of attacks targeting the minds and souls of others. Current stat multiplier: 155% - Senses [1772] Increases reaction speed and fine control of senses like visual smell, etc., by a large degree. It also increases instincts to a large degree, with a small bonus to [MP] and [Qi] expenditure reduction. Current stat multiplier: 165%
Their trip to the yet-unnamed volcanic planet was quite short, as it was only a few systems away, and a beacon had been placed to speed up jump calculations. Their sector had been mostly mapped out, and from the looks of it, there were no other factions within their immediate vicinity¡ªa blessing, for now. However, a handful of planets had either the potential to evolve sapient beings, like Skyreach, or already hosted them, such as the dragon-inhabited planet they were currently approaching. There were only two other planets believed to house powerful beasts, possibly evolving into sapient species, but for obvious reasons, this volcanic world was by far the most volatile. Multiple flights of dragons were locked in a fierce struggle for supremacy. Conquering the planet and adding it to their sphere of influence wasn¡¯t something Alistair believed was the best approach, and he wasn¡¯t confident in achieving it either. Befriending one of the flights, while possible, wouldn¡¯t be easy, but it was their best choice. Even low-tier and feral dragons were incredibly prideful, and they had no clear picture of the temperament of the different flights yet. Alistair had to hammer this into King''s skull so he didn¡¯t go off trying to kill the first dragon he encountered, something he had only begrudgingly accepted. Alistair scanned the displays in front of him. The planet was nearly uninhabitable for most beings, with extreme heat and scarce vegetation, which only existed due to the influence of magic. Rivers of lava crisscrossed the landscape, occasionally rocked by violent volcanic explosions that seemed to occur at random. The poles were cooler, with most of the planet¡¯s vegetation and life thriving there. However, the dragons gathered around the tallest mountains, living in caves near the strongest dragon veins¡ªfrequently located deep within the volcanic lands around the equator¡ªfiercely battling one another for control. Alistair and Riseth planned to remain in orbit for a while longer, observing the dragons in hopes of identifying suitable targets or potential allies. "We are so close! We should go down there and see for ourselves instead of analyzing them from up here," King protested. "I understand your urgency," Alistair replied, "but you need to learn patience. We need to get this right. We can''t risk upsetting multiple dragon flights that live within our projected borders." King growled, his piercing, draconic eyes locking onto Alistair¡¯s before finally relenting, throwing his arms up in frustration. "Fine. But as soon as we find a target, we go down there." Alistair glanced at Riseth, noticing the small smile playing on her lips. "Sure thing, buddy. If we find something, you¡¯ll be the first to know." "I am not your buddy, Pal!" King said half-jokingly as he left the cockpit. Chapter 202: Battle of Draconic Ascension Due to time constraints, Alistair and Riseth couldn¡¯t afford to spend too much time narrowing down a target. The retaliatory strikes against the Blackmarket Syndicates could begin any day. The Coalition had already identified potential targets but was waiting for some of the Syndicate¡¯s most dangerous figures to reveal themselves. Once they did, the Coalition planned to blockade those systems and potentially ambush them. This would allow the rest of the Coalition forces, including the Ryser Clan, to strike other sites without worrying about interference from the Syndicate¡¯s most powerful combatants. Fortunately, they had a team of surveyors observing the planet below for some time before they arrived, which made their job much easier. They had a rough idea of which dragon flights might be more amenable to cooperation and which were likely to be extremely hostile. The decision they faced was whether to target the hostile dragon flights or focus on independent dragons¡ªthose who refused to join a flight, most of whom were among the more powerful on the planet. The Nythraxion dragon flight, composed of black dragons, was initially an unknown factor. Their scouts had attempted a reconnaissance mission to gather more information, but the moment the dragons detected them, they launched a violent attack. The scouts had barely escaped the planet, reporting the dragons'' intense bloodlust and immediate hostility toward anything approaching their territory. This aggression made the Nythraxion dragons the preferred target, though Alistair and Riseth intended to try diplomacy first. Dragons respected power, but these were borderline wild creatures with heightened intellect, so they would have to be cautious. Alistair and Riseth had already waited two days since arriving in the system, hoping a small group of dragons would split off from the main flight for them to confront. As Alistair dozed off in the cockpit, Viv purred contentedly on his lap. A gentle shake from Riseth snapped him awake, and he met her serious gaze. "I spotted a trio of Nythraxions leaving the flight," she said, her voice firm. "They¡¯re hunting in a mostly isolated area. This might be our best chance before we run out of time." Alistair¡¯s gaze hardened as he looked at the screen Riseth was pointing to, showing three large dragons circling a canyon filled with molten rock. While the trio was the number they needed, it was more than he wanted to deal with at once. He would have preferred to watch over King during the duel, but based on what they knew about the Nythraxion dragons, they would accept a battle to the death¡ªthough they likely wouldn¡¯t just sit and watch. They¡¯d almost certainly attack him and Riseth while the fight took place. King, overhearing their conversation, entered the bridge with grim determination on his face. "You don¡¯t need to worry about that," King said, his voice steady. "They will watch. A battle for Draconic Ascension is to be respected¡ªthey would bring shame upon their lineage if they interfered. Even a feral dragon knows this." Alistair let out a deep sigh before looking at King, his expression tinged with reluctance. They had done everything possible to prepare him for this battle, and spending more time would only give the dragons a chance to strengthen their inherent lead. Alistair was confident he could take on one of these dragons, and he was sure Riseth could too, but King was the unknown factor. There was a very real chance he might die in the attempt. And if Alistair were to interfere, it would permanently damage King¡¯s path, barring him from any future battles of Draconic Ascension¡ªsomething King¡¯s pride would never allow. They might not get another chance before joining the retaliatory strikes against the Syndicates. They had been warned that once the call came in, it would likely be an extremely time-sensitive operation. Alistair was eager to obtain the Dragon Slayer title and grant King the opportunity to evolve before that. They had little to no data on these three particular dragons, beyond what their scanners could make out from orbit¡ªwhich wasn¡¯t much aside from their size and grade. "If we don¡¯t leave now, we¡¯ll miss them," King pressed, impatience clear in his tone. Alistair nodded. "Fine, let¡¯s go." He rose from his chair, turning to face King. "It¡¯s time for you to ascend." King let out a guttural growl of approval despite his humanoid form, a wicked smile spreading across his face as his anticipation surged. They stored the Artemis and Viv before zeroing in on the powerful auras of the trio, teleporting to a location near their vicinity. All three dragons were massive, quite a bit larger than King, but not enough to dwarf him as he turned into a formidably sized beast himself, letting out a loud, challenging roar. The Dragons had immediately noticed their appearance and had turned to attack them, incredible bloodlust radiating off them. They watched as the heavily scaled and leathery winged beasts approached them at high speeds, their red draconic eyes visibly glowing even at this distance. Their auras immediately pressed down on them, and they immediately countered the Dragon''s Fear with their own Bloodcurdling Presence skills. Alistair frowned. Dragons had a wide variety of unique powers, though not all Dragons possessed them like a Dragon''s heart. Dragon Fear was one such ability that wasn''t found in low-tier Dragons, which meant there were at least regular if not high-tier, feral dragons.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. As the dragons drew closer, ready to strike, King stomped forward, his head held high. "I seek a battle of Draconic Ascension!" he bellowed his challenge. "Which one of you is willing to face me and die?" The three dragons halted their advance and landed on the far side of the canyon. Their claws dug into the rock, crushing it beneath their weight as if compelled to stop. Alistair took the opportunity to inspect them. They appeared evenly matched in strength, their thick scales exuding a formidable magical resistance. They didn¡¯t seem to be juveniles, but neither were they fully adult. Covered in spikes with long, razor-sharp claws and horns flowing back from their heads, their features were sharp, and their muscle-bound bodies radiated power. Alistair could feel their hearts pounding with raw energy, an intimate pulse of strength coursing through them. There was a pause, pregnant with anticipation, as the two sides sized each other up. The wind whistled through the canyon, the only sound besides the bubbling flow of molten rock below. Before King could declare his opponent, the spikiest of the dragons stepped forward, her dark scales illuminated by the glowing river of lava beneath. Her draconic visage looked vicious, and Alistair could have sworn he saw a sneer etched across the dragon''s sharp features. "I, Zarlith, accept your challenge, wormling," the dragoness bellowed, her voice echoing through the canyon. Alistair felt a compulsion wash over him, urging him to step aside. Reluctantly, he relented, unwilling to disrupt the ancient magic at play. He watched as the other dragons did the same, their eyes locked on the two combatants, intently observing as King and Zarlith sized each other up. Before more words could be spoken, both combatants took to the air. King was the first to strike, unleashing a hail of cursed feathers. However, with a single powerful flap of her wings, the dragoness effortlessly dispersed them, sending the feathers scattering in all directions. She retaliated with a stream of acid breath, but King dodged with ease, countering immediately with his newly upgraded Cursed Resonance beam. The beam arced through the air and struck the dragon in the blink of an eye, but her thick scales shrugged off all of the physical damage without issue. However, some of the cursed energy from the beam managed to resonate through her body, infecting her with a lingering curse. It began to subtly disrupt the flow of energy within her, increasing her vulnerability over time until she could cleanse herself of its effects. She beat her powerful wings, dashing toward King with blinding speed. He rolled out of the way at the last second, dodging her glowing fangs, his slightly more agile frame giving him the edge. As they passed, the cursed energy within King lashed out like tendrils, binding to her as they latched onto Zarlith. The curse tightened its grip, the dark magic growing stronger and draining her strength with each passing moment¡ªjust as King felt his own power intensify in response. She spun her head, unleashing another arc of acid breath too close for King to dodge. His cursed barrier flared to life, rapidly melting under the corrosive attack, but not before delivering a vicious magical backlash to Zarlith, forcing her to recoil. Even so, some of her acid breath slipped through as the barrier melted away, eating into King¡¯s flesh and armored plates. He grunted in pain, but Alistair could sense the grim satisfaction as more of King''s conditional curses activated, using the pain as a weapon as his bladed tail was wreathed in cursed flames. Alistair stood tense, watching every movement. The power difference between them was undeniable, but the dragon clearly lacked true combat experience. King¡¯s finely honed skills and experience acted as a great equalizer, slowly but surely closing the gap. Yet, Alistair could see Zarlith¡¯s Dragon Heart already working to cleanse the inflicted curses through sheer might. Magic coursed violently through her body, washing away the curses at the cost of draining her prodigious draconic energy. King took a sharp, calculated turn, showcasing his exceptional flying skills. Zarlith twisted midair, trying to face him, and unleashed another blast of corrosive breath. Multiple cursed barriers flared up to intercept it. They faltered but still created enough backlash to disrupt the dragoness''s focus once again. Part of the acid splashed onto King''s face and body, burning through his flesh. He grunted in pain, but he pressed on, nearly unfazed. The cursed flames along his bladed tail grew even stronger, their black and purple glow visible now, even without skills like Alistair¡¯s conceptual awareness. With a sharp flip, King lashed out, his bladed tail crashing into Zarlith¡¯s raised claw, severing several of her talons and slicing deep into her lower neck. The cursed flames seared into her, leaving a deep, burned gash as more vile curses took hold. Zarlith¡¯s Heart struggled to purge the affliction, its power raging as it fought to cleanse the curses while her body coursed with intense amounts of Mana. King took the opportunity to send his cursed feathers at Zarith as he flapped away from her flailing form. Her dragon hide easily blocked the feathers, though Alistair could see that the curses had still been transmitted through contact, although severely weakened by the dragon scales incredible magic resistance. Fortunately, she didn''t seem to have specific curse resistance. "Playtime is over, wormling!" the dragoness hissed, her pride giving way to a cold, calculating fury¡ªnot too different from Alistair¡¯s own cold rage skill. The temperature noticeably dropped as a freezing wind began to swirl around her, brewing into a storm that fought against the scorching environment. Zarlith had finally deemed King dangerous enough to use her concept rather than just her inherent draconic powers. Alistair frowned slightly. His sister could have greatly benefited from this particular dragon''s heart, though they would have to settle for the rest of its body. Frost began to coat Zarlith''s scales, and the curses within her started to freeze, slowing their rampage, though Alistair could sense that it still caused her harm to do so. King continued to assail her with a barrage of cursed feathers and beams, hoping to overwhelm her body with the sheer volume and diversity of curses. But as the storm intensified around Zarlith, only his beam attacks managed to connect¡ªthough even those were sporadic. King had developed a curse technique that empowered him whenever his curses were overpowered and cleansed by his opponents¡ªa countermeasure Alistair had suggested to deal with foes capable of purging his afflictions. It was a conditional curse technique with frightening power scaling, rapidly growing stronger the more his curses were cleansed and his power pushed back. However... with Zarlith''s inherent understanding of her concept, it wasn¡¯t enough. Alistair felt a flicker of dread as a glimmering storm of sharp ice spears began to blot out the sky, forming a mesmerizing yet deadly display of her magical prowess. The ice spears glittered in the air, hanging like a frozen storm above them. King roared, gathering every ounce of cursed energy he could muster as he shifted into his humanoid form, his tail still ablaze with cursed flames. He poured everything into reinforcing his cursed barriers as the storm came crashing down on him. Chapter 203: Vexaldris Progenitor King groaned under the storm''s relentless onslaught. Even in his humanoid form, his cursed energy strained against the overwhelming power of the dragoness and the crushing weight of her Dragon Fear. So much power¡­ once this is over, it will be mine, he murmured, dark satisfaction flickering within him as he held his ground. He refused to yield. He would not fall here. This was the true beginning of his ascension, and nothing would stand in his way¡ªnot even a dragon of this magnitude. His pride roared louder than her fearsome presence, and he would not let it falter. His will, forged in defiance, kept him steady as the dragon¡¯s fear and raw strength bore down on him. His cursed energy surged, growing more potent with every second, as he pushed back¡ªinch by inch, step by step. This dragon is all power and unearned pride, he thought, a sneer forming in his mind. No finesse, no true skill¡ªa mere overgrown hatchling. King¡¯s bloodied teeth clenched, and blood flowed from the corners of his eyes as he endured the pain; I will consume her heart and ascend to heights she could only dream of. A plan started forming in his mind. He would use a feint, pretend to weaken while gathering his strength, and then retaliate with everything he had once the dragon had exerted itself in vain. King concentrated, gathering his energy while doing his best to obscure it with his aura. He allowed the clashing storm to press in on him, his barriers cracking under the strain. A little more, King thought, feeling the shift as the dragoness finally committed, her full weight pressing against him¡ªbut it wasn¡¯t all she had. Her pride betrayed her, holding her back from true commitment. She overextends without conviction, he noted, a sneer flickering across his lips. Overconfident. Blind to the danger. Her powers wane, yet she spares her reserves. His cursed energy pulsed like a predator¡¯s heartbeat, reading her movements, her hesitation. She had burned through a significant chunk of her reserves, yet not all. Too little, he thought with grim satisfaction, his muscles coiling in readiness, far too little to stop what comes next. He let his barriers shatter in quick succession. But as the last one broke, he pushed with everything he had into his Cursed Resonance Beam, combining it with the retaliatory force of his shattered barriers, unleashing a surge that pushed back and displaced the storm of ice and cold in a flash, harshly impacting the dragon and bathing her in cursed flames and resonance. He transformed back into his wyvern form and used Blink, teleporting next to Zarlith in an instant. His bladed tail, engulfed in cursed flames, reached a crescendo as it descended upon her neck, slicing into it. King felt elation, victory seemingly within his grasp¡ªbut the dragoness jerked, freezing his tail in place. Still, his accursed flames resisted her monumental power just long enough to carve through her neck and clip her wing. King let out an indignant, pained roar as his tail shattered under her freezing powers. The pain and loss filled him with a torrent of cursed energy and replenished his nearly tapped resource pool as his Pain to Life curse skill surged. He grimaced as he quickly analyzed the situation. It had been a worthwhile trade. Her wing was clipped, her neck half-severed, and she struggled to stay in the air, her eyes glassy and cold. King could tell she was conceptually freezing her pain and damage, but his curses still ravaged her body. She couldn¡¯t cleanse them while trying to keep herself alive. I need to push! King growled at himself, drawing upon the energy flow he was siphoning out of her as he dashed to the side to evade her spiked tail. He bit down hard on her wing, feeling the cold shatter his fangs and freezing over part of his maw and skull before he let go, but not before they transmitted one of his most powerful curses. He knew biting her would harm him severely, but the sacrifice made the curse all the more vicious. He watched her strain as life force flowed into him, healing his wounds as her own life force weakened. King watched as his curse coursed through her, ravaging her magic channels and putting more and more strain on her dragon heart; though he wasn''t worried even if it exploded, he would get recognized by the system. He would give it his all, as he couldn''t afford to let up for even a second. He dodged another blast of acid breath, followed by a rapid swipe of Zarlith¡¯s spiked tail, which tried to intercept him. He lurched down as her clipped wing and sudden movements caused her to lose height. King barely managed to evade the attack, his Blink skill feeling ¡°frozen,¡± for lack of a better word. More and more of his abilities seemed to take longer to recharge, almost as if they were being hampered by the cold. Some kind of meta-effect I can''t quite comprehend... but a useful one. I''ll remember it, he mused, firing another beam attack at her body. Her frozen scales still provided excellent protection against his assault. All he needed to do was hold on, stacking more curses and damage until she withered and died. He vaguely sensed the arrival of more dragons in the distance, but he couldn¡¯t afford to look. Zarlith¡¯s long neck snaked out despite her injuries, and before he could dodge, her jaws latched onto his hind leg, ripping it from its socket.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. The pain was overwhelming, but King used the loss and hurt to fuel his Accursed Retaliation skill to great effect. Zarlith let out a wheezing sound as the curse struck her, causing her body to seize up and her mind to buckle under the additional onslaught. The shock paralyzed her, sending her plummeting as the curse overwhelmed her.
Alistair frowned as he noticed two more dragons approaching¡ªred dragons from the Rhalik flight, the second most violent dragon flight on the planet, and by no means weaker or less dangerous. Fortunately, they, too, were bound by the compulsion of Draconic Ascension and landed on a distant hill, watching from afar. Alistair''s attention snapped back to the battle as the heavily wounded Zarlith managed to latch onto King, ripping out his entire hind leg with one jerky twist of her head. The frozen wound at her neck cracked, shattering pieces of frozen scales and dragon flesh that tumbled down. He watched with bated breath as King powered through the pain, holding on and using Accursed Retaliation to strike back. Zarlith¡¯s body fell from the sky, her consciousness fading, and the control keeping King''s curses at bay slipped. Her Dragon Heart lost its direction, spasming as her defenses crumbled. Alistair¡¯s gaze followed Zarlith''s massive body as it crashed to the ground, her frozen neck shattering, her head severed from her body. King descended, his left over talon wreathed in dark flames as he tore into her body, grasping her heart and ripping it out in one swift motion. Alistair prepared to defend King so he could consume the heart, but the compulsion of the Draconic Ascension only grew stronger. The heart slipped from King¡¯s talon, shrinking slightly as it hovered in front of him. Zarlith''s body began to fall apart, crimson mana particles rising from her form, weaving intricate bands of draconic magic script that wrapped around the heart. Her body rapidly disintegrated, turning into more magical bands as all her records coalesced into the heart. King huffed, barely able to balance himself on his remaining hind leg and wings, his draconic eyes mesmerized by the display before him. Bands of energy started to flow from him into the heart, connecting him to it. His gaze grew relaxed, almost peaceful, as power began to build within the heart. Alistair and Riseth didn¡¯t need to exchange words or even a glance; both focused intently on the powerful magic ritual unfolding before them. Their bodies remained frozen in place as they tried their utmost to glean insights from the intricate draconic rune magic displayed in front of them. The bands of energy moved almost too fast for their eyes to perceive, and Alistair did his best to slow his perception of time to learn as much as he could. As the magic neared its peak, Alistair felt a moment of unease, fearing it might explode from the sheer concentration of power¡ªbut it stabilized almost instantly, emanating a crimson and golden glow. They all stared at the heart¡ªmost in awe and some of the dragons in disbelief. Without much preamble, King snapped at the heart, consuming it whole. A blinding golden light enveloped him, so intense that even Alistair¡¯s conceptual awareness couldn¡¯t see through it. It lasted but a few moments before vanishing, along with the compulsion that came with the Draconic Ascension. Alistair and Riseth didn¡¯t hesitate, teleporting next to King, ready to defend him. But King didn¡¯t need their protection. As they laid eyes on him, they beheld his new dragon body in all its glory. King was now larger than any of the dragons present, his form having retained much of his wyvern origin, but now with four powerful legs, marking his transition into a true dragon. His body¡¯s black armor and scales covered nearly every inch of him, his red and magenta feathers gleaming in the dull light of the flowing molten rock. They were clearly more lethal and robust than before. His head had taken on a slightly more draconic shape but was still recognizable. The end of his tail now resembled a curved, wicked black blade¡ªfar more fearsome than the already deadly tail he had before. His irises glowed gold, with black lines arcing out like lightning from his dark pupils, and the Dragon Fear he emitted washed over the area, causing the other dragons to shrink back. Alistair felt that his connection to King was frayed and fragile, something that could be torn apart if either of them willed it. But King made no attempt to sever it, and Alistair quickly realized they had both leveled up¡ªfive whole levels. King¡¯s new Dragon Heart pulsed with incredible power, and Alistair could sense potent cursed energy coursing through his massive form. His armored face turned toward him, revealing sharp, glistening fangs as he spoke. "Your worry is appreciated but unnecessary. Pick the ones you wish to tear apart, and I¡¯ll content myself with those left," King said imperiously, self-satisfaction evident as he basked in his new power, eager to test it out. No longer hampered by wounds and more powerful than ever before. Alistair inspected the remaining dragons, watching for any signs of movement or interesting concepts that would make them worthwhile targets. Earlier, they had shown clear hostility, but the compulsion of the Draconic Ascension had stopped them from acting. Now, however, their hostility had shifted to fear and worry¡ªKing had evolved into an even higher-tier dragon than them. He felt a bit disappointed that the female dragon¡¯s body had been completely consumed by the Draconic Ascension ritual, something not mentioned in the few sources they had found about evolutionary methods, as that particular dragon''s concept would have been of great help to his sister. The other dragons kept their eyes locked on King, and Alistair checked his Summoning skill to confirm what kind of dragon King had evolved into. King had become a Vexaldris Progenitor. Based on the species'' name and the powerful cursed energy radiating from him, Alistair confirmed that King had ascended into a brand-new species of dragon, deeply intertwined with the concept of curses. King¡¯s cursed energy now pulsated through his Dragon Heart instead of just mana¡ªa modification to the dragon heart not too dissimilar to what Alistair had been hoping for his own heart. Alistair was sure most other species would have fled, but the pride of a dragon wasn''t a simple thing. With King''s declaration, they couldn''t simply leave and pretend they had lost interest. The black dragons, having lost one of their brood, seemed to steel themselves. As for the red dragons, while one readied himself for combat, the other raised her head high. "I wish not to fight. I recognize your superiority and seek to bear your offspring," the unknown red dragoness declared. The other red dragon looked at her with what Alistair sensed was shock and a mix of panic, while the black dragons radiated similar outrage in their auras. "Have some respect for yourself, Rovari," the other red dragon snapped. "I do not wish to face a clearly superior breed of dragon. I would rather become part of that lineage than let mine end here," Rovari retorted, her yellow eyes never breaking contact with King¡¯s gaze. "Clever girl," King grumbled, eying her with curiosity. Chapter 204: Dragon Pride Alistair and Riseth exchanged surprised glances. The dragoness, Rovari, immediately commanded attention. She was larger than the other dragons and demonstrated a keen awareness that set her apart from her kin. What truly stood out, however, was her lack of arrogance¡ªan unusual trait for a red dragon, known as one of the most prideful dragon species. Rovari¡¯s appearance adhered closely to the traits of her flight: scarlet scales that shimmered like molten metal, leathery wings, and a crown of spiked horns trailing the back of her skull. Two massive horns dominated her profile, giving her an air of authority and menace. Alistair and Riseth also noted the purity of her coloration, devoid of any signs of mixed heritage. This wasn¡¯t surprising, given how feral dragons rigidly adhered to their specific subspecies or ¡®colors.¡¯ Hatchlings born with the wrong coloration were often banished¡ªor worse, purged. This brutal practice was a common source of conflict within flights, particularly when dragons of differing colors mated, producing more diverse broods. Alistair and Riseth had observed such turmoil before and strongly disapproved, finding it both wasteful and an unfortunate byproduct of Dragonkind¡¯s overwhelming pride and fear of giving rise to new breeds that could challenge the status quo. Alistair very much wanted to see this play out. Adding another dragon to their number would be a massive boon. Even with both King''s and Rovari''s subspecies being notably dangerous, he was confident they could manage, especially since Rovari already seemed more reasonable than most dragons. Convincing her to join them willingly, without coercion, would be ideal. Demonstrating their strength would likely be the key to earning her respect and trust. Their initial plan had been to approach the copper dragons, known for being less hostile and more open to conversation. Unlike many other flights, the copper dragons didn¡¯t purge their mixed hatchlings, allowing them to remain as part of their flight. This tolerance made them one of the more diverse and cooperative groups. However, the potential of securing an ally from the red flight, a group known for its raw power and influence, could open entirely new opportunities. Meanwhile, the dragons had begun bickering among themselves, outraged at Rovari¡¯s declaration, almost forgetting the threat Rieseth, Alistair, and King posed. Listening in, Alistair found himself increasingly approving of Rovari¡¯s approach. ¡°He is a mere pet of a lesser being; taking him as a mate, no matter his species pedigree, is a disgrace,¡± the red dragon Arkzer roared. King¡¯s claws dug into the rock, crushing and melting it as black flames licked across them, his fury fueling his power. ¡°What would you know of pedigree?¡± Rovari scoffed. ¡°He could have freed himself after the Draconic Ascension. What does that tell you, fool?¡± ¡°That he is a cowed pet of an inferi¡ª¡± Arkzer didn¡¯t get to finish. In an instant, Alistair moved with such speed using his telekinesis that it seemed like teleportation. Arkzer¡¯s eyes widened, but he was too slow to react. Alistair¡¯s kinetically charged fist connected with the dragon¡¯s head, nearly snapping it clean off as Arkzer was flung through the air, smashing through a rocky protrusion before tumbling to a halt. Alistair shook his hand theatrically. "Tough bastard. Dragon scales live up to their name, I suppose." As he spoke, a kinetic strike charged above him. From the resistance he felt, he knew he¡¯d need to build up a considerable amount of power to break through those scales. He couldn¡¯t take the dragon lightly¡ªhe still hadn¡¯t pierced Arkzer¡¯s aura or gotten a read on his core concept. Rovari glanced at him but made no move to interfere, merely sparing a brief look at the splayed-out Arkzer. Arkzer let out an indignant roar as he righted himself in the blink of an eye, his fire breath arcing toward Alistair. Alistair used his telekinesis to swiftly move up and out of the way, narrowly dodging the flames. In response, he unleashed his kinetic strike, which pierced through the hastily erected fire barriers Arkzer had conjured, partially melting the blast before it struck into the dragon¡¯s scales and plunged into his body¡ªbut not all the way through, as Alistair had expected. Extremely tough! I was sure that would punch through him, Alistair thought, his respect for King growing as he processed the situation. Despite the former wyvern having much higher stats, it was still impressive that King had fared so well against dragons of this caliber. Upon closer inspection, Alistair realized he had only managed to crack the scales on Arkzer¡¯s face, even after putting everything he had into that punch. The breath attack felt equally dangerous, and Alistair quickly noted that most of his defensive skills¡ªaside from his force barriers¡ªwouldn¡¯t be as effective against this type of energy attack despite his high affinity for fire. Upon closer inspection, Alistair realized that Arkzer was using the concept of strength to fortify his defenses and body while also steadily increasing his power. Even his flame breath seemed to be empowered by this concept. An excellent concept to add to our personal cultivation array, Alistair mused, already strategizing how to integrate the essences into his body cultivation plans. Though he couldn¡¯t be certain that strength was Arkzer''s core concept, it could simply be one he had a high affinity for and preferred to use. I¡¯ll find out soon enough, Alistair thought as he drew his poleaxe and dashed at the dragon. This time, Arkzer managed to take to the air, evading Alistair¡¯s initial strike, shockingly agile despite his massive form. Alistair quickly manipulated his own momentum, shifting his grip on the weapon as he tried to carve into the dragon with his Blazing Edge skill. The attack scraped along Arkzer¡¯s powerful scales as sparks went flying, leaving a deep groove but failing to cut through. Gaining some distance, the dragon lashed out with his force-enhanced tail. Alistair caught it effortlessly with his offhand, absorbing the impact with a smile. Force is a directly linked concept to strength, so this is another point for strength being his core concept. Alistair continued to attack the dragon, trying different approaches and skills, most of which the tough bastard shrugged off while retaliating with flames and fury. Alistair felt very confident he got the concept right, and while Arkzer¡¯s concept of strength was undoubtedly powerful, most of its linked abilities left something to be desired. Abilities like resistance, force, momentum, and pressure made him incredibly durable and dangerous in direct combat, but they also limited his options and were a poor match against Alistair''s own affinities. He would likely have to rely heavily on his breath attack and inherent fire affinity to deal with Alistair, as his force and momentum were easily countered, and pressure wasn¡¯t proving very effective. Alistair was already shrugging off the enhanced Dragon Fear, his Mental Fortress withstanding the increased pressure and fire attacks without issue¡ªhe felt no fear facing Arkzer.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Even a dragon wouldn''t be able to come up with too many new techniques on the spot; it took time to refine techniques to the level they were fighting at, and the dragon clearly lacked combat experience, particularly against much smaller humanoids as Arkzer struggled to compensate for the size difference between them. Alistair continued to push Arkzer, who conjured storms of fire enveloping his strengthened body, trying to maintain distance from Alistair but failing miserably as Alistair was a bit faster than Arkzer even in the air. Alistair weaved around another wave of flame, bringing the hammerhead of his weapon down on Arkzer¡¯s side. The impact shattered a rib, eliciting a pained grunt as the dragon¡¯s head snapped around to breathe fire on him. Alistair dodged while blocking most of the breath attack with his force shield. Initially, he had tried to maintain distance, but the increased resistance and strengthened scales, combined with the relentless fireballs Arkzer unleashed, made close-quarters combat the better option. Up close, Arkzer couldn¡¯t rely on his usual combat style or force-based attacks, a fact that clearly irritated the dragon to no end¡ªan annoyance Alistair gleefully reinforced with his vicious mockery. Arkzer was actually not the easiest match-up for Alistair; a less tough dragon would have likely succumbed to the accumulated injuries by now. But Alistair didn¡¯t mind¡ªthere was a gleeful smile on his face as he teleported and smashed his mass-enhanced poleaxe into Arkzer¡¯s face again. Most of the scales on the dragon¡¯s face had been shattered, and blood flowed from his nostrils and eyes, one of which had been crushed. While charging his next attack, Alistair spared a glance at Riseth and King. Both were already overwhelming and crushing their opponents, with King in particular making short work of his foe. Alistair was glad to see it¡ªhe¡¯d been concerned that becoming a dragon might have instilled more pride and arrogance into King. But, fortunately, he seemed to remain the same vicious beast Alistair knew and loved. "You dare look away?" Arkzer roared, lashing out with his claws enveloped in flames. Alistair stretched out his arm, his telekinesis forming a hand that clashed with the dragon¡¯s flaming claws, bringing it to a stop. The telekinetic hand slightly siphoned the momentum, something Arkzer struggled to counter. He had far less experience in dealing with this kind of technique despite sharing the affinity when compared to Zorrakir, the leader of the Zondu Collective, who had made momentum control an integral part of his fighting style¡ªjust like Alistair. Alistair felt his magic beginning to melt away under the onslaught of Arkzer''s flames, but before releasing his telekinetic grip, he fired off a near point-blank Kinetic Strike. Arkzer''s neck snapped to the side, narrowly dodging the blast, but it tore through his shoulder instead, blood splurting out before the wound was quickly sealed by flames, the smell of burning flesh filling the air. Alistair finally released his hold, as the pain of holding the strengthened Dragon Flames was becoming too much for even his high affinity and skill to fully withstand as his telekinetic magic construct melted away, transferring some of that sensation back to him. Arkzer flew noticeably slower, his body a mess¡ªshattered scales, burned-out wounds, cracked bones, and a smashed eye. His ragged breaths did little to lessen the fury that fueled him as he unleashed another torrent of flames, turning the ground where Alistair had been a fraction of a second ago into molten glass. His Dragon Heart continued to fuel the fight. In contrast, Alistair remained nearly untouched, but his energy regeneration struggled to keep pace with his constant expenditure, though his new armor helped greatly in that regard. Alistair sensed it was time to end the fight. He continued infusing refined kinetic energy into his poleaxe, pushing it to its breaking point. He knew the weapon would likely be destroyed in the strike and would need a significant amount of time to restore itself, but he refused to draw out the fight any longer. Closing in on Arkzer, he grabbed the dragon''s neck, siphoning off any remaining momentum Arkzer generated. With as much force and mass as he could muster without vaporizing his weapon, Alistair brought the poleaxe down, concentrating the strike along the weapon¡¯s edge. Instead of merely cutting through Arkzer¡¯s thick scales, the strike crushed and brutally tore off the dragon¡¯s head as the scales and Arkzers attempts at resistance threw Alistair''s attempt off. Even without his head, Arkzer¡¯s claws lashed out in a final, instinctive attack, but Alistair dodged smoothly, storing what was left of his weapon before pulling out Forging Tides. To his surprise, the blade cut through the dragon¡¯s tough scales much more smoothly than the poleaxe had¡ªthe superior quality and materials used in the weapon proved their worth. With swift, telekinetic precision, Alistair extracted Arkzer¡¯s heart, ending the fight for good as he heard a series of chimes go off and felt new power course through his body. Before the dragon¡¯s massive body could crash to the ground, Alistair quickly stored it and the rest of its body parts, a grim expression crossing his face as he surveyed the battlefield. Riseth had just finished off her own opponent, while King stood to the side, his claw resting on the body of a dead black dragon, still intently focused on Rovari, who stood tall and proud, as if awaiting her judgment. Noting that there wasn''t any danger Alistair took the opportunity to look at his new title.

Titles: Tier: [Supreme] Name: Red Dragon Slayer Effect: Grants a 10% bonus to [Power] [Body] statistics and significantly enhances affinity for [Fire] & [Strength]. Origin: Acquired through the slaying of Arkzer, a powerful red dragon.
Alistair was surprised to see that the title only warranted a Supreme ranking. Unlike the Dark Hydra Slayer title, there was no mention of "mythic," and Arkzer was merely described as a "powerful dragon," whereas Eberus had been described as an "extremely powerful mythical dark hydra." Killing Eberus had been an entirely different kind of challenge, and the title and records reflected that. He had expected the bonus to stats to be around 20%, as it had been with the Dark Hydra Slayer title, but despite this discrepancy, he was satisfied with the outcome. When he first obtained the Dark Hydra Slayer title, it hadn¡¯t seemed as significant, but receiving the Red Dragon Slayer title made him question how the system categorized these feats. Would slaying a black dragon grant him a new title, since they were technically a different species, or would it merely upgrade the existing one? And what about an elder or a more powerful red dragon¡ªcould that push the title to Legendary? One thing stood out: along with the title, he had also received a boost to his affinity matching Arkzer¡¯s core affinity. That was new. It hadn¡¯t happened with Eberus or any other slayer achievements. Perhaps this affinity boost was granted because it aligned with something he lacked or would benefit from most based on the records available during the title creation? Alistair sighed¡ªthere were still many mysteries surrounding the system, but a small smile crept across his face. He would uncover them all eventually. Shifting his focus to King and Rovari, he watched as King stored the body of the dragon he had slain and approached the dragoness with a determined expression. Chapter 205: Red Matriarch King slowly approached the red dragoness, black flames licking across his claws, causing the ground beneath him to melt with each step. He circled around her, inspecting her closely. Rovari stood firm, her posture unwavering, eyes fixed on him as he moved, never turning her head. Finally, King stopped a few meters in front of her, flaring his nostrils before speaking. "Your offer is intriguing, but I do not plan to stay or abandon my first brood to a matriarch I hardly know. You may leave with your honor intact," King declared. Alistair wasn¡¯t sure if he should be proud or disappointed in King. Giving her an out was the right call, yet the idea of adding a dragon to their ranks would be incredibly advantageous, and giving her some incentives would have gone a long way. He couldn''t quite gauge her intentions either¡ªher aura control was impeccable, betraying nothing. Would she accept King¡¯s offer to leave, or would she press the matter further? There was a long pause, during which Rovari continued to eye King, her posture loosening slightly. She moved in closer, now circling around him in turn, but much closer than he had done moments before. As she brushed against him, her tail almost playfully stroked along his cheek. "Then I will join your flight," she declared, her voice resolute. "It is an honor to sire hatchlings with a progenitor of such a powerful new line. Our brood will surpass all others." Alistair raised an eyebrow and glanced at Riseth, who shrugged. "I don¡¯t know mating rituals for dragons or beasts in general," she said through the Akashic Link, "but it makes sense that they¡¯d want strong offspring, especially with a new species more powerful than their own." Alistair nodded in agreement, watching the exchange unfold, satisfied with how things were progressing. However, through their link, he sensed something entirely unexpected¡ªKing, usually the picture of confidence, seemed flustered. It was an emotion King had never shown before, and he did his best to mask it from the others. Alistair couldn¡¯t help but let a wide grin spread across his face, one that quickly earned him a sharp glare from the dragon. Raising his hands defensively, Alistair kept the smug smile in place, sensing that King was struggling to figure out how to respond next. ¡°That is acceptable,¡± King finally managed, his voice steady despite the earlier hesitation. ¡°Excellent,¡± Rovari purred, moving to stand beside him, her gaze briefly drifting toward Alistair and Riseth. Alistair quickly schooled his expression, offering her a welcoming smile. ¡°Then we formally invite you to join the Ryser Clan.¡± ¡°Are you proficient with Polymorph?¡± Riseth added, her tone practical. ¡°The ship we arrived in isn¡¯t quite large enough for your true form.¡± Rovari bowed her head, accepting the invitation. "Of course," she replied smoothly. With a shimmer of magic, her form began to shift. She shrank down to a tall, statuesque woman, her sharp features still holding a hint of draconic majesty as her horns and tail remained. The same regal horns curled back from her head, framing her long, flowing red hair. Her skin was pale, and a collection of crimson scales barely covered her modesty. Alistair could tell she wasn¡¯t simply adopting a typical human guise¡ªshe had clearly imitated King''s humanoid form, taking on more humanoid traits than draconic ones. Alistair wasn¡¯t sure if Rovari had used Polymorph frequently before, as her form still retained several draconic features. Traces of crimson scales lingered along her collarbone and legs and a draconic tail protruded from above her behind, hinting at her true nature. It was clear that while she had adopted a more humanoid appearance, she hadn¡¯t fully shed her draconic heritage. "Will this suffice?" Rovari asked, a self-satisfied expression on her face as she eyed King''s reaction. Riseth shook her head, offering Rovari one of the spare enchanted dresses they carried alongside a storage ring. The Dragoness took the dress with an intrigued expression and put it on before turning it into armor similar to what Riseth was wearing. King also shifted back into his humanoid form, which hadn¡¯t changed drastically, though he was noticeably larger and more muscular than before. His form now showed patches of dark scales and armor plating in practical areas, reinforcing his already imposing presence. Despite the subtle changes, the essence of his previous form remained, just amplified by his recent evolution. King nodded in approval; his eyes had swept over Rovari a bit longer than Alistair would have considered polite. She, however, seemed to enjoy the attention, her tail flicking slightly and a small predatory smile tugging at her lips. That was just Alistair¡¯s guess based on experience, though, as her Aura Veil was still as tight as an iron curtain, hiding any emotions from leaking through. Unlike Nessyra, he didn''t specialize in social skills, so he couldn¡¯t be entirely sure what her true emotions were. Alistair approached Rovari, and her draconic eyes immediately locked onto him, curiosity flickering across her face. "We have plans to expand our faction''s influence on this world," Alistair began. "We¡¯d prefer to do so through peaceful means rather than attempting to conquer a planet teeming with powerful dragons flights. Based on our observations, the copper dragon flight seemed the most likely to cooperate while being sufficiently large. However, as a native, your opinion would be appreciated."The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Rovari tilted her head, placing a finger thoughtfully on her lip, her hip jutting out as she pondered. "The Korretesh Flight is a far better choice than my former Rhalik or the Nythraxion Flights. Our leaders were stubborn, clinging too tightly to tradition and impeding our growth and potential to hold on to power. The purging of wrong colored hatchlings... well, it hasn¡¯t sat well with many of the females, not just in my flight but across all others. Many have taken their hatchlings and fled, seeking shelter rather than watch their eggs or young crushed." She started to pace, her gaze drifting into the distance. "If you aligned with the Korretesh Flight and demonstrated enough strength, many would defect. But, you¡¯d have to kill a lot of the elders and leaders. They would not hesitate to challenge you¡ªor slaughter anyone who dared to defect or even showed any intent of rebellion," she added, her tone laced with a hint of bitterness. Alistair frowned slightly. He had a good idea now why Rovari had such a strong aura control; rebellious dragons likely didn''t live for very long. Rovari paused, considering her answer. "I haven¡¯t seen them fight in ages," she began, her tone cautious. "But based on what I know¡ªand what I¡¯ve seen of you¡ªit¡¯s hard to say who would win in a fight. For non-dragons, you¡¯re powerful, and I suspect King could defeat most of them in a fair fight. But it would be dangerous, and they likely wouldn''t fight fair if threatened. Those old monsters have a lot of tricks up their sleeve," she added, a touch of unease flickering across her expression. Alistair waved a hand dismissively. "We don¡¯t have the time to enact any of this right now; there are more pressing matters. For now, establishing contact with the Korretesh Flight will be sufficient." "More pressing matters than defeating dragon elders?" Rovari echoed, raising an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the priorities of her new companions. "The universe is vast," Riseth replied, bringing out the Artemis, "and now there¡¯s an entire multiverse to contend with¡ªits influences and its invaders." Rovari¡¯s eyes flicked between Riseth and the craft, her curiosity piqued, yet a glimmer of hesitation showed. Alistair could almost see her struggling to grasp what lay beyond her world. There''s a lot we will have to catch her up on and things she doesn''t understand, he thought. They''d need to bring her up to speed with technology, and on what lay beyond the flights, a reality far greater than anything she''d known. Alistair considered this and more as they boarded the Artemis. With Rovari¡¯s help, locating the seat of power for the Korretesh Flight was straightforward. She seemed utterly fascinated by the Akashic Link skill she¡¯d gained by joining the clan, as well as by the various displays and holograms the Artemis could produce. Alistair watched as she inspected a hologram of the planet, her head tilted thoughtfully. Though the perspective was new to her, she quickly identified familiar landmarks, tracing her nail over a mountain range in the southern hemisphere. "Those are the Korretesh Mountains," she said, tapping the display. "It¡¯s been their seat of power for as long as I can remember. They¡¯re led by the coppers, Nazes and Kaxes. This elder pair isn¡¯t known for their strength, but their leadership. The Korretesh Flight is the largest for a reason; their numbers keep them mostly safe from the others. Still, if the Rhalik and Nythraxion elders truly sought to destroy them... I doubt their numbers alone could hold those elders and their followers back." "Wouldn''t the other flights interfere?" Riseth questioned. Rovari scrunched her face in thought. "Possibly. The greens or bronzes might interfere, depending on the situation, to maintain the status quo. Some small groups of gold and silver dragons would certainly come to their aid, but their numbers are few," she explained. "None have reached elder status; most golds and silvers are purged as threats to the established order. A few were born into the Copper Flight, and others were smuggled away by dragonesses willing to risk everything¡ªbut many were killed in the attempt." "What is this planet even called?" Alistair asked. Rovari looked at Alistair with mild surprise, as if he¡¯d asked an obvious question. "The planet has no name,¡± she replied simply. ¡°A true name will only be given when one flight reigns supreme." Rovari treated the planet¡¯s lack of a name as if it were obvious, but for Alistair, it offered an intriguing glimpse into dragon culture. He couldn¡¯t be sure if this was a universal custom among dragons across the multiverse, but it provided valuable insight given their limited understanding of dragon society. As he glanced at the screens, scanning the Korretesh Mountains for a suitable landing site, he was struck by the number and diversity of dragons near the range. Copper dragons were by far the most numerous, though quite a few hybrids existed, mostly copper crossbreeds, with others from entirely separate lineages. The Korretesh Flight boasted at least a few hundred dragons, a far larger number than most smaller flights combined. After some time, they pinpointed a safe landing site out of immediate reach of the patrolling dragons. Riseth stored the Artemis once they disembarked, and it wasn¡¯t long before they were surrounded by a small group of dragons¡ªprimarily coppers, with a few displaying subtle variations in hue and lineage. The largest dragon among them stepped forward, his wary eyes fixed on Alistair and his small group. Alistair noted the mix of copper and red features in the dragon¡¯s scales¡ªa hybrid, it seemed, combining traits of both lineages. He recalled fragmented records he¡¯d read on dragon subspecies. Certain texts labeled these mixed dragons as ¡°mutts,¡± while others recognized them as ¡°mixed¡± or ¡°bicolored¡± species, particularly when traits were consistent across their offspring. The multiverse held countless unique dragon types, but this planet primarily seemed to host more common metallic and distinctly colored species. Notably, this balance could shift if the planet¡¯s average grade rose, enabling dragons here to evolve further through grade advancement. Notably absent were the rarer shades; so far, he hadn¡¯t spotted any pink, purple, or white dragons, among others. The bicolored dragon halted at a safe distance, his movements deliberate as he took his time, seemingly waiting for additional dragons to gather. Those already present watched Alistair¡¯s group closely, their muscles tense and postures ready to react at a moment¡¯s notice. ¡°My name is Garrosh. How may I address you, travelers?¡± the dragon asked, his voice a deep rumble. ¡°We are the Ryser Clan, and we wish to negotiate with the Korretesh Flight,¡± Alistair responded. Garrosh studied them intently, his aura control noteworthy, though not as seamless as Rovari¡¯s. Through the cracks, Alistair glimpsed the dragon¡¯s curiosity mingled with a trace of confusion as he assessed them. ¡°I recognize that scent¡ªit¡¯s Rovari of the Rhalik Flight,¡± one of the copper dragons spoke up. A few of the gathered dragons tensed at the mention of the Rhalik Flight but relaxed when the copper who¡¯d spoken waved her wing dismissively. ¡°She isn¡¯t a brute like most of them,¡± the copper added, ¡°she¡¯s a friend of Erexas.¡± The clarification seemed to ease the tension among the dragons, though it sparked confusion within Alistair and the group, except for Rovari. We really should have asked more about her ties to the Korretesh Flight, Alistair thought, mentally noting to follow up on it once they had a chance. Chapter 206: Two Copper Make a Silver Alistair sensed more dragons approaching, but he remained unbothered. With the sheer power within their small group, they could easily escape if things went south, and most of the dragons around seemed keenly aware of this fact. "What do you wish to discuss with our leaders?" Garrosh asked, his tone cautious but not overtly hostile. "And what would those ideals be?" he added, a hint of skepticism creeping into his voice. "For one, you don¡¯t purge your hatchlings," Alistair replied smoothly, his gaze steady. "Your flight maintains peace, even across species, and frankly, you could use powerful allies." Garrosh turned to a nearby copper dragon, giving a subtle nod. The copper dragon immediately took off, likely headed to inform the leadership. It was clear none of the dragons present possessed a communication skill, leaving the task to their swiftest flyers. ¡°Fine,¡± Garrosh rumbled after a pause. ¡°You may follow me until our leaders decide how to address you.¡± Alistair nodded, smiling as the large bicolored dragon turned and took to the air, flying deeper into the Korretesh mountains. Alistair and the rest followed suit, with King and Rovari shifting into their draconic forms. King¡¯s appearance drew many curious¡ªand even fearful¡ªglances. His aura, bearing the unique signature of an ascended wyvern and heightened by his status as a high-tier progenitor, radiated a fierce, unmistakable intensity. As they continued, more dragons took notice, following at a distance or observing from roosts and caves. Alistair even spotted a silver dragon half-hidden in a cave deep within the Korretesh mountains, curiosity seemingly getting the better of it. It appeared juvenile, not even half the size of King, but Alistair sensed it was no simple creature. The young dragon met his gaze before retreating back into the shadows of the cave. Garrosh led them to a sprawling cave system, where he gestured for them to wait in a large, open chamber. The air within was dry, yet dense with mana, hinting at a powerful dragon vein nestled somewhere deeper inside. Alistair took note of the sparse vegetation around the mountains¡ªred lichen clinging to rocky surfaces and clusters of small, dried-out trees with dark crimson bark. The landscape reflected its position: too far from the poles for lush greenery, yet distant enough from the volcanic equator to support at least some hardy flora adapted to the environment further supported by the introduction of magic. While they waited, Alistair took the opportunity to gather more details from Rovari through the Akashic Link, probing about her connections to the Korretesh Flight. "I have little connection to this flight," Rovari began. "Erexas is a friend and a former Rhalik member. She laid a golden egg, and I helped her escape before anyone noticed¡ªsomething I¡¯ve done before. It¡¯s a secret I kept close, as I had no desire to be banished¡­ or killed." Alistair felt a bit of relief. Though her connections weren¡¯t extensive, they weren¡¯t likely to be a liability either, and he sensed Riseth sharing that sentiment while King exuded a wave of approval. "Purging those with the potential to exceed you¡ªhow pathetic," King commented. Rovari let her tail brush along King¡¯s side, a subtle toothy smile playing on her draconic visage as she met his gaze. ¡°It¡¯s the duty of an aspiring matriarch,¡± she said, her voice light but pointed, ¡°to protect the flight¡¯s brood and¡­ find the strongest mates.¡± The hint of admiration in her tone didn¡¯t hide the challenge beneath it. Before King could reply, their discussion was interrupted as two massive copper dragons, accompanied by a mix of other large and powerful dragons, approached. Alistair immediately recognized the two largest coppers as Nazes and Kaxes, both around level 155. They looked strikingly similar, with their towering statures, glimmering scales, spikes, and sharp curled horns. Kaxes, however, had long whiskers that distinguished him from Nazes. ¡°Two small unknown beings, accompanied by a red and an unknown progenitor¡­¡± Kaxes observed, his intense gaze shifting to Alistair. ¡°Strong bonds tie you all, save for the red. Interesting.¡± He paused, then inclined his head toward King. ¡°I congratulate you on your ascension, young one. May your lineage flourish and soar high.¡± King bowed slightly, wings spreading wide in a gesture of respect, which both Nazes and Kaxes returned. ¡°And how may I address you two?¡± Kaxes asked, looking back to Alistair and Riseth. "I am Alistair Ryser, and this is my wife, Riseth Ryser," Alistair began with a light bow. "We are the leaders of the Ryser Clan." "And you''ve come here to befriend and slay our kin?" Nazes asked, her tone smoother, softer than Kaxes¡¯s, but her words laced with intrigue. Alistair didn¡¯t care for the phrasing, but denying it would be pointless. The system demanded conflict for growth, after all. "Yes, that¡¯s correct," Riseth replied, her chin held high. Alistair nodded, meeting the dragoness''s gaze. She grinned back, baring her fangs in a smile meant to mirror theirs before a deep laugh echoed from her. "You have a fine mate," Nazes said approvingly. "But worry not¡ªwe hold no grudge. It is simply the way of things." She gestured around the cavernous chamber. "We have hosted none but our own kind before, so forgive the surroundings. As they are, they would likely be... unsuitable for guests of your species. I understand you wish to form ties with our flight. With your strength, you have earned the right to ask."This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. "Think nothing of it; we don¡¯t plan to remain long," Alistair assured her before growing more serious, his gaze shifting between the two bronze leaders. "Our aim is to expand our influence on this world, and we would consider the Korretesh Flight as allies in this endeavor." Outrage rippled through the gathered dragons; some tensed, baring their teeth, while others snarled under their breath. Yet Nazes and Kaxes remained unmoved, their intense, calculating gazes fixed on Alistair and his group. Alistair allowed his Aura Veil to loosen just slightly, letting a hint of his resolve come through. The two elders shared a long, silent look before Kaxes finally spoke, his tone measured. "Under different circumstances, I¡¯d call you insolent for suggesting such a bond. But I see your group carries strength enough to kill many of us here and leave only to return in greater force with your kin. Yet, something tells me that is not your intent, and it¡¯s only because of this instinct that we¡¯ll even entertain the notion." ¡°To establish a bond between our flights, we must share mutual interests, foster trust, and ensure that your side has sufficient strength behind it,¡± Nazes intoned, her gaze sharp and unwavering. ¡°But trust¡­ that is not something earned in a single day.¡± Alistair gave a respectful nod, catching the gravity in her tone. ¡°I understand. What do you propose?¡± ¡°Our daughter will go with you,¡± Nazes replied, her voice echoing slightly against the cavern walls. ¡°She will see your seat of power, witness your people, and return to us when she chooses. But know this¡ªif any harm befalls her, the Korretesh Flight will forever mark you as an enemy.¡± Alistair held her gaze, fully aware of the gravity of the arrangement, and had a good idea of the intent behind the suggestion. ¡°That is acceptable.¡± Around them, the other dragons stirred, and a wave of disbelief rippled through the chamber, outrage leaking from those less skilled in concealing their emotions. Their aura veils flickered and failed to hide the tension. But among the larger, more formidable dragons, Alistair noted a quieter, resolute intensity, as if they had already anticipated this moment. He watched as Nazes tilted her head toward a mixed bronze-and-green dragon, who nodded and descended deeper into the cave, likely to retrieve their daughter. ¡°You sensed it, too?¡± Riseth¡¯s voice came through the Akashic Link. ¡°Yes,¡± he replied. ¡°I think they¡¯ve been waiting for something like this. The Korretesh Flight may have numbers, but they¡¯re low on true elites. Their strongest prospects are likely in hiding, to avoid being targeted or draw the ire of the other flights upon the Korretesh. This entire flight has a mark on it¡ªnot just for accepting off-colored, higher-tier, and mixed breeds but for defying the established order.¡± ¡°And with the constant risk, there¡¯s probably a small host of silvers, golds, and other unique dragons hidden away, unable to progress smoothly or gain any real experience and combat records,¡± he added. ¡°Having the means to leave this world and grow without being hunted or bringing danger back here must be an incredibly enticing prospect.¡± Alistair observed as the bronze-and-green dragon returned, now accompanied by a striking young silver. Her body was sleek and streamlined, with sharp, leathery wings that looked entirely intact, lacking the usual marks of wear. Even in the cave¡¯s dim light, her scales shimmered with a silvery luster. Her tail was still, but her poised stance and the barely contained spark in her gaze hinted at her excitement. Though not quite juvenile, she was clearly not fully grown and smaller than most of the dragons gathered, yet her presence radiated a quiet anticipation that set her apart. Of course, their daughter would be silver, Alistair thought, likely giving her a chance to get a headstart and grow stronger under our protection. ¡°This is our daughter, Zephilien,¡± Nazes continued, a subtle yet unmistakable threat woven into her tone. ¡°It is critical that the other flights remain unaware of her true nature.¡± Her gaze passed over the group, pausing on Rovari before locking with Alistair¡¯s. Alistair briefly considered offering to bring additional dragons along but knew he¡¯d need to establish trust first. Meeting Nazes'' intelligent gaze, he sensed a flicker of understanding, a shared recognition of the stakes involved. Alistair and Riseth gave Zephi a polite nod in greeting, which the young silver returned with a graceful dip of her head. "I¡¯ll be in your care,¡± she said, her tone soft yet carrying a hint of playfulness. Alistair heard chimes ring off, indicating that he had earned another title and level, but decided to look at it once they left the planet as he didn''t wish to appear to be distracted. They didn¡¯t linger much longer, exchanging a few more words before preparing to leave. The younger dragons were growing visibly restless, and Alistair and Riseth didn¡¯t miss how the more experienced dragons¡ªor those in the know¡ªsubtly used Dragon Fear to silence them. Despite their best efforts to keep it discreet, they noticed every flicker of control and tension within the ranks despite the dragon''s best efforts. Not wishing to overstay their welcome and having finished their business on this world having earned some titles, and now accompanied by three dragons, Alistair and Riseth marked this expedition as an incredible success, the additional time they had spent training King in anticipation of his Draconic Ascension had been well spent, and the worry and pressure Alistair had felt over the possibility of King dying in his duel or severing their ties vanished. Considering Rovari¡¯s presence, Alistair sent a quick message to Nessyra, informing her of their new guests while keeping their species under wraps. He assumed she¡¯d already anticipated it, likely preparing suitable spaces for both Rovari and Zephilien, preferably in separate quarters. Rovari¡¯s behavior could only be described as broody, her tail firmly entwined with King¡¯s as she all but led him to the private chambers at the back of the ship, eager for privacy. Meanwhile, Zephilien seemed entirely unfazed by their retreat, her attention absorbed by the Artemis¡¯s technology. Her humanoid form retained many draconic traits¡ªlong, silvery-white hair that flowed over her shoulders, skin accented with scales along her collar and forearms, and curved horns that arched gracefully from her head. Whether her appearance reflected a preference or an early stage in mastering her shapeshifting skills was unclear. Riseth had lent her enchanted clothing that shifted to fit her form, shaping into a simple dress and pants¡ªmodest attire that suited her. Alistair waved Zephilien over as Riseth continued plotting the course home. ¡°So, two coppers make a silver on your world?¡± Alistair remarked with a smirk, which the young dragoness eagerly mirrored. He could sense her excitement bubbling just beneath the surface. After a lifetime of being hidden away, Zephilien looked ready to burst with energy, like a dam about to give way. Her gaze darted around the cockpit, curious eyes studying each control as if each held a secret. Alistair chuckled, catching on to her barely contained enthusiasm. ¡°Feel free to explore and ask questions, but maybe hold off on pressing any buttons¡ªat least without a heads-up.¡± Zephilien grinned, her tail flicking with excitement. ¡°You can call me Zephi,¡± she added with a playful gleam in her eye. Chapter 207: Are we there yet? Zephi was an incredible bundle of energy and a great distraction as Alistair''s senses picked up the occasional loud noises from the back of the ship until he put up a privacy sphere to isolate the cockpit, something he and Riseth did when they weren''t alone on the ship. ¡°They seem to be¡­ enjoying themselves,¡± Riseth observed over the Akashic Link as Alistair guided Zephi through the displays, showing her how to scan nearby planets and systems. After finishing his explanation, Alistair stood up and walked over to Riseth, leaning against her chair and placing a light kiss on the top of her head, leaving Zephi to explore the console. ¡°I wonder who the offspring will take after,¡± Riseth mused. ¡°Or if they¡¯ll bring another new dragon species into the world.¡± Alistair shrugged. ¡°Given King¡¯s progenitor status, I¡¯d say it¡¯s more likely they¡¯ll be Vexaldris like him. Still, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if some were mixed or unique.¡± Zephi, who had been listening intently, chimed in with a bright tone. ¡°As an ascended dragon and a progenitor, his records will likely dominate. Rovari¡¯s influence would be minor, so most of their offspring will probably be Vexaldris like him, though they may inherit a stronger affinity for fire.¡± She paused, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. ¡°I¡¯m guessing King¡¯s breath is cursed flames? If not, it¡¯s almost certain their offspring will have it as a variant. In that regard, she is an amazing match as a matriarch.¡± Alistair and Riseth turned to watch Zephi as she eagerly tapped at the console, her focus absorbed in exploring the display. Then, they exchanged a glance. ¡°You seem pretty unbothered. I take it dragons don¡¯t care much about privacy?¡± Riseth asked. Zephi shrugged, still absorbed in the console. ¡°It depends. Dragon courtship can take forever or be over quickly¡ªit¡¯s all about pedigree and age. Rovari probably couldn¡¯t find a dragon that met her standards,¡± she replied, her tone matter-of-fact. ¡°Now, if a powerful gold, a silver, or even King wanted me as a matriarch, I¡¯d consider it. My records are still lacking, but I¡¯m young, and my drive isn¡¯t quite there yet." She paused, her voice sharpening with excitement. ¡°But now? I finally have a real chance to grow strong! I¡¯m no longer stuck in that cave. I¡¯ll reach heights where only the strongest and best dare to court me!¡± She looked up, eyes blazing with fierce determination. Riseth chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m sure we can help you get there. So, how old are you anyway?¡± ¡°I¡¯m 21,¡± Zephi replied proudly. ¡°Technically still juvenile, but due to being constantly exposed to the dragon veins all my life, I matured a little faster," This took them a little aback, particularly when coupled with her willingness to become a matriarch, having interacted with the dragons a bit, Alistair had almost forgotten that they were technically considered feral, a term he wasn''t sure was a perfect fit, especially since he could tell that was just the closest translation his Myriad Language skill gave when he read any books on dragons. Another thing that stood out was that their speech frequently lasted longer than the words they spoke, indicating that their language was quite dissimilar to most others and that they tended to speak fewer words with more meaning than most languages. Alistair felt the sudden pull of entering warp space and watched as Zephi suddenly held onto the console in front of her eyes wide yet sharp. "What was that?" Zephi Riseth smiled at her, "That was us entering warp space. We should arrive in the Ryse system shortly," Alistair still had to get used to the name for their system, but it was certainly one of the better options that had floated around during discussions on naming their quadrant. He pulled up his titles, scanning for recent upgrades and the new one he¡¯d acquired earlier. While Riseth explained the warp space phenomenon, Alistair entered his soulscape. With a focused thought, he called up reports on records and their influence on titles. Books glided off the shelves, flipping open to project hovering screens that displayed the specific condensed information he was after. His brows furrowed as he summoned combat reports to compare. By now, Alistair had a solid understanding of how titles formed¡ªthey were closely tied to his actions and the records he gained. Yet, not all of his title-worthy deeds seemed to crystallize into actual titles. He had a strong suspicion that this was linked to his intent and self-perception. Despite having engaged in diplomatic activities that could warrant a title, he didn¡¯t consider himself a true diplomat, and the same held for exploration. This self-image likely influenced the titles he received¡ªor didn''t receive. Another likely factor, he thought, could be his discomfort with the effects many social and diplomatic skills had on others'' [Mind]¡ªa route he wasn¡¯t entirely comfortable taking. As for exploration, while he did view himself as an explorer to some extent, he¡¯d only recently seen his Clan Explorer title advance to Epic. The upgrade had enhanced his environmental resistance and increased his chance of uncovering treasures. From experience, he¡¯d noticed this translated into subtle instincts, occasionally nudging him toward items or plants he might have otherwise missed, or giving him a faint sense that certain areas were worth a closer look.

Titles: Tier: [Epic] Name: Clan Explorer Effect: Grants a 5% bonus to the [Senses] statistic and strong environmental resistance. Increases the likelihood of discovering treasures by a moderate amount. Origin: A growing title acquired and improved by exploring, mapping and enriching [Clan Ryser] through planetary exploration and expeditions.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. - Tier: [Epic] Name: Stalwart Negotiator Effect: Grants a 5% bonus to the [Mind] statistic and greatly increases resistance against the effects of social skills, particularly those that would influence your original stance on a matter. Origin: A growing title acquired by frequent exposure to social skills and diplomatic settings and resisting most attempts at intimidation, persuasion, and other influencing social skills.
He wasn¡¯t certain if the dragons had tried using any Influence skills beyond the subtle elevation of their presence through Dragon Fear, but if they had, he hadn¡¯t noticed it. Still, resisting that pressure and concluding the talks with what he considered an excellent outcome had likely contributed a fair share of records to those that had now crystallized into this diplomacy-related title. However, he was quite happy with its effects. The most notable realization, Alistair concluded, based on his gathered data, was that Combat titles weren¡¯t his most prevalent simply because he saw himself as a fighter. Rather, they stood out because he wasn¡¯t the only source of the records. Unlike other title types, it seemed clear that each time he killed someone or something, a part of their records transferred to him. This was especially evident in his slayer titles, which appeared to draw on relevant records from both parties involved in the conflict. He was confident this transfer wasn¡¯t exclusive to combat titles, though he wondered what the crafting equivalent would look like. He suspected it depended on the type of craft¡ªperhaps weapons that formed a weapon spirit provided the creator with additional records over time? He had very little data to go on right now; Denodia was the only crafts person he knew who successfully created a weapon with a spirit, and she had done so only once. Only time would tell. After all, he¡¯d only been in the system for just over two years, and soon enough, he¡¯d have a clearer picture. Alistair''s intuition told him that somebody''s attention was on him, and he tore himself out of the Soulscape just in time to feel the Artemis exiting warp space. However, the Zephi seemed to have expected the sensation and had likely been warned by Riseth. Alistair could sense King and Rovari stirring in the back of the craft, likely getting ready to disembark.
As the screens came to life, displaying the Ryse system in all its glory, Zephi was glued to the screens, mesmerized by the view of Lacustrine, Nautilus, and the massive station that loomed beside them. Glancing at the screens, Alistair noticed that the station¡¯s weapons had initially trained on their ship upon arrival but were now retracting back into standby mode as the shields slowly flickered off and Riseth confirmed their identities. While it was highly unlikely that anyone could locate their world or track their crafts, the recently added advanced ECM suites and counter-tracking measures provided an extra layer of security. They left nothing to chance, activating shields and training weapons on new arrivals as standard protocol. The ECM suite on the Artemis¡ªand throughout the fleet¡ªcould detect quantum entanglement beacons or other tracking devices to ensure security. This technology was among the key assets they¡¯d acquired from the Aegis Coalition, funded in part by the substantial bounty payments the Coalition still owed them.
"Your worlds are beautiful," Zephi said, awe-struck. "A bit too much water for my taste," Rovari commented, earning a raised eyebrow from Riseth. She huffed before relenting. "Fine, fine... it''s breathtaking." Alistair watched as she leaned into King, her tail still tightly intertwined with his, a look of satisfaction on her face. King wore a similar expression, though his attempt at a contented smile ended up looking decidedly awkward. Alistair couldn¡¯t resist storing the mental image of King¡¯s hilariously unpracticed grin, especially when King caught his eye. King still hadn''t mastered facial expressions while in his humanoid form, and his current face was extremely goofy-looking. A mischievous grin spread across Alistair''s face, leaving King even more perplexed. He filed the mental image away for later use. They descended swiftly toward Rathos, with Zephi¡¯s awe-filled ¡°oohs¡± and ¡°aahs¡± filling the cockpit while looking at the large screens in amazement. Rovari tried to maintain a neutral expression, but her eyes widened just slightly when the landing hatch opened, revealing the expanse of the hangar below. As they disembarked, Nessyra and Zarrias were there to greet them. Nessyra offered a wide smile as she embraced her sister, then Alistair, though her eyes kept darting to the new arrivals. ¡°Welcome back. It sounds like the trip was... productive,¡± Nessyra said, an amused gleam in her gaze. ¡°I imagine congratulations are in order, though I¡¯m not entirely sure where to start,¡± she added, glancing between King and Rovari, a hint of mischief in her expression. King raised his chin with a scoff. ¡°You may bask in the presence of a true progenitor dragon!¡± Nessyra chuckled, bowing with a touch of respect, though her tone remained playful. ¡°Oh, mighty progenitor, I¡¯ll be sure to make a grand announcement in your honor,¡± she teased. Alistair noted Rovari edging closer to King, her tail flicking slightly in subtle agitation. Noticing the shift, Nessyra laughed warmly and inclined her head to the newcomers. ¡°Where are my manners? I¡¯m Nessyra, the clan¡¯s executive. It¡¯s a pleasure to officially welcome you.¡± She turned back to King, her gaze both warm and sincere. ¡°King, congratulations on your Draconic Ascension¡ªand on finding a worthy mate.¡± She offered Rovari a respectful nod. ¡°Rovari, welcome to the Ryser Clan.¡± Rovari¡¯s expression was composed, but Alistair didn¡¯t miss the flash of annoyance in her eyes, along with a hint of hesitation in her stance. Nessyra¡¯s subtle yet powerful presence had effortlessly suppressed Rovari¡¯s faint use of Dragon Fear¡ªa silent reminder of her own authority. Rovari, who likely saw Nessyra as a rival, seemed almost unsettled, a reaction that Nessyra no doubt intended to stoke though for what reasons he couldn''t fathom. Nessyra then turned to the rest of the group. ¡°While I need to catch our leaders up on some sensitive information, Zarrias will be your guide for now. If there¡¯s anything you need, just let him know.¡± A glint of amusement returned to her eyes. ¡°Braxik, our master builder, is also eagerly awaiting your arrival¡ªseems the idea of designing a home for dragons has him quite excited.¡± The group turned to Zarrias, who offered a respectful bow. ¡°I am Zarrias. Welcome to Rathos. I¡¯ll be your guide. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.¡± Zephi, who had been watching the exchange, looked between them with a mix of confusion and concern. ¡°I thought we¡¯d all stick together?¡± Riseth placed a comforting hand on the young dragoness¡¯s shoulder. ¡°We will,¡± she assured her. ¡°But there are certain duties we¡¯re required to attend to.¡± Noticing Zephi¡¯s disappointed pout, Riseth added, ¡°Rathos is an incredible city. We have some of the best food you¡¯ll ever taste and even an entertainment dungeon. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll find plenty to enjoy.¡± Zephi looked a bit uncertain but gave a nod, her gaze shifting to Zarrias. He offered her a warm smile. "It would be my pleasure to show you around Rathos in all its glory," he said, his attention moving between Zephi and Rovari. "Are you hungry, by chance?" Both Zephi and Rovari perked up immediately. Rovari stepped closer, dragging King along with a firm tug. ¡°Starving. Lead the way,¡± she commanded, her tone leaving little room for delay. Zephi¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement as she chimed in, ¡°Yes, please!¡± Zarrias flashed a winning smile at the three dragons and gestured for them to follow, guiding them toward the nearest teleportation hub, ready to lead them through the heart of Rathos. Chapter 208: Preparations The trio watched Zarrias and the dragons depart before Alistair turned to Nessyra. ¡°Any pressing matters now that we¡¯re back?¡± Nessyra shook her head. ¡°Nothing urgent, but there are several matters I¡¯d rather not discuss over the Coalition network. We¡¯ve also received updates on the raids¡ªthey¡¯re getting closer. That said, I¡¯d estimate we still have a few days, maybe even weeks.¡± Riseth looked mildly irritated. "So, essentially, the same estimate as when we left," she muttered. Alistair chuckled, draping his arm over her shoulder. ¡°At least we achieved what we set out to in time. I¡¯ve been itching to get back to work on my Kinetic Dragon Heart augmentation. Our skills have hit a bit of a ceiling, and our next skill selection is progressing nicely. Might as well make some headway on body cultivation.¡± Riseth sighed as they headed toward the teleportation pad. ¡°Alright, then. I¡¯ll start with regeneration-focused augmented physiology. I¡¯m thinking of targeting the bone marrow unless you have any objections?¡± Alistair tilted his head thoughtfully. Regeneration was certainly a priority on their list of needed augments, and he knew from experience just how frustratingly resilient regenerating opponents could be. A few of his titles already boosted regeneration, but without a strong base to amplify, those boosts had limited impact. Unlike him, Riseth was a skilled Bio-Healer with an in-depth understanding of anatomy and the nuances of body enhancement and modification even before the Initiation. Human and humanoid demon anatomies were strikingly similar, which made it easy for her to study up on and advise him on the most effective areas for each augmentation. Their manuals and Sotarr provided a rough framework, usually aligning with practical medical logic¡ªa stomach, for instance, was ideal for processing treasures. If she suggested bone marrow for regeneration, he fully trusted her judgment. Nodding to himself, he replied, ¡°Good call.¡± As they continued toward the TOC, Alistair noticed an increased number of police patrols throughout the corridors and city. Officers in power armor, each bearing the clan¡¯s sigil, moved with purpose, and he furrowed his brows. ¡°What¡¯s with the heightened police presence?¡± he asked. Nessyra glanced over her shoulder, her expression almost bored. ¡°Even with all the screening we conduct, and as effective as our magical questioning and contracts are in keeping syndicate affiliates and other spies out, we can¡¯t completely prevent racial tensions.¡± She noted the concerned looks from both him and Riseth. ¡°Some of the more unusual species¡ªlike the spider-legged demons¡ªhave faced discrimination here. They¡¯ve filed complaints, and a few have lashed out. Thankfully, nothing major has happened yet, thanks to our interventions and the strict enforcement of clan rules.¡± Alistair had been aware of some of these issues but had left them in Simon¡¯s capable hands. As head of the policing force, Simon made sure the clan¡¯s general rules for peace and order were strictly upheld. ¡°Anything else?¡± Riseth asked, frowning slightly. Nessyra tilted her head thoughtfully. ¡°A few humans have been overly aggressive in their romantic pursuits, but we¡¯ve kept it well under control. On the bright side, it¡¯s led to new jobs¡ªand more records linked to peacekeeping. Police work has quickly become a popular career path for clan members looking to hone their skills. Besides maintaining city order, they¡¯re also responsible for defending against monster attacks and handling occasional exterminations.¡± "Considering how Earth is doing despite Sol''s best efforts, we¡¯re quite well off," Alistair remarked. Alistair had kept tabs on Earth, often reaching out to his friend Remo over the Coalition Network whenever he found the time. Thanks to his improved access, he could check in regularly and gather updates on the situation. According to Remo, while Sol had managed to minimize casualties and maintain some semblance of order beyond his own domain, Earth was still steeped in turmoil. Chaos and violence remained widespread¡ªit was, after all, simply human nature. Sol faced an ongoing struggle to take control of Earth, encountering fierce resistance from both American factions and Chinese cultivation sects opposing his influence. Earth itself was enormous and largely untamed, with various territories occupied by rising beastkin species, each claiming their own territories. ¡°Any plans to tackle the issues of discrimination?¡± Riseth asked. Nessyra nodded. ¡°We¡¯ve initiated several programs to address these concerns, with more in development. Most focus on fostering interaction between groups¡ªcultural festivals, joint training programs, and, of course, the peacekeeping efforts you¡¯re seeing now and punishment for non-compliance. The tensions are manageable, and those involved seem satisfied with how we¡¯ve handled things.¡± Riseth gave a quick, approving glance at Alistair, who nodded in agreement with her questioning gaze. Reassured by her sister¡¯s approach, Riseth let the matter rest. They soon arrived at the TOC, where Simon¡¯s father, Thomas, along with the mermaid empress Denodia and the craftsdwarf Resni Stoneheart, were already waiting. As they stepped through the door, Denodia was the first to greet them, moving forward with open arms. ¡°Alistair! Riseth! It¡¯s so good to see you both,¡± she exclaimed, her face lighting up with a broad smile. ¡°I¡¯m relieved everything turned out well.¡± As she spoke, Alistair noticed a gleam of anticipation in her eyes, mirrored in Resni and Thomas, who watched them with eager expressions as they stepped closer to join the welcome. ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you too,¡± Riseth replied with a knowing smile. ¡°But I have a feeling we¡¯re not the main reason for all this excitement.¡±Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! The crafters laughed good-naturedly. ¡°You brought dragon parts¡ªcan you blame us?¡± Thomas chuckled. ¡°Denodia thinks you may have killed a dragon with a strength core concept,¡± Resni added, her excitement evident. ¡°Do you realize how valuable that is? Soaking Dragonstalk in that specific dragon¡¯s blood could create materials of incredible quality if aged properly. Many crafters would do anything for the resources you¡¯ve brought us today!¡± Alistair chuckled, glancing around and noticing Jessica''s absence. ¡°Where¡¯s Jessica? I¡¯m sure dragon blood and bones would be incredible for alchemy,¡± he remarked. Resni waved him off. ¡°Don¡¯t worry¡ªwe¡¯ll involve her and the other alchemists in the refinement stages. For now, our job is to make sure none of the material goes to waste. Some of it will be set aside for aging processes, and with the right magical techniques, we may even be able to cultivate or multiply the materials.¡± ¡°How would you multiply dragon parts?¡± Alistair asked, intrigued by the revelation. Denodia gave a small smile before beginning her explanation. ¡°There are extremely rare treasures and locations that can be imbued or transplanted with certain materials, allowing them to either grow or multiply in unique ways. For instance, with bones, the most famous method would involve bone gardens¡ªa rare natural treasure, though not entirely out of reach, especially with our connections and finances. There are also specific magic wells and other natural formations that can transform when infused with dragon blood or other liquid treasures, creating more of the substance. The yield, however, depends heavily on the type of treasure used for infusion. Dragon blood, for example, would have a dreadfully slow production cycle but would be well worth the investment, particularly when paired with a beneficial concept like strength.¡± Alistair hummed thoughtfully. ¡°Bone gardens, huh? I imagine if we offered a portion of the harvest, we might be able to convince a faction to part with such a treasure if outright purchase isn¡¯t an option.¡± Nessyra scoffed lightly at the suggestion. ¡°That would take one heck of a negotiator to get me to agree to that,¡± she replied. ¡°Still, I¡¯ll put out a request for such items with the Coalition and our other allies and keep it in mind when participating in the next auction. But let¡¯s be realistic¡ªwe won¡¯t be the only ones on the lookout for treasures like that.¡± ¡°Any chance we could create similar formations or treasures using our concepts and enchantment work?¡± Nessyra asked, a note of hope in her voice. Alistair considered the question for a moment. While he wasn¡¯t an expert on the subject, he couldn¡¯t see why someone powerful enough couldn¡¯t artificially create such formations. Mitania had achieved similar feats with growth treasures, though he suspected it would require a much higher grade to accomplish something of this nature. ¡°Perhaps Simon could, at a higher grade?¡± Alistair suggested. ¡°His core concept is stone, so he might be able to create formations and treasures related to stone, metals, crystals¡ªmaybe even more.¡± They handed over the materials to the eager trio, who, barely able to contain their excitement, quickly excused themselves. Practically giddy, they hurried out of the TOC, nearly breaking into a run as they disappeared down the corridor. Alistair chuckled, sealing the door behind him before taking a seat next to Riseth in the circular seating. He looked expectantly at Nessyra, who cleared her throat as a projection of an unknown jungle planet appeared above the projector. ¡°As I mentioned earlier, I¡¯ve received some valuable intel on our target,¡± Nessyra began. ¡°The Aegis Coalition has identified a large, hidden base on this planet. Now, on its own, that wouldn¡¯t necessarily make this a priority target. But what the spy uncovered inside is what makes it interesting.¡± She gestured to the projection as the view zoomed in, replacing the planetary image with detailed photographs and a mapped layout of a cave system. The cave had been repurposed into a large, modern base, and as the images reached the deepest parts, they revealed a portal. Riseth sat up straighter, a spark of eagerness in her voice. ¡°A realm?¡± Nessyra gave them a greedy smile. ¡°Yes. We were chosen for this mission because we¡¯re one of the very few factions in possession of a realm catcher or equivalent treasure. Unfortunately, we know little about what¡¯s inside this realm, but we do know it likely has either an incredible hunting ground, strong time compression, or both. When the Coalition offered this target, it was with the understanding that we either take the realm from the Syndicate that currently controls it or clear it of those defending and training within it before Coalition forces take over.¡± Alistair whistled. ¡°Well, that¡¯s definitely a more valuable target than a shipyard.¡± ¡°Quite,¡± Nessyra replied. ¡°However, we¡¯re also tasked with freeing the agent posing as a sex slave¡ªthe one who provided us with this intel. Under no circumstances can we risk her life, so bombing is out of the question. We¡¯ll have to handle this one up close and personal.¡± Riseth and Alistair¡¯s expressions grew a bit more serious at her words. ¡°Of course,¡± they replied in unison before Riseth added, ¡°Does the Beshin clan and our other allies know about this, and are they okay with us taking the realm?¡± Nessyra made a face. ¡°Yes, they¡¯re aware. The Beshin were fairly reasonable, but a few of our other allies needed more convincing. Some even opted out, unsatisfied with the offered payment, choosing instead to join other assaults.¡± ¡°What were the Oni¡¯s demands?¡± Alistair asked, curiosity evident in his tone. ¡°They want us to expedite our gate construction to link our world with theirs, along with access to our realms and dungeons,¡± Nessyra explained. ¡°In return, they¡¯d give us access to their dungeons. They¡¯re being quite reasonable about access to limited dungeons, so there¡¯s no issue on that front.¡± "I did, and I have already confirmed all the agreements with the other New Light Alliance members who are joining us." ¡°Have any of our allies from the New Light Alliance been discovered?¡± Alistair asked out of curiosity. ¡°Of those who actively hid in the wider multiverse, only the Kabrudall Guild so far,¡± Nessyra answered. ¡°And fortunately, it wasn¡¯t the Syndicate that found them, so it may stay under wraps a little longer.¡± ¡°The Kabrudall¡­ they¡¯re the Dwarves and the Daxguar¡ªthe Ravenkin, right?¡± Alistair asked, clarifying. Nessyra gave a brief smile of acknowledgment. ¡°Based on what we know of them, it¡¯s not too surprising they¡¯ve industrialized their sector more heavily than we have,¡± Alistair remarked. ¡°That was bound to attract attention.¡± ¡°About that,¡± Nessyra interjected before Alistair could continue. ¡°We¡¯re constructing mining fleets, defensive installations, and escort ships. Our prospectors and explorers have identified valuable resources on nearby asteroids and planetoids¡ªmaterials that could be incredibly useful to us. That said, we¡¯ll soon be attracting the same kind of attention ourselves.¡± Alistair mulled over her words for a moment before giving a thoughtful nod. It was indeed time to begin extracting and securing those resources. There were plenty of eager individuals within the clan, ready to captain mining ships in search of wealth or to command combat vessels protecting the clan¡¯s interests¡ªan inevitable step forward for their growing clan operations. ¡°But let¡¯s get back on track,¡± Nessyra said, smoothly redirecting the conversation to their current priority. "We should talk about the two factions joining us for this expedition, and I created dossiers for both factions," Nessyra said before sending them the information through the Akashic Link. Chapter 209: The Ethos Crusaders Alistair leaned back while reading the provided doccie, glancing at the projections displaying their banner alongside those of the Ethos Crusaders and the Beshin Clan. His gaze lingered on the banner of the Crusaders. Their banner, featuring a golden cross surrounded by intricate gothic symbols, reflected the Ethos Crusaders¡¯ deeply religious and unified society, which included humans and multiple other species. They had fully embraced the identity of crusaders¡ªnot just as a symbol but out of necessity¡ªhaving been forced to heavily militarize against neighboring factions long before Initiation. Their declared mission was to spread their light to the wider universe, waging war against those who rejected their beliefs. While this stance might normally have raised concerns, their targets were anything but reasonable: the Orc Tide and the hivemind Devourers posed constant, existential threats. These enemies continued to clash with the Crusaders, often with the Coalition¡¯s support. Both the Orc Tide and Devourers had rejected every attempt at diplomacy, threatening the security of nearby galaxies and the Coalition¡¯s bridge network. Their actions had earned them an Extermination Mandate from the Aegis Coalition¡ªa rare designation that marked them for eradication on sight, with generous bounties posted by both the Coalition and affected factions. Thankfully, the Ethos Crusaders¡¯ beliefs were far from offensive, making the Coalition¡¯s decision to back them relatively straightforward. Before Initiation, this brutal three-way conflict between the Crusaders, the Orc Tide, and the Hivemind Devourers had left the Crusaders battered and, on the back foot, reduced to just a handful of worlds. Their survival had only been possible because the Orc Tide shifted its focus to the Devourers, giving the Crusaders a much-needed reprieve during what they had come to see as the end times. The Ethos Crusade resided in one of the larger galaxies not too far from the Milky Way. An interesting side note was that Sol and Ethos maintained a close relationship and even cooperated with each other during the Trial. As he continued reading her analysis, Alistair noted a key difference between Sol and Ethos: Ethos¡¯s willingness to abandon his worlds and domain if necessary since he identified with the Crusade itself, not just the world he came from, and in turn being a much less fragmented and diverse natural god when compared to Sol. While their home was still important to the Crusade, they had already begun establishing colonies far from the frontline, places where they could send their civilians and build an infrastructure to fall back on. The Ethos Crusade was also the origin and heart of the New Light Alliance. As the strongest faction within the Alliance, it held control over multiple planets and boasted billions of followers, many of whom had been war veterans even before Initiation. This foundation gave them a significant number of powerful individuals, most of whom were further strengthened by their bond with a natural god, wielding faith magic to its fullest potential alongside their core concepts. They only accepted factions with similar outlooks that aligned with their own beliefs. While they didn¡¯t impose their religion on members of the Alliance, they expected everyone to uphold the tenets of Loyalty, Order, Justice, Compassion, and Integrity. Nessyra had initially been met with skepticism¡ªhumans and demons weren¡¯t the most likely allies. However, with humans as one of their founding races, the Ethos Crusade had been willing to give them a chance and had done their research on them. Ethos¡¯s positive connections to Sol, along with his acceptance of Zaltom, had greatly helped and opened the doors to discussions. This led to the Ryser Clan joining the newly forming New Light Alliance, soon followed by the Beshin Clan upon the Ryser Clan¡¯s recommendation. ¡°From the New Light Alliance, only the Ethos Crusaders and the Beshin Clan will be joining us. The Zondu and Noross have their own targets, but we should be able to manage between our three factions. I had hoped to secure the Shadow Elves from the Rymtia Enclave as well, but they¡¯re tied up with their own mission.¡± ¡°How much support can we expect from the Crusaders?¡± Riseth asked. ¡°They promised us the Norgard Order, led by High Inquisitor Elenora Seitz,¡± Nessyra replied. Alistair looked up from his report. ¡°That almost sounds like a human name. And why are they sending one of their inquisitions?¡± ¡°You¡¯re half right; she¡¯s a half-elf,¡± Nessyra answered. ¡°As for why they¡¯re sending an inquisition, it¡¯s because of a few more elusive targets within the compound.¡± An image appeared of a striking, dark-skinned, elven woman with long, wavy black hair and bright green eyes. ¡°This is Syca Vilvic, or at least that¡¯s the name we have for the spy infiltrating the compound,¡± Nessyra continued. ¡°She¡¯s a former wood elf, now evolved to a windleaf elf, and she¡¯s been posing as a sex slave for one of the Syndicate¡¯s rising stars¡ªGerian Gral. He¡¯s a former human who has evolved into a Rakshasa, which makes him an especially devious and elusive target, hence the inquisition¡¯s interest.¡± An image of Gerian Gral followed. He had a muscular, humanoid form with features resembling a powerful Sphynx cat¡ªmostly hairless, with a bearded face, tusks, and large curled horns that gave him a distinctly demonic and unsettling appearance. Alistair frowned as he studied the image. ¡°I presume killing him to void the slave contract and rescuing the spy is a high priority?¡±Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. "Saving her was one of the Coalition¡¯s strongly worded demands for this target,¡± Nessyra explained. ¡°I¡¯d also like the chance to speak with her myself, to understand how she managed to sidestep some very pointed questions and pass along information while bound by a slave contract.¡± ¡°Perhaps the contract is incomplete¡ªor doesn¡¯t even exist¡ªand Gerian never realized?¡± Riseth suggested, a thoughtful look crossing her face. Nessyra tilted her head, considering. ¡°Either way, it would take extraordinary skill with mind magic or a deep understanding of contract magic to manage something like that.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not too comfortable with you coming into the conflict zone if it¡¯s not necessary,¡± Riseth remarked, concern evident in her tone. Nessyra offered a reassuring smile. ¡°No need to worry. I finally managed to develop cloning skills. It turns out that while my affinity for the cloning concept is middling, I have a strong affinity for the avatar concept¡ªwhich is almost as good. It¡¯s useless in combat so far as a single punch would make it disappear... but it¡¯s been incredibly useful for administrative work. I can only keep one avatar active over long distances with the help of the universal network. Still, it¡¯s extremely focus-intensive, and I can''t sleep yet without the avatar dispersing.¡± To demonstrate, two identical copies of Nessyra appeared at her sides. At a quick glance, they looked exactly like her, but to anyone with sharp magical senses, their fragile forms would be quite obvious. They seemed barely held together, as if a light breeze could scatter them. One of the copies picked up a tablet from a nearby table and gave them a small wave. Alistair and Riseth gawked at the copies, impressed with Nessyra''s progress. If she managed to improve the combat capabilities of the Avatars and lose the dependency on the Coalition network, it would be an absurdly useful skill, as she could participate in combat while doing her admin work in complete safety. ¡°The main issue with our administration,¡± Nessyra continued, ¡°was simply that there weren¡¯t enough of me. So, I took a page from Mitania¡¯s book and made more copies of myself. They¡¯re not as solid as I¡¯d like, even with illusions to mask the fragility, but they do the job.¡± ¡°You do realize you¡¯re just downright ridiculous, don¡¯t you?¡± Alistair remarked, grinning. ¡°If you keep refining these avatars to the point they can actually fight, you¡¯ll be a one-woman army.¡± ¡°I already am!¡± she protested with a scoff, winking at them before picking up where she¡¯d left off. ¡°Right now, we¡¯re waiting for enough of the Syndicate leaders to reveal themselves. The plan is to either kill them or keep them occupied while factions like ours seize critical locations and destroy their infrastructure. The Coalition¡¯s main target is Xariarch, the Dragon of Pestilence. He hasn¡¯t been seen in a while¡ªprobably holed up in a realm, dungeon, or training with an outsider. They want to avoid us or other factions accidentally running into him while we¡¯re trying to secure a realm or other site of importance. He and a handful of others would be more than even we and our allies could handle.¡± Alistair nodded with a grimace. Having now faced a dragon, he knew just how tough a feral one could be. A true elite like Xariarch, with good connections, access to treasures, and a concept like Pestilence, would be impossible for him and Riseth to handle without serious backup. And he¡¯d much rather avoid fighting anything tied to Pestilence; some magical afflictions were far harder to heal than others. King¡¯s curse concept was one of the worst, if not the most infamous of them all, and Alistair was seriously considering asking him to stay with Rovari for this mission. Revealing the existence of a new lineage of cursed dragons would almost certainly cause an uproar, painting an even larger target on their backs. Other factions would likely strike first to eliminate the threat before it could grow. He wasn¡¯t even sure how Sotarr would react to such a revelation. He clicked his tongue, drawing the attention of the two sisters. ¡°Speaking of dragons, we should keep King hidden for now. Under no circumstances can we reveal that he¡¯s creating a lineage of cursed dragons within our clan. The stigma around that concept is too strong, and it would turn many against us. The threat he poses if left unchecked is too great for most to ignore¡ªthey¡¯ll want to nip it in the bud.¡± Nessyra nodded approvingly. ¡°I¡¯ve already instructed Zarrias to inform King of this once they¡¯re alone, and I agree. Part of me wishes you could just store him in his plane and only take him out in emergencies or when it¡¯s absolutely certain no one will see him. But that would be cruel¡ªand maybe a bit too extreme. Besides, identifying a new species and knowing their related concept isn¡¯t something just anyone can do, especially if King masks his core concept like he¡¯s been instructed. The only individual or creature I know of with that ability¡ªand my network is vast¡ªis Dexter, who¡¯s happily sleeping in my office right now.¡± ¡°How do you know he¡¯s sleeping in your office?¡± Riseth questioned. ¡°Because one of my avatars is with him,¡± Nessyra replied smoothly. Alistair gave her a mock-challenging look. ¡°Do you often give my summons instructions when they¡¯re out of my sight?¡± ¡°Only if it threatens the safety of our faction and its members,¡± she shot back with a grin. ¡°So yes, every now and then.¡± ¡°Having him spend time with Rovari is probably a good thing,¡± Riseth added thoughtfully. ¡°It¡¯s a perfect excuse for him to lay low for a while, and he might even be less resistant to the idea¡ªthough I doubt he¡¯s willing to sit still for long.¡± Nessyra¡¯s smile turned mischievous. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry. I may have nudged that dragoness just enough to keep King occupied for a while.¡± Alistair¡¯s eyes widened as realization dawned on him. ¡°So that was your angle earlier! I was wondering why you were quite literally poking the dragon.¡± Nessyra let out an evil little laugh. ¡°Dragons are naturally possessive. Making her think I might be interested in him now that he¡¯s a progenitor took barely any effort at all.¡± Alistair shook his head in disbelief, chuckling. ¡°Alright, so what else do we need to know about the raid?¡± ¡°Most of the intel on both the enemy and our allies is in the reports, and we¡¯ve covered the key points¡ªexcept for the potential of a hidden fleet guarding the compound,¡± Nessyra replied. ¡°There¡¯s a fleet?¡± Riseth asked, frowning. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that give away its position?¡± ¡°It isn¡¯t confirmed, but it¡¯s a strong possibility,¡± Nessyra continued. ¡°While in stealth or otherwise disguised, even a scout would likely miss their presence unless they investigated thoroughly¡ªwhich the Coalition didn¡¯t want to risk, preferring to maintain the element of surprise for our impending attack.¡± Alistair snorted. ¡°Well, space ambushes are technically our specialty. Let¡¯s hope we jump them, and not the other way around.¡± Chapter 210: Dragon Hearts and Minds After wrapping up their discussions and catching up on some of the minor events that had happened during their absence. Alistair spent the next few days working on his Body Cultivation alongside Riseth. They both made great strides¡ªRiseth finally succeeded in forming a suitable pattern for her regeneration marrow augment, while Alistair advanced past the first stage in his Dragon Heart Augmentation, feeling himself level up and putting all of his new stat points into the control statistic. His heart now pumped mana through his body at an impressive rate, though he knew he still had a long way to go. His current heart augment was still far from what a true dragon could manage, even a lesser one, though the essences the dragon parts provided their array with greatly helped speed the process along. Converting mana into kinetic energy was something he wouldn¡¯t do until much later as he didn''t feel like constantly cleansing his augmentation whenever he was ready to progress with the manual''s instructions. The Dragon Heart Augment was incredibly complex and intricate, and all the work he¡¯d done so far had only laid down the basic foundation, granting him some initial benefits in the form of highly accelerated mana regeneration. The deeper he delved into the Dragon Heart manual he¡¯d acquired as part of his trial reward, the more resistance he felt from the soul imprint of its author, Dexnera. The imprint seemed to actively censor information, blocking his attempts to read further in order to protect the records. He couldn¡¯t communicate directly with the soul imprint, and it was almost as if the knowledge transferred itself invisibly, in a way he couldn¡¯t detect, no matter how hard he tried. Yet, somehow, he instinctively understood what the manual and its author wanted to convey¡ªrevealing new insights only when he was deemed ready and his skill and comprehension met the required threshold. It had made it clear that there¡¯d be no rushing this process; he¡¯d have to finish each stage, advance his comprehension, boost both his skill and control stat, and secure specific treasures for the right essences. The discovery of the arcane substrate had unlocked a fair bit, just enough to scrape through to the next stage. But unless he advanced his grade, improved his control stat, and honed his enchantment skill, it would only get harder¡ªmaybe even impossible. Even now, he was looking at years of work if he didn¡¯t keep pushing his skills and stats. When he integrated the dragon parts into his gathering array and began absorbing essences like True Dragon essence, the manual resting on his bedside had immediately signaled that he¡¯d need massive quantities of these essences¡ªand advised him to keep any remaining parts, as they¡¯d be essential for future steps. Time and again, Alistair was reminded that this manual wasn¡¯t designed for someone at his grade. Without his talent, high affinity for the force concept, and Riseth¡¯s assistance through their dual cultivation, he doubted he could even attempt the next step. Leading a growing clan in a still-untouched universe had also lightened the burden; he had access to the support and rare materials he¡¯d need¡ªlike dragon parts, which he suspected were incredibly hard to come by in the wider multiverse. While he was sure factions such as the Blackmarket Syndicate would be able to provide such things, they wouldn''t come cheap. With a sigh, Alistair shook his head and decided to move on to other Augments until he reached the next grade. The sheer difficulty and intricacy of the manual would have worried Alistair if it wasn''t for the Body Cleansing technique that allowed him to cleanse his body of messed up magic structures, which still happened occasionally, forcing him to restart by cleansing the slate, so to speak. Sotarr had told them that while their augmentations were still rudimentary, they were quite creative and efficient considering their grades. After fixing some of their worst habits and giving them some pointers and what he considered basic manuals, he had encouraged them to continue to advance on their own. With a sigh, Alistair shook his head and decided to set aside the more complex augments until he advanced to the next grade. It made sense to start working on his Regeneration Augment now, anyway. Focusing on the same augment as Riseth would be more efficient for their dual cultivation, and it would make the most of his Wendigo and Vampire Slayer title benefits. Self-healing was a weak point for him; his healing affinity wasn¡¯t strong, and he currently relied heavily on Riseth for any healing, both in and out of combat. He turned, his gaze drifting over Riseth¡¯s lithe, naked form as she focused on her system. She noticed him watching and gave him a sly smile. ¡°What is it?¡± she asked as she slid closer to plant a kiss. ¡°I¡¯ve reached a point where it doesn¡¯t make sense to keep working on my Dragon Heart Augment, so I was thinking I¡¯d join you on the Regeneration Augmentations,¡± Alistair replied. ¡°Oh?¡± she teased, climbing on top of him and placing her hands on his shoulders, a wide smile on her face as she tied up her hair. She gave him a light push, guiding him to lie back with just her index finger. ¡°Alright, then. Follow my lead,¡± she said, leaning in close.
¡°And you confirm that you requested your wife to eliminate the individual threatening your disciples?¡± the large Lyraxis Dragon asked from his podium, his gaze fixed intently on Sotarr.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°Yes, Elder Skaus,¡± Sotarr replied, holding his head high as he met the dragon¡¯s eyes. ¡°Acceptable. While it may cause a stir with the Syndicates, your progression takes priority, and scum like them targeting one of our leaders¡¯ disciples is unacceptable. Frankly, I¡¯d argue your wife was too lenient, only killing their leader and his minions. We¡¯ll show them what it means to challenge the Lyraxis. You and your wife are free to go. Your cousin Morakas will take your place at the new bridge. Take the time to look after your disciples¡ªand make it worth our trouble.¡± ¡°Master Skaus need not worry¡ªthey are exceptional seedlings, surpassing my expectations time and time again. Their ascension to the higher grades, if not godhood itself, is all but certain if given the chance to thrive.¡± Skaus rumbled his contentment. ¡°Let¡¯s hope so. Now that the integration has begun in earnest, conflicts are everywhere, and their time of peace is coming to an end. Many promising rising stars fall short and are snuffed out forever. Your decision to act and have your wife kill Urmarir the Miserable was wise.¡± Elder Skaus let out a long breath. ¡°Unlike the previous two universes, this one has managed to coordinate an effective defense. Perhaps they might even hold out until the third wave¡ªassuming internal strife and sabotage don¡¯t tear them apart from within. You took a huge risk taking on these two, as they won¡¯t be able to cross over for some time.¡± ¡°I believe in them,¡± Sotarr replied. ¡°I¡¯d even recommend that some of our numbers consider taking on more disciples from their faction. It would improve their chances of success, and they have quite a few promising individuals.¡± ¡°Perhaps you¡¯re right,¡± Skaus acknowledged. ¡°However, since they live on a stationary planet rather than in a wandering realm or space creature, I doubt they can find or develop anything of sufficient value to make it worth our Ascendancy¡¯s involvement.¡± Noticing Sotarr¡¯s expression, Skaus added, ¡°You are, however, free to convince any of our members to do so on their own accord, though we both know most won¡¯t take that chance.¡± Sotarr shook his head, flapping his wings in slight irritation before meeting the elder¡¯s gaze, having picked up on the hint. ¡°So, if they manage to prove their true value beyond talent, Elder Skaus would be willing to support my initiative? Perhaps even propose it to the entire faction?¡± The elder let out a bellowing laugh, though his smile didn¡¯t reach his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s a new universe, and anything may happen, though I doubt they¡¯ll find anything that would make the Ancient Lyraxis bat an eye. But if they do, you¡¯re welcome to bring your proposal to me again. Until then, I wish you and your disciples good luck and fortune.¡± Sotarr bowed and then took off from the platform, flying away from the floating island that housed the elders¡¯ home. He made his way toward the realm¡¯s exit, casting a glance down as two greater lion-headed tarrasques clashed over territory on the surface below. The massive beasts tore into each other with savage ferocity, reshaping the landscape for miles around with each blow. Sotarr chuckled to himself¡ªjust one of those dumb brutes could likely obliterate the entire new universe¡¯s combined forces without so much as a scratch. Their powers were so far beyond what they could reach, even given a millennium within their confined universe. Then again, if they were ever to cross into the wider multiverse, facing the threats and hunting grounds it held, they might reach that level of strength far sooner. He flew through the portal, exiting the sub-realm and shifting smoothly back into his humanoid form as he landed beside his wife, Mitania, who was waiting with her hands folded behind her back and an expectant look on her face. ¡°So, what did the elder say? Will he support our motion?¡± ¡°You¡¯re not even going to ask if you¡¯re in trouble for tearing through a Syndicate bunker?¡± Sotarr replied, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Pah, I only killed one person of note. Scum like them are a dime a dozen, and everyone knows it. So, I take it he declined?¡± They began walking through the gardens of the overlapping realm, a place filled with fields of flowers in every color, with trees as large as mountains looming in the distance. Temples, magical formations, and countless other ancient sights dotted the landscape, radiating immense power¡ªsome of these structures were older than entire universes. Sotarr took in a deep breath, savoring the pleasant floral scent of his wife and the lands around them, then he frowned slightly. ¡°Not outright. If they manage to secure something valuable enough to catch the Ascendancy¡¯s interest, he¡¯d consider it.¡± Mitania¡¯s face scrunched in thought. ¡°It¡¯s a new universe, sure, but that¡¯s a tall order. Beyond our inner circle and a few lower-ranking members eager to earn favor, I haven¡¯t found many willing to take on disciples from a new universe.¡± ¡°There¡¯s always a chance the System will introduce a new challenge or public realm,¡± Sotarr said. ¡°Since they¡¯re managing to hold the bridge, it¡¯s even more likely the System will reward their tenacity with new challenges¡ªespecially since the invaders from our universes will have to bide their time until the grade gap closes enough for them to overwhelm them." ¡°You¡¯re hoping it¡¯ll hand out system rewards that would allow them to cross the bridges prematurely?¡± Mitania raised an eyebrow. Sotarr nodded, a determined look on his face. ¡°It¡¯s one of the more common rewards, after all. We just need to make sure they understand its value.¡± ¡°You¡¯re underestimating them again,¡± Mitania replied, a small smile on her face. ¡°I think they know exactly how valuable an opportunity this is, so don¡¯t speak of it to them. It might affect them negatively. Trust them.¡± ¡°I trust your judgment, love,¡± Sotarr said with a warm smile as they continued walking through the gardens toward their own sub-realm. He sighed at the sight. Their faction was among the most ancient, but it wasn¡¯t among the factions standing at the absolute peak either, and impressing the Lyraxis Ascendancy¡ªor finding something from a young universe that might interest them¡ªseemed unlikely. Perhaps an exceptional new breed of world tree? A high-grade realm with a luck theme, perhaps? Such treasures were rare beyond belief, and possessing them could be dangerous in itself. He chuckled, remembering when they¡¯d told him about the unicorns in their dungeon, worried it might put a target on them. Valuable as they were, the dungeon still had a long way to go. Still, its foundation was beyond excellent, and he looked forward to their future discoveries and progress. Perhaps they had found something new to worry about? Chapter 211: The Ripper Alistair stepped into the sprawling workshop that Denodia had claimed for herself. Massive vats lined the walls, each filled with a shimmering, mana-saturated liquid. Inside them, dragon bones soaked, glowing faintly as the liquid cycled and pulsed with magical energy. Every piece of the dragons had been harvested with precision: the meats and organs were preserved, while the bones were treated in a complex magical process that both strengthened and aged them. Simply letting the bones lie around in such a mana-dense environment might have worked, but Denodia¡¯s methods were far more efficient. Resni scurried about, making rounds between the vats. Her face alighted with excitement as she inspected the bones and scales. She took notes with fervor, admiring the craftsmanship of the enhancement process. Her excitement faded, however, when she caught sight of her weapon lying on a nearby table. It was still in the slow, painstaking process of repairing itself, nearly destroyed from its last encounter. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she traced a finger along its fractured surface. ¡°I don¡¯t blame you,¡± she said gently, looking up at him. ¡°You¡¯ve outgrown this weapon. And while my skills have come a long way¡­ I¡¯m not confident that I¡¯m ready to work with the kind of materials required to create something that could withstand your power now.¡± Denodia, noticing Resni¡¯s uncertainty, stepped forward and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, her expression warm and encouraging. ¡°I would be honored if you¡¯d join me in melding your work with mine,¡± she said. ¡°Together, we could create something that¡¯s far greater than the sum of its parts.¡± Resni¡¯s eyes lit up at the offer, and she gave Denodia a respectful, deep bow. ¡°No, it would be my honor to assist. Thank you for this opportunity, Empress Denodia.¡± Denodia shook her head with a smile, dismissing the formality. ¡°Come on, I¡¯ve told you¡ªjust call me Denodia. We¡¯ll be working together often, and I can tell you¡¯re not one for formalities in the workshop.¡± The dwarf looked briefly surprised but chose not to question it, as the informality suited her perfectly. Denodia¡¯s ability to glimpse the future was mostly kept under wraps, along with her true species. Alistair, however, suspected that Resni would quickly notice Denodia¡¯s knack for foresight. After all, most who spent enough time with Denodia eventually put the pieces together. Denodia then turned to him, pulling out a large, black poleaxe with a deep red sheen and holding it out to Alistair. Still, when he tried to grab it, she pulled it away with a teasing smile on her face, "This is a prototype, mostly made of Dragonstalk and other dungeon materials that I soaked for quite a while. I don''t mind if you wreck it, but know this is the only one I have as I am more occupied with creating enhancement formulas." noticing Resni''s excited expression, she added, "I can show you the process if you would like, the alchemists were a great help and the recourses the clan provides make everything so much smoother, I am almost halfway to grade 7 due to all the experiments, and crafts I had to hold off on for so long." ¡°Congratulations. If you keep that up, you might be the first in the clan to reach grade 7,¡± Alistair said as he handed her the poleaxe. Denodia gave him a weak smile. ¡°I doubt that. You and Riseth are bound to rack up records fast from here on out, and good crafting takes time. There are only so many projects I can manage at once.¡± She paused, glancing off thoughtfully. ¡°And then there¡¯s Nessyra. With all the work she does¡ªand the ability to create avatars to tackle multiple tasks at once¡ªI wouldn¡¯t be surprised if she actually beats all of us to it.¡± ¡°Aye,¡± Resni agreed. ¡°I¡¯ve already tried to emulate that ability¡ªit¡¯s tricky as hell.¡± Alistair looked the poleaxe over. It was sleeker, with a more refined build than Resni¡¯s usual rustic style, though it had a surprising heft. As he let his energy flow through the weapon, he could feel the improvement over his last one¡ªbut not by much, likely due to the lack of system-created metal. Denodia, who no doubt had seen the question coming, cut him off before he could ask. ¡°As you might have noticed, it isn¡¯t much better than your other weapon in terms of energy transmission. That¡¯s because it is missing the system metals your old weapon had. Creating or acquiring a material with comparable energy conductivity will take some time if I manage it at all, and I didn''t wish to use our limited supply of the material for a prototype.¡± She paused, looking at Resni apologetically, "That is one of the reasons we plan to use your old weapon and combine it with the materials we acquired from the dragons and Platinum Lilly to craft something that will be able to keep up with you and grow alongside you as your armor already does. Your Karmic connection and experiences with that weapon will be a great boon and could lead to some interesting developments, but I don''t wish to give you false hopes." Alistair shook his head. ¡°With two genius crafters like you, I¡¯m sure the two of you will come up with something special.¡± He paused, fingers absently tracing the blade as he looked toward the door. ¡°Not that I expect you to finish before the raid¡ªit¡¯s long overdue and could start any moment.¡± Resni followed his gaze to the door. ¡°Where¡¯s Riseth, anyway? We told her we¡¯re ready for her bone blade spirit to absorb the dragon bone.¡± ¡°She wanted to sleep in a little longer,¡± Alistair replied, ¡°but I can sense her approaching. She should be here any second.¡±Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. ¡°I don¡¯t sense her,¡± Resni said, a note of concern creeping into her voice as she narrowed her eyes. Alistair smiled slightly as the door opened. Riseth had grown quite adept at masking her aura and presence, and thanks to their soul resonance, Alistair was one of the few who could locate her. Even Resni, with her specialization in control and sensory stats, struggled to sense her approach. She waved at them as she stepped forward to hug Denodia, who had moved ahead to greet her, then bent down to give Resni a quick embrace. ¡°Sorry for being late; I had some things to take care of.¡± ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Resni replied casually before signaling them to follow her. Alistair couldn¡¯t help but notice the gleam in both Resni¡¯s and Denodia¡¯s expressions as Denodia led them to one of the side chambers. Inside, more body parts were being treated in vats of dense, magical liquids, each a unique color and transparency. Some were so opaque that Alistair could only see through them thanks to his Conceptual Awareness skill. The room held treasures and materials he didn¡¯t recognize, many of which had an intense affinity for kinetics. Among them was a large vat filled with a dark, viscous liquid that resonated powerfully with the Kinetics concept. Suspended within it was Arkzer¡¯s heart, connected to tubes that made it beat artificially. Denodia stepped up beside him, a satisfied expression on her face. ¡°As you might know, we pay our delvers a high premium for treasures with the Kinetic Concept, or other concepts the clan needs. Kinetic-specific treasures are incredibly rare, but unattuned ones are more common¡ªstill rare, but manageable. I meant to catch you up on everything, but things have been busy. I¡¯ll keep you informed as plans progress; I don¡¯t yet know if all of this will work out, but I¡¯ll let you know when it does.¡± ¡°What exactly are you trying to make here?¡± Alistair asked, narrowing his focus on the setup. Though weaker now, the heart still held some of its inherent qualities and multiple tubes connected to it¡ªsome cycling kinetic-infused liquid, others pumping in substances with restorative properties. ¡°It¡¯s a bit complicated, so I¡¯ll keep it simple.¡± Denodia gave him a focused look. ¡°I¡¯m working on attuning the heart to kinetic energy and restoring it, aiming to create a treasure that is both attuned to kinetics and strength. I¡¯ll probably need to upgrade the casing a few times as the energy refines. Still, eventually, it should let me infuse or even convert other treasures with kinetic properties much more efficiently. Either way, it¡¯ll be useful¡ªand if all else fails, you could still extract powerful essences for your body enchantments. However, I do have high hopes for this treasure to support my future crafting endeavors.¡± Alistair whistled appreciatively, but Denodia had already moved on to join Resni and Riseth, who were standing in front of another vat containing a massive dragon bone suspended in a clear, mana-rich liquid. As he approached, he noticed that the other hearts they¡¯d collected were in similar states, each with a unique concept¡ªexcept for one, which was attuned only to healing and restoration. It was hard to tell if they intended to create a stable dragon mana heart or something purely focused on healing properties, but he looked forward to seeing the results. He knew it would be a long and arduous process. One heart floated in a liquid that seemed to be made of refined unicorn horn, reduced down to just its luck and purity aspects, along with other luck-attuned treasures likely obtained from the Platijum Lily. He wondered if they would actually make a breakthrough or simply end up wasting their resources. Then again, treasures tied to the luck concept and genuine dragon parts were incredibly rare and fiercely sought after in the wider multiverse. Even if they were successful, they¡¯d likely have to keep it hidden¡ªmany dragons would likely consider this kind of practice downright heretical. Meanwhile, Denodia tapped a few commands into a nearby console, and Alistair heard a satisfying click as the top of the vat unlocked. ¡°Alistair, if you would do the honors?¡± Denodia prompted as he joined the rest of the group. He raised his hands, carefully lifting the bone out of the vat with telekinesis, hovering the massive piece in front of Riseth. She drew her bone blades, and Alistair could almost feel the anticipation of the spirit within the weapon. The blades began to shift, tendrils of bone reaching out to envelop the floating dragon bone. Alistair grimaced slightly as he felt the sensation through his telekinesis, the unsettling feeling making him shudder. He then let go, as the tendrils seemed to support the entire weight of the bone, breaking it down and absorbing it into their structure. The drake bone that had previously formed the blades was shed, replaced by the much richer draconic essence of the new material. The presence of the weapon spirit noticeably strengthened, brushing against his mind with a touch of telepathy. Alistair shuddered again, joined by the rest of the group. Riseth frowned, her gaze fixed on the weapon as it slowly finished absorbing the dragon bone. The weapon''s texture and appearance transformed before returning to its base form. ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Alistair asked, stepping closer. Riseth shook her head, a hint of disbelief on her face. ¡°No¡­ but the spirit just asked me how I¡¯m doing and when we¡¯re going to stab someone again.¡± Alistair burst out laughing. ¡°Are you sure you didn¡¯t fat-finger the selection and end up with a murder-happy weapon?¡± ¡°Maybe that¡¯s what the system considers helpful?¡± Riseth suggested. ¡°Certainly better than a weapon that doesn¡¯t want to stab anyone,¡± Alistair replied with a grin. Just then, he felt the telepathic presence reach out to him as well. ¡°See? Your husband gets it!¡± ¡°It¡¯s much more articulate than I expected,¡± Alistair noted. ¡°You heard that?¡± Riseth asked. ¡°Rude!¡± the spirit huffed. ¡°I can hear it too,¡± Denodia said, with Resni nodding along beside her. ¡°Exciting stuff! I¡¯d love to have a closer look at a system-created spirit,¡± Resni added. ¡°So would I,¡± Denodia agreed. ¡°You¡¯ve got plenty of lab rats already! No need to add me to the mix!¡± the spirit retorted. ¡°Do you have a name?¡± Riseth asked. ¡°I don¡¯t have one, but please let your husband name me¡ªbefore you name me Stabby or something,¡± the spirit replied. Alistair chuckled. ¡°I have my moments. Any requests or direction for your name?¡± ¡°I like to stab and rip things apart!¡± the spirit replied enthusiastically, transforming into a set of chainswords in Riseth¡¯s hands, the blades now resembling serrated dragon teeth spinning rapidly while emitting a rather unsettling noise as it displaced the air. ¡°How about Jack?¡± Alistair suggested, a grin spreading on his face. Everyone looked confused¡ªexcept for Denodia, who immediately facepalmed. Chapter 212: Rocky Start Alistair watched as the Beshin clan¡¯s fleet aligned with theirs and the Norgard fleet of the Ethos Crusade. The three fleets couldn¡¯t have looked more different. The Ryser ships were practical and efficient, with unpainted adamend alloy giving them a dark green sheen, minimal decoration, and no decals to speak of. In contrast, the Ethos Crusade¡¯s ships had a gothic look; their armored fronts were often shaped into skulls, bird heads, or other monster heads and weaponized to the teeth. At the other end of the extreme was the Beshin clan¡¯s fleet, with little to no technology on board¡ªtheir ships were crafted from wood and resembled ancient Japanese warships, decorated sparingly. They relied on magical barriers surrounding the ships to protect the crew from the vacuum of space. Built for speed, they favored boarding and ramming actions, their strength in the individuals they carried rather than in the ships themselves. Alistair knew they¡¯d be the first to engage up close and personal¡ªif the Crusade¡¯s drop pods didn¡¯t beat them to it. To keep pace, Alistair would have to teleport directly to the planet and rely on the drop pods¡¯ turrets and the Beshin clan¡¯s ferocity to create a suitable landing site. He glanced at the message that had pulled him and Riseth from their sleep a bit of an hour earlier.
[ACUN] Urgent Faction Message: Title: Retaliatory Strikes! From: Aegis Coalition Headquarters Attention! The retaliatory strikes against the Blackmarket Syndicates are a go! This message is directed to all factions participating in the strike. Multiple primary targets have revealed themselves as of seven minutes ago. Coalition forces are actively engaging Dragon of Pestilence Xariarch, Void Lord Nephrakas, and the headquarters of the Axmisius Assassin Order, including most of their leadership, along with several other high-priority targets. While we work to occupy and eliminate these threats, proceed with your own objectives and neutralize your designated targets. Good luck.
Alistair didn¡¯t know the full scope of the operation; it had been kept tightly under wraps, with only the most trusted individuals and leaders receiving as much information as he had. Nessyra had hinted that they likely didn¡¯t know a fraction of what was actually going on. He was certain the Blackmarket Syndicates had expected these retaliatory strikes¡ªspies had probably warned many of the targets. ¡°It won¡¯t matter,¡± Nessyra had told him. ¡°They can¡¯t hide forever, and any targets who realized they were being hunted were taken out on the spot to spare us future headaches.¡± The Syndicates¡¯ heightened alertness had likely caused the longer-than-expected delay, but with enough targets now under assault, it was high time the Coalition got its pound of flesh. If nothing else, Alistair hoped they managed to kill Xariarch¡ªby far the biggest plague threatening their fledgling universe. The tension on the bridge was palpable as they prepared to jump to a beacon hidden within an asteroid belt around a small planetoid in the system, planted there by a stealth craft months ago. For all they knew, they could be jumping straight into an ambush. They had their own ambush fleet on standby, but it would still mean significant losses. Alistair took a long, steadying breath, sharpening his focus as he watched the timer tick down. Once they were in the thick of it, he knew there would be no time for his usual careful considerations. ¡°10 seconds to jump!¡± a crew member announced. Alistair watched as Captain Kazire issued a final set of commands, feeling the hum of lower-winded weapon systems spooling to life just before the familiar pull of warp space took hold. The transition lasted roughly 10 minutes but felt like an eternity. As one of the first ships to arrive, they re-entered real space, screens lighting up as more and more ships flashed in around them. The fleet quickly began a hard burn toward the target planet, and Alistair could hear multiple sighs of relief that they hadn¡¯t jumped into a minefield or an ambush. ¡°Launch the beacon drones,¡± Captain Kazire ordered. Alistair watched as the drones scattered across the screen¡ªonly for one to explode a moment later, and the Kaiakos shuddered violently as enemy fire slammed into its shields. ¡°Fuck!¡± Kazire cursed. ¡°Half of those asteroids are enemy ships! Open fire!¡± he barked as the Kaiakos continued to shake under the onslaught. ¡°I¡¯ve already ordered the ambush fleet to jump to the locked-in coordinates. They should be here in 10 minutes,¡± Nessyra¡¯s avatar announced, her voice cutting through the chaos on the bridge. ¡°Turn the craft, launch missiles!¡± Kazire commanded. On the screen, Alistair could see their ships and several Crusader vessels taking losses, barely able to return fire. Suddenly, the Beshin craft, which had previously dashed ahead, surged back at even higher speeds. Alistair¡¯s eyes widened as warning lights blared¡ªa massive railgun shot was headed straight for the Kaiakos.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ¡°Get the flicker core ready!¡± Nessyra shouted. But before the projectile could reach them, the Beshin flagship intercepted it, destroying it just before impact. Across the fleet, similar scenes played out as fighters from the Beshin ships deployed their magic and a range of defensive concepts to shield the out-of-position fleet. Kujo¡¯s grinning visage appeared on the screen, multicolored flames flickering around him. ¡°We¡¯ll cover the defense! Focus on taking out the emplacements and ships! You¡¯re welcome, by the way!¡± ¡°Thanks, Kujo! I¡¯ll make sure to get you a drink after this!¡± Alistair responded. ¡°You¡¯d better not forget¡ªand bring the good stuff!¡± Kujo added with a gleam of anticipation before cutting the connection. Alistair watched as the tide of the battle began to turn, though he was certain Syndicate reinforcements would arrive soon. ¡°Have the Akris and at least two more crafts cover our rear¡ªI don¡¯t want the entire fleet facing the wrong direction again. And launch the fighters; we¡¯ll be holding our ground here,¡± Kazire yelled to a communications officer, who gave a sharp nod before relaying the orders. Alistair winced. They had lost one of their new carriers, which had caused significant casualties with the crew; luckily, the fighter pilots had already been within their crafts in anticipation of an ambush and had managed to launch, reducing their casualties from the craft exploding. They had also lost two smaller support crafts, while the Crusader fleet had lost a destroyer that had been focused. Their fleet had taken the heaviest casualties, but the damaged crafts were already repairing themselves as the Beshin crafts continued to intercept the most devastating attacks while the Ryser and Ethos fleets started to decimate the inferior ships and weapon emplacements. Just as they were about to gain the upper hand, more flashes appeared from behind and to the side¡ªtheir fleet was caught in a pincer maneuver by a large Syndicate reinforcement fleet. The two forces were evenly matched in numbers, but while Alistair¡¯s side held the qualitative advantage, the enemy now had the positional edge, pressing their fleet hard. Alistair glanced at the timer for their own reinforcements¡ªstill roughly three minutes out. ¡°All fighter crafts, Sally, out and give our new guests hell!¡± Kazire growled. Alistair chafed at his inability to intervene, forced to watch as the battle unfolded. Victory seemed likely, but the cost would be much higher than he was comfortable with. Space battles were fought at extreme ranges, and even though this engagement was practically knife-fighting distance by fleet standards, it was nearly impossible for an individual to contribute without a craft of their own. Riseth, who had been silent until now, suddenly grasped his hands, her expression tightening with focus. ¡°I can sense the aura of one of the new arrivals! I¡¯ll teleport in with Alistair and deploy a beacon¡ªjust try not to blow up the craft while we¡¯re inside!¡± Alistair locked onto the aura through their resonance, aligning his focus with hers. ¡°I¡¯ll follow your lead. Let¡¯s go!¡± Before anyone could protest, they vanished, reappearing on the bridge of an enemy craft. Riseth immediately used her manipulation magic to seize control of most of the crew, forcing them to turn on each other as Alistair charged at the source of the powerful aura they¡¯d sensed¡ªa female Elven Vampire. To her credit, the vampire reacted instantly, dissolving into a gaseous form to evade his attack. But Alistair¡¯s telekinesis held her in place, and he drove his armored fist through her ethereal torso, grasping her Blood Core. White-hot flames from his Blazing Edge skill engulfed his gauntlet, eliciting a shrill scream as he crushed her core with both force and burning concepts, the bridge lit by the intense flare. The sheer force of his attack sent flames spilling violently across the bridge melting the surrounding consoles and blowing apart the captains chair the vampire had occupied mere moments ago. The vampire died before she could reform, disintegrating into smoke, blown away by Alistair¡¯s violent ambush. He dashed toward the remaining vampires on board¡ªthose Riseth hadn¡¯t managed to bring under her control. Meanwhile, Riseth moved through their ranks, her bone blades shifting into chainswords that tore through the vampires, their regeneration disrupted by her abilities. ¡°RIP AND TEAR, BLOODSUCKERS!¡± Jack, the blade spirit, exulted in their minds, his telepathic voice ringing with savage glee. Riseth and Alistair tore through the bridge. Within less than a minute, Riseth had placed a beacon onto one of the consoles before quickly typing commands into the one beside it. ¡°I¡¯ve locked onto the next aura. How long until you can turn this ship against the others?¡± ¡°Point me toward the aura,¡± Riseth requested, not looking up, and Alistair gestured to his right. She nodded, finishing her commands before smashing the console and grabbing the beacon. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go. This craft will be causing havoc¡ªand ramming the ship ahead of it,¡± she added, flashing a predatory grin as she took his hand.
High Inquisitor Elenora stared at the screen in disbelief as the enemy fleet fell into complete disarray, even before the reinforcement fleets¡ªboth theirs and the Rysers''¡ªhad arrived in force. ¡°What the hell is happening over there?!¡± she demanded. The screen shifted, showing a new perspective of the enemy fleet. A green dot moved from one ship to the next, each vessel ceasing fire and turning its weapons on its allies. Elenora watched as one ship burned its engines to crash into another, triggering a chain reaction that threw the entire right wing of the formation into chaos. ¡°The leaders of the Ryser Clan have locked onto a strong enemy aura and taken the opportunity to board,¡± an officer reported. ¡°They didn¡¯t conceal their auras or, at the very least, deploy teleportation countermeasures on their crafts?¡± Elenora asked sharply. ¡°No, ma¡¯am. They likely assumed the distance was too great for anyone to lock onto them and teleport,¡± a sensor officer replied. Elenora couldn¡¯t help but snicker, covering her mouth with her cybernetic hand. ¡°Good thing they¡¯re on our side, then.¡± They watched as the Ryser reinforcements arrived, quickly followed by their own fleet¡ªmuch larger and imposing. ¡°Have the reinforcements make a pass and head directly for the target. We can¡¯t allow those heretics to escape,¡± Elenora commanded. ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am!¡± came the sharp response from across the bridge. She drummed her fingers over the armrests of her command throne, interfacing with the ship¡¯s drone network to get a bird¡¯s-eye view of the battle¡ªa perspective far different from the others on the bridge. From her vantage point, she could tell this battle was already won. A small, satisfied smile crossed her face as another asteroid ship shattered. She wondered if the Syndicate had another fleet waiting to reinforce. Still, with the emplacements and ambush forces decimated, she doubted they¡¯d risk contesting their substantial fleet presence while the Coalition struck countless other targets. ¡°Prepare to follow our detachment to the target and board the pods for planetfall.¡± ¡°Yes, High Inquisitor!¡± came the prompt response from across the bridge. Chapter 213: Assaulting the Compound Alistair tapped his foot nervously, watching as the Ethos Inquisitors and Beshin Clan forces made planetfall, while their own fleet struggled to catch up. He and Riseth, flying ahead of the main fleet on the Artemis, were still just behind their allies. The Ethos fleet had taken an early lead, and the Beshin ships were simply much faster than their own. ¡°It seems at least some of the Syndicate members have either chosen to hide on the planet or make a last stand. The Inquisition¡¯s stealth units are in the process of intercepting some of the fleeing ships, but none of our targets have been confirmed killed yet,¡± Riseth observed. ¡°Maybe they had stealth ships of their own?¡± Alistair suggested, leaning against her chair. ¡°Eberus had one, and I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if other high-profile targets down there have them too.¡± Riseth nodded thoughtfully. ¡°I¡¯m not certain of the full extent of the Inquisition¡¯s tracking systems, but I suspect they¡¯re leagues ahead of ours. I doubt we could catch a stealth craft unless we got very lucky.¡± He steepled his fingers, leaning more of his weight against the chair. The anticipation of battle was getting to him, and he found himself actually looking forward to it. The thought of some of the strongest fighters¡ªslavers and murderers¡ªslipping away, escaping before he could face them and erase the stain they left on their universe, irked him. Maybe they could arrange an information exchange to acquire more sophisticated sensors capable of unveiling stealth crafts, making this less of an issue in the future. ¡°How long until we make planetfall?¡± Alistair asked. ¡°So impatient,¡± Riseth purred, the tip of her tail idly brushing his cheek. ¡°About five minutes. The rest of our fleet will arrive in ten, with our Valrus deploying for close air support in fifteen¡ªassuming everything goes to plan,¡± she replied. ¡°The Inquisition and the Beshin Clan have already taken down most of the planetary defenses and secured orbit.¡± She paused, glancing at the display. ¡°Still, with teleportation restrictions in place, we can¡¯t speed up the timeline. Our allies are waiting on us to begin their descent into the compound.¡± ¡°Any word from our spy or that Rakshasa?¡± Alistair asked. ¡°None yet, but we know they¡¯re still inside the compound¡ªor possibly within the realm itself.¡± Riseth¡¯s gaze narrowed slightly. ¡°Personally, I¡¯d prefer they make their stand in the compound. We have no idea what could be waiting for us in that realm.¡± They continued monitoring the situation until they made their rapid landing, quickly storing the Artemis before rushing toward the compound entrance. Their allies had already secured it, leaving much of the structure a smoking, burned-out wreck. Kujo and his wife, Nomura, waved them over while a much shorter woman beside them gave an appraising look. Her white hair was cut in a short bob, with the left side clean-shaven, exposing faint scars along her head that disappeared beneath her power armor. Mostly human in appearance, her short, pointed ears revealed her origin as a half-elf, though the angelic markings along her neck and her aura reminded Alistair of his own Nephilim evolution. Unlike him, however, she seemed to have embraced a cybernetic path; her left arm and eye were clearly augmented, likely due to injuries sustained before Initiation. Alistair guessed she¡¯d chosen to keep these scars rather than healing them, a mark of her past battles. Her power armor bore similarities to theirs but had a distinct crusader aesthetic, adorned with skulls on her shoulder plate and gothic insignias. "Good, you¡¯ve arrived," the smaller woman said. "I¡¯m Eleonora Seitz, but you may call me Madam Seitz¡ªor Inquisitor Seitz during the operation." "She¡¯s a prim and proper one; don¡¯t take it personally," Kujo joked, earning an unamused sidelong glance from her. "Our forces have surrounded the compound and are scanning for potential hidden exits, though none have been found so far. They¡¯re holed up down there, and we thought it prudent to wait for your arrival before purging that filth." "Wouldn¡¯t want you to miss out on all the fun," Kujo added with a nod. Eleonora ignored him, but his wife gave him an elbow for good measure. Kujo grunted, "Apologies, the tension is getting to me. Did you bring any other strong fighters, or will it just be the two of you?" Alistair¡¯s expression grew more serious as he looked from their allies to the burned-out husk of the compound entrance. ¡°One of our clan leaders, Simon Gertsch, along with some of our other elites, will arrive shortly, but he¡¯s been instructed to bring up the rear. Time is of the essence, and now that the strongest of our alliance are here, we should get started.¡± ¡°Agreed,¡± Eleonora said, while Kujo and Nomura nodded, following Alistair¡¯s gaze as they unsheathed their weapons. Kujo drew a massive cleaver, Eleonora readied a long, straight blade and an oversized gun, and Nomura took out a richly decorated and enchanted staff that had a brush head. The group¡¯s attention, however, quickly shifted to Jack as he vibrated with telepathic excitement. "Today is a great day for stabbing!" Noticing their curious looks, Riseth quickly deflected. ¡°Will Nikki and Hara not be joining us or any of the other Inquisitors?¡± Nomura chuckled, coming to Riseth¡¯s rescue. ¡°Hara¡¯s focused on maintaining the anti-teleportation and flight restrictions around the compound. Nikki, along with a good portion of the Inquisitors, will bring up the rear with¡­ Simon, was it?¡±The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°My right hand, Inquisitor Luitwin J?ger, and a selection of our most elite Inquisitors will cover our path as we descend toward the realm,¡± Eleonora added, glancing at Alistair with barely concealed interest. ¡°I presume you¡¯ve brought your realm catcher?¡± ¡°We did,¡± Alistair replied, ¡°but we¡¯ll assess the realm¡¯s value once we¡¯ve purged the Syndicate stain from it¡ªbefore deciding whether to acquire it.¡± He stepped toward the compound entrance, signaling the rest of the group to follow. From the corner of his eye, he noted some of the stronger presences from both the Oni and Inquisitor forces lining up behind them. Kujo stepped up beside him, an eager grin spreading across his face, which Alistair mirrored. ¡°I¡¯ve been looking forward to fighting by your side,¡± Kujo said. ¡°Since we¡¯ll be taking the front, any requests or warnings before we dive in?¡± Alistair chuckled. ¡°I specialize in physical defense, and my resistances are solid, so no need to worry about covering for me.¡± He winked. ¡°Just try to keep up.¡± Kujo let out a hearty belly laugh. ¡°Good match, then¡ªI focus on energy defense. My affinity tends to stir things up, but I get the feeling you¡¯ll handle the chaos just fine.¡± Alistair narrowed his eyes, sensing their enemies¡¯ powers flaring, almost as if they¡¯d anticipated their arrival. He drew his new poleaxe, launching himself down the corridor that led deeper into the compound, with the rest of the group quickly following suit. Kujo kept pace, propelling himself forward with wild, swirling flames that emitted neither heat nor burn. Alistair was mildly surprised¡ªhis own telekinetic movement made him extremely fast for his grade, and he hadn¡¯t expected Kujo to keep up. Even Riseth had developed her own flashstep variant, manipulating the space between her steps to match his speed. Yet none of the fighters seemed to struggle with the pace, each moving effortlessly in sync as they advanced. They were greeted by turret fire and magical attacks, but the defenders stood no chance¡ªthey weren¡¯t part of the Syndicate elite. Alistair dashed past them, his force barrier effortlessly absorbing the onslaught as he and Kujo unleashed their attacks, decimating the ranks. Alistair¡¯s Kinetic Strikes tore through barriers with precise, penetrative force, while Kujo¡¯s inferno reduced the remnants to cinders. This pattern continued through the first few floors, where they left inquisitors and Oni warriors to investigate the side paths while they pressed forward. The ground shook violently with each clash, the resistance growing fiercer as they descended deeper, though none of their main targets had shown themselves yet. ¡°I believe we actually caught them off guard¡ªthey weren¡¯t expecting us to target this compound,¡± High Inquisitor Eleonora remarked. ¡°This could mean lighter resistance within, but we should prepare for substantial reinforcements.¡± She fired her gun mid-sentence, the blast ripping through a group of guards rushing up the stairs on their left, turning them into fine red mist before they could even conjure a barrier. ¡°I¡¯ve already requested two additional combat fleets to secure our space assets, just in case.¡± ¡°Appreciated,¡± Riseth replied as she tore through more Syndicate fighters, her weapon screaming in delight as the chainswords effortlessly shredded their defenses. Alistair couldn¡¯t help but be impressed by the Inquisitor¡¯s weapon. Each shot blazed with radiant energy, amplified through her connection to Ethos, but even that was overshadowed by Nomura¡¯s ink attacks, carrying the concept of erasure. With every stroke of her brush, ink spread over her enemies, consuming and liquefying them, erasing anything it touched. She moved with the precision of a monk wielding a bo staff, each twist and sweep of her brush leaving intricate runes and arrays in her wake, activating in the blink of an eye. Alistair watched as her strikes empowered their allies, raised barriers, and unleashed inky horrors upon her foes. By comparison, her husband¡¯s fighting style¡ªincinerating, tearing, and cleaving people apart¡ªseemed almost merciful. Then again, who am I to talk? Alistair thought as he splattered a Syndicate fighter against the wall with his telekinesis before slicing through a charging beastkin with his poleaxe. Nomura stepped up beside him, her gaze on the stairs leading to the final chamber. ¡°We need to hurry¡ªthey¡¯re making a last stand down there and starting some kind of erasure ritual. My guess is they¡¯re trying to destroy the realm before we can claim it.¡± Alistair cursed under his breath, realizing that while he¡¯d sensed powerful auras below, he hadn¡¯t picked up on the ritual until she¡¯d pointed it out. Without another word, he charged down the stairs, the rest of the group close behind. They reached the large chamber, where the most powerful and last remaining Syndicate members stood waiting, weapons drawn, surrounded by ritual circles to amplify their strength. Alistair¡¯s eyes flicked over the scene, noting several well-hidden runic traps scattered between them. Alistair could sense the realm¡¯s presence even from where he stood¡ªit wasn¡¯t close to being destroyed or damaged. It exuded an almost menacing amount of mana, far stronger than any realm or dungeon he¡¯d encountered so far. He might have felt excitement at the prospect, but two issues tempered it. First, the mana was heavily water-aspected; the thought of an underwater or ocean realm didn¡¯t particularly appeal to him. Second, he noticed the ritualists clearly intended to sacrifice their slaves, putting them all on a timer. His gaze lingered on an elven woman, Syca Vilvic, standing just behind the Rakshasa and clad in a revealing green dress. Noticing his look, Gerian Gral stepped forward, his lithe, muscular frame exuding a confidence that seemed misplaced given the circumstances, which made Alistair instantly wary. ¡°Ah, yes¡ªshe¡¯s a pretty thing, isn¡¯t she? Far too valuable for a blood sacrifice,¡± Gerian smirked, his eyes shifting with a lustful gleam toward Riseth. ¡°As a fellow unparalleled genius, it seems we share a similar taste.¡± Alistair scoffed, clearly irritated. He¡¯d been called a ¡°genius¡± or even an ¡°unparalleled genius¡± before, mostly by those tied to the cultivation space, but he didn¡¯t care much for that label. He preferred to refer to himself as an elite¡ªor a true elite¡ªespecially as many so-called ¡°unparalleled geniuses¡± were anything but. To be fair, most of them were incredibly talented in their fields, with strong affinities and core concepts like himself, but their intelligence¡ªespecially their emotional intelligence, in the case of cultivators¡ªleft a lot to be desired. ¡°Bit presumptuous, calling yourself a genius of all things while trapped like a rat and about to die,¡± Alistair retorted. ¡°Ain¡¯t that the truth,¡± Syca cut in, a sly smile crossing her face. In a flash, the Rakshasa¡¯s head exploded like an overripe fruit as she yanked on a psychic link embedded deep in his mind, stunning everyone in the room. She broke her shackles effortlessly, lunging at the nearest Syndicate member as the chamber erupted into violent chaos. Chapter 214: Mealstrom of Violence Alistair dashed forward, his gaze briefly catching on Syca¡¯s new black combat suit, which seemed to distort focus, making it difficult to keep one¡¯s eyes on her. She moved with precision, swiftly driving a dagger into the neck of a hyena-like beastkin. Alistair couldn¡¯t afford to linger, however, as he clashed with a sea-monster-like beastkin wielding twin axes. His opponent combined ferocious melee strikes with earth-themed attacks, sharp shards of rock orbiting around him and firing in rapid bursts like a machine gun. Alistair was a terrible target for such a physically oriented concept. He struck with the hammer end of his poleaxe, anticipating the beastkin¡¯s stone armor. The sheer force and mass he infused into the blow shattered the armor and caved in the beastkin¡¯s ribcage, despite the clever layering of the protective stone. The devastating impact left the beastkin reeling, gasping for air. Before Alistair could capitalize on his retreating opponent, a vampire lunged at him from the side. He casually raised his shield, deflecting the vampire¡¯s claws as they scraped along the metal. The kinetic energy was entirely absorbed, leaving only a faint scratch behind, which was already a somewhat impressive feat. Alistair spun on his heel, storing his poleaxe and encasing his gauntlet in the white-hot flames of his Blazing Edge skill. He drove his flaming fist into the vampire¡¯s side before it could recover its momentum. ¡°Heads up, Kujo¡ªanother vampire!¡± Alistair yelled as he sent the vampire hurtling toward his ally, utilizing his telekinesis to ensure the vampire couldn''t recover. Kujo grinned, his body igniting into a roaring inferno of silver flames. The flames coalesced into a claw-like construct that caught the airborne vampire mid-flight. The vampire shrieked in agony as the silver flames consumed him utterly, its form disintegrating like a mosquito flying into a bug zapper. "Thanks, mate!" Alistair shouted as his force barrier absorbed the stream of fire unleashed by a draconian. The attack ended abruptly when Riseth¡¯s blades shifted into chainblades, tearing through the screaming lizard with brutal precision. Jack¡¯s jubilant telepathic voice rang out gleefully, ¡°Lizard sashimi for everyone!¡± followed by his characteristic cackling. ¡°I¡¯m heading for the ritual circle to free the slaves,¡± Riseth said over the Akashic Link, her movements a deadly dance as space itself bent to her whims while she sliced through enemy ranks. Each enemy she passed found their own skills turning against them as her blades cut with uncanny precision. ¡°I¡¯ll back you up,¡± Alistair responded firmly. ¡°There are still too many of them to risk going alone¡ªit might be a trap.¡± He charged forward like a juggernaut, plowing through the chaos, sending weaker enemies splattering against walls and ceilings as he cleared a path to follow her. Riseth stopped gracefully spinning while cutting those closest to her deeply, her expression shifting as she seemed to reconsider. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± she admitted. ¡°Something¡¯s off. They haven¡¯t sacrificed anyone yet, and their fighters¡ªwhile strong¡ªare downright pathetic compared to our elites. Honestly, I wouldn¡¯t call anyone here except the one facing Inquisitor Seitz a true elite.¡± "Something''s off here. Get ready," Alistair shouted as he and Riseth teamed up, tearing apart anyone daring to get too close to them with vicious efficiency. Elenora Seitz began to glow with radiant golden light, the aura spilling across the chamber and weakening their enemies. Alistair felt the surge of energy coursing through him as his own strength amplified. ¡°They¡¯ve set a trap to lure us in with the slaves!¡± she shouted. ¡°Stay away from that door¡ªtheir true elites are lying in wait!¡± She sidestepped another strike from the serpent-like creature she was battling, her movements sharp and decisive. ¡°Fine! If they refuse to come out, drag one of them into the circle!¡± a gruff, irritated voice boomed. Shadows stretched unnaturally, and vampires began stepping forth, emerging from the darkness itself. They moved with a haunting grace, their forms twisting free of the shadowy recesses of the chamber. At their head was a towering, human-like vampire, his aura dripping with potent bloodlust. He held two sickle-like swords, their blades slick with blood, and strode forward with unshaken confidence, his crimson gaze scanning the room like a predator sizing up its prey. From behind him, more individuals emerged from the shadows, but Alistair didn¡¯t have time to focus on them. The lead vampire, [Molverth Nezret - lvl 142], charged at him with terrifying speed, his sickle-like blades carving through the air as arcs of blood lashed out like liquid razors. The attack wasn¡¯t too dissimilar to the waterblades wielded by the Lirsaross of Lacustrine. Still, Alistair had long since honed his Kineticskin Guard to absorb the inherent kinetic energy of such attacks before they could transmit their cutting power. The result left him with a semi-cross pattern of blood across his chest, which he quickly forced off with a shockwave for safety. Their weapons clashed with a deafening impact. Alistair¡¯s poleaxe, its blade wrapped in the white-hot flames of his blazing edge skill, struck against Molverth¡¯s dual blades. The vampire attempted to slide his weapon along the poleaxe toward Alistair¡¯s fingers, a move designed to cripple, but found his momentum completely stolen mid-strike. Molverth¡¯s crimson eyes went wide as he bent backward unnaturally far to evade the counterattack. Despite his agility, the edge of Alistair¡¯s weapon grazed the vampire¡¯s neck, causing his skin to bubble and burn. Molverth let out a venomous hiss as the flames seared him, his crimson eyes narrowing with malice. Alistair¡¯s senses flickered outward, confirming that Kujo was busy reducing the small horde of vampires to cinders with his silver flames. At the same time, Riseth guarded his back, ensuring no one interfered with his battle.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Alistair let out an annoyed huff, tightening his grip on the poleaxe. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll kill you myself, you bloodsucking parasite.¡± By now, Alistair knew vampires were among the most common and favored racial evolutions across the multiverse, particularly within the Blackmarket Syndicates. Unlike werebeast transformations¡ªwhich were often seen as a curse, burdened with race-specific flaws¡ªvampirism offered a slew of advantages: enhanced stats, regeneration, increased affinities, and bloodline-specific powers. They were only mildly affected by the usual weaknesses of undead species, making them a far more appealing choice. In comparison, only a handful of high-tier werebeast transformations could rival them, and Alistair had yet to face any of those. Still, he¡¯d fought enough vampires to know their weaknesses, and his Blazing Edge skill had been optimized to counter regenerating opponents. Judging by the vampiric servants and thralls he had seen so far, this particular bloodline leaned heavily into the concept of shadows¡ªa nuisance but something he could handle. Alistair used his telekinesis to propel himself above the dodging vampire, striking downward with his shield. Its sharp edge and point, coated in white-hot flames, pierced into the vampire¡¯s blood core; empowered by his Telekinetic Death From Above and Kinetic Combat skills, his shield pinning the vampire to the ground. Molverth¡¯s attempts to meld into the shadows to escape were rendered useless by Alistair''s force magic, his dark form flickering and failing and screaming in pain as he repeatedly lashed out, only empowering Alistair further. But before Alistair could finish the vampire, a sea of blood erupted from Molverth¡¯s body, forcing him and anyone nearby to retreat. Liquids remained one of the more difficult forms to siphon kinetic energy from, but Alistair gritted his teeth, focusing his telekinesis to halt his opponent''s escape. He continued to siphon kinetic energy from the surging wave of blood, his control steady as he locked the vampire in place again. "Get back here, you discount Dracula!" Alistair barked, his voice infused with Vicious Mockery as he yanked the swirling liquid mass toward him with telekinesis, his senses zeroing in on the elusive blood core. "There you are," he muttered, dashing forward with precision. The point of his poleaxe shot through the liquid mass with incredible speed, white-hot flames flaring along the blade as it pierced straight into the vampire''s blood core. The flames burned away more of the vampire¡¯s life force before it managed to retreat, blades raised defensively. Crimson lines crisscrossed its form where Alistair''s searing magic had left its mark. Molverth glared at Alistair, his crimson eyes burning with hatred as he raised his blades to strike. Before he could act, Kujo¡¯s massive cleaver, wreathed in silvery flames, came crashing down, splitting the vampire cleanly in two and ending him for good. The faint chime of a level-up notification reached Alistair¡¯s ears, but it barely registered over his shock at having his kill stolen. Kujo turned to him, an apologetic look on his face. ¡°Sorry about that, but we need you to handle the beast guarding the lich." Alistair¡¯s gaze swept over the battlefield, locking onto Elenora and Nomura, who were locked in a fierce magical duel with the lich. Guarding it was a massive creature, its sinewy, deep-red flesh stretched taut over a hulking frame that resembled a grotesque mix of toad and gorilla. Its enormous, tree trunk-like arms pulsed with raw, force-enhanced power, shrugging off attacks with alarming ease. Bullets ricocheted harmlessly off its hide, leaving only bruises, and most cuts or spells failed to do more than carve shallow scrapes into its thick flesh. The [Gatugoth - lvl 140] lashed out savagely, smashing the ground with its immense limbs, attempting to crush its enemies, bite down with its curved tusks, or send them flying with terrifying swipes. Alistair spat on the ashes of the vampire and let out a sigh. "Fine, I¡¯ll handle the Battle Toad. This knockoff Dracula didn¡¯t even bother using his core concept." Kujo nodded, his cleaver resting on his shoulder as silvery flames flickered along its edge. ¡°There are still plenty more of those bloodsuckers around. If you¡¯ll excuse me, I¡¯m on vampire duty.¡± They dashed in opposite directions. Alistair used the moment it took to reach the hulking Gatugoth to assess the rest of the battlefield. Simon and Nikki had arrived alongside their inquisitor counterpart, their presence adding to the chaos as the chamber devolved into a swirling maelstrom of combat. Vampires swarmed along the ceiling and walls, launching themselves at the power-armored fighters, only to be cut down in droves by the Inquisitors wielding their holy-aspected powers and weapons. The threat level had surged significantly with the arrival of more powerful enemies exiting the realm, the most dangerous being the lich [Ekhar - lvl 151]. His aura pulsed through the massive chamber, radiating cold malevolence that made even the Gatugoth¡¯s immense strength seem secondary. The lich seemed to wield the concept of chains, supported by ice magic, with chilling precision. The chains didn¡¯t just lash out to restrain anyone attempting to bypass the Gatugoth; they also empowered the massive creature, amplifying its already devastating attacks and protecting it from more devastating blows. The part of the chamber where the lich held his ground was covered in a glimmering sheet of frost, alive with his magic. Whenever anyone approached, ice elementals clawed themselves from the depths of the ice and lunged into the fray with ferocious intent. The combination of his overwhelming power and the Gatugoth¡¯s brute force made advancing toward the ritual an almost insurmountable challenge. Alistair crashed into the fray, the hammerhead of his poleaxe smashing into the Gatugoth¡¯s side with relentless force. The massive creature was catapulted into the magically reinforced concrete wall, obliterating an unfortunate vampire crawling along its surface into a smear of red paste. The impact reverberated through the chamber, and even the reinforced concrete cracked under the sheer intensity of the blow, the room trembling as dust and debris rained down. But before Alistair could follow up, chains lashed out toward him, attempting to bind him. He managed to dodge most, but one coiled tightly around his arm. He felt the concept of binding taking hold, struggling against his Freedom of Movement skill as his range of motion diminished. More chains and icy spears shot toward him, forcing him to act fast. Unable to tear himself free with sheer power or Freedom of Movement alone, Alistair unleashed a surge of raw kinetic energy. The force rippled through the chain, overloading its binding magic and causing it to shatter into fragments. Freed, Alistair steadied himself, already preparing to counter.