《System Breaker [Xianxia System Apocalypse Litrpg] [STUBBED: OFFICIAL BOOK ONE RELEASES ON 25th]》 1 The Betrayal Weakness is the highest sin. -Wei An Wei, the Realmbreaker 1 The Betrayal The world was burning, and all Young Master Wei An Wei could do was watch. The skies over his sect were coming asunder, tearing as if paper. The sun and clouds were banished from sight, and in their place spread vast rifts for more demons to spill through. Fire flooded down upon the earth, hammering against cracking defensive arrays projected over the sect in haste. Beyond the peeling of existence loomed a gargantuan, vague structure drawing closer every second. None had been prepared for this momentit should have been an impossibility. The protections woven over their world should have exorcized all demons that dared enter their atmosphere, thanks to vast and sprawling branches of their Everblossoms. Such was the reason their world was called Evernest, for the awakened trees shrouded them from the peering eyes and slavering fangs of heaven. But here and now the hells spilled forth, spawning their hordes directly upon the mountain fortress of the Drowned Sky Sect. The heart from which the Everblossoms flourished. Cultivators fought alone and in formation, directing animated weapons to spear through swarms of screaming insects, obliterating demonic leviathans trying to squeeze through the tightness of the rifts. Even unprepared, a cultivator remained a cultivator; they were already set upon defying the laws of heaven, what dread did they hold for the legions of hell? But where valor and virtue shone bright, the honest fact of the matter was that they were but a sinking island trying to fight off an encroaching sea. Cultivators fought, holding their pockets of resistance until the swarms swept over them, and then deliberately invoked tribulation by reaching beyond the expanse of this worldnakedly tried to steal might from the heavens one final time. Primordial lightning lashed through existence, carving swaths of reality away into nothingness. The demons kept coming. Wei fled toward his home, pushing past fleeing disciples and families. He escaped into the deepest rungs of the mountain hold as cultivation-forged symbols went out one after another as the final layer of protections crumbled away. The linked houses here belonged to the hundred-namesthe Pathless mortals that have served their sect faithfully for centuries. He needed to get home. He needed to get to his parents. They would know what to do. Or at least they could die together as a family. Already, Wei could see stalking shadows hunting them, laughing shapes made from the fabric of shadows pulling people off into the darkness. Between the streets, the spiritually awakened Everblossom trees were burningscreamingtheir radiant petals of violet and red vanishing, consumed by fire and made ash. The sprawling channels passing between each home ran still, but flowed as blood rather than water. Each witnessed defilement bade a sickness to rise within Wei. But he faced the world that was, he accepted the horror as a cultivator should. He pressed on. He became a blur of violence and urgency, smashing through walls and leaping over collapsed bridges. Only one goal ruled his mind: he needed to reach the mansion. With each passing second, his heart ached with thirst. His cultivation was running dry. He would need to meditate and center himself when he reached the mansion. As he passed the final layer of houses, leaving fleeing mortals and shattered demons in his wake, his heart swelled with relief as he laid eyes upon his home. The joy in him faded, however, as along the pearl-inlaid pathway leading to his home, he watched hellish dogs tear into an old man. The mans robes were soaked through with blood, and his face was savaged. Wei barely recognized him as he gasped and shuddered, kicking at the three hellhounds digging their snouts into his guts. It was his beard that Wei recognized. Flowing and white, with a fashionable curl at the end. Master Mou Ze! He tore across the open path leading to his home, and the dogs frozepulled their bloodied faces from Mou Zes eviscerated body. His eyes fell upon Wei, and he swallowed a mouthful of blood as he managed a final grin. Essence rose from his body. Rose high like a cerulean tower reaching through the mountain, reaching past the arrays, the nest, past even the open rift looming above them. He reached, and Wei sensed what he was doing. No! The dogs managed their first step toward Wei when a sudden shudder pulsed down Mou Zes Spirit, disrupting the essence that composed his being. He had touched something far beyond. He had reached beyond the confines of this realm and alerted something that existed within the ascended realm. A bolt of energy shaped from monochrome lanced down from a place unseen. Wei felt even before it arrived. It speared into his senses like an impossible weight, and pierced clean through the mountain as if the stone wasnt even there. As lightning colored from shifting resplendence and shadow struck Mou Ze, the hellhounds caught in its wake as well, consuming all four of their forms in a flash of brilliance. A shockwave of force swept out across the sect. Gone was Master Mou Ze. Gone were the hounds devouring him. Gone was a good few meters of ground beneath where they were. To invoke tribulation was to be unmade by the heavens. All cultivators knew this. All cultivators knew, and Mou Ze chose nothingness rather than risk Wei. The young master stared at the hollow depression dotting the ground for a heartbeat and repressed the tearing inside of him. Grief was a weakness he had neither time nor want to indulge. Springrise Mansion was named so because of its composition. Created by Wei Jing Quan, Matriarch of the Drowned Sky Sect, some seven centuries ago, it resembled the joining of several Everblossom trees molded together, forming walls and rooms with their trunks while branches continued to climb, spearing through even the stone of their mountain stronghold itself. Upon the wood burned scripts infused with the essence of cultivation, and they invoked commands directly upon ones will. A creeping question gnawed at Wei, then. Why hadnt his parents reacted if their home was still intact? He could still sense the essence rippling from the Everblossoms, flowing across their sect. Why hadnt they shrunken the perimeters defenses before expanding it once more to banish the scourge? The moment he plunged into the inner courtyard, he knew something was wrong. The mansion was silent and empty. Wei never remembered it being so. He thought about calling out, but thought better of it. He didnt know what threats might be lurking, despite how intact it seemed. Taking a moment to center himself, he planted a hand against a passing branch of wood and exhaled. All cultivators knew how to meditate. Such was how one centered themselves in the turbulent sea that was the world, drew in the currents of discord before refining it, nourished their spirits by purifying chaos into order. Though but a youth of fifteen years, Weis highest blessing by birthright and training had been focus. Unshakable focus. His mind emptied with a thought, and he found himself hovering in a miasma of chaos. Streams of flowing essence washed through the Everblossoms around him, and their voluminous puissance made the gray haze that colored his spirit seem little more than contaminated swill. His masters often told him that he was a gifteda generational talent. Though such was what they said, he didnt know how that could be true when his mother and father were capable of producing such purity through their cultivation. Though his spirit thirsted, he controlled himself, and internalized the essence into his Nascent Spirit. Moments of calm presented instances of greatest danger to a cultivator, for they were the refiners of existence. Many a disciple had reached beyond the expanse of this realm before they were ready, sought to steal spiritual essence from the world beyonda world where the ascended, gods, and titans lurked. Time and time again, Wei felt lured to claim more than he should. Time and time again, he resisted it. Where most disciples his age were two stages behind, struggling to set their foundations, Wei had awakened his Nascent Spirit just two days prior to the invasionand taken his first true step on the climb to ascension. It was supposed to be a cause worth celebrating. His mother even granted him one of her rare smiles. Now, he would settle for getting out of this mess alive. Drawing essence from the Everbloom, he ignored the feeling of guilt as the complexities of his parents spirits dissolved upon greeting his, colors vanishing into a dull blue. Filled, he exhaled and returned to the world. The mansion was still silent, still empty. A string was pulling up at his guts, and a drum of dread hammered in his chest. He strode forth through the courtyard. The wings to his left and right had their door closed. Wei frowned as he wondered where the animated constructs were, but pressed forward, seeking the central quarters where he and his parents spent their nights. Yet, the main houses door was halfway ajar, its brass, ring-shaped handle twisted slightly as if released mid-pull. Gathering his courage, Wei pushed the door open and stepped forth. And stopped dead with a single step. Before him on the ground lay a severed head, its eyes still open, the irises bright green, the mouth slightly ajar. Its hair remained tied in neat tassels, with a crystalline hairpin holding it in placesomething his father had gifted his mother during their courtship. Seconds passed, and Wei stared on, mind unable to process the scene before him. Somewhere deep inside, he knew he was staring at his mothers decapitated head, and a trail of blood led but a few strides beyond where her body lay unmoving. Over it stood his father, one of the mans palms pressed against the trunk of a sprawling tree, channeling the will of his spirit through its branches. In his other hand shimmered a Shapeless Blade, only made visible because of the blood coating its length. Blood. His mothers blood. Reality slammed down upon Wei like a hammer greeting an anvil, breaking him from his fugue. He broke into motion, taking his mothers face into his shaking hands. Absurd as it was, he reached into her using his spirit, yearning to find something there. A shade of color. A semblance of life. Nothing. Just emptiness. Just death. A noise escaped Wei before he could stop it. There was no coherence to the note, no meaning besides pain. His mother would never watch him train again, instruct him, smile at him, chide him for bullying the outer court disciples, or slap his hand for forgetting decorum when they ate together. His mother was gone. His mother was gone. His mother was gone. And his father killed her. Something inside Wei shattered. What was a cry of grief broke into a note of incomprehensible rage. Why? he said, barely whispering the word. Why? He watched his fathers reel back from the tree, spinning to bring his blade to bear. The man froze as he faced Wei, his face an ashen mask of misery, eyes red from weeping. For a passing heartbeat, they stood there, the father with a technique pointed at his son, the son holding the remains of his mother for the last time. People often said he resembled his father more than his mother. Aside from inheriting the hue of her eyes, father and son shared most other featuresstrong jaw, pronounced bones, wild, flowing hair. Somehow, that made this all hurt infinitely worse. Why? Wei managed again, a growl seeping into his voice this time. The man before him sagged with exhaustion as he looked upward and away from Wei. I did all that you asked not him too. You said you wouldI did as you asked! The shout that erupted from Yu Wu Wen was uncharacteristic of him. He was a figure defined by calmness and focus. But the creature before Wei was nothing but weariness and fury. With words spoken, his father crumbled in on himself and sighed. You said I wouldnt need to make this choice. You said he would never lay eyes on me again. It took Wei a second to realize his father was speaking to him. What? What are you talking about? Why did you There was no choice, Yu Wu Wen repeated, all expression vanishing from his face, focus reasserting itself. This was a moment demanded by a will beyond our own. I am sorry, Wei. I did not want this. But it matters so little what we want. Weis confusion only grew with each passing word. He didnt even realize that he had placed his mothers head down on the ground as he staggered close to his father. His head was spinning, red was creeping in the corner of his vision, his fists clenched and unclenched, tightening in pace to the thundering in his heart. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. I will not make you suffer, Yu Wu Wen said, stifling a quiver. I will not. That is all I can give you. I didnt But Wei was on him first, a son seeking the life of his father to avenge his mother; a Nascent Spirited boy facing a master on the verge of true ascendancythe eighth and final step before one became an immortal proper. In the end, it was as if a worm trying to claim the life of a hawk. Wei blurred, channeling every bit of his essence into his speed. He strode and pivoted right, sought to provoke his father into missing a strike. But Yu Wu Wen was no outer disciple fool, and skill was the smallest gulf between father and son. Wei might as well have been standing still when his father drove his Shapeless Blade through his heart. The boy lurched. His mouth filled with copper, and his heartthe muscle containing his Nascent Spiritshrieked as it struggled to beat. His fathers face contorted in repressed horror as he banished his blade, stumbling back as he took in his deed. Blood welled out from Weis chest, painting the whites of his broad and gushing down his body. He coughed a spray of crimson phlegm, mortally wounded, mind dangling at the precipice of madness, spirit punctured and leaking essence. Im sorry, Yu Wu Wen muttered, offering worthless apology after worthless apology. In that moment, Wei learned what it truly meant to hate someone. He didnt know if it was emotion or the last bits of his ruptured spirit that gave him the force to keep standing, to take another step toward the man. All he knew was that he needed to kill the man. If it was the last thing he did. And on the verge of insanity, a plan formed in his mind. A desperate plan that would see their family reunited in death. Wei cast a glance at his mothers head one final time. Forgive me, mother, for what I am about to do to your Everblossoms. What I will do to our world. It was a ridiculous thing to do, but with mind drifting, one final acknowledgment of his filial piety seemed right to him. Clenching a fist, he strode forward, ostensibly seeking to land a blow on his father. The man just sighed as he dodged, reaching out as Wei crumbled with a choked gasp, embracing his son one final time. It will be over soon. It will be calm soon. Go. Go be with your mother. She should not depart alone. Wei spat blood over his fathers shoulder and gripped the back of the mans neck with his left hand. Pulling feebly, he forced his father to meet his gaze, hatred matching sorrow as he spoke: I will kill you for this no matter how many lives it takes no matter how far you flee no matter how high you ascend I will find you I will kill you I will turn all you love to ash And with each word of loathing he spat, his father broke, his expression wilting further and further until he was on the brink of tears once more. And as the man was distracted by his own torment, Wei reached with his other hand and pressed his palm against the trunk of the Everblossom just behind his father. For one last time, Wei mastered himselfagainst all odds, he quieted his mind. No more did his mothers death matter. No more did his impending end concern him. All there was in existence was his wounded spirit spilling free into the Everblossom, and the siren call of tribulation beyond. This time, unlike all the times before, Wei didnt resist. Instead, he reached, groped deeper as he ignored all there was to refine himself in this realm, and sank his will into the heavens beyond. Faintly, he heard a rising cry of alarm someplace distant. But that mattered no more. Deeper still he rose, deeper still he drank, deeper, until he felt another presence reach back and seize him. And then they struck. Wei felt the blow coming before it arriveda strike that made all existence shudder, that traveled countless leagues to grant him desired ruin. He opened his eyes, and grinned wide as he beheld his fathers disbelieving gaze. He clenched the back of the mans neck tighter. A Patriarch, Wei began, should not leave his family. Come with us. And just before a bolt of falling tribulation split through the demonic rift and cleaved the mountain fortress of the Drowned Sky Sect in twain, the space around the twosome tore open as a force pulled them both through. Wei was torn from his fathers embrace, but never once did he release his hold on the Everblossoms. Roiling chaos enveloped them both, monochromatic essence bleeding into their Spirits, dissolving them utterly. Wei felt himself unravel but managed a grin of vicious triumph as he beheld the same fate claiming his father. The emotion was short-lived. Though the brightness that composed his fathers Spirit withered from existence, the man did not die, nor did he even seem particularly affected. Worse yet, the monochrome only consumed him in Spirit but not flesh, while Wei found himself devoured in totality. Adrift in this miasmathis sea of chaos, Wei strained and struggled, tried to resist the end. His father merely gazed at him, eyes burning with despair. He reached out for Wei, but then pulled his hand back, mouthing something, some kind of apology, some kind of request. It didnt matter. It was worthless. Wei didnt want to hear the words, he wanted to watch the man die. Why had the heavens protected the man even now? Why were they denying Wei even this? His final vengeance. Just then, the monochromatic ocean parted behind Yu Wu Wen, and Wei glimpsed a flare of the sun along the corner of his right eye. A cleft of atmosphere suddenly manifested in the chaotic expanse, and a shape of looming obsidian, glass, and bronze drifted close from behind a veil of crimson haze. Its four edges were lined with wicked spikes and arches, and the glass paneling along its surface depicted humans nested within demonic horrors. The tower was an art piece of nightmares, and from it spewed monsters unfathomable. As it swept closer, Wei tasted fire, brimstone, and sulfur. Heard a chorus of laughter. Saw swarms of demons swirling the skies, massive leviathans coiling around the structure while small nightmares festered around it as bees of a hive. They were thousands. Millions. And they came spilling forth from the many gateways that lined the sides of the tower, some slipping out from painted glass as well. The tower was immense, so large it possessed its own pull. As Wei and his father were drawn close, they turned in space, and the young master gazed down to where the tower made its descent, and his heart clenched with pain once more. The edifice was plunged through breaking arrays, splitting clean through the grand branches coiled around a burning world. Evernest. Home. Weis home. The tower was plunging deeper and deeper into his crust. Fissures parting continents spread wide, and essence began to well forth from the planetary realm like blood from an arterial spray. A crackling noise pulled Weis attention back to his father, and he saw two shapes approaching the man from the backdrop of the tower. Twin figures of hellish array-scrawled armor approached, their helmeted skulls spewing plumes of fire in the shape of an inverted cross. Their weapons were blades of slick, wet flesh, and their plating formed from bone and blackened steel while six wings spread wide behind them like clouds of ash. They reached out and took Yu Wu Wen under the arms, and began to carry him him back toward the tower, back into the haze of red. Wei cried out, fighting his weightlessness to reach the man, howling for any to heed his cries, offering all oaths to see vengeance done. But there was nothing he could do to reach his father. The crevice parting the monochrome was crashing inward like waves crashing down into a valley, and Weis heart burned with incomprehensible rage. Somehow, for whatever reason, his father had been spared the touch of the monochromatic taint, had been spared of tribulation, had been saved by a force residing in the heavens. All this, while Wei was condemned to die. All this, while his mother was dead. All this while his realm burned. Vengeance was undone, and shadow and light began to crawl over Weis eyes. His mind was fading, and his Nascent Spirit was almost entirely gone. There was nothing left. Nothing but acceptance and peace. No. No. No. A fury ignited in Wei, a desperate, vicious anger that was beyond thought, beyond enduring. It was a fundamental truth that reigned within him, a hate that needed to be fulfilled. In his fist was a branch of the Everblossom, still clutched, still filled with essence. Reaching in, he drew from it, refined using his bitter loathing alone as focus. It was all he could do to stop the monochrome from eating what remained of him, but even then, it seemed to do little good. His body was near blended with the surrounding chaos. In seconds, he would no longer be able to tell where he began, and it ended. There, in wrestling against the havoc of chaos, Wei remembered laying in his mothers embrace, watching her paint the world outside using a brush as she told him what it meant to strive for immortality. It is our nature to ascend, to yearn for the heavens, to rise in defiance of titans and gods. If the price for failure was destruction, then what was lost? When death is fated, then the act of seeking immortality can only be a reward. So. Seek the stars, my son. Know the limitations of the heavens, and rise in spite of them. And above all, let your virtues shine, though tribulations fall. And as the chaos pushed inward to his Spirit one final time, Wei reached back out in a final act of defiance. Reaching as far and vast as he could through whatever remained of the Everblossoms. Reaching to seek a proper end befitting a cultivator. Then, another presence reached out to him. Reached out across the Everblossoms. Reached out and projected an image of a broken shell into his minda portrait of another thread of light leaving his shattered world. Text filled his perception, while incomprehensible power flooded his being. The monochrome continued to pour into him, but a thin threshold formed around his body, creating a border of separation between him and the surrounding miasma. Drip by drip, something flowed across the Everblossom he was still clinging to and filled his broken Spirit once more. Potential Host Detected Organism Identified: Human - Subspecies [Cultivator/Trespasser] Estimating Foundational Aspect Thresholds Strength: [Error: Severe Conceptual Damage detected] Speed: [Error: Severe Conceptual Damage detected] Mind: [Error: Severe Conceptual Damage detected] Awareness: [Error: Severe Conceptual Damage detected] Constitution: [Error: Severe Conceptual Damage detected] Will: [Error: Unable to quantify hosts limitations] Source Corruption: 99.8% Risk of Host Rejection: 0% Beginning System Integration Designation: Keter Concept-Breaker Reconstructing hosts Nascent Spirit to Source Core Repairing Foundational Aspects What What is this? Wei thought, a semblance of coherence returning to him. A new color slithered into the trickle that remained of Weis Nascent Spirit, changing the once gray haze into a reflective pool of shifting hues, changing between blackness and white. Do you wish to live? Yes, Wei answered without hesitation. Do you accept this request for immediate System-Symbiosis? Wei didnt understand, but he agreed regardless. Anything. He would give anything to see his vow fulfilled, to see his fathers betrayal undone. Yes! Acknowledged. System integrating with hosts conceptual structure Suddenly, Wei felt a surge of power rush into him, igniting him in mind, body, and spirit. And there was more power still. More power in the expanse surrounding him. Warning: Your present Aspects are not Ascended. You are not able to Wei overrode the voice with a thought. Everything else was secondary to his fathers death. Aspect of Will overriding System Ascension restrictions. Using ambient Source as reservoir. [Override]: System Ascension > [GATE] 1 Aspect Advanced to Conceptual Threshold Strength Ascended > Authority Speed Ascended > Relativity Mind Ascended > Enlightenment Awareness Ascended > Omniscience Constitution Ascended > Fortification Will Ascended > Intent Suddenly, the drowning chaos stopped trying to consume him. And Wei suddenly found himself able to see through it. No longer was it an incoherent haze washing him from existence, but a membrane of some kinda threshold that contained all worlds and dimensions. His Nascent Spirit melted away then, but the monochrome pulled back from his flesh as if he was re-emerging from deep waters. Around him, all became clear. He saw the brilliant flaring of dawn over his world, sensed the distance between him and the burning giant of gas, sensed the distance between him and his crumbling world, sensed the distance between him and his father once more. Shaking himself free from awe, he clawed at the empty space he drifted in, but still found himself unable to move. He was weightless. There was nothing to push off of. His father was slowly becoming a speck in the distance, and the gulf was closing Destroy the Concept of [Distance] between you and your target. What? Wei thought, not understanding. Estimating Distance: 2.5 Kilometers Obstructions: 0 Conflicting Laws of Reality or Adversarial Systems: 1 Threshold Established Calculating Targeted Conceptual Structure Focus your Aspect of Intent on the distance. Weis mind went blank for a moment, and then he did as the unknown entity asked. He harnessed his focus once more and found himself able to project itexternalize his willpower. It left his body in the form of a reaching arm of solidified monochrome, shooting fast across the distance as details and sensations flooded Weis mind. When he finally brushed the back of his father, he felt a sudden pressure lash against his willbut no matter. A stretch of reality had already been separated from the whole. He could feel the shape of existence rubbing against his projected Intent, the very concepts of reality becoming tangible structures to him, as if laws were pillars as if both the material and metaphorical were both clay. Conceptual Structure Calculated Concept-Integrity of [Distance]: 80/80 Integrity Points Break the concept of distance. Unmake the space between you and your target. Whatever Wei expected to hear, it wasnt that. Still, he turned his projected will into a fist, and he lashed out, striking with spirit and body both. A corona of darkness traced by light resonated from his body, and its vibration spread across existence itself. Wei channeled a might he never knew into his blow. He struck with his material fist first, striking the gulf of space he held in his awareness. His projected fist then immediately flew forward thereafter, knuckles striking the bedrock of conceptual reality. For the first time, Wei felt reality crack. Wei felt a concept fracture. He felt the distance between him and his father quiver. The demons carrying the man stumbled and halted. The man turned his head. Concept-Integrity of [Distance]: 65/80 Integrity Points Fractured, but still holding. Wei lashed out again and felt himself lurch forward slightly and unnaturally. Again, he cast out a fist, and again he felt his damage strike a structure rooted someplace deeper than even the realm of the spiritual and arcane. Numbers and text splashed across his vision, with each blow subtracting 15 points from the Concept-Integrity of distance itself. The feat was madimpossible. But it was working. Blow after blow, he felt conceptual reality sunder beneath his fists evermore, his hands blurring, his being flaring as he unloaded his fury in a torrent of rage. Through it all, every time he struck, his very being vibrated, and existence resonated thereafter, briefly painting all there was with a monochrome canvas that faded thereafter like an echo. There, he saw a crack forming between him and the tower, the lines spreading wider, deeper. Concept-Integrity of [Distance]: 35/80 Integrity Points His final three punches shot out in a chain, and he felt force flow out from him like nothing he ever knew. When the last hit landed, the space ahead of him burst apart in a rupture of colors, and Wei suddenly felt the [Distance] between him and his father break and cease to be. It simply stopped existence. There was no acceleration when Wei traveled across space, no hint or warning of what was to come. Suddenly, he was right behind his father, two whole kilometers unmade. The next thing he saw was the haze of red sweeping over him, the demons turning, shocked by his sudden appearance. And his father. His father, with his head looking back. His father, with his eyes wide with disbelief and fear. Father! Wei howled, the hate tearing out from him with the scream. Swung his fist once more Warning: Ambient Source reservoir inaccessible. Unable to maintain System Ascension Override Defaulting all Aspects to [Foundational] The blow flopped against Yu Wu Wens face as all the strength seeped out from Wei. The hit did no harm, but the dread was still there in the mans eyes as Wei forced his way past his lethargy, dug his fingers into his fathers collar, and attempted a second strike. A second strike that never came, for a flash of crimson lightning whipped into Weis back and drowned him in agony. Despite the pain, despite the damage, he still held. It took two more lashes to make him loosen his fingers. Light filled Weis eyes. Once more, he was weightless, but falling this time, while his father remained above him. Falling, as the crimson bolts wrapped around Wei and carried him across the tower. And who might you be? A melodious voice whispered to Wei. He didnt manage a response as his consciousness finally succumbed, his body failing his implacable will. And so fell Wei An Wei, the once Young Master of the Drowned Sky Sect, carried by the forking fingers of a storm most unnatural into the embrace of the Claimed Hells of Diaspora; into a den of depravity and virtue; into a house of schemes and sin. Into a realm between realms, a nation between worlds; in pursuit of personal revenge, and soon after, retribution against the System-hosts that ruled existence themselves. THOUGH TRIBULATION FALLS 2 Stranger in a Stranger Land [Sinners] [Servants] [Knights] [Counts] [Marquesses] [Duke] [Princes] [Kings] A world has been found. A world of incomparable value. A pure world, devoid of a true and deserved master, untainted by the primordial ichors unclaimed by a [System]. Such a supple canvas calls to me, and its soil lay ripe for our expansion. The time is upon us once more. The time to raid. The time to rage and rave. The time to bring forth a cleansing (APOCALYPSE) to sweep bare this worlds original design, and usher in a proper order. But we are not singular in this hunger. We are not alone in conquest. Our rivals seek to infest this land before we can, seek to absorb its people, mysteries, and technologies before we can. Such an insult cannot be allowed to stand make no mistake: this realm is a treasure above treasures, and it must be made ours. In recognition of this, We, Mepheleon the [Harbinger], Speaker of the [System] that governs these Crawling Worlds, declare the summary initiation of the Blood Games! Regardless of if you find yourself a [Sinner] seeking to claim a [Class] and descend to the Circle of [Servants] through triumph, or if you are simply hungering for the [System]s favor, the gates to the Moongraves stand open, and the path to your pleasure awaits. Prove yourselves. Prove yourselves for a place in the coming (Apocalypse). Prove yourself to us, and be granted the right to take from this virgin world your rightful spoils. -Mepheleon the Harbinger, Sovereign of Diaspora, Lord of the Claimed Hells, Master of the Crawling Worlds 2 Stranger in a Stranger Land Existence came alight before Wei. All of a sudden, he was aware and alive, with no memory of even opening his eyes. It was like his consciousness ignited into being like a candle. What greeted him first was the sky, but not a sky he knew. No clouds drifted overheadno freshness of air, no blue and bright colors. Instead, the atmosphere was one of sweltering static, and its face was lined with slow, sprawling storms. Bolts of crimson lightning spread out like expanding veins creeping languidly over existence, their branches joining and breaking, curving down past his vision like trailing willows. Between their striations were pockets of quivering monochrome. Wei gained his first glimpse of the greater cosmos and beheld its aesthetics. It seemed a turbulent ocean locked in struggle against itself, shifting motes of light and dark grinding together, making the skies resemble a boiling cauldron. A twinge of recognition passed through Wei. He knew these colorsmore, he could sense them. Feel an energy there that seeped down upon the world, that dissolving into faintness. Those were the hues poured into his Nascent Spirit, recolored him from the dullness of gray. And then, just beyond the near-opaque chaos, a colossal structure loomed, bringing with a wave of artificial brightness. At first, he thought it was the curve of a burning moon drawn near to him by an illusion, but then more of it unveiled itself, displaced the chaos inhabiting the hues beyond the atmosphere. It resembled a torus passing over him, and across its surface were massive sprawling structures and blooming lights. Even so far, he felt faint emanations of cultivationspikes of power that pierced his awareness as if daggers cast from beyond the horizon. A line of text drifted across his perception, breaking him from his stupor. Host consciousness restored Generating System Update Name: Wei An Wei Species: Cultivator/Trespasser Source Core: Lv. 1 >[0/5] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Source: [10/10] Lumens Establishing Foundational Aspects Warning: Hosts body has been reconstructed from Source. All Aspects aside from (Will) suffered extreme Conceptual Damage. Current Foundational Aspect thresholds based on highest recalled feats. Foundational Aspects Strength 4 >How much force one can exert. Speed 6 >How fast one can react and move. Mind 2 >How much information one can process, conceptualize, and remember. Awareness 5 >The amount of detail one can notice in their environments. Constitution 3 >How much damage and pain one can endure. Will [Incalculable] >How much one can control and exert themselves over natural and unnatural external effects. Masteries [None] Sourceries >Source Refinement The host can create 1 Lumen of Source by attuning with existence. Attunement can be performed through meditation or extreme focus. >Source Amplification The host can expend 2 Lumens of Source to temporarily advance any Aspect. Amplification will remain active until the host breaks concentration. Ascensions >Sourceforged The host has been remade from Source. As such, they can affect spiritual, psionic, eldritch, and material entities without fail. Should the host run out of Source, they will also cease to exist. Wei struggled to make sense of all the information. He had no idea what Source or Lumens was supposed to be, and neither did he fully understand how some of these metrics were established. The analogies used to judge his body and mind cultivation were in line with what he knew; he had demonstrated feats in line with those listed during his training. More incomprehensible was the text under Ascensions. Sourceforged? What did it mean he was remade from Source? And something about the words cease to exist filled him with coldness. As his confusion grew, a presence within him reacted. It is recommended that you leave the local area. You are currently in hostile territory. Wei blinked twice. What? He shot up to a seated position and took his surroundings once more. The ground beneath was that of obsidian, with gleaming fluid flowing through the arteries that lined its cracks. Heat seared discomfort into Wei without ever becoming pain, but he found himself more consumed by the fact that he could feel the drifting liquid running through the grounds sundered channelscould feel everything in perceivable existence drifting around him, through him. It was like his Spirit was a mirror, somehow? A mirror, but also another dimension that was filled by all that it reflected. This was a level of clarity he never knew before. He was a disciple at the Nascent Spirit stagetrue awareness should not be Coldness filled him. He turned his focus from beyond to within, and found his stomach turning into a growing void. The color of his Spiritual aura was absent, and in its place shimmered a corona of monochrome. His Nascent Spirit was missing. Correction: Your Spirit was corrupted. Your existence was in the process of being unmade. You triggered this Systems activation through a connection via its planar cage. The System preserved your existence and joined with you thereafter, rebuilding the other Aspects of your being through your Will. You no longer require a Nascent Spirit, as limits applied to your former classification of [Cultivator] have been removed. Wei understood the words, but the sense behind themwhat was going on? His mind was lost in a whirlwind. Memories tore through him as his breath came fasthe couldnt feel the beating of his hearthis mother she was dead. His father was he dead? How was Wei still alive? Where was he? What If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. His mind tumbled from one moment to the next. A new sight distracted him from the rising tumult. Not five meters away, an enormous, transparent column sprouted from the land. The many veins lining the obsidian surged upward, channeling their energies into it. It wasnt cultivated essence, but he could sense it. Feel it. As he followed its pathway up, Wei felt his jaw open slightly as he saw a cluster of shapes bobbing within the column. Humans. Some of them were human, anyway. From all manner of foreign cultures, considering the way they were dressed and the oddities of their appearances. The other creatures seeing how he could sense them too, he guessed they counted as awakened beings, alien though they were. Cords were burrowed into the back of their skulls, and their faces were shifting contortions of emotion and expression. Their eyes were open but vacant, and from them was extracted a particular resonance that slid across his senses like a sword gliding over tin. Wei winced. All around him were countless more of these pillars, with where he stood being a clearing in a dense forest. Looking up, he saw the webwork of red storms connecting and breaking from the structures, exchanging energies as they passed. Structures Identified: [Sin-Incubator] >Sin-Incubator: A structure meant to extract conceptual [Sins] from an entity before combining the severity and nature of their transgressions, thereby forming a demon. Mind Advanced > 3 As the knowledge flowed into his mind, Wei felt something inside him fracture. A burst of monochromatic radiance flared outward from his being. Wei blinked. Somehow, his mind felt clearer than it did a second before. His thoughts flowed like coursing water. Then, from behind, Wei heard a noisesensed something break at the borders of his perception. Spinning, he found the cracks running along the ground fracturing wider. Blackened blacks spewed free in sync with a spray of festering fluid. Wei recognized it immediately as the ichor of a demon, and when a thin tendril punched through the ground, instinct guided Wei as he readied himself. The boulder-sized nightmare that burst free from the soil greeted the air with a screecha twisted facsimile of a newborn at the moment of their birth. Nine whip-like tentacles flicked along its back, but the rest of its body resembled that of a hound. The way its skull blossomed open like petals ended the comparison there, and a chasm of quivering flame licked at the world using plumes of flame. Hostile Entity Identified: [Hellhound] Hellhound Lv. 1 The Hellhound sniffed twice and looked around. Only when it laid eyes on Wei did it seem to truly notice him. It jerked back, seemingly in surprise, before letting out an enraged cackle with its howling flames. Wei moved, and an explosion of air erupted opposite the path he strode. He cleaved left across the ground as a wave of cascading fire roared out from the Hellhounds open skull. Its tentacles lashed at the surrounding area, slashing wildly to deny him an angle of entry. Intelligent. Definitely more intelligent than just a dog. Demons inherit fragments of memories and experiences from the progenitors they were extracted from. Wei ignored his potential insanity as he snatched a shard of obsidian off the ground. He aimed his shot as he kept running, moving fast to keep to the hounds side. The fire coursing out from it was unceasing. To his surprise, he could sense the channeling of its energy as well, knew it to be a diluted form of what flowed within him. He timed his shotwaited for three tendrils to arc pastthen launched the rock with all his strength. A whip crack sounded through the air. The stone threaded between its misshapen body, punching through ragged fur with a splatter of kaleidoscopic ichor. The Hellhound stumbled two more steps before its flame sputtered and its body sagged. It collapsed face-first on the ground and began decomposing rapidly, material body unraveling into flecks of ash and unidentified essence. Strength Advanced > 5 Wei swallowed as the voice inside his mind continued talking, as lines of text flowed across his awareness. Perhaps this was all just a dream. A nightmare. Or maybe all he remembered did happen, that he went mad the moment he saw his mothers severed head facing him. Or maybe he was dying still, and had retreated into his mind. But it didnt feel like he was dreaming. It didnt seem like he was lost in a delusion. He felt more attuned in body and soul than ever, and his mind processed things with a clarity he could only call refined. Functionally, he never felt better. Internally, his thoughts were still reeling, forcing him to do all he could to not think about what happened to his home, his mother, his father Another growl broke Wei from his thoughts. More demons were coming. They crept into the borders of his awareness from all around him. Some slithered, others walked, a few trotted, and one passed over the land like flowing mist. Looking around, Wei saw more forms emerging from behind the Sin-Incubators, forming as if a pack of wolves stepping out behind the truck of trees. But wolves they were not. Instead, their bodies were misshapen distortions of humans, insects, and animals. First among them were the Hellhounds, faces snapping open, flames burning bright. Behind them came towering chimeras that seemed the bastard offspring of a human skeleton grafted upon the body of a war horse. And then, wafting over them, drifted a hooded shade, bringing with it an ethereal chill. There were twelve of them so far, and more were entering his perception by the second. Hostile Entities Identified: [Horseman], [Specter] >Horseman Lv. 2 >Specter Lv. 3 Assessment: Successful engagement unlikely. Recommend an immediate retreat. Wei nodded numbly at that. He might be going insane and hearing voices, but at least his delusions sounded intelligent and were trying to aid him. A cultivator was to draw from all sources of power to forge an advantage even if it was their own madness. Eyeing a potential gap between the foes arrayed against him, Wei marshaled his focus and sprinted toward a dense forest of Incubators. As he ran, he found himself startled by two things. The first was how he somehow knew over 30 demons were chasing him without even taking the time to count them. The second was how a monochromatic glow intensified around his body while an aching pressure built within. What is happening to me? Wei fled, and the demons followed. The hounds led the charge, their flames lapping ahead, rolling across the ground in sweeping weaves. Beside them galloped the Horsemen, spreading themselves wide and summoning spectral bows to bear. Overhead, the Specter brought forth a blanket of mist, obfuscating the demonic hordes from clear sight. As they stalked him, the ground fractured more, birthing new horrors to join the hunt. Like a sparrow herded by ravens, Wei broke from the clearing and sprinted into the hellish thicket before him. Incubators extended forth like the trunks of rising trees, and the people within them drifted in bliss. But Wei could feel a shift in his surroundings, like a faint awareness was mantling itself upon his surroundings. Darting between the branching Incubators, his eyes flicked all about, searching for a potential path toward salvation. He needed to break from his pursuers first. Couldnt stop. If they managed to delay him for any duration, he would be overrun. After that, he needed to find higher ground or a place of respite. Some place to get his bearings and come up with a plan. Searching his instincts, he found himself rushing blind, the winds rising to a piercing shriek along his ears as crackles of flame whipped at his neck, driving him to shift directions, throw off the aim of the hounds. The ground was fracturing beneath his feet. Where he trod, more demons were being born. Constant movement was the only thing that kept him alive. An ethereal whisper caressed the back of his mind. Wei lowered his stance without thinkingwatched as an arrow made from the same unnatural glow composing a Horsemans bow darted overhead. Then, impossibly, he watched it decelerate, curve, and then turn for him again, moving of its own accord. A choked chuckle of offended disbelief slipped out from Wei. Ridiculous. The heavens werent just being blind to him today, they were out for his blood. More arrows shot past him, missing by lengths of fingers and hairs. Fast as Wei ran, the shots came faster, and the scraping of the Hellhounds paws against obsidian told him they werent far behind. Distantly, he could feel the hammering of hoovesthe density of the Incubators prevented him from being ridden down by the Horsemen at least. Though most disconcerting was how fast the temperature was dropping. The moisture in his eyes felt like it was hardening. The tips of his fingers grew laden with building pain. He pushed himself hard, running as fast as he could while keeping his path erratic. The demons werent the only surprise here. His muscles felt strained, but lacked any sensation of building fatigue. Though he prided himself on his endurance, he felt different. Perfected in some way. His body was kept at a constant pace, his speed never lessening after hitting that point of peak velocity. As the world around him blurred, as the chase continued and his dodges grew increasingly desperate, he kept expecting weariness to set in, for a mistake to follow. But exhaustion never came. Weakness would not be his undoing. Whats more, the pressure inside him grew, but he felt like his insides were hatching instead of just breaking. Speed Advanced > 7 [3/5] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Monochromatic light splashed out from Wei as his insides broke then expanded. His speed suddenly surged as the winds began to scream beside his ears. The world around him seemed somehow slower, as well. The effect was even more potent than taking one of Master Mou Zes funny elixirs before a footrace across the sect. It didnt seem to have the risk of essence sickness or a 7-hour lecture afterward from his parents, either. Not that the latter would ever happen again. More than just speed, he also felt his senses slowly sharpen as the world around him was outlined in new detail. He filtered through sounds, vibrations, sights even shifts in temperature without difficulty. Though Weis ability to focus was always unmatched, it still took him time and effort to narrow in on details. Now? They washed through him like water through a channel. Taking a quick glance back, he saw walls of fire spearing forth to his left and right. The flames of the hounds were racing against him, trying to get ahead so they could cut him off. As arrows started weaving between Incubators from the front as well as behind, Wei gritted his teeth and made his miserable choice. He would be boxed in if he hesitated. Overwhelmed. More demons were likely already waiting ahead; an ambush already prepared. Forward presented better odds of survival, but not high. Especially if they were already expecting him. Instead, he decided upon a third optionget over the flames vertically. The surface of the Incubators quivered with each surrounding vibration that passed. Wei could feel the substance coursing within, the hues an uncanny redshades contrary to the monochrome now painting his Nascent Spirit or whatever occupied its place. If the Incubator behaved like water beyond merely holding the aesthetic, then perhaps he could run up its lengthjump from it as the lakes he used to race his fellow disciples across. Bound high, he pedaled his feet as if there were wheels beneath him, striking the surface of the glistening ichor in rapid taps. His heart sang as his stride found purchase. Arrows seeking his back and chest failed to adjust their vectors in time, plunged into the fluid within. And dissolved. This was working better than he hoped. Mustering his focus, he jumped from one Incubators stalk to another, skipping over the burning barricade below, and continuing higher. He had a moment to breathe now and could use this opportunity to get as high as he could to survey the land. The Hellhounds grew a distant concern, but the Horsemens arrows hounded him in their stead. He began timing his hops to see them vanish in the ichor. Looking through the demonic waters, Wei swallowed as he realized every being submerged within its flow was staring at him, eyes following as he hopped from Incubator to Incubator, expecting his arrival. Were they watching him? Tracking him for the demons? What was this place? Where was he? A looming brightness swept over him, once more, Wei looked up and followed the ichorous branches up into the atmosphere; to where the traveling storms touched them, drank from them, passed over them; to where that immense mass loomed, an immense curving loop that dwarfed Weis comprehension. And then, between the serried columns of Incubators, he caught sight of a structure just over the horizon. It called his attention with a sudden flash, stabbing at the corner of his eye left eye. From what little he could see of it between the clefts of clear space offered by his nightmarish forest, it seemed a metallic structure. Symmetrical even. Man-made. Whatever he was looking at, he wagered it presented better odds for his continuing survival than staying in place. But as he prepared to leap from his current stalk, another sensation flooded his senses. Around him, the coldness suddenly dropped from mere discomfort to actual pain. And only then did he feel the claws sink through his ribs. 3 The Hatchery If you''re planning to wage a war or conquer a world, demons are the single greatest investment you can make. Theyre renewable, malleable, and can be delivered across all the known worlds in existence. Sure, youll have to buy them from that asshole Mepheleon because they have a monopoly over that SYSTEM, but theyre always willing to sell. And before you Necromancer or Animator Class people start whining about how you can rise the dead and conjure undying legions, I got one question for you: how efficient are you when you dont have the bodies? Can you keep a war going if youre not killing enough to replenish your lost forces? And how many forms and abilities do your undead have? Demons dont need much in the way of logistics. You just need some ichor from the Harbinger, a sinner to use as a factory, and a little bit of know-how about demonology (or just order custom from Mepheleon if youre in a hurry), and soon, youll be counting your forces in the millions, billions, trillions. War, in the end, is about making cost-effective choices. And thankfully for us, the Claimed Hells are always open for business. Happy conquests, Trespasser. -The Trespassers Compendium 3 The Hatchery Structural Damage sustained >[8.5/10] Lumens Weis mind went blank as darkness itself seemed to uncoil around him, forming a shrouded shape driving a clawed hand through his chest. Yet, rather than feeling shredded organs or tasting the metallic tinge up blood rising up his throat like bile as he did when his father pierced his heart Wei found oscillations of brilliant monochrome unspooling from him. There was no blood seeping from his wounds, only light. The demon drove its limb deeper into Weis wound, but jolted as if it, too, was suffering harm. The Specter lacked a face to gaze upon, and the space within its hood was like looking down into a deep well with no end. The sudden agony severed Wei from his focus; ruined his technique. His feet fell hard and splashed through the ichor as gravity came to claim its due. But the Specter would not let him fall. He was impaled along its arm. Shaped from nothing but shadow and mist, Wei wasnt sure what he expected when he tried to drive a fist into the Specters absent face. Which worked to his advantage, for the demon clearly wasnt prepared either. The blow landed. The entityassumed incorporealsnapped back, clawed digits sliding free from Weis wound. The feeling of weightlessness overcame Wei for a moment as he felt for the severity of his wound. Incomprehension filled his mind as shades of monochrome continued to shine free between his fingers. Flowing patterns of shadow and light were untangling within him, coming loose as if a thread of yarn. What is happening to me? Then he was falling, and such thoughts were a distant concern. Thirty meters above the ground, he could see pockets of the ground below bursting, birthing swarms of demons from its crust. Arrows were still chasing himthey knew exactly where he was. He guessed he could survive the fall, but not the horde that was waiting to take advantage of it. Reaching out, his arm splashed into the Incubator as a grimy wetness soaked his mangled robes. He pawed hard, tried to slow his descent Then a blade of pure coldness cleaved along his shoulder behind, and plunged him into the Incubator itself. Foul tasting liquid flooded into his mouth, seared at his eyes. He slammed hard against a cluster of bodieshead bounced off the face of a blonde-haired woman. Her eyes were still locked to him. Unblinking. Undeterred. All of their eyes were. Structural Damage sustained >>[8/10] Lumens Immediately, he felt the ichor recoil from him. Crimson fled from the monochrome, but to no avail. His black and white spread out like an infection, neutralizing the ichor utterly as the submerging Wei ceased to be. Shade and bright spread out from his open wounds, and when they met red, the warring colors vanished. A pocket of air formed around Wei, the hellish waters neutralizedunmade. The woman staring at him bounced as her full weight asserted itself, dropping as the umbilical cord attached to the back of her skull dissolved into nothingness. Wei hadnt the time to consider what just happened to him as a section of the Incubator was fully severed by his leaking Source. And suddenly, and the surging ichor below him reversed their flows. Hundreds of bodies were abandoned, left to fall from the sky. The rest of the Incubator above Wei retracted into the air, fleeing from him. Once more, he was descending. But this time, when he sensed a chill forming against his throat, he reacted instant. His hands shot outcaught the Specters claw before it could plunge it all the way through. The demon responded with surprise, carried both of them higher as a sweeping mist poured free from its dancing cloak. Ethereal frost began to form around Wei, burrowing deep into his joints, digits, and orifices. Despite this, the Specter seemed wounded, and struggled to match his strengthand then screamed when he drove a fist up into its extended elbow. Wei didnt expect to feel a ghosts arm to fracture much the same way as a persons did. An echoing substance exploded out from the Specters broken limb. Its essence flashed into his awarenesscrimson as well, but of a different shade from the Incubator. He drove a kick into his chest while digging his fingers into the back of its neck with his left hand. With his right, he caught its shattered arm and pulled. SOURCE [6/10] Lumens WARNING: You are damaged. It is recommended that you perform [Source Refinement] at the soonest opportunity to ensure your existential continuation. Part of the Specter jerked, snapped, and came free. The demon screamed again, and the volume like spikes of pain burrowing into his ears. But no ringing followed. No deafness. They exploded across the sky, the coldness assailing Wei, his fists and knees assaulting the Specter. It carried him around the winding columns of ichor, spun, dove, and rose to shake him free, but he was beyond noticing pain now. Within Weis mind, there was just him and the Specterthe face of his father filling the emptiness within its hood. His fist rattled away against its body in a rapid blur, every strike burrowing deeper, gouging more and more of its body away. It slashed at him using its other hand, raking across his stomach. Wei noted the damage, and ignored it. He was still functional. This fight wasnt over. Strength Advanced > 6 [4/5] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension A second ago, his blows originally merely jolted the Specter. Now, every strike he landed ruptured and tore. Chunks of ectoplasm broke free from the demon, and with each passing second, Wei felt its strength wane, the cold diminish. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. The Specter may be the death of him, but two could still share a fate. SOURCE [3/10] Lumens As more Source spilled free from his body, its threads unfurled over the demon and left clean slashes where they passed. Entire sections of its body suddenly werent. The cold broke as the sweltering heat of this hell returned, and the Specter staggered, form flickering as more of its wounds revealed themselves with oozing echoes. Whipping a final fist up into the nothingness that was its face, Wei felt his strike pass clean through as the Specter broke apart, unraveling as if flecks of black ash. Weightless returned. For a few heartbeats, Wei felt himself continue forth, the force imparted on him by the Specters flight carrying him through the air still. His body screamed. Plumes of monochromatic light leaked from the hundreds of wounds lining his body. They greeted reality in kaleidoscopic patterns and vanished thereafter. It felt absurd to witness, like he was lost in a dream. As he touched one of his injuries again with a shaking hand, he felt pain, but that was all. Most of these cuts should have killed him. Would have killed him. But right now, he felt stable in mind and body, even with the encroachment of death. SOURCE [1.5/10] Lumens All around him, the other Incubators were retracting, plucked from the ground by a passing storm. It was like a chain of lightning extracting a forest of trees in an instant. The sight was absurd. Ridiculous. More and more, Wei was convinced that he had gone insaneor had been condemned to some strange hell. But it still felt real. There was too much detail; too much coherence to be just a delusion or a dream. As the blockade of ichor vanished ahead of him, he found the horizon unveiled to him for the first time. Near the bend of the horizon, rising from the soil beyond even the storm-scarred firmament, was a tower unlike anything he ever witnessed. It rose higher than even the mountain of the Drowned Sky Sect, and its design was a thing of gold, bronze, obsidian, and painted glass. It continued past the point where he could see, seeming crossing over into the colossal loop that hovered beyond the atmosphere. At its base was a bowl of other shapes and structuresparapets made from blackened stone; watchtowers with blinking eyes forged from viridescent flame. They noticed Wei around the same time he saw them, and as their gazes met, he felt a hammer fall against his Mind. Psionic attack detected Resisting Mental Hijacking using Aspect of Will [Incalculable]... >Resisted An unseen chain connecting him to the watchtower broke, and Wei cried out as a sudden backlash struck him as well. The impact originated in his mind but spread through his entire body as if the entirety of his being was now interconnected. Structural Damage sustained >>[0.5/10] Lumens Constitution Advanced > 4 [5/5] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Source Core Ascension Available > Lv. 2 Warning: Your Source is about to run out. It is recommended that you perform [Source Refinement] at the soonest opportunity to preserve your existence. Attention: Sufficient Aspect advancements achieved. Core Ascension can be performed. Please perform [Source Refinement] as soon as you can to elevate the System to the next level. Wei could barely focus on the worlds and the light blossoming out from him as what felt like a rainstorm of hammers was falling against his mind. Distantly, he saw the eye that notice him come asunder, imploding inward while the rest of it shattered. Weis vision blurred momentarily as his thoughts took a moment to respond. A second later, his consciousness stabilized itself, restoring him to full efficiency. Warning: Your Source is about to run out. It is recommended that you perform [Source Refinement] at the soonest opportunity to preserve your existence. I heard you, Wei said, feeling himself begin to fall. Ridiculous. He was speaking to a voice in his head now. A voice that offered him more information than he knew. A voice that was trying to Source Refinement. Was it referring to cultivation? Meditation? Yes. You may think of it as such. Right. At least his madness was direct. Weakness nipped at him. The ground was coming at him fast, a surface of hard obsidian with hordes of demons still roaming across pockets of its expanse despite the departure of the Incubators. Broken as he was, Wei didnt think he would survive this fall. Your estimates are correct. That is why recommended that you perform [Source Refinement] at the soonest opportunity to preserve your existence. Wei listened to the same recommendation repeated for a third time and nodded. It wasnt like he had anything to lose anymore. If this was a second life, it had been a quick one; if this was just madness, he wished he could have found himself trapped in a different delusionone where none of this happened, where he was back with his family, his sect. He pushed all that aside, asserted his focus as only he could. He closed his eyes, tried to forget that he was due an ugly landing soon, and sought his Nascent Spiritonly to find it absent. The surprise he felt from earlier returned, and his trance nearly came undone, but another sensation kept his mind rooted. The sensation of everything. He thought he could feel everythingwas a part of everything. Before, his Nascent Spirit had its own boundaries, existed apart from the greater wholeness. Reality screamed at him as he tried to cultivate, assailed him as he tried to nourish himself with much-needed energy. Now, reality didnt scream or rush against his being as much as it was reflected upon him. Uncountable streams of essence drifted parallel to his being, and all passed over him rekindled the light that was seeping from him, painting away the wounds he sustained as if they were cracks to be filled. He felt as a shard of glass sinking deeper into an ocean of myriad colors, and with each hue that shone upon him, his inner world brightened until it could no more. He was a shard that drifted across from totality; that nursed from it; that grew from him. Refining Source >>>Source Refined: [10/10] Lumens Source Core Ascended > Lv. 2 >[0/5] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension >>[2/10] Core Ascensions to [Gate] 1 System Ascension >>>Source: [15/15] Lumens Reviewing encounter Masteries Demonstrated >Meditation 10% >Unarmed Combat 65%>Evasion 105% >Throwing 20% Evasion Mastery Ascended > Evasion (I) Mastery/Aspect Junction Discovered >Evasion/Speed >Evasion/Awareness (Insufficient Awareness [5/15]) Connecting Mastery (Evasion) to Aspect (Speed) Mastery Node Created Evasion/Speed >Proximal Acceleration Hostile entities will have their (Speed) or most-(Speed) analogous Aspect reduced by an amount proportional to hosts (Speed). Will only affect foes within range to the hosts projected Source luminosity [1 Meter]. Mastery Node Capacity [1/5] Weis meditative trance broke as he struck the ground. The wind was driven from his lungs in a startling instant, gravity pounding his chest hard with a staggering blow. A series of cracks sang out from Weis torso as sharp pain began to spread to the accompaniment of bursting radiance. Things were definitely fracturedmaybe even broken. But the pain told him he was still alive. And if he was still alive, then he could keep fighting. Structural Damage sustained >>[10/15] Lumens Constitution Advanced > 5 [1/5] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension As his senses returned to his flesh, the world was awash with chaotic notice. He tumbled across the ground, cracking the obsidian surface and carrying flecks in his wake. Something splashed apart as he barreled into them; what felt like ragged fur peeled apart against his face. Fighting to regain his bearings, he clawed out with his hands, digits greeting air twice before he finally speared them into the broken earth. Rough stone shattered before his desperate thrusts, and Wei felt himself slow at once. A jolt of pain tore at his joints, but he knew they were strained at most when he bent them to deepen his grip. A faint awe filled the back with his mind as he questioned how he could have survived such a fall and how he was burying his fists through the ground. He hadnt had any time to truly distill the surrounding essence into his body, yet, it was like he was only growing with each action; every feat performed a building block of power stacked. His arms dug furrows in the ground as he righted his fall into a grinding drag. Two more things splattered against himdemons, Wei guessed, judging by the foulness of the ichor. As he finally strained to an agonizing halt, Weis lower body flopped down as he groaned battled to get his bearings. Tearing his hands from where they were buried, he rolled over. And promptly found himself staring up five Horsemen, their ghostly arrows already mid-materialization. 52 Charting a Path The Knights sent down to interfere with the Trials function more like recruiters than they do butchers or slavers. Some Sinners die. That is the nature of things. But the ones worth anything are usually left untouchedits how the Claimed Hells function, you see. Hope and controlled chaos. Outsiders to the Diaspora might think it strange, but we are a merciful people. We are gentle in our cruelties. And that is what makes us the fastest growing power in the Fathoms. Because we understand the game being played. And we have an actual opportunity to play it. You might think yourself suffering a cruel fate, Sinner. But you would be wrong. So very wrong. I, like you, am not a native. No one truly is to this place. Once, this was a wasteland festering with demons and uncontrolled primordial concepts. You''ve seen the original masters of this plane. Those Archdevils. Before the Harbinger, all demons spawned from their open wounds, they devoured man''s sins, and in turn rewarded us myriad realms of the Fathoms with endless hordes of horror. Understand this, sinner. You do not lead a miserable life. You are not damned by fate. No, you are blessed. Our hunter might have beaten you, broken you, and captured you, but this, this is an opportunity an opportunity for you to be part of a growing enterprise. For you see, we are not a horde. Not like those mindless bastards youre used to seeing. We are an enterprise. And you, my young and fortunate friend, have been judged a ripe specimen of Wrath. Understand, it won''t take much for a hunter to kill you, or anyone like you. You''re not particularly powerful, even with your unique specialization, but that is fine. Whenever I see in you great anger, great loathing, the urge to break and kill, good, we can fashion something useful out of that. And in turn, well, you can increase our favor in the eyes of the Harbinger. For you see, we, the Sinners of the Claimed Hells, are the freest citizens in all the realms. The Harbinger cares not for what you do, so long as it does not interfere with his control. Here, anything is allowed, anything and everything, so long as you have the ambition to take it. So I have a proposal for you. You can continue thrashing in that cage, cursing at me, or you can pass your final trial and start using your sin instead of being used by it. This is not torment. This is rebirth. And the gulf between paradise and purgatory aint that large. -Halbergrave, Count of Wrath 52 Charting a Path Slotted Skills [5/5] >[Inventory] Replaced by [Inventory] (Rare) The act of switching skills was a simple thing. All it took was for one to absorb the Essence Shard into their class and make a few necessary assignments. It took Wei a bit of time to get used to the menus. Rafael helped to explain some principles, but once the basics of navigating and controlling these interfaces were grasped, the young master found no more difficulty managing his desired operations. Transferring everything he had from one Inventory to another was also a thing of absolute convenience. It simply required him to select the necessary items within one menu and direct them to another. With everything being mentally controlled, the entire process didn''t take long to complete, and Wei felt himself slightly disturbed by the efficiency. Back on Evernest, his sect had been the most advanced in terms of cultivation and technology, but everything his home offered paled before the claimed hells. Nothing highlighted this contrast more than the inventory skill itself. A cultivator would require substantial effort, study, meditation, and experimentation to achieve even a modicum of what the inventory provided. But with the skill shard, Wei could instinctively manage spatial magics on a minor level. It took only a thought from him for a pocket of space to collapse around the Knight of Lust. Afterward, only a single line of text followed, asking him if he wanted to assign her as a pet or a slave. Both options disquieted him, but he thought the former would offend her more, and so his choice was made. He wasn''t sure about the other slaves the knight took, but per Rafael''s recommendation, they would be a problem to deal with once they finished climbing this tower. The rest of the equipment was split between him and Roggi. He claimed only the Potion of Accelerated Thought from the other two, and took the silver rapier as well. He allowed Rafael to have the armor, as the lich stated he had experience working with necromancy. Though Weis doubts about the Trespasser remained, there was nothing they could do beyond the notice of his Omniscience. With all that done, Wei claimed the remainder of the Skill Shards for himself as well. Most of them he put in his inventory. The telekinetic essence shard, however, he slotted into the only open spot his essence shift had. As soon as it integrated, he felt a sudden epiphany bloom in his mind. It was as if an awareness settled upon his mind and senses. The essence of telekinesis was a subvariant of force, according to the Compendium. It was also quite the popular essence to wield, considering how many entries and recommendations were associated with it. Essenceshift [1/1] >[Telekinetic Essence Shard] The user can channel strings of telekinetic energy using their currently shifted essence as a conduit. The user''s telekinetic Strength and Speed are determined by their Aspects of Strength and Speed respectively, while Will and Perception will determine their telekinetic control and the effective range of their reach. He would have been satisfied by this improvement alone, with all the other benefits he gained. The young master was practically overjoyed. He also made the Knight of Lust show him her various contacts. She knew well over 10,000 people in the Claimed Hells, but of her professional associates of the Inheritor variety numbered only two. When he tried to get her to make a call by the Chat fucntikon, they were unsurprisingly blacklisted. "I do not think this Harlon Seever is someone''s real name," Rafael said. "It is likely an expendable identity one uses to communicate with deniable assets. He has likely abandoned the identity now. It would be wise to. It will not take the Harbinger, or anyone who knows some basic ciphering, much effort to track him down." Despite this, Wei had a name to go on, and he had a trail to follow. The Inheritors were not a small faction, from what he gleaned in the compendium. Rather, they were a substantial power stretching across entire universes within the Fathoms. The scope of their operation was a little hard for Wei to conceptualize, but it was big. Very big. Ultimately, that was beneficial to him, for it likely wouldn''t take him much effort to find someone under their banner and begin a new line of questioning. However, before that could ever happen, he still needed to finish these miserable trials. With the Knights sorted, Wei and the rest of the group separated to challenge various rifts. Wei and Rafael stayed in place before the specialization pylon as the young master watched. The lich modified the ciphers upon the space-manipulating sphere. Apparently, improvements could be made to its overall formula. More importantly, Rafael knew how to create a rift chart for them to consult, a map capable of displaying all the interconnected rifts within a spatial network. More importantly, it would also show recently activated rifts, granting Wei easier means to track down his design. All complicated signs were swapped between different reference circuits, more traces were drawn, and a second layer of ciphers was added over the sphere. "Almost done," Rafael said, his voice a murmur of concentration. After a few seconds more, the pattern on the spatial navigator flared, and a rift map was projected directly overhead. The visualization of the spatial network resembled a nautical chart to Wei. He could see streams of spatial essence flowing from node to node, and to his astonishment, he counted well over a thousand and thirty-two rifts displayed right in front of him. A beat passed when he found himself surprised at the sheer accuracy of his estimate. It took him barely a second to process all that visual detail. Advancing his aspect of mind was truly paying dividends. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. "We are over here," Rafael said as he marked a single node in the middle of the mess with a flag. The lich flicked the sphere twice before sighing. "I wanted to make a region separation for each of the rifts. Some of these moon graves belong to another circle. We are currently in the region of Wrath, but some of these," he gestured vaguely at a patch of nodes, "would be associated with a different Circle of Sin altogether." "How far apart are they?" Wei asked. "Far," Rafael replied with a slight laugh. "And with the amount of hellish essence filling the atmosphere above us, this network is the only way to get from place to place. Well. For most of us. I suspect that your Source might grant you more leeway. "Are any of them connected to a sanctuary?" Wei asked. "Absolutely. Those are probably connected to the nodes that blink in and out. Sanctuary portals are not always active." Wei nodded as he noticed a few nodes trembling. "The vibrations are they signaling recent activations?" "Yes," Rafael replied. "Though my desired improvements have not taken effect. If the working was at full functionality, it would allow us to peek across and give us a glimpse of who is on the other side." "That would have been useful." But being able to use the rifts, tunnel from place to place, exploit this trial for all it was worth, was more than satisfactory for Wei. "So," Rafael said, letting out an awkward cough. "Do you have a strategy in mind?" "Yes," Wei replied. "To confirm, all I need to do to reach another rift is simply select it." "Exactly," Rafael said. The young master smirked. "Very convenient. In our current position, that marker will remain?" "Yes," Rafael replied. "So long as you have the spatial navigator, the tag will remain applied." Then Wei had no more worries. "We are only going to target recently active rifts. Once over, I will locate a potential hunter using my Omniscience and engage them if the opportunity presents itself. And me? Rafael asked. You will be support. Support, Rafael said, lamely. Yes. Support. Whatever the case, I suspect that whatever benefits provided by the rifts in these Moongraves will be paltry goods compared to the treasures we can obtain from the Knights themselves. Further, I expect all of you to gain quite a few Class levels if you gain the opportunity to slay a vulnerable Knight. Suddenly, the lichs apprehension faded, and a growing sense of appreciation took its place as a skeletal head nodded vigorously. Yes yes! Bold and dangerousah, but what good plan isnt? The hunters will not be prepared for us. We will have an advantage in terms of surprise! Down with the Harbinger! Down with his dogs. Their mothers will be ours. Your desire to possess someone elses mother disturbs me, Wei said plainly. Never reference it again. Of course, my friend. Im sorry, my friend. It wasa fetish is a harmless thing. Wei grinned at the lichs rapid backpedaling. It was good being System-host. When we all reach our Class Ascension, I say we make for the Hearted Realms. We should also interrogate some of the Knights first for information. I suspect Mepheleon will not allow us to exploit his realm forever, despite his lenience. Likely not, Rafael agreed. But I suspect the greater danger to be the Inheritors. They must assume their agent has failed. I would not put it beyond them to send others. Even more powerful foes, perhaps. The memory of the Riftblade returned to Wei as he recalled the suddenness of his death. His brutal victory of the Knight had filled him with euphoria, but Enlightenment was proving to be a good counterbalance to his pride. There were people here that could snuff him out with the barest effort. It would do him well to remember that. But they also inspired him. The Riftblade was a foe to eventually break, and whatever he couldnt do right now would not be so in the future. Nothing emphasized that more than his newest Core and Class Tier Ascensions. Refining Source >>>Source Refined: [140/140] Lumens Source Core Ascended > Lv. 16 >[2/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension >>[6/20] Core Ascensions to [Gate] 2 System Ascension >>>Source: [150/150] Lumens Reviewing encounter Masteries Demonstrated >Meditation (II) 79% >Unarmed Combat (II) 65% >Spearmanship (II) 45% >Thrown Weapons (II) 22% >Tactics 61% >Rapier 0% Mastery Node Capacity [7/10] >Proximal Acceleration >Form of the Manticore >Form of the Resonant >Lesser Hollow Mind >Lesser Manifestation >Vector Chain >Lesser Cast Possession >Mark of Enmity Sourcery Advancements [2] Available! Select [1] Source Surge > Source Eruption [2 Sourcery Points] The host can create 5 Lumens of Source by attuning with existence. The host can create [Harvests] of Source by targeting and breaking the essence infused within an object or entity. The essence will be converted to raw Source thereafter. The host can absorb the [Harvest] to restore their Source. Attunement can be performed through meditation or extreme focus. The host can now overcharge their total Source based on their Aspect of Intent. Overcharged Source will quickly be lost when the host leaves their attunement state. Source Magnification > Source Propagation [Requires 10 Sourcery Advancements (Currently at 5)] Aspect Infusion > Aspect Expansion [2 Sourcery Points] The user can construct an Aspect Catalyst based on any of their current Aspects and infuse it into another being or object. Multiple Aspect Catalysts can be constructed. Each Aspect Catalysts will reduce the hosts total Source by 20%. The infused Aspect will now infuse the hosts ascended Aspects into their chosen target. Should the targeted entity be a System or Class entity, the users Aspect can be added to or subtracted from the sum of the targets corresponding Aspect. Should the users Aspect reduce the targets Aspect to nil, the target will be unable to affect the world with their corresponding Aspect. Liminal Bridge > Liminal Tunnel [Requires 25 Sourcery Advancements (Currently at 5) The new Sourcery Advancements didnt disappoint Wei. Between Source Eruption and Aspect Expansion, his survivability and empowerment capabilities would both be elevated. However, the latter would mainly be useful when he was fighting in a group. If he could grant Agnesia his Authority, or maybe Ellena, Enlightenment, their powers would be made vastly superior as well. However, as they were still progressing themselves, and with Wei currently about to embark on a duo hunt with someone he didnt fully trust, the choice was an obvious one. >Source Eruption With his Core Ascension concluded, it was time to arrange things for his Class Tier Ascension, and decide on a simple choice. Would he commit further to the Path of Pride? Or would he like to marry his current Sin of arrogance to another. Class Ascension: Servant > Knight You have reached your current essence threshold. You can no longer be considered a Servant to your own sins. By surviving and thriving in the Claimed Hells and taking the abyssal powers for your own, you will now embark down a path of greater power. No longer will you be wielded by your transgressions. It is time to shape them into your arms and armor instead. Class Ascension You claim dominance over your current Sin and delve deeper into its mysteries. Your Abyssal Invocations will be evolved as Arrogance becomes your armor and pride becomes your power. Unlocks new Class Specialization options. >[Unlocked] Requirements: Overcome and dominate a foe of a higher level [1/1] A simple enough requirement, Wei could trigger his ascension with just a thought if this was what he desired. However, there was also another choice as well. Class Divergence A single Sin cannot define you. You desire to rule over more than just one wrong. By facing and overcoming varied foes and forces, you have found your limitations wanting and yearning to become more than you were before. You will merge your current Sin with a Sin from a separate Circle and transform it into something in between. Your Abyssal Invocations will also be transformed. Arrogance does not rule alone. Unlocks new Class Specializations or multi-specializations.>(Path of Lust) [Locked] Requirements: [Unknown] >(Path of Greed) [Locked] Requirements: Force others to give you over 1,000,000,000,000 Sins. >(Path of Envy) [Locked] Requirements: [Unknown] >(Path of Sloth) [Locked] Requirements: Dominate 10 other people and force them to fight on your behalf. >(Path of Gluttony) [Locked] Requirements: [Unknown] >(Path of Wrath) [Locked] Requirements: Dominate an adversary in combat and force them to end their own life thereafter. Wei stared at his choices, and though it would be so easy to just go with Class Ascension, something about merging the Paths of Wrath and Prideand breaking a foe so utterlyenraptured the young master. Studying the locked options, he frowned, and slowly looked to the rift map. A nearby node was rapidly pulsing, but he already had a will-broken Knight. Perhaps he should just command her toono. No. If he was going to break someone, he should do it properly, per the requirements. Rafael. Prepare yourself. I wish to see how much pain it will take to make a Knight of Hell finish themselves at my behest. Of coursewait, what? 53 Hunting Hunters (I) There''s a title Sinners earn if they manage to kill a Knight while climbing a Tower. That''s a rare goddamn feat, let me tell you that much. Even with a class, the gulf between Servant and Knight is a magnitude of difference. Most Servants are just a bit stronger than they were. A little bit tougher, a little bit faster. Sure, if you were any ol'' Joe, and suddenly you could pick up a two-ton sword and swing it around like a blade of grass, you might start thinking that you''re unstoppable. Well, after hitting class ascension, any Knight can break that sword with two fingers regardless of Specialization. Hell, any Knight can punch their way through a mountain if you give them enough time. Probably survive a mountain collapsing on them, too. That''s not even getting into the specialization evolutions they might have. But despite this, despite Knights seeming like natural disasters in human form, they can be beat. Take it from me, I''ve done it. If you understand what you''re fighting, you know their limitations, and you know your environment. Well, let''s just say you might be able to turn one force of nature against another, and suddenly those impossible odds you''re facing? Not so impossible anymore. Anyway, the title. You kill a Knight, you climb the tower, you''ll enter the Claimed Hells being called a Sineater. And that title comes with actual benefits from the Harbinger. Aspect benefits. And prestige. Some doors are going to swing open for you, my friend. Hell, you pull that off, you come by the Trespassers Lodge. Fuck all the circles. Me and mine might wanna have a conversation with you. -John Bishop 53 Hunting Hunters (I) Mulver Groon sighed as another little arrow broke against his exposed flesh. He didn''t know what he was thinking, volunteering to play the role of hunter in this year''s Blood Games. He did owe Count Vladek a favor, that was true, but he could have paid it off participating in the Everwartaking the fight to one of the other circles directly rather than wasting time playing recruiter. Not like they were going to be getting any quality recruits this year anyway. Mulver sighed as another glowing arrow twanged out from across a narrow hallway. The projectile, infused with force and fire, crashed against his exposed chest and detonated like a small explosive. The walls and ground shattered in an instant, the structure of their composition nothing but glass and water. The orc didn''t even flinch as more shards rained down on him. Even without focusing his senses, he could hear a trio of elves running away from him, taking a sharp right into an open room and immediately trapping themselves within a closed-off torture cell. Poor bastards. He happened upon these Sinners, at an inopportune time, they''d just finished their class specializations and were all about level 6. Mulver arrived in the Moongrave via his Spatial Navigator, hijacking an Essence Rift some two kilometers away before ascending the pylon to get a better view of his surroundings. This Moongrave was one that belonged to the Circle of Envy. Such was why everything was made out of mirrors and the air was stained with mists while the ambience was filled by whispers. For a moment he even considered letting these elves go, feeble as they were. The damned fools all selected the [Hellish Archer] specialization, but the only difference between them being their foundational class. Two among their number decided to walk the Path of Lust, while one strayed and survived an initiation into Wrath. Aside from this, there was nothing to write home about them. They were your typical elves or Faeblooded as they called themselves. \ Pretty typical for their like as well: A bit quicker than most baseline humans, longer-lived, with a magical melody infused in their souls, and a general apprehensiveness that made them act more like rabbits than warriors. The Circle of Pride wouldn''t get anything from these ones, but still, his branch needed recruits, and the count was breathing down his neck. So, Mulver did his duty as a Knight to the Circle of Pride. A very half-assed duty that he expected wouldn''t really lead anywhere. He made contact with the elves the usual way. He slammed down across from them, and then cut his own chest open, before using his wound as an Essence Gate to summon forth one of his newly created demons. To his disappointment, the elves didn''t even bother trying to fight him. They took one look at Mulvers new created Skullbiter, squeezing its ugly maw from Mulver''s bleeding clefts, and ran for it. He had the dog chase them for a while, and then they made the delightful choice of trying to hide in one of those glass houses, one absolutely infested with Incubators. A few minutes later, one of the elves was missing an arm and on the verge of shock, another was being mauled by the Skullbiter, with only the last one showing any hint of competence. He managed to fire a glowing arrow into the head of Mulvers lesser demon up close, and finally killed the thing. If only that hadnt also ended up blowing the arm off the other elf... So, to summarize, he was looking at two soon-to-be-dead elves and one that was likely going to be too traumatized for any long-term use whatsoever. And the stupid thing was, it wasn''t even his fault. He hadn''t even really been the one to hurt them, they did this to themselves. Strolling down the hall, Mulver sighed and drew his Dagger of Sacrifices. Casually, he cut his palm, amplifying the pain he felt, and invoked his dominion over the [Concept of Wounds]. Blood, destruction, and space resonated from wtihin him, and he shaped their associated essences to shape new demons within the minor realms formed within his wounds. His Class Specialization had started out as the Wrathful Summoner. As he diverged into the Circle of Wrath, however, a suite of exciting options unveiled themselves to him, which led to the current Specialization he was using: the Conduit of Scars. In simplicity, every injury inflicted upon his person resulted in a portal and a minor realm being created within him. He could shape and create an entire horde of lesser to minor demons using his abyssal invocation and further empower them via his skill shards, and that wasn''t even getting into what he could do with his blood-based constructs. But ultimately none of that mattered right now, because even though he was a caster archetype or whatever the fuck the Trespassers called him, he was still a Knight hunting Servants. And shitty ones at that. And if he wanted to, he could smash his way through these reflective walls and tear the elves limb from limb. But where would the fun in that be? Where was the fun in any of this. They weren''t going to put up a fight. From his open wounds emerged crimson centipedes, humming with vital essence, that coiled around his exposed torso as he summoned a Sin Contract from his Inventory. A massive number 10 was printed on the first page, detailing just how many years of service that sole surviving elf was going to give his current Circle. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Honestly, it wouldn''t be long at all, and if they survived that ordeal, well, they might actually start enjoying life in the claimed hells. Or getting by, anyway. Maybe he''d see them around, even, buy them a drink sometime. As Mulver finally arrived before the open doorway where the elves were huddled, he regarded his quarry and found two laying next to a bloodstained gurney that had too much bondage shit sticking out from it. He swore, it was like everyone wanted to be the Circle of Lust, the Harbinger-damned sluts. The only competent elf was a tall, ashen-haired and... alright, he couldn''t tell if they were male or female, but they did have their arrow knocked, and the glow on its tip this time was substantially brighter than earlier. The centipedes surrounding Mulver''s body simply chattered, and he gave the archer across from him a wide grin. "You know what, I''ll let you take your shot first, and then we''ll talk He never managed to finish his words, because at that moment someone did take their shot. Instead of a small firecracker arrow detonating against his body, what felt like the collective weight of an entire storm shattered the ceiling above Mulver and blasted him out the other side of the building. Worse, it just kept going. It was like the winds were someones hands, and a cyclone was set on scraping him down to a smear against the ground. *** "Did you hit him?" Rafael asked. Wei twirled his spear in a flourish as he guided his gust of wind. The Knight of Pride was dragged along the ground, and splashes of water and shards of glass filled the air as he tumbled from place to place, his limbs clawing out, desperately trying to stop his acceleration. Mulver Groon, Knight of Pride/Wrath [Conduit of Scars] Lv. 41 The environment of this Moongrave was vastly different from the battle-scarred hellscape Wei just left. It was characterized by a thick veil of mist hiding clear ponds and a surface made from glass. Just like with the Moongrave of Wrath, however, the glass didn''t go all the way down, for after 30 meters or so remained only obsidian and spreading Sin-Incubator tendrils. Presently, he and Rafael were around 400 meters away from where the Knight of Pride was. It took the young master a considerable amount of focus to keep his attention on the orc. Faint distortions filled the air here, but rather than harmless mirages, they functioned like invisible veils for lesser demons resembling a mix between snake and cat. Wisely, they scattered and fled the moment Weis winds swept through the area. The Knight of Pride, meanwhile, was a large and powerfully built specimen that almost looked humanoid. Their body was leathery and grey, more like a beast hide than a man''s skin. They had the sharp tusks jutting from their underbite, not a hint of hair could be observed on their body, and claws extended from the end of their digits. Wei''s Aspect of Enlightenment told him that he was looking at a sub-variant of the orc species known to be an extremely robust and vicious species that, according to Rafael at least, held the reputation of being exemplary soldiers. Chains of blood shot out from the orcs injuries and buried themselves into the ground below. Glass cracked and Wei tried pulling harder, using his whims. From each cut lining the orc''s body came new blood-made limbs that bound them further to the ground. Wei sent another surge of strength through his gale, but found himself unable to dislodge the orc. Instead, the opposite was happening. The orc was using their blood tentacles to maneuver themselves with contemptuous ease. The full weight of a cyclone passed over them, but the Knight resisted it as if it was barely more than a strong wind. More staggeringly, their wounds were already rapidly healing, with each chain turning into hardened scabs. Without hesitation, the orc summoned a curved blade with glowing veins and used it to start cutting their own bare torso open, calling forth new streams of blood to wield. Faintly, Wei felt an interplay of different essences surging free from the Knights wounds. And what''s more, he felt these essences forming something of a nexus within them. There was power to this Mulver orc. Something far beyond the Knight of Lust. Weis only concern was their casual acts of self-harm. It was a heartening thing to see, considering he was going to make this orc kill themselves, but the young master wanted to be a suicide he engineerednot something chosen of the orcs own accord. "Drop my veil," Wei said, speaking to Rafael. The lich regarded him for a moment, and then, with a casual gesture, pulled back his projected field of invisibility, leaving Wei exposed while he himself remained hidden. Hidden from most, perhaps, but Wei''s Omniscience meant that there was still no escape for the Trespasser. Not this time. "Would you like my assistance?" Rafael asked, his tone genuinely curious. "No, observe the orc''s victims first. See if they have anything to offer. I think he was hunting three Faebloods. I will face the Knight myself." "Right, right," Rafael said. "But I know you are capable, and one of the best parts of capability is when one has a plan for unexpected situations." "If I require your aid, I will request it," Wei said simply. "And I know where to find you. And it will be easy for you to find me as well." At once, Wei summoned his Spatial Navigator from his inventory and shot the lich a look. "It''s not like you''ll be able to leave this Moongrave without me anyway." With that, Wei pulled the sphere back into his inventory and set out. Winds burst around him as he rose into the air, and carried by ruinous winds, he quickly sped toward the Knight''s location. Swirling cyclones formed beneath him, geysers erupted from the water, and the ground shook. Flashing thunderstorms whipped and left scars upon the land. Obscured by a blanket of thick mist, flashing lightning painted Wei''s looming shadow as he encroached quietly. The Knight of Pride looked up into the sky as more bloody tendrils extended from him, slowly pooling together in an array of eight different circles around his person. More than just the essence of blood, Wei felt something spatially abnormal within each of the circles. A second later, they ignited, and an eight-headed hydra emerged from the portals and coiled around Mulver. Their form was twenty meters long and well over twelve tons in mass, and slithered and glided through the air with uncanny agility. But it was only the first demon to arrive. Wei watched as the Knight cut himself some more and summoned forth more demons. Most of them continued to spill from the gates of blood: small demons, large demons, some bearing the shapes of beasts, others carved from the forms of man, and some too strange for Wei to even fully describe. One similarity, however, was that feeling of nexuses. A central point where essences merged and broke. Every wound gave off such a resonance, and Wei found himself trying to understand why. The young master lowered himself upon a cyclonic platform of tumultuous wind. There was a good fifty meters between him and the Knight still, but he could perceive the frown on their bestial face without any difficulty. "Are you fucking serious? Are you really? Really now?" the orc scoffed. "How shit can my luck be? Can''t believe I''m about to get into a poaching fight over some elf shits." "Poaching fight?" Wei said, arching an eyebrow. "Which circle are you representing?" The orc asked. There were well over twenty demons arrayed around him now, and each of them snarled and growled at Wei. "Pride? Pride! What the fuck? Whyd the Circle send another? They already have me here. Are you from Sievers branch? Whistleroot? What is this? Are you trying to fuck over the old man? Wei just stared at the orc, his expression blank. It took him a moment to piece the information together from the subtext, but when he did, a slight smirk adorned his face. "Oh, I''m no Knight. Not truly. And Im not here for some petty political reason. "What?" the orc said, now their turn to be confused. "Then why the fuck are you here?" Wei said, "You are a hunter, are you not? A Knight that preys on Sinners trying to ascend the tower." "If by prey you mean: participate in the world''s worst recruitment drive? Yeah, I guess I am." "Very well," Wei said. "Tell me, are you particularly suicidal?" The orc''s frown deepened. "What the fuck are you talking about?" "Do you enjoy harming yourself? Do you have any thoughts of ending things? I see that dagger in your hand and watched you stab yourself several times. I intend for this to be a fight, not some sudden suicide," Wei paused. "That is my desired outcome." The orc just continued staring at him. "I''m sorry, again, what the fuck are you on about? What do you want from me? Just who are you?" "Just someone trying to unlock a class divergence," Wei said. "Now send your demons and let''s fight." Mulver blinked as his jaw fell slightly again. Opening and closing his mouth over and again, a final grunt of resignation left him as he shrugged at Wei. Right. Fine. Fuck it. All sense of apprehension faded from him. In their place remained only a feral grin. Lets do this. Prefer this anyway. 54 Hunting Hunters (II) I like to view my Circles as something between rival companies, lesser fiefdoms, and a delightfully insulting version of a French noble family in the way that the constant interchange of people betraying, leaving, joining, betraying again, and rejoining the various Circles has rendered most factions in the Claimed Hells practically incestuous. Thankfully, the skulduggery they get up to is relatively contained. My lawyers ensure it to be so, and with the amount of contracts in active across my realm, and with the transgressions of the individual also applying fines to their associated Circle well, lets just say in-house discipline is also quite good. This is why most intra-Circle squabbles usually spill over onto worlds we are hired to raid. Proxy wars are easier to fight beyond my notice, after all, and far be it for me to enforce the law. On foreign soil, many things can happen during plunder and raids. Like the bold British East India Company of old using privateers against the Dutch, a little competition has always been healthy for the mainland. All this isnt to say that one must join a Circle. There are other players involved here as well. I have long been a supporter of enterprise, both foreign and domestic. Perhaps, if you are interested in multiversal mercantilism, the Crossroads might seem a good fit. For those that fell into the Fathoms from the old world, the Inheritors and the Trespassers'' Lodge more than welcome you, albeit for clashing causes. Finally, however, one does not need to stride alongside a party. For the true ronins, with enough skill, capacity, and wit, you can go it alone. But understand that though the Claimed Hells are endless in the choices they offer you, know that the wrong choice might see you devouredquite literally evensuch is the fate of many who run afoul of a Demon of Gluttony. So. Maybe just sign the contract. A free resurrection Skill is usually offered anywaythats always useful. -Mepheleon the Harbinger 54 Hunting Hunters (II) Wei guided hyper-accelerated blades shaped from falling rain with a thrust of his spear. Mulver Groon didn''t react. Instead, the orc simply held his arms out and bade his summoned demons to stand aside. The fluid slashes crashed into his body and left two deep furrows before they broke into wet mist, parting tissue and exposing bone. The orc simply chuckled as he looked over his injuries. "Damn kid, that''s a hell of a hit for a Level 25er. You havent even done your Class Tier Ascension yet, have you? Did you put all your points in strength?" Usually, the Wei wasn''t one to exchange banter with a foe before the bout was fully decided, but there was an infectious glee to this orc that radiated from this orc. Wei took happiness where he could these daysfrom whoever he could. "Not nearly," the young master replied. His Aspect of Omniscience granted him perfect awareness of everything within an approximate 400-meter radius. As he focused his perception on the Knight of Pride, his attention was fully captured by a building sensation of weight and undeniable power emanating from the orc''s wounds. Different essences mingled within the flowing blood. With a casual gesture, Mulver drew forth strands of viscera and shaped a new demon from it. Strings of red stitched a beast with a pincer-like head sporting rows of sharp, ringed teeth. Its body was humanoid, while its appendages were like that of a horse. Chimera was too light a word to describe this monstrosity. More than that, however, Wei felt a connection form between Mulver himself and each of his demons. There was a feeling of overlap the young master couldn''t quite shape, as if they were all different entities, but all shared a point in space. Then there was the disconcerting speed at which Mulver healed. Within mere seconds, tendons reknit, muscles reattached, white of bone faded, and a layer of gray skin returned, making it seem as if the orc had never been harmed at all. By this point, Wei was relatively certain that a higher Constitution would allow someone to heal faster. Both the Knight of Lust and Mulver had demonstrated similar abilities, after all. However, the orc was on another level entirely, making the young master suspect that he was dealing with someone who possessed an absolutely incredible Aspect of Constitution. Definitely not the thing to target if he needed to use his System. "Alright, you took your opening shot. Wasn''t a bad one. But I gotta tell you you''re not gonna like what comes next." The young master sneered. "Why, are you a prophet? Don''t presume to know me. Knight, show me your" In an instant, every single blood-shaped demon blasted toward Wei in sprays of explosive viscera. The young master, forewarned by a dilation echo, responded by stomping down on the cyclone he was using as a platform, kicking it toward the rushing horde. Afterward, he flipped back and used his Omniscience to gauge the position of his foes. A current of wind drew him backward, creating 120 meters of space between him and the horde as he channeled more Arrogance into his Heart of Calamity. Arrogance: [765/850] Immediately, he assumed the Form of the Manticore and unleashed a flurry of slashes. His initial barrage of attacks fed speed to the cyclone, building it into a typhoon that he brought down upon Mulver and his demons with every ounce of Authority he could muster. Velocity Charges: [12/180] The young master expected to tear his foes from the sky, to rip Mulver from the ground. But the demons simply surged on, defiant of the winds, cleaving through the storm walls with contemptuous ease. Mover, meanwhile, simply folded his arms, new wounds adorned his body as his dagger dripped fresh blood. Crimson tendrils held the Knight of Pride in place, and his hydra barely reacted to the crushing force as well. Wei remained undeterred. He stabbed his Broken Crescent out at his foes. A bolt of lightning jumped from the spears tip and forked across space, stabbing through a dozen demons before whipping against Mulvers skin. A roar of thunder drowned the world. A small patch on the orcs right pec sizzled, before healing a second later. Wei''s attacks continued, raging tsunamis splashed down over Mulver, battering him and his demons while the ground beneath him erupted, slicing everyone within the radius with sharpened fragments of shrapnel. A shard of glass sank into the orcs right eye. The organ vanished in a smear, bloody tears trailing down his cheek. Mulver lifted his thumb and flicked the shard from its socket. A blink later, his eye was back, and his wounds were closed. During it all, his smirk only grew. As did Weis Authority. Authority Advanced > 32 [4/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Mulver called out through the storm. Without Wei''s Aspect of Omniscience, he would have never heard what the orc said. When Mover spoke, the young master received every word. "Its a pretty nasty licking your giving me, kid. Hell of a punch you got. Im liking this. Im liking this a lot. Wei found himself uncertain about how he was meant to respond to these words. The Knight''s growing enthusiasm was at once a delight Wei partially shared, but the orcs willingness to take harm and genuine sadomasochism left Wei wondering if he was fighting a fellow warrior or just a psychotic degenerate. The thought that both things might be true passed through his mind, but Wei did his best not to dwell on it. Just as he prepared to sacrifice a few Velocity Charges to amplify his next attack, Wei''s relativity triggered. A dilation echo saved his life. A scene played out before him: a torrent of red would breach the walls of his cyclone and clear the hundred meters of space between him and the horde of demons. Only then would it bite down on the young master''s body, swallowing him whole, and only then would he realize that a hydra''s head had taken himtoo late to do anything otherwise. Foresight received, Wei plunged down through the air and barely evaded the fated blow by an arm''s length. A shockwave surged down the hydra''s body as it broke through the sound barrier. Wei parried the residual force using a slash of wind channeled through his Broken Crescent, ensuring his flight path was undisturbed, but then his Omniscience caught something else, and another dilation echo granted him a new portent. Omniscience Advanced > 27 This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Relativity Advanced > 29 [6/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Wei moved again as a second hydra head ruptured through his collapsing cyclone, and then a third, and then a fourth. The remaining heads also move to encircle Weis routes of escape, the body of the creature extending and growing to absolutely colossal proportions. As Wei considered the coming vectors of attack, he tried to plot a course of escape before a dilation echo triggered for a third time. This time, however, even the buffer of foresight was not enough. Mulver shot out from the neck of the first hydra, emerging with ten demons in a geyser of gore. Crimson tentacles extended from his hand as he finished his transposition across space, reaching for the young master with his dagger held high. As the orc sailed through the air, the young master responded, sacrificing a Velocity Charge to avoid the approaching Knight. Lightning exploded out from Weis Eidolon and wreathed his body. He accelerated hard. Mulvers tendril reached out, but caught nothing. A gulf of ten meters formed between it and Wei in a fraction of a heartbeat. And then the tendril flattened into the shape of a portal, and the head of a third hydra emerged. Wei expended another charge as he dove, evading the attack by little more than blind instinct. A rushing stream of red passed over him and took off the tip of his nose. Another dilation echo triggered, but there was nothing Wei could do this time. Even as he expended a Velocity Charge, a forth hydra head sprouted free from the one that just missed him, and this one finally clamped its teeth down around his right leg. It was then that Wei learned an ugly lesson. Sometimes more was not better. If his aspect of fortitude had been what it was an hour ago, the hydra''s teeth would have split clean through his leg. Or, failing that, his sudden acceleration would have ensured another means of dismemberment. Right now, however, he was tougher than ever before. Tough enough to survive falls from impossible heights. Tough enough to fight titans and survive blows that could deface small hills. Tough enough that the hydra couldn''t just bite through his leg, and the Velocity Charge couldn''t allow him to tear it clean off. Sickening snaps sounded from his knee, and Wei cried out in pain. And then pain was all he knew. Suddenly, he felt foreign essence contaminating his injuries. The weight was there againa weight that he couldnt influence or control. Wei felt an unseen will widen his injuries, felt what seemed like slicing tendrils of blood carving him from the inside, only to dissolve against the power of his Source a moment after. The young master gave a hoarse cry as he triggered Essenceshift. Just in time to avoid the slashing limbs of a dozen demons leaping at him. The orc''s lesser beasts surged free from the fourth hydra heads flesh as if it was also a portal unto itself, or some kind of spatial conduit. Wei became as if wind, and for the first time, felt the change he made to his class take effect. He applied the Knight of Lust''s Telekinetic Skill modifier fragment, and all around him, where the currents of air flowed, extended telekinetic tendrils as well. Wei felt his Arrogance evaporate with how resource intensive the skill was, but it let him unleash hell against the demons. He wielded his telekinesis against his lesser foes. He seized them, tore at them, pulled their forms apart, and he began to assault the hydra as well. It bit at him several more times, but as he remained wind-shifted, they found nothing to clamp down on. Likewise, his telekinesis, though capable of peeling a smaller demon apart, found the hydra too great in power and force to penetrate. Worse yet, its form was entirely composed of blood. He sensed nothing organic within it. No organs, no tissue, not even its eyes were truly of the flesh. Arrogance: [350/850] Taking stock of his situation, Wei rushed down along the surface of the Moongrave and made some distance. He needed to reorient himself. Come up with a plan to handle the Knight. Or maybe just start breaking the fiend conceptually. Wei arrived near a calm pond as he infused his Intent into an invisible cat-demon nearby. The creature barely had time to screech before he broke its invisibility Skill. The creature screeched as its channeled essence shattered and turned into an [Harvest] of Source. A blossom color of black and white infused Wei as he felt the bulk of his wounds fade. Good thing he picked Source Eruption. It would have been hard to contend with the orcs absurd healing potential otherwise. Through the mists, his Omniscience warned him of Mulvers approach. The orc was now sitting cross-legged upon the head of one of his hydras, and they were slithering closer to Wei. The young master just sighed. His enemy had almost twenty levels on him. He knew they had a lot more resources to expend, and a fight of attrition did not favor him. But even still, the young master didn''t want to draw upon his System to win. It wasn''t even the unfairness. It was just something about the orc that made him want to do this properly, class against class. There was also that general mood of affability they hadthe kind that made breaking them a loathsome prospect. Wei despised this damned place. It wouldnt even offer him proper foes anymore. "Hey, you''re still alive, kid?" Mulver called out. "I felt you heal up pretty quick there. Lost my Concept right away. Don''t tell me you put the rest of your Advancements into Constitution?" Wei didn''t say anything about that. Instead, he simply triggered his Heart of Calamity again and rose into the air. Flicking out with his spear, he made the mists around him part like a curtain to be pushed aside as he took in Mulver''s approach. The orc had well over fifty demons trailing behind him now. But also, his hydra was even bigger than before, its eight heads, each the size of a small mountain. The knight himself sat leisurely upon the first, staring at the young master. "I will not lie, you''re doing pretty good. Fuck, really good. I should have had you easy. You should be dead. But you are a squirrely bastard. And your hits pack some sting. Though you were done for good when I got your leg, but you got away. What was that, Essenceshift? Hadn''t seen that in a while. That''s a rare Skill to have, kid. You selling? Wei just stared at Mulver. "Are you truly trying to get me to sell one of my Skills to you right now? Truly?" "Yeah," Mulver said without any hesitation. "Why not? Hell, I''ll even trade you for it. I got another Skill shard I made a while back. Call it Wound Scry. It''ll let you peer out of any injury inflicted within the radius of your Perception. Sounds pretty good, huh?" Wei looked at the orc for a moment in disbelief. "No. Abosolutely not." "Well. Had to try. An awkward silence settled between them before the orc coughed. "So, speaking of which, that class you have you got a Calamity''s Herald." "Cataclysm''s Herald," Wei corrected. "Yeah, right. So, you somehow managed to beat up a Dancer of the Calamitous Spiral, didn''t you? During your Class Specialization? Wei pressed his lips together. "Perhaps. What is it to you?" "Nothing, it''s justwhat level were you at the time?" Wei stared back at the Knight, wondering if the orc knew about his System. "Thirteen," he said. The knight whistled. "Thirteen. Harbinger be blind, how did you do that?" Wei decided to give him an interpretation of the truth. "I used the Dancer against itself. Managed to make it run into its own lance." The knight threw back his head and laughed. "Shit, you could do that? Nasty work, kid. Well. Looks like my journey down the Tower isnt pointless. You think about signing on with a Circle? Anyone offer yet?" The young master just stared on, unsure how to react. "You are extremely friendly for someone Ive been trying to kill. "Yup," Mulver said without any hint of confusion. "We''re already in hell, there''s not a lot of point in being an asshole." "But You were chasing three Faebloods. Two of them were bleeding." "Oh, them." Mulver replied with a sigh. "Yeah, I was trying to get them to sign this." Space crumpled around his hands as he summoned a contract from his Inventory. Wei''s Omniscience allowed him to peek at its contents. At the top of its page, two large numerals were printed. Ten. I PLEDGE 10 YEARS OF CONTRACTUAL LOYAL TO THE CIRCLE OF PRIDE PER THE CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT Wei blinked. "What is that, a writ of slavery?" "Worse, its a recruitment notice. I was going to give this to one of the elves and have them sign it, so I had something to show my Count. "Elves?" "Fey bloods," the orc replied. Wei''s frown deepened. Why did all these different species have so many names? "Anyway," Mulver continued, dismissing his contract. "You wanna make this interesting. What kind of interesting, Wei asked. You hit me with some rough blows. But I think you still got something in the tank. Ive seen how the Dancer fights during System Raids into other worlds. Ive seen the Lance. Never been hit by one, though. Wei just stared. What? Hit me with the Skill if you got it. The young master blinked. You are serious. Yeah. Why not? There were many things Wei wanted to say, but something deep down inside him of him just surrendered. You know what? I accept. "Fuck yeah," Mulver said. "Give me the best you got. If its enough to finish me off, Ill kill myself after and let you get your Class Divergence. Pride and Wrath, right? Wei nodded slowly. Thats a good one. Itll suit you. Especially the ascended Invocations. Damn this orc. Why was he like this? Why was he making everything so strange? Pushing through the discomfort, Wei began shaping his Lance of Calamity. A construct began to form in the air. First, droplets of rain converged together, forming a massive spike that was 400 meters long. Then, Wei wove lightning into the fluid as he fed it with chunks of stone and chambered it with a building spiral of wind. Finally, he aimed it at Mulver and prepared himself. Arrogance: [50/850] Again, the Knight stood atop the head of his hydra and held his arms open. "Alright, kiddo, when you''re ready." The moment was so surreal that the young master almost decided to stop. "I fear you might regret this, Knight." "I think that''s impossible. If it doesn''t kill me, I won''t regret it. If it does kill me, nothing''s left to regret." He gave a chuckle. "Now let the bastard rip." And Wei did just that. He did just that, and he also fed every last Velocity Charge he had into the lance as well. Velocity Charges: [0/0] 55 Hunting Hunters (III) Consul Pallick. Its its me. We have a problem. Yes. Its related to the removal of Evernest And Operative Yu Its his son, you see The boy has the System Yes. The Keter-System. The Concept Yes. Yes, Consul. I understand. You are entirely rightit is my fault. I am a subhuman piece of shit who should let a drugged bull ogre skull-fuck me to death with their large cock layered with shit-smeared spike studs. Yes. I will do that and send you the video, Consul. But I think were going to require more support. Yes. Of course. Ill make the arrangements right now. Ill get fucked to death first. Ill getyes, I will make sure the ogres genital cannot fit in my eye. Yes I deserve thisyou are right -Harlon Seever, Inheritor 55 Hunting Hunters (III) For a single instant in time, all the wind in the world stopped drifting, the water stopped flowing, lightning froze, and the earth went stone-still. That moment signalled its end with a cataclysmic blast. The Lance of Calamity, already tremendous in mass and size, zipped the scant few hundred meters between Wei and the orc, bringing with it a crushing tidal wave of absolute destruction. A blast wave swept down from the air, and Wei had to cleave through the collapsing winds to prevent himself from being flung aside. The same couldn''t be said for Mulvers demons. The lesser among their number simply ceased to be. Wei witnessed their unmaking through his Aspect of Omniscience. The Lance approached at such velocity that their very blood evaporated. Some of the larger demons survived, but even then, their bodies were compromised, unraveling as they were flayed by the force of the coming blow. Only Mulver came forth, andin a comical act of defiancehe sent the hydra head he stood upon forward in a vicious headbutt, amplifying the impact even more. A city-crushing hydra slammed against the mountain-hollowing construct. The orcs lips curled up in a smirk as a ripple of pure force swept over him from the impact. The smirk quickly vanished as his eyes widened. Wei couldn''t tell how fast his Lance was going, infused with all those Velocity Charges. But considering his own Relativity right now, he wouldn''t be surprised if his construct could reach orbit with its current acceleration. If used against the Knight of Lust, Wei wondered if there would be anything left of her. Mulver was a different story. The seven remaining heads of his head splashed into the one he currently commanded as the Knight strengthened his blood-summon as much as he could. Wei witnessed a surge of essence waterfall through the orc, and with a look of concentration, Mulver flicked his knife across his throat, slitting his neck open to channel more blood. The Lance continued to drill against the hydra''s head, its tip a vortex of steam and heat, its sides crackling with exploding bolts and orbiting stone. The clash was deafeninglike nothing Wei had ever heard, but his Fortitude held, insuring him against any manner of sound damage. Suddenly, as Mulver stabbed himself over and again, the balance shifted. The hydras Strength was more than substantial, but ironically, where it failed was Constitution. A rupture of blood erupted free from the base of the summons neck. Mulvers powers faltered, his jaw dropped in surprise, and as his blood-demon spilled apart, the Lance sheared clean through its skull, no longer impeded by any opposition. Immediately, Mulver was pulled into the spiraling vortex, his body twisting and folding in directions that would be fatal for anyone else. It was a testament to his Constitution that he remained intact. The Lance, meanwhile, surged forward, traveling a good two hundred meters before it finally began to fall, momentum spent. The struggle Mulvers hydra had put up astonished Wei. If it hadn''t been there, the amount of destruction the Lance would have inflicted upon the Moongrave''s surroundings would have been staggering, to say the least. Now, however, it simply carried the orcs broken body down, chipping the upper corner of an obsidian pylon before impacting the ground in a spray of rising glass. Wei followed close behind. A sense of fatigue gnawed at the young master''s, and a feeling of abject absence passed from his Eidolon into his body as he slowly felt his Arrogance return point by point. Observing the trail of destruction, the young master beamed at the deep furrow he left across the Moongrave. It hadnt only traveled 200 meters long, but also left an ugly ditch 50 meters deep as well. On an even brighter note, the young master took in his system messages and found himself most pleased. His Authority had climbed multiple advancements, as had his Relativity. The amount of velocity and damage he inflicted was a new height reached by the young master, and the System seemed to agree as well. It seemed to reward feats as much as it did strain. This was good. Seeking new heights to achieve was the only true way to be a cultivator. Relativity Advanced > 32 Authority Advanced > 34 Omniscience Advanced 27 [12/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Then, as a final advancement to his Omniscience triggered, Wei immediately he found his attention drawn to a trickle of essence. In a deep pit left in the ground, sodden with melted rock and crackling static, Wei sensed a lingering convergence of power and pressure, its presence so thick it felt like a knot. Thinking back, he remembered feeling the same thing each time he inflicted a wound on the Knightand also when the Knight wounded him as well. Now it was the young master''s turn to be absolutely flabbergasted. Projecting his the totality of his senses into the deep wound he left upon this Moongrave, he beheld what could only be described as a mangled smear of splattered viscera and pasted organs slowly pulling themselves back together. Connected to all the rapidly healing tissues was also a heart that remained unblemished, undamaged. It still continued to beat faster, harder, and through it, at its core, was a wound that glistened with raw essencea raw essence that slowly diluted itself to become several others. Arteries extended from the heart, stretching wide to outline an entire body. Bones emerged from the growing circulatory system, followed by muscle, tendons, and skin. He watched as the Knight''s clothing also regenerated alongside the healing process. Wei simply stared on in disbelief. He understood the healing, but the clothes, the equipmentthat didn''t make any sense at all. A small part of him screamed to continue the attack, to strike again and use this opportunity to break the Knight of Pride utterly, and just force him into a suicide by way of a shattered Will. But a greater part of the young master was, frankly, in awe. His foe had survived the Lance. A Lance empowered by every last Velocity Charge Wei had. A giddy thought intruded as the young master considered just how devastating a full-stack Velocity Charges could make his attacks, but still, the orc surviving even this was thought-quelling. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. Ultimately, Wei stayed his hand, deciding that he wanted the fight to continue, if nothing else. Across the length of less than twenty seconds, the young master watched what constituted something less than a whole corpse regenerated into a body of a yet living orc. A choking wheeze filled the air, slowly turning into a loud cackling laugh as the orcs lungs merged back into shape and suddenly filled with air. "Holy shit, kid, that was one hell of a goddamn hit. If the Harbinger didn''t have his eyes on you before, he will now!" Mulver sat up, placing his elbows on his knees as he shook his head. "You know what, I take all it all back. I''m glad I came down here. I''m glad I went on recruitment detail." Without hesitation, he pulled something out of his inventory. At first glance, it looked like another contract. However, this one had what looked to be a complex array of ciphers fused around its front page and coiling around the rest of the stack as glowing chains. Wei still didn''t approach the orc, not foolish enough to be lured in. But strangely, his instincts told him this fight was functionally over. "Tell you what, kid, I''ll do what you want. That hitthat would have killed almost any other Knight but me. Hell, it might even kill some dumb shits on the verge of ascending to Count Tier." "But you didn''t die," Wei said, trying to understand the orcs meaning. "You''re correct, and that''s because you didn''t finish me off. You saw my Conceptual Core. You could have taken a stab. Wouldnt take you much. Which means Im dealing with an actual true-blooded warrior. Unless I read you wrong. Wei''s mind went completely blank. Was he actually fighting an insane person? Resisting (confusion) with Aspect of (Intent) "We can still fight if that is your preferred outcome." "No, no, I think I''ve seen enough," the orc grinned. "And you still got something left up in your pocket, don''t you? Something even nastier than that hit. Wei didn''t reply. Yeah, you do. Knew it. Whats the secret? You snatch an Eidolon early? You one of them Trespassers with an existing blessing from another System-host sent in to kill the Harbinger? They do that? Wei asked, surprised. Oh, hell yeah they do. Mepheleon does it back to them as well. Theres likea constant influx of elseworlders being spawned in to do this kind of shit. Most of the long-time Trespassers call those ones cyclers. Because theyre usually reborn entirely rather than just dropped in like your usual Alice. Wei blinked. Alice is what they call the poor bastards who happen to just fall through the gaps. Straight down into the Fathoms. The orc whistled as he pointed down with a clawed index finger. So. You gonna tell me about what you got or are you going to be smart about your choices? Wei kept silent. Mulver snorted as he summoned something from his Inventory: a Spatial Navigator. Without another word, he dropped it on top of the contract and continued. The Class Divergence will suit you. Youre the wrong kind of Arrogant to continue down the Path of Pride. The orcs words were leaving the territory of confusion and beginning to inspire genuine curiosity. Why? Because if you were properly Arrogant, you would have told me loud and proud and restored some of your essence. You? Youre still thinking of this as a fight. You still want to win. Pride isnt enough for you. You want damage. You want blood and meat. Mulver bit at the air. Just the right kind of bastard to tear up the Claimed Hells. Just like me. And then something clicked. This Knight wasnt taunting Wei or psychotic. Somehow, for some reason, the orc considered the young master a kindred spirit. Wei took a moment to consider that and Well, almost anyone was pleasant compared to the Knight of Lust. You should make the choice. Joining Pride and Wrath together will change your Arrogance to Scorn and turn you from a Tyrant to a Dominator. Your Invocations will change too, but considering you dont even have the Aegis active, you seem like someone who doesnt mind bleeding a bit if he gets to break his foe. That statement wasnt incorrect. Waving Wei off, the orc sighed. Anyway. That shits more exciting if you experience it yourself. Youre not going to want to delay it when you get a chancehell of a rush forming your initial Concept Core. Concept Core, Wei asked, noting the orc had already mentioned it twice. Whats that? Mulver simply gave him a toothy grin. Its your own little realm of power seeded directly inside your Classa display of the Harbingers latitude. Its why we can operate in other realms while most other Classed lose their magic bullshit outside the coverage of their hosts System. Mepheleons more like our dealer than master. Hell of a fuck, he is. You might think the Claimed Hells nightmarish now, buthey, you could do with a worse overlord. I see theyre a popular figure, Wei muttered. Popular? Wouldnt go that far. Hes just an enabler. Whatever the case, best go over a few things before we finish this transaction. The orc pointed at the stack of papers. This is a contract of assistance. Flip the first page up when you need helpand you are going to need help passing through the Hearted Realm. Everyone does. Even you. Its where most of us recruiter fucks try to snatch up nubile little Sinners. Mulver moved onto the orb pulsating with spatial essence. This is A Spatial Navigator, Wei replied. I know. You arent the first Knight Ive faced. A beat followed. I actually used it to find you. I am trying to hunt your like. The orcs eyes turned to saucers. No shit? A Servant hunting Knights. Well. Some people are going to be embarrassed as shit by this. Not you? Wei said. Nope. In fact, I think my branch is going to be mighty pleased with me. Fuck the elves, youre the real catch. Wei sneered at the orcs words. Im not signing myself to your Circle. Fine. Sure. But dont make any deals before you read the print. You might just like whats written on the page. And besidesyou can negotiate to be a Commissioned Member and not a Subservient. But you might want to wait until you reach the end of the trials and earn the favor of a lawyer. What? Wei said. He was back to confusion with the orc. What is a lawyer? Itsah, fuck, youre from one of those sword, horses, and funny hat worlds. Agh. Youll figure it out. Now. The orc summoned a final thing into his hands: it was the ritualistic dagger he used to cut himself earlier. Let me demonstrate the first benefit of being a Commissioned Member: death insurance. Dea Before Weis question could fully leave his lips, the orc plunged his blade deep into his own heart. It punched clean through his flesh without any resistance, and at once, every bit of essence he still possessed converged within the wound. Cracks began to spread across the orcs body as blood essence fractured out from his heart and Wei felt something shatter beyond the material world. And then the core of the orc broke into pieces, and suddenly a crimson explosion swept out from their being. Wei the idea of a wound pass into his mindthe concept consuming every bit of his focus for a single second. Across the Moongrave, the lesser cat-like demons that were caught in the area of effect went rigid. Most of them remained unharmed, but those few who had even the slightest cut suddenly came apart in showers of spraying gorethe effects of their injuries magnified a thousandfold. Then, a new sensation swept into the worldan essence of absolute coldness that left even Wei shivering where he drifted afar. As Mulver fell onto his back, a massive skeletal hand rose from the ground below him to grasp his corpse. An ethereal portal opened upon the face of reality, and with a casual yank, the orcs corpse was pulled across spaceand far beyond Weis Omniscience. It was only then that the young master also realized he couldnt peer into the realm of coldness where the hand came. An ambiance of quiet returned afterward, leaving only Wei, a mostly destroyed Moongrave, and two items bequeathed to him by the Knight he forced into a suicide. A Class update loaded into his mind just then. Class Divergence >(Path of Wrath) [Unlocked] Requirements: Dominate an adversary in combat and force them to end their own life thereafter. It was then that Wei realized just how liberally interpretive some of these requirements were. As another moment of hesitation, Wei shrugged and initiated his Class Tier Ascension with a thought. He wasnt fully committed to merging his Pride with Wrath yet, but it would not hurt to see just what each option specifically entailed. Class Tier Ascension Initiated! And with that, a sphere of abyssal fire promptly exploded out from Weis Eidolon and swallowed his person as well. 56 Knighthood A Class Tier Ascension isn''t just about increasing the scope and potency of your powers and Aspects, it also grants you something very special. Courtesy of yours truly. For erelong, Ive seen Classed turn impotent once they went beyond the reach of their Systems. A little distance the unfortunate death of a host and no more magic. And why is this? Because the System fears losing control. Because the System is terrified and wishes to use its Classed as puppets, thus neutering their potential. One could weep at the potential betrayed. One could. But I decided to resolve the issue. Why be the sole bearer of my System when I can grow it even faster by giving anyone past Servant a stake in the enterprise? Thus, Concept Cores. Your own little nascent realm of sin and savagery bestowed upon you. Nourish it. Feed it. Let your concept grow, and let me spread through you. "Yes, yes, Mepheleon, you are ever so generous. What other system host allows their class so much control?" No one. The answer is no one. But understand this isnt my generosity, but greed. Greed and gluttony because I want power more than I fear losing it. The other hosts so many of them are pitiful. They are afraid of being betrayed. They are afraid of their Classed bringing them down. Im going to make things plain to you, dear Sinner I welcome your attempts at betrayal. Your attempts at rebellion are one of the greatest amusements I have. I do not leash you because there is no fear, for in the end, either someone will prove a superior host to me, or I will reign forever. And I suggest you adopt the same mindset. Face the Fathoms, old boys. Be the captain of your own soul. -Mepheleon the Harbinger 56 Knighthood A fire, when unfettered, simply consumes, but when guided by a proper hand or a higher purpose, its power can be used to temper and reforge. Such was the case when the sphere of abyssal flame expanded from Wei''s Eidolon. Flames leapt out from his spear, swallowing the weapon and coiling around him. The young master flinched, but though he was embraced by a membrane of intense heat, it did little more than envelop both him and his Eidolon. At once, Wei''s senses were overwhelmed by his surroundings. Gone was the Moongrave. Gone was anything but him, his spear, and the flames without. He found himself in a realm composed of crackling darkness. Then, without warning, a scrawl of text loaded across his vision. Class Tier Ascension: Servant > Knight Somehow, the young master''s mind registered the details as originating from within his Eidolon, and as the information fully laid out, he realized this was part of the Class Tier ascension process. His spear was now little more than a flaming outline of what it used to be. An ever-spilling torrent of power continued to gush from it, feeding the plane of fire around Wei as he was given time to contemplate his options. Though the orcs advice still echoed in the back of his mind, Wei wanted to see what choices he had overall. Aside from Wrath, none of the other Class Divergences were unlocked, but it seemed that he had three direct class ascension options, as well as a single Class Divergence option. Ascensions Tyrant Lv. 25 > Suzerain Lv. 25 New Abyssal Invocation >[Zone of Influence]: Allows the Suzerain to create a Zone of influence using their Will. Zones of Influence are considered portions of the Suzerains being, allowing them to channel their Skills and travel through these zones at will. The size and Aspects of each Zone will cost a persistent amount of Arrogance and require a transference of Will. The distance between each Zone also cannot exceed the Suzerains Awareness. Select Concept Core (Minor) >Control Creates a minor realm of composed around the Concept of Control. You will be able to cultivate [1] source of essence, grow new Skill Shards, and compose new demons within this space. >Surveillance Creates a minor realm of composed around the Concept of Surveillance. You will be able to cultivate [1] source of essence, grow new Skill Shards, and compose new demons within this space. Current Aspect Advancements will be doubled! The Suzerain ascension was interesting, though not for Wei. As one of its concept core options indicated, it was all about control, establishing zones of influence over areas, and potentially using them to grind down foes. Wei could see himself gaining some mileage with the new zone of influence indication, but it was far too unlike his style of combat. He wanted to always be on the offense, always on the move. Hesitation was death. His experience thus far had taught him as much. Wei hesitated for a moment before continuing. His focus settled on the Concept Cores offered. It said Concept Core (Minor) with the option between Control and surveillance. He wasn''t fully sure what a concept core even was, and as he pondered, an explanation loaded into place: Concept Core: A minor realm created via your foundational sin. As it is a minor realm, it only occupies a five-kilometer space based around your foundational sin. For example, Wrath will have an instance of a murder forever placed in stasis by the power of the Harbinger. This will ensure that even outside the system host''s coverage, or in the case of their death, your class will continue functioning, for you have a portion of the claimed hells within you. Thereafter, you can continue cultivating the space with every class level you gain. As you gain more Class levels, you can choose to advance the space in various ways. Finally, the space will be able to produce specialized demons and also grow desired skill shards based around its core concept. Wei read through the information and tried to understand the details. It seemed like the concept of a cultivator''s soul space, except adapted for self-sufficiency. The Harbinger was an enigma before, and they remained an enigma now. It seemed that they had no fear of rebellion and actively encouraged a streak of independence among all their subjects. Continuing on, the young master regarded his next option and found it slightly more palatable. Tyrant Lv. 25 > Supremacist Lv. 25 New Abyssal Invocation >[Supremacy]: The Supremacist marks a specific foe with their Will and rapidly regenerates Arrogance so long as the target remains active and within the Supremacists Perception. Select Initial Concept Core (Minor) >Hatred Creates a minor realm of composed around the Concept of Hatred. You will be able to cultivate [1] source of essence, grow new Skill Shards, and compose new demons within this space. >Rivalry Creates a minor realm of composed around the Concept of Rivalry. You will be able to cultivate [1] source of essence, grow new Skill Shards, and compose new demons within this space. Current Aspect Advancements will be doubled! The Supremacist Class Ascension held promise for Wei. Being able to mark someone with supremacy and ensure that his arrogance constantly regenerated might just result in him actually using his Aegis of Arrogance. So far, he had left the Invocation off because it was so hard to recover his foundational sin. With this, things might be easierfar easier. However, compared to the previous ascension''s Concept Cores, Wei rather preferred control to hatred or rivalry, if only because he could conceptualize a realm based around the theme of control better than either of the others. What decided what made something a concept? What decided what was an essence? These were questions that Wei had received no answer to, not even from his System. Drawing upon his Aspect of Enlightenment, he felt a slight strain build within his mind as an astronomical requirement flashed before his very eyes. Requires Enlightenment [1,000,000] to understand True Concepts Well, it seemed like he wouldn''t be understanding the great mysteries of the Fathoms anytime soon. Tyrant Lv. 25 > Mastermind Lv. 25 New Abyssal Invocation >[Cult of Personality]: Each demon or ally within the Masterminds Perception gains Aspect Advancements based on the Masterminds Will. The more Arrogance the Mastermind consumes to strengthen their Cult of Personality, the more their allies will be buffed. Ally actions can also restore Masterminds Arrogance. Select Initial Concept Core (Minor) >Unity Creates a minor realm of composed around the Concept of Unity. You will be able to cultivate [1] source of essence, grow new Skill Shards, and compose new demons within this space. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. >Swarm Creates a minor realm of composed around the Concept of Swarm. You will be able to cultivate [1] source of essence, grow new Skill Shards, and compose new demons within this space. Current Aspect Advancements will be doubled! Regarding the final class ascension option, Wei immediately disregarded it. Mastermind would be useful for Elena when the time came. It was clearly an Ascension for someone who liked to command or fight from the rear. This Abyssal Invocation was a general''s dream. Wei preferred attacking alone, with viciousness and velocity. His companions had been helpful, but there was a great gulf between he and they now. In the battle between him and the Knight of Pride moments prior, Wei couldn''t see any of them offering meaningful assistanceexcept Rafael, perhaps. Too bad Wei wasn''t sure which side the Trespasser might take should the tide turn. Finished with the Class Ascensions choices, Wei moved on to his Class Divergence. And it didnt disappointment. Divergence Unlocked: Convergence of [Pride] and [Wrath] Tyrant Lv. 25 > Dominator Lv. 25 [Sin Splitting] Available Arrogance/Rage >Splitting Your Sins will part your level across 2 Classes. You will decide how many levels go into Pride and Wrath. You will gain Abyssal Invocations from both Classes and be able to access 2 Class Specializations. However, you will not be able to double your Aspect Advancements. [Sin Merging] Available Scorn >Merging your Sins will result in two Classes melding into a new variant. A critical Class Invocation will be altered with the merger between Pride and Wrath, and your Class Specialization will gain new evolution options, thought a second specialization slot will remain unavailable. You will be able to double your Aspect Advancements. >Sin Merging Selected Arrogance > Scorn: Scorn is generated when the Dominator damages an intended foe. Scorn needs to be built up and will rapidly diminish to 10% if the Dominator does not have an intended target to harm or break. Abyssal Invocation Altered >[Aegis of Arrogance] > [Shroud of Scorn]: The Dominator forms a Shroud of Scorn with every wound they inflict on their foes. The Shroud materializes as if a layer of armor and can be broken. The damage resistance of the Shroud scales based on the users Will. The Shroud can also be detonated to inflict damage via the Dominators Strength. Current Aspect Advancements will be doubled! Select Initial Concept Core (Minor) >Destruction Creates a minor realm of composed around the Concept of Destruction. You will be able to cultivate [1] source of essence, grow new Skill Shards, and compose new demons within this space. >Control Creates a minor realm of composed around the Concept of Control. You will be able to cultivate [1] source of essence, grow new Skill Shards, and compose new demons within this space. The orc''s words rang true. The change from Aegis of Arrogance to Shroud of Scorn already appealed to Wei. Instead of draining his resource to keep a shield up, he could forge armor around himself via acts of violence. It was as close to a perfect marriage between the Class Invocations of Wrath and Pride. As for the split specialization and the split Sins, Wei preferred to have a singular resource rather than parting his levels. The fact that he would have to forego doubling his aspect advancements sealed the deal. He doubted he would be getting a new Class Specialization anytime soon anyway. The final decision was between Supremacist and Dominator. The merits of the former were mainly related to its Abyssal Invocation. It gained an additional one instead of having one replaced, but its Concept Cores didn''t appeal to Wei. And though Supremacy and the Shroud of Scorn could be compared, Wei liked the prospect of shaping armor from destruction more than he did playing a balancing game with his Arrogancehe could see himself losing momentum in combat as he waited for his Aegis to recharge. That led him to his final preference: the Concept Core of Destruction. Of all the Concept Cores offered, perhaps besides control, destruction was the easiest for Wei to imagine. And considering the sheer devastation his Class Specialization unleashed, destruction was a good concept to have. Concept Core: Destruction (Minor) Selected After another moment''s hesitation, Wei selected the class divergence and merged his sins. The flames seared his Eidolon in an instant. A building force of absolute blackness swirled around his spear, infusing new power within its shape. Then he felt ita faint orb manifesting along the shaft of his weapon, appearing as if a pinhole to Wei''s Omniscience. As his senses leaked across, the young master gazed upon a realm beset by constant annihilation. It was, as the class described, a minor realm portrayed by disaster after disaster. The clouds forming in the skies above tumbled in a raging storm sweeping across the land. The earth shook, distant waters rose and crashed down, lightning cracked the obsidian surface of the ground, and there, in the midst of all this havoc, Wei beheld a familiar sight. It was a snapshot of a moment that happened less than a few minutes ago. Upon a patch of stability in this realm of obliteration, a copy of Wei hovered in the air, his form cradled by twirling winds. Beneath him, the Knight of Pride stared up, blood welling from his lips as he pushed his blade deep into his chest. A faint shimmering field surrounded the two, keeping them perfectly preserved as if a scene in a museum. Wei''s actual self looked on with surprise, extending a tendril of Intent. He captured the veil of essence, and his Relativity vibrated in acknowledgment. We are interfacing with a manipulation of time, his System said. There is a high likelihood that your Eidolon stored this moment, per the conditions of unlocking your Class Divergence. "I suppose it is so," Wei replied, contemplating the implications. Timethe Harbinger could make clay of the passing of time itself. How far back could the Harbinger reach, then? Could they restore his world? His mother? Something inside Wei clenched. His sanity wavered as spikes of pain passed through his mind. A near whimper escaped from Wei as his breath hitched and his guts churned. He almost heaved before he caught himself. He almost thought back to the world he lost, to the life he lost, to all the pain he experienced on this day. No, no, no. (Psychotic Break) resisted by Aspect of Intent. He strangled his inner turmoil. He wrestled it into submission and pushed it away. He refused to acknowledge it. He refused to let it influence him. The heavens couldn''t break him. No one could break him. No one could truly even hurt him. He had been tested, and he was destineddestined to win. Shaking off his moment of weakness, Wei pulled his senses back from the marble and found himself faced with another few strings of text. Access Concept Core to obtain Class Specialization Evolution option requirements Interesting. One ascension leading to another. Another path of cultivation to embark upon. With his Class Tier Ascension concluded, though, the flames flashed one final time and began to recede. Suddenly, the conflagration began to spiral around him, coiling and drifting until everything collapsed back within the Eidolon in a sudden implosion. At once, even more details from all across the Moongrave screamed at Wei, and the young master cursed himself for forgetting about the sensory overload. [Knight] Class: Dominator Lv. 25 >Specialization: Cataclyms Herald Lv. 25 Scorn: [3400/3400] Allocatable Points [0] Strength 382 Speed 304 Enlightenment 270 Awareness 324 Constitution 218 Will 340 His Omniscience had more doubled. Previously, he could almost perceive a sphere of around 400 meters. Now, he could almost see past 900. This told Wei that every Aspect Advancement wasn''t exactly a one-to-one improvement anymore for his Class with his new Class Tier. And then there was the sudden explosive spike of his Foundational Sin. He only had about 840 Arrogancefive times that of his Eidolons Will. Now, however, his Scorn was ten times that of his Will. No wonder the damn orc wouldnt go dothey were a monster when it came to resources. Practically every Knight was compared to a Servant. This only made Wei scorn the Knight of Lust more. And question why his father had been so lacking when they fought. The man was supposed to be 40 levels ahead of him. Looking down, Wei noticed he was standing in a deep pit lined with molten glass. It seemed that though the flames simply rebuilt his Eidolon, they inflicted considerable damage on the world in turn. Sweeping across the area using his Omniscience, he confirmed that there were no active hostiles waiting to ambush him. With his Class Ascension handled, he still had one more upgrade to do. His System Core Ascension was also due a level. The young master triggered Lesser Hollow Mind as he began making his way over to the glass structure where the lich and the three elves awaited. However, a final surprise awaited him as the upgrade text loaded. Refining Source >>>Source Refined: [150/150] Lumens Source Core Ascended > Lv. 16 >[2/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension >>[7/20] Core Ascensions to [Gate] 2 System Ascension >>>Source: [160/160] Lumens Reviewing encounter Masteries Demonstrated >Meditation (II) 81% >Unarmed Combat (II) 71% >Spearmanship (II) 78% >Thrown Weapons (II) 26% >Tactics 69% >Rapier 0% Mastery Node Capacity [7/10] >Proximal Acceleration >Form of the Manticore >Form of the Resonant >Lesser Hollow Mind >Lesser Manifestation >Vector Chain >Lesser Cast Possession >Mark of Enmity Sourcery Advancements [1] Available! Select [1] Source Eruption > [Initiate Concept Ascension?] Source Magnification > Source Propagation [Requires 10 Sourcery Advancements (Currently at 5)] Aspect Infusion > Aspect Expansion [2 Sourcery Points] The user can construct an Aspect Catalyst based on any of their current Aspects and infuse it into another being or object. Multiple Aspect Catalysts can be constructed. Each Aspect Catalysts will reduce the hosts total Source by 20%. The infused Aspect will now infuse the hosts ascended Aspects into their chosen target. Should the targeted entity be a System or Class entity, the users Aspect can be added to or subtracted from the sum of the targets corresponding Aspect. Should the users Aspect reduce the targets Aspect to nil, the target will be unable to affect the world with their corresponding Aspect. Liminal Bridge > Liminal Tunnel [Requires 25 Sourcery Advancements (Currently at 5) Again with the Concept. After a moment of consideration, Wei accepted the Concept Ascension behind his Source Eruption sourcery, and suddenly felt a vacuum of space expand within his body. 57 Concept Ascension We are as if reflections of countless lives lived, of worlds witnessed. We are a flourishing seed of an idea changing. Redefined by our own conception. A fire burns. But a fire also seals a wound. All can be changed. All can be made true. All can be made ours. -The Dying Queen 57 Concept Ascension Wei wasn''t sure what to expect when he selected the Concept Ascension, but as the space within him grew, his sorcery resonated with his mastery nodes, and he felt a vague sense of gravity emanating from within the emptiness. It was like a small singularity drinking in the myriad essences and concepts that composed the world beyond Wei''s System. It was an uncanny thing to glimpse inside oneself, but thanks to his Aspect of Omniscience, Wei had no trouble doing so. As his perception passed into the small sphere of space that existed within his soul, Wei felt the sensation to be exactly like looking into the concept core for his class earlier. The only difference was that his Concept Core of Destruction manifested in an already defined environment, a small five-square-kilometer realm where devastation reigned eternal. The Concept Ascension, however, was nothing more than a pit of darkness contrasted with a single pinprick of white at its epicenter. Swirling trickles of essence were drawn in from the world beyond and converted into lumens of source for Wei. As he continued his examination, a new System notification materialized. Ascension >Path of Harvest All that is can be unmade, and all that evolves will eventually return to its point of origin. Unlocks a novel concept, Harvest, for your System. This concept is only available for the Keter system. The system host can combine masteries, sorceries, Aspects, and experiences to generate new Skills and Titles befitting the concept of the Harvest. Concept (Harvest): This concept entails the disassembly, absorption, and reconfiguration of material properties, other concepts, and essences. May you claim your enemy''s power and use it to forge their undoing. "Skills?" Wei said, speaking to his system. "This is my System Specialization then. Or a class?" No, his System responded. We are the Concept Breaker. We are Keter. We are unable to bestow classes or specializations upon another. This concept is for our use specifically and was fully unlocked as you completed the Sorcery Advancement path for Source Refinement. Completing the Sorcery Advancements for Source Amplification, Aspectshaper, and Liminal Bridge will unlock you the Path of Augmentation, Path of Imposition, and Path of Boundary concept ascensions. When those Concept Ascensions are unlocked, you will also be able to use them to forge new Skill and Titles for yourself in accordance to their core themes and ideas. "So I will have to build these Skills then," Wei said, frowning to himself. He didn''t see any new options appearing among the notifications. For his Class, when a Skill was offered, there was a menu with a list to pick from. Right now, he saw nothing aside from the Concept Ascension details. Indeed, his system answered. As you are the host, you can now use your experiences to fashion new Skills of your choosing. Titles alter how you interface with the world, and are passive configurations of your potential. These creations will be limited by the concept they are birthed from, your aspect advancement levels, and your current masteries. An investment of experience and an incubation period will be necessary for every skill cultivated. And there it was. Wei''s life was turning full circle again. He started this day as a cultivator, fleeing, fighting, running, surviving. He traveled up the Claimed Hells and, over the last twelve hours, he slew more foes and engaged in more serious fights than he had over the course of his entire life as a disciple of the Drowned Sky Sect. Mental weariness began to settle over Wei as he reviewed just how much he''d been through. Had it only been a day? Minutes and hours here felt like days and months respectively. Shaking off the malaise, Wei summoned his Broken Crescent and focused his perception on the Concept Core now imbued within his Eidolon. Once more, he peered into that realm of destruction and found a disconcerting similarity between it and the hollow expanse materialized within his system. This was what the orc had hinted to him about, the Concept Core. Mepheleon was giving his Classed System-related features, or so it seemed. Extracting his Trespasser''s Compendium via the inventory, Wei looked through the forums and briefly skimmed over all details relating to concepts and Concept Cores. What he found was mostly adjacent to the details his System provided. Furthermore, he also quickly discovered that Concept Cores provided to the Classed of the claimed hells were a major reason why Mepheleon was so popular a host. Perhaps "popular" wasn''t the right word. "Favored" might be more accurate. As it was, all Classed that reached the Knight tier could begin constructing their own desired skills. All it took was an investiture of experiences, sins, and feats. Experiencesthat seemed to be the thing that nourished these concept cores above all else. Directing his Intent inward, Wei seized his concept core, and suddenly several options loaded into his vision. Concept Core: Harvest (Minor) >Invest Masteries >Invest Experience >Infuse Aspect >>Determine Skill Pathways >>Determine Title Pathways Without a moment''s hesitation, Wei extracted the tendril of Intent from his System and infused it into his Class''s Concept Core instead. At once, the same set of options appeared in his field of view. The young master slowly began to consider the potential that was offered by the concepts he now had. He also thought back to the Spearsaint Class Specialization. That Specialization had a concept directly offeredsubstantial benefit provided long before most classes would ever reach the Knight tier. Wei''s mind processed all these details like a fluid stream. His thoughts were clear of confusion or lethargy, with the only thing impeding the speed of his conceptualization being the sheer amount of sensory detail flooding into his awareness. As he was currently running Lesser Hollow Mind, his thoughts and emotions were muted, preventing him from being overwhelmed as the sphere of his Omniscience occupied almost 800 meters of space. With each passing second, he could feel invisible demons fleeing from the area, fleeing from the sheer amount of essence from his class, not to mention his system itself. Wei activated his inventory once more, but instead of going through his items, he looked over his more human cargo instead and extracted the Knight of Lust. Space clenched right before Wei as the dragoness materialized in a collapsing heap. She didn''t cry out or try to flee. Instead, she merely shivered, the broken glass cracking beneath her as she shifted on her sides. Reaching into her aspects using his intent, Wei looked for a concept core and found nothing. But as he continued his examination, he detected a strange feeling deep within her. It was almost like a spiritual scab of some kind, a hardened patch that impeded the flow of all essence within her. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "Do you have a concept core?" Wei asked, speaking to the Knight without any pretense. "No," she replied, her voice barely a moan. "Did you lose your Concept Core?" "Yes," she answered, almost a sob. How? I betrayed my Circle. TheyI broke my contract. They took it out from me. They left me they took my levels as well. I was the Inheritors were going to give me a lawyer. They were going to get my future back for me The young master frowned at that. He didn''t know one could have these cores extracted, but that made sense. How else would Mepheleon bestow such a gift upon his class if they couldn''t be transferred? And then Wei''s thoughts veered slightly. Did he use his own Path of the Harvest to extract other people''s concept cores? Yes, his System said without any hesitation. Well then, this was going to be very interesting. The young master grinned. Regarding the Knight of Lust a moment longer, he drew her back into his Inventory, prepared to take his leave. Examining his surroundings, he made sure that he claimed everything the orc left him, taking the contract and the Spatial Navigator into his Inventory as well, before heading to retrieve Rafael. Snatching his Broken Crescent from where it hovered in the air, the young master lifted himself upon a rising gale. Soon, he shot through the air, moving at well past twice his original speed. His body felt like a whip in motion, the winds whistling and parting around him. He allowed himself to go even faster as he cut, using his control over calamity to part the wind resistance and lessen the touch of friction on his body. The outer perimeter of his perception passed over a dome-shaped castle formed from glass, and Wei regarded the structure with a faint look of fascination as the details of an enemy signature loaded into his mind. Bastion of Deception Lv. 65 Another bastion, a counterpart variant to the others that Wei encountered in the Moongrave of Wrath. He detected eleven or so signatures within the small castle. Three of them were Faebloods, one of them was Rafeal, and the rest were all demons scurrying within the reflection. But they too were fleeing, escaping this section of the Moongrave as they sensed Wei''s sudden approach. As much as watching demons flee filled his heart with pride, he ultimately wanted to be capable of a clandestine approach, something to not broadcast his presence to his foes. As he touched down, dropping through the toppled wall he made when he first hit the Knight of Pride, he walked down the hall and observed flashes of brilliant light splashing from mirror to mirror. Peeking into the small cell where Rafael and the Faebloods resided, he watched as the lich babbled on about the merits of community and unity against the foul leviathan that was the capitalist market. Ciphers danced around his skeletal fingers before they formed what seemed to be a golden bell. As it rang, waves of vitality washed into the elves and mended their wounded bodies evermore. When Wei last saw them, two of their number were nearly on death''s door, with the final one barely putting up a fight against the orc. Right now, the young master wouldn''t say they were completely healed, judging from how much of their bodies were scabbed over and still slightly bleeding, but they were nowhere near mortally wounded. Without further hesitation, he made his way toward the cell, and as he entered the doorway, the only uninjured Faeblood noticed him, jolted in surprise, brought up their bow, and triggered a skill. The tip of their arrow came alight with the essence of fire. Wei flicked a finger at the elf, and a blade of wind severed the strings of their bow. The tall, long-eared flinched back as their arrow clattered uselessly to the ground. Wei simply walked past them, ignoring their presence altogether. Little wonder the orc was disappointed. This one was pathetic, and the other two were even less. They weren''t going to survive this Moongrave. But then again, he had thought the same about Agnesia and her mother at first. "Ah, Wei, you''re here," Rafael said. Wei sensed a note of disappointment in the lich''s voice. "Were you hoping for my death, lich?" Wei asked. Rafael simply laughed, as if the young master had just told the most absurd joke. "You! Dead! Ridiculous, my friend. If you fall here, how am I to get back?" Wei suppressed a scoff of scorn, as if the lich cared about getting back. He was willing to abandon the group, abandon Wei, to preserve his own life. If Wei had actually been killed in battle, then things would be even better for Raphael. He could simply continue onwards, pass through this Moongrave, and arrive at another sanctuary before completing the trials, or at least die during the attempt. "So, since you aren''t dead, I guess it means that you resolved the problem of the Knight, then?" Rafael leaned in slightly. His field of invisibility was still present, though inactive, Wei could sense it as if a transparent sheet hovering about the lich''s form, prepared to wrap around and trigger at any moment. "I achieved Class Tier Ascension," Wei said, his Lesser Hollow Mind suppressing some of his enthusiasm. Wei considered deactivating the mastery earlier, but alas, his Enlightenment told him that the sheer amount of sensory detail brought on by his Omniscience would inflict a severe headache the likes of which he wouldn''t care to experience. Wei equipped both Spatial Navigators as proof of his victory and also as a slight taunt against the lich. He also neglected to mention the exchange he held with the orc, alongside the contract. That was going to be for his eyes only. He now held two keys across the Moongraves, and the lichwell, they would never get anything. Not unless Wei had a means of controlling them further. The thought of breaking Rafaels will returned again, but thinking of how hollow and useless the Knight of Lust now was made him hesitate. The lich, left as a puppet, would no longer be a threat, but they also wouldn''t be of any use either. And ultimately, Wei was a selfish, selfish man. "This is the one you spoke of?" the Faeblood who tried to shoot Wei earlier said. Their eyes were wide, far larger than a human''s. Their skin was also impossibly perfect as well. A soft melodic noise echoed from deep within their being, and Wei regarded each of the Faebloods with a quick look. He had seen othersthe Trine, as Rogi had called them. Those Faebloods had kept their distance from Wei, were masked by costumes of bark and reaching leaves. These ones wore more understandable attire, leather, and iron. Additionally, their song was far softer than that which the Trine could channel. "Yes," Rafael said. "This is the cultivator who has been helping me get through the tower. The Hunter-Killer. So that was the story the lich settled on. That was wise. It painted a good image of Wei. Wei liked that. "Then we are in your debt," the first Faeblood said, placing a hand over their heart and bowing slightly. The young master regarded them, and only after a moment''s hesitation did he place his fist against his palm, offering the slightest of salutes. The Faeblood did nothing to earn such honor, but ultimately they mattered little. Wei was here to uphold his desired traditions, to enforce his vaunted ethics. The Faebloods were merely the canvas for his virtue to be expressed, nothing more. "If they are healed, then we are done here," Wei said, speaking to Rafael. Wei returned to the other Moongrave, looking over the elves. He considered them briefly. The cruel and wasteful option would be just to leave them here. They would undoubtedly end up dead or claimed by another hunter, in such a case. But that very idea offended the young master. They were just as much his spoils as the levels he gained, the ascensions he earned, and the Artifacts he claimed from his fallen foes. The Moongraves were vast and expansive, and most of the demons were weak, made to be chaff. These Faebloods, though lacking as warriors, could still do something that Wei couldn''t alone. Be in other places, complete other rifts. As he delegated tasks of lesser difficulty to his other comrades, so too could he give these Faebloods assignmentsfind a use for them somehow. In his eyes, they were effectively Outer Court Disciples, set to prove their promise. Rafael leaned in close, the ghostly embers burning within his hollow sockets, sending an almost pleading glint. "Listen, I understand that you might not trust me" "We''re taking them with us," Wei interrupted. Rafael froze. "Oh, I was going to have an entire speech about doing the right thing, and how we should help them, and even if they''re weak... But I see that''s not important anymore right now. You are a noble soul, my friend." Wei simply stared at the lich for a moment, and then grinned. "Yes," Wei agreed. "I am a very noble soul." That and another thought were forming in the young master''s mind. He was, still, the sole survivor and the young master of the Drowned Sky Sect. Decimated though his home was, he was still alive. Some teachings were still alive. And so the sect was still alive. I am and there are more Knights we must kill. And more people we must slay. But first. We reconvene with the others. And I need to find a sanctuary. Can you create a working using your ciphers? One that masks our presence? Iyes. Yes, I think I can. Rafeal nodded. Good. I think it is time for us to take stock of our situation, and find out how we can squeeze every last bit of benefit we can from these Moongraves. 58 Delegation You can''t be everywhere at once, and some things are beneath your attention. Take it from meyou want to outsource. You want to incentivize other people to do your work for you. In fact, you want other people to help you advance. But, Mepheleon, you say, why would I ever want to incentivize someone else to grow stronger? Wouldn''t that make them my rival? Wouldn''t that give them opportunities to exploit and betray me? Yes, but you''re not understanding how this game works. For if I lived by your philosophy, my name would be the Dying Queen, and I would be regarded as a malignant, cowardly tumor on the face of the Fathoms, rather than a young strapping entrepreneurial lord of the Claimed Hells. Yes, recruiting people into your fold puts you at risk of betrayal, and so on and so forth. This, however, is inevitable. The matter here is that if you''re incapable of managing your own vulnerability, you were likely not long for this world anyway. Sorry, not sorry. Herein lies one of the most critical skills you must learn if you are to have any success as classed or system host. The one resourceone resource more precious than all othersisn''t your essence level. It''s not your Aspect Advancements. It''s not the number of skills you have. It''s time. It''s time and efficiency. How much you can get done, and how you can compound your interests. Ensuring the safety of someone weaker than you often requires no exertion on your part at all. Your reputation and the threat of your power will ensure they get what they want. In turn, living under you, they can further feed your system with, that''s right, experience. Experience that you have overfilled on. Experience you struggle to gain. Because though you are, system, well over the ten-thousandth essence threshold level, they are fresh, nubile, and mostly unshaped. Odds are, they will die, and quite horribly. But the ones who make it, the ones who last, and start earning for yoube it by slaying your foes, finding unique treasures, or just creating novel opportunities you wouldn''t experience otherwisethose will be the ones that ensure you prosper forevermore. Remember, the Fathoms are full of allies, enemies, and opportunities, and these things are always in flux. Fear not the betrayal of another. Fear only your own weakness to prevent it. -Mepheleon the Harbinger 58 Delegation Delegating lesser task proved a wise idea. Frankly, it was something Wei should have considered far earlier, considering all the mileage she got out of the hive-kin. The Trial of Greed wouldn''t have concluded so easily without them. As things were, Wei was pleased with the progress of his companions. As he and Rafael returned to the Moongrave of Wrath, the others had made good time clearing all the remaining rifts. Roggi and Agnesia had both hit Level 9 while Ellena lagged slightly behind. They managed to progress faster by all running the Essence Rift before parting to complete others challenges. Roggi had focused on handling as many Artifact Rifts as he could and accumulated a considerable haul of items. This said, the bulk of his rewards amounted to little more than self-sharpening blades, a pike that could shoot a beam of fire, a quiver that condensed moisture to create frozen arrows, and what appeared to be a turtle''s shell crafted into body armor. He claimed lesser baubles as well, but they werent worth considering. At least the Oathbearer obtained 150,000 Sins from his enterprising maneuvers. Ellena and her daughter worked together to complete most of the other Rifts. The former dispatched her new soldiers to scout for threats and map out routes. Agnesia, meanwhile, had put the bone-blade gifted to her by Wei to good use. It was stained with patches of dark crimson, and together, mother and daughter finished their tasks in efficient time. It was in the process of completing these rifts that they managed to sate one of Weis questions. Apparently, the Bastions were tied to these to a Rift of Demons, granting those who complete its challenges access to friendly spawnable demons. The Bastions, then, could be claimed thereafter should one pass its obsidian gates. Additionally, they also entered a Communion Rift, in which they found no foes, but a contract left to them by the Circle of Wrath. As Wei read the contract, he noticed Agnesia fuming at him via his Omniscience. Her shadowy wings flapped in indignation before she spoke. "It wasn''t enough that you had to finish your Cass sSpecialization faster than me. Now you''re a full Class Tier higher?" Her lip curled in faux disgust, while her eyes twinkled with genuine envy. "Shadows take you, Wei, but you just wait. I''ll see you humbled yet. Sure. Try to get two digits behind your level first, Wei replied, shooting a mocking grin at the girl as her mother shot her a chastising look. Agnesia sneered, and Wei found her expression most pleasing. There was just something sublime about pestering her. Examining the contract the mother and daughter found, he found it slightly similar to that which the Knight of Pride bequeathed him. This one, however, didn''t have any Ciphers sealing its contents and the pages could be flipped through freely. Skimming the details. Wei realized what she obtained was a free offer of aid: a single-use summon of a Level.10 demon gifted by the Circle of Wrath to all potential aspirant Sinners. The effect would trigger upon the tearing of the contract, but also mark the Sinner that performed the action so that they could be more easily found by a Knight of Wrath so long as they remained within the tower. "Even free meals aren''t free," Wei said, smirking at the contents. Boons always came with a price. "So, you got another Knight, then?" Roggi asked. His fetid wings dripped with caustic venom and chunks of trash. Part of Wei pitied the altered Oathbreaker, but perhaps this was for the better. The titan had taken to these changes quite well, at least on the surface. I did. Though The young master hesitated before he told them about the orc. He left out certain details. Like their willing suicide, and the contract he had. Bloody vicious little shit, are you, Roggi snorted. At the pace youre killing, you wont be needing us at all. Wei just rolled his eyes. Whats a patriarch without a sect to govern? A free man? Roggi replied. Yes. And alone. Without influence. And you want us? Roggi asked. Me? Literal trash-bird. The young master was about to respond again before he fell silent. The Oathbearer was always slightly self-deprecating, but Weis Aspect of Enlightenment made him notice something he didnt earlier. There was an unhappiness to Roggis reactions. His words went well past mockery and inched toward loathing. Enlightenment Advanced > 16 >[3/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension They had been so focused on fightinggone from trial to trial, battle to battle with scarcely any times to process their problems. Wei was beyond trauma. It could not assail him. He was unbreakable. Yes, his System agreed. This is a true statement. You are more mentally stable than you have ever been. But the others they were not like him. They all bore certain wounds, and he was, in a way, proud of their resilience. And with this in mind, they definitely needed a moments respite. He would see them rewarded properlyas a true senior cultivator would his lesser fellows. The same, however, couldn''t be said about the Faebloods. They weren''t a trine like the ones accompanying Roggi''s brothers. Rather, these Faebloods called themselves elves as the ork had, and responded with terror and confusion upon first encountering Roggi, terrified of his form. Apparently, there were many races of Faebloods, and they could be found across countless realms in the Fathoms. These ones were simply not of the highest variant, according to Roggi. Whatever that mean. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Of the three, only one proved to be of any use. Goa was her name, and she had been the only one to put up any kind of fight against the orc or Wei himself. An impotent effort in the end, but still an effort nonetheless. Even so, she clearly had no love for combat, and the softness of her hands, the wild way her hair flapped as she moved, the general awkwardness of her demeanor, told Wei that she was merely a survivor and not a warrior. Which was more than what he could say about her two comrades, Ithic and Mara. Ithic was shorter than Goa by nearly half a head. Somehow, he was even thinner, and Wei already thought her anorexic. Worse, his constant hyperventilating and the rapid beats of his heart made Wei loathe standing anywhere near him. This one feared death more than he wanted to live. And finally, Mara. Mara was the most muscular among the elves, and thank the heavens for that, because Wei couldn''t separate any of them based on facial features at all. They all had enlarged eyes, glowing irises of porcelain white, sharp angular faces, and golden hair. Of the three, Mara claimed to be a craftsman, while Ithic was a scribe, and Goa a trainee huntress. All of them had fled across a portal when their village was invaded-something else happened, but Wei had lost interest in the stories, leaving Rafael to hear it in his stead. Instead, he was considering another thing as they arrived back in the Moongrave of Wrath: he gave them a test. Dropping them a few meters away from a trench to observe how they would handle a Collector. Goa stood her ground and, with some effort, knocked an arrow before firing it at the demon. Ithic froze as if he was some kind of newborn lamb, while Mara took a step back, tripped on the hilt of a sword, and promptly sliced his thigh open on its rusted edge. The embarrassing moment was punctuated further as Goa''s arrow struck the Collectors skull at an angle and skipped off the helmet. The Collector promptly tried to vomit writhing fiery tendrils out at the Faebloods, but Wei cut it down before the travesty could continue. The young master glared at the three for a full minute after, while Rafael made a thousand excuses for them. Wei felt cheated with them; he felt as if the orc did. It was as if he picked the sole three eunuchs from an auction of discounted concubines. As he finally finished going over his allies spoils, the Faebloods simply stood by, their heads swinging between Wei and every crackle and pop that echoed from their surroundings. The young master grit his teeth and restrained himself from discovering if he could break the fear inside them using his System. These ones needed more than just class levels. They needed discipline, a change in mindseta change Wei didn''t have time to instill. "A recommendation, if I may," Rafael said. The young master idled briefly before responding. "Speak." "Not everyone is suited for battle," Rafael began. Weis eyes narrowed. Not everyone is suited to live. Ithic sniffled. Do not cry. If I hear whimpering, I will Ser Wei, please, Ellena said, giving these elves a pitying look. They did not ask to be here. None of us did. She Wasnt wrong about that. But Wei still felt a bit cheated, taking them on. This should be seen as an opportunity, though, Rafael continued. They might lack power and skill and nerve and wisdom and smarts The lich chuckled as Wei stared flatly. But they can be trained. See them as an investment. They can assist us with a great many tasks we cant do alone. Why are you trying so hard to keep them in my favor? Wei asked. Rafael froze. I It wont be right to just abandon them. We can do the right thing here. You are strong enough to do the right thing, even if they do not please you. The young masters frown lessened. The lich was a coward, but he and Ellena displayed a great deal of sense sometimes. Sense Wei missed seeking from his masters and elders. He missed Master Mou Zi. That old eccentric always knew what to do. WeCwell improve, Goa said, finally speaking up. She swallowed roughly as Wei turned to stare at her. Its were this place we can get uh our skills Classes We can level. Weis Intent speared into her and he gauged her Mind value. 14. Wei! No! Wait! Wait! Rafael said, horrified at the young masters sudden action. A moment later, Wei withdrew his Intent and shook his head. Control yourself, skull. I would not break something so pitiful. I was just gauging to see if they were a mental invalid or a social one. Wei, Ellena said, softly chastising him. He prepared to respond to her as well before her met her eyes. Green eyes. Green eyes he no longer had. The young master growled and shook his head. Rafael sagged with relief before speaking again. They have potential. Their Classesthing of what they can provide. Think of having them gain Skills toward for their survival. Or" the lich paused. "Your benefit. It would do you the most good if you let everyone proceed to their strengths." Wei stared at the lich for a moment. I cannot understand you. I think you a coward. But Ive never seen a coward so desperate to care. Rafael fell silent as if slapped. Looking at each of his companions and his newly recruited outer court disciples, the young master considered what he needed to do. He still had actual matters to attend. He had Concepts to explore and new Skills, Titles, and Demons to cultivate. The Knight of Lust was due another conversation as well. Pulling two Spatial Navigators from his inventory, he tossed one to Roggi. The Oathbearer reached out with a massive, hulking hand, but it went between his digits, bounced off the waste caked over his arm, and promptly hit the ground. The young master let out a sigh. "Put some free points into your Speed." "What? A flash of lightning blinded me," Roggi said, making up an excuse. The blatant bald-faced lie provoked a reaction from Wei. There is no lightning, you damned fool, I am standing here too. Maybe you should put some free points in Perception, then. Roggi grinned. Wei thought his Aspect of Enlightenment might be wrong. Maybe the Oathbearer wasnt a sad clown. Maybe he was just quite the annoying bastard. "Roggi gets the first Spatial Navigator," Wei said. "We will proceed to a sanctuary first, and Rafael will ensure its security this time. Ensure is a strong word, Rafael began. I will cripple his Mind if he fails us again, Wei casually proclaimed. Ensure? Try promise. It will require no effort from me at all. Rafaels words came with strained laughter. We will rest in the meantime. I have much to explore and discover. I will require my seclusion. Take the time you need as well, but I recommend that you all continue seeing more Essence Rifts and face weaker demons. Reach Level 25 as soon as you can. Roggi paused at that. Can I go wherever Yes. Bring your brothers back with you. The Trine too. It would be preferable to get some useful help. Wei shot the elves a look of disdain. And if you see Angelous, kill him. Or maybe give him one of these elves. Theyll be going with you anyway. W-what? Mara said. Welp, Roggi said, looking the elves over. You dont look like much, but well, you dont look like much. Not gonna lieI hope youre all not afraid of dying. So, what things will you be exploring and discovering while we do all the actual work? Agnesia asked blandly. Agnesia! Her mother chided. I have a new Class Tier upgrade I wish to experience and master. It allows me to construct new Skills. You are welcome to join me, if you share a capability. The girl folded her arms. Ah. You are incapable. A shame. You should work harder. Perhaps someday, youll finally be someone half as capable as I. Youre a right sunless bastard sometimes, Wei, Agnesia sulked. Agnesia! Her mother repeated. The girls frustration alleviated his own. But aside from that, you wont be doing all the work. I have Knights to huntand interrogate. We are to embark on the Hearted Realms, and as we will be venturing into the insides of the Archdevils, I wish to know what we face instead of walking blind like so many times before. I also do not intent to arrive in the Claimed Hells beholden to anothers will. Right, Roggi nodded. Dont want to be just another slave after all this. Yes. And theres also the fact that we have very important people to kill. We? Agnesia said. Yes, we. I have invested too much into you all to consider you temporary acquiesces. Your foes have become mine, and there are too many menial tasks for me to do alone. As the young master of the Drowned Sky Sectand his sole survivorI have decided to do you all the honor of bringing you in as inner court disciples. The elves will be outer court. If that. He looked over the others expecting awe or gratitude. Instead, he got mostly confusion. Right, Roggi said, nodding. The fucks that mean, exactly. Wei clenched his teeth again. It means you have my favor and I will instruct you on the ways of our arts. Protect you with power and provide you with many benefits. Huh. Sounds nice. Never expected Id be adopted by a child. Roggi grunted a laugh. Im not a child, I am your patriarch. Wei growled. And right now, we are going through this rift, into a sanctuary, and we are going to make the Harbinger, the Inheritors, the Dying Queen, and every other fool that dares to face us regret ever being born. Wei triggered his Heart of Calamity, and called lightning down over his head at that exact moment. Ellena flinched. Roggi just frowned. What about them? He pointed at the elves. Whats outer court get? My continued mercy, mostly. Do with them as you please. May my teachings trickle down through you. Roggi nodded. Oh, wonderful. A slave-chain. Always wanted to be in the middle of one of those. And so it was that the Drowned Sky Sect was resurrected on the same day of its resurrection: its new members consisting a violently angry boy that wished to break the world, a lich of questionable courage but stalwart ethics, a disposed queen and princess, and an oversized dwarf turned literal pile of garbage. There might have been some elves in the mix too. 59 “Cultivation” Cultivation is the bastard child of programming and bodybuildingand its not a love-child by any means. If anything, it was born after several bouts of extremely hateful fucking. Every technique is rooted in a concept or a path. Sounds simple right? Well, no, not really, because you need to reach out, claim and define a specific set of phenomena using the Spirit you develop to interface with the world, and then try to torture said elements and concept into something that you can use or direct. Oh, and if you screw up, the shit goes off inside you. Like a bomb. So you die. Horribly. Horribly, unless you start refining some other building blocks first. Like, if you want to spray fire at someone, you need to master the concept of stone first. So your flesh doesnt burn. Or, if you somehow have the insight for it, somehow arrange for your flame to be non-harmful to you and nothing else. Of course, that gets into issues like is my fingernail me and what about the oxygen? Plenty of cultivators finished themselves this way too. One missed detail. One little, tiny misunderstanding. You train your body to be hard and dense as a mountain, aligning Spirit to your flexing muscles. Then, all of a sudden, you realize that you got the mass as well, and its all expressed via your skin. Opps. Flayed. Dead. Its a nightmare. This is why most cultivators never goddamn make it into the Fathoms. Theres no help, no guidance, no System to simplify things. Human minds are remarkably shitty at most things other than pattern recognition. And even then, we hallucinate much more than we think. A word of advice for you new Trespassers? Just get a Class. Preferably from the Harbinger. Concept Cores make building new Skills and earning actual Titles without needing to play the role of supercomputer. -William Yu 59 Cultivation After finishing with things in the Moongrave of Wrath, Wei visited the Bastion one more time and took a peek inside its foundations. Active incubators churned out new Collectors in slow, incremental productions. Following hellish veins of essence, he discovered Ellena and Agnesia were rightthe Rift of Demons did determine what manner of spawn emerged from the incubators. Only a pity that they were effectively capped at Level 10. Thankfully, Wei found another use for these Bastions. As he shattered their internal environments, bursting one massive crimson vein after another within the hollow chambers of the supposed forts. After breaking all the active Bastions, he finally gained an advancement in his Authority before finally leaving with the others to seek safer pastures. Authority Advanced > 35 >[4/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension They passed into a new sanctuary and were surprised to discover that it was already in ruins. It looked like a massive blast had gone off at the center of the room, charring everything from floor to ceiling. Only the restorative springs remained undamaged. Through Wei''s Omniscience, he managed to sort some bones from the soot, uncovering the likely remains of those who once dwelled within the space. "Do you think a Knight did this?" Agnesia asked, frowning at the aftermath. Wei shook his head. "Knights are here to recruit or capture. They seek to take us sinners as fourth disciples or useful slaves. There is no point to this. Furthermore, these sanctuaries are their propertyor at least they belong to the Harbinger. I can''t assume that Mepheleon would be pleased about this wanton display of destruction." Well, the Harbinger might not care at all. Their prolonged absence was making develop concerns. With destruction on his mind, merely looking upon the room made Weis Concept Core tremble, earning his attention. Upon his Eidolon, he regarded the ruined realm encapsulated by the core and felt the faintness of something accumulate within. It wasn''t a Sin or any kind of Essence; the resources for his System and Class remained unchanged. But still, he was beginning to feel a weight building within his mind. "Let us be away," Wei said. "This sanctuary is unworthy of the name. There is nothing we can do here. Rafael, chart us another route." As they passed once more through the portal, they found themselves in a new sanctuary without anything obviously amiss. However, it took Wei scant seconds to notice an empty display case hovering just in front of seven inert pathways. It seemed like someone stole a skeletonor perhaps a lich animated and simply left. As he spent more time in the claimed hells, he was growing accustomed to the unexpected. Anything was possible here, especially the absurd. Thankfully, aside from the missing guide, everything else seemed to be the same as the last stable sanctuary they were in. A demonic Merchant was present as well, this one with a massive translucent hand filled with even more gold, gems, and baubles than the last one he saw. The springs at the center of the room trickled incessantly, filling the space with a flowing ambiance. The three elves looked around at their surroundings, and already he could hear their heart rates lessening, their breaths growing slowerhow easily they were lulled into the treacherous assumption of sanctuary. "Lich," Wei called to Rafael again, "mask our presence." Rafael gave Wei a slow nod before materializing his platonic scalpel in one hand and drawing forth a helix of drifting ciphers with the other. Wei watched the lich work using his omniscience. Strange signs, depicting various patterns contained within glowing triangles, were infused across several points of the room. They were placed along the walls, upon the floor, and the ceiling as well. When this was done, Rafael began drawing reference circuits through each one, creating what seemed to be strange spinning axes that began to spiral around the chamber slowly. Wei''s Omniscience flooded his mind with visual illusions if he tried to peer at the spear from the outside. His sight curved along the edge of the strange geometric construct. Exerting a bit more focus, he discovered he could still peer into the sanctuary from beyond, but it required concentration on his partsomething that could deceive the eyes of even truly powerful entities. What fascinated Wei more were the signs themselves and how the reference circuits passed through them. Each circuit seemed to flow into one of these signs at a specific point. Some of them touched the tip of the triangles, some of them pierced through the triangles, and some seemed to circle around a triangle. Each initiation was done in service of an effect, and Wei was still ignorant about how to properly use ciphers. His Aspect of Enlightenment pulsed within his skull as it began to flourish and grow. He''d never been a student of the arts, only learning such things to please his mother and to fulfill the necessary components of his cultivation. With his new mental advancements, however, his mind felt clearer than ever, and focus was little more than a choice. As he observed Rafael work, Roggi opened a chat window and began speaking with some of his brothers, while Ellena conversed with the elves, asking them where they were from and about their lives before they fell into hell. Elena spent a little while looking at Wei, much to the young master''s confusion. The girl stared at him before turning to regard the ciphers, and then promptly lost interest. A few moments later, she marched up to the merchant and immediately began perusing the offerings displayed upon the flatness of its palm. Minutes turned to hours. Rafael continued his meticulous work. The changes he made were minute and delicate. Several times, the sphere outright collapsed as the lich cursed Mephileon''s name, accusing him of being a eunuch. The illusory sphere returned after a few fixes were made. Rafael cut with the scalpel slowly, proceeding with consideration and also a substantial amount of fear. Partway through, Wei summoned his trespasser''s compendium and tried to find more details about ciphers within its archives. It took him little time to summon forth over 500 different pages. He found signs to reference, examined completed constructs, and noted their specific effects. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Another benefit his increased enlightenment granted him was near-perfect memory. Previously, he had to do things by rotelooking at them over and over until they finally sank in at the cost of boredom and arduous effort. Now, even things he casually glanced at remained in his mind, at least in the near term. All this came together to grant him the faintest understanding behind the ciphers. It was something between a negotiation and a declaration. Triangular signs were all symbols denoting geometry, while the patterns within them affected how said geometry was to be expressed. Additionally, connecting these symbols from one to another caused further permutations to the eventual construct that Wei still couldn''t fully grasp. Once more, his opinion of Rafael changed. The lich was a coward, but strong in ethics and remarkable in skill. After approximately four hours of work, Rafael was finally done. Wei''s Enlightenment had advanced twice. Enlightenment Advanced > 17 [6/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension "This should keep most lesser powers from noticing us," Rafael said. "It will likely do nothing against the Harbinger, but I don''t think knights will be able to perceive this placeespecially since I have masked it within the spatial network as well." Wei was surprised at that. "Truly? You didn''t just separate this place visually from the outside?" Rafael almost scoffed. "That wouldn''t be enough at all. No, that is merely an additional measure in case any entity moving between the Moongraves wont notice us from the outside." Wei nodded in appreciation. "I''m glad I didn''t break your will," the young master casually said. "When we have the time after we finish climbing the tower, you and Ithere will be much we can discuss, including the potential restoration of what I broke." Not that Wei knew how to do that. If it even was possible No, his System said. Ah. Well. A little hope is still good for Rafael. Rafael regarded him for a moment before straightening his posture and taking a few steps toward Wei. The young master quirked an eyebrow at the oncoming lich who leaned in close to speak. "I am glad," Rafael started, his voice a little strained, "that you did not break me. I suspect I know what you are capable of, what you have, and I think that I know a group of people who can help youand a group of people who might need your help. When you found me, I said I was looking for other Trespassers. I did not lie about this. There is someone specific I am seeking, someone I must meet if I want to have any chance of helping my world and deal with those hunting me for what I Her name is Sarah Moonscar, and she is with the Trespasser''s Lodge." The young master heeded the lich''s words, but felt that pieces were still missing from this explanation. "And you were so desperate to meet her, you were willing to turn your back on present allies?" "No," Rafael replied immediately. "I simply thought there was no chance of success in that situation. The Knight of Lustshe was substantially stronger than us by far. Us surviving that was a fluke. A miracle." Wei almost snarled. "That was my will defying the heavens." As the words left Wei, he felt his Concept Core ring out from within his Eidolon. A memory returned to him, the moment of his first clash against the Knight of Lust. He recalled how his shield had saved him, how her blows had hammered him into the ceiling, leaving the sanctuary cracking before casting him down on the ground once more. Just a few hours ago, he had been fragile, feeble. His system was barely active, and he entirely lacked a class. Somehow, he couldn''t stop thinking about the fractures he had left upon the ceiling of the sanctuary. Suddenly, something left him. It was like an auraso much more. More akin to a projected presence that blanketed itself across an entire area. Everyone felt it. Not only Wei, the others jolted as if stumbling from a blast of heavy wind. But it was more than that. A chipped section of Agnesias bone blade grew into a full fracture, spreading down the surface of the weapon. The girl frowned, the same effect befalling Roggi as well. Parts of his body, composed of unstable waste, began breaking at a rapid pace. Chunks of debris shattered within his festering wings, showering the ground with skipping pieces of shrapnel. Mara, one of the elves, cried out as his bow suddenly snapped in half. And finally, a small crater formed in the ceiling abovethe same kind of crater Wei had made upon being flung by the Knight of Lust. As everyone recovered, they stared at the young masterelves in shock, Roggi in annoyance, and Elena with concern. Wei''s attention wasn''t on them, however, as the fullness of his omniscience settled on the mysterious potential hidden within his weapon. The Concept Core of Destruction no longer resonated as it had before. He wasn''t sure why it had triggered with his thoughts, but he was quite certain about what had charged it. As they passed through the destroyed sanctuary earlier, his Omniscience had taken in every detail within the room. Those memories, those experiences, had fueled the Concept Core. Wei looked his broken crescent up and down with a slight grin. "Rafael, is your construct still holding?" "Yes," the lich replied. "Is there something wrong with your weapon?" "No. No, it''s simply expressing itself." Wei took a moment to consider this newfound power. "Now, I''m going to spend some time understanding what my Class Tier Ascension has granted me. Do not bother me unless there is an emergency while I am in cultivation." With that said, Wei chose a corner of the room and knelt down, focusing the entirety of his senses upon the Concept Core. His Omniscience could still register the rest of the group in the backdrop, revealing every moment they stared at him, every word they exchanged. But that didn''t matter. Frankly, he preferred it this way. It would ensure that nothing remained beyond his notice and that no one attempted to betray him. However, they became items of tertiary notice. Before he did anything, he drew the Knight of Lust out of his inventory. It was only then that he remembered he still had three more individuals with himthe Knight of Lust''s slaves. Wei''s lips curled as he considered what to do with them. The dragoness drew in ragged gasps, imploring Wei to kill her, begging to feel somethinganythingagain. The young master decided that the release of the slaves could wait, at least until he fulfilled his own curiosity and completed a period of cultivation. Who knew when Mepheleon might return, or when the next ambush might befall them? From the information of the slaves, they didn''t seem particularly powerful, and Wei had no interest in collecting three more wastes like the elves. He had done enough karmic charity for one day. It was time to reap some dividends. "Speak nothing to me unless I demand it of you," Wei said to the Knight. At once, she fell silent, her ruined will allowing his statement to be an order. She whimpered a few more times but did as he asked. Others gazed at herEllena with an increased expression of pity and horror, the elves correspondingly terrified. But that was to be expected with them. Slowly, Wei turned his attention upon his Concept Core and found nothing different about the realm it contained. It was still a small, spherical world of five kilometers, engulfed by constant destruction. The single patch of stability, showcasing Wei hovering above an orc forced into suicide, remained unchanged. Despite this, Wei was certain that the effect he triggered just now was sourced directly from the Concept Core. With his System and Class, his progression of power was contingent upon foes defeated, feats performed, and choices made. Everything was streamlined and simplified, with his improvements requiring little direct input from the young master himself. Cultivation, however, was all about shaping the world''s elements and effects, and condensing them within one''s spirit. This process required much meditation and comprehension. For even using cultivation to enhance one''s speed and strength required the practitioner to have experience of the concepts and specific instances or memories to draw on. Memories. That might just be what triggered the presence from the Concept Core. However, Wei also noted another peculiar detail. The sanctuary that was destroyedthe exact recollections he had of that sceneeven though he and the rest of the group had just passed through the other room, he found the details slipping from him now. As if it had happened far in the past or was somehow spent. "Knight," Wei said, drawing the Knight of Lust''s attention. "The Concept Cores. It is directed by memories, isn''t it?" He didn''t ask her directly, for he wanted to establish a theory of his own. This would allow him to locate mistakes in his thinking, would allow him to improve in more ways than just taking straight answers. "Yes," the Knight of Lust hissed. "The Concept Core is shaped by your experiences. You have to shake them, focus on them. If your mind just drifts, or you do things without intent, the core will remain inactive. You cannot just will something. The core is an idea. An idea related to phenomena." Listening to the Knight''s words, Wei triggered Lesser Hollow Mind to augment his meditation. Once more, he focused on his Concept Core of Destruction. But this time, he didn''t just focus on the Concept Core. He recalled major instances of devastation he had faced, especially recently. Memories passed through himhim channeling the Heart of Calamity, his storms rolling across the land, the earth sundering, waves crashing down. He remembered the almost invisible hand of the market slamming an archer into paste. And finally, Wei shuddered as he forced himself to think of the momentthe moment the Black Tower, this very tower, had plunged down into the atmosphere of his world, splitting clean through the branches of Evernest, devastating its continents, and finally obliterating the entire realm with its fell powers. Wei thought of all these things in tandem with the Concept Core. And once more, a new resonance triggered. Wei saw recreations of these scenes materialize within the realm of the Concept Core. However, as the memories materialized within the Concept Core, the young master felt a sudden emptiness expand within his mind. More than emptiness, however, he was beginning to feel cold. As all the memories he called upon began disintegrating within his awareness, a worse spiritual ache formed inside of him as Wei felt something collapse deep within. Opening his eyes, he dismissed Lesser Hollow Mind and stopped thinking about destruction entirely. However, the wrongness only grew, and the young master suddenly felt pain. A flood of trauma poured through his being as a system message made his heart drop even more. Aspect of (Intent) calculated! Intent Decreased 1649 < 1648 < 1647 To Wei''s horror, his Intent, previously incalculable, was now rapidly dropping. 60 A Living Idea Concepts are living ideas, but the key word is living. They always take something from you to manifest, like experiences or even lingering injuries inflicted on you by something related to the concept. In essence, this makes concepts system-adjacent. Not only are they living ideas, they''re also ascended ideas. Something built upon the laws and elements active within your realm, like some kind of platonic pedestal that you can modify. Practitioners of the highest art, the guys who know how to use Ciphers, they''ve spent billions of years trying to conceive of how Concepts actually function. And the Inheritors have several super-intelligences devoted to the exact same task. Now, those motherfuckers might not have had much luck building a new System, but a stable Concept? They''ve made plenty of those. And the ultimate thing about Concepts is that they don''t need Essence to run. No, back to the living again, my friend. It requires something from you. Temporary investiture of will. A percentage of animation drawn clean out of your body for a certain period of time. That''s what makes a concept so valuable. If you''ve got it, you just might be able to enforce a miracle depending on the strength of your character. But remember, if you overdraw, there will be nothing left of you in the end. No one comes back from that. -John Bishop, Trespasser 60 A Living Idea Wei responded to the sudden loss of his Will as anyone wouldby trying to pull it back from the bastard Concept that stole it. "Give it back to me! Give it back!" the young master growled. He forced a monochromatic tendril into the Concept Core, immediately starting to use his system, desperate to take back what was stolen. As his anger rose, his Aspect of Intent plummeted, going from 1600 to 1500 to 1324 before it suddenly stopped. During this time, Wei felt something leak out from his soul, and a sudden feeling of lethargy filled his being. It was like he''d just been sapped. Unable to locate target concept, his System finally said. "Then, what good are you?" Wei growled, spitting venom at the only reason he was still alive. Of all the times to fail, why now? Why could it break distance or shatter someone''s mind or strength, but not secure his memories? They were his in the first place. His anger would have only continued spiking, but his Aspect of Intent experiencing sudden advancement distracted him. Slowly, it began to climb, rising from 1324 to 1325, and then only accelerating from there. A System notification appeared before him, showing a string of strange symbols before his Intent was finally registered as incalculable once more. A weight returned to the young master, and a fullness refilled his very being. For a moment, he just sat there, blinking, trying to take in what had just happened. "System?" he said. "I have several questions." The first among them was why he hadn''t undergone over a hundred Aspect Advancements, for that was what he had supposedly just experienced. A second was about the potential confirmation of a theory. Previously, he suspected that his Aspect of Intent wasn''t actually limitless but ever-growing. What he just saw lent great credence to such a possibility. No advancement has taken place, his System said. Aspect of Intent remains as it always has. Unstable; in constant flux. "In flux?" Wei said. Well, that just added more fuel to the fire. So, his willpower was ever-growing? His memories, however, proved to be another story. Faintly, he could recall visiting another sanctuary before arriving in this one, and also the fact that he had fought a Knight of Wrathor was it Pride? Whatever the case, the details of the battle were now elusive to him. Every blow he struck was missing from his mind; only the generalities remained. The moment-to-moment was utterly lost. The decay of his recollections was made more prominent by how refined his mind became with each advancement in enlightenment. If memory was a canvas, then several patches were now aflame, wilting into blackened ash. However, before Wei could brood, he felt another resonance ring out from within him, causing his auditions to turn inward and regard his soul. His Path of the Harvest, the Concept Ascension he had obtained from upgrading his Sorcery, was no longer a swirling vortex of darkness dancing around a pinprick of light. Instead, a collage of moments circled around a sphere of space. The first of which depicted an ash-black sanctuary, barely blasted by some unseen force. The memories that followed thereafter were of Wei striking at an orc, using whips of lashing lightning, pummeling them with rock, wind, and falling tides. These were the memories he had lost, now captured within his Concept Ascension. The young master frowned at this. His System might not have been able to take back what his Concept Core had stolen, but his Path of the Harvest had created a recording. The Harvest deals with the concept of taking. That which is lost will resonate within these depths. "Truly?" Wei said. "What else can it do?" Grant you Skills and Titles related to the Concept of Harvest. But what does that mean? But his System fell silent, offering no further suggestions. Wei''s frown returned, and he wondered if his System was deliberately uncooperative or if it simply lacked knowledge of its own functionality sometimes. Judging from how he needed to pass through the First Gate before he even gained access to its critical functions, he suspected it to be the latter. Nevertheless, he had other means of procuring knowledge. Summoning the Trespasser''s Compendium with a thought, Wei immediately went through all queries related to concepts, Concept Cores, and concept ascensions. The Knight of Lust let out a low whimper, but the young master simply prodded her with the tip of his Eidolon. Another few pebbles fell from the ceiling, splashing into the restorative spring waters. From behind, he heard Roggi ask, "Oi, lad, you alright? Are you gonna explode?" "No," Wei grunted, trying to keep his focus. "Well, if you''re gonna explode, let me know. I want to leave first so I can come back and actually loot you. Well, what''s left of you? By the way, if you are going to explode, give me the bottle. No sense in wasting good drink." This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. The young master waved the Oathbearer off with an annoyed gesture. The bastard was making light of his potential death. He needed to teach him how to properly treat a Patriarch. But that was for later. Right now, he had memory-eating mysteries to solve. In a matter of minutes, hundreds of pages were torn free from his Compendium, and Wei''s appreciation for the book rapidly grew. Earlier, he assumed the spear or armor to be the better artifact gifted to him by the Harbinger. Now, he realized he was clearly mistaken. The true gift was the Trespasser''s Compendium, for within its contents lay a trove of information. The encyclopedia pages about Concepts were immediately enlightening. On top of what the class description already provided him, Wei realized that concepts were supernal realmsor realms that were built over other realms. Furthermore, they existed in reference to existing elements and didnt require essence to form or channel, for they were, often, the wellspring of essences, rather than it being the other way around. To this end, they were also regarded on the same level as a system, capable of shaping or altering existence. From here, he uncovered an entry related to someone who gained a Minor Concept Core of Fire. Apparently, they hailed from a culture where flames were regarded as an element capable of healing or reforging, but not destroying. As such, when they finally arrived in the claimed hells and managed to achieve Class Tier Ascension, the Skills they created using the Concept Core were all restorative in nature. Wei was confused about why this was until he read ahead a few paragraphs down. There, he discovered that the writer of the entry was in fact an Infernian, some kind of elemental race that fed and reforged their bodies using fire. Little wonder why their understanding of fire was quite different from that of a human. Continuing with a few other entries, Wei was also surprised to discover that Concept Cores could naturally form within certain realms. Usually, these realms needed a malfunctioning System or a System-running experiment. Additionally, Concept Cores did not manifest in the presence of sub-sapient minds. Rather, it required something at human-level intelligence or higher to materialize themselves. Typically, they took the shape of a sphere. The size varied depending on how many memories they consumed and how much essence constantly flowed out from them. A Concept Core that only existed in the presence of a single individual might only stay a minor core for some time. However, Concept Cores that existed near entire kingdoms or even planetary empires often took on a grand scale of their own. But growth wasn''t just nourished by the quantity of memories, but novelty and detail as well. Moving on to the forums, Wei found a great many exchanges regarding Concept CoresTrespassers giving each other advice on certain builds and how they could use their concepts offensively, defensively, or for utility. It was as he browsed through the forums that a single name kept jumping out to him. John Bishop. This Trespasser left a great many messages for the others, spoke as if a refined master. A sense of deja vu passed through Wei as he squinted at the man''s name. Did they know each other? Wei didn''t think so. The name sounded strange, as did most names that didn''t originate from Evernest. After a while, Wei started filtering specifically for John Bishop due to the sheer quality of his answers, especially on the topic of concepts. A specific excerpt caught Wei''s attention and left him in momentary rumination. John Bishop: The memories you give a Concept Core become the structure behind a title or a skill. That''s why they don''t come back. You are effectively investing the bones of a coming skill or title you wish to gain from your concept. Now, your willpower, that you do get back, but only after a while, as it''s a required component behind cultivating your Concept Core. Once again, concepts are living ideas. You need to infuse something alive into it. Nothing''s more alive than someone''s force of character. Just remember not to give too much. Do not go hollow. Won''t be anything left of you to save after. Zero in any aspect renders you beyond crippled, my friend. Don''t do it. Wei moved on to other messages left by the man and began investigating the basics behind crafting titles and skills. The process seemed quite like cultivation to Wei; however, it was far more streamlined and far less risky. All he needed to do was instill a specific set of memories or experiences to begin shaping his initial class generation. He remembered seeing the options as he interfaced with his Concept Core earlier. However, he also needed to set very clear parameters. For example, going off the Concept of Fire, if one wanted to create a fire projectile skill of some kind, they needed to have a memory related to a flame in motion. This could be like a meteor or an arrowheadanything that had a flame traveling across a vector. On top of this, it should also have a person of reference: who was casting the spell, who was receiving the Skill, and what effects the Skill should have. There was never enough detail. Titles, meanwhile, altered the properties of the individual based on the concept they were modifying. The difference between this and a Skill was mostly separated by the term Spiritbinding, which essentially changes the nature of ones being based on the Title bestowed. Going off the Infernians entries, the first Title he gained was Pyromaniac, and it amplified the users fire-based abilities by a 10% and ensured their flames burned for unnaturally long periods. Further titles such as Flameborn and Blazeheed allowed the user to heal faster when burning while the latter improved their perception while near a fire. Overall, it seemed that Titles were passive powers bestowed upon the user of the Concept by altering their beings somewhat. Ultimately, the greatest bottleneck for Concept Cores wasnt how many memories they were fed or how much Will one invested, but rather their sizes. Presently, Concept Cores were rated from Minor, Lesser, Moderate, Great, Major, Colossal, Titanic, and Axiomatic. With each size, the Skills and Titles produced were of far higher potency as well. However, these increases didnt come with Class Levels or the like, but through the process of producing Skills and Titles. Wei considered that for a moment and wondered just how long it would take someone to achieve Axiomatic. Each threshold seemed to increase by an exponential amount, with the last Concept Core encompassing well beyond the span of an entire realm. Just how many memories would it take to make a Skill from that? How all-powerful would a title there be? The Compendium ran dry on exact details here. Most people with Class Levels above 100 usually kept details sparse to prevent rivals from learning their weaknesses, and System-hosts were on another level of paranoia altogether. But Wei had more insight than just the Compendium. Before him, the Knight of Lust just lay there, less than a person, more than a husk. Have you ever faced someone with an Axiomatic Concept Core? Wei asked. She shook her head. Such a thing would take a millennial to feedso many memories. So much potential if not the Harbinger, than perhaps another great power. I am I was weak. The strongest I knew a Duke. A Duke with two Major Concept Cores. Still died. Was still destroyed. Couldnt protect me. Useless. Kill kill me. No, Wei said, ignoring her request. And I will not reconsider until you tell how one creates a Skill or a Title. She looked at him again, and her differently colored eyes sparkled with despair and a feverish hunger for deaths embrace. O-yes, I will show you. I will tell you what memories you need to devote. But you you do not lack for Skill or devastation. You are a a Knight now. You need you need to build your legend. You need a Title. A faint grin spread across the young masters face. And you have something in mind. Concept Core what? Destruction. She blinked slowly. Then this will be easy. And for the next twelve hours, the Knight of Lust told Wei every detail he needed to construct his first Title. She once had several that amplified the growth of flowers in her presence. Such was a common power one bestowed upon themselves. Most Knights called it a Zone-Amplification Title, and it was something that increased the effects of their Skills and abilities. With Destruction, Weis Zone-Amplification Title was a straightforward generation, requiring only a single investment of memories. His second battle against the Knight herself and the utter devastation he caused during that process. Concept Core: Destruction (Minor) >Invest Experience [Battle Against the Dancer of the Calamitous Spiral] >Infuse Aspect Perception >>Determine Title Pathways All-Breaker: Destructions coming is heralded by your footsteps. Increases all damage sustained within the boundary of your Perception by 5% >>>Cultivating Title: 0 Days 15 Hours 5 Minutes 03 Seconds As he finished investing his experiences, he felt his Intent diminish once more before recovering. At the same time, the realm of his Concept Core shifted and changed as the scenes from the memory manifested faintly while the powers of devastation swelled. The first spills of essence were leaking out from his Eidolons shaft now, and Wei felt a whole new path toward ascension expand before him. And that wasnt all. Within his System, he felt a resonance sound once more. Memories of Harvest obtained. Recommend creation of Path of Harvest Skill. Concept Core: Harvest (Minor) >Invest Masteries >Invest Experience >Infuse Aspect 61 Enemy Action Oh, mother of all, I have a path to the ones you seek. The mother, the daughter, and the Keter that guards thembut they are desired by not only we alone. The Inheritors of the Barren Stars; the Unfallens Agents. They hunt the same prey, and I have been summoned to attendance. An Inheritor Project Masterone Harlon Seever, has called upon our expertise. Oh, mother mine and all, I ask your favor to attend, I ask for your favor, for your joy and mine -Reunion, Lesser Spawn Kindred of the Dying Queen 61 Enemy Action Harlon Seever struggled not to rub his right eye as he settled into his soft leather seat. The whole skull-fucking thing was getting annoying. The acts a man needed to inflict upon himself to secure a promotion was getting ridiculous in this town. The grand desk he sat behind was an amalgam of flesh, bone, and mahogany. Rich slats of wood framed a squirming mass of still-living tissue, and something vaguely akin to a spine segmented the top part of the desk into neat grids. Within these grids were flayed faces sporting wide bloodshot eyes, open mouths, and dried tongues. Letting out a sigh, Harlon regarded a face to his right as it blinked desperately at him. A nest of tongues pushed past rows of broken teeth as an almost inaudible whimper sounded from the table. Harlon sighed softly. You know, Johnny, some days I don''t think you understand how lucky you are. You tried to screw me out of this position, but I didn''t even kill you. You know what the Consul''s got me doing? Ogres. Can you believe it? Ogres. And all this shit because he hates that Shrek picture that his kids kept making him watch before he got clipped by that truck. Whatever the hell a Shrek is. The Inheritor Project Master scowled. There was no justice to be found anywhere. Hed spent more than half a century trying to work his way up this joint. He hit the ground running from the moment he took that shot to the back of the head, and he ended up waking in this festering pit of misery. For a while, he thought he was still in Vegas, but that the whole place was on fire. Then he started regretting his lack of Sunday attendance in church, like his nonna told him. But after fighting off a couple of demons and wanting to go over to an anchor city, well, turns out the place wasn''t so bad. There were plenty of others like him. From there, he decided to climb the Tower, and along the way, he got noticed by the Inheritors. He would say the rest was history, but the table he rested his arms on spoke more about that. Twelve grids, twelve faces, twelve rivals brought low. Once upon a time, all these unfortunate fools were gunning for the same positionProject Master of Preceptor''s Descent, the First Ring of Hell. Hed spent twenty-five years as an enforcer, worming his way up, schmoozing with the guys on top, just to get noticed. The thing about being a trespasser, though, was that you always had plenty of competition. You weren''t special because you died and ended up in wonderland. Youre just one among a billion. But Harlon, though? He''d always been one ambitious little snake. Producing an apple from his inventory, he held it over Johnny''s hungering face. Johnny Kraditz, once a made man just like Harlon. Well. Maybe not just like. His little attempt and bumping Harlon off didnt work, after all. The guy tried to frag him after a special hit. They just got done doing in a Duke of Lust for good, and Johnny tried to make sure that Harlon slipped up and got made; have the Circle of Lust do his dirty work. But Harlon had his eyes on the fool for god knows how long. Long story short, Johnny Boy made his moves, and Harlon didn''t think much of them. In the end, after all the crying was done, what Consul Pallick ended up fighting out was Johnny-boy getting real cozy with the sex-freaks. That got the Consul all kinds of pissed. Thankfully, Harlon had a silver tongue and managed to get Johnny Boy a stay of torture. Well, somewhat. Johnny Boy might not like being part of someone else''s table, but things could have been worse. Could have been a lot worse. After taunting Johnny for a little bit, Harlon finally rotated his wrist and let the apple fall. It bounced against Johnny''s face in a nod of three twisting tongues wrapped around the glistening fruit. Broken teeth cracked and shattered as Johnny bit down, greedy for any moisture, any flavor. Harlon watched him for a while longer, smiling at the state his rival was reduced to. His mood was already improving. His mind and thoughts had been all kinds of foul after resurrecting from his brief session with the ogre. But hey, in the Claimed Hells, you get some done to you, and you get to do some to others. Sir, a slithering voice echoed within Harlon''s mind. The Inheritor jumped up from behind his table, cursing out loud as he shifted his arm to a Bonecannon. Flesh peeled back, a barrel of bone extended, leaking shadows from its tip. Across from him, a massive nine-necked creature extended from a nearby patch of darkness. Sinuous bodies of the beast each extended five full meters across the room, and their eyes glittered pale white in the darkness. A faint ripple of opalescence pulsed out from their skulls, and Harlon could vaguely hear the laughter of the False Hydra. God damn it, Rico, don''t do that to me, Harlon said. With a swipe of his hand, he restored his shifted arm and fell back into his seat. The False Hydra''s chuckles lasted a few moments longer as a mess of shadows pulled together, and Rico emerged right next to him. Oozing into the light, Rico didn''t quite resemble a snake all the way. Rather than a reptile''s face, each of the false Hydra''s heads looked quite human, if you didn''t mind the drooping skin, pale complexion, and uncanny lack of a nose. Most of the heads were also fake, sewn onto a construct extended from Rico''s true body. As Rico wrapped around the table next to Harlon, he spoke to the project master with a whisper. Your specialists are here. They all look very impressive. One of them even almost noticed me. Harlon grunted in acknowledgement. Let me guess, was it the Unfallen? No, actually, it was the Kindred. Really? Harlon said, genuinely surprised. Well then, our reports about the vampire''s Perception must have been wrong. Someone in intelligence is due for a century in a dilated sensory deprivation cube. One of the hydras heads laughed first. The rest followed immediately after. Wanna watch with me later? Harlon considered that before giving a shrug. Eh. Probably wont be anything interesting. But sure. Come around in an hour. The beggings always funny. Send the hitters in, will you? Certainly. Oh, wait, Harlon summoned a comb from his inventory and dragged it across his auburn hair. He pulled out a golden pocket mirror as well and regarded his appearance. Navy blue suit, white collar, no tie, clean-shaven, and he shifted his eyes to blue. There we go, Harlon said. How do I look? Like a knockoff James Dean, Rico replied. Perfect, Harlon replied. Just what he was going for. Two mahogany doors swung open at the far end of Harlon''s office. At once, Rico leaked back into the shadows and disappeared from sight and Mind. For a brief moment, Harlon wondered who he was just talking to until he finally remembered that he had a false hydra under his employ. Accessing his class menu, he sent a brief command through his settings, increasing the brightness of his office. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. At once, the room came alight, the chandelier hanging above, one made out of gems and dancing embers. Practically everything within this chamber was modifiable by him. Thank the Harbinger for that. Mepheleon was a proper industrialist. Whatever you bought, you owned, and you owned completely. Harlon took that opportunity to fine-tune his living quarters as best he could. Giant portraits lined the wallsthose gaudy, gory nightmares so many of the circles adored. No. Harlan was a man of taste and pleasure. He had Aubrey Heptburn on one end and old Marilyn on the other. And then the ceiling abovethat belonged to the best beauty of them all. Old Blue Eyes himself: Frank Sinatra stared down and winked. Harlan winked back at the chairman. Got his game face on. It was time to unfuck this situation and save his other eye-hole from another bout of ogre-loving. The hired specialists emerged at the end of the hall, one after another. First among them was a big, bone-armored bastard. Didn''t have a face so much. The hood wrapped around a swirling void. Specters leaked out from his exposed ribs, and jagged plates of darkness composed the animated armor he used for a body. Behind him hovered two wings made from wicked and curved scythes. Harlan studied the Unfallen agent and tried to get their measure. Athlon the Absolver: Lv. 87 Not bad. Not bad at all. Not quite at their third Class Tier Ascension yet. Harlan liked his odds against this tough in a fighthe still had a couple levels on thembut they were plenty more than Severean. Their problem was that they werent quiet. And how could they be, considering they were basically a hostile terrorist operating within the Harbingers territory. Thankfully, the Consul approved the emergence measures and presently, the Harbinger was busy clawing their way through 2,000 collapsing stars dotting the inner ring of hell. Now, Harlon had no illusions about whether the Harbinger could emerge from thisthey just needed to accelerate time and finish digesting the singularities. But that should buy a few days, at least. It just cost a nightmarish shit-ton of burned assets. Behind the Unfallen came another figure, clearing a cape of absolutely ghastly red Harlan''s smile immediately vanished as he corrected himself. That wasnt a fucking cape, that was a messed-up flesh shawl made from the bodies of two half-burned children. They were sticking out of his goddamn shoulders and made to face him like some kinda twisted modern arts project. Kinda weird so far, but then there was the thing that Harlon couldnt take: said fucking kids were leaking dollops of flesh on his good marble floor. The project master shot up to his feet in outrage, pointing a finger at the Kindred. "No," Harlan said, his voice echoing through the room. Outside the door, he saw Sandythe illusory secretary puppeted by Ricobriefly turn around and stare. Oh, Rico knew how much Harlon hated people getting shit on his good floor; what was the point of getting an assistant when they didnt help you with these things. Harlan repeated himself, "No, no, no, no. What is wrong with you? What is wrong with you? Look at the floor!" The Kindred briefly paused and looked down. They had a smile on their facethe kind of dopey, stupid smile you''d find on the face of one of those drugged-out hippies. Just as they''re about to offer you some new sense of new age enlightenment. Woo-woo bullshit. Didn''t help that the two kids he was wearing as a shroud were also forced to smile. Even though they didnt have lips or skin anymore. The hell was wrong with these people? I mean, Harlan knew they were in hell, but goddamn, have some respect for the decorum. "I''m sorry," the kindred said, their voice crisp and upbeat. Would you like me to He gestured at the ground. Yeah. No shit. Clean it. Come on, buddy. Come on. The Kindred waved a finger, and the dripping meat goop from the melted children shot back upwards and reintegrated with the messed-up shroud the vampire was wearing. Goddamn dozy bastard. "Did I offend you? Yeah, yeah, its its fine. Just dont make them leak no more, Harlon said. He eyed the spots where bits of kid stained the group and just shook his head. Goddamn bloodsuckers. Goddamn pale-skin, black eyed, pointed-chinned, mustache-having, always-smiling The goddamn Kindred doubled their pace, walked past the Absolver, and reached over to shake Harlons hand. Offended though he was, the project master of the Inheritors knew the rules of the game, and sometimes, you just needed to swallow your bitter. Reunion: Lv. 78 Harlon narrowed his eyes as he triggered his Identify Skill and tried to glean more details from the vampire, but found his vision blocked. It was like staring at a magical wall made from vanta-oblivion shit. The Dying Broad had probably put that shit up because Harlon usually had no issue peering up the skirts of even Duke-Tier Classed. I am pleased that you called on us, Project Master Seever, the Kindred said, his stupid smile growing wider. Yeah. Well, Im a generous guy. I saw a common pimple on all our asses and figured why not we press our fingers together and get the damn thing to pop? The smile froze on the vampires face as they slowly tilted their head. I an apt metaphor. A deep, rumbling scoff came from behind him. No. No it isnt. Seever. You claimed to know where my Trine was. Give me the information, and I will see your nuisance resolved in turn. Ghosts were leaking out from the Absolver. Screaming, writhing ghosts. They came billowing. Harlon tried not to crack up in laughter. God: a doopy vampire and an Undead blowhard. What a team. He was going to have these dumb bastards doing the waltz at double time. Of course, of course, Harlon said. He drew a shard from his Inventory and placed it on the table. It glimmered with a faint blue glow, and the Inheritor eyed the other two present. What Im about to show you is a two-time use dossier shard. Remember that. Accessing this shard will also subject both of you to a geas that will make you forget my name, face, and the exact details around our arrangement. You two clear on that? The vampire and Unfallen both looked at each other. These arrangements are acceptable, the Absolver said. Certainly, Reunion said. Alright. Good. Now, a simple introduction. Harlon tapped the information shard and a projection of a certain young master projected itself. A boyso young he didnt have proper fuzz on that goddamn lantern jaw he inherited from his fuck of a fatherglared at all three people present in the office. The image as a still captured from Severeans point of view during her first engagement with the boy. Then, the bitch when rogue and Harlon got real acquainted with an ogre. Bitch. Fucking dumb dragon bitch. This one here is Young Master Wei An Wei of the Drowned Sky Sect. Sect from a recently destroyed world of Evernest. What does this Currently, the queen and princess Dawnrest along with an Oathbearer seen guarding a gaggle of singing elves were spotted by his side. Figure those are the ones you might be looking for? The two went silent. Reunion grinned as his eyes, once pitch-black, turned blood-red. Fortuitous indeed. I take you have knowledge of this Weis location? My queen desires to sample his flesh as well. He severed an embraced from the touch of the queen. Such a thing is so cruel. Now, it was Harlons moment to be fascinated. Huh. We had reports on the queen being infecuh, embraced. Guess thats why she didnt turned. He frowned. That almost mean Williams bastard was past the first System Ascension. Shit. He needed him dealt with before the angry boy actually turned into a real problem. Harlon didnt quite like the taste or feeling of chewing on his own balls, but if things got even more fucked, he could see the Consul doing something like that to him just out of frustration alone. So. It seems that were in accordance about this little problem. You. Me. The Unfallen. We each have people we want, and these people theyre coming together. Why cant we? Now. I know were probably not going to be allies when the scramble for Earth happens. But The war has not begun. These matters are a prelude. And then the Absolver said no more. Harlon just stared into the black hood and tried not to get a headache. He hated dealing with Unfallen. The fuck did any of that mean? Always with the loud cryptic declarations. So is that a yes, we can work together? It is acceptable. The Trine must be secured. The last seeds of the Creator will be defiled. You will aid us. Thats thats why I called younever mind? How about you, kid-shoulders? Your queen giving you the green light here? Reunion simply nodded. It will be most pleasing for me to reunite the princess and queen with the rest of their family. The twins have been so lonely. The vampire caressed the burned faces of the kids on his shoulders. Harlon stared. Wait? Are those two Yes. The Inheritors mind went blank. Wow. And he thought he was a mean bastard. Harlon shrugged. Well. Glad were all in accord here. Now. Youll both be compensated properly for this, and if we do this right, we can see this done well before the Harbinger ever gets to noticing your presence. We do not fear the Pretend of Hell. Harlon now knew the Absolver had a lacking Aspect of Mind. Right. Great. Good for you. But the rest of us do. So. You two and me going to be descending the Tower. Just the three of us. And Ricothough no one else will notice. And well see our problems nipped and our positions secured. Simple as that. Simple as that, Reunion said. I like. I like you. Inheritor your heart beats so vivaciously. Has anyone ever told you that. No, Harlon shook his head, struggling not to just shoot the bastard. Please. Never say that to me again. The worst thing about finding help in the Fathoms? The people willing to do the roughest gigs were all twisted or motherfucking insane. But hey, Harlon would make do. Especially since he wasnt planning on letting them get out of this alive either. The princess and the Trine? The Inheritors could use them too. 62 Form of the Harvester (I) Ah. You never forget the first Skill you make. Mainly because you quickly discover it is a piece of garbage that needs to be improved in many ways. But its also a seed of promise. Promise that you might just be able to forge something useful. Promise that you can use it to overcome something you couldnt before. Don''t be surprised if your first skill is disappointing. Most usually are, at first. You have no idea how many people who attain the concept core of fires think simply, yes, an idea of a large thermodynamic ball that detonates and chars everything in a 12-meter radius will certainly be entirely novel and unique. Ah, but such is the way of people. So often do we want to dream. But ah, if you''re lucky to be one such as I, the holder of a system and the bearer of your own original concepts, then perhaps the skill you just might create won''t be so banal. -Mepheleon the Harbinger 62 Form of the Harvester (I) "I''m starting to feel like I''m taking advantage of you," Agnesia said as she drew her bone-made blade free from the molten heart of a colossal demon. The beast she had slain was a chimera the size of a small hill. It sported diseased hooves, a goat''s head, a scorpion''s tail, and three lashing arms. It had put up a good fight, all things considered, and its aspects were far higher than the girl''s. So high, in fact, that she really had no chance of winning. So Wei, being the magnanimous patriarch that he was, simply evened out the competition. As it turns out, when speed and strength were equalized, the party with greater aggression and bloodlust tended to win, and in that, Agnesia had the beast beaten. Chimera of Bloodshed: Lv. 15 The flames around the girl burned brighter than ever before, and her wings, ashen and black, flared with new power. "Leveled up?" Wei asked, regarding the girl with a wry look of interest. Agnesia only returned the smirk. "At 11 now. I think I''m going to put all my three points into strength." The young master struggled not to sneer with disgust. "You best not. You''re slow enough as you are." Not once had the arrogance left her, replaced only by indignation. "Slow? Slow? That thing didn''t even hit me once." Wei squinted at her. "Yes, not once, provided we discount the time it sent you through that wall with the swipe of its tail, or that time you skidded and rolled along the length of one of its arms, or how you caught a full blast of fire to your face when you unwisely ignored my warning and stood in front of its exposed heart." "It didn''t even hurt," Agnesia complained. "It made me stronger. How does that count?" "Suppose it doesn''t then," Wei said, his voice growing thinner. "I suppose that you''ll just have to use your pyrokinesis to overcome every single foe you face. I''m sure your path to greatness will be ever easy and without any burdens." "Can''t you just bloody celebrate with me this one time?" Exasperation consumed the girl. But Wei had to admit it was fun agitating her. She was easy to provoke. "Very well," Wei sighed. "Good job." A smirk returned to Agnesia''s face. "Good job." "And special thanks to me for doing the bulk of the work and making this creature easy enough for you to kill. Surely, you are a fearsome eagle chick, capable of eating any worm I catch for you." A slab of obsidian sailed at his head. Wei saw the throw coming through a dilation echo and evaded the strike with a slight tilt. "Fine, then," Agnesia said, stomping. The new armored boots she bought crushed through the disintegrating form. "Thank you, Master Wei, for everything you''ve done. Truly, I could not have gotten so far without you. Is that what you want to hear? Does your ego feel better now?" "Yes," Wei replied. "It does." The princess simply snorted. "You''re incorrigible, Wei." Shaking off the banter, the young master turned his attention skyward again and sought the vague form of an Archdevil enshrouded by a thinning atmosphere. The Moongrave they resided in was another one of Wrath, but this one existed at the very end among the Trials of Charity. Nearly kilometers away, Wei could see the black tower rising high, the length of its massive form piercing deep and through the flesh of an Archdevil. Coiling veins of Sin-Incubators spilled down the length of the structure. The limits of Wei''s Omniscience couldn''t reach that far, but he could still see the vague form of the Archdevil looming behind the broken clouds. Theirs was a twisted visage, a massive moving eye with an open maw filled with fanged teeth rather than an iris, and flapping wings that sported tongues and other festering orifices. The Archdevil''s disgusting form was bathed in light with each flashing bolt of crimson lightning. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. And Wei regarded a long spire that projected the needle-thin spatial rift up into the Archdevil near the far end of the Moongrave. This was his objective for being here. He wished to behold the face of an Archdevil and to witness the embodiment of a so-called Hearted Realm. Even now, its presence was crushing, like a constantly falling waterfall hammering against his spirit. But with his advancements, he found himself more capable of weathering its torrential power, even if he still couldn''t perceive its true level. Wei wasnt sure why Mepheleon revealed his true level when they first met, or how certain demons had their potential fully disguised. The harbinger didn''t seem to have any fear regarding matters of betrayal or betraying their limits to some form of rival. But then, there were also demons like the Riftblade that Wei couldn''t even perceive before it cut him down. And now, there was this Archdevil. The habits of hell and the rules seemed to be ill-defined at the best of times. Further, it disquieted him to know where he was going. The Hearted Realms were located within the Archdevils, and in essence, they were fundamentally their concept cores as well. Cores passing through those domains would feed and nourish the Archdevils with their experiences, their struggles, and through what was taken, new demons would be formed. New skills, titles, and powers would flow through the sin-incubators, empowering Mepheleon in an endless enterprise of ascension. Such was the true architecture of Hell, revealed by the Knight of Lust. Wei had interrogated his former foe a few more times before coming here. On matters related to the Inheritors, she was of little use. Apparently, they enforced a magical compulsion upon her mind, rendering her unable to admit or even remember essential details related to their organization. Rafael called it a geas, and Wei tried to break it with his System. That also ended in failure, as the source of this compulsion did not exist within her, but rather within the Inheritors themselves. However, this power worked, it was quite potent, according to the lich, and could only be dispelled if one understood the inner workings of the cipher used to create it. Other details, such as the capabilities of Wei''s concept core, were also sought after. But after initial questioning, he found her less and less useful compared to the Trespasser''s Compendium. In truth, the longer he talked to the Knight of Lust, the more he pitied her, and the stronger his desire to kill her grew. She was a cruel creature, a slaver of men, degenerate through and through, but she had also been broken by these claimed hells, had her own core torn free from her being, for some offense against her own circle or another, and now, whenever she could, whenever he spoke to her, she begged him to give her death. And after the tenth time she asked, he simply took her back into his inventory, leaving her with the other three slaves. Rafael had suggested that they trade her back to the Circle of Lust. With her will destroyed, she would never be a threat again, but Wei didn''t like that idea. There were only so many ways one could lose their will. Fewer people knew about his system, the better, and considering the Inheritors wanted it for themselves, they weren''t likely to tell anyone either. So the Knight was going to be a loose end; she would get her wish when the time came. And that was if he managed to survive the Hearted Realm. According to the Knight of Lust, and excerpts from the Trespassers'' Compendium, delving into a Hearted Realm is akin to entering a world molded from pure madness. Within the Archdevils of Wrath, Pride, Gluttony, Envy, Sloth, Lust, and Greed were ceaseless demons and terrors all created from the concepts of their existence. Within their depths did the Trial of Despair begin. And it was despair because no sinner could contend against an Archdevil''s might. No sinner was greater than the collective sins harvested from so many. You could get far, you could get deep, but apparently, the path ahead was always slightly beyond. Always and forever. And only by invoking altars, the Seven Circles of Hell, could you gain the aid to overcome the overwhelming adversity experienced within the Hearted Realm. Ultimately, the outcome was twofold. The first bound a newly arriving sinner to the Circles, ensuring a sort of mandatory citizenship in more ways than one. The second was the collective struggle. The Knights dispatched to chase the sinners, the sins committed during their ascent, beyond the Trial of Despair, into the last leg of naturalization for the claimed hells. This, however, was not what Wei wanted. He had no desire to bind himself or his newly returned sect to the will of another, and so he was here, gazing upon the face of his great, mutilated foe. The Archdevil of Gluttony was the first he faced, according to the Trespasser''s Compendium. It was supposedly the easiest among the Archdevils, unleashing only creatures that sought to devour or inflicting one with curses of hunger as they passed through its depths. Wei wished to avoid more esoteric Archdevils such as Lust or Greed, for they were simply harder to face in direct combat. Once again, he found himself picking from seven choices, and while he ruminated on the path ahead, his chat function rang within his mind as a message from Rogi came through. Roggi -> Wei: Wei. Rafael managed to find them. It took the young master a few seconds to realize what the Oathbearer was saying. Wei -> Roggi: Your brothers? Your Trine? Rafael managed his trace? Roggi -> Wei: Aye. The Lich did some pixie dove shite, drew a few pictures, and now he seems to have a graph leading to them. Don''t fully trust the bag of bones, but hey, if he gets the job done, he gets the job done. Besides, he''s not exactly Unfallen. Wei -> Roggi: I understand Roggi -> Wei: Aw, shite. Just got another message from them. Better hurry backtheres a hunter after them. Wei -> Roggi: I understand. You wish to secure them? Roggi -> Wei: Yeah, I''d prefer that. But Wei, I need you to hurry. I think there''s a hunter after them. The young master closed his eyes and tried not to sigh. Of course there was. Nothing could ever be easy. Wei: I''ll be right there. Turning to Agnesia, he saw the girl eyeing some distant demon and shook his head. "We''re going back. Rogi''s found his brothers in the Trine." "Oh?" she said, perking up. "That sounds good." "There''s also a hunter after them." Her exuberance only multiplied. "Even better," she said. Well, the princess was growing ever more enthusiastic, if nothing else. Memories of Harvest obtained. Recommend creation of Path of Harvest Skill. Concept Core: Harvest (Minor) >Invest Masteries C Form of the Manicore >Invest Experience 51% >Infuse Aspect Source Eruption >>[Define Skill] >>[Define Title] And in another respect, so was Wei. The experiences he gave his Concept Core of Destruction had cultivated his Harvest Core was well. Now, the emptiness that once existed within his soul was beginning to fill. He just needed to take a few more things from his foes to nourish it some more; harvest some source as well. Producing his Spatial Navigator, Wei made for the rift. Come on, girl. We have some new Oathbearers to recruit. 63 Form of the Harvester (II) John Bishop: I told you, William. I told you this shit would happen. But you dont listen. You never William Yu: My son. The Keter-System is bond to him. Hes the Concept-Breaker. Hes coming for me. And the Inheritors are going after him. John Bishop: Fuck. -John Bishop and William Yu, Trespassers 63 Form of the Harvester (II) As Wei returned to the sanctuary, he saw Rafael making modifications to the cipher array he had laid down earlier. Countless more signs, symbols, and reference circuits now lined the ceiling, creating a constellation formed from complicated scriptures. Wei didn''t fully understand all the details, but his Enlightenment resonated within, and his elevated memory began to pick out patterns. He had no difficulty coding previously existing signs from those recently added. As his Omniscience traced the patterns, he found one glowing in specificity. Brilliant routes ran from a single spherical sign, traveling through an entire network before finally connecting to an active portal beside Wei. A shimmering veil of blue light emanated from the Path of Lust, and as Wei projected his perception into its depths, he found his mind whirling as if the currents of space had been rerouted by a superior force. Roggi''s thunderous steps echoed through the sanctuary as he marched forth, his colossal form like that of a trash and rot-laden owl, his wings festering with tumors and boils, yet still flapping with relative ease. Clasped at the center was an oxymoronic Oathbearer, seeming both clean and filthy at the same time. They said nothing as they regarded the young master, their eyes blood-red and shimmering with determination. "You''re back already? Good. Bones here already got us a path. All we need to do is go through." Wei gave the Oathbearer a nod before taking out a spatial navigator and handing it to Agnesia. "Here," Wei said, "I''m trusting you with this." The girl looked down at the spatially-altering artifact with a puzzled expression. "Why are you giving this to me?" "Because someone," Wei said, his voice thin with derision, "needs to take those three." He pointed at three elves currently huddled in the corner, shooting him terrified glances. "And make something of themselves. As you are my inner-court disciple, the outer-court disciples are your business, your burden, and your responsibility." Agnesia''s eyes widened with disbelief, a flicker of golden flames leaking from her eyes. "So you''re throwing them off to me, like I''m some kind of nursemaid?" "Don''t be ridiculous, girl. You''re not qualified to be nursemaid; youre barely developed as is." An offended look crossed Agnesia''s face, and her cheeks flushed with color as she folded her arms over her chest. YouC "Your responsibility is to make something of these three. Your duty is far greater than that of someone trying to wean some mongrel children off a nipple. And take your mother, too. Maybe they''ll get some sense from her, and some bravery from you." Ellena stared on, her jaw slightly open. Agnesia continued staring at Wei, her glare so intense that he felt a searing sensation build upon the center of his forehead. "You should take this as an honor, girl. Ive barely known you a day, and already I''m entrusting you with the future of our sect." "Our sect?" Agnesia snarled. "Ours? I didn''t even agree to be whatever this outer disciple is." "You are not an outer disciple; you''re an inner disciple. Stop demoting yourself. I will not allow it. Also," Wei interrupted her just as she opened her mouth, "you should be glad that you are already an inner-court disciple. Most sect patriarchs demand some display of fealty or offering before they take someone under their tutelage. Luckily for you, I am as powerful as I am magnanimous." Rafael coughed slightlysomehow. The damn thing didn''t even have a throat, so why was it coughing? Roggi snorted, and Ellena pinched her nose for some reason. Was there something that smelled bad? With everything said, Wei gave the girl a nod and moved on to more important matters. "Rafael, prepare your invisibility field." Roggi shot the young master a look, and Wei continued. "We don''t know the situation or what threat they might be facing. You said they might have encountered a knight. Well, I would prefer to be the one doing the surprising rather than being surprised." The Oathbearer''s eyes darted about for a second before he simply nodded. "Got it. I just sent them another message. Keep our arrival real subtle-like." "Perfect," Wei said. "Now, let''s get your Trine back, shall we?" As soon as they stepped through the portal, Wei found himself drowned in a world of glorious splendor. Colors so vivid that his eyes hurt to behold them flashed in his vision. Scents and fragrances, sublime and divine, assailed his nostrils. Angelic chimes and heavenly melodies echoed through the expanse, the progressing notes massaging his temples. Compared to the Moongraves of Wrath, Pride, or Envy, Lust was a place someone wanted to be. Lust was a place someone could crave, rather than a space being a broken battlefield or some fog-ridden swamp filled with optical illusions and invisible demons. This place was beyond idyllic. The scenery before him unfolded: a soft river running with limpid amber liquids tickled his nostrils. What flowed wasn''t water, but a sweet nectar infused with the taste of alcohol. Sprawling gardens thick with every kind of flower welcomed them, but the vegetation was not wild. Instead, they were manicured, ordered, pleasing to the sight in arrangement and symmetry. Well-paved paths shining bright with gleaming gold greeted them, and tassels trailed down overhead as if banners set up for arriving guests. Looking up, Wei regarded the obsidian pylon hovering just overhead and discovered the point of their entry to be that of a Specialization Rift. His Omniscience stretched almost a full kilometer, but his mind was drowned by sensations and movements. The sheer flood of sensory detail made his head ache. Once more, he triggered his Lesser Hollow Mind and tuned out most of the information, rendering his thoughts a dull haze. It also granted him a deep focus. They weren''t here to take in the scenery. They were here to rescue Roggi''s friends and potentially expand the sect while they were at it. It was then that Wei started taking stock of the local demons. The weakest of their number weren''t like the collectorswretched corpses piled by red, gripping veinsor even the golden-ambered knights that protected the Moongrave of Pride. Now, things here were beautiful but also quite degenerate. Large, suggestive serpents shaped like genitalia slithered around, their faces androgynous, their limbs bare, as were their torsos. There were also questionable openings on their belly buttons, hands, and chests. It was at this moment that Wei decided to think even less about the reasons behind their design. Melodic giggles sounded from one of these creatures, its voice vivacious. Yet, thanks to his omniscience, Wei could perceive far more keenly than any other. He gazed within the creature as well and noticed the many rows of razor-sharp teeth hiding behind those soft, supple lips. A place of lust and glamour though this was, these were still demons. And demons made prey of all humankind. Most of them were content to frolic in the shrubbery and also lick each other in ways Wei found a bit too invasive. There were downsides to having Omniscience. Especially when you could perceive from within a demon as well. One of them slithered through the grass, its porcelain skin glistening under the bright blue skies above. Guarded by Rafael''s invisibility field, the demon of lust didn''t notice Wei, Roggi, or the lich. But still, it sauntered next to the river and marveled at its own appearance, giggling as if a child beholding something incredible. "Why''s it got all those holes on it?" Roggi asked. "I could tell you, my friend," Rafael began, "but I fear Wei here might be a little bit too young to hear such an answer." The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. The young master eyed the lich, whose jocular tone faltered into a series of coughs. "Of course, if you''re interested" "I am not interested," Wei said, cutting him off. He paused. "But I still take offense to the assumption." "Yes, of course. It''s just, you are powerful and wise and very skilled in many ways. But you are also quite young." "I''m young, I''m not" Wei paused, gesturing downwards. "I am aware of women, how they are, how they exist." "Right," Rafael said. "I don''t mean to insinuate doubt in any way." "But you have," Wei finished. "If I did, I apologize," Rafael said. The lich then looked away, his invisible field oscillating just beyond, shrouding each of them like a blanket. The young master spent a few seconds more staring at the vexxingTrespasser before he summoned his Eidolon and traced a cut through the air. A sudden gale of sharpened wind manifested along the Demon of Lust''s midsection. What should have been a little more than a breeze sliced the demon deep and through. Its innards spilled out, and even their gore was aromatic in flavor. Wei regarded the demon disdainfully and felt only a slight trickle build up within his class. The rest immediately stopped their disgusting licking and fled from him in an instant. He killed the creature out of annoyance, but also out of burgeoning curiosity. He wanted to see just how much his power could grow by killing feeble low-level creatures. The answer, unsurprisingly, was not much. Not much at all. After his Class Divergence, he no longer had Arrogance as a critical resource. In its place existed Scorn. His Scorn rested at ten percent and slowly built with everything he killed, everything he broke. Apparently, even that was determined by how much damage he inflicted or how severe the death. For this demon, it offered him barely a half percent, hardly enough to empower him at all. Wei also felt a strange pang emanate from within his System. Turning his attention inward, he noted that his Concept Core of the Harvest echoed with a sense of hunger demanding more investiture. Memories and experiences of taking something from another, taking one''s life, seemed to affect the concept core somewhat. But merely killing and destroying was not enough. It seemed that the Harvest demanded something more fundamental to fuel its experiences. "Roggi, do you have a specific location for where they are in the Moongrave?" Wei asked. He kept his Omniscience wide to scout for other demons, but after the first one was split apart, the others went silent, no longer singing, all huddling upon the soft, rich, and black soil. "Yeah," Roggi said. "Agrave said they were holed up in an old building somewhere. One of them got injured earlier. Not sure what hit them, but it should be right near one of the Essence Rifts here." "One of the Essence Rifts," Wei said. Truly, he did so love locational accuracy. "I suppose we best begin looking, then." "Ah, but I have a solution to that," Rafael said, cutting Wei off. "Oh?" the young master replied. "Do you now, lich?" "Yes," Rafael said. He traced a few symbols in the air and then connected them with each other. With the final prick of his platonic scalpel, the symbols flew upwards, layering over the sky before expanding outwards. The lines traced across the vastness of distance, his awareness pierced through the dim haze brought on by his Lesser Hollow Mind. For the second time, he regarded the blue skies dotted with soft, white clouds above him and realized there was another difference in this moon grave. No lightning, no ugly haze. Everything was as close to paradise as possible. Hell had many faces. One of them had to look good. Of the three lines Rafael cast out, two dissolved as if oats in a current, while one thickened, turning into a directional tether before fading altogether. "That one," Rafael said. "How do you know?" Wei asked, at once curious and suspicious of the lich''s capabilities. "Oh, it''s a simple working, Master Wei. It''s something I can teach you very easily. It simply detects the fluctuations of essence within the local atmosphere." "Truly," Wei said. "How exciting. You will show me this technique when we are finished here." They progressed on through a grove lined with golden trees, Wei''s Omniscience detected strange demons that resembled something between apes and parrots sitting in the branches above. Their wings were dotted with viridescent blades. Most of them were content to whistle to each other, trading upbeat and rapid tunes. The young master got the impression that these were ambush predators, prepared to dive or flick their sharpened quills to pierce unwary walkers beneath. Thankfully, their perception seemed to be lacking. The trio progressed slowly, emerging from the rustic little forest to arrive in elysian fields of flowing gold. There, far in the distance, a black pillar hovered. Beneath it churned a swirling rift. But that wasn''t all. Nearby, there seemed to be a set of aesthetic ancient ruins, with collapsed walls trailing around a dilapidated but dignified temple. Marble walls shimmered in the light. A grand doorway already battered down allowed wind to flow through. It was then that the outer edge of Wei''s Omniscience detected the Oathbearers and the Trine they guarded. One of them was grievously injured, missing most of their lower body. The other two had propped him against the doorway while they took a defensive posture. Hundreds of demonic corpses littered the ground, carpeting the path leading into the ruins in swaths of trailing gore. Most of the dead were those snake-like demons with far too many questionable holes. However, there were also a few large and mutilated forms, seeming as if someone had taken chunks out of their flesh. They were so misshapen that Wei couldn''t fully conceive of how they looked before their demise. Yet something felt wrong. The way the Oathbearers were standing, not speaking to each other. The flat expression on the trine''s face. Each of the faebloods showing no hint of fear. There was something off here. The only problem was Wei couldn''t quite tell what. "I found them," Wei said, speaking softly to his fellows. "One of your brothers is badly injured, Roggi." The Oathbearer''s response was muted and controlled. "Is he dead? Which one is it?" Wei focused his omniscience and found that the Oathbearer was missing a helmet. He did note that they had a strange blonde ponytail. He conferred these details to Roggi, and the Oathbearer snorted. "Stalag. Yeah, he always complained about his legs. He''s not gonna miss them." The casualness of the Oathbearer''s response brought a smile to Wei''s face. He wasn''t sure if it was the absurdity of how Roggi faced horror, but mocking death and grievous injury was one of the few powers anyone could possess in defiance of the heavens. This was a good trait to have. "Most of the surrounding demons seemed to have been slaughtered already," Wei said. "Some of them were killed by your brothers, this I''m sure. Their forms are pulverized. But some some look eaten." "Eaten?" Rafael asked. "Like someone took a bite out of them?" "Yes," Wei said. "Mangled pieces of flesh with entire sections chewed away." "Ugh, that sounds like Talo''s gotten a bit peckish," Roggi replied, giving a snort. "Gonna make fun of that fat bastard once I see him. Come on, let''s" "I have a suggestion," Rafael interrupted. Both the young master and the Oathbearer regarded the lich with a shared stare. "You should go out and meet them," Rafael began. "Wei and I will trail close and offer our continued support." "Don''t tell me you''re getting scared again, bony," Roggi said, with only a slight hint of derision. "Not at all," Rafael replied, holding no such obsequiousness to the Oathbearer. "However, I am concerned that we might be dealing with a hidden threat." "And you''re using me as bait," Roggi replied. "Yes," Rafael said without hesitation. "If we are all revealed, then we''re all made vulnerable." Roggi gave a casual grunt. "Fine, whatever the case, I''ll go speak to them first. You two just be ready to cover my arse. Already lost my arm, my hammer, most of my dignity, and my good looks." "They weren''t that good," Wei replied. "Losing something that wasn''t much is still losing it, isn''t it?" Roggi shot back with annoyance. Wei considered that for a moment. "Fair enough. Do not worry, I will be here, even if our trespasser friend has a sudden onrush of calculated cowardice." "Yes, Wei''s" Rafael''s voice trailed off as he suddenly realized what the young master said. With that, Roggi left the veil and rose upward with a flap of his wings, a spray of filth pulsating from tumors splattered downward. Wei spun his broken crescent and formed a protective barrier of wind, barricading himself from any of the stains. The same couldn''t be said for Rafael, who was promptly drenched in a bit of filth. "You could have expanded that," Rafael said. "It slipped my mind," Wei replied casually. They watched as the Oathbearer sailed through the air, his form large and bulbous, his wings too small and wretched to be carrying him onward so quickly. They followed close thereafter, Wei grasping them with a rushing whirlwind to keep pace with Roggi. Wei''s expanded omniscience allowed him to peek upon the scene ahead as Roggi landed just beyond the archway where his comrades were nested. His colossal, bulbous form splattered the demons beneath his boots as he slowly began to saunter toward the other Oathbearers. "Agate? Stalag? What are you doing there? Why are you holding near the door? Have you all gone deaf from killing demons? That doesn''t look like a good position. What''s wrong with you? And the Trine? Why aren''t they... why aren''t they singing?" Suddenly the same question came to Wei''s mind. The Trine always possessed a song in their souls. He couldn''t hear it right now. And suddenly, a Dilation Echo manifested. A blow was coming. Something would grip Roggi. Something unseen would tear him asunder, pull him apart. Wei witnessed the Oathbearers forthcoming deathhe would be pried apart limb from limb. And then something would devour his torso before he ever had the chance to fight back. Wei responded in an instant. In a blast of motion, he emerged from Rafael''s invisible veil. In the same moment Roggi was supposed to be taken, he cut out with his crescent and flung the Oathbearer aside. The walls lining the front door burst apart as if a tidal wave of force had erupted behind them. Rocks and debris shot out everywhere as Roggi was cast aside, spared certain death. Wei suddenly realized the other Oathbearers were moving, their bodies dangling in midair, and the trine along with them. They seemed to be floating. Floating. A sharp spike of pain passed through the young master''s mind. His Omniscience was perceiving something, but he just couldn''t focus long enough to notice it. Or perhaps he just couldn''t remember. Aspect of (Enlightenment) has failed to resist [Object Impermanence]. 64 Form of the Harvester (III) Of all the miserable god damn demons you can face in the cleaned hells, few ruffle my feathers more than the false hydras. They''re not even fully physical entities to start with. They exist relative to your memories. Their bodies are a composite of psionic essence and hellish flesh. Creations spawned from the circle of envy. False hydra isn''t just a mindless demon, but also a form sinners can inhabit. If you can afford the paltry price of a few billion sins, and if you have an association with the circle of envy, the flesh priests of the cleaned hells might just be able to carve you into something more than mortal, more than material. But be warned, though the false hydra feeds upon memories and burrows through minds, the old adage stands truer for it than most others, for when you dive into the abyss, sometimes you don''t know what lurks there, and it didn''t take much for a hydra to be turned into prey once it goes past deep waters. -The Trespassers Compendium 64 Form of the Harvester (III) Wei barely had any time to consider what this Object Impermanence effect was before the next attack came. Two Dilation Echoes triggered, revealing portents of the coming assault. He witnessed the first blow descend upon Roggi, a massive form crushing down upon the Oathbearer as if a boot stomping upon a bug. At the same time, something would sweep across Wei and send him through the walls of the ruins, trapping him beneath the debris. At once, the Young Master dismissed his Lesser Hollow Mind and triggered his Form of the Resonant. He didn''t need to know what Object Impermanence meant to guess that it was a psionic-based attack. However, the sheer influx of sensory detail flooding into his mind also strained his focus. His omniscience was slowly becoming a double-edged sword. Fighting through the sensory chaos, the Young Master triggered his Heart of Calamity, and a storm erupted from his Eidolon as wind, lightning, water, and stone shrouded his body. As his relativity foresaw, an attack came, smashing against the protective whirlwind, while Wei twirled his spear, sending Roggi aside just in time to save him from certain death. As the Oathbearer bounced a few times, his filth-caked wings flapping as he tried to get his bearings, an immense shape pressed down upon the terrain and plunged deep through the ground. It was as if a massive worm had burrowed clean through the matter without any difficulty. Concurrently, Wei felt the weight of a smashing tide crash against his winds, and though his power held for a moment, his protections buckledbut not before he could project his intent and shatter a few hundred meters of distance. In a moment, Wei blinked backwards, and as he materialized seventy-five meters higher in the sky, he witnessed the form of his enemy for the first time. To call the demon a serpent was inadequate. Scales of pulsating brilliance dotted the upper half of the creature, while the underside of its body was a pale membrane, lined with pulsating hearts and other organs. Most disturbing was its face. It was not that of a reptile, but the vagueness of a human. It lacked eyelids, ears, lips, and even a proper nose, but those pitch-black orbs, elongated nostrils, and jagged teeth presented an uncanny facsimile of mankind all the same. Worst of all was how one of the Oathbearers was fused within this creature''s skull, slowly being absorbed into its body. Wei immediately triggered several of his active skills, marking the creature with his Minor Icon of Domination, before it vanished from his sight immediately. The Young Master blinked, and another piercing pain drilled deep through his skull. He bit back a cry, but managed to keep his concentration. His Form of the Resonant resumed, and another dilation echo warned him of a series of oncoming attacks. As the Young Master dove, he thrust out with his spear, and lightning leapt from its tip, curved through the air as if a sailing whip. Though Wei couldn''t see the creature anymore, the dilation echo still betrayed its oncoming attack. The bolt struck the side of the creature with a thunderous impact, and for the first time, the Young Master heard his adversary cry out in agony. However, the shriek was mind-rending. The world went white, and stars flooded Wei''s vision as his head began to spin. Lashing out using his spear on instinct, he was stunned to discover how he could carve through the psionic sound wave as if it was matter. At the same time, Wei saw ciphers fill the air, expanding in a wide 150-meter sphere. Reference circuits were rapidly being drawn between the signs, and a vast web-shaped working was slowly coming into shape. Rafael hadn''t run off. It was actually happening this time. That was almost heartening for the Young Master. The craven was trying to get back in his good graces. People could change. Even the dead ones. A deafening chorus of voices erupted from the many-headed beast. Wei distinguished seven from the group to be low and nasally, while another six sounded like the other Oathbearers speaking alongside the Trine. A sudden forewarning filled Wei''s vision as a new attack was set to come. This one, however, held no physical dimension. Instead, the Dilation Echo resembled a fold of space collapsing around Wei''s mind. In an instant, he realized what was coming, slashed upwards with his Eidolon. A detonation of stones impacted the psionic assault, and Wei immediately felt a layer of black and gold fuse over his body. A cry of pain echoed through the air, and the young master realized he''d dealt true harm to his foe, and in dealing true harm, his Shroud of Scorn took effect for the very first time. Just in time as well. The air around Wei compressed as a sudden well of force collapsed around him. The attack struck at both his body and his mind, but rather than breaking, Weis newly manifested around rang out in defiance of the blow. Fragments of gold shattered from his person, but he himself took no harm, and used the opportunity to inject his Intent into the psionic field assailing him. Concept-Integrity of [Mind-Field]: 95/95 However, before Wei could strike the field, it suddenly dissolved, leaving him without a target. But not a foe. A ripple of force swept through the world, and Wei''s adversary unveiled its true form, no longer content to hide. Seven colossal heads, connected to countless smaller bodies, rose high into the air, those horrid near-human faces, trapped on elongated serpentine torsos. Six of its heads sported an Oathbearer or Faeblood, partially fused to its form. It was then that Wei also uncovered the true name of his adversary: Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. False Hydra: Level 54. False Hydra. Why was everything in these claimed hells snake-themed? The Knight of Pride had some kind of blood hydra. The snakes with dubious holes he killed earlier also partially resembled the hydra. Was this entire place snake-themed? Wei despised serpents. Damned legless reptiles. How could any cultivator respect something that had to crawl on their stomach? Recentering his focus, Wei triggered his Form of the Resonant again, before also activating Minor Castigators Smite. He slashed out using the wind, sending cleaving blows across the vastness of space. The False Hydra responded by channeling a current of energy through the victims it had fused to his flesh. Weis Omniscience sensed a strange essence pulsing out from their very minds. The Oathbearers and Faebloods werent just captivesthey were conduits as well, used by the False Hydra as a channel for its power. Strange fractals burst out from atop the hydras heads, and suddenly, Wei felt pathways into other places materialize in reality. His strikes passed into tunnels composed of essence and promptly vanished. Then, another Dilation Echo formedthis time revealing an attack that would run him clean through. Wei triggered his Essenceshift barely at the last moment, and an invisible bolt zipped clean through him. A dozen more quickly followed, and the young master still felt stings of pain dot his mind. Thankfully, his Shroud and Fortitude lessened the effect from earlier. Rematerializing fifty meters away, the young master renewed his assault and kept an eye on his scorn. Scorn: [242/3400] He hadnt managed to deal substantial damage to anything yet. It was gradually dropping. Such was one of the effects of his Class Divergence, but this could be to his advantage as well. At least his Shroud didnt eat away at his Scorn when it was used. A few exchanges followed between him and the False Hydra. Wei attacked from every angle, a relentless offensive that lashed and thundered. The False Hydra was far slower, but its reach was great and every one of its psionic emanations had an added effect of rattling Weis mind. More annoyingly, even as he tried to infuse the hydra with his Intent, it kept blinking in and out of his focus. It was almost as if staring at the sun. If the sun burned your near-term memories as well. As the duel continued, however, the young master started having an idea. An idea that was further encouraged as Roggi slammed into one of the hydras heads. "Alright, you big ugly bastard!" Roggi cried out, burrowing his wings into the hydras flesh. The Oathbearer was less like a filthy moth and more akin to a spot of spreading rot lodged on the side of the False Hydra now. The creature shook and shuddered, but Roggi simply refused to release his hold. A patch of darkness spreading fast along its sides and at once, the False Hydra angled its other heads to deal with Roggi Only for a rainstorm of bright and narrow beams to pierce its eyes. The creature reeled back, beset upon all sides, and Wei extended his Intent once more, seeking to finally capture his foe. At the same time, he formed a Lance of Calamity high up in the air, near the edge of his Omniscience. He didnt know how far the False Hydras Perception reached, but with how it was sending out blasts of energy every few seconds. Rippling waves of psionic force pulsed out from the Hydra, trying to repel the onslaught befalling it. Roggi continued pumping his poison into the hydra, but Wei could hear the Oathbearers limbs straining. Hang on, brothers! Roggi bellowed, calling out to his comrades, but they remained dormant fixtures nested in the hydras flesh. At the same time, Rafaels next barrage of beams splashed uselessly against the False Hydra''s projected ripple. But finally, Weis Intent struck home. A stream of white and black pierced clean through the False Hydra''s power, spilling into its very being. At once, Wei captured its aspect of mind, and at the same time, as he continued launching attack after attack, whipping down at the Hydra using lightning, water, earth, and air. And while the hydra batted and struck at his attacks, Wei brought the Lance down from on high. The hydra sensed nothing. Not until it was too late. The air above cracked as a massive rod composed of water and lightning punched straight down. The final seconds before the Lance struck, one of the Hydra''s heads turned upward, and its blackened eyes seemed to flash with psionic brilliance. A faint dome of psychokinetic force materialized around the False Hydra, but it failed to solidify itself before the Lance struck. And struck it did, its effect compounded by all of Wei''s currently active skills, creating a cascade of devastation, all targeted upon the False Hydra''s Will. An echo of white and black exploded out from the massive creature, and with a final shriek, the Hydra twitched and went very, very still. Each of its heads crashed down onto the ground, and as its body twitched and its mind emitted projections of delirious agony. The Oathbearers it was trying to subsume popped free from its body, and the song of the Faebloods began to ring anew. The hydra itself, meanwhile, began to uncoil and shrivel. With its Will shattered, Wei felt a faintness of power System while his Class notified him of levels gained. However, Wei felt a more pressing pressure emanate from within his Concept Core of the Harvest, and it called for him to seek out the hydra. The creature was rapidly shrinking now, turning into a little more than a spongy splotch of flesh connected to seven oversized faces. Each of them drooled and wept, their voices sounding discordantly like that of an infants. But in them, Wei felt a strange power still resonatinga power the hydra was no longer able to wield. Wei landed before the hydra a few moments later, the winds carrying him to a gentle halt. He regarded the False Hydra with a look of confusion. Just where did this creature come from? Was it a Knight of Hell as well? It didn''t seem to be native to this Moongrave. Considering most of the surrounding demons were sub-level 10 and the False Hydra was at 46, there was something else at play here, and Wei intended to question this creature as much as he could. Wait! Rafael cried out. The lich sailed on a chain of ciphers. A flapping cloak of invisibility drifted around them as they approached Wei. Do not touch that! Its a False Hydraa demonic parasite! A Knight likely infected them with it! It grew inside them! If you touch it It is broken, Wei said. The lich came to a halt right next to Wei, and he placed down a series of signs. Symbols came together in a complex overlay as the lich worked. Enough. I said it is broken. It is not a threat. You can stop this now. Its a False Hydra, it will always be a threat, Rafael said. It devours your thoughts from the inside and grows out from your body. Any hint of consciousness and it will feed Not if it lacks the will to do so. It is like the Knight of Lust now. Its ability to decide has been taken, and now, only a husk of will remains. A husk of will. And a mangled little body. But inside it was a trove of strange energies and substances; the stuff which Weis Concept Core of the Harvest craved. He needed to claim it. And he needed to offer it to his core. It would fill the needs for his newest skill. This, he knew. He just knew. Reaching down through Rafaels ciphers, Wei took the hydra in his hand and studied the creature for a moment. From around him, he started hearing deep moans and coughing. The Oathbearers and Faebloods were waking upthe young master was pleased they were dead. He was more fascinated, however, with the sheer sensation of the Harvest that remained within the hydra. It was like the creature was filled with taken concepts. And it likely was. Memories. Minds. Hadnt the hydra taken that? Well, now, Wei muttered. I wonder where you came from? And I wonder what you will provide. The hydra said nothing. It only stared with its empty eyes. Wei. I am not sure about this. Rafael looked on the young master, but the latter showed no hint of fear. I am. And Wei poured his Source into the hydra and commenced his first true Harvest. 65 Form of the Harvester (IV) There are few thrills in life greater than taking something that belongs to another. -Wei An Wei, The Realmbreaker 65 Form of the Harvester (IV) "Argate, Stalag, Dothi! You lads alright?" Roggi was an explosion of movement, rushing over to check on the other fallen Oathbearers. Regarding them with his omniscience, Wei saw that they were slowly getting back up, though they still seemed substantially disoriented. Groans sounded from within their helmets, and nearby, the song of the Trine began once more. They weren''t in critical condition, but the young master had spent enough time in the claimed hells to know nothing was as it seemed. "Rafael," Wei said, "do you have a working that you can use to examine them? The False Hydra infested their beings and minds for quite some time, it seemed. I wonder." "Yes," Rafael said without hesitation. The lich''s hands turned into a blur of movements as he carved new symbols into the air. "I do not think any residual psionic sickness remains, but I agree. Better safe than dead." Wei liked it when everyone was on the same page. As Roggi continued to assist his cohort in their recovery, Wei turned his attention inward and focused on the remains of the False Hydra squirming within his Concept Core of Harvest. The beast, once a gargantuan monstrosity, was little more than shrub by this point. Its many heads writhed and wailed, desperately screaming at the indignity of its coming doom. What''s more, however, were the memories spilling over from it into Wei. His Concept Core of Harvest, seemed focused on taking things from another. This included memories, specifically the memories the False Hydra stole from the Oathbearers and the Faebloods. These memories briefly passed over into Wei as a faint haze of recollections assembled in the back of his mind. Experiences Instilled! He remembered being nothing, nothing more than a seed cast through the air. The winds were the first thing he knew. And then a sudden impact resounded through his being and awoke his consciousness. Light spilled into his eyes, and his other senses began to activate as well. But uncannily, Wei knew this was not the False Hydra''s mind, but rather the perspective of one of the Faebloods. Slowly, the False Hydra began to grow through the Faeblood, spreading through its consciousness and connecting to the others in the group as they desperately fled across a devastated Moongrave. Only fragments and flashes entered his memories by this point, but he saw the faint form of an enshadowed Knight of Hell chasing them. Spears of burning incandescence smashed into the earth, detonating with incredible blasts. The False Hydra knew that to be its master, the person who seeded them into the Faeblood. It was by sheer fortune alone they survived, escaping through a portalthough they knew nothing of the creature they had been seeded with. From there, the False Hydra slowly grew. Even as the Oathbearers and Faebloods made their escape, it spread between them, jumping as if a psionic contagion burrowing across minds through every instance of physical contact. Soon, each head of the Hydra expanded like a parasite, routing through each of its victims. It took little time at all for the Hydra to extend its tendrils through the entire group, and slowly, it began to develop hallucinations as they continued through the Moongraves, a byproduct of being host to a False Hydra. As Wei imbibed these memories, his concept core thrummed with satisfaction. As the False Hydra had taken from the Faebloods and the Oathbearers, so too did he take from the False Hydra, and what''s more, what he took was far more substantial. At once, the experience required for his newest skill was filled in a drastic instance. Wei regarded the fruits of his newest labor. Wei owed much of his survival today to his System, but more specifically to his Form of the Manticore. Without his Velocity Charges and his ascended Aspects, his foes would have seen him broken and butchered with ease. Compounding effects upon his aspects granted him more options than any other in his party. And so, he decided to christen it as his first true skill. The young master wasn''t sure what was about to happen, but instinct told him he was on the right path. The Trespasser''s Compendium lacked any detail about Masteries. It seemed that was specific to his Keter System, but he would need to see how it was going to evolve. And so, with a final strain of effort, his concept core of the Harvest flared with shadow and light as the squirming False Hydra disintegrated and a shard of essence crystallized in its place. Concept Core: Harvest (Minor) >Invest Masteries C Form of the Manticore >Invest Experience 100% >Infuse Aspect Source Eruption >>Form of the Harvester: Your being is akin to a scythe, and this world is little more than crops to your harvest. Swing your blade, reap your aspects, claim your power, and sate yourself on a bounty like no other. As his system notification flayed across his vision, his concept core also began to change. No longer was it a pinprick of light surrounded by a swirling mass of darkness. Rather, there was a shape in the middle. The light took the form of a scythe. Slowly it revolved, carving at the world around it. The feeling was curious, to say the least, and as Wei reviewed his system information again, he was surprised to find that his Form of the Manticore was no longer present among his masteries, though his Source Harvest still remained. Still, the young master wasn''t disquieted. He didn''t feel any different or diminished, and it wouldn''t make sense for his system to take away more than it gave. But compared to all the text describing the capability of his masteries and the general detail of his sorcery, his Form of the Harvester proved incredibly vague. "They''re clean," Rafael said, briefly pulling Wei out of his stupor. The young master looked at the lich and saw their ciphers slowly dissolving into motes of light."Shame you broke the False Hydra," Rafael said, shaking his head. "It would have been useful for me to delve into its consciousness." "I already have," Wei replied. "I think it was a Skill, or some kind of item, used by a Knight of Hell. They cast it into one of the Faebloods, and slowly it spread between the group before it grew to its current size. It festered within them without their knowledge. Not even the faintest suspicion. An insidious item, if I do proclaim." The lich actually shuddered. "Ick. False Hydras." "I agree," Wei said, frowning slightly. He remembered the False Hydra''s Objects Impermanence Skill. That was not something he enjoyed facing. And with how his Enlightenment was currently lagging behind all his other Aspects, he needed to find a way to shore up his defenses some more. If he didn''t have his Form of the Resonant, that fight could have gone very, very poorly for them indeed. Wei''s disquiet only grew as he considered what might happen if a Knight of Hell actually inflicted him with the seed of the False Hydra. Would he be able to stop its growth? Could his intent deliver a blow so surgical that he could sever a parasite nesting within his mind? The young master made a note to review False Hydras and his Trespasser''s Compendium. That, and countless other demons as well. The Claimed Hells place held far too many ugly surprises. And all it took was one threat beyond your reckoning to see you undone. "Roggi," one of the Oathbearers groaned. Their armor screamed as they shifted, the plates dented and rusted at several points. They resembled someone who''d crawled out of a scrap heap more than a towering warrior clad in well-crafted alloys. What''s more, faint coppery tendrils extended from their back. Wei studied the Oathbearer for a second before their class and level revealed themselves. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Agave, Rusted Conduit: Lv. 8 Wei wondered if that was the Oathbearers Class Specialization. He wasn''t sure what such a thing entailed, but the way his copper wire seemed to whisk and undulate through the air made the young master just a bit wary. He felt static leaping along the thin whiskers. The other two remaining Oathbearers had also undergone subtle changes. However, their armor now shared a similar look. The plates were no longer decorated with intricate runes and flat alloy, but rather slabs and ridges of obsidian, leaking droplets of magma. Stalag, Obsidian Vanguard: Lv. 7 Dothi, Obsidian Vanguard: Lv. 7 The Trine, meanwhile, looked as they always did. A faint light emanated from them as they came back together, huddling and shivering, but otherwise, all right. They regarded Wei this time, and one of them even offered him a smile. The young master gave the Faebloods a casual nod and wondered what made them so different from the other so-called elves he''d recently encountered. The song within them was growing louder as they came into proximity with each other. And through his Omniscience, the young master sensed an incomparable purity in their essence, its nature something he couldn''t comprehend... yet. Walking over to regard the group, Wei placed his fist and palm together in a salute, honoring their continued survival. Though their level advancements were lacking, they proved their worth by surviving thus far. These would be more valuable inner court disciples for the Drowned Skies Sect. What''s more, they still had their hammer. "Roggi," the young master gestured, looking the other Oathbearers up and down with a smirk. Look what they still have? "Ah, you little shit," Roggi replied, rumbling slightly under his breath. His bulbous body waddled, more filth dripping out of his wings. One of the other Oathbearers, Agave, looked down and frowned at the mess of fungal tissue splattered against his boot. "Dont stab a man in his arse. "Why, it seems you will be able to indulge in the vice of alcohol yet. Wei snorted. He looked over the others again and let out a satisfied sigh. No one dead. Good. Very good. "Disciples," Way began, taking in the others present. "It pleases me that you are all in one piece. Relatively." "Relatively," Agave replied. "Mostly thanks to you, anyway." Oathbearer shook his head and let out a weary sigh. "I don''t even remember what happened last. It was just like the world went dark. And all of a sudden... all of a sudden, I wasit was like I was trapped in a deep dream. Like I was still in my body, but left in the dark." "Not an uncommon side effect of suffering a false hydra infestation, I''m afraid," Rafael quipped. "Do not worry, though. I, Rafael, liberator of peoples and checker of minds, have made sure that you are clean." "And what about the parasite?" the Trine said, all three speaking as one. Each of them took a different pitch of voice, and their words lighted upon Weis consciousness like velvet sheets. "It is dead," Wei said, "subsumed for my uses. All that it has taken from you, I have taken from it." The Trine looked to each other and flinched. Beware. Beware. You sup power from poison. Far stronger will you grow, but the pain will be ever-there, for might mends no wounds. Wei went still. He regarded the Trine with his Omniscience. Twin urges battled within him. The first was to confront the trine, or even to strike them down. Their words offended him. The second was a fascination. Their insight was impeccable, and their nature was inscrutable. The oath-bearers were transporting them through the Claimed Hells for a reason, and Wei would find out what soon. We hear your heart scream You mishear, Wei said. And we will speak no more of this now. What use were his memories? What use was recalling what he lost? His moment of weakness. Sentimental fools. His mind turned to something more useful/ An intractable urge to demonstrate his newfound capabilities came over WEi. And with a flourish, he decided that he wanted to find out just what this Form of the Harvester could do. As he triggered his skill, nothing seemed different at first. Strangely, it felt like a part of him was expanding. Furthermore, an oscillation of shadow and light rose from his body in tendrils, as if faint steam. As they wafted free from him, contours of a scythe formed, and Way felt the essence around him grow more tangible, as if they were fabric for him to cutor more like crops for him to reap. No Velocity Charges appeared in the corner of his vision this time, which further made Wei wonder about how his mastery had transformed. The first shadows of doubt emerged within him as he hoped he hadn''t traded a useful mastery for a weaker skill. "Nice glow," Stalag said in a tone as he looked Wei up and down. "What''s this supposed to do?" "I am" Wei began, "Not quite sure yet. Give me a second." Searching the sphere of his Omniscience, Wei cursed internally as he battled through the sheer amount of detail he had to shift through. But it took him little time to discover what he sought. There, hidden in the tall strands of golden wheat, a half dozen Demons of Lust frolicked and did other things. Their open debauchery and wanton lecherousness offended the young master, and he condemned them for it. A surge of wind rippled out from his Broken Crescent, and he cast a cut across the length of 200 meters. At once, blade of wind swept through the golden fields. The demons didnt even see their deaths arrive. As they were bifurcated, however, Source-made scythes manifested over them, and hewed clean through their spirits as well. Wei felt himself slash through flesh, matter, and spirit in a single instant, and his Skill bit deep into all that the demons were. In that moment, the great scythe materialized over Wei, grew ever brighter. Its haft the thing of impenetrable shadow, its blade an arc of gleaming light. Within it circulated aspect Charges and concentrations of essence. A burgeoning excitement flared within Wei, and, using his Omniscience, he tracked down even more foes to slay. He cut, he carved, he slaughtered, and he harvested. With each descending strike, he became more than what he was. It flamed demons'' corresponding Aspects into becoming that of his own. But rather than adding to him directly, they sat within the scythe, as if charges to be expended, just like the Velocity Charges from his Form of the Manticore. Authority Charges [x12] Relativity Charges [x17] Omniscience Charges [x11] Enlightenment Charges [x10] Fortification Charges [x11] It was then that Wei fully conceptualized what a Skill was and why it took the shape of a crystal; for it was the crystallization of a system, the alignment of one''s mastery, experience, and sorceries into an expression of mystical utility. However, Wei also noticed a precipitous drop in his Aspect of Intent. Such was the only aspect he hadn''t gained from the demons. He wasn''t sure if it was because of his own anomalous intent, or if all concept-related skills required a devotion of one''s willpower. The same thing had happened when he invested his experiences into the concept core of destruction. Whatever the case, the longer he held his harvested charges, and the more charges he held, the faster his intent dropped. Existential emptiness began to spread through the young master, and it was like a chasm opening within his spirit, leaving him lesser than he had ever been before. Consuming one of the charges, he felt his mind explode. Details grew ever sharper around him, as his memories grew clearer, his thoughts more fluid, and his focus sharper. But it didn''t last. Just like a consumed Velocity Charge, it vanished quickly thereafter, and soon Wei plummeted back to his baseline Aspect value. This also slowed his expended intent. So the young master understood just what this skill cost him. "Form of the Harvester indeed," Way said under his breath. This was a skill that was meant to take from his enemies. No longer did he need to infuse his intent into a foe. Now he could carve from them directly. Such a thing came at a price. Did his will fall low enough? He just might become susceptible to the influence of a higher will. "I take it you have created a new Skill?" Rafael said, forcing jubilance into his tone. "I suppose congratulations are in order. Congratulations." "Yes," Wei said, still slightly distracted. Way re-centered himself, looked over the group. The Oathbearers and the Trine were saved, but they were still weak, and they needed to pass through the Hearted Realm soon. Moreover, the longer the young master thought, the more he realized that his ascent through the Moongraves was proving to be a gradual blessing. There were countless other sinners here, many among them capable, all of them desperate. As he had saved the oath bearers and the Trine, what''s to say he couldn''t curry favors from others? And what''s to say he couldn''t recruit a critical mass of disciples to push through the hearted realms of his own accord? As his power grew, so did his ambitions. With each passing moment, Wei''s path grew clearer and clearer. "Come then," he said. "Let us return to our sanctuary. There are problems we must resolve and more forces we must recruit. "Problems," Agragt said. "Forces," Roggi echoed. Yes. All of your are below Class Tier Ascension, and a sect with fewer than 100 disciples is no sect at all. Thankfully, our efforts will see this all resolved. Yeah, Dothi cheered without any joy. Leaning over, he asked Roggi. Hey, Rog. Is it just me or is the boy getting a bit more Roggi snorted. Give him a break. Hes only gone a slight bit power-mad. Could be worse. 66 Recruitment Drive In retrospect, we really should have started suspecting something when a few dozen Knights suddenly went missing during the Blood Games. But, alas, the nature of being part of the claimed hells is watching your Circle fight against all the others and never communicating properlyjust how the Harbinger wants it. We''re too busy fighting each other, hurting for their favor, rather than uniting to take their throne. Funny thing, life is. Did you know Im one of the few reasons why the Realmbreaker passed through the Trial of Despair? Ah. It isnt a story hell tell you muchmainly because it takes away from him. Heh. Little shit. Hells, it wouldn''t surprise me if the boy got the System solely because Mepheleons plans. Only the antediluvians might know what conniving schemes that old bastard is concocting. -The Old Man, Duke of Pride 66 Recruitment Drive "No, wait, please!" the Knight of Greed begged. Blood welled between the elf''s pearly white teeth as he reached down into his cloak and pulled out a fistful of coins. "I can give you anything you want. I have treasures." Such were his last words, as in the following instant, Agnesias bone blade fell and severed his neck clean from his head. As the Knight died, a skeletal hand emerged from the ground below, grasping the remains of his essence and pulling him across the boundary. But it was no matter. His Constitution would be permanently crippled. Wei saw to that; he also ensured that the Knight''s hobbling was a subtle one. He struck at the Knight using his Form of the Harvester, hamstringing him with blades of wind as he tried to duel Agnesia. The Knight wasn''t a bad fighter, per se. He seemed to have an endless repertoire of items that granted him unbound versatility. Comparatively, Agnesia was proving to be ever more the juggernaut, always coming forward, constantly attacking. The way she swung her blade like a massive club made Wei wince. But that was something they could rectify in time. Power was a more pressing currency. Such was why the young master was forced to use such underhanded methods. He needed his sect strong. And so, as they fought their respective knights, he simply tipped the scales ever so slightly in their favor. A bolt of random lightning here, a slash of wind there, a sudden tide of water swelling from a pond without reason. Rafael hid his presence well and used his Invisible Field to the utmost capacity. Through these means, they claimed seven Knights in total on top of Severean. Two were captured, and five were utterly slain. Destroyed by Weis System. And through it all, the class levels of his fellows continued to climb. But as Wei emerged from Rafael''s field of invisibility, he looked upon Agnesia with a frown as she smirked at him with feral glee. "What''s wrong with you?" she quipped, projecting a handful of black fire. She evaporated the blood from her blade, watched it rise as trails of smoke. "You look like we just lost that fight." "You look like you won that fight on your own," Wei replied. "Meanwhile, as I''m tipping the scales in your favor, my System sees to punish me for it." And punish him it did. He hadn''t gained any Aspect advancements in over three days. Aside from his Enlightenment, of course; that just came with reading and research. It seemed that the prey here were growing ever weaker and weren''t enough to grant him the necessary strain for progression. His Classs levels, too, had slowed. Ever since he killed the False Hydra, he''d only gained another level, leaving him at level 28. Enlightenment Advanced > 20 [9/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension The benefits his class conferred were substantial indeed, but still, compared to his meteoric ascent during his first day, his present progress left much to be desired. That, and increased Knight activity was why he intended to cross through the Hearted Realm soon. There was no point in overstaying his advantage. He didnt need anyone relaying the reality of his System into the Claimed Hells before he could arrive. Through all these days of preparation, through gathering new disciples and interrogating the knights, he gained a clear vision of what he was about to face. The skies above crackled as showers of heavy gold fell like unrelenting hail. The present Moongrave was one associated with the Circle of Greed, and so, if one wanted treasures or miraculous items, such was the place to be. Of course, as usual, there was a catch, for though they stood on hills of roiling and tumbling gold, massive serpents lurked beneath mountains of coins, burrowing from place to place whenever they sensed a shift in vibration. His Omniscience counted plenty of dead sinners left abandoned, far beneath the soil. He and the others came too late to save those, but then again, they were probably already too weak to survive the coming ordeal. Rather, it was the ones who remained that he was interested in. They could still be fashioned into some use, but that was to be determined. Wei still needed to examine his new stock. As he ventured away from the site of battle, Wei felt a shift in the treasure serpents below and simply stomped down once. The earth deep under ruptured, and stone shot through the layers of coinage, piercing through several serpents. Twelve of the foolish demons died in an instant. The rest got the message and kept their distance. With this done, he and Agnesia proceeded towards a small stone fort, standing in contrast to the opulence around. It occupied a small expanse of a hundred meters and the stone fortifications looked ravaged and besieged; veined with cracks and stained with blood. This was a fortress created by a sinner. That was without doubt. Wei sensed 10 people within the walls, with fifteen dead, and only two manning the walls. As Agnesia, Rafael, and Wei approached, the young master focused his Omniscience upon them and found himself surprised. He knew these men. Well, not well, but he knew them. Wei barked out a surprised laugh. "Ser Angeleos," he said under his breath, "still alive." Deep within the center of the fort, the old man flared his wings. They now resembled blocks of concrete, rather than feathers of diaphanous light. The armor he wore was also battered and dented, held together by strings and scraps. Around him, his soldiers skittered about. He only had one archer left, but their bow was twice the size as it used to be. It seemed a massive, enshadowed instrument, and his arrows were things that he could bring forth from thin air. His greatswordsman was also twice the size as he was before and seemed encased within a shell of black and bronze. The rest were an assortment of bandits ascended to new classes. They all had something like Light Fighter, or Heavy Brawler. Wei looked over their specializations, and few of them were even above Level Six. It was quite the pitiful sight, but then again, every sect needed their outer court disciples, able to send into the jaws of death before anyone of value was risked. "Sir Angelos!" Agnesia looked at Wei with surprise. She gripped her blade tighter, and the flames around her rose to a new level of arousal. Ignium. I''m surprised that old bastard''s still alive. Expected the demons to take him." "This is far better," Wei frowned at the girl. "More outer court disciples for you to lord over. You stay here for now," Wei said, looking to Agnesia. "We wouldn''t want you to burn them down at the first insult." "I will not," the girl said, sounding offended. Just like how you wouldn''t murder that Knight of Envy when he called you a whore? "He infringed upon my honor. I was defending myself." Wei snorted. "Well then, young mistress, let me leave to your preemptive defense so that no one else may be burned." She was about to say something, but a squeak came from her throat. She quickly looked away. Wei narrowed his eyes at this girl. There was something wrong with her. Fierce as a lion one moment, and then like a mouse in the nextwas every outworlder so mentally estranged from themselves? Truly, there were so few people sound of mind like him. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. "Rafael," Wei said simply. "I will keep the field up," the lich said, "and I will be ready to befuddle their minds if they do anything untoward." "Very good." The young master still didn''t trust the lich. But as Rafael''s level grew, so did his utility. His ability to bend minds and protect them was quickly becoming the group''s greatest asset. That, along with his knowledge; he was willing to scheme and plot and play the snake. It was useful having a fox defend against other foxes, as the saying goes. With each step, the coins beneath Wei''s feet jingled, and chalices of silver and diamond bounced off him without inflicting any harm. Walking through a downpour of riches, Wei summoned his broken crescent again with a splash of erupting lightning. Bolts expanded up in the air, and a crackle sounded, echoing for kilometers. At once, he saw the archer manifest on the walls in a puff of shadows. This one was battered, beaten down, but still not done. There was still fight in them, and Wei could use that for the coming push through the Hearted Realm. A shot was loosed, an arrow formed from purest darkness, but far too slow. Wei could have dodged it even without the warning of his Dilation Echo. And with a simple movement to the side, he let it sail past him before he made his declaration. "I am surprised to still see you alive!" He leapt. The winds beneath his feet erupted, and a wheel of turning gales carried him across the air and set him down upon the edge of the makeshift battlements. As he landed, he looked at the assortment of battered and broken warriors and greeted them with a smile. The dead lay piled in mound nearby while few were uninjured of the living, holding a last desperate defense behind a wall of pikes. The archer stumbled back, surprised at the young master''s speed. The shadows composing his bow shifted, turning it into a blade, but his eyes widened again as he realized who he was looking upon. "Oh, come the fuck on," he muttered to himself, recognizing Wei. Down among the beaten and bloodied, Ser Angeleouslooked up with an expression of pure scorn. "So you''re still alive," the old man spat. Wei gave a barking laugh. "That was my line, old man. How are you still here? Can''t be by strength alone, considering how much of that you lacked the last we met." Angelus, Heart of the Bastion: Lv. 8 "Level eight," Wei said, proclaiming out loud. "Remarkable, truly. That''s eight higher than I expected of you. Tell me, what is your plan for continuing onwards?" Angeleoussaid nothing, which was a mistake. For Wei saw the haggard expressions on his men. "Did you have a plan?" Wei continued. "No? Was it just to hope that the Knight of Greed would turn away? Was that your plan?" The silence continued, and the Master merely snorted. "What a pitiful group, truly." With a contemptuous movement, he brought his spear down, and the soil beneath each of the battlements erupted. The walls Sir Angeleousso painstakingly raised came apart in a sundering crash of erupting stone. They shattered outwards, spraying shrapnel in all directions. The sheer volume of the deafening explosion sent several men to the ground, clutching their ears. The archer themselves was flung downward with a casual flick of the spear. The wind carried them off the walls, and they didn''t have any time to react at all. As they huddled together, like a pen full of animals, Wei cocked his head at them as the last bits of their protection fell inwards. Dust rose, but a crackle of lightning and force continued to illuminate the young master''s form, even through the haze. "This took nothing for me to do. A simple tap of my spear, and now you are without protection. You are babes in the dark, hiding from wolves in a hovel. You will not survive this way, not for long." "Enough of this!" Sir Angeleoussaid, his own exhaustion finally seeping through. "What do you want from us? Our lives? Then take it! Take it! You''ve already shown your superiority. What else do you want?" "I want," Wei began, "your continued survival." A look of stunned surprise spread across Sir Angeleos''s face as his consternation proved to be infectious. The others in the group also looked to each other, murmurs rising. "As you said," Wei continued, "if I wished for you to be dead, you would be. But today is a fortuitous day for both of us. I''m seeking to rebuild my sect, and you are seeking survival. I think we can help each other here." And slowly, Sir Angeleous lowered his head as a glower formed in his eyes. "So you want supplication? Enslavement?" "No," Wei said, "I want your commitment to strength, the power to the Drowned Skies Sect." And with that, Wei summoned a bolt of lightning and cleaved the sky in half. Treasures stopped raining down, and in their place fell droplets of molten gold, searing the world around them. Several men cried out, and with a sweep of his eidolon, Wei cast the rain aside. Internally, he winced. He intended for that to be a moment of awe. Melting the coins and letting them sear the skin of those he wished to recruit was not in his intended plan. But he could probably still turn this to his favor. "You can reject me, of course. I am a magnanimous young master. If you ask, I will grant your lives and be on my way. But know this: if I abandon you, then your fates are sealed. For you see how weak you are now." He pointed his spear at Ser Angelos. "Your master cannot protect you. He can barely protect himself. But that is well. We are all weak in the beginning. This is a thing that can be cured. And so, if you wish to abandon this weakness, to grow beyond who you were, then come with me." Slowly, a chatter rose among the rabble, and they all looked to each other, wide-eyed and half-afraid. Ser Angeleous gazed upon his men, and his shoulders sagged. In that moment, he looked older than he''d ever been, and something almost akin to pity welled up inside Wei. But he quickly crushed it. He remembered what the man intended to do with Helena. He remembered his weakness. "So then, what are you offering?" A deep voice rumbled from within the armor, and Wei turned to face the sole remaining greatswordsman under Ser Angelos''s employ. He looked up at the figure and saw a desperation in their eyes, barely enshadowed by the slits of their new armor. "I will not have you sign away your lives. Worry not about that," Wei began. "But I will have you fight alongside me. I will have you trained. I will have you strong. And I will have you face your current circumstance. If you wish to pass through the hearted realm, you are not sufficient. You are not enough. Understand that what you face here, this was your training ground. This was supposed to be your easiest moment. These knights, they were here to coerce you, to force you into their orders, and serve as willing peons. And if you accept, they would render you aid, allowing you to pass through the Hearted Realms." "What are the Hearted Realms?" one of Sir Angelos'' men coughed. "The hearted realms are places of desolation within the Archdevils and the place you must pass to complete the Trial of Despair," Wei said. Trespassers'' compendium enunciated on them. And what they provided wasn''t detail, but descriptions of hellish torment. "They are not something you can easily prepare for. Understand that you venture into the very cores of the archdevils, and the worlds enclosed within will feed on your every weakness. It is said that no sinner survives without aid, without supplicating themselves to a higher order. I seek to be the difference. The Drowned Sky Sect will pass through a whole order unto ourselves. We will live under no other''s heel, and we will prevail by strength taken rather than power granted." "And what makes you any different from the demons?" Sir Angeleous asked. He regarded Wei with a look of suspicion. "The difference is that I see your strength as a reflection of mine. They see your strength as a thing they can possess and use." Wei took a few steps forward, and the men protecting Angeleous parted around him. Only the Shadow Archer drew back a new arrow, but Sir Angeleousheld up a hand, preventing them from loosing their lives. "A wise choice," Wei said, regarding Sir Angeleos. "You just saved his life." Sir Angeleous nodded. "I will not consign myself to slavery. I will not condemn myself to be your servant. My faith only" "I don''t care about your faith," Wei cut him off. "You can praise whoever you wish, so long as you know that in truth, by power, I am patriarch, and you will serve the sect. Keep your faith within your heart, and I will keep you within my well regards." Another bead of silence passed between them, and Sir Angeleos''s lips thinned. "Very well," he finally forced out. "I will capitulate to your desires. I will give myself unto you as a willing participant in your cause. We are aligned in this regard." That was as close to a surrender as Wei was probably going to get from the proud old man, but that was good enough as well. In truth, Wei didn''t expect the old fool to grovel so easily, nor was that his desire. Ever since his betrayal by Rafael, the young master had been thinking about how to prevent future betrayals and power plays within his sect. This was his mother''s greatest weakness. She hadn''t seen her murder coming, after all. For all her prowess, for all her wisdom, love was her undoing. Love and trust. Wei would not be the same. Wei would be better. Wei would make her proud. Yes. So what does a cultivator do when they cannot stop something? They use it. They use it against itself. Ser Angeleous would be recruited for the sole expectation that he would betray the sect. Wei would have Rafael watching him, and Wei would be watching Rafael. This would keep the lich in his good graces, and he would be able to use the snakes against each other, should they step out of bounds. Such was the way Wei intended to play his sect against itself. It was what the Harbinger was doing as well. All coveted more power, but power struggles were relative, and if those beneath him spent more time facing each other, worrying about each other, and so long as he stayed strong above all others, his place as patriarch would be everlastingly secured. As Ser Angelos'' ragged band began to stand, Wei looked towards a distant rift and motioned for them to follow. They all looked to each other. "Where, where are we going?" the large armored form of the greatswordsman said. "We are leaving," Wei said. "We go to our sanctuary for you to meet the others." "The others?" Ser Angeleous asked. Wei grinned. 67 The Task Ahead (I) You will only realize who you truly are when all your options have been stripped away, when you have no more choices, when you have no more power, no more cards to use. In the moment of despair, you will turn, and you will face yourself, and you will also surprise yourself. Some who thought themselves warriors will realize they were cowards all along, and some so-called cowards will discover hardness within, a hardness they never knew existed. Let me tell you a secret, sinners. We are all weak. We are all fragile. This is why the demons exist. They exist within our failures. They exist because they nurse upon our sins, our vileness. We know what it means to be better, but we choose not to. Such is the flaw of humanity. But the virtue of humanity is choice, choice to become, to become something better than you were, or to face yourself, to change yourself, to master yourself. The Archdevils are greater than any sinner, but the ones who pass through without becoming subservient to a circle, those very few, they are the ones who decide who they wish to be. Oblivion be damned, weakness be forgotten. -Mepheleon the Harbinger 67 The Task Ahead (I) The sanctuary was jam-packed, filled with sinners of all races and creeds. Over a half-dozen were still drenched in the healing pools, their wounds mending together as groans left their lips. Wei and his party had done much in the past three days, saving all they could and sorting them between inner and outer court disciples. Those who passed through were immediately greeted by Agave, the Oathbearer, who was tasked with equipping them based on level and Class. Thereafter, they were split into two partitions with three groups. The first partition was of the inner court disciples. Those with potential and power. Of their number stood a few of the Hivekin Wei once saved, now re-encountered in the past few days, Ellena, Agnesia, the Oathbearers, their Trine, and a few capable human warriors. They were mainly separated due to their prowess, higher levels, and the rarity of their Class Specializations. They would be made to reach Class Tier Ascension before the Trial of Despair began. The outer court disciples, meanwhile, numbered many times more than the inners, but they were mostly mediocre talents, with many mentally distraught or incompetent at survival. Wei held little hope for them, but Rafael had tried time and again to preserve their lives. It was one of the lichs few virtueshis willingness to advocate for the small. Outer court disciples were left crowded along the walls of the room, and they all held to their own groups as well. Both the inner and outer court disciples were also arranged into the warrior, supporter, and scouter designations by Ellena. For all her lacking capabilities of violence, she had been a queen once, and organization of people and their talents was something she excelled at. As such, Wei appointed her quartermistress and left the matter of rudimentary sect formation to her. When Wei last left the sanctuary, they had been a demoralized mess, with countless sobbing, some gazing listlessly off into the distance. A welcome surprise greeted him upon his return as clashing melodies sounded from across the room. It looked as if the elves he saved a few days ago from Mulver were playing a merry jaunt together, one of them singing while another two played strange string like instruments, gathering a good deal of attention. This brought a slight smile to Weis face. He supposed they couldnt be useless at everything. Beneath the strings of the elves, however, came the percussive hammering of the Oathbearers. Steam choked the roof of the sanctuary, blanketing the constellation cast by Rafaels ciphers in a thick fog. If there was one thing his sect currently no longer lacked, it was basic equipment. Those who didn''t have, soon would, and those who needed something reinforced would see themselves empowered. Furthermore, the Trine sang their own tunes, though their song was one that bolstered the spirit. Immediately, a golden glow settled over Wei and those who followed him, nourishing them with increased vitality. The Trine still stood apart from the masses, protected by the heavy forms of two Oathbearers. But all in all, the atmosphere was drastically changing, and Wei only had one person to really thank for that. "You don''t need to hoard this," Ellena said, lightly chastising a towering orc that was almost twice her size. The large greyskinned giant looked down as their hand trembled slightly. They had two large loaves of bread tucked under their arms, and said loaves sprouted eyes and lips, screaming desperately for someone to eat them. Wei stared on for a moment, briefly stunned by the surreal sight. Mandak Krull, Animator of Delicacies: Lv. 5 It seemed there was no shortage of eccentric class specializations in these claimed hells. "If you need more material, I will get you more material. What you can do for us right now is to simply cook as much food as you can. If you get hoarded, you call for me and I will see it done. Do you understand?" As Ellena said that, some of her gold-plated knights simply lifted their spears, showing her resolve. Wei said her personal combat capabilities were nothing impressive, but still she gained quite a few levels directing her demons, and was rapidly closing in on her own class tier ascension. As she patted the orc on the side of his elbow, shooing him off, she saw Wei, and a smile briefly flashed over her face. Until she noticed Ser Angeleous looming behind him, that was. Her expression promptly fell and she began pushing her way through the groups to get to him. The young master strode forth, but before he got too far, he turned and said, "Stay here. I see you kept the creature, Ser Angeleous sneered. I cured her, Wei replied. Think of that when you next pray to your feeble god. Ask them why they could not. The young master intercepted her with two steps and used his Omniscience to watch Angeleous all the while. If he attempted anything, then he would be courting an early death. If not by way, then by the invisible Rafael who was standing right behind him. "Wei," Ellena said, directing a worried look at Ser Angeleos. "Why is he here?" "As bait, mostly," Wei said, quite plainly. "Expect the Claimed Hells to use subterfuge against us. I''m leaving a false limb for them to choke on. Rafael is watching him. I am watching him. The former queen winced. "You''re playing a dangerous game, boy. Politics is" "Politics is about people and power," Wei said, "and I intend to hold power over people. Such is the way things are, yes?" Her mouth closed, but she still seemed worried. "Trust me," Wei said, reaching out an arm to pat the queen on her shoulder. The increase in height he gained from his Class Specialization pleased him, but he still found it difficult to look Ellena in her eyes even with his growth in height. "I will see no harm come to you. By all my power, I will get you and your daughter into the claimed hells, away from all machinations." A grateful expression settled over Ellena''s features, and she finally gave Wei a nod. "I suppose you want to hear about our forces, then?" "Yes, our forces," Wei said, a trickle of excitement entering his voice. His omniscience counted over a hundred and eight people present in the sanctuary. Crowded though it was, a hundred and eight was an auspicious number, a sign that they should proceed and see their great task done. "Right now, the inner disciples number thirty, while the rest are classified as..." She swallowed briefly, seeming uncomfortable. "Outer. I have identified a few good fighters, but most of them are averaging around level eighteen. Another day of essence rifts might see a few of them reach that final threshold, but the median level of all our assets still ranges around thirteen." Wei nodded at that, slightly displeased. It was like they didn''t know where they were. There was to be no comfort here, no civilization to coddle them. If they didn''t fight for their own lives, who would save them? It was only by Wei''s graces they were still alive. "Additionally, our fighters are lagging behind the number of supporters we have. Many have chosen class specializations that fit their previous occupations. The good news is that we have many engineersenough to assist the oath-bearers in creating our mobile fortresses." You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. Wei nodded at that. The concept was brought up by Roggi and his brothers, and immediately the young master found himself entranced by their proposal. The other disciples would soon be surprised as well. "We also have quite a few people with specializations that are focused on enhancing others. Some are alchemists who can brew potions, while others are chefs, performers, and healers. I have taken special measures to ensure that they stay as protected as possible among their cohort." "Good. Very good," Wei nodded. "Though our imbalance in fighters and supporters might cause some problems. We are presently operating at a 1 to 3 ratio for fighters and support or scouts. Right," Wei replied, considering the problem. "I will see if I can accommodate these issues in any way. We still have some time left. Perhaps just enough to get a few more recruits. Nonetheless, I would like to address everyone. How would you gauge their morale?" Ellena took a few moments to consider this. "The distraught have been soothed, and as a whole, their spirits have been lifted higher than where they were before. Many are still confused about where we''re going, or the purpose behind this organization of ours." "I will soon make that clear," Wei said simply. "If it is confidence they are lacking, I will make sure that is no longer an issue." "Good, good," Ellena said, letting out a soft breath. Her posture tightened with hesitation, and Wei cocked his head. "What is the matter?" he asked. "I Master Wei. It''s my daughter. Is she Does she seem different to you?" "Different?" Wei asked. "She''s more aggressive than she used to be. Still terribly unskilled with that sword, but her increased control over fire and her growing strength is making up for her deficiencies." "No, no, not that," Ellena said, seeming a little flustered. "It''s about her personality. Does she seem different in terms of character?" "A little bit more impatient, perhaps," Wei said. He thought about it a bit more. "She is odd sometimes, though. Usually she''s quite brash and upfront. But then, when I say certain things she squeaks, like a mouse." Wei turned his Omniscience on Agnesia and caught her staring at him again. What was with that girl? Was there something wrong with him? Wei looked down at himself and frowned. Ah, yes, his apparel was quite the mess. A semi-battered gold cuirass, tattered remains of his Shadescale. Though he looked through the merchant''s shops, he still hadn''t found anything that could replace what he lost. Nothing better, anyway. The Oathbearers repaired his goods as much as they could, but with his destructive capabilities and his newly-gained title, his armor grew more tattered with each time he fought. It was then that he noticed a subtle smile creeping over Ellena''s expression, and now it was Wei''s turn to be confused. "Why are you smiling?" Wei asked. "Oh, I think, I think we''ve noticed different things." A certain smugness crawled over the queen''s expression, and then she dismissed it with a shake of her head. "Regardless, I would ask that you keep an eye on her and make sure that she remains composed and redacted." "Yes," Wei said. "Don''t worry, she''s on the cusp of her Class Tier Ascension. I will make sure that she grows strong." He frowned thereafter. Her skill will be a more long term project. "I would rather her stay safe more than anything," Ellena finished. Wei was about to chastise the woman for letting her weakness show so easily, but... a mother, a mother... the thought trailed in Wei''s mind. A mother, a mother, a mother... The young master suddenly coughed, forcing the thoughts away. He didn''t look at Ellena''s eyes as he made a series of grunts. "Yes, of course. Yes, always, always..." Resisting trauma with Aspect of (Intent) >Resisted The System was mistaken again. Again. Again. "Wei," Ellena said, slight concern entering her voice. "I am, I am well," the young master choked out. "I am well. I am going to address the people. I am going to address the sect, prepare them, I will prepare them." She shot him another worried glance, but he walked right past her, making for the place where the guide''s display case once stood. He stepped into the crowd. He summoned his Broken Crescent once more, and the crackle of lightning drew gazes from across the room. Eyes widened, breaths grew hitched, hearts began to pulse at an increased pace as disciples pointed at him, their faces of reverent awe spurring his spirit evermore. This was what he needed; he was patriarch now. His duty to strength, to his sect, was greater than ever. He was greater than ever. Near one of the portals, he saw Roggi turn and offer him a glance. The Oathbearer had spent considerable time in the past few days with his trine and brothers. Wei also caught him making pensive expressions, staring off at a wall as if deep in thought. Roggi''s expression grew ever tighter as Wei drew near, and for a moment, the young master thought the Oathbearer was going to ask him something, but the giant refrained, choosing instead to grow more strange grubs from his back before putting them in his Inventory. As Wei came to a halt before the seven portals across the Claimed Hells, he drew in a breath, reveled in his current position. This was where he was meant to be, at the forefront of his sect, in defiance of higher powers, seizing control over his own destiny. "Disciples," Wei said, his aspect of authority activated. The strength of his lungs rang resonant across the entire sanctuary. His sonorous declaration caused the active melody of the elves to suddenly end, and those few that hadn''t looked upon him now offered their full attention. "I bid you all welcome as patriarch of the Drowned Sky Sect, your patriarch." It was all he could do to hold back a guffaw. "I see you, survivors all, taken from your homes, cast into these trials against your will, cast here for the promise of another day, another tomorrow, and greater power, to control your own destiny. Where all of you were at the mercies of the demons, all of you were hunted, prey for the Knights. Things have changed now. I have accepted you under my roof. I have accepted you under my charge. Where I have given you succor, by my strength, I demand in turn, your utmost, your everything, to show honor and piety to your sect, advance to become all you can be." As he finished, for a moment, he let his words settle. He''d seen his mother give this speech over a hundred times, and she drilled him in the ways of speechcraft, while his father watched, thinking about his many mistakes. Though Wei never truly led a sect, he was a young master, and his entire life had been a tutelage in learning to become a patriarch, be that when his parents fell in combat or managed their final ascent beyond the heavens. Few braver souls whispered to each other during the period of silence, but most stood with their backs straight, their eyes fixed on him. "As you might have noticed, you have been separated between inner and outer court disciples. I will make this plain. If you are an inner court disciple, it is because you show higher promise. You have greater power. Nothing is certain. Nothing is determined. If you wish to ascend, if you wish to curry favor from this sect, then I expect you to grow. Already I am devoting my resources and power to you. It is time you devote the same to yourself." He paused again, letting their understanding settle. "Now, as patriarch, I would like to ask you all a question. Do you know what lays ahead of you?" He looked at the group, and few dared to raise their voice. Then one finally spoke. It was Angeleos''s Shadow Archer from earlier. He still regarded Wei with the slightest of sneers, but his posture was relaxed. Good. Defiance was always good in its sample. "Supposed to go through one of the heart realms, aren''t we?" he said. "Some manner of hellish dimension trapped inside the Archdevils." Wei threw back his head and laughed. "Hellish does not begin to describe the least of it," and triggering his inventory, he summoned forth Severean, the Knight of Lust, and cast her before all those gathered. A series of shocked gasps and surprised eyes echoed from all corners of the room. A groan sounded from Severean, and slowly she pushed herself to her feet, facing the 108 staring at her. "Behold!" Wei said, pointing his Broken Crescent at the ruined Knight of Lust. "Your enemy, and also your benefactor. This is a Knight of Lust. These are the people you''ve been fleeing from. These are the Agents of the Circles, come to claim you under their banner. You think you were meant to die in the Trial of Despair. You are wrong. You are meant to survive it. You are meant to be pushed to the brink, or be hunted down by one of these Knights, so that they can enforce a contract upon you, condemning you to service among their many Circles. Such is a fate you evadeda life of slavery and servitude. "Understand this: hearted realms are not meant to be some test for you to overcome. As you stand within the inner reaches of an Archdevil''s soul, they will crush you. They will crush even me," Wei declared, though his arrogant spirit quailed at his words. "For whatever path you choose, whatever Archdevil''s Hearted Realm you embark into, they will strike at you. They will strike at your sins. They will devour you from the weaknesses you hold within. But it is possible to pass through them. It is possible to surpass the threats that lurk." Slowly the young master turned to the Knight of Lust. "Tell them." She obeyed, for she had no more will of her own, and she was little more than a pawn. "There is no preparing for the Hearted Realm," Severean began, her voice a sibilant hiss. "As soon as you embark, concepts comprising the inner dimensions of the Archdevil''s spirit will collapse around you. Everyone will face different trials and challenges, but they will be grown from your memories, from your very fears. What you experience now in the moon graves is supposed to empower you, to give you a feeling of strength. This is an illusion. There is no strength beyond the Archdevil''s. There is no overcoming them. Not by your own power, anyhow." "Not by your own power," Wei said, repeating the Knight''s words. Once more, he drew a contract out of his Inventory and showed it to all those present. "This is what the knights will seek to enforce upon you. Contracts, contracts condemning you to service under their Circles. Those of you that are promising will be claimed for years everlasting. We claim you now, for after the hearted realms comes three more trials, but those are more like..." He paused and looked to the Knight of Lust. "Citizenship registration," she finished, speaking the strange words. "Citizenship," Wei said, the term sounding impossibly foreign to him. "But we do not need the circles to gnaw on us, feed us in desperation. I say that we can make up for each other''s weakness, and I say that together we can overcome what we face. Pass through trials." "And how do you intend to do that?" a weary voice came from the back. A human outer court disciple, scarred and battered, slipped upon Wei with a resigned expression. "I barely survived this place as it was. Without you, I''m useless. Most of us here are useless. I can see it in these poor shops. I can" Wei made a fist. A blast of wind backhanded the man across the room. The offending disciple was launched off his feet toward a nearby wall. Teeth burst from his mouth and blood sprayed. But Wei caught him before he could break his neck against the coming surface. With a jerk of his hand, Wei pulled the ignorant wretch into his grasp and held him before all the others to see. Cries erupted from all across the room, but Wei showed no mercy. He caught the man by his neck and held him high for all to see. "You see this man?" Wei said, his voice filled with scorn. "He is your enemy. He is broken already. His heart comes pre-tainted by this trial." He forced the man to look at him. "You will be eaten. You will be eaten by the realm, having not even tried." The man struggled only briefly before sagging in Wei''s grasp. "I told you, most of us are spent. What worth are we?" the man groaned, barely possessing the strength to weep. "You are worth what you can take. You are worth what you make of yourself," Wei finished. And," he finally said, letting the man fall to the ground, "you are worth my devotion, my investment. You are here because you are fortunate enough to encounter me. And I am here because my sect needs to survive, or its teachings must be passed down. And so, it is time for you all to see the plan." And with that, Wei made a gesture at Rafael and the lich responded from within their field of invisibility. One of the ciphers coursed down, and a portal flashed open. Slowly, a creeping smile pulled at Wei''s lips. "Preparations have been made. You say you are weak? I agree. There are ways to overcome our weakness. Opportunities can be created. Here," Wei said, grasping the beaten man via the building gale. "You go take a look first." And then he tossed him through the portal. 68 The Task Ahead (II) You should have seen the little bastard. The bravado. The audacity. The sheer gall. All that wrapped around a broken little heart pasted together by delusion. The Realmbreaker was a precious kid. And a vicious little shit too. I should have seen what he was going to do to us down the line but you know what? Even knowing who he is, who he becomes Id still make the deal with him. I still would. There are some people you just cant quite say no to. There are some people who are just destined to be monsters of history. -The Old Man, Count of Pride 68 The Task Ahead (II) "What in ruin is that?" the Shadow Archer said, gaping at the colossal, half-finished construct positioned just beyond the rift. As the rest of the disciples began to filter through, they too took on odd expressions, and Wei reveled in their wonder. The idea rose as a suggestion from Roggi. Between the moments where he spent hunting Knights, researching the Compendium, and interrogating Severean, he discovered that the Archdevil''s Hearted Realms grew ever more severe with each moment you stayed within. As they were not so different from one''s concept core, it slowly leached from you, embodying your worst sins and deepest horror. And thanks to the endless wellspring of essence nested within an Archdevil, it could compose any threat, until finally, it created a demon perfectly designed to hunt down a specific sinner. And so the problem was laid bare: to linger in the hearted realm was to be worn down and eventually slaughteredat least without imploring for higher aid. Wei had no intention of succumbing to such weakness, and so he sought to engineer his own solution. And that led to another suggestion from the Oathbearers. As warriors forged to serve the powers of creation, they were no strangers to engines of war. With just a few swings of their hammer, the requisite materials, and a bit of testing, it seemed the Oathbearers could build just about anything. And so they created a monster. A mobile fortress, spanning fifty meters high, sporting three castle-like fortifications at its core, a dozen or so turrets within firing slots, four layers of crenelated balconies, with three layered walls, spider-like articulations, and an assortment of sails to help it take flight. What''s more, it had strange tubes sticking out from its rear, capable of projecting some kind of incendiary propulsion. In honesty, the entire thing was far too strange for Wei to fully grasp. Though he tried in his youth, he had no mind or interest in gadgetry. But still, even a layman could appreciate a piece of mechanical artistry. To further cement the awesome moment, Wei called down lightning from high above the sky, and bolts fractured the firmament, bathing the land in light. This place, a moon-grave of gluttony, was a place formed of open maws, flicking tongues, and slavering flesh. But apart from that, the Oathbearer''s construct stood defiant, a bastion of matter standing as a blemish upon a tapestry of defiled flesh. "Witness!" Wei proclaimed, unable to hide the maniacal glee on his face. "Witness: Mobile Fortress Wei!" The Oathbearers looked at each other, and the one called Dothi lowered his head and gave a sigh. "He used the bloody name." "I told him not to," Roggi said, muttering under his breath. "Hes selectively hard of hearing sometimes. And also selectively hard of thinking." For Wei was a forgiving patriarch, and also because they were the ones who built his mobile fortress, he forgave their insolence and turned to face his gathered fortress. "When the time comes, all of us will be situated within this fort. We will not be as if ants trying to crawl the mountain, but rather sailors on a grand ship, a ship like no other, a steed of metal and alloy. We will all be riders of Mobile Fortress Wei." This time, more people than merely the Oathbearers started looking at each other. Ellena placed a palm upon her face, and Agnesia''s cheeks took on a bright scarlet hue. Many among his disciples began to shuffle awkwardly, which left the young master slightly confused. Regardless, he pushed onward. "Within the next two days, Mobile Fortress Wei will be finished, and you will be allowed to explore its inner walls." A man coughed. Wei pointed his Broken Crescent at him. "No more noises! What''s wrong with all of you? Speak!" No one met his gaze. At least they still knew how to show him proper reverence. "As you can see, my fortress supports three critical bastions, who will be nested within and made to defend its inner walls. Meanwhile, it will pilot us through the chaos of the Hearted Realms at an extraordinary pace. All we need to do is keep my portable fortress safe, and it will see us live another day." As he finished his speech, he looked at the gathered crowd, and all 108 people under his sect stared on, blank-faced and frozen. He expected more enthusiasm, or perhaps some manner of joy, but most just seemed slightly befuddled, and the few others took on expressions of worry as they looked his fortress up and down. Perhaps they needed to be shown the inside. A demon briefly entered the edge of Wei''s Omniscience, and he jabbed down with his spear. A hyper-accelerated raindrop punched clean through the Demon of Gluttony, and immediately it slumped over, a warning sign for anyone else who desired to interrupt Wei''s fine moment. The Shadow Archer looked at Wei and slowly shook his head. "Listen, it''s big and all, but I don''t really even know what I''m looking at." "You''ll see once you get inside. You''ll see. Don''t worry. I''ll have a place for you to fire from. There will be a place for all of us within this construct, and I, Patriarch Wei An Wei, will take to the skies above it and use my power of the storms themselves to carry you. "So, this thing flies?" the orc chef from earlier asked. "Yes," Wei said. "It can fly, it can crawl, it can do almost anything." "Can it float?" the orc asked, seeming a bit dubious about the prospect. "Of course," Wei said, ignoring the Oathbearers, who were all shaking their heads behind him. Sad notes sounded from theTrine, as Wei merely continued. "The seas will heed my demands. They will carry a mountain across continents if I so desire. So rejoice and relish your opportunity, for soon we all embark upon Mobile Fortress Wei as we pass into the arch-devil of gluttony." And then he pointed above, and with a trace of his spear parted the clouds to reveal a looming figure composed of many wings and lapping maws. People screamed; several made gestures and invoked the names of gods Wei didn''t care about. But the young master stood, nonplussed. He had chosen the Archdevil of Gluttony for a reason. All the others presented even greater threats, but gluttony merely ate at you, starved you. Wei could contend with hunger, and Wei had no fear of any beast. Pointing to the distance, he indicated a massive spire that rose in the direction of the arch-devil. "Two days," Wei said, "in two days we will bring my mobile fortress to the spire, and finally, we will embark on our final journey. The Circles intend for us to know despair. Well, I say that we shall know no fear, for we will manufacture the means of our own salvation. As Wei looked over his gathered disciples, he expected an outpouring of cheers, something to say the least. Instead, he continued getting blank stares and awkward postures. Finally, someone clappedEllena, who commanded her six summoned demons to join her as a cohort. With her prompting, the rest of the group all began to clap, and several even cheered. Finally, Wei nodded, satisfied with the scene before him. Perhaps they were a little bit less passionate than he expected, but this was just as well. They had been through quite the ordeal, and naturally, one would have their moods dampened after all they suffered. Not Wei, though. Not Wei. He was different. He was unbreakable. He would break these hells. No one could break him. As his demonstration concluded, the real work was about to begin. "Now, for those of you of the inner court, you are to familiarize yourself with Mobile Fortress Wei, for you will be the linchpin of the defense. This means, however, that you must reach class tier ascension within the next two days. No more sleep. No more rest. It is time to hit those essence rifts. As for the rest of youEllena!" Wei called out. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Immediately, the quartermistress of the sect took his place and gave everyone a reassuring smile. "Good, uh," she looked up at the sky and frowned, "day, everyone. Let us all applaud Master Wei for his heartening speech." She clapped. Her summoned demons clapped, and then everyone else clapped, with considerably less fervor. "There are a few things we still require before we embark on this journey. After this talk is over, I need to meet with everyone, one after another, to go over your specific capabilities and also distribute to you your requisite potions of regeneration and mental clarity. Take note: your mental clarity potion will be especially important before you begin every encounter. It is recommended that you drink the potion so that you do not get assailed by something like a False Hydra." Everyone stared on at her, unsure how to respond. Finally, a hand rose in the back. "Right, but what''s a False Hydra?" "It''s a demon that nests itself in your memories and eats away at your mind and also spreads from you to the others." The orc cook''s lip quivered. "I wish you didn''t ask that. I would have been happy dying without knowing what killed me." As Ellena continued going over the logistical details of their upcoming triumph, Wei received a message in his chat function and saw that it was from Rafael. Rafael -> Wei: Wei, there''s something you might want to see. Wei -> Rafael: Oh, and what is that? Rafael -> Wei: Ser Angeleous. I have penetrated his class and accessed his chat functions as well. He has been in communication with someone this entire time. Wei -> Rafael: And already the fox reveals his leg in the shrubs. The young master did his best to hide his growing sneer. He kept his eyes away from the old man and simply responded to the lich. Wei -> Rafael: Treason from him is not unexpected, but the pace he conducted it is admirable. Almost. He has you beat, lich. Raphael didn''t respond to that. Wei -> Rafael: Well, what did he say and who is he talking to? Rafael -> Wei: You''re likely not going to like this, but I think it is an Inheritor. They are using a fake name, but they have asked specifically about usabout you especially. This was troubling. Rafael -> Wei: He''s currently updating the inheritor on our plans and just messaged him about which hearted realm we intend to pass through. Wei -> Rafael: Well, that might change some things. Pathetic snake. Has he told them anything else? Rafael -> Wei: Yes. The number of our forces, our levels, the changes he sees in you. A slow swell of anger rose within the young master as he considered cutting the man down right then and there. However, if there was one thing his growing Aspect of Enlightenment had taught him, it was patience and how to become the master of his own schemes. Right now, his biggest advantage was that Ser Angeleous remained ignorant of just how much he knew. However, Ser Angeleous wasn''t just a serpent, but a valuable asset. With Severean broken and unable to contact her inheritor handlers, Wei needed a new angle to get at them. For the last few days, he tried calling his father, but the man seemed to have blocked him. And though the young master tried to replicate what he managed with his Aspect of Relativity, creating a Liminal Realm between him and another, he failed to fully grasp how the feat was accomplished, and his System proved to be no aid. More and more, Wei found himself wishing that Asaru, that antediluvian serpent, included a technique manual with this system. But alas, making things easy seemed to be low on the priority list of the ones that came before. Rafael -> Wei: So then, what is our plan now? Wei -> Rafael: My plan is quite simple. I''m going to get the old man alone with me, and then he''s going to learn how to deeply sympathize with the Knight of Lust. It took a long moment before Raphael sent his follow-up message. Rafael -> Wei: I understand. We have to protect ourselves. It sounded an awful lot like the lich was trying to justify this action. Wei -> Rafael: You are a strange one, trespasser, Wei said. For all your failings in your undead nature, you are all too human. Rafael -> Wei: You know liches are not actually undead, right? Wei paused. Wei -> Rafael: You aren''t? Rafael -> Wei: No, undead is a very specific thing. They are powered by the forces of ruin. Liches only have their consciousnesses infused within a specific structure. It is more a title gained; a showcase of mastery over the platonic arts. Wei -> Rafael: Then why bones? Rafael -> Wei: Because of the laws of familiarity. It''s very complicated to explain, but one has more kinship with their skeletal structure than, say, a metal suit of armor, no? Wei slowly nodded at that, as he considered this to be another avenue of power. Wei -> Rafael: Could anyone become a lich? Rafael -> Wei: Yes! It only requires patience, a little bit of daring, a lot of psychological damage. Wei -> Rafael: Perfect. We will continue our cipher lessons soon, after we turn our snake to a servant. As the demonstration came to an end, the disciples were separated and directed to tackle their own tasks. Ellena took some time to speak to each individual. As their numbers had swelled over the past three days, she took special care to discover just what each and every person was competent at. After that, the support groups would be given unto the Oathbearers to see what they needed to procure and how else they could further bolster their efforts in empowering the fighters. They would be kept within the three major bastions, protected from the worst of the harm, and used primarily to strengthen the structures of Mobile Fortress Wei, while also healing wounded fighters. The fighters, meanwhile, would go along with Agnesia and raid more rifts. After Ellena finished interviewing them, her daughter would see their actual skills in person. Only those with promise would be offered over to Wei, for he was patriarch, and a patriarch had better things to do than deal with rabble. And with that, Wei''s opportunity came. Ser Angeleous stood far in the back of the group, his face a miserable stain amidst all the others. Oh, how he didn''t want to be here. Oh, how he loathed the young master for all he accomplished. But that was well. Wei knew this moment was coming. The old man thought himself a novelty, but people like him were a dime a dozen in a sect. One expected to court a few snakes when they raised a mountain hold, after all. Instead of approaching him directly, however, the young master intended to get him away from the group, but he wouldn''t do it directly. Though he strongly desired to murder Ser Angeleous in front of all the others, to kill a chicken to scare the monkeys, he wasn''t sure if the men under the old fool''s employ would abandon their lives in a desperate defense to avenge him. Furthermore, Wei was also interested in knowing just how compromised they were. If it was only Angeleous, the others could still serve as useful elder court disciples, have the demons spend a little more time chewing through them before they got to the actual useful members. And this was where Rafael came in. In the intervening time, over the past three days, Wei kept a close eye on the lich, but also ensured their growth as well. The game he played with Raphael was a double-edged sword, for though he didn''t trust the Trespasser, he was beginning to grasp his nature betteror so Wei assumed. The lich was a moral coward. He wanted to reach the claimed hells for an agenda of his own, one he was reluctant to fully admit to Wei. It had something to do with saving his world and meeting with the Trespasser''s Lodge. Whatever the case, however, he also had another critical quirk. He cared for people. Empathy was a commendable trait, but the lich took it to another level. He flinched when the weak were bleeding. He recoiled in scenes of horror. There was a tenderness to him that Wei didn''t expect. And slowly the young master''s opinion was beginning to change. That still didn''t mean he trusted the lich, however, but he trusted him enough to help him achieve his Class Tier Ascension and progress down the Path of Envy. No longer was the lich a mere Deceiver; now he embarked on the path of a Puppeteer. And, after he gained his own concept core of control, he spent the past few days creating a Skilla Skill that he could magnify through ciphers: Minor Illusory Lure. And it was with this spell that the hook for Ser Angeleous was cast. A green tendril slipped out from Rafael invisible field, and slowly it sank into Ser Angeleous''s mind. Weak as the man was, he had no chance of resistance, and almost immediately he began to turn, searching for a presence that wasn''t there. Slowly, he saw that the rift was openthe rift from where they cameand realizing that everyone else was distracted and separated into their own groups, he developed a compulsion, a compulsion that was further magnified by a cipher hidden via Raphael''s machinations. It took seconds more to fan the old man''s desires to escape. Giving his men a final regretful look, he shuffled away as quietly as he could, making for the rift with all haste. Rafael -> Wei: He''s moving. Wei -> Rafael: "I see him." The young master only moved when the old man was five meters away from the rift. As soon as he stepped through, Wei shot into the sphere right behind him, slamming hard into his back and knocking him off his feet. To Ser Angeleous'' credit, he was a warrior, and he responded without any hesitation. His wings flared as concrete slabs erupted from the ground, but these were trifling things to Wei. And he swept out with his Broken Crescent, shattering the old man''s barricades. He felt his Title magnify the effects of his blow, and a few of the stones shot clean through the old man''s torso. Concept Core: Destruction (Minor) >Invest Experience [Battle Against the Dancer of the Calamitous Spiral] >Infuse Aspect Perception >>All-Breaker: Destructions coming is heralded by your footsteps. Increases all damage sustained within the boundary of your Perception by 5% Wei winced as Ser Angeleous coughed blood and collapsed onto his back, gripping at his chest. Wei had been happy about the title, but sometimes it made things a little more devastating. Sighing, he pulled out a potion of regeneration and poured it over the man, not even bothering to offer it as a drink. Afterward, he cast it aside and stomped his foot down on Angeleous'' knee. Once more, the old man surprised Wei. He didn''t scream. He merely gave a grimace. He spat, a mouthful of blood splattering upon Wei''s boot, and the young master simply shook his head. "Do what you will," Ser Angeleous said. "Just know that your days are numbered, and your fate is sealed." To that, Wei only snorted, "Oh, I know all about your friend. In fact, that is the only reason why I''m not going to kill you right now. However a scythe colored from the darkest black and the brightest white formed over Wei. "You''re going to wish I did." 69 Mutual Benefit (I) Let me tell you, there ain''t nothing better than getting two bastards you hate to kill each other on your behalf. But there''s an art to manipulation. It''s about withholding intelligence. What you know; what you don''t know; what they know and what they don''t know. To all you Counter-System rebels out there, keep this in mind: Big players don''t much like each other too. And if you can give them an opening, they''ll bite down and bleed each other good and white. You can even slip away free of charge. Sometimes you don''t need to kill the shark yourself. Sometimes you just need to bring it over to where the orcas wait. A little mutual benefit gods a long way. -John Bishop 69 Mutual Benefit (I) A human''s will was the most fragile thing. Depriving a proud man of his pride could render him kin to even the basest of animals. Such was the fate that befell Sir Angeleous. Stalwart, unshaking, and, a mere moment ago, undaunted by whatever horrors Wei intended to inflict on him. Now, he was frail, looking every bit his age, quivering upon the ground as he chanted a litany of pleas, begging the young master for mercy. "What? What have you done? What have you done?" Angeleous whispered. Only a thin cut bled from his cheek, but the scythe that passed through him thereafter severed something ever deeper. The Form of the Harvester carved all of Sir Angeleous''s will away. It was a paltry amount, enough to temporarily bluest the young master perhaps two times over. But aside from that, the greater pleasure lay in unmaking a problem before it could fully worsen. Wei grinned down at the snake-to-be, slowly shaking his head as he savored this moment. Oh, how he loved in-sect politics. How he loved watching his mother punish those who thought themselves so smart that they considered themselves foxes in a coop of chickens, rather than just another jackal lost in a tiger''s den. But even beyond the satisfaction, there was a twinge of something. A feeling of disgust and horror. Wei''s smile dimmed. It was a horrible thing to doto sever another man from ever making another choice for themselves, to break them so utterly. But it had to be done. Ser Angeleous was determined to be an enemy. A problem that needed to be resolved. A second thereafter, the young master felt someone enter the portal just behind him, and through his omniscience, he sensed Rafael approaching. The lich lifted his Veil of Invisibility, and for a long moment, stared on at the disabled traitor. Though his face was little more than a skull sporting gleaming sockets, the young master couldn''t help but get a sense that the lich was even more horrified than he. "So," Rafael said, clearing his throat. He shuffled awkwardly. "Is it done? "Yes," Wei replied, still observing the lich''s actions. "You have done well, Rafael." The young master wasnt against offering praise when it was due. "Are the others still occupied with their initiation?" Rafael nodded slowly. "They should be occupied for a good while, at least long enough for us to conduct our questioning. But I think we should take him away and not do this here. There is always the risk someone might step in, no?" Wei considered Rafael''s suggestion and found it most agreeable. The last thing he needed was in-group conflict if one of Angeleous men suddenly entered the sanctuary again and beheld the scene unfolding before them. "Come on," Wei said, speaking to the broken Ser Angeleous. "Get up, old man. We''re going for a walk." A moment later, they stood beneath the shadows of a partially collapsed wall. A moon grave of war was where they chose to conduct their questioning, and propped against the cracked and aged surface, Angeleous stared up at Wei, his eyes glistening with tears, his hands shaking. From time to time, the once-diaphanous wings he once sported would manifest, and Wei would feel particulates of solidity trace through the air, as if he was trying to summon another wall of concrete. But Angeleous was beaten, and Angeleous was done. Without will, a man could not choose. And if a man could not choose, then he could not fight. "I have a few questions I would like you to answer," Wei began, trying to watch for any shifts within Ser Angeleous''s demeanor. So far, he was almost alike to the Knight of Lust. Broken, ruined. The only difference between them was that he hadn''t started begging for death. The old man''s lip pressed together, and for a moment, just a moment, Wei thought he was going to resist. But immediately thereafter, he gave a weak and broken reply. "I will tell you, I will tell you anything you ask." It wasn''t as if he could choose otherwise. The first question Wei inquired was a simple one. If he had an Inheritor as a contact, why hadn''t he called upon their aid when he was assailed by that Knight of Greed? When Wei found Angeleous and the rest of his men, they were on the verge of a last stand. But with such a powerful benefactor, that shouldn''t have been necessary. The answer, in the end, was more simple than Wei expected. "I hadn''t sworn myself to them yet. I didn''t want to," Sir Angeleous said. He bit his lip as the faintest hint of regret crawled across his expression. But it only lasted a moment, succumbing to become misery once more. "I was... I was delving through a rift. I was separated from my men briefly. It was... There were demons. I defeated them. Barely survived. But at the end there was a contract. A contract connected to the Circle of Pride." "Circle of Pride?" Wei asked, sounding surprised. He wasn''t sure how that would lead one to make a contract with the Inheritors instead, but he listened on. "When I took the contract, I was grievously injured, wanted to survive. I tried signing, needed any kind of help I could after skimming the pages, but the lines on the inside, the contents were altered. My submission went to the Inheritors instead." Wei paused at that, and a thoughtful expression fell over his face. Rafael shot a look at the young master. "Altering a contract of hell. This is a most grievous offense, here in the Claimed Hells." The lich clearly scheming himself. "Wei, I think we can use this to our advantage. The Circles Some acts are accepted between them. They are technically always in a state of war with each other. But they still belong to the same structure, and to have someone else subvert Mepheleons foundational legal bindings this cannot be forgiven." What Wei considered was along the same track, but he was thinking more about Mulver Groon, and the contract the Orc offered as well. Was his contract compromised too? Did the Circle of Pride know about this? "Do you still have your contract?" Wei asked, speaking to Ser Angeleous again. The man swallowed and nodded, and with a brief compression of space, a stack of pages spilled out before Wei''s feet. He picked it up, and immediately began suffering through the details. As he looked through the pages, even with his System translating the contents, he found himself utterly lost, confused as to what he was taking in. There was so much jargon and so many referenced items that he only got half of what he needed to from each sentence. Furthermore, most of the agreed items open for signature had the words "negotiable" and "dependent on interview" written above them over and over again. At the end of each page, Angelelouss name was burned within a circle of ciphers. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. Wei showed Rafael the ciphers, and the lich examined them carefully. For a few moments, only silence followed, then suddenly, the lich cried out and pointed his platonic scalpel at a specific sign. Here. "Here?" Wei asked, curious to what Rafael had just discovered. "There has been a modification made here. The reference circuits have been rerouted carefully. This change was clandestine. Whoever did it clearly didn''t want the Circle of Pride to know." Wei squinted, and even with Omniscience it was hard to tell. Thanks to his growing Enlightenment, though, it was getting easy to remember the symbology. "Very good. Very good. Angeleous. What happened after you signed each page.. "I was transported," Angeleous said. "I was taken to a place, a dark room. I was healed, fed. A strange man spoke to me. Strange man without a face. He wore silk very strange silk garments. And he asked me questions about where I was from. And if... if I had encountered you." "Me?" Wei said. He cocked his head and frowned. This fit what he''d experienced thus far. The Knight of Lust was clearly deployed specifically to eliminate him instead of his companions. For whatever reason, the Inheritors wanted his System. And they would stop at nothing to take it from him. "And what did you tell them?" Wei said, continuing on. "I told them. I... I told them everything." Sir Angeleous shook his head. "But I didn''t have enough. I don''t know you, boy, but I despise you. I loathe you. I loathe you for offending me. I loathe you for making a mockery of me. I loathe you for preventing my worship. For saving that blood-sucking fiend from rightful judgment." He finally lifted his head, and a twitch passed through his eye. "And I would have loathed you for what you''ve done to me. But I am... I am ruined. You have ruined me." And he slumped down, sobbing quietly. "So, did you make an agreement with them?" Rafael asked, this time instead of Wei. "Did you give yourself to them? Did they offer anything to you?" "No," he shook his head. "No, I simply... they gave me a means of communication through my chat. They showed me how to use it. I told them I did not want to follow another false faith that mine is the only one that was true, and they took no offense to it. They simply wanted to be," he paused as he struggled to find the words, "mutually beneficial parties for our causes were aligned. And furthermore, they would not give me anything unless I provided them with something tangible myself: aid towards your capture." And that explained why Ser Angeleous was in such dire straits. The encounter with another knight was merely his misfortune, and the Inheritors had no intention of showing their hand. However, that also meant another thing. There could be a great deal more sinners currently under their employ, and they might have already infested the newly restored Drowned Sky Sect. A dark mood began to build within the young master. It''s barely been a few days, and already he was dealing with snakes of his own. How did mother ever deal with this? No, wait, she didn''t really deal with it that much at all. She mostly relied on and his thoughts trailed off there. The memory of his father was like oil meeting fire within Wei''s gut, and immediately rage began to burn within him. Rage. They questioned Rafael further, trying to discover if any of his men were further compromised, or if it was just him. The old man responded each time, ensuring that his men were innocent, that they did not know the compact he agreed to, that they needed to be spared. In any other situation, Wei wouldn''t have believed him, but with his will broken, and with Rafael casting a working meant to peek at the truth within one''s mind, the certainty of Angeleous'' words were further cemented. "And you still have communication with him right now? Yes?" Wei asked. Sir Angeleous nodded. "He''s within my chat menu. I can message him at any time. I''ve been telling him about your progress, about how many are under your banner now, and how you intend to pass through the Hearted Realms." This was something Wei could use. False information was a double-sided sword. With all the Inheritors could bring to bear, Wei could ensure that they were in the wrong place, misled from the proper path. Such was another reason why he didn''t intend to kill Sir Angeleous anytime soon. The man had just gone from someone else''s spy to Wei''s pet snake, but he needed to consider what he wanted Sir Angeleous to do for him, how he could manipulate the Inheritors. There was still a great deal he didn''t know about the organization or how they performed, but there were several opportunities already ahead of him. The first was his contract. The modification it made would clearly displease the circles, if Rafael''s words proved true. With that, Wei also had a contract of his own, one offered by Mulver Groon, also a servant under the Circle of Pride, if Wei understood it to be correct. They clearly intended to recruit him, but perhaps Wei could establish a mutually beneficial relationship of his own. Additionally, he could attempt to ambush the Inheritor Sir Angeleous was in contact with. Wei managed to create a Liminal Boundary between him and his father briefly. During their chat, the young master hadn''t been able to replicate the action ever since. Perhaps it required a channel of essence that bound them, or a direct connection of some kind. But there was still much Wei hadn''t uncovered about his system. Perhaps hadn''t unlocked yet, considering how many more advancements lay ahead of him, how many more ascensions he still needed to pass. And then there was the question of how they were going to store Sir Angeleous in the meantime. The man was clearly traumatized, not nearly the person who he used to be. Simply giving him back to his men results in discord at the worst, and Wei had no intention of dealing with internecine strife. Morale was important for a sect, and he wouldn''t allow his name to be demeaned so. As he thought, his aspect of Enlightenment grew once more, and the young master looked to Rafael, considering a second opinion. He was approaching this problem alone. But that didnt need to be the case. He had a most experienced traitor of his own. Enlightenment Advanced > 21 [10/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension And just in time for another Core Ascension as well. "Rafael," Wei said. "You know how the Claimed Hells are structured, don''t you? You clearly have a great deal of knowledge about society here, about the Circles." "Aye," Rafael began, sounding a bit awkward. "I have done my research." It wasn''t that he trusted a lich, but with these passing days, he thought he was getting a better grasp of who the trespasser was. They were cowardly in a sense, but they cared about people. He was no snake, but rather cat-like, self-interested to an extent, with a conscience lingering in place, a mix of virtue and human flaw. How strange these traits were for a living skeleton. Wei summoned forth his Trespasser''s Compendium and handed it off to Rafael. As the lich hesitated, the young master thrust his book forward, encouraging Rafael to take it. "I''m not giving this to you. Consider it a loan. But if you wish to use it to further your own desires you may. On a single condition." "Yes," Rafael said, sounding wary and hopeful at the same time. "I wish to be with you when you do this research. I wish for you to explain to me what you are seeking, what you are trying to discover. I want to learn how you think." The words left Wei''s mouth, and he found himself surprised by what he just said. A mere month ago he wouldn''t have cared at all about what anyone else thought. There were only so few people that mattered in the world to him. But now he was growing curious, his advancing mind demanding more knowledge, more perspective. "I yes, of course, of course," Rafael agreed almost instantly. A sudden laugh burst out from the lich. "You will not regret this. There are a great many things we can be able to do together. In fact, the Trespasser''s Lodge, they desperately need new help" "I am not going to sell my sect or myself to another power, Rafael," Wei said, cutting the lich off before he could get too excited. "However, we are not against a little" he shot a look at Ser Angeleous, "mutual benefit of my own. If we can get the Circles or this Lodge of yours to resolve the Inheritors on our behalf, well then, I wouldn''t begrudge such an action." Rafael simply nodded vigorously. "Of course, of course." And before they continued, Wei took a leap of faith, summoned a contract of his own. He held that out before the lich, and he showed them the front page. "What is this?" Rafael said. "A contract," Wei replied. "One offered by a Knight of Pride, after he willingly killed himself to sate the conditions of my Class Divergence." Rafael went still and looked up at Wei. "Did you" No. Not yet. But I think we have room for negotiation now, dont you. Quite so! Quite so! Good. See if the ciphers inside the document are correct. I dont want to be diverted to the Inheritors. We have much to do. Of course! But what do you wish to do. If it is truly a contract leading you to the Lords of Pride? Wei pressed his lips together as he suppressed a smile. "Well. Someone should inform them about the hostile actions being taken against them. Perhaps the Drowned Sky Sect might be of service. 70 Mutual Benefit (II) Now, now, don''t call it a den of vice and savagery. Call it a house of entrepreneurial spirit and mutual competitiveness. The way I see it, my Circles are not structured against each other as opposition, but as mutually encouraging competitors. Why, Lust should worry about how well Pride is performing, and vice versa. Vice encourages everyone to develop, and it also engenders other good habits, like paranoia and diplomacy. Ultimately, I am not unearthing anything that wasn''t already there within the human heart, or any being''s heart for that matter. We all desire to be more, we all yearn, we all want, we all hunger, lust, and covet. So why not let it be expressed, and why not let these vices be expressed against each other? We all know what we call a mutually supporting cave-in. Two stacks of rock that were meant to collapse, but now lean against each other, preventing a final crumble. That, my dear, is a ceiling, and a ceiling makes a house. -Mepheleon the Harbinger 70 Mutual Benefit (II) Refining Source >>>Source Refined: [160/160] Lumens Source Core Ascended > Lv. 17 >[0/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension >>[8/20] Core Ascensions to [Gate] 2 System Ascension >>>Source: [170/170] Lumens Reviewing encounter Masteries Demonstrated >Meditation (II) 84% >Unarmed Combat (II) 76% >Spearmanship (II) 87% >Thrown Weapons (II) 35% >Tactics 100% >Rapier 0% Mastery/Aspect Junction Node Detected >Omniscience/Enlightenment/Tactics: Outsight Allows the host to assume another individuals perspective. The other individual must be within the hosts (Omniscience) and have a lower Aspect of (Enlightenment) compared to the host. Mastery Node Capacity [8/10] >Proximal Acceleration >Form of the Manticore >Form of the Resonant >Lesser Hollow Mind >Lesser Manifestation >Vector Chain >Lesser Cast Possession >Mark of Enmity >Outsight Sourcery Advancements [2] Available! Select [1] Source Eruption > [Initiate Concept Ascension?] Source Magnification > Source Propagation [Requires 10 Sourcery Advancements (Currently at 5)] Aspect Infusion > Aspect Expansion [2 Sourcery Points] The user can construct an Aspect Catalyst based on any of their current Aspects and infuse it into another being or object. Multiple Aspect Catalysts can be constructed. Each Aspect Catalysts will reduce the hosts total Source by 20%. The infused Aspect will now infuse the hosts ascended Aspects into their chosen target. Should the targeted entity be a System or Class entity, the users Aspect can be added to or subtracted from the sum of the targets corresponding Aspect. Should the users Aspect reduce the targets Aspect to nil, the target will be unable to affect the world with their corresponding Aspect. Liminal Bridge > Liminal Tunnel [Requires 25 Sourcery Advancements (Currently at 5) Aspect Expansion [2 Sourcery Points] The user can construct an Aspect Catalyst based on any of their current Aspects and infuse it into another being or object. Multiple Aspect Catalysts can be constructed. Each Aspect Catalysts will reduce the hosts total Source by 20%. The infused Aspect will now infuse the hosts ascended Aspects into their chosen target. Should the targeted entity be a System or Class entity, the users Aspect can be added to or subtracted from the sum of the targets corresponding Aspect. Should the users Aspect reduce the targets Aspect to nil, the target will be unable to affect the world with their corresponding Aspect. Sourcery Advancements [0] Available! Wei was slowly beginning to grasp what shaped his Masteries. Previously, he thought there was a sense of randomness to what Masteries he obtained and their specific functions. But now, after the Concept Cores he obtained and his experiences using Intent to shape Skills and Titles, he realized his System was probably providing him with desired tools made to overcome specific tribulations. And just in time, as well. He had wanted to learn from Rafael''s perspective, to see how the lich approached problems. The young master expected to be able to gain some insight by shadowing the lich, acting as a sort of apprentice to someone he all but held prisoner. Yet, as he went through his System notifications, his newest Mastery surprised him. Outsight was at once a useful tool for tracking his foes, but also something he could use to study his disciples. His Tactics were at 100%. And the new junction node saw Omniscience, Enlightenment, and Tactics aligned. Instead of requiring a devotion of time and effort on his part, he could now inhabit anothers perspective. With the arrival of this Mastery, he felt a strange layering fold through his perception, and other individuals within his vicinity, including demons, suddenly became as if access points for him to infuse his attention. All it took was for him to concentrate on a specific individual within his Omniscience before his perception would burrow into them. From there, his mind rang as if slamming through a hardened surface, and as his Enlightenment was matched with the individuals Mind, his superior Aspect would see him punch through. As his perception settled behind a demons, Wei felt as if he gained another set of eyes within his minds eye. More than just visuals, though, he found himself able to tap into other senses, and beheld the world exactly as a demon would. The Demon of Wrath he used Outsight on could perceive the world only through a lens of black and white, but its olfactory senses were incredible. Somehow, the wriggling tendrils piloting a body were sensitive to smell. However, they were entirely incapable of hearing sounds and could only sense vibrations passing through the air. Beyond just senses, he also gained a sort of instinct a feeling of what the demons thought processes were. It was currently 200 meters away from him, trying to flee from the crushing essence it sensed. Crushing essence that emanated from Wei. There was another thing he needed to figure out how to suppress. With how much essence he was giving off, it was hard to keep himself better hidden. With a thought, the young master extracted himself from the demon. As Rafael continued looking through the contract, Wei tested his Outsight on Angeleous, and immediately felt his guts coil in sympathetic despair. The old man''s eyes were bloodshot, ridden with tears, and there was always a perpetual absence within him. Wei stopped peering through his eyes a few moments later, remaining unshaken from the ordeal solely because of his Willpower. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Finally, he turned his focus on the lich and as he tried tunneling into Rafaels mind, he found himself experiencing greater difficulty than ever before. It too little effort on Weis part to realize it was because Rafaels Aspect of Mind was far higher than that of Angeleous or the demon, and immediately, Wei placed ten free advancement points from his class into Enlightenment to bolster himself. [Knight] Class: Dominator Lv. 25 >Specialization: Cataclyms Herald Lv. 25 Scorn: [3400/3400] Allocatable Points [20] Enlightenment 270 > 280 It was as if lubrication was applied to Weis thoughts. Immediately, he slipped through the paltry resistance Rafaels Mind possessed, and a new perspective lit the world. The lichs sight was far better than Weis ownignoring Omniscience. Rafael was capable of seeing the world across several visual spectrums, with heat, wavelengths of some fashion, and normal human sight all active at once. More, the lichs hearing was also absurdly augmented, and provided indicators what sound came from where. What was most surprising to Wei was how Rafael could behold the world as a collection of ciphers; breaking reality down to its component details. For a few minutes, Wei just studied the world through Rafaels eyes, and both his Omniscience and Enlightenment advanced. It truly meant much for wisdom when you could see from anothers point of view. Enlightenment Advanced > 22 Omniscience Advanced > 27 [2/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Finally, the lich caught Weis staring, and looked around awkwardly. Yes? Is do you sense something? The young master pressed his lips together and kept his new Mastery to himself. No. In fact, things are going quite well. How goes your examination of the contract? Ah. That. Well, its intricately prepared, and I have not detected any hint of sabotage or adjustment. I do not believe you will see yourself stolen away by the Inheritors should you offer your signature. But But it will still see me placed before the Circle of Pride, Wei said. Yes. Wei, I must confess, this contract they have offered you, it is a substantial one." The lich immediately strode up next to Wei, and along with him, a floating hand came bearing the trespassers'' compendium as well, with new pages being torn free from within with each passing second. "Look at this," Raphael said, pointing his Platonic Scalpel at a specific section of the contract. Wei had skimmed through the details before and generally knew what the Circle of Pride was offering him. He was going to be accepted as a Knight, and he was to be offered equities and investitures of a sort. He wasn''t fully sure about some of these legal terms, but it sounded like tithes offered from a peasant to a lord. As he followed the lich''s Platonic Scalpel to a specific sentence, he read it out loud: "Essence shares dependent on interview; Recruit operating as commissioned agent with negotiable performance percentages. Wei didn''t fully understand what he was reading, but Rafael clearly did. "These terms are extremely favorable to you. Most sinners who are captured by knights and forced into bad contracts usually face things describing how many years of servitude they have to endure before they can pursue a legal strategy to extricate themselves. They also often have to reach a certain quota of sins every month, per their conditional performance metrics, so they are not penalized in some fashion or another." "My contract isn''t as predatory?" Wei asked with a quirking eyebrow. "Your contract is spectacular," Rafael said. "This is something that would be offered to a high-performing Marquis. Wei, you are not being recruited; you are being courted. We can assume that the Circle of Pride intends to greet you not as a poor, unfortunate, captured victim, but as an asset with great developmental potential." Instead of filling Wei with excitement or flattery, the young master only grew ever more paranoid. He knew Mulver Groon and suspected him of having greater power beyond his Class, but he had done everything he could to hide the presence of his System from the orc. Perhaps they could have known. Perhaps they had a guess. But if that was true, then what could Wei do about it now? Furthermore, something didn''t feel right about this assumption. If they knew he had a Keter-System, why would they be so passive? "Wei," Raphael began, speaking awkwardly, "I Then if you sign this, if you decide to meet with the Circle of Pride, they will offer you incredible benefits. They will possibly grant you boons unlike any other. But for your own sake, I beg of you, do not sign your life over to them." This came as a surprise. Wei hadnt expected to sense genuine caring from the lich. Not after what the young master did to him. "They might give you unbelievable power, many treasures, and great benefits, but you will be tying your fate to theirs, and you will always belong to another''s will. I have done this before. The power to choose your own fate is greater than any gold. The lich spoke from experience, and Wei sensed a deep sense of regret spilling over from his Outsight. Again, it wasn''t quite like mind reading, but there was a faint impression that he received with every passing moment he spent within the lich''s perspective. "Worry not," Wei said, replying to Rafeals uncertainty. "I will not see myself degraded before the mongrel lords of this realm. The Drowned Sky Sect will belong to me and me alone. Trust my arrogance, if nothing else. A chuckle escaped Rafael after a beat. And Wei smirked as well. An interruption came from Angeleous as he jolted up. "I have a reply," he said, staring directly at Wei with his vacant eyes. A few hours ago, when they began their preparations, they had Sir Angeleous send a few messages over to his Inheritor contact. The contact was listed only under the moniker "benefactor" within the old man''s chat menu. Formulating a plan to gauge the Inheritors deployed forces, Wei had Angeleous take on the role of a worried leader. The old man asked about what forces would be deployed to see about Weis elimination, and how Angeleous and his men would be kept safe during the ambush in the Hearted Realm. The contact didnt reply immediately, and Wei and Rafael moved on to handling other preparations as they waited. Now, however, they managed to get exactly what they wanted. Benefactor: Do not worry. We have more than sufficient force potential to handle the threat. An Agent above Lv.100 will be deployed alongside Knight-Tier assets to see ensure the success of this operation. Simply follow our instructions when the time comes, and we will ensure your safety." "100. Thats beyond Knight in Class Tier," Rafael sighed. Yes, Wei replied, realizing the threat arrayed against him. He still remembered the Riftblade. He hadn''t perceived the demon''s level during his Class Specialization challenge, and though he was far more powerful than he had been back then, he still doubted he could contend with the demon as he was now. His death had come instant, without any chance of victory. He had to assume that the Inheritors possessed someone at least of that magnitude. But it also presents a considerable risk on their part, Rafael said. Knights can be deployed quite quietly across the Moongraves. But Class Tiers about that makes you easy to track. By other Circles. And Mepheleon. I think the Inheritors are desperate. Desperate to stop you from reaching the end of the Tower. Desperate enough to risk offending one of the Circles, Wei added. Rafael. Hand me the contract. I think it is time I introduce myself to them. With some reluctance, the lich handled over the contract, and the young master looked through the pages. All it needs to transfer me to my interview is a signature, correct? Yes. But Wei Dont worry. I will not betray myself. Or you for that matter. Wei paused. And I give you explicit permission to contact the Trespassers Lodge, if that is your desire. Rafael just stared at Wei for a moment. I truly? You would trust me with your Compendium. This is not trust. This is judgement. I am growing to know you, Rafael. I thought you a snake once. I was wrong. You are not even a coward. But you will see me sacrificed to achieve your desired outcome if need be. An uncomfortable silence followed. Wei broke it. You will not betray to the Inheritors. Of this, I am sure. And with what we have learned, the Lodge is against them, making them a potential ally as well. Reach them if you can. Our goals are aligned here. If we can ensure aid from both the Circle of Pride and the Lodge, then we might just be able to turn this supposed ambush in on itself. Slowly, Rafael nodded. I When I left you in the sanctuary. When we were attacked. It was I hated myself for it. But I believed I was doing the right thing. There are people that need me. There is help I need to bring back to my world. I would do such a thing again. And I would suffer my self loathing again a thousand times. This is who I am. I will not lie about this. I know, Wei said. You are an enigma to me, Rafael. But I am beginning to understand. He grinned. And if your obvious betrayal next time sees me dead, then may I be damned to the lowest pit for my weakness. Once more, the lich was wordless. Well, then, Wei pulled out his own Platonic Scalpel and looked over the ciphers surrounding the signature line for his contract. With a few flicks of the instrument, his name lined the bottom of the page, and the young master waited. And waited. Another moment of nothing happening made him turn to Rafael. Are you sure this The world around Wei suddenly vanished as he found himself drowned in a place of blinding brightness. 71 Mutual Benefit (III) And that was my greatest success and greatest mistake Thinking I hit the jackpot with this kid; thinking I could control him -The Old Man, Count of Pride 71 Mutual Benefit (III) Well, well, well, as I live and burn, Young Master Wei, is it? Mulver warned me that you might be checking in soon, let me take a good look at you. Wei''s senses slowly began to return to him as he found himself consumed within a realm of blinding light. More than the overwhelming brightness, however, was the crushing essence rolling over him. The young master barely managed to stifle a grunt. As he shifted in place, it felt like he was sitting on the plushest sheet he''d ever known. But the relief he felt was nullified as the weight of a mountain pressed down on his spirit. He only realized someone was speaking to him after the fact. And just then, a System notification expanded before his very eyes: Scry attempt resisted by Aspect of (Intent) That sobered the young master up completely. In an instant, everything returned to himhow he''d signed the contract, wondering why he still remained in the Moongrave, unclaimed. Then, all of a sudden, he was teleported and placed here Wherever "here" was. Wei chided himself for not placing down a Liminal Anchor. That esoteric Sourcery would have cost him a substantial amount of Source, but it was perfect for situations such as this. Or so Wei assumed. Considering the sheer power arrayed against him right now, he might have just dipped himself in salt and entered a lions den. Hmm, quite the Aspect of Will you have. Incredible, really. I can''t even get a glimpse of its actual value. Your spirit must be stronger than most Counts I know. But that''s not much of a compliment, I suppose. The brightness blinding Wei dimmed, and his Omniscience, once overwhelmed by the searing resplendence, glimpsed the true shape of his surroundings. The young master found himself seated on a large, opulent throne carved from gold and decorated with intricate patterns of enamel, sticking to the theme of serpents and demons. A portrait of snakes erupting from men, burrowing into other men, then hatching as men again from desiccated bodies Mepheleon really, really liked bloody snakes, it seemed. The throne itself rested on a pristine white dais, barely a hundred meters wide, and beyond there, there was but a dark veil. But it wasnt true darkness. It was like a tangible substance shifting through the air. Wei strained his Omniscience, but peering into the black was getting to give him a headache. A small star burned above the young master. He felt the powers of fire, heat, and light emanating from the orb and knew it to be a puissant Skill. Then, without warning, another star burst into being a mere two hundred meters away from. It was like a lantern suddenly igniting, casting a cone-shaped glow down upon another dais, another throne, another person in grand theater of darkness. There, on the other dais, sat an Old Man clad in intricate armor. But captured Weis attention were the Old Mans eyes, gleaming like cold blue gems within wrinkled hollows. It was hard to gauge the mans age. His skin was pale and withered, while his hair drifted in wisps, but his bones looked strong and his teeth remained pearly bright. The armor he wore consisted of a mixed alloy, his chest plate being that of gleaming gold, while his left arm burned with a white-hot flame while his right emitted a dark aura from between the crenelations of his plates. His pauldrons were shaped like torches, with pale and dark flames rising in accordance to the corresponding limb. The Old Man: Count of Pride Lv. ??? Wei couldnt perceive this man''s level. He thought back to the Riftblade, and a brief pulse of anxiety passed through the young master. He was likely facing a threat he couldn''t overcome with force alone. But seeing how he hadn''t been snuffed out yet, the Old Man clearly wanted to talk and had no ill intentions. The young master''s paranoia was slightly assuaged, at least for now. Bringing fist and palm together, Wei stood from his throne and offered a customary greeting. Young Master Wei, Patriarch of the Drowned Sky Sect greets you, oh esteemed elder. He did his best to keep his voice dry of apprehension. But as the Old Man threw his head back and simply chuckled, Wei couldn''t hide a twitching sneer that passed across his face. He hated being laughed at, especially by these demonic bastards. Headstrong and polite, my, my, what a delicious combination you are, boy. So, tell me, have you read through the contract, or did you just sign in a moment of desperation? Wei considered the Old Man''s question. The Count was clearly trying to probe him for information, unable to pierce his mind. They were using direct means of manipulation instead, trying to get him to betray himself. Hardly, Wei laughed, putting on a show of his own. If the Old Man desired theater, he would play with them. I think it would be an insult to you and me if I came crawling, unable to defend my own life, my own disciples and property. No, the Old Man replied, shaking his head casually. I find it best not to judge. The Claimed Hells It''s a difficult place. Why, I remember my own crawl up the Moongraves like it was yesterday. I barely made it. I was terrified then. Oh, I begged and swore and prayed to every god I could think of. But in the end, it was just fortune that saved me. Fortune and a little bit of Arrogance. The Old Man''s grin grew wider. But you''re not so arrogant, are you, boy? I heard Mulver say that you''re more the Scornful type. Tell me, did his suicide suit the needs of your Class Divergence? Most assuredly, Wei answered. Good, good, the Old Man nodded. Please convey my thanks to the Knight. Wei added, It was only thanks to his efforts that... No, no, no, the Old Man replied. His efforts failed him. But that is for the best. Otherwise, we might have missed out on a promising new recruit. Which is what I''m assuming you''re here forto participate in the interview and see yourself become part of something greater. The Old Man smirked, And also to guarantee a certain level of insurance while you''re passing through the Hearted Realm. Not quite so, Wei replied. And in an instant, the Old Man''s expression went from joyful to curious. The shadows around his eyes only grew, but the piercing blue remained, and pauldron-torches burned with new intensity. Oh, do go on. You shouldn''t keep an old man in suspense. Time is not our ally. I did not come here today to beg of you favors, or ask you for a stay of execution, Wei said. He clasped his hand behind himself as he projected as much confidence as he could. This is not about what you can do for me, but rather what I can do for you. What you can do for me? The Old Man''s voice was bordering on incredulity. The audacity, the boldness, I like it. I like it a lot. He nodded slowly, reached up, flicked the flames of his left shoulder. An entire section of the world burned as a tide of devouring white ignited an expanse as wide as a mountain. At once, Wei felt the heat, felt sheer destructive potential within those flames. Simply bearing witness was infusing his Concept Core of Destruction with more investiture. Go on, go on. Do you know that the Inheritors have hijacked some of your contracts? The Old Man went still. His eyes didn''t blink at all. That is quite the accusation, boy. It is not an accusation, Wei replied. It is a fact. I have an witness. Oh, do you now? The Old Man leaned in, and the small suns above both them grew even brighter. Wei felt the searing sensation burrow down upon his skin, and the young master''s Fortification triggered, slowly adapting to the Count''s Skill. But Wei was under no pretense that he could resist annhilation should the Count will it. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Well then, illuminate me on this situation. I would like to hear all about how those Trespasser bastards have broken the blackest laws of the Claimed Hells. And so, Wei gave his recounting, elaborating about Ser Angeleouss role in the whole thing while neglecting to mention anything about his System. There was a risk here, one that could see him exposed. Considering the Inheritors held back such information, the Circles seemed relatively ignorant. The young master was happy to skirt between the lines. I see. So, they''re using our contracts and intercepting our potential recruits to further their own means. What an outrage. Quite so, Wei concurred. He played up his sympathy as he shook his head. I see that there is a way about doing things here, an order. And being individuals of power and structure, I assumed those who govern this order would like to see it enforced. As I am intending to become a part of these Claimed Hells, I wish to know if these laws are laws or merely predilections for the strong to follow and the meek to suffer. Predilections, the Old Man grunted. Quite the apt word. They''re only predilections for one man, I supposeMepheleon, the Harbinger. But our esteemed master is currently indisposed, Wei finished on the Count''s behalf. The Old Man narrowed his eyes. Please don''t interrupt, boy. You''re charming, but I''ve known of many charming boys. A sudden spike in temperature and luminous intensity made Wei begrudgingly bow his head. Of course, I overstepped, Elder. My apologies. Apology accepted, the Old Man said, and immediately the discomfort pervading this realm vanished, replaced by a soothing balm as sun turned to moon and heat turned to pleasant coolness. The torch rising from the Old Mans left shoulder dimmed, while the black flames of his right climbed higher. No longer were things all that hot. Instead, they were getting unbearably cold. Wei continued, doing his best to ignore the discomfort. The old bastard was clearly playing mind games. As the Inheritors are harassing and hunting those I consider under my charge, I have taken offense and they have furthermore offended you. I intend to do something about this. I intend to turn their ambush in on itself as I pass through the Hearted Realm. An exact, righteous recompense for the offense I have suffered. And you want us to be part of this little revenge tour? The Count grinned. Why, boy, this interview was supposed to be for you. When this simulacrum of mine returns to the actual Count, he''s going to double over laughing. Simulacrum? Wei couldn''t help himself. He had to ask. Oh, do you think I was going to meet with you personally? No, no, you misunderstand. I am a very busy man. I am not the Old Man. I am not a Count of Pride. I am merely a shadow, a thin sliver of the Counts essence imbued with temporary consciousness, cast out like a crawling wave and destined to crash back into my original progenitor. Soon he will know all I know. Wei stared on as he considered the implications of that. He was talking to an echo? Nothing more than a fraction of the mans true power? Just how potent was the actual Counts? The power this this clone projected was greater than almost anything Wei had seen thus far. Aside from the Harbinger themselves. Oh, don''t be like that, my son. Close your mouth. Still, consider this a great honor. Most do not even get a clone. They would have to deal with a marquise under me. Besides, if I weren''t a simulacrum, my twin suns would have seen you incinerated. You''re powerful for a Knight, but alas, what is the difference between a bug and a boot? And with that, Wei''s mood soured. He thought himself so powerful, capable of resisting the might of another two Class Ascensions above. Come to find out, he was dealing with someone that was a fraction of a fraction of what a true Count was capable of. It was still quite a climb Wei had to surmount. Please confer my appreciation to your original self. Oh, I most certainly will. Now, no need to be so formal, Wei. Everything I say, the Old Man himself would have said. So, what is the rest of your little pitch? I want to see if we can establish a mutually beneficial relationship. The Inheritors have offended you. They have made their attempts on me. And so, perhaps we can form a foundation of cooperation atop the corpses of common enemies. I like your words. Keep going. As I intend to face the Inheritors in the Hearted Realm, I would ask that the Circle of Pride dispatch champions of their own to partake at this moment of just retribution. Oh, so you''re casting this as a joint venture? The Old Man threw his head back and laughed gleefully. And here, I was wondering what you were doing. You bold, arrogant little prick. And here I was trying to figure out your angle. You''re using us to murder someone you don''t like. Someone we don''t like, Wei said, trying to match the Old Man''s mood. Honestly, he couldn''t quite tell if he was actually amusing the old fool or if he was about to be turned to cinders by the pulsating sphere of fire that oscillated between blindingly bright and bleakly dark. Yes, yes, you are right. We. We indeed, the Old Man sank back against his throne. They did alter our contracts, didn''t they? And they did steal recruits from us. And I do have a few people to spare So, the Old Man''s eyes were locked on Wei, and he met them without difficulty. By now, he knew he was talking to something that was little more than an effigy. But even this effigy could reduce him to nothingness. But brief though this conversation was, the young master thought he had a measure of his adversary. They were both beasts of Pride, and to falter now would be to show his throat. The Old Man would certainly bite then. So, Wei had to be bold. So, let us make their ambush our own, Wei said. I ask that you lend me whatever forces you can preferably a Marquise to counter the greatest of the Inheritors.Though I would relish the opportunity to test myself in the claiming of their life, I am arrogant, and not delusional. True, true, the Old Man nodded. But let''s get ahead of ourselves for a moment. If we do this, if we do ambush these Inheritors in the Hearted Realm, in the very origin of all Gluttony, how are we to divide our spoils? The question of greed is a most pressing one, and I think its wise to assume our victory all bue assured. Wei considered the question for a moment, and a grin slowly materialized on his face. Easily, he replied. You may take all their valuables, their artifacts, their treasures. You may take even their survivors as prisoners or slaves. My desire is more fundamental. I seek the death of those who wanted to engineer mine. This is a matter of business for you, if I am not mistaken. But it is a matter of pride for me. I wish to send a message, and their deaths will prove the greatest statement of all. And with that, he glimpsed a look of pleasure on the Old Man''s face, and knew he had the Count of Pride hooked. You know something, kid? You''re wrong. We are a little greedy, but that''s not our foundational sin. It''s a matter of pride for us, too. But I''ll take your deal. Hell, I''m proud to take your deal. After all, it''s not every day that a potential Knight of the Circle of Pride ducks themselves through an act of offered service. This kind of proactive thinking, it''s a rare thing indeed. Let us not assume anything before conditions are finalized, Wei replied, hiding his discomfort with a smirk. It was clear the Old Man was trying to corner him, bring him into the Circle of Pride. For now, let us see what I can do for you. Other business should be settled after I arrive in the Claimed Hells. I would like to offer my personal thanks that this endeavor of ours proves successful. Personal thanks? The Count chuckled. Oh, Mepheleons gonna love you if he hasn''t already noticed you. The Old Man looked Wei up and down and waved a hand. Fine, seeing as Mulver got you on a radarC Wei frowned. What? It''s aagh, its a Trespasser thing. Youll learn. Anyway, seeing as Mulver got you into this, I''m going to be putting him back in touch with you. Consider him your official liaison on this matter. Ill leave our little ambush between you two. Ill also have him prepare something special just for the Inheritors. Something special? Wei asked. Oh, it''ll be a surprise, the Old Man said. You''ll see. Wei didn''t quite like surprises, but he didn''t feel like arguing with the Count any further would net him any gains. The Old Man clearly wanted to keep this item close to their chest. Unlike the Inheritors, I intend to play by the rules. We will not be dispatching any Marquises into the domain of the Black Tower. That black mark will be the Inheritors to bear alone once the Harbinger returns. But that doesn''t mean we won''t have means of castrating someone who really shouldn''t be there. Do you know that being too powerful is a curse? And that sometimes, you dont want to leak so much Essence? The Old Man snorted and waved a dismissive hand. When you return to where you came, the conditions of your contract will be updated. New pages should be added. Sign it again once you wish to speak with Mulver. Itll bring him back over to you. Wei let out a breath that he didn''t even know he was holding. A thousand thanks, esteemed elder. Ah! the Old Man said, standing up. I''m not done yet. For bringing this matter to attend our attention, I think you deserve something special. After all, a token of appreciation on your part should not be met by a cold shoulder on ours. Let it never be said that the Circle of Pride was stingy. And then, from the flaming sun glistening over Wei''s head, an object fell, slamming down right next to the young master. As it crashed against the ground, Wei''s Omniscience felt the power radiating from it first. Clashing sets of essences spilled free from the artifact. Wei felt fire, felt shadow, felt stone, felt metal. As he studied the artifact, he saw that it was a suit of armor. Plates of black were separated by golden bones, a skeleton overlaid upon slabs of interconnected obsidian. From its back flapped a cape composed of fire. With each passing second, Wei felt a crushing strength emanating within its shell. I see what you''re wearing right now, boy. And I gotta be honest it''s garbage. You look like dogshit, son. If we''re gonna be working together, I can''t have you sporting that kind of trash next to my guys. We have a reputation to keep here. Consider this, uh, an early installment. And suddenly, Wei found that he was, in fact, not devoid of the sin of greed. And working closely with the Circle of Pride suddenly became much more appealing. 72 More Mountains to Climb The sheer extent of Williams fuck-up didnt fully sink in till I looked into the boys eyes. First time I met him, I just spent a few minutes taking him in, reading all that hate leaking out from him. I saw that expression before. I knew that stare. I saw that stare in Kandahar, in Afghanistan, in the eyes of the boys who were willing to blow themselves up if it just meant taking another son of a bitch with them. I knew that stare. And this onethe Realmbreaker, his stare was worse than all of theirs. He wasn''t It''s one thing to be okay with giving your own life to take another. But this kid had no intention of dying. No. He had the look of someone who didnt believe he even could die. And so, he was going to make his pain the rest of the Fathoms problem, and so the universe was gonna burn -John Bishop 72 More Mountains to Climb Bones of Spiteful Flame: A set of armor created from the blackest forges of the Circle of Pride, fusing hellish obsidian around the skeleton of a hateful warrior whose loathsome wrath lingers past the point of death. Triggers Blastbacks of Fire Essence from where the wearer is struck. Increases wearers durability. Allows wearer to direct Fire essence within a 10 meter distance. +10 Strength; +20 Constitution; +10 Will Wei was already impressed by the retaliatory measures infused within the armor, but the stat increases were on another level altogether. Looking down at his current golden curiass, the young master couldn''t help but wrinkle his nose in disgust. Why had Mepheleon restricted him from claiming actual treasures? Why was the storefront of these Moongraves so paltry, so scant? "Once again, I offer you my greatest thanks," Wei said. This time he didn''t really need to fake the gratitude. The feeling was altogether genuine. "Course, of course," the Old Man said, chuckling as he leaned back in his throne. "Anyway, you best take that with you when you leave. Try it on, it''s just a little taste of what you can get if you''re actually represented by a force that matters." Wei did his best to hide his offense. A force that mattered? As if the young master intended to subjugate himself beneath the will of another. The Drowned Sky Sect was going to be a force that mattered. He was going to be a force that defied all odds, all foes who stood before him. Wei hid his scorn with a smile as he swore to himself that someday, someday soon, he would see himself surpass the Old Man''s power. Where the Counts twin suns were overwhelming at present, Wei would see them extinguished as if candles when he rose to a Count himself. But for now, he was more than willing to claim his rightful reward. Taking the armor into his inventory, he once again offered a cultivators salute to the Old Man. "All right, we''ve prattled enough. Brief as this was, I quite enjoyed our conversation, son. Be sure not to keep Mulver waiting. I want to hear all about how we butchered and bled those Inheritor bastards when this is all good and done. And there''ll be a drink waiting for you once you pass into Preceptor''s Descent. Stay proud and stay alive. I have a good feeling about us. "Indeed," Wei replied. "I''m looking forward to our continued cooperation. Cooperation, the Old Man snorted. Youre adorable, boy. He waved a hand, and suddenly, without any preamble, the sun Wei expanded, swallowing the young master in a swell of blossoming radiance. And as the light faded, he found himself back in the Moongrave right before Rafael again. "...but there shouldn''t be any problems with the contract," the lich finished saying. Rafael was right next to him, looking through the contracts before suddenly jumping back in shock. Agh. Wei, Iyou Wei blinked as dappled dots of disorientation vanished from his vision. Once more, his Omniscience was flooded with excruciating detail. But as his Enlightenment slowly grew, his headache wasn''t so painful compared to before. "How long have I been gone?" Wei asked, speaking to Rafael. The lich stared at him, looking surprised. "A second? Two. You just vanished. And then returned. Wei clenched his jaw as he considered the implications of Rafael''s statement. Mepheleon already demonstrated his control over time. Perhaps the Counts also possessed skills geared towards chronomancy, albeit to a lesser degree. All these possibilities tempered the young master''s resolve. With his Class Tier Ascension and the growing power infusing his system, he felt as if he had surmounted a tall mountain in a single day, only to discover even greater promontories looming ahead. But just as well, this was the path of cultivationto climb, to surpass, to ascend in defiance of torment and tribulation. Wei still have a long way to go, but with difficulty came thrill and promised satisfaction. "I already had my interview," Wei said, shaking his head. "I was transported a moment after I signed that contract. I''ve already spoken to a Count of Pride." "I how long?" Rafael said, sounding baffled. Nearly an hour, I think. The lich just stared on. This power did not originate in the ciphers. They they were only meant to extract you from this place. A spiraling set of arrays condensed around Wei as he felt pulsating wavelengths splash over him. "Perhaps chronomancy" "It is the will of the power currently beyond ours," Wei said, reaching out to grip the lich along his shoulder. "We will discover these intricacies with time. Right now," he pulled his new Bones of Spiteful Flame out of his Inventory and contemptuously pried the garbage he was currently wearing as armor off from his body. "Right now, we prepare for more immediate concerns. See about the Lodge. We have work to do. *** A wicked talon slammed hard into Wei''s back. The young master stifled a grunt of discomfort as a jet of black flame erupted outward from the point of impact, shearing through the limb that delivered the blow. The last insectoid demon wailed in agony, reeling back as its right forelimb bounced, splashing into the fetid swamp below. Fortification Advanced > 24 Enlightenment Advanced > 23 [8/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension // [Knight] Class: Dominator Lv. 30 >Specialization: Cataclyms Herald Lv. 30 Scorn: [3400/3400] Allocatable Points [50] Strength 422 Speed 334 Enlightenment 295 Awareness 354 Constitution 243 Will 380 Wei let out a sigh as he observed the mass of bodies scattered around him. Though his aspects of Authority and Relativity had slowed, he still had the opportunity to train his lesser capabilities that he''d long neglected. His Class had also leveled a few times, though he kept his current free points in reserve in case any of his Aspects needed a boost down the line. The gulf between his Class and System advancements were growing, and it seemed like his Eidolon was going to outpace his System for as long as he remained without true struggle. And so he set about multitasking, reading through the Compendium and learning new things about the Claimed Hells and Fathoms beyond while allowing lesser demons to strike at his person. This way he, tempered his toughness while learning as well. The Old Man hadn''t lied. The armor was spectacular, especially its automatic retaliation properties. Furthermore, the flames that composed the cape could be wielded as a weapon as well, lashing out for ten meters before it lost Essence condensation. He slashed through a few demons with it, but it was a feeble weapon compared to his Broken Crescent. Still, more options were good. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Foes beneath Knight-Tier were of no threat to him anymore, regardless of if he allowed them free reign during their offense. His time in these Moongraves were growing short, and with each passing hour he stayed, his desire to finish his climb on grew. New pages had been added to his contract as well, with a new line to sign when he wanted to contact Mulver. However, he decided to put that off until Rafael finally contacted the Lodge to see what they could offer the Sect. Another thing he discovered was how his Fortification grew more potent with every attack, adapting to specific Skills and effects. But he discovered that its greatest weakness was when diverse sets of attacks impacted him, the Aspects resistant properties would reset. If someone struck him repeatedly with a hammer, he would grow more blunt-resistant. But if an enemy cut him between instances of percussive blows, the building adaptation of his Fortification would be reset constantly, unable to build to a meaningful level of durability. The young master wondered what the next System Ascension would provide to his Aspects. Perhaps there was even a Skill he could create on the basis of his Fortification. In that regard, his progress had been slower. The Concept Cores required a substantial amount of theorizing and investiture to compose something worth using. Minor Skills were easy to make, but Wei had no desire to sacrifice more memories making sub-par Titles or Skills. Especially with the Hearted Realm looming on the horizon. Rafael -> Wei: "Wei, it''s done. I have made contact. But you need to return to the sanctuary. There is something youll want to see." The young master looked at his chat and let out a huff. Finally. It took Rafael the better part of a day to contact the Lodge. For all the praise and reverence the lich directed towards this faction, Wei hoped that they had better been worth it. Wei left training spot with a blast of wind before turning into a bolt of lightning using his Essenceshift. He soared across the air and dove through a rift as he used his Navigator to align the spatial pathways and route himself back to the sanctuary. He emerged with a crash of thunderous force, and as he crossed over, he was greeted by the welcome sight with nascent Sect slowly coming into form. Resting disciples clad in basic armor of made from reinforced steel chatted among their fellows. Those then noticed him reacting with startlement. Some backed away, offering bows. Others simply averted their gazes, unsure how to react, lacking proper instruction regarding courtesy. Wei allowed it. They were new initiates, after all, and they did not know his ways. Considering the extraordinary conditions of their recruitment, it would be better if they focused on their training first. Scanning their levels, his approval grew further as he saw fewer and fewer disciples in the single digits. Some even had Rare Specializations. And there, seated against the corner of the room, Angeleous stared blankly at the ceiling, while his Shadow Archer lieutenant directed the rest of the men. The lieutenant briefly eyed Wei, a look of suspicion and slight hostility, but he didn''t approach the young master, nor betray any overt moves towards traitorous intent. Wei left Angeleous in the sanctuary, instructing him only to say that he felt extremely exhausted should anyone ask about his condition. The young man only mutely nodded in response to Wei''s orders, unable to resist. He knew the consequences of betraying the young master, and more importantly, Rafael was going to be monitoring him in the sanctuary. So far, it seemed like Angeleous was telling the truth. None of his men had been contacted by the Inheritors. Rafael''s investigation had confirmed that, but that didn''t mean they weren''t an unstable element within the faction. Still, the Shadow Archer and the Heavy Warrior showed some measure of talent. Wei would see them assigned to Agnesia for her to further mold and align their loyalties. And speaking of that particular devil, the girl emerged from the rift mere few seconds after Wei. Behind her came a contingent of twelve battered, bloodied, but ultimately triumphant-looking inner court disciples, most of them a few levels away from Level 25. As for Agnos herself, a looming shroud of ash rose behind her, revealing a growing avatar of darkness and power. Wei felt a swelling essence radiating from her form. Level 26 already. The girl was chasing after him with all her might. Good. She approached him with a suspicious grin on her face, and he saw that she had cut her hair short at some point, leaving only a short crop of whiteness. Shame. He rather liked her longer hair. The young master halted, deigning to give the girl his full attention as she met him just before the restorative pools began. A shift of spatial essence followed as she pulled what seemed to be a severed head out of her Inventory with a casual toss. She plopped what looked like a faebloods head at his feet. Wei regarded the act with a raised eyebrow. "Yes, who is this? Why are you throwing severed heads at your patriarch''s feet?" "Yeah, I''m not calling you that," Agnesia responded. "Youre not nearly old enough to be my da. Ran into a Knight while running the lads and lasses through the Essence Rifts. I think this one was a knight of sloth. Put up a rough fight, but the flames got him in the end." Yes, youre Level 26. I can see that, Wei said. So, did you choose to send your Path of Wrath" He caught her slowly narrowing eyes and, in an uncharacteristic moment of social intelligence, realized she was fishing for praise. ...Well done. Truly, you are among my best disciples. Now, we have another member among my side who can murder enemy knights. And her frown vanished, replaced by rows of gleaming teeth squared up in a prideful grin. Nah. Couldnt do it alone, she finally said, looking aside as she regarded the other disciples. Wei studied the gaggle she''d brought with her using the admissions and identified the large baker-specialization orc one of the Hivekin now sporting electrical tendrils from their back among the cohort that formed his inner disciples. A torrent of awkwardness passed their way as he realized he hadn''t even asked their names yet. Most patriarchs didn''t directly concern themselves with the training of the lower disciples. So, the sect only had a hundred people. He needed to do some kind of orientation, preferably after he passed through the Hearted Realm. There was no sense in getting attached to the weak. That was only a recipe for pain. Pain. The relief flash of Master Mouzes final moments lifted through Wei''s memories before he shook it off. Well, at least, the members of his sect were bonding. That was a good sign. Ellena! A voice called out from across the sanctuary. Weis Omniscience caught sight of the deposed queen emerging from the crowd of people, holding two potions while glaring daggers at her own daughter. The girl shifted, close, trying to hide behind Wei''s back like a child. It was only then that he realized she even bloody taller than him than. How? How was she growing so much? Did she have a hidden height Aspect? Agnesia of Dawnrest. What did I tell you? Ellena said. Wei winced. The full name He breathed. He remembered the fear he felt when his mother used his full name. He offered a look of sympathy to Agnesia. In front of so many people no less. A blush of appeared over the girls face. A faint few chuckles sounded from the corners of the room. But Ellena continued marching forward. She held out two potions. Wei saw that one was a Potion of Regeneration, while the other, Clarity. Mother, Agnesia sighed. No, Ellena said, a note of genuine anger entering her voice. I will not let this go. I taught you behind every successful operation your father''s done, every successful campaign your older brothers have led, there was preparation. Preparation was the key. And having every item you need, especially those that will keep you alive. Im not a bloody child, Mother, Agnesia said, pouting. My Cass is about enduring pain. It''s about overcoming. Getting stronger byC You do not get stronger from being dead. A flash of outrage passed through Ellenas features. No longer was Agnesia hiding behind Wei. Instead, she was staring down at her mother. Both glared. Neither backed down. And now Wei was aghast. This was highly inappropriate. How could they so casually breach their piety before strangers? "I''m not afraid," Agnesia said. "I have lost enough. I am done being afraid. I am done being weak. "Recklessness is not strength," Ellena spoke through clenched teeth. "Recklessness is suicide. It was something your father failed to learn." Agnesias nostrils flared. "My father was betrayed by fools and bastards. His weakness wasn''t recklessness," She growled with menace. "I should have We should have The council should have burned. Their families put to the swordC" Enough. Wei cut through their argument. Agnesia, enough Listen to your mother. As he prepared to walk off, a genuine expression of hurt passed over Agnesias face. "You are taking her side in this?" She cried. Something in Wei cracked. He felt his System talk about resisting some kind of trauma again. The damnable thing was still having difficulties. He turned a glare on both the girl and the mother as he forced out his following words: No, I''m taking yours so that you do not make a mistake so in the case that she dies, when she is gone, when you sit in the dark, trying to remember how she chided you, you can think of this moment in happiness instead of worrying about when you might forget her voice. And when Wei marched off, making for the lich without another word. He ignored all the people in the sanctuary. Wei, Roggi said, lumbering close from where the Oathbearers had set up a small forge. Not now, Wei shot back without even looking at the large dwarf. Ill find you later. And like a balm for Wei''s sanity, Roggi stopped, offered a nod, and turned away. At least some people on this bloody Sect could still listen. As he finally got to Rafael, who was currently guarding new paths through the ciphers aligned with the seven portals at the end of the chamber, he joked and spoke to Wei. You said you reached a member of the Trespassers'' Lodge? Oh. Yes, Rafael said, and he produced a page from his Inventory. A page extracted from Wei''s Trespassers Compendium. There were a few lines of dialogue. Wei accepted the page and read through the contents. Apparently, someone known as John Bishop had been talking to the lich, and they desired to set up a meeting. John Bishop. Wei knew that name. He saw messages or logs left by the man regarding certain entries related to the Claimed Hells, Concept Cores, Essence, and more. Quite the illustrious individual, Wei said. But with fortune also came suspicion. As John Bishop seemed to be well known, there could be more than a little chance that they were dealing with fraud. Or worse, a trap. He could even see the inheritors falsifying their identities within these forms, trying to lure out members of Wei''s sect. But as Weis gaze finally reached the bottom of the page, everything else ceased to matter as his attention collapsed upon a single name. William Yu. John Bishop knew his father. John Bishop wanted to talk to Rafaelto discuss if the lich could locate Wei somehow. Little the Trespasser know And now young master realized why the lich asked for him. He already accepted my connection request, Rafael said. I can establish a meeting at any time. For a few moments more, Wei just stared on in silence. His father, his patriarch, the man who ruined his life, the man he sought to kill, so close in hand again. Lets do it somewhere private. Wei said. His increased Aspects of Enlightenment suppressed his budding rage; this wouldn''t be like the times before. Now, the next time Wei got his hands on his father, he would see the man broken without a single chance of escape. 73 A Calm Conversation John Bishop is a good man. The best of men. I should have killed him the first chance I had. -Wei An Wei, the Realmbreaker 73 A Calm Conversation Rafael initiated the call in a Moongrave of Envy on the very fringe of the tower. This realm was one created from living shadow, and massive tendrils of darkness boiled across the land, becoming obstacles and architecture both. Navigating through the expanse was like entering an abyssal jungle, with its flora resembling colossal blades of blackened grass. Nested between two towering strands, Rafael further isolated them from the environment by creating a protective working series of ciphers that flared into being around him and Wei. Suddenly, a pale dome became alight, and it was only through Wei''s Omniscience that he could peer beyond the isolation. Even with that, a mist of obfuscating translucence layered itself over Weis perception. The young master was impressed with the effects potency; this was a working he desired to learn later. For now, he had to contend with a more pressing concern. Rafael projected a window from his eyes somehow, and as John Bishops personal details expanded next to the interface, Wei stared on. The Chat menu can do that? Wei asked. Yes, Rafael replied. You didnt know? I havent exactly spent long looking through the Chats functions, Wei said, wriggling his nose. The feeling that Mepheleon might always be listening in makes me paranoid. The lich gave a conceding nod. I understand, but the realm itself belongs to him, no? Its a foolish, fruitless thing to do when you put it like that, Wei grunted. But the feeling is hard to shake. I understand, Rafael responded. Seconds passed. A vibrating line bounced time and time through the menu as the call went on. Wei stood silent, his Broken Crescent already in hand, if only for the assurance it offered him. While Rafael conducted the conversation, Wei would stay away until he decided otherwise. He didnt want to reveal his presence immediately. That might change the dynamic substantially and put them on the back foot. After another half-minute of waiting, the window flashed white, and suddenly Wei found himself looking at a well-built, dark-skinned man who sported gleaming, purple eyes. The young masters Aspect of Relativity trembled once more as he sensed a faint string of essence rising from Rafael, through the protective shielding, and into the atmosphere of the Moongrave. Wei wasn''t sure how it was moving, how it managed to cross through the chaos around the Tower, but with the most recent increases he gained to his Omniscience, he could definitely sense an orderly procession of essence leaving the lich. That was how I managed to create the Liminal Boundary when I spoke to my father, Wei thought. The theory made sense. Though his Aspect of Relativity continued to be an enigma, Wei felt its influence over time and space with each Dilation-Echo it created. Focusing his power on the channel of essence leaving Rafael, a resonance of Relativity pulsed within Wei, and the young master grew all the more certain about his power. Establishing Relative Trace "So, you''re Rafael," John Bishop said. The man had the deepest voice Wei had ever heard, smooth and resonant, the reverberation of a massaging baritone. He tried to glean any details from Bishop''s expression to judge how he was feeling, what he was thinking. But the man was a mask of stoicism. Glad to finally make your acquaintance. Heard about your run-in with the Inheritors and their hired mercs. Nasty business. "Indeed, indeed," Rafael said, responding just a bit over-enthusiastically. Once again, I am most thankful that you agreed to meet with me. Trace Established >Compose Liminal Boundary? Wei held off for now. Though part of him screamed for action, unslaked vengeance demanding that he ambush the Trespasser, break his Will, and claim him using the Inventory Skill, Weis Enlightenment prevailed against impotent rage. He didnt know how powerful this John Bishop was, nor what his relationship was with William Yu. To act in haste now could ruin everything, and so, though the emotions within the young master burned, no mountain would fall before a rising flame. And his Will was stronger than any mountain in existence. Suppose we best get down to business, then, Bishop said. Looked Rafael over and gave a soft grunt. So. Youre one of the Mystikos-Liberatas, huh. From Arcasta-Nur. Yes! Rafael replied with more vigor than the young master ever heard. I came here seeking aid. Aid offered by the Moonscarshe is of your order, yes! A member of the Lodge? The Crossroads I know what the merchants did, Bishop replied, revealing a sneer. My sympathies. We have a few operators there right now, trying get a handle on the situation. Rafael hesitated at that. And how is it? How is Arcasta? Well. The Crossroads are more greedy than they are cruel. Thereve been some crackdowns; the worst atrocities can be sourced back to their installed puppetsand the Crossroads routinely kills them after they go too far. A disgusted snarl came from Rafael. Still playing theater to keep the peoples favor. Well, it hasnt failed them yet, Bishop replied. So far, things are looking pretty stable. But the Crossroads are redrawing the worlds ley-lines, pulling a new set of planets into the system and layering them in ciphers. Not sure what theyre planning, but we have time. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. Yes, Rafael sighed. Time. Thats this is the best case possible, I suppose. The lich fell silent again and Wei found himself listening intently. He knew the lich had been some kind of rebel in another realm, that he possessed substantial enmity toward the Crossroads. From what was exchanged, the general outline of the situation was becoming clear to Wei. Rafael had lost his world to a greater force, much like the young master did. But lich still had a chance to save his. We should get to the point of this meeting, then. I have information on the one you seek: Wei An Wei. The young master of the Drowned Sky Sect. Yeah, Bishop said. Seeing as you know a few things about who he is, I suppose you got to speak with him? Speak with him? The lich threw his head back and barked a laugh. We did more than speak. We fought together. He saved my life. Rafael paused. An awkwardness swelled within Wei and the young master cringed internally. He didnt regret damaging the lichs Aspect. He didnt. It was a just punishment. He didnt even break anything. But logic did nothing to lessen his internal discomfort. When the Harbingercucked be his fathersent forth the Trial of Retribution, I found himself a comrade to the young masters cause. Together, we overcame the Gatekeeper and made our way up the Moongraves above. Rafael was sticking to the script they''d agreed to so far, with the lich specializing in invisibility and subterfuge. Few, beyond their core group, had laid eyes on Rafael and Wei together. Even the Knight of Lust''s last memory, before she was broken, of Raphael, was him escaping through a portal. And so, they would approach this situation through a live omission. "Alas, when we encountered the Knight of Lust," Rafael continued, "we were beset upon and forcibly separated during our escape. But, before our paths heartbreakingly diverged, he told me of his past, of his father, a Trespasser known as William Yu." A slow sigh whistled out from Bishop as he closed his eyes. "Yeah, goddammit. Alright, you said you got separated from the kid. Was that the last time you saw him?" Rafael looked away, his eyes meeting the young master, who gave him a nod. "No," Rafael replied. "I have not seen him per se, but I know he is still alive. I have encountered other sinners in the Moongrave. They are claiming that they have seen a particularly strangely dressed young man with long dark hair and piercing green eyes, emerging from roofs, hunting knights, and rescuing people for his sect. It seems like my friend has prevailed in the face of death, so there is cause for his father to hope, no?" John Bishop continued, playing the role of a granite block. Wei gleaned exhaustion and exasperation from the man, but Bishop betrayed little beyond that. "Alright, that''s something, I guess. Listen, you have any way to make contact with him? Any means of reaching him? It''s important that the Lodge gets to speak with him before the Inheritors ever do. His life is in grave danger, and he''s carrying something the Inheritors want bad, bad enough to break an entire world." Wei''s fingers closed ever tighter around his Eidolon. Oh, he remembered, and he knew of what world John Bishop spoke. "Really?" Rafael replied, speaking with faux horror. "Hmm. Yes, perhaps, perhaps I can find a means of reaching him. We must all depart through the Hearted Realms eventually anyway. If I can track a critical convergence of sinners by way of their class essences, then perhaps I can identify and isolate from which moon grave he will leave." "All right," Bishop said, offering the slightest of a smile. "That sounds..." "However," Rafael said, interrupting the veteran Trespasser, "forgive me, my friend, but I need assurances. If the Inheritors are hunting Wei, and he is to pass through the Hearted Realm, then I suspect we will all be in grave danger. Oh, we have grown substantially with the Class given unto us. We are not Knights, we are not Marquises or Dukes, and the forces arrayed against us are plentiful and powerful. I want to know if we can count on the Lodge''s support, and I want something more than a verbal assurance." Slowly, John Bishop closed his jaw, and for a few moments, he simply thought in silence. Wei felt a small twinge of menace as he regarded the man. There was a kind of tension one felt when facing a rabid dog, and there was another kind of apprehension when playing a game against a calculated foe. John Bishop was closer to the latter. "I understand," Bishop said, finally. "As we are operating in the claimed hells as guests to the Harbinger, we cannot outright breach the terms of his hospitality. However, if the Inheritors have actively deployed units interfering in your passage through the Hearted Realms, and you get clear evidence of this, then perhaps... there may be some happy little accidents that might come your way." "Furthermore," Rafael continued, "I want to speak to this William Yu, if possible. Though my time with Wei was brief, he told me much about his father. If he is one of you, I have additional questions related to loyalties and trustworthiness." "Yeah, I''ve been getting that a lot recently," Bishop grumbled. Another beat entered the conversation, and he looked off to the side. "Give me a second." And suddenly the call ended as the window that once displayed Bishop''s face went blank. "You''re laying it on a bit thick," Wei said, critiquing Raphael''s acting. Despite being little more than a skull, Rafael had an uncanny ability to convey his exasperation. "Forgive me, my friend, though I might have frequented many of Arcastas grand theaters. I assure you, I was never there for the acting." "Then why were you there?" Wei asked, genuinely curious. "For the actresses, mainly," Rafael replied, without a hint of shame. "Does desire carry over, even as your spirit is infused in those bones?" "Desire always carries over," Rafael said. An exasperated laugh escaped Wei. The young master shook his head. He couldn''t help himself. What a ridiculous topica lecherous lich. And once more, he remembered where he was, and how he got here. Wei sighed. The joke, it seemed, was existence itself. What a ridiculous life he currently lived. "I can feel the essence leaving you as a strain whenever you make the call," Wei said. "You can?" Rafael replied, surprised. "Yes," Wei answered. "It''s faint, almost imperceptible even to me. But with the call, the Essence is projected up through the atmosphere. Messages, I suspect, are more like bursts." "Do you think this was how you managed to do what you did against your father last time?" And once more, Wei was reminded about the lich''s intelligence. "Yes," Wei said, seeing no point in hiding the information when Rafael had already reached the obvious deduction. The lich paused. "Wei, I understand you possess something of substantial power. I have never asked you, nor do I think I want to know. But what you have, what you''re doing, what you''re capable of... have you thought about the future? Have you thought about what you want to do and who you want to become when you" And then Rafael froze. A new string of sentences expanded across his projected chat menu, and Wei spun his Broken Crescent, prepared for anything. "What? What''s wrong?" "I..." Rafael looked out to Wei. "It is your father. He has sent me a hollow request." And suddenly the young master''s mind went blank. So this was what John Bishop left to do. Did that mean his father and the Lodge were working close together? Was the Lodge just another front for the Inheritors? No. That felt wrong. The evidence and details didn''t seem to match up. But Wei wasn''t sure. He wasn''t sure about anything these days. "Accept it," Wei said, steeling himself for what was to come. And as Rafael let the call through, Wei felt a pocket of emptiness expand inside. Within his stomach, as the face of his father appeared once more, the man looked more haggard than the last time Wei saw him. But otherwise, he seemed fine. No markings on his face. No wounds marred on his body. Not even an expression of pain. Ultimately, all Wei could say about his father was that the man looked tired, too. "Oh," William Yu spoke. "You wanted to talk? I''m here." 74 The Veteran EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATE! ALL CONTRACTS AND OPERATIONS AROUND ELIMINATING THE TRESPASSER KNOWN AS JOHN BISHOP ARE TO CEASE AND BE REDIRECTED TO MORE FRUITFUL ENDEAVORS. TOO MUCH HAS BEEN LOST FOR LITTLE GAIN. PRESENTLY, WE ARE PAST 1.3 MILLION OPERATIVES KILLED IN ACTION, 1 TRILLION SINS WASTED, AND GOD KNOWS HOW MANY FUCKING CELLS COMPROMISED. ITS NOT WORTH IT. ITS NOT. HARDEN DEFENSIVE MEASURES. KEEP HIM ON THE BACKFOOT. STOP TRYING TO HUNT THE BASTARDS. YOU CLOWNS ARE NOT GOING TO GET HIM. SIGNED [REMOVED] -Inheritor Dispatch on John Bishop 74 The Veteran As Rafael''s conversation with William Yue continued, Wei''s ignitions glimpsed a thin tendril of Essence piercing down from the atmosphere and flowing into the lich. At once, the young master coalesced his intent around the circulating stream of Essence, and he realized just as an almost imperceptible connection allowed Rafael to reach John Bishop, so too did it work the other way. More importantly, the flames of suspicion were further fanned within the young master. It seemed that the Moongraves were not the only network in these Claimed Hells. The classes Mepheleon offered were also interlocking nodes unto themselves. Was this how the Knight of Lust traced him? The Inheritors tap into the same network that Mepheleon controlled. All these questions and more multiplied within Wei''s mind, and he cast a doubtful glance upon his Eidolon. The power his weapon imbued him with was staggering. He wouldn''t be a fifth as capable as he was without the Broken Crescent. Yet, with every detail he learned, he found himself doubting if the weapon truly belonged to him, or if it was a treacherous implement that ultimately served the Harbinger. He needed to find a way to tap into this network, or at least sever himself from its connection using his System. His System was all he had to bulwark himself against outer influence. "William Yue," Rafael said, greeting Wei''s father. "I, uh, see the resemblance, and I''ve heard many great things about you." William gave a characteristic scoff as he shook his head. "Yeah, well, I doubt any of it''s good. Listen, you said you encountered my son among the Moongraves, that he''s trying to rebuild this sect." "Yes," Rafael replied. William shook his head. "The damn boy was always too headstrong for his own good. The Drowned Sky Sect is done. Our world is dead, and he''s wandering headfirst into a slaughter. Doesn''t know what kind of war he''s getting into." William closed his eyes as he slowly mastered himself. "Listen, John can give you help. Trespassers, we have means of providing leverage. Well, they have means. I don''t think they consider me among their ranks anymore. Not after everything I did. But there''s something you need to do for them. We need you to get in touch with Wei. And we need you to maintain a constant connection so that we can track exactly where you are. The Hearted Realms it''s not a stable plane of reality. Without some connection, he''ll almost be impossible to find." At that, Wei cocked his head. "Impossible to find," his father claimed. Well, the Inheritors seemed more than confident. Perhaps that was because they had traitors like Angeleous under their employ. Maybe there were others as well. There had been some that Wei hadn''t seen since scuttling from the bushes yet. But there was another thing that appealed to the young master. With every passing second, his awareness with the tether of Essence was growing more tuned, and a new trace formed in place. Wei smirked. Once more, he felt a spirit-shuddering resonance echo out from deep within. He could create another liminal boundary, trapping him and his father in a place between places, constructed from light and dark. William would not be ready. And this time, Wei had the power to shatter his father for good. But the young master hesitated. Much as he wanted revenge, much as he wanted to see his father reduced to the same pitiful state that afflicted Angeleous and the Knight of Lust, Wei''s growth and Enlightenment compelled him to pragmatism. He thought through the consequences of his revenge and knew that satisfaction was not worth the potential loss of the largest support. He could break his father, maybe even kill him this time. But what would that serve? What would that signal? John Bishop and their potential benefactors? Wei still needed to deliver his sect through the Hearted Realm, and as patriarch, his responsibilities weighed greater than his personal interests. Besides, William was not going anywhere. Seemed that he had scuttled like a rat to the Lodge, and if he was under their charge, then perhaps Wei could choose any moment in the future to square this debt. Once he arrived at Preceptor''s Descent, an uncomfortable silence pulled Wei out of his thoughts. William was no longer speaking. Instead, he bore a vacant stare, his expression absolutely wretched. "You know something, stranger?" William said. "I didn''t want any of this to happen. It wasn''t supposed to be like this. It was supposed to just establish control over a nascent world for the Inheritors. It was a simple job, and I was desperate." He closed his eyes and laughed. "I''m a goddamn fool. You know, my wife''s dead, my son hates me, and the fuckers who wanted to kill me before are still after me. All that for nothing." This, more than anything, made the venomous hate within Wei rise like roused bile. Now his father played the pitiful fool. Now he felt remorse and regret. Now, of all times, could he not still his hand when he thought of murdering Wei''s mother? Could he not have warned them of who he was before he proved himself a traitor? But worth was delayed virtue after the vice had already been performed. Another tremble passed through Wei. His relativity wailed at him, practically begging to be used. With a thought, he could trigger the set of powers of his System and cross an impossible distance. But then Wei stilled as he considered his newest mastery. His relativity seemed to surpass the limits of space and time. Could he potentially project his Outsight across all that distance, use it against his father? Slowly, the young master mustered his focus and further manipulated his intent across the stream of Essence. Wei concentrated as his senses traveled even beyond the reach of his Omniscience. He was feeling his way blindly along this tether of Essence. It was composed primarily of mental energy. But even as Wei followed its pathway, he found himself facing incredibly complex weaving as he left the atmosphere of this Moongrave. As much as Wei had advanced his Enlightenment, his mind was still insufficient to behold the levels of genius it took to construct such an intricately woven network. He had been awed and intimidated by Mepheleon''s power before. But it was more than power that made one an old monster. It was also mastery, intellect, and ingenuity. And as Wei progressed further along the connection, he found it merely a single strand amongst countless billions. Other junctions hammered the corners of Wei''s awareness. Foreign delusions of mental Essence spilled over, leaving, using the channel Wei currently traveled, as little more than an intersection. Everything felt connected to everything else, and the further Wei''s senses climbed, the more exponentially complex the network became. Enlightenment Advanced > 25 [10/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension A spike of pain drilled through the back of Wei''s skull as his Enlightenment jumped twice in rapid succession. The torture grew too much to bear, and he focused solely on proceeding down the channel to reach his father. Rather than trying to comprehend the grand working laid from interlacing spirits, the young master resolved to never send a message or start a call himselfnot without a proper plan of defense beforehand. He would also need to ensure his inner circle''s protection as well. Perhaps only those with capabilities comparable to his system could do what he was currently doing. But assumptions were fatal. And though Wei walked the path of pride, he had no intention of having arrogance become his undoing. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he found himself pushing through the nest of entwining thoughts. As he finally settled against what felt like a solid surface, Wei grunted as his Enlightenment slammed hard against his fathers Mind. And for a moment, he knew his Aspect to be inferior. How was the bastard leveling so fast? The last time Wei fought him, his fathers Aspects were lacking, far beneath the full potential of his Tier. Now, he was a different man altogether. Or so it felt. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. There was something at play here. But Wei ignored that as he infused his spear with a catalyst. At once, his intent circulated over to the aspect of mind. And rapidly, Wei felt his intellect, his processing speed, and his memory grow. William''s mind, once as if an iron bulwark to Wei, suddenly became as if a cracked wooden wall lined with weaknesses. Rather than smashing through, Wei adapted his mental structure and felt for the cracks lining his father''s aspect. Slowly, the young master poured himself through as a narrow pinprick of sensation formed in the back of Wei''s mind. A countdown began as his Eidolon surged towards overload. But as it had reached night-tier, it could contain far more Aspect Advancements before experiencing a catastrophic collapse. 20 seconds to Essence Overload Another set of eyes flashed open within Weis mind. He began to hear what his father heard, feel what he felt, see what he saw. And Wei discovered that William was sitting in a small reflective cell of some kind. It was barely 5 meters in area, and there seemed to be nothing in there but a bed, a table, and a strange bowl with a sink right next to it. Standing against one of the walls with his arms folded was John Bishop. Beyond his visage contained within a chat screen, Wei found the trespasser a far more imposing sight. The man was well-musclednot absurdly so, but his physique spoke of discipline and a focus on diet and training. William Yu was not a slight man, but next to John Bishop, Wei was horrified and slightly perturbed to admit that his father had the body of a teenage boy. And then there was the matter of his class level. John Bishop: Psionic Saboteur Lv: ??? Another individual that Wei couldn''t fully glean. That was practically two in two days. The Count was a colossal power and portrayed himself as such, but John Bishop still stood here just like any man, uncaring about the situation, his glowing purple eyes tracing over William''s face as he continued talking to Rafael. It was then that Wei noticed Bishop hadn''t blinked for a while, that he was really intensely staring at William. A twinge of paranoia passed through the young master, and he got the feeling that John Bishop wasn''t actually looking at his father. How could that be? Wei didn''t betray his presence when he linked in, and even William didn''t seem to know. The smirk sent Wei''s anxiety into overdrive. A shroud of psionic Essence burst out from John Bishop''s mind. Alarm exploded in Weis mind, and he tried to his link, only for a miasmic wave to impact William''s spirit. Suddenly, the connection Wei had to his father was severed, and he felt himself quickly returning to his body. As he fell, foreign energy followed him, burrowed into him, tendrils boiling deeper and deeper into his mind. There was no pain with the intrusion, only a slight discomfort, and as the world slammed detail back into Wei''s senses, he found himself not in the Moongrave alongside Rafael, but somewhere else entirely. The first thing that caught his attention was the faint rumble of falling artillery. Dust and sand choked the dim room he was in, as grains of filth vibrated on the floor and wafts of ash drifted down from the ceiling. Cheap wooden walls lined the corners of the room, and rows of cots were placed against them, extending all the way to an open doorway. Wei looked around as he tried to figure out where he was. His Omniscience reached out, but he still felt the Moongrave greet him. His body was in one place, but his mind was in another. That was what Wei instinctively realized. A sudden jolt of horror gripped his heart. "Wei AnWei, I presume." A voice made him turn. He spun, bringing his broken crescent up, and the tip of his spear stopped an inch away from John Bishop''s throat. The imposing man stood before the young master. He was dressed differently here, wearing a camouflaged helmet, sporting a strange-looking vest with metallic clips shoved along its sides, and various other tools or implements connected to its rig. A single long barreled instrument hung from his right hand, and Weis instinct told him it was a weapon. Finally, Bishop''s face was caked in filth and blood, but that didn''t seem to bother him. Rather, it quite suited the man. He was in his element, and this thought space was his. "Welcome to Korengal Valley, son, or at least a memory of it. It ain''t quite hell, but probably not that far from it either." Another salvo of impacts hammered the ceiling above them. Thin tubes of light flickered for a moment, past in the room in darkness. Only the swirling haze of source from Wei and Bishop''s glowing eyes lit the dark for an instant. "Is this a trap?" Wei asked, feeling a begrudging respect for the man. The young master triggered Form of the Resonant and parts of this false reality began to fray around him. "Did you use my father as bait to lure me over? Was he part of this plan?" "Trap?" Bishop said, as if sampling the word. "Nah, not exactly. I suspected that you might be listening in. But as with everything, man can never be too sure. You working with the lich? Have him feeding us false intel? To see what we might tell you?" Wei almost grimaced. The trespasser was close to being entirely accurate in his assessment. The master countered the question with a question of his own. "Is my father your prisoner or your comrade? Are you working with the Inheritors?" John Bishop broke out into laughter at that. "Fuck no. Fuck them self-important, divinely ordained cocksuckers. Nah, I''m just someone looking for a just cause to fight for. Just cause to kill for. And you, son? Your cause seems plenty just to me." Slowly, Wei lowered his spear. Bishop hadn''t attacked him yet. But he was still trapped in this mind space. And slowly, cracks were beginning to form along his eidolon. The Trespasser lifted an eyebrow at that. "Oh, that''s the doing of your System, huh? You''re overcharging your Aspects? How long you got? Wei considered dismissing his catalyst but decided against it. With how powerful Bishop was, he didn''t want to weaken his mental aspects any more than he had to. The man hadn''t attacked his intent, which was why Wei was still trapped in this space. If anything, John Bishop had hijacked his Omniscience. "It will endure. Long enough," Wei spat back. "I''m sure it will, and I don''t intend to keep you here for very long. But since you went through all this trouble to entrap me, I''m gonna give it to you straight, son. You are in the shit." "Truly, I hadn''t noticed. I assumed the destruction of my realm and the murder of everyone I''ve ever cared or known to be merely a miserable coincidence. You have enlightened me, Master Bishop. I thank you." The Trespasser''s sported a vicious grinthe kind of smile a war hound would offer its master after tearing into the guts of a fox. "You know what? You sound just like him." And that provoked a genuine spike of anger from Wei. He growled as his intent surged out, but John Bishop held up his hand. "Listen, I didn''t come here to spit platitudes at you. I know what you want, and I can give you some help. If you''re planning to ambush the Inheritors and get in the Claimed Hells, the Lodge will do everything it can to see your safe arrival." "Very generous," Wei said, his tone empty of gratitude. "What, then, do you want in return?" "Nothing," John Bishop replied. "Nothing but a vessel, if you want my help. A vessel? A body for me to ride in. Cant be seen operating down here. Mepheleons rules. Theres gonna be hell to pay when he crawls out of that singularity bomb. "Well, you cannot have mine," Wei shot back. And then he paused. "You cannot have mine, but what if I have a vessel to offer you? A puppet for you to control?" "You''re talking about Angeleous," Bishop replied. Wei froze, his hand mid-gesticulation. He narrowed his eyes at Bishop. "How much do you know?" "Is the old man still alive?" Bishop said, countering Wei''s question with a question of his own. Wei decided that he didn''t like this man very much. "He is," Wei finally admitted, "and he is in contact with an Inheritor." "We know," Bishop replied. "Just as they got their claws in you, we got our claws in them. Everyone has their claws in everyone in this place. Company games get messy." "Company?" Wei said, not understanding. "Company, as in the CI," Bishop trailed off as he waved his hand. "Never mind that. Listen, you connect me to Angeleous and we can do this face to face, or at least as close to face to face as possible. I''ll need a conduit to work my magic through and to establish a layer of plausible deniability." "You are to be our assistance yourself," Wei said, finally understanding. I was expecting you to send a minion or "I ain''t the type to direct others to do my dirty business," Bishop smiled. "And besides, killing''s no fun if you outsource it." And slowly, it began to dawn on the young master how dangerous this man was. Swallowing, Wei gave the man a nod. "Fine then, face to face and no more deception. But afterward... afterward, I need to speak with my father." "Speak? Sure. Kill? No. We took a look at what you did to his spirit. Thats a nasty System you have, kid. A bit too much kill in one boy. Wei took a step forward, looking up as he glared into Bishop''s eyes. "His life is owed to me. He has taken everything." "I know," Bishop interrupted him. "And he''s gonna help me save my world where he saw yours destroyed. After that, after that, we make things right. After that, we can talk about justice. Wei''s hateful stare lingered against Bishop''s flat expression for a moment longer before another crack spread through his Eidolon. The young master looked away first. "Fine then, let''s get you that body. Angeleous isnt really using it anymore anyway. 75 Reintroduction Be mindful of your friends. The flesh is but a shell and a mind is such an easy thing to overwrite -The Trespassers Compendium 75 Reintroduction "Wei," Rafael began, sounding uneasy, "I must confess, I do not like what we''re doing right now." Angeleous'' back arched violently as several more segments of his spine snapped. His ribs cracked as well, and his fingers and legs curled like a dying spider''s. The old man howled as psionic energy began flooding into his mind. Time after time, he wailed for Wei to stop this, saying he still wanted to have his own thoughts, that they were all he had left, that he still wanted to be himself instead of a prisoner within his own body. The young master just sneered. He had promised John Bishop a vessel, and so a vessel John Bishop would have. He had thought about giving the man the Knight of Lust, but she seemed a more dangerous proposition, and she lacked a direct channel to the Inheritors at present. And so there was only one real candidate that he could offer as a sacrifice. But Wei also had an ulterior motive. As John Bishop usurped Angeleous for control over the old Knight''s body, Wei observed the process using his Omniscience, studying every intricate detail unfolding before him. The convergence of mental essence pierced out from the top of Angeleous'' skull before furling over and sealing the old man''s mind under a new layer of cognition. The external layer gave off a purple resonance to Wei''s perception and, faintly, the young master could feel the presence of a new power, far more potent than Angeleous had ever been, but still muted by the fragility of the old mans vessel and the limitations of distance. After a few moments of screaming, Angeleous'' cries died down, the old man''s body slacking against the soft grass of this Moongrave. They were in the Moongrave of Lust, their change in location a recommendation on Rafael''s part. There was no ulterior motive behind it; it was just simply that Moongraves of Lust were more pleasant to be in, and they were, in a sense, courting aid from a higher power, though this Wei was loath to admit it. Finally, the psionic energy stabilized within Angeleous'' mind, and the old man let out a final shuddering breath. He blinked, and his expression changed. Slowly, Angeleousor the Trespasser now, wearing his vesselsat up and began to feel his new morphology. "Damn," Bishop said, rolling his neck. A series of deep cracks sounded as waves of purple force cascaded along the old man''s ruined spine. Wei felt fractured bones forced back together, damage undone by telekinetic force. "You know, when you said you had a vessel, I assumed I was going to be wearing a Knight of Hell or some kind of messed up demon. Didn''t realize I''d be crawling into an old ass man''s skull. Shit, I think this motherfucker has arthritis. My knees are screaming at me." John Bishop, wearing Sir Angeleous'' face, leveled an annoyed glare at Wei. "You doing this to punk me, son?" The young master kept his expression perfectly impassive. "I assure you, Master Bishop, I have no idea what ''punk'' means." Bishop shook his head. Another series of sharp pops sounded. "Fucking cultivators, man." As John Bishop acclimated himself to his new body, Wei took a glance at his System notifications. With his prior advancements in Enlightenment and Omniscience, he had finally arrived at a new Core Ascension. Refining Source >>>Source Refined: [170/170] Lumens Source Core Ascended > Lv. 18 >[0/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension >>[9/20] Core Ascensions to [Gate] 2 System Ascension >>>Source: [180/180] Lumens Reviewing encounter Masteries Demonstrated >Meditation (II) 91% >Unarmed Combat (II) 76% >Spearmanship (II) 87% >Thrown Weapons (II) 35% >Tactics (II) 0% >Rapier 0% Mastery Node Capacity [7/10] >Proximal Acceleration >Form of the Resonant >Lesser Hollow Mind >Lesser Manifestation >Vector Chain >Lesser Cast Possession >Mark of Enmity >Outsight Sourcery Advancements [1] Available! Select [1] Source Magnification > Source Propagation [Requires 10 Sourcery Advancements (Currently at 5)] Aspect Expansion > [Initiate Concept Ascension?] Liminal Bridge > Liminal Tunnel [Requires 25 Sourcery Advancements (Currently at 5) Ascension Path of the Harvester >Skills >>Form of the Harvester Ascension >Path of Augmentation All that is can become more than it was. Unlocks a novel concept, Augmentation, for your System. This concept is only available for the Keter System. The System host can combine masteries, sorceries, Aspects, and experiences to generate new Skills and Titles befitting the concept of the Harvest. Concept (Augmentation): This concept entails the amplification of material properties, concepts, effects, and forces. May your breath become a hurricane that unravels realms entire. Another Minor Concept Core materialized below Weis first. Instead of being a swirling realm with a pinprick of white surrounded by devouring black, this was an explosion of brilliance rimmed with darknessas the borders of nothingness could barely keep the light at bay. Another Concept Core had been gained with his newest Sourcery advancement, and Wei felt the complexity of his System expand. Each time felt like growing a new spirit from within him, already blessed with paths of development, and as Concept-Breaker, he still had two more Paths to unlock. Augmentation. Such was a far easier idea to grasp compared to the Harvest, and Wei had a slew of Ideas for future Skills. Something to consider in detail rather than haste. His experience traveling along Rafael''s essence channel to invade his father''s senses had filled the young master with inspiration. It could be made better as an Augmentation Skill. Perhaps he could use it to boost his perception or awareness somehow. But how would that work? What functions did he want it to possess? These questions and more would determine the memories he offered to this Minor Concept Core, and for that, he had to consider carefully. "Your System level up or something?" John Bishop questioned, drawing Wei out of his silent ruminations. The young master regarded the Trespasser wearing Angeleous''s skin with narrowed eyes. He didn''t offer an answer, instead replying with a question of his own. "I trust that this body would serve your purposes well enough?" Bishop gave a slight grimace. "Old man couldve done with a few more levels. Right now, if I tried to channel some of my higher-leveled skills, his mind would completely shatter and his flesh and spirit would pop." John Bishop made a loud clicking noise with his tongue. "But you would still be able to channel such potent skills prior to his demise, yes?" Wei asked, trying to gauge the trespasser''s full capabilities. A beat of silence followed as Bishop looked Wei up and down. An air of discomfort developed between Wei and Bishop. "Is there something the matter?" the young master asked. "Nothing. Kind of a cold thing for a kid to say. Wei responded with a sneer. "And old men shouldn''t be considering the betrayal of their savior. And fathers shouldn''t murder their sects and lovers. ''Shouldn''t'' is a false notion. There is only ''can'' and ''will.''" A laugh escaped from the Trespasser, and Wei fought to keep the flames of his anger under control. "What now? Are you going to tell me that I remind you of my father again?" This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Bishop simply shook his head. "Nah, William''s too goddamn soft for his own good, too goddamn greedy for someone so smart, and too goddamn capable of doing too many shitty things for someone with a decent heart. You ain''t like him, not in this way. But youre definitely the right kind of vicious for these parts. "That''s as close to a compliment as you offered me so far, Master Bishop." The two just stared at each other for a long while, and Rafael looked between them, the lich idly stroking ciphers into being, desperate not to seem an awkward interloper. Bishop finally held up his hands. "Listen, kid, Im gonna get off your back now. I want to help, so Im going to stop poking at you if youll lose that expression. Bishop shrugged. Can also show you a thing or two about your System. If you wanna find out. "Oh?" Wei asked, tone flat but internally piqued. "And what do you have to offer me? What can you offer me? As far as I know, you are but Classed. "Well, I reckon I know how your System works better than you do. Maybe better than the System itself. You know that Keters are partially deprived of training data because of how dangerous they were, right? They''re technically an unfinished System. The Antediluvians only made so many prototypes before their little civil war made them disappear from these Fathoms." Wei considered Bishop''s statement with surprise and something akin to apprehension. He didn''t know if the trespasser was lying to him. Honestly, Wei didn''t know much about the Antediluvians at all. However, he faced The Creator, Asaru, that massive leviathan, progenitor to all Systems, and their words still echoed through him, a final plea for the Keter system host to enforce justice and to ensure the other hosts stay true to their designed duties. Considering his choices, Wei eyed John Bishop carefully. "What do you know about Concept Cores?" Enough to ignite a planets atmosphere given adequate preparation. Quite the boast, Wei said. Nah. Just thinking back on good times. Something told the young master that Bishop wasnt lying. Wei considered himself interested. He didn''t want the Trespasser to know his masteries and skills in detail. But if he could leverage the man''s knowledge, then perhaps Wei could further develop his own capabilities. "Come along then," Wei said, turning for the nearby Specialization Rift. "We will discuss things in a more proper setting. It is time we reintroduce Angeleous to the others." *** Returning to the sanctuary, Wei saw his sect in constant motion. Portals were abuzz with activity, with processions of outer-court disciples bringing in captured artifacts and other critical resources they needed for Mobile Fortress Wei. Only a single OathbearerAgate, Wei thought it waslingered within the sanctuary, manning the role of quartermaster in the corner. He worked ceaseless on what looked to be a stone anvil, going down a list of items that needed to be made. Wei sought them out in the absence of other familiar faces. It would be easy to send Ellena, Roggi, or Agnesia a message, but the young master was reluctant. After what he experienced during Rafael''s call, he had no desire to expose himself to external influences. He couldn''t do anything about Mepheleonso vast was the Harbingers power between thembut if he could follow a calls Essence thread, so could a sufficiently skilled Inheritor. "Agate," Wei said, greeting the Oathbearer. "Hm? Oh, hello, little boss," the Oathbearer responded, their hammer rising and falling, smiting new items into existence with each burst of mystical steam. Wei let out a slight sigh. "Patriarch." "Sorry," Agate said, absentmindedly. "I am Patriarch. That is my title." "Right, sorry about that, little boss," Agate replied, still not listening. "Something the matter?" "If you''re looking for the others, they''re in the Moongrave of Gluttony, doing something inside Fort Wei. Your ship be coming along nicely. Got a lot of reinforcing done today. The rest of the lads and lasses are stocking it full of critical resources, but fuels still a concern for the thrusters. Might take a day more or so. Thankfully, we got a few folk with Specializations that can help with flight. The queenie might even want you to them. Shes practically running everything here. Ruin. Come to think of it, she''s done more to keep this thing together than you have." The Oathbearer barked a laugh. "Maybe I should be calling her big boss instead, eh?" Thrust? Flying? Bishop muttered. If the Oathbearer expected amusement from Wei, he was clearly mistaken. The young master stared on, wondering just how he should see the Oathbearer punished for this blatant act of disrespect, and he thought back to the many penalties his mother had doled out to the offending members of their sect. However, before he could recall any truly torturous goodness to inflict on the Oathbearer, his omniscience caught sight of a familiar figure emerging from the rift. "Wei," Ellena said, holding what seemed to be a large ledger. Her accompaniment of demons carried large sacks filled with obsidian slabs, and one after another they dropped the sacks next to the Oathbearer so he could continue with his material alchemy. "Thank you kindly," Agate grunted. Drawing a slab onto his anvil, he smote the slab and from crude black stone rose steam, and thus was the material reborn as alloy. Pushing the Oathbearer''s delicious torments to later. Wei greeted Ellena with a salute. "Lady Ellena," Wei began, noticing her apprehensive stare at Angeleous once more. "There have been developments recently." He briefly shot AngeleousJohn Bishopa look. "We must meet. Only our inner council. "Inner council," Eleanor said slowly. "Yes. You, me, Rafael, Roggi, and your daughter. This concerns our potential benefactors." The former queen nodded slowly, though uncertainty still tingled in her eyes. "I see. I suppose you would like to have this discussion in private, then." If there was one thing Wei appreciated about Ellena, it was her astuteness when it came to political matters. Instead of proceeding to a random Moongrave this time, they exited out into the final Moongrave of Gluttony, where Mobile Fortress Wei was slowly coming together to assume its final form. A disbelieving guffaw escaped Bishop. The sound didn''t suit Angeleous'' voice at all. "Holy shit, kid, is this what you''ve been trying to build?" The man shook his head in disbelief. "Goddamn insane. This is exactly the kind of shit William would pull." Wei clenched his jaw at the mention of his father''s name and noticed Ellena shooting Bishop a surprised stare. She leaned over and whispered softly, though with everyone''s advanced Aspects of Perception, there was no possibility her words would go unheard. "Did you do something to him?" Eleanor asked awkwardly. She still kept her distance from Angeleous, or who she thought to be Angeleous, placing herself between Wei and the old soldier who once wanted to see her slain. Bishop, for his part, briefly scanned the deposed queen, and then looked no more at her thereafter. Seemed the Trespasser got in all he needed from a simple glance. As they approached Mobile Fortress Wei, the young master felt a swell of pride rise within him. Three massive bastions lined with various cannons, viewing ports, and rows of battlements upon which disciples could stand and make their defense of this glorious bastion had been erected. Its vast outer layered walls now sported strange webwork splaying wings. Wei''s ignitions passed over the material, but his enlightenment failed to comprehend its design. He had no knowledge of this substance, feeling so flexible yet impossibly strong to his senses. There was another thing he wished to inquire about. Perhaps Roggi could tell him during the council. On the backside of the fortress, a few hundred tubes sprayed exhaust, pluming columns of smoke that drifted as clouds over the atmosphere. Then as they approached, Wei saw an endless procession of outer court disciples applying their specializations, using their newly minted skills to help assemble and prepare for their final departure across the Hearted Realm. Not far away, the great rift gate leading upwards into the Archdevil of Gluttony stood splayed open, a final chasm for them to pass. Ellena led them up a ramp extending from an opening built into the body of the fortress. In this sense, Wei guessed it was more like a boat than an actual grounded bastion, but such things were mostly semantic. He could call it whatever he wanted. As they entered, they found a wide open space stocked full of equipment, armor, weapons, and what looked like reinforced bulwarks pressed against the walls. They ventured through a narrow series of walkways, tight spiral staircases leading up and down the structure. With how tightly three bulwarks were clustered together, people could lay down planks or jump between the three major forts. But all in all, the structure was meant to be easily defensible and highly durable. After passing through a series of wide open rooms meant to be points of retreat in case of breach, Wei finally arrived within a small chamber nested at the very core of the fortress. Here, Roggi and Agnesia sat across from each other, playing a strange looking card game on a crystalline desk. A loose assortment of different chairs left scattered about the room, and Wei knew all the furniture to be taken from various places across the Moongraves. As he entered the room Agnesia gave him a brief grin only to shoot up to her feet and summon her blade from her Inventory as she noticed Angeleous. "Why the hell is he here?" Agnesia asked. "Rafael," Wei said, ignoring the girl for now. Right," Lich answered, and began applying a series of ciphers around the chamber. Wait, Bishop said, interrupting the lich. I got this. Aipple of purple energy spread out from his skull and quickly engulfed the room. Immediately, they were in another place entirely, transported back to that familiar barracks where Bishop briefly kept Wei. With the barest of effort, the Trespasser had pulled them all into his mental realm once more. Rust and ashes. What in the Fires of Creation is this? Roggi mumbled, spreading bulbous missiles of decay from his winged form. And who is he? The Oathbearer pointed at Bishop, now shed of his physical guise. "Relax,," Bishop said, now no longer assuming the guise of Angeleous, instead back to wearing his military garb, camouflage, gun, and all. Im from the Lodge. Im here to make sure you poor fools make it up the Tower, and maybe, hopefully, lord be willing, we turn the Inheritors ambush back in on itself. Lodge? Ellena said. As in the Trespassers Lodge? Very same, Queen Ellena, John Bishop replied. Id like to offer my condolences about your family and world. The Dying Queen should have never reached you, but the Crossroads do like spreading their routes Rafael made a disgusted noise. I knew those merchant-dogs were behind this too. Ellena, for her part, paled. What? Agnesia breathed. Our world the Kindred arrive because of a trade route? That. And the fact that the Queen wants you, princess. Thats why her Kindred are still coming for you. Aint so many Ignium dragon-blooded still around; and scarcity makes your blood a premium. Which is how the Inheritors managed to snag one of the Dying Queens own. They got an Unfallen with them as well. Something about a Trine infused with a Song of Creation. Now, it was Roggis turn to be shocked. What? Bishop turned a grin on Wei. Harbinger must be playing a pretty nasty game putting you together with the rest of this crew. Aint the only one being hunted, young master. Not by a long shot. 76 The Plan (I) Ah. John Bishop, my favorite nuisance. I cannot tell you how many times I''ve heard his name uttered by the Dukes, Kings, and Princes in my circles. John Bishop did this and that to me. John Bishop beat me badly, broke into my Inventory, and freed all the slaves I had hidden within. John Bishop murdered all my Knights. Why can''t he just die? Ah, what a lovely man. Always there to keep my sinners reminded of a simple fact: these vices we indulge in, these terrible, horrible habits and vile, vicious punishments we inflict on othersthey do not come for free. There are people of genuine virtue in the world. There are true believers in goodnessthough most of them are foppish milksops, incapable of fighting off a flea infestationthe best among them are monsters in their own right. Recall the visage of angels and remember that they look not as if babes glistening purity, but as nightmares hewn from primordial fleshas true as any demon, as ruinous as any fire. Goodness does not exist in opposition to vice. Goodness defines us by dialectic The Trespassers Lodge will stay for as long as they can defend themselves. War with them at your own peril. The Claimed Hells will respect any and all who invade its shores. Even those truly oppositional. -Mepheleon the Harbinger 76 The Plan (I) Wait a minute, Roggi said, with a suspicious glare. You mean we were brought together specifically by the Harbingers design? Why? For what reason? Politics is my guess, John Bishop replied. Politics? The Oathbearer said, not understanding. The Trespasser simply nodded. A power play against his own Circles, rival System hosts, and the Inheritors, all at the same time. My reckoning is that hes trying to create a new faction. A real wild card in the Claimed Hells. The Concept Breaker and his sect. Out for revenge. All of you. Bishop gestured thereafter at the two women in the room. Ellena and Agensia of Dawnrest. Depose queen and princess. Bearers of Igniums will. Agnesia met Bishops eyes with a stone-cold stare, but a look of frightened unease consumed her mother. My daughter is Dragon-blooded, Bishop cut through her words. There are plenty of people who are dragon-blessed. God, lineages from Wyrmlings to Drakes to Hydras and more, but few are directly descended from a God of Fire, Order, and Ash. The corner of Bishops lip twitched. You got any idea what that lineage is worth? What shell be able to do? A smolder of black flames flicked behind Agnesia like shadowy tendrils, expanding to become a crackle of wings. Even within the memory, you could feel the heat wafting off her. Prior to her Class Specialization, her pyromancy was uncontrolled, primal, a wild flame wielded by a terrified girl. Now it was angry, loathing, hungry. A feral touch still remained, but she swung it like she did her bladetoo furious to care about technique, with more than enough aggression to inflict proper harm. Yet John Bishop seemed to regard her as a trifling thing. You know what kind of noise people make when they burn? Agnesia asked, the threat hiding beneath her words. Yeah, Bishop nodded. His reply was casual, and with another purple ripple from his mind, the surrounding area changed. Screams filled the air as burning bodies staggered from place to place. There were thirteen of them, thirteen men dressed in rags, their skin melting from what looked like hyper-heated trails of white vapor. A searing fog surrounded the group, but though they felt its stinging sensation, it didnt harm them. And Ill tell you this, kid, Bishop continued. Your fires, theyre meant to destroy or create. Ive seen people burn in ways you cannot even conceive. Ive seen people burn slow, and Ive seen people burn bright. Suddenly, the world around them shifted back to the miserable barracks. A room flickering under dim lights and surrounded by dirty cots. Im not here to insinuate anything. The Dying Queen, she wants your blood. She wants you because if she can embrace you and claim you among her Kindred, the things you unlock for her system, the power she will gain will make her one of the greatest System hosts in existence, bar none. And with that, she can finally start contending with the other major players, like the Unfallen. And with that, he turned his attention on Roggi. The Oathbearer went rigid the moment his great enemys name was invoked. What do you know about the Ruinous Legions. Plenty. I know theyve been spreading across the Fathoms trying to expand the grip of the Wither. I know that theyre looking for what remains of the Creator, his shards, and those who bear them. And I know that you, the Oathbearers, forge-born and warrior-sworn to defend the legacy of the Great Builder, are on their last legs, your Hearths corrupted and shattered, your forces broken and beleaguered. With each passing word, Roggis fists grew tighter and tighter. Malformed though he was, the Oathbearer was an Oathbearer still. Beneath that avian shroud, fungal decay, Wei saw the crimson eyes of Roggi burn with focused, unyielding spirit. Aye, so you do know a few things, Roggi replied, looking John Bishop up and down. So now that you proved yourself a real smart arse, why, I think its time for you to tell us why. Why youre here? How youre going to help us, and how the hells are we going to get out of this miserable shit pit? Yeah, Bishop agreed. Its about time I do. Now first off, lets go over our problems. Its not just the Inheritors after you. We have reasonable intel that the Dying Queen, the Unfallen, and the Inheritors are all working together explicitly for the purpose of capturing you all. Agnesia scowled, Roggi let out a humorless chuckle, and Wei simply narrowed his eyes at Bishop. You knew this? Wei replied. Since when? Found out. Just about three minutes ago, Bishop offered the young master a smile. The boy remained unamused. New intel got zipped over. And if you have pierced the inner confines of the Inheritors so, why havent you resolved them yet? Because every time we extract intelligence from them, we lose an asset. They are a large, messy organization, but theyre good a plugging leaks. Right now, I want you to appreciate how much were burning for you, because getting you out is gonna cost us valuable assets. For a moment, young master and Trespasser faced each other, both of their faces stone-solid, betraying nothing. Are you fishing for my appreciation? Wei said coldly. Something almost similar to a grin passed over John Bishops face. I aint gonna say no to a thank you. Slowly, mockingly, Wei made a salute. Bishop snorted. Alright, on to the critical details. With a wave of his hand, the surrounding scenery changed once more, but rather than the surroundings warping, three new figures molded into shape on the table between Agnesia and Rogi. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. At the center was a well-built, but ultimately unassuming human man. Strong of jaw and deep blue of eyes, he wore a nice navy-brown suit with something akin to a long silk strip running down his neck. Wei cocked his head at the figure and frowned. This here is Harlon Seever. Hes currently in charge of most operations coming out of Preceptors Descent. Effectively, he is a marquis of the Inheritors and the primary one after you, Wei. The young master studied his foe with a sneer. Harlon Seever. He remembered the Knight of Lust mentioning this name. Here was her contact, and here was the architect behind the Drowned Sky Sects destruction. The young master would take savage delight when he finally shattered what remained of Harlons Will. From what weve gathered, hes probably around Lv. 106. One hundred and six? Rafael said, sounding aghast. The lich stared on at Seever. Iplease, I know it is rude to inquire, but what is your level, Mr. Bishop? Bishop gave Rafael a wry stare. A bit more than that. But ultimately, its not going to completely carry through. Not when Im wearing this vessel. He patted his own body. Too much psionic essence. Poor Angeleous is gonna pop like a wet, rotten bag if I strain too hard. Great, Roggi sighed. So. Hes capable of rippin all of us limb from limb while youre more of a danger to yourself. I assume you have a scheme to help us overcome a superior foe? Wei asked. A scheme? Bishop cocked his head. Yeah, something like that. Lets just say our friend here might have high levels, but his Mindwell, that aspects a little bit lacking. And all of a sudden, Wei understood what Bishop was getting at. I see. And so, if I were to be able to reduce this Aspect further I dont know, Bishop said. I might just be able to squeeze my mind in. Get myself a new vessel. One that can sustain even more of my power. And get me further up the Inheritors ladder. Wei realized what Bishop was seeking. His Enlightenment caught on to the obvious plot. The Trespassers Lodge and the Inheritors were at war, all things considered, and Wei just offered Bishop a unique opportunity to breach and claim the mind of a hated foe. The psionic wasnt just here to help Wei out of virtuethere was much he could gain. Then came the other two figures beside Seever. The first was a big, bone-clad warrior. He looked to be about eight feet tall, and a hood shrouded his face in a swirling maw of tendrils. Ghosts spilled out from his exposed ribs, and darkness danced upon moving plates of armor, lining the bone. Finally, there were his wings, extended out from behind him, a collection of wicked scythes, capable of bisecting even a giant. This one heres Athlon the Absolver, Unfallen. Not quite a Marquis, but his Class is a unique one. Different rules compared to most players in the Claimed Hells. Rot and rust, Roggi cursed, glaring at the Unfallen. I know this one. Slaughtered millions of my forge-brothers he did. This ones a hunter. A slaver of Trines. Yeah, Bishop said. Fuckers got a bit of a reputation. The Unfallens Cold Council has their eyes on your charges, Oathbearer Roggi, and they just sent their neatest hound to collect. And we both know the consequence of letting the Unfallen claim the last few hymns of the Creator. Thats not going to happen, Roggi shot back. Hymns of the Creator? Wei asked, considering the term. Does that relate to the song they sing when they perform their magics? Its more than just a song for a little bit of magic, Bishop said. They have a fragment of creation within them, expressed through artistry, capable of reshaping reality itself. Think of it as a broken system. One thats almost been reassembled. Just a few more songs, a few more art pieces, a few more creations, and all of a sudden, the Unfallen will be able to rebuild the Creator into their fated Unmaker. And then. A snapping sound resonated through the psionic projection. They start twisting even more of existence to suit their needs. And I said thats not going to happen! Roggi snapped, a snarl entering his voice. Ill be damned if I ever let those bastards sully my honor. Theyve already taken enoughmy hearth, my brothers. They will not have this. I will see the Trine cut down before I ever let them have this. An outpouring of rage and frustration spilled out from the Oathbearer. And for a second, Wei infused his perception into the titan. For a moment, Weis perception and Roggis overlapped. He knew what it was to be an Oathbearer, to feel the compulsion of the Creator surge through his very veins, and an ineffable rage filled him. But not a wild emotionrather one of refined focus, compelled drive. Roggi, Wei felt his Enlightenment spike, and as fast as the impulse came, so too did it vanish. The connection between him and the Oathbearer snapped, as if a fraying rope. Both young master and Roggi looked at each other in the aftermath, a glimpse of something private. Something he shouldnt have. He shook his head and resolved to speak with Roggi afterward. And finally, Bishop said, ignoring the Oathbearers outburst, theres the Dying Queens candidate, Reunion. Reunion? Ellena said, focusing on the threat. I no it can A terrible, pale-skinned, long-haired humanoid stood before the group. It was shorter than Amphlon, but there was an air of menace around Reunion, the kind one would feel when gazing upon a hungry wolf. A disgusting shawl made from melted flesh covered Reunions body as if a makeshift cape. Haggard faces lined the macabre piece of clothing, as facsimile faces were lost in an internal scream. Finally, there was an orb of blood hovering behind Reunion, its surface clear and reflective, serving as a portal to a distant throne room, and far within the spheres expanse, Wei saw her againthe shadow of the Dying Queen. Weis omniscience captured a snapshot of reactions in that very instant. Agnesias pulse accelerated, pounding so fast that she might as well have been in a life-or-death struggle. Elnas breath hitched and her pupils dilated. She knew this one, and encountering them pulled her into a sea of black memories she did not wish to recall. The moment passed, but mother and daughter shared a complexion for once, and it was bone pale, nearly as pale as the man they faced. Reunion was a nightmare to them, and Wei knew then that if they were to face him in combat, spirits might give, regardless of their power or skill. So these are our primary adversaries, Wei said, taking in the threats. So far, he stood unshaken, but his personal interest was in Harlon Seever. Still, he didnt know the capabilities of the other two as well if they were going to participate in the coming ambush. Theyll also probably have a portal that can call up a few hundred more Knight-Tier soldiers to support them in bringing you down. A few hundred? Rafael shouted. His outburst was the reasonable one, Wei thought. The young master was more than capable, and with his system, he would dare say superior to most Knight-Tier threats. But a few hundred adversaries, all possessed of different specializations and across a broad span of levels? Wei didnt know if even he could survive such an onslaught. Furthermore, I believe that the Inheritors have penetrated your little organization on a deeper level than you think, Bishop said. It aint just Angeleous thats leaking your details. Wei and Rafael shared a look. It was as they suspected. Paranoia paid its dividends. So? What are their names? Wei asked. I could prune No, Bishop said, holding out a hand. You want to keep them. You want to keep using them as fault, false counterintelligence, just like youve been doing with Angeleous. And what you got isnt a rat problem, but a compromised Class problem. Angeleouss boys have outside forces traced to their spirits. Theyll be tracked anywhere in the Claimed Hells. And if they go off course, or youre planning a diversion and head into another Hearted Realm instead, well, the Inheritors will know. And theyll be there before you arrive.Trust me, they have more means of traversal than you ever will. Might impressive as your At that, the Trespasser looked around the room and gave a slight chuckle. Now, as much as I admire your mad plan to rocket your Wei through the Hearted Realm, theyll be there. Theyll be there in advance. It wont take nothing for them to set up their ambushes. Spatial barriers, magical mines, specialized Demons, along with threats youll face in the Hearted Relam itself youre gonna be running up against a hell of a lot of adversity. This vessels pretty sturdy. It might last a few seconds, but a few seconds is all youre gonna get because when unenchanted alloy faces someone that can liquefy a mountain well. And so what do you propose? Wei shot back, not at all bothered someone was disparaging Mobile Fortress Wei. Shall I wait? Shall I linger here in the Moongraves for the Harbinger to come down and save me, like the helpless little lamb I am? I think you should use your System to its full capacity, John Bishop said. Wei paused, squinting his eyes at the man. What are you talking about, Bishop? You can control boundaries, right? Thats how you jumped your old man the first time. With each passing second, Weis discomfort grew. Worst thing about John Bishop wasnt how casual and composed he was, nor his hidden but almost certain advantage in power. No, what bothered Wei the most was that this strangerthis trespasser, who clearly had a relationship with his fatherknew more about Weis Keter system than even the System itself. My ability to control boundaries is still being developed, Wei said. If you think I can transport something as large as You dont need to transport the entire ship, John Bishop said. You just need to get from one end to the other, and when the ship comes through, you destroy the distance between that and the exit. Youve done that plenty of times, right? Breaking the concept of distance. Wei paused. Yes. That was imminently more doable. But Bishops control over the present situation bothered Wei. It was like he was being usurped. This man, this Trespasser, had come in out of nowhere, insulted the mobile fortress, taunted Wei with his knowledge, and was now shaping things to his advantage. The young master had considered revealing his arrangement with the Old Man, but decided to keep that to himself instead. He deserved to have a few surprises of his own. Alright, then, Master Bishop. Tell me how you would break this ambush. Let me start with another question, then? Whats that? Do you have any uh, expendable assets? At Knight-Tier or above? Finally. It was time for the Knight of Lust to meet her final purpose. Perhaps. 77 The Plan (II) The Hearted Realms are domains of chaos. You cannot plan for what you will encounter within them. Whatever Archdevil you dwell within, they will use your memories as clay and your weaknesses as a foundation to create something anathema to you. Something you cannot overcome. You will drown, whatever your power, no matter your power. But the Hearted Realms are dubbed the Trials of Despair for a reason. You are not meant to triumph against the Archdevils; you are meant to triumph against yourself. Those who pass through without seeking the aid of a higher power, such as a circle or one of the many organizations that exist within the Claimed Hells, are those that do not need it. They have already saved themselves. They have already won. -The Trespassers Compedium 77 The Plan (II) For a good long moment, John Bishop stared at the Knight of Lust, his frown growing deeper with each passing second. Severan was a ruined shell of a person. A constant twitching and the hollow-eyed stare she possessed revealed the whole truth of that. But even so, they knew why the Trespasser was annoyed. Son, Bishop began with a sigh, are you telling me that you had a fully intact Knight-Tier vessel for me to pilot, and you decided to give me this old-ass man anyway? Yes, Wei said without any hesitation, that is what Im telling you. I still have need of her, and I am worried she is compromised. The Trespasser shook his head. A derisive chuckle escaped from John Bishop, and he shook his head like a father would when facing the excuses of a particularly dishonest child. Well then, I suppose I should thank you for looking out for me, young master. I suppose you should. Your appreciation has been received, Master Bishop. The poor Trespasser thought he was attuned to passive-aggressiveness. Not so, not so. Wei was a cultivator born and bred, and the ways of the subtle insult were as ingrained in a sect as its forms, techniques, and philosophies. Brushing off his annoyance, John Bishop continued to examine the Knight of Lust. Tendrils of purple brightness extended from the Trespassers mind and burrowed deep into the Knights being. She flinched before the approaching essence, but as soon as they coalesced within her, her expression slackened, and all semblance of a fight vanished from her being. Seizing the opportunity, Wei applied his Outsight to the Knight of Lust, curious about Bishops power. As the Knights perception superimposed over his own, he felt nothing in particular, just a vague sense of unshakable tranquility. Wei eyed Bishop from the corner of his eye. Direct assaults on another persons consciousness were one thing. Wei could disrupt such Essence and vectors of attack using his Form of the Resonant, but subtle manipulationthe amplification or suppression of anothers moodthis was by far a more insidious technique, something the young master needed to watch out for. Without hesitating, he applied Lesser Hollow Mind to himself to keep his mental state in a muted rationality. Good Christ, son, you broke her something bad. No Will left in her, no Will at all. All of a sudden, the purple tendrils vanished and Bishop looked away. Yeah, yeah, shell do. Broken though her essence is, shes still got plenty of power inside her, enough to make a proper bomb. Wei frowned at that, and a question was carried by Rafael. A bomb? the lich said. He shot the Knight of Lust a glance. Forgive me, Mr. Bishop, but are you talking about overloading someones spirit? That captured Weis attention. Essence Overload, like what he could do by infusing his Eidolon with a catalyst. Yeah, something like that. The briefness of a feral grin passed over Bishops features, reminding Wei of a slavering dog, a juicy slab of meat left just beyond the iron bars of its kennel. Turning to the others again, Bishop spent a few moments in silent contemplation, while the rest looked at each other, warily awaiting the Trespassers words. So, you got three problems to contend with. The first is the Archdevil of Gluttony. Whatever Hearted Realm you choose, it dont matter which one you pick, youre gonna feel the effects almost immediately. Youre gonna feel like you havent had a single meal in your life, and youve been wandering the desert for the past thousand years, as soon as you get in that Hearted Realm. No countering that, no resisting that. Not for me, and certainly not for the rest of you. Not even for John Bishop. It took great confidence to admit ones vulnerabilities, or perhaps this, too, was another layer of deception. It would be easy for Bishop to feed others false informationthat seemed to be how he operated, anyway. Second problem on the list is the Inheritors and their erstwhile friends. That would be pretty bad. I dont think this big cans gonna get past them, not without some serious finagling on our part. And the third problem, he said, and a problem that might just see you all dead before any of the actual fighting even starts, is all of you. Namely, how fucked up each of you already are. Excuse me? Ellena said, sounding most offended. Bishop continued without a hint of remorse. I know what happened to you. All of you. He looked at Agnesia. I know what you had to do to get here. Who you needed to kill. Who you didnt want to kill. His eyes were on Roggi now. I know your regrets and your shame. Finally, he swept over to Rafael. And I know what youve done in the name of liberty, despite what you tell yourself. An oppressive silence consumed the room. Even without his Outsight, Wei could sense a palpable dread mixing with the bitter tang of rising despair. You know nothing, Agnesia growled as her wreath of flames began to crackle. Agnesia, her mother said, approaching with a placating hand. No! the girl roared, and the shadow of a draconic titan echoed around her being, materializing for a scant second. You have no idea what it was like, how it felt, to watch your home turn against you. To see your fathers head on a pike. To see your brother turned into a monster. A monster that was little more than a dog, crawling along the road with a collar at his neck and one of the Dying Queens bastard children holding his chain. Something between a snarl and a sob escaped her. He fed my brother He fed my brother my fathers blood. Thats how they turn him. That was his first taste of being Embraced. And after that, they breached our homes. They turned everyone close to us. Everyonecitizens nobles... They turned themselves. They turned themselves out of fear of death. And they thought that being monsters, being little more than subhuman vermin, was preferable. But rather than roar, her flames began to dim as the strength left Agnesia as fast as the outrage began. I tried fighting them, Mother, she said, a single teardrop escaping her. I tried, and in my defiance, they turned, and they turned and they turned. I know. Ellena approached, embracing her daughter as both wept. I know. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Weis mind whirled back to the Trial of Retribution. The two burned twins, the kindred that used them to taunt Ellena and Agnesia. Wei had expected them, but he didnt broach the topic. He dared not. His own wounds had also been raw, and he wouldnt wish that on anyone. Well, not anyone he liked. As mother and daughter sought comfort in each other, Wei took a single step closer to Bishop. You do this again, and we will discover just how much more powerful you are than I. Be you prepared, live as an Aspect cripple, Wei said, his veiled threat brimming with gravitas and aggression. But instead of meeting the young masters threat with defiance, Bishop simply sighed. Listen, son, I know what youre doing, but it doesnt matter. If my words can do this, then going into the Hearted Realm will see them torn to pieces. Theyll see apparitions, specters of their regret. The Hearted Realms bleed over into each other. The realms of Gluttony and Wrath aint so far apart, and Wrath can make someone commit a lot of things. He let out a breath. And the Inheritors will know how to use this too. That vampire thats got it in for them? Reunion? I guarantee fucking to you that hes gonna do all this and more to twist, break, bleed, and butcher everyone who isnt crown Princess and Queen of Dawnrest. They want them alive, and alive doesnt mean whole. Shifting his posture, he spoke out loud. I apologize if my words have caused you any kind of discomfort or trauma, but its gonna get worse. Youre gonna face worse, and thats the problem here. You cant afford to be brittle. Not now. Facing the Oathbearer, Bishop cocked his head, and Rogi took two lumbering steps forward before speaking. Ill tell him myself, Roggi said, staring at Wei. Hes seen my hammer break. Hed probably knows. Right then, Bishop said, and that was the end of that. At that moment, a whisper also passed over Weis ear. I have something to discuss as well, Rafael said. Wonderful. Instead of creating a united front for everyone to face their difficulties, the arrival of the Trespasser inflicted a black note upon the groups morale. Issues aside, however, Bishop said, I can help you. I can hide memories, and I can blunt the effects of your emotions. Its one solution to the third problem. Unable to help himself, Wei seethed at the Trespasser. Why couldnt you lead with that? Would you trust me? Bishop replied. Let me twist your minds. Seemed like a better pitch to show you the problems first. He waved at Agnesia and Ellena. Especially the obvious ones> Dont trust you now, Wei hissed, exasperated. Bishop continued. Ultimately, though, your prep work is plenty commendable. This big fortressits a large, fragile target, but a large, fragile targets what we need. Its just that when the time comes, I dont think any of you want to be on it. What do you mean? Wei asked. With a wave of his hand, the mindspace changed once more. The barracks blurred as if the surface of a disturbed pond, and a ruined landscape came into form before them. The terrain was coated in what looked like thick, viscous flesh and translucent membrane. Chasms lined with jagged teeth clamped and bit at nothing in particular. Flicking tongues forded rows of enamelrazor-sharp, utterly wrong to look atassailed Weis vision. And everywhere, small, fat, grub-like creatures squealed and fled, their only fate to feed the hungry earth, their bodies sizzling as acidic rain fell from diseased clouds. Here is the Hearted Realm youre about to head into: the Archdevil of Gluttony. There are no maps for you that can help you traverse this place. The concept of distance, of time, doesnt work the same here. And as soon as you enter, youll be included as a member of this realm. And from your aspects, from your powers, demons will spawn. Demons formed from your past, and demons perfectly suited to make you their prey. Dont matter how powerful your Class is, how high your Aspects are. You are not greater than an Archdevil. And then, a faint smirk spread across Bishops features. Not unless youre a System host specifically designed to kill other systems. What then? Wei asked. Are you expecting me to contend against the full might of an Archdevil, broken and impaled as it is? Wei had no shortage of pride, but he still remembered his encounter with the Riftblade and the Count. The old man had left him cowed to some extent, but all that power paled before the pressure exerted by the very existence of the Archdevils. It was the kind of pressure youd feel deep underwaterthe knowledge that all that mass above was crushing down, even when it was still, even without any exertion, sheer dominance by existence alone. No, I sincerely doubt that youll be powerful enough to even leave a chip in the Hearted Realm. Then what? John Bishop shook his head. Youre not using your powers against the Archdevil, boy. Youre going to use your power on yourself. This is why I asked if youve developed your boundaries yet. You must have a Liminal Bridge already, right? Perhaps I do, but seeing as you are most knowledgeable in the inner workings of my System, I suspect that you also understand how much Source that demands from me. Yeah, thats a hefty portion of your total pool, but that makes sense, since its basically allowing you to occupy two points in space at once. Was that how it worked. Yes. Wei frowned internally. Would be nice if you came with a cultivation manual. That was not the creators will. No. His will was that I should wander in the dark while every other person taunts me with their greater knowledge. Unlikely. This Trespasser I was being sardonic, you bastard spirit. Understood. Would you like to change my designation to bastard spirit. No! INo! Wei? Bishop interrupted the young masters internal dialogue. You doing all right there. Hm? Yes. Im just considering your words. I have to test this Sourcery, if I am to be truthful. Right. It just looked like you were trying to pass a kidney stone there for a second. Dammit. Now Wei needed to watch his facial expression. Damnable System. Whatever the case, the bridge will allow you to move freely. Freely, as in the Archdevil cant stop you from leaving since youre a System host as well. Boundaries are yours to control How do you know so damned much about my Concept-Breaker, Wei growled, unable to take the taunting anymore. Are you a host as well? Is that what it is? Nah. I aint nothing special. Just killed a Keter before is all. With that, a new tension sprouted its branches in Wei. Way I see things, were going to need to do a little skirmishing. A little guerrilla warfare. On the surface, I recommend you all keep to your original plan. Keep telling the others what youve been telling them. But were going to make some alternative arrangements in the meantime. Alternative how? Wei asked. Weve already gone over what we know. Lets go over what the Inheritors probably know. They know that you all are going to try a fast traversal across the Hearted Realm of Gluttony. They know that youll be moving within an Oathbearer-created vessel. Unenchanted, mundane hull, high energy consumption, extremely vulnerable. What we also know, though, is that they all want some of you alive, so they cant just blow you out of the air. More likely theyll ground you and peel you out from the can. Thus luring them in close, Wei said. Following along, a twinge passed through his Aspect of Enlightenment, and he glanced at the Knight of Lust. So, she is to be the key here after all? Shes gonna be a lot more than just explode. Were gonna hide a few people in her as well. Those compromised by the Inheritors mostly. Weis expression flatted. I might have taken her Inventory. Bishop paused. Well, thats fine. Ill find you another modification shard and we can bootstrap ourselves another slave-taking Skill. But ultimately, we need the Inheritors to have a trace on youto not suspect a thing. Theyll be trying to exploit you, so you should exploit them back. And their trackers will still be in effect? Wei asked. Even when their assets are stored in anothers Inventory? Worked for me before, Bishop said simply. And what about the rest of us? Roggi said. What are the trusted ones supposed to be doing? You all? You all are gonna be hitching a ride in Wei using his Inventory. How many of you are past the level 25 threshold? Agnesia pushed away from Ellena. Tears still lined her face, but her composure had been regained. I crossed it, she said quietly, not too long ago. Alright. One of you. Thats doable. Bishop said. Might put some more strain on you, Wei, but youre level 28: you can take it. And why am I putting my companions into my Inventory? To ferry people from one place to another. Were trying to get everyone through the Hearted Realm, right? Best that only one person stand against tribulation. One that can face it. One with the greatest capabilities. You can bring out whoever when you need them. That, and itll be safer for them too. We can do a test first. A test? Yeah. We can all take a little walk in the Realm of Gluttony. Let you all get a feel for how shitty it all is. Wei can get some more Advancements, and after that, you can all return via his Liminal Bridge. Just so you know what youre up against. With that said, everyone shared look of hesitation before Roggi shrugged. Rust it. Lets take a look at the bastard Archdevils insides, then. No sense pissing around here. 78 A Preview of Damnation A good mentor eventually makes for the best enemy, Wei An Wei, the Realm Breaker. 78 A Preview of Damnation A pocket of spatial Essence unclenched before Wei, and Rafael came tumbling out. With the materialization of mystical hands, Rafael pulled himself back to his feet and made a thumbs-up gesture at the rest of the group. I checked! His Inventory is perfectly safe, aside from the intense sense of claustrophobia, the feeling that you are floating in a vast, uncaring void, unable to move, speak, or even react, unless you struggle with your Essence to break free. A long silence followed. Agnesias stare was so intense that Wei worried she was about to burn a hole through the skull of the lich. That doesnt sound bloody okay at all. That sounds like youre getting strangled. Its not so bad, Rafael replied. Its like a light strangling, very slight. Almost no pressure at all. Some people even like a little bit of light strangling. You might be one of them. Everone inside the mindscape stared. Wei caught a whispered remark from Bishop. The fuck you say? And to compound his stunned confusion, Ellena leaned in, her expression dark. No. No, my daughter will not enjoy a spot of light strangling. Thank you very much. Now, are you certain its safe? Absolutely, Rafael said. Its just extremely uncomfortable. Also, you see the other people stored within his inventory floating there. So, its not so lonely. You can see them? Wei asked, sounding surprised. The Knight of Lust as well? Oh yes, a considerable amount of Essence is dedicated to holding her in place. It is a good thing we broke her will. Otherwise, she might have already struggled and shattered the confines. The lich smacked his nonexistent lips. Ultimately, I dont think it will take Agnesia any effort at all to break free. The flow of Essence within the Inventory is only meant to contain, not to cage. Wei nodded at that. It made sense. Otherwise, people would be using their Inventories to snatch up adversaries without even engaging in a fight at all. Right, so now that thats confirmed, Bishop said, I think we should go take a gander at our battleground. Survey the lay of the land before the enemy and all that. A series of unenthusiastic nods and half-hearted grunts proved to be the Trespassers answer. Time to climb inside the lad, Roggi said. Heads swiveled across the room. Agnesia coughed as she blushed. What? The Oathbearer blinked. Another staggered beat of silence consumed the room, and at once both John Bishop and Rafael threw their heads back and shared a mutual guffaw. A slow, suffering sigh slipped out from Wei. His most trusted companionsand Bishopwere degenerates. He was likely not going to enjoy this excursion. *** From afar, the grand spire that held the rift leading into the Hearted Realm of Gluttony seemed such a paltry thing. Yet after shattering the distance between Mobile Fortress Wei and this point of egress, Wei found himself standing before two obsidian edifices ten kilometers apart. At its center, a chasm swirling with spatial Essence greeted him, with whorls of spiraling darkness beckoning his approach into its dreadful embrace. Wei had his entire inner council stored within his Inventory, and odd as it felt, it seemed that they all remained unharmed, true to Rafaels word. What he didnt expect, however, was for them to still be capable of sending him messages through the chat. Roggi: Be a lot more bloody interesting hiding in your inventory if there was something to do in here, Rogi said. All I have to do is stare at the other poor bastards here. And Wei, you need to do something about the slaves the Knight took. Those unfortunate shits are just staying there in the dark, floating, almost naked. Ellena: Yes. The impropriety is disturbing. I wish there was a veil or something. With an outpouring of spatial Essence, Weis comrades reformed around him, and John Bishop stepped forth in Angelos body, rotating his shoulders, bones cracking, psionic energies flaring. Fucking arthritis motherfucking kid giving me this old ass bodyalright, there. Legs working again. The Trespasser stubmled forward and stared into the great crevice they were about to embark upon. Welcome, then, to the final threshold. Above, masked by the clouds, Archdevil of Gluttony loomed. The creatures many maws bit at reality, and the obfuscating atmosphere shrouded its true form but failed to spare those below from the fell touch of the Archdevils Essence. Once we go through this rift, there wont be any coming back. Thats the case for most, anyway. Cept Wei heres got a few more options than most of us, dont you? The young master swept his long hair behind his shoulder and huffed under his breath. For the first time in his life, he mustered his Source and began composing a Liminal Bridge. He had neglected this sorcery for as long as he could remember. He should have tried using it before his meeting with the old man. But alas, doing this was going to leave him substantially drained of Source, and considering Source was all that was keeping him alive, he danced. He was dancing on the fine edge of life and death. The creation of the Source Anchor was an act of self-mutilation. It simply could not be described otherwise. Over eighty percent of Weis being unlatched from him, shadow and light tearing free from his spirit in the form of the most conceptual dismemberment. At once, eighty percent of his whole source was expended, and Wei let out a shuddering gasp as he stumbled back. Spots developed in his vision, and a distant ringing trilled along his ears. Source: [36/180] Before him, however, loomed a brilliant doorway rimmed by darkest shadows. As he gazed upon this liminal anchor, this passageway he could access with but a step, he felt the other side of that doorway within him, for this was a portion of his being, and he was as much an anchor to it as it was to him. John Bishop walked around the liminal bridge, taking in the young masters construct. His admissions caught an impressed breath from the man as he slowly nodded. Been a while since Ive seen one of those. Damn fine thing to witness. Roggi, comparatively, was far less impressed. The Oathbearer waddled over, resembling a giant, bulbous avian that reeked of fetid odors. Dont rightly know why this is much better than some teleportation skill. Because teleportation only affects your relationship with a section of space. And this doesnt affect the young masters relationship with space? Rafael asked, sounding somewhat confused. Nah, this is about boundaries. Its about controlling places themselves. Its about making places. Weis voice trailed off as an epiphany hit him harder than a falling meteor. This is why the little bridges concept ascension required twenty-five source advancements. It was a staggering amount compared to his other concept floors. But from the Trespassers words, it wasnt just an easy means of spatial manipulation. It was outright realm creation. Spatial creation. He could expand space itself or reshape it. Yeah, Bishop said, grinning as he caught the stunned look on Weis face. You didnt even know what you had inside you, did you? Wei quickly hid his expression, unwilling to give the Trespasser any more satisfaction than he already took. Lethargy gnawed at his bones, but Wei, even weakened, was stronger than hed ever been. Stronger than he was as a mere cultivator. Facing the rift into the Hearted Realm, the young master clenched his teeth and took a step forward. Come then, he said to the others, lets see this place of damnation for what it is. Youve woven quite the tale of horror for us, Master Bishop. I would be sorely upset if I were to be disappointed. Trust me, son, Bishop replied. If anything, I spoke in understatement. And then, as a group, they ventured forth into that great, devouring chasm. With each step, a sensation began to burrow its way into Wei: an affliction of hunger assailed his body. And with each step closer to its threshold, it grew exponentially stronger, before suddenly diminishing by a drastic extent. Fortification Advanced > 25 [1/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension The young masters most neglected aspect returned to save him once more, this which he balanced with his other capabilities, if nothing else. As they passed into the threshold of the rift, the spatial Essence lapped over them as if crashing waves. In seconds, they were pulled in, swept across a vast darkness between spaces. Wei felt nothing but a surge of interlacing Essence and a crushing power that remained unstirred. It was like being carried by a river through the insides of an unstable mountain. At any time, the goliath could collapse, and all that weight would reduce him to less than dust. But still, it held. It held because the tower willed it so. Because Mephelion willed it so, the Archdevil, a being of unfathomable power, loomed a crippled titan, something ultimately less than a test for all future citizens to overcome. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. It took them an indeterminate, indeterminable amount of time before they finally arrived in the Hearted Realm. The entire duration of their transit was spent in darkness, but everyone could feel the oppressive pressure growing. As it built to an insufferable apex, the world finally expanded around them as a crevice of light fractured open, casting them out as if they were being spat from the mouth of an ill giant. The first thing Wei felt, realized, noticed wasnt the nightmarish scenery or even the staggered reactions of his comrades. No, the first thing he felt was the inebriation, the draining of his Essence. Simply being here made him feel weaker, slower, more sluggish in reaction and thought. To Weis alarm, he saw his source begin to rapidly drop and realized that this Hearted Realm was living up to its nameGluttony, the consumption and hunger for all things. Summoning his Broken Crescent in response, he saw his weapon forged from calamitous elements itselfhidden from whirling tides, shattering stones, billowing gales, and fracturing lightning into little more than sparks and dissolving motes. Contrarily, however, he only briefly felt the Hearted Realm brush his system, from which it recoiled and spat back as if a tongue tasting something far too hot. Weakly, the young master managed a smile. The Concept Breaker would be no ones prey. It feels like Im suffering from a bloodletting, Agnesia muttered. The girls flames diminished, quenched. She was holding herself up using her bone-blade, and she eyed Wei with a disbelieving stare. Whywhyd you look absolutely fine? I dont feel absolutely fine, Wei replied sardonically. You dont seem quite as drained as the rest of us, she shot back. From her inventory, she summoned a potion and immediately gulped it down. What are you drinking? Wei asked. Potion of Invigoration, Ignisia replied. As he watched, her complexion improved, and slowly she no longer needed to lean on her blade for support. A temporary boost to her aspects of strength, constitution, perhaps. (Fortitude) adapting to [Ravenous Hunger] Ever so slightly, Wei felt the effects of this realm slowly recede from his being. Progress was excruciatingly slow, however, and Wei thought it would take days, if not even weeks, for him to fully acclimate to fighting here. He didnt have days or weeks. The Hearted Realm itself was much like how it was presented in Bishops mental realm. Massive mouths split the ground, and Wei found himself standing on a wet, membrane-like substance. The clouds above spewed what seemed like stomach acid across the realm, and massive teeth rose in the distance as jagged mountains. And through the discordant firmament, Wei beheld an enormous, pulsing heart. It, much like the land, was riven with slavering maws and sprouted licking tongues, dry with needful hunger. Seems like they were bein literal when they named this place, Roggi chuckled. Yes, Wei breathed, barely able to pull himself away from the sight. His Omniscience caught sight of moment. Creatures burst out from the ground along the periphery of his awareness. They were monsters made from fangs, claws, and spear-like tubes, and they smashed into each other by the thousands, a rolling tide of violence and starvation. They devoured each other, even as other demons of their like rose from the chasms lining the terrain. But their forms remained emaciated even as they gorged themselves on flesh, blood, and Essence. To exist here was to starve. Even for the denizens of this realm. Fortification Advanced > 26 [2/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Slowly, however, Wei was growing evermore resistant. Hows your Fortification coming along? John Bishop said. Out of everyone present, he seemed to be the least affected, which infuriated Wei to no end. A purple-violet shroud pulsed out from around Angeleouss mind and reaped the rest of his body in what felt like a sheen of protective Essence. Weis admissions still detected a drain. Bishop wasnt immune, but somehow he clearly had far more power to spare than most of the group, even when operating from across the Claimed Hells using an inferior vessel. A sight ignited of vicious indignation within Wei. He wouldnt be insulted like this. He would grow. He would claw. He would do anything he could to see the Trespasser outmatched, to see this Hearted Realm rendered a trifling impediment rather than a domain of aching torture. A veil of ciphers passed through everyone, and Wei felt the effects of Ravenous Hunger grow ever more blunted. He turned to face Rafael and found the lich also struggling. The flames that burned within his sockets flickered as if candles dancing in the caress of an unwelcome tempest. I have created wards to choke the flow but cannot stop the Archdevil. The afflictions it causes like a foundational law of reality. It is truly a remarkable fiend. Remarkable, Roggi grunted in disgust. More like miserable. The Oathbearer bore an uncharacteristically sour disposition. Feels the wither getting into my bones. Even the air here is poison. Bloods not flowing right. Less of me with every beat. And the Trines supposed to pass through this place? Oathbearer growled. The Creators Hymn. Will this place feed from it? Bishop shrugged. "It''ll try. I have no idea if the Archdevil can digest that kind of Essence. But an Archdevil aint that different from a god themselves. Well. They were before the Harbinger ascended. Best not to risk it. Not without protection. Roggi lowered his head, and his frown deepened. "Wei, I might need to ask you for a favor." The young master had a feeling he knew what this was. "He wished for me to carry your Trine for you? "Aye," he said. Thats about it. The ground beneath them tremored as a massive flaking tongue broke through the earth. A geyser of bulbous flesh and erupting acid sprayed free, piercing through the passing clouds as demon fed on demon in ravenous cycles. But through the havoc, another presence entered the sphere of Wei''s omniscience. This one wasn''t a demon. Rather, they were ghostly apparition, and he felt something of his Essence lingering within him. The young master prepared himself. Bishop had spoke of anathemasentities the Hearted Realm created to inflict harm on a specific individual. But as the ghostly figure materialized, Weis mind jolted to a halt. Master Mou Ze, Wei breathed. The mangled remains of the Drowned Sky Sects Cauldron Elder walked forth, entire sections of his body still mauled and missing from the hellhounds. Despite this, he sported his characterstic grin and looked on at Wei despite being a kilometer away, despite the legions of hell battling around him. And then a whisper slipped through the air, a cane as if the whistling of a missed arrow. Still, the voices were more than audible. Two spoke in tandem, both young boys, both calling out, "Agna, Agna, why did you burn us, Agna?" Agnesia paled. She swirled about, blade at the ready, prepared to cut down her unseen foes. And not a few meters away, two children, badly burned, materialized as if visages in a mirage. They held hands and looked out to Agnesia, reached out at Ellena. Mother Sister "No," Agnesia breathed. "Youre not real. Youre not real. Ellenas hands came up to her mouth, and she took her nails into her face, and took two steps back. Bishop''s words rang true in mere seconds. It was more than physical horrors that visited them, but apparitions from their past displaced it, devoured more than power. It drank from new memories, and it vomited forth horror in return. A wind washed across this place of damnation, and with it came more specters and reformed round them, taunting them, lingering around them. Wei glimpsed another Oathbearer, the same one they faced in the trial of retribution. They said nothing; instead, they simply faced Roggi and held two hammers high, one corrupted, the other broken. A scornful scoff escaped John Bishop. "Well, the Hearted Realms have given you the best welcome. Better get used to this place, don''t get any nicer." And finally, one more figure approached, one figure that Wei didn''t want to see. She approached, she came forth with a headless visage, but her robes, her skin, that damn double hairpin his father bought for her, held in her hand. Wei felt his Intent rattle, heard his system declare something, the words but noise, and his insides boiled with turmoil. He had done all he could to not think of her. He had done all he could to restore his sect, to keep busy, but where was his head? He couldn''t help thinking that. She was a corpse approaching him, but where was her head? He wanted to see her face, even if she was lost "Take me back." Ellena gasped, breaking Wei from his near-catatonia. The young master turned and faced the deposed queen. She was openly weeping into her hands, on the verge of a breakdown. "Take me back, please. I cannot say. I cannot." Fortification Advanced > 27 [3/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Young Master reached out and placed a hand on Ellenas shoulder. Their eyes met, and she offered him the slightest of nods. With that, he grasped her with his Inventory, taking her into an inner space within his spirit, and sparing her any further misery. "We''re going to need more mind-bolstering potions, I fear," Rafael mumbled. And Bishops offer. "Yeah," Roggi said, sounding haggard, but still in control. "Wei, we had a look on this place. The Trespassers was right. Its worse than a shit-pit. Now can be leave figure out what to do next. Wei?" "Yes," the young master muttered as he began collecting the rest of his group. With every passing second, more demons spawned, and more ghostly presences began to gather, began to approach. As he got to Bishop, the Trespasser held up a hand, halting his own transition into Wei''s Inventory. "You saw her, didn''t you?" he asked. Didn''t even need to specify who ''her'' was. Wei hesitated before nodding. "I saw them. I saw all of them." And then his expression hardened, hardened with another advancement of his fortification. "I saw this place. It reminds me what it has taken, will never take from me again." Wei turned his attention upward, glaring back at the dead of his sect, now massing as if a ghostly legion, facing them with hate rather than sorrow. His mother was at the forefront. Still headless. Still headless. He wanted to see her face. And didnt as well. Damn it all. "I will take them back, and I will return, I will return, until it troubles me no more." And now it was Bishop''s turn to look on in startlement. Finally, a breath escaped his nostrils. "I was wrong." "Were you?" Wei said, borderline contentious. "About what? Clearly this place as miserable as "No, about you. You''re nothing like him. Hed run from a place like this. He was never good at facing his own demons. Not even a little bead of subtle misery passed behind Bishop''s eyes. "None of us get the lives we want, son. I''m just sorry. This had to be yours." That was the first show of genuine sympathy they got from a man. The young master looked on from the trespasser, surprised. But even that turned to ash a moment later. When use is sorry before the uncaring heavens. "Yeah," Bishop agreed. "Nothing. Nothing at all. When you come back in, take me with you. Theres a lot we have to talk about. As Wei took him into his Inventory, he cast one final glance around this realm of horror. He simply sneered. "I will return," he said, speaking to his mother''s body. "I will return shortly and you will taunt me no more. I will return." He bellowed out loud, casting his declaration at the Archdevil itself. He stared at the diseased heart, rimmed with famed teeth and lapping tongues. This place couldn''t break him. This place couldn''t do anything to him. He was unbreakable. He was destined for glory. Destined to be the breaker of all things. Then, he reached into himself, connected his source to his Liminal Bridge, and took one step forward before reemerging in the Moongrave. 79 Endure Legends are usually bullshit. Tall tales meant to shape your perception of something or someone. But the Realmbreaker he lives his legend. He lives it hard. Let me tell you how I knew. How I realized he was going to be a problem for the Claimed Hells. Shit, for everyone. It all started when he willingly walked back into the embrace of the archdevil. Casting himself across into the Hearted Realm of Gluttony. All for the explicit purpose of killing the weakness in his heart. Most know what happened to the Drowned Sky Sect these days. What happened to its matriarch? Losing your mother that way takes a piece from you too. And Wei hated that. More than anything, I think he hated the fact that he felt any pain at all. Just wanted to turn pain into hate. Hate he could live with. Hate he could use. -John Bishop 79 Endure What do you mean you''re going back? Agnesia said as Wei released the last of his companions from his inventory. He made his intentions known through declarations. I have unfinished business in the Hearted Realm. I must return. I must face the ghosts of my sect until they trouble me no more. The reactions he got from the others were exactly what he expectedmostly worry and doubt, with the only point of approval coming from John Bishop. Whatever the Trespassers game, and rough as his disposition was, he respected strength. There was a steel to him that Wei understood could be found only in consummate warriors and cultivators alike. Wei, my friend, I am not sure that is wise, Rafael began. I understand that, eh his words trailed off as he sought the most diplomatic way of phrasing his dissent. It is good that you are taking a direct approach to your problems. But there might be unanticipated dangers as well. We saw many demons roaming across the surface of the Hearted Realm. I do not return to face the demons, Wei said, making his intentions plain. His light frown creased his brow. At least not demons of the flesh. Rather, it is a demon of the heart I seek to slay. Taking in his companions standing before the looming shape that was Mobile Fortress Wei, the young master simply sighed. I have seen your wounds, and you have likely guessed mine. My mothershe was murdered at the hands of my father, William Yu. I knew him by a different name, to be a different man. I was a fool, as was my mother, as were all the members of my sect for falling to his deception. I return now to make right my shame and quell the ghosts of my past before they infest my present and future. Wait, this is unnecessary, Ellena said, her voice thin and fragile. She looked pale and true to her complexion, as if she had glimpsed a ghosttwo ghostsher children, now lost forever to the grasp of the Dying Queen. Looking at Rafael and Bishop, Ellena bit her lip, but continued. We do not need to rely on our own strength alone. It is as Sir Bishop said. He can help. He will not touch my memories, Wei interrupted, his statement resolute. He will not twist the fabric of my mind. I will remain myself. I will stand or fall by the merits of my own virtue, to the advancements of my own constitution and cultivation. His eyes briefly met Bishops, and the man held no judgment, nor respect for that matter. It was like he was perfectly neutral about Weis decision. I will not judge the rest of you. I cannot master your pain, your failures, for you. If you wish to use your potions, to use other means to calm your minds, so be it. Such a decision is commendable, wise even. But I am committed to walking the path of the fool. Youre committed to being a bloody loon, Agnesia said, frustration leaking over. Her fists were clenched as she approached him, worry in her eyes. Wei, you''ve done a lot for us. You don''t need to do this. I can go back with you. I can help you. Wei shook his head, and she fell silent. Its not that I wouldnt appreciate the company, he said simply. Something almost like a smirk grew on his face. Mocking you has been one of the few joys Ive discovered while running this sect, after all. The smirk was gone, replaced with a frown. Wei. Youre a right bastard. Wei chuckled despite everything, but his amusement was fleeting. Before him loomed the weight of his trials and tribulations, ever-present. I must do this alone. I must. Much hinges upon my will and my capacity to endure in the face of my past. The System is mine. I am patriarch. I must be worthy. Agnesia seemed as if still ready to argue, but a little grumble from Roggi silenced her before she could begin. Let the lad go. Let him be, the Oathbearer ooked upon Wei. He wants to make something of himself, but one doesnt forge an alloy without tasting the sting of the forge. But hes a person, not an alloy! Agnesia growled. I dont think hes gonna get that luxury anymore, the Oathbearer surmised. He shared a look with the young master, and both of them replied with a nod. There would be things they needed to talk about, things relating to the Unfallen and the Trine, but that was for after Wei returned. If he returned. Trauma resisted by Aspect of (Intent) Regarding Rafael, Wei said nothing to the lich but rather sent him a message in the chat function. Watch Bishop. I trust him enough for now, but the power he wields is a violating one, and we dont know his long-term goals. Rafael, to his credit, didnt betray the fact that he got a message at all. I do not believe that Mr. Bishop will betray our confidence, Rafael said carefully, clearly more taken with the man than Wei was. Perhaps not today, the young master said. Tomorrow, however, who can say if any of us are still allies? That earned him a glance from the lich. One that Wei didnt return. Bishop, the young master declared, you may peer through the minds of my disciples and root out every sign of traitorous intent. I will speak with you again when I return. A new request appeared within his interface, and Wei realized that Bishop was trying to add him as a contact. Well talk sooner than that, Bishop said simply, hesitating. But for a moment, Wei accepted in the back of his mind. He heard Bishops voice loud and clear. Wasnt sure if you were going to let me in for a moment. Me neither, Wei said honestly. But I suspect that youll have plenty more to tell me when I return to the Hearted Realm. More that you do not wish to say in front of the others. Something like that. Honestly, I just want an option to pull your ass out of the fire in case this little manhood ritual of yours goes sideways. Wei bit back a sneer. It is not some childish ritual. Aint calling it childish, but its definitely a ritual. Wei heard Bishop laugh. Honestly, there are plenty more less fucked-up ways for you to get over what happened to you. That kind of trauma I am not traumatized, Wei spoke, mind burning with Intent, and he felt something pop. Bishop grunted in surprise. Before Wei, he saw a trickle of blood leaking from Bishops nose. The man blinked rapidly as he gave Wei a look. All right then, I hit a nerve. Not every day the nerve hits back, though. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. What just happened? Agnesia blinked. Wei had no intention of indulging the mans humor. What was said had been said. Now all that remained was the task at hand. The scythe materialized over the young master as he activated his Form of the Harvester. His intent surged, far-reaching back to the way he came, to the great rift that separated the Moongrave from the Hearted Realm. With a contentious slash of his Broken Crescent, the concept of distance broke. A vast swath of space separating the young master from his destination vanished outright, carrying the momentum of his egress as Wei continued, striding for that boiling chasm before doubt or terror could grip his heart. He formed a Liminal Anchor as he strode, and at once he felt the majority of his Source waft out from him, forming a threshold of light and darkness. He knew they would be waiting for him on the other sidehis mother, Master Mouze, Hosha, and more. All the members of his sect, the Hundred Names, lost to demons, lost to the fire, lost because of one mans betrayal, because of the cruel games of greater powers that thought nothing of sacrificing lesser realms. As the darkness consumed him and pulled him upwards into the inner world of the Archdevil, the young master stopped fighting past the memories and thought back to the moment the black tower sundered his world. There was nothing he could have done, nothing any of them could have done to prevent it. It was by pure chance, a perverse twist of fortune, that he survived it all, claiming the prize his father was meant to take. He re-emerged within the Hearted Realm, and once more, the enervation gnawed at his being. The Essence spilling from his Eidolon was unavoidable, but already he could feel himself more resistant than before, his fortitude acclimating to the deleterious effects of Ravenous Hunger. Sizzling as it struck him, splashing down upon his silken mane of hair, hissing against his new armor, he directed his burning cape to shroud himself from the caustic rain before planting his spear through the ground. Blood gushed from the membrane that served as soil in this foul place, and not far, a hundred meters away, the world began to tremor and break, the massive jaws that lined the surface of this realm opening their maws, unleashing licking tongues, spewing out a flood of demons like a spray of vomit. Are you here? he declared, his voice carrying far and wide. He didnt care if the beasts of gluttony came. They would be a welcome threat, but they were also not what he came to face. I, Patriarch Wei An Wei of the Drowned Sky Sect, declare that come to you as an invader, an enemy! He pointed his finger at the ruinous heart that pulsed above the clouds. Witness me, witness my defiance, witness my will, and know that nothing you have, nothing you will ever have, will turn me from my path. Fortification Advanced > 29 [5/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Fortitude advanced, and suddenly, a hearted maw rose into a cacophonous scream. Demons of gluttony fell upon each other, tearing, biting, feasting. Then he felt it, a new presence approaching him. Him specifically. It tore down through the clouds at a staggering speed, the stratocumulus of the upper atmosphere peeling from its gargantuan form like a contrail behind a comet. Ripping his Eidolon from the ground, Wei faced the AArchdevils champion and observed its form. It resembled a six-winged creature lined with lapping maws, whip-like tongues, and plumage made from enamel instead of feathers. An old, jolting screech escaped from the creature as it accelerated down toward Wei, a shockwave rippling out from its form. Skymarrow Devourer: Lv. 89 In its wake followed bulbs of cancerous flesh and worm-like creatures that sported rows of teeth. The way their Essence comingled with the Devourer made Wei suspect a relation between the demmons. Soul Burrower: Lv. 25 Just then, Wei saw them, the ghostly visages that made up the members of his sect. They formed in a long row just before the bottom jaw splitting the land. Though they were three hundred meters away from Wei, his omniscience allowed him perfect sight, and they had no difficulty looking back upon him as well. He knew their faces; he remembered their deaths. Wounds inflicted upon their bodies lingered even past the point of their end. And at their center, surrounded by the sect elders and trusted seniors, was his mothera matriarch, still missing her head, but otherwise unburnt and silently judging him. A pain knot formed in Weis throat, but he swallowed it down. He was truthful about what he said: he wasnt here to battle demons. But he would not turn from battle. And if the ghosts were content to behold his will, then he was content to perform. And then the Skymarrow Devourer passed into the outer threshold of Weis awareness, and a series of Dilation-Echoes formed. Portents of closing fangs flashed through the young masters body. He moved in advance, as always, but this time even that wasnt fast enough. Five hundred meters away, every mouth the Skymarrow Devourer had opened at once. A strange pulsation of Essence swept out from it. Rather than biting into Wei directly, the young master felt a crushing weight crash down against his spirit. Weis flesh roiled and shuddered within as his Fortification struggled against the bio-manipulation inflected on him. The crushing strain of hunger returned to him as the Aspects focus shifted. Without hesitating, the young master infused a catalyst into his Eidolon. Doing so only made his weakness grow. Hed come in here a fraction of who he was and gave another fraction just to see himself empowered. To do this was to dance on the edge of death. A single well-placed hit from his adversary, already many levels superior to him, would likely see him dead. But what other way was there to be? How else should one face their tribulation? Might wanna pull back, kid, Bishop said suddenly, breaking the young masters focus. Thought you were going here to face your demons, not commit suicide. Its only suicide if I fail, Wei replied. The Skymarrow Devourer took another bite, and Wei bit back a snarl of discomfort, but his bones rattled, but failed to break. It circled the air once, twice more, slowly, then began to turn. A new Dilation-Echo fell upon the master, this one showing a fifteen-meter-long demon slamming into him, reducing him to little more than a source of meat or paste. He wouldnt survive a single strike, perhaps not even if he were fully powered. So he needed to dance on the edge, directing all power from his Intent over to Relativity. The world grew slower and slower still. Bishops words began to drone, but remarkably the Trespasser kept up, despite the dilation. Wei saved a final look for his mother and the fallen members of his sect and spoke under his breath. Witness me now, and witness who I am becoming. I will honor you. I will make this right, and I will take back what weve lost from our foes. I will take it back tenfold. In that moment of madness and clarity, a single microsecond before the Sky-Marrow Devourer hit him, a burning thought, strong and clear, materialized within Weis mind. The Inheritors. We''re doing all this to seize an antediluvian vault and to claim their hegemony of Earth. I will take the vault from them and then I will take this Earth. Such will be my rightful recompense for all that Ive suffered. An oath worthy of being sealed by righteous battle. The Devourer accelerated. Air and sound exploded out around its body like a shockwave. It punched into the ground where Wei had stood like an arrow, digging through barren flesh. The young master was no longer there. The only sign of his escape was revealed by a flashing scythe, oscillating between shadow and light. The devourer tore deep into the earth and kept going. Before it could pass beyond the range of Weis Omniscience, he used his outsider mastery on it. To his surprise, its perception grew superimposed over his. That indicated astonishingly low Mind and Perception Aspects on its part. So he knew what to break, but he still needed to deal with its lesser companions first. The worms were quick in their own right, but compared to the Devourer, they might as well have been standing still. Thanks to his catalyst-infused speed, Wei had a substantial magnitude over them, and his volatility warned him to stay attached to the ground. Even as he spun, his body curling down, they sprayed gouts of acid capable of dissolving even hardened steel. The young master was moving like currents of wind, spinning an evasive pirouette, essence-shift allowing him to flow through the attack before reforming, spear raised in a thrust, lightning leaping from its tip. As bolts struck, and when bolts struck, both worms exploded in cataclysmic bursts, yet the demons pushed on, unfettered, their Constitutions high. Or they would have, if two scythes born of his Source didnt fall immediately after the blows were landed, cleaving deep into the demons spirits where no physical attack could touch. RELATIVITY REAPED! [1 Charge] MIND REAPED! [1 Charge] The worms screamed, specks of mind torn from their bodies, and even as Wei felt his Intent drop, he gained charges of Enlightenment and Relativity. Fifteen seconds to Essence Overload The young master spent both sets of charges and grew even faster, his mind flowing even clearer, directing glances across the devourers outside. He saw the demon burrowing through a place of shadow, and a feeling of insatiable need to devour soon spilled over into him. Somehow, he knew it was tunneling toward the biomatter beneath him, planning to ambush Wei from below. If the young master had waited for an echo to start his dodge, it would have been too late. With each bite it took, the demon grew stronger, faster, and even with his recently reaped speed, it was still over three times quicker than he. Wei resolved that issue by being one step ahead in thought. As the Devourer exploded out from the ground, bringing with it an eruption of gore and dirt, it closed its maw on a solid object, but it wasnt Wei. Not even close. A Lance of Calamity forged from wind, lightning, water, and sky, drilled down into the throat of the beast. Wei poured enough essence into the spear to deliver a strike like a punch that could blast a hole through a small moon. Despite all of that, despite the few inches it traveled down the gores throat, the demon was strong, far too strong, and it exhaled as it bit down, flinging away all the essence powering the spear before biting the construct made from ice, storm, wind, and earth in half like a morsel. Ten seconds to Essence Overload Two hundred meters down away hovering an open gouge parting the land, Wei looked up at the demon. The beginnings of doubt and exhaustion crept over him. Perhaps he didnt exactly mean to taunt the archdevil before he started this tribulation. Too late to get smart now. Bishop laughed in the back of Weis mind. Well, theres no sense regretting things now. Get his ass, or hes gonna get yours. 80 Bitterness Some people compare demons of Gluttony and Greed liberally without considering the foundational differences between their sins and aspects. Sure, they might exhibit some similar traits at a glance, but anyone who''s fought both can tell you they''re not the same at all. Greed is about control. It''s about ownership. It''s about stock, investments, and having everything that wasn''t yours become yours. Demons of Greed seek to master you through spending their assets, their sins, currencies theirs to wield. What they usually lack in stats or aspects, they make up for in items. Items they purchase themselves, or your items, outbid from under your hands. Demons of gluttony, however, are more elemental. Rarely do they have a high enlightenment aspect, with much of what they possess devoted to their physicality. To be Greed is to covet; spend to get. To be Gluttony is to be elemental. When you hunger, you suffer as much as your enemies. As Glutton, you wish to consume, so you are consumed by the same desire of hunger, and so you eat, feeding your strength, stopping at nothing. Perhaps only the Sloth has a higher constitution than those of the Gluttony, but even that is uncertain. For Gluttony mends as fast as it can devour, and they are very, very big eaters. -The Trespassers Compendium 80 Bitterness A storm exploded out of Wei as he triggered the Heart of Calamitylightning, wind, tidal waves, and shuddering earth flashed at the world around him. But the effects waned as his Eidolon withered with each passing second, nourishing the realm. That was fine. Wei knew he wasnt going to win this fight using his class alone. He led with wind blades, the cuts splashing hopelessly against the durable wings of the Devourer. They slipped against the demons Constitution as dull blades singing across a hardened shield, his scythe still fell, his Form of the Harvester allowing Wei to indulge in the absolutist form of ironyto consume Aspects belonging to the Demon of Gluttony. When he targeted the Devourer, he targeted its mind above all. He suspect that to be its lowest Aspectthought it to be even lower than his own, considering the activation of his Outsight. But rather than shattering in an eruption of blinding light, the winged beast, mouth slavering with hunger, pressed on, indifferent to the scythe carving potions of its Mind away. Wei barely managed to Essenceshift in time as the Devourer peeled across the distance between them. Thunderclaps forced displaced feeble whirlwinds. Even the aftershocks of the demon speed proved stronger than whatever calamity Wei could bring to bear. He flowed as droplets away from the demon and, before rematerializing behind it and delivering another thrust. Lightning writhed down from his Eidolon and punched deep into one of the Devourers open jaws. It bit down, devouring both force and Scorn, but even so, another scythe fell. The Form of the Harvester claimed its due. Finally, the Devourer cried out, reeling from a blow beyond the material. Its in trouble, Bishops voice echoed through the valley. But you made a mistake earlier. Whats that? Wei replied with a growl. Once more, the Devourer opened its jaws and clamped down, biting at nothing in particular. Still, Wei felt his body shudder against his own volition. It was like his veins were rebelling, his blood sought to flow inversely, his flesh hated his bones, and his bones wanted to rupture free. It felt like something was trying to tear its way out from the inside side. It doesnt have weak Mind, Bishop continued. Its just not very human, and it just doesnt care if you can peer into its mind. Suddenly, an echo pulsed through Wei, the young master swung up, a quick jab shattering the Source-infused distance beside him. He blinked, barely in timea massive set of teeth clamped down where he was, and he felt his heart skip a sudden beat. Now it was too close, and he hadnt even seen the demon move. Craving stacks at maximum! What the in the blind heavens was a Craving stack? Bishop explained. Now the Devourer can better twist your flesh, make you easier to digest. Better to taste. Now its never gonna forget you. Itll chase you across the rest of the Fathoms just to get its fix. Fortification Advanced > 31 [7/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Wei understood, and at the same time, his Aspect improvement provoked a response from the devourer. It gave a sudden chuff as it froze in midair, as if confused for some reason. Once more it dipped down, and Weis body rebelled against him. But this time, the struggles within lessened. He was becoming more resistant to the nature of its Skill, craving no longer at maximum. It seems Im too big for you to swallow, creature, Wei chuckled. A shrill screech sounded through the devourer as Wei moved, shattering up to a kilometer of distance to keep it at bay. As he blurred across the horizon, he planned to engage it at range, cut it down in a battle of attrition using his Form of the Harvester. But alas, time was not on his sidenor was the Hearted Realm, for that matter. Four seconds to Essence Overload The moment Wei jolted across the distance, the Devourer was already upon him. Almost missing him with a sweep of its teeth-like wings. Almost. A feral hiss of pain escaped Wei as he felt jagged blades of agony bit deepand thoughhis right shoulder. Then, with a wrench, part of his pec was ripped free. And so too went his arm and Eidolon. Source: [3/180] As the Devourer consumed Wei, the Source took from it as well. The demon began to dissolve from the inside, and it swatted the young master aside during its throes of wrath. The force from the impact sent Wei skipping across the surface of the Hearted Realm. He tumbled across the ground at such speed that he painted deep gorges of sorrow. Just then, a pulse of psionic force ripped Wei from the impact, barely sparing him from another flashing strike from the Devourernot dead, still pursuing him. A vast cut opened along the ground, a new, bloody chasm extending as far as Weis eye could see. From this wound, conflicted, emerged new teeth, new tongues, new demons that poured forth even as the devourer slipped beyond the reach of Weis Omniscience. Omniscience Advanced > 28 [8/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension You all right? John Bishop asked. I live, Wei said, choking back bitterness and suffering. Hurt was one thing, but needing the Trespasser to save him left a special kind of foulness in his mouth. Two seconds to Essence Overload. Damn it all. Yeah, I dont think youre gonna do it this round, Bishop said. There wasnt a hint of sarcasm in his voice, no mockeryit was simply a stated fact. No, Wei growled. I will. Son, Im sure youll cut this thing down if you slam your face into it enough times, but youre playing with your life here for no gain? More demons came rising from the open gorge ground like steam, darting out between the jagged teeth. Wei tried to swing at them, only then remembering that his right arm was missing, along with most of his shoulder. The spraying of Source from his mutilated body ironically kept him safe from most harm. These lesser demons, mostly worms and smaller horrors, dissolved outright before Weis leaking Syste, and the young master resummoned his weapon. As the Broken Crescent erupted back into shape in his left hand, Wei cleaved and carved, his great scythe splitting through hundreds of lesser demons, reaping from them. Relativity charges mounted, but less than one second until overload, and Wei could feel his Intent dropping precipitously. With each Relativity charge he gained, his willpower grew to be less and less. Sins Performed! Class Level > 31 // Relativity reaped: 120 charges consumed Essence Overload immi Wei dismissed his catalyst. Source: [2/108] John Bishop sighed again. Come on, kid be helpful or be silent, Wei snarled, and then he consumed every charge he had before exploding out to meet the Harvester one final time. Its body was Source-ravaged, with entire sections of its flesh outright unmade. It only had three wings left, yet still, it possessed no difficulty taking flight. True to Bishops words, it was a beast of ravenous hunger, caring nothing for its own survival, only the flavor of Weis flesh. Even if it ate him, it would ensure its own end. But the demon came on, regardless, and so did Weione fool too stubborn to back away despite the screaming of his enlightenment. The other, a monster barely possessed of consciousness. His Relativity charges had boosted him, not to the level where he exceeded the Devourers speed, but to the point where they were at least on par. He readied his spear in his left hand, angling a fluid whip lash out at the demon, trying to end this in a final joust. The beast bit down once more, Weis body recoiled, sending spasms up his arm. But he endured, his Fortification proving just enough to keep his strike on target. The Form of the Harvester flared around him, a massive scythe following Weis path, descending to harvest its greatest quarry. But just as Weis reaching spear lurched close to the blurring form of the Devourer, a ghostly visage overimposed itself over the demon, and the young masters mind went blank. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. The beheaded form of the Drowned Sky Sects former matriarch reached out to her wayward son, and the young masters willpower, already sapped for this final blow, succumbed. He failed to resist trauma with the Aspect of Intent. Weis mind reeled, the memories smashed back at him like a tide sweeping him under the current. He couldnt breathe, he couldnt thinkhe could only feel the burning of his world, the death of everyone he knew, the butchery, the slaughter, the betrayal. The betrayal. And then rows of vicious teeth were upon him, a great maw spreading wide, seeking to make Wei its final meal. He let it happen. Despite everything, he let it happen. He was tired. He had been tired, for hed always been tired. But up till this point, he had simply refused to let himself feel the weariness. The ghostly hand reached out from within the beasts jaws, and Wei saw his mother once more in the darknessbut not her face. Never her face. That was lost to him, lost to him like the green of her eyes, lost to him like the life he should have had, the life he could never have again. Its enough. Its enough, his mothers voice came. You have given enough, done enough. It is time for you to rejoin us. It is time for you to rest. And the young master was almost too willing to oblige. The rest of his sect flashed into his mind. He saw them standing before their mountain home, whole, standing in those gleaming paddies and verdant fields, looking upon him with pride, knowing that he gave his all, knowing that he had nothing left. Yeah, no, were not doing that. A sudden surge of strength washed through Wei, and a pulse of psionic power dispelled the form of his mother and sent the devourer reeling back, just as the demon hurled Wei like he was less than a pebble. So poisoned was John Bishops strength that the fifteen-meter-long, multi-ton Demon of Gluttony was spiked backward, a little more than a ball thrown over the horizon. Wei gasped, his charges spent, Source critically low. I... I could have... You could have done what? Bishop replied. He still wasnt chiding the boy, but his tone was flat, devoid of nonsense. You could have only died. As the young masters Intent slowly restored to fullness, he bit his teeth and suppressed a scream of pure frustration. This bastard realm, this cursed veritable hell. He could have had the devourer. One more blow, that was all it would take. He could have... He could haveWeis Enlightenment triggered, and his scream almost turned into a sob of shame and grief. He could have what? He failed to do what he came here for. The demon was less than a distraction, as strong as it was. He wasnt supposed to beat that. He was supposed to beat the memory of his mother. Now, now he failed. He failed her. He failed every member of his sect. He failed those he came here for. All it took was a moment of weakness. He had traded willpower for might, and his willpower betrayed him. His mother had become this realms instrument, a finely crafted arrowhead made solely to slay him. And now, she was nowhere to be seen, but still present. He could still feel her essence, her scent. She would return. He knew this. When his weakness was complete, she would return. Wei, step back across the Liminal Bridge. Youre done here for now. I can... I can still No, Bishops voice bore a force of authority. It was the same tone of voice Wei heard from his mother when she was truly enraged. In that moment, he felt like a boy again. He flinched despite himself, and a swell of self-loathing followed. No, John Bishop replied, his voice softer now. Yeah, you couldve won, but thats not the point of this here, is it? No, no, it wasnt. Reluctantly, painfully, torturously, Wei took a step forward, crossed the mental bridge, and found himself back in the Moongrave. Back and defeated. Enlightenment Advanced > 25 [10/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension His System notifications taunted him, as if this was a celebration of victory. Pathetically, it was all the young master could do not to cry. He wouldnt cry, not in front of Bishop. Even in his diminished state, his pride still remained. All right, the trespasser spoke to him. You get that tantrum out of your system, yet? Wei didnt reply. Yeah, I didnt think you would. Your father didnt know much about cutting and running when he should, either. That only further darkened the young masters mood. I need to go back, he said hoarsely. I need to return, weakening myself over and over until I finally learn Until you finally learn that when your aspect of willpower is low, you will always be vulnerable. Shit, Wei, do you understand how goddamn mentally strong you must be to keep yourself together in the face of all that? Seeing people go insane in seconds, trying to push their way through the Hearted Realm, and youre just here, defeated-looking, wretched like an abandoned dog. But thats all. Youre just sad. Defeat is an entire spectrum, boy, and youve got the best end of this. Something almost akin to a bitter chuckle escaped the young master. If this is what the best failure feels like, then I have no intention of learning what true bitterness is. Oh, dont worry, you will, John Bishop answered. Live long enough, and youll learn to feel just about anything. But thats just the thing, right? Its a feeling. Feelings pass. Victory? Well, people like to sell you bushels of victory all the time. Its not supposed to feel good. Its not supposed to feel like anything. Its just you still being here while the other son of a bitch isnt. So, reach down into your pants, feel around if your nuts are still there, and get your shit together. Weis mind went blank at that statement. What? Why? Why would I do that? Its disgusting. Wei, its a figure of speech. Youre supposed to Why is everyone in this damnable realm so intent on self-pleasure? Its a metaphor about getting your mental health together and hardening up. Hardening? Wei said, slightly aghast. Christ. Forget it. Never mind. Just get yourself together. Thats all I meant. Then why dont you people speak that way? Wei muttered under his breath. He swore these outsidersthese trespassers especiallyhad no sense of propriety. Wei wouldnt even say such a thing to his closest friends or confidants. Triggering Lesser Hollow Mind, all his mental pain, his incredulity receded into the background as a pool of dull rationality assumed its place. The young master grunted in acknowledgment. Slowly, the pieces of his armor began to pull back into shapepale bones, ripping flames, plates of alloyed gold extending in pace with his regrowing arm. Once more, the young master couldnt help but feel a pang of gratitude towards the old man. He would never submit himself to the Circle of Pride. But that didnt mean he was ungrateful or even particularly resistant to bribery. Looking through his System notifications, he frowned as he realized he was still far away from gaining his concept core of boundaries. But both his unarmed and spearmanship reached new mastery tiers. Refining Source >>>Source Refined: [180/180] Lumens Source Core Ascended > Lv. 18 >[0/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension >>[10/20] Core Ascensions to [Gate] 2 System Ascension >>>Source: [190/190] Lumens Reviewing encounter Masteries Demonstrated >Meditation (II) 98% >Unarmed Combat (II) 100% >Spearmanship (II) 100% >Evasion (II) 10% >Thrown Weapons (II) 35% >Tactics (II) 0% >Rapier 0% Mastery Node Capacity [7/10] >Proximal Acceleration >Form of the Resonant >Lesser Hollow Mind >Lesser Manifestation >Vector Chain >Lesser Cast Possession >Mark of Enmity >Outsight Sourcery Advancements [1] Available! Select [1] Source Magnification > Source Propagation [Requires 10 Sourcery Advancements (Currently at 5)] Liminal Bridge > Liminal Tunnel [Requires 25 Sourcery Advancements (Currently at 5) Ascension Path of the Harvester >Skills >>Form of the Harvester ATTENTION: Special [Title] Synergy Detected for Concept Core of Augmentation >[Title] Feast Upon Famine: You have survived a foray into the archdevil Gluttony and reemerged undevoured and whole. Grants a 20% resistance against all aspect-draining skills or effects. (Requires experience in Hearted Realm to manifest) ATTENTION: Skill Upgrade Path Formed [Unarmed/Spearmanship/Form of the Harvester] >Form of the Martial Harvester: Your being is akin to a scythe, and this world is little more than crops to your harvest. Swing your blade, reap your Aspects, claim your power, and sate yourself on a bounty like no other. When the harvest is channeled by fist or spear, you will also inflict additional damage to your enemys Constitution and Strength. (Requires expending Spearmanship (II) and Unarmed (II) Masteries to manifest) Suddenly, the tang of defeat wasnt so bitter. This would help the next time Wei ventured into the Hearted Realm. With that, he gained another thought. Could he gain other titles and resistances like this one if he explored the other Hearted Realms as well? Yeah, Bishop said, answering Weis question. The same deal applies. But youre risking a hell of a lot for some minor boost in power. The young master jolted in shock. You can see my Do you want more power? Because youll be groping blind for a good while without some directions. System aint going to tell you about that. And Im saying that youre being a fool with this plan. You barely survived this one. Wouldve died without me. I risk nothing, Wei replied. Life is cheap here. If I rise weak and paltry, then I leave myself at the tender mercies of future foes. Do you think the path ahead any kinder? That I can bargain with the Circles without being more than I am? Bishop fell silent at that. So, whats your plan here? The plan here is that I will face every Hearted Realm. All of them. I wish to learn everything about them. How to traverse them. How to survive in them. How to overcome them. Ive been to Gluttony twice now and I still havent found any visible sign of the exit. But I will need your guidance. Its a spatial rift, much like the one you came in on. You gotta follow the essence to find it. And the Inheritors? How do you think they would plan to ambush us? Considering theyve got traces to people under your faction? Pretty easily. Everyone in their chimera has a teleportation skill in the Hearted Realms. And usually, the archdevils themselves are more than willing to encourage sinners to kill each other. But their forces will be vulnerable to the demons within the realm as well. Yep, Bishop chuckled. And the demons theyll bring about? Those ones will be far stronger than them as well. Suppose everyone has their own Devourer. Bishop, what is Earth like? Youre from there, yes? All Trespassers are. John Bishop went silent at that. What do you want to know? Because the Inheritors murdered my world for the sake of their own. Of course I wish to know what Ebernest died for. Earth is Bishop sighed. Earth is Its pretty boring compared to a lot of realms, but its got its own unique forms of beauty. And shittiness. Theres no essence there, so no magic, no Sight, theres no Systems. Not like here. No essence? Wei asked, surprised. Yep. Stone cold matter, as far as I can tell. Matter, physics, and all that other goodness. Then why and how are the trespassers coming from there? Thats the million-dollar question, isnt it? Some say its because were pure, were clean, the antediluvians chose us. Me? Id just say its the Vault. When we die, something in the Veil gets thin and we pass down into the fathoms. And because we dont have spirits of our own, well, that makes it easy to tweak us, change us. And what do you think? Circumstance and opportunity. Nothing more. Thats it? Wei said, a short laugh escaping him. Yeah, plenty of people look for higher meaning. The whole reason why the Inheritors are a thing anyway. But I think people underestimate opportunity and chance. Because with opportunity and chance, one person can go a long, long way. And Wei thought that, to his survival, what more was he than opportunity and chance? Opportunity and chance to live and see another day. Opportunity and chance to have vengeance prosper. The young master summoned his Broken Crescent once more. Fine then, lets make something of opportunity and chance. 81 Experience (I) Despite all that happened between me, Bishop, and the trespassers, I still look back on those early days rather fondly. I look back on Master Bishops tutelage. I look back on what he showed mehow he turned me from a flailing, angry child into a proper warrior. I remember, and on some days, when Im at my weakest, I regret. I regret what happened between us. But there was no helping it. No helping it at all. We are shaped by our choices, and we are also damned by them. In the end, we sought different fates. Wei An Wei, the Realmbreaker. 81 Experience (I) Enlightenment Advanced > 26 [1/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Potion of Clarity imbibed: +80% resistance to all mentally affecting skills. Wei frowned as he pulled his Broken Crescent out from the head of the Demon of Wrath. It was a creature made of rusted metal and hellish forgefire. It alone had proved brave enoughor perhaps foolish enoughto impede his path to the Hearted Realm of Wrath. The lessers fled, and now the final rift was open. Wei flinched slightly as the full power of Wrath crashed against him. Strangely enough, it didn''t bother him as much as he expected. Perhaps it was because he partially diverged into the path of Wrath, but the young master wasn''t sure. Yeah, Your Aspect of Mind tends to go up when you stop behaving like an idiot. Wei sneered internally. Bishop''s comment was most unwelcome. How am I behaving like an idiot? I dont know, maybe its because youve neglected to use potions and other enhancers to your advantage the whole time youre here. Probably out of pride. Guess you chose the right path at least. That wasnt true. Wei had used his Potion of Regeneration on the Knight of Lust. Right, you used that on the Demon of Lust, giving her an impromptu collection of tumors to suffer. But aside from that, have you used anything on yourself? Wei frowned. His Intent had been an unbreakable bulwark until his most recent foray into the Hearted Realm of Gluttony. Hed been reluctant to use other enhancement potions and items, mainly out of a sense of self-imposed restriction. Weis annoyance at the Trespasser turned to frustration at himself. Dont worry about it, kid, Bishops voice intoned. The man had mastered the art of calling someone an idiot and then encouraging them in the next breath. Yeah, well, being in the Marines will do that to you. The first thing Wei wanted to ask was, What the hell is a Marine? But the more pressing question was, Can you hear all my thoughts so clearly? I cant exactly hear them, Bishop replied. Its just that I get a feeling, and I can guess. It runs against perception which isnt nearly as impenetrable as your defense. And as for your other question, Marines are a warrior cult under my former nation. Theyre also a bunch of degenerate, crayon-eating, masochistic shits youll ever know, hate, and miss. Love the corps; fuck the corps. Wei paused again. What is a crayon? Bishop sighed. This is why I dont like talking to you cultivators. None of you get anything. So, you ready for this? Wei looked up and faced the Archdevil of Wrath. It, unlike Gluttony, was a creature of black fire, seated upon a throne of weapons, blades, and blood. It still bore a humanoid shape, and even through the red fog staining the atmosphere, Wei guessed it to be an armored tyrant. Even as the black tower skewered it through, its baleful red eyes gazed down over the land, pouring hate and crushing essence upon any who dared look at it in equal measure. Yes, Wei said, almost lying. Lets begin our tour. And then he put down his Liminal Bridge. Another difference between Gluttony and Wrath was the pacing of battle. In Gluttony, Wei had more than a little time to peruse his surroundings and feel his Essence slip away from him, drained by the carnivorous realm. Here, in Wrath, there was no time wasted at all. He came through the rift, and a blade was already falling upon him. A long black obsidian blade, some twenty meters long, held by a three-headed gianttwo of which shot fire from their eyes. Wei barely got out of the way in time, only to be tackled by a bulbous creature of hissing flame that screamed as it bit into Weis back. Source: [12/190] Black flames seared the young master, and his armor responded in kind, its reactionary effect blasting the demon off away from him. But even this didnt give him a moments pause. The giant was swinging its blade down again. Wei infused his Eidolon with a Source Catalyst. Time to make a fight of this. As he accelerated towards the giant, the great black blade missed him by the barest of inches. Weis Form of the Martial Harvester flared, and the scythe that materialized this time gleamed bright, like it was made from a resplendent alloy, capable of splitting even armor. A storm exploded out from Weis spear, no longer sapped by gluttony. The full wrath of Weis calamity crashed down against the wrathful demon. Hammering lightning pierced its eyes, wind slit its throats, water crashed against its back, jagged stone punched deep into its ankles. A combination of collapsing forces bowled the demon over, its lower body shattering as its shins and knees folded the wrong way. Two columns of fire detonated from the giants flame-spraying heads as electricity blew apart its eyes, and Wei felt a sudden surge of exhilarating Essence enter hima compulsion demanding him to kill, to kill. His newly gained title activated. The master shook his head and sobered up. Bloodlust resisted by Aspect of (Intent) He shook that off in record time. Did all these realms have some kind of mental sickness associated with them? It wouldnt be a Hearted Realm if they didnt, John Bishop replied. Wei spun his spear and strode forth, sweeping his blade up. A clean cut glided along the monsters midsection. Blood spewed free between its nose, chest, neck, and groin, and the demon came apart a moment later. Class Level > 33 Free Points: [30] Wei threw his head back and laughed in vicious triumph. The Hearted Realm of Wrath was far more straightforward than Gluttony. Perhaps this was a better path than A loud screech deafened even Weis thoughts as he froze. Turning slowly, Wei fully took in the scenery for the first timegraveyard of swords, mountains of gore, massive beating heart made of black fire, raining weapons and And an even larger monster to fight. Abyssal Titanknight: Lv. ??? One even larger than the giant he just fought. By a hundred times. It also had ten hands, each holding an axe the size of a small mountain, its coated armor forged from literal forts and citadels, and sported what looked to be a crown made from jagged iron bars. Welp, Bishop grunted. Bout to learn something, kid: Wrath dont fuck around. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. The young master simply scoffed and flared his Source once more. Neither do I. *** Neither do I, Bishop laughed. And kept laughing. Wei growled under his breath as he stomped away from the Hearted Realm of Wrath. Damn, son, Hollywood would have loved your ass. I could have won, Wei growled. Enough of this. That was a farce; the realm attacked him before he could muster himself. And he was weakened! It was just a bad matchup in the end. He grumbled as he marched towards the Hearted Realm of Sloth. No, you couldnt have, Bishop chided. That thing was level 140 at least. You just ran out of time. Youre not beating a Marquis-Tier adversary without a stronger System. The master scoffed at the Trespassers words. What did he know? Wei landed two cuts, and a few more and the Abyssal Titanknights would have been Aspect crippled. And it struck you so goddamn hard I got a migraine stopping you from turning into a smear. You know how hard it is to use my powers across a few hundred thousand kilometers? Youre connected to me, Wei said. Cease your complaints. To Sloth we go. Time to see another of these wretched places. Yeah, by a string of essence. Hey, you know what? Theres another part of you thats really like your father. Youre both ungrateful pricks. Stop comparing me to him, Wei declared, gritting his teeth in anger. I dont know. You gonna stop acting like him? The master snarled and broke distance, making for the next Moongrave. *** As Wei planted another Liminal Bridge. He looked up at the Archdevil of Sloth and saw Where the hell is the archdevil? It just looked like a sun-sized mound of spiraling feces. It inside? What? Wei replied. The Archdevil lives inside the shit cocoon. His mind went blank. But why? Because its Sloth. It doesnt clean itself. It learned how to shit until it made a nice, comfortable cocoon to sleep in. And then the Black Tower speared through it. Pure disgust roiled through Wei and the Hearted Realm. Its not gonna be much cleaner, son. You going in or not? The stench flowing out from the rift was almost unbearable. Almost. But he needed to prove his resolve. He needed to I hate myself. I hate you. And I hate this place. Bishop just laughed. You sound like someone who lives here. As Wei passed into the Hearted Realm of Sloth, the pacing of combat changed once more. He found himself facing a horizon filled with waste, tumorous growths, and legions of demons laying upon pads of murky white pustules. They too were covered in their own waste, their lower bodies encrusted in questionable fluids of brown and green. A few of them struggled, trying to rise at Weis sudden appearance. One even reached towards him, giving a half-hearted whack at the air. The young master stared on in disbelief, wondering why no one chose this Hearted Realm specifically. Aside from being rather unsanitary, it didnt pose that much of a threat. In fact, it was even rather relaxing. And just then a thought came to hima thought that maybe one of those pustules might feel rather nice to lay on. Yes, the substance inside was almost certainly pus, and if ruptured, the stench might deal fatal harm. But what was life without a few novel experiences? Wei, Bishop said flatly. Maybe now is the time to take another Potion of Clarity. I think your last one wore off. Yes, the young master said, trying to keep his horror to himself. He couldnt believe he had just thought that. Im going to... Im going to... Wei summoned his new Potion of Clarity from his inventory, took a swig, and suddenly realized what he was just about to do. Enlightenment Advanced > 27 [2/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Potion of Clarity imbibed: +80% resistance to all mentally affecting skills. I, uh, thank you. Youre welcome, Bishop said flatly. Just wish someone did that for me when I came here the first time. In that moment, Wei learned how to pity John Bishop. But, with the Potion of Clarity imbibed, there should be no more issues. With this treasonous thought, the ground beneath him started to rumble, and droplets of strange smelling rain fell Is that piss? Is the rain here piss? Wei immediately began whirling a barrier of cocoon of wind, trying to keep himself unstained. The ground burst open beneath him, and he was forced to bring forth a pillar from the ground, lest he drown under a tide of shit. As Wei rose high, he found himself staring eye-to-eye with a massive face formed upon the land. With two eyes made from cancerous growths, and a nose that looked like a large fungal colony, its mouth widened, and the young master saw its teeth made from thick, juicy slugs. Hugs, it cried, voice so loud, so puissant Wei took damage. Source erupted form his ears, and his bladder spiked with unwilling pain. Give me hugs, stay with us forever. Sleep together forever! And right on cue he arrives, Bishop said. Who is this? What is this? Wei asked. Thats Friendly. Yeah, yeah, youre special, kid. He only says hi people that he considers special. Youre gonna want to run. Immediately, the master tried to move. He found himself far slower than before, as if he was trying to push through molasses. And another thing about Sloth? Theyre not very fast. Like, they can make you pretty slow. Just then, the shit-formed land exploded upward. And Wei discovered Friendly was the size of a tectonic plate. A horrible smelling one. *** Wei departed across his liminal threshold and staggered away with a shell-shocked expression. He was done with this place. With Sloth. We will try another path, the young master said to himself. Any other path. Enlightenment Advanced > 28 [3/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Gonna swallow those words, Wei, Bishop warned. *** Wei stared at the shape of the spatial rift leading into the Hearted Realm of Lust. He knew it to be an aesthetics-heavy place, but did they have to make this so explicit? Why? he muttered to himself, trying but failing to suppress a blush. Distantly, lesser Demons of Lust moaned in the golden fields surrounding him. Every few moments, jets of questionable fluid would sail towards him from afar, forcing him to dodge. Listen, Wei, you dont really need to go into this one. You can if you want to, but like, its just not a good place for kids to go. Kids? Wei said. I am the patriarch of my sect. There is no place, no duty, no vision so vile that I must turn away. Hardening his resolve, Wei strode towards the rift. I will face all that comes my way. Once more, he took a Potion of Clarity at the last minute. He also gulped down a Potion of Ogres Strength, a Potion of Alacrity, and then a Potion of Enduring Fragrance for reasons related to his prior experience. Potion of Mental Clarity: +80% resistance to all mentally affecting skills. Potion of Ogres Strength: +2 to Strength; +10% to mass Potion of Alacrity: +2 to Speed Potion of Enduring Fragrance: Gives you a lingering floral scent. As soon as he passed into the Realm of Lust, however, he found himself standing on an emerald hill. This place was almost the entire opposite of the Sloth Realm. The aromas were intoxicating, and the colors here were vibrant. Rows of flowers, waterfalls of the purest bright, falling from distant promontories. And the clouds above wereand then he saw itthat massive demon staring at him. That massive demon that suddenly stopped being invisible. It had too many arms and fingers that looked likeWei blinkedfingers that looked improperly like male organs. It had too many breasts and both sets of genitals and And then the demon extended its tongue and slowly leaned down, passing through the atmosphere like an approaching planetoid. The demon was just suddenly there. A second there was Wei swallowed. Starmater the Insatiable: Lv. ??? This fiend was even larger than the Friendly continent of shit that had chased Wei out from the Realm of Sloth. Leaning close, the clouds and atmosphere parted before Starmater, and the demon opened their perfect lips and a phallic tongue waved back and forth. You look lonely. Would you like to Wei lashed out, carving into Starmater, using a blade of wind charged with a fallen scythe of Source. His cut went deep, and the Demon of Lust bled, waterfalls spilling free from its wounds in a colorful pattern. The enormous demon responded by moaningnot in pain. Not nearly. Yessss! Starmater ran their hands down their body. So small, but so vicious, I cant wait to pick you put and shove you inside The young master left a moment after. *** Patriarch must face any kind of vile visions, huh? Bishop mocked. I came to this place to experience and learn about all the Hearted Realms had to offer. Ive experienced enough here, and so I leave. Yeah, probably a wise choice. So. What next? Greed. John Bishop winced. Ah. Well. Well, what? Youll learn to hate them. Its hard to explain market force to you. But hey, no one is going to piss or spunk at you. Already, Greeds esteem rose high in Weis estimation. 82 Experiences (II) It is a fundamental human compulsion to own, possess, and have. Perhaps even more than a human compulsion, it is an existential one for all species born under the conditions of scarcity. The Circle of Greed off the Claimed Hells, takes this to a functional art form. They do not fight, or even physically harm you. Rather, they set wagers, inflict penalties, and seize from othersyour aspects, your items, your memories, your favors, and even your life, per the conditions of their wagers. These wagers, they can also lose. And in the time before they set these wagers, should they be ambushed, or engaged before adequate market research can be conducted, then killing a Demon of Greed is oh so easy. But, however, if you let them set their conditions, if you fail to understand the volatilities they''re forcing on you, be prepared to loseperhaps more than your life. -Compendium Entry: Greed 82 Experiences (II) Wei entered the realm of Greed, ready for anything. He was prepared thrice over, doubled up on potions, and clad in his Armor of Scorn, already formed through the murder of lesser demons. He had tried twice more to get Bishops elaboration. The man managed some annoyed utterances about watching for supply and demand, never accepting any bids on his armor or weaponry, and how it wouldnt be any kind of fight Wei was familiar with. The resigned annoyance left Wei feeling on edge. The young master resolved to make a proper fight of things this time, having already passed through the hearted realms of Gluttony, Lust, Sloth, and Wrath. His defeats had ranged from overwhelming force to disgusted forfitures. Thankfully, Bishop had assured him there would be no more questionable fluids in this hearted realm, and just as well. Wei didnt think he would ever want to look at the Demon of Lust again after his recent experiences. As he arrived before the Spatial Rift, bound to take him into the Threshold of Greed, he looked above, peering through the atmosphere with his impressive omniscience. He frowned at the Archdevil of Gluttony. Each Archdevil bore aesthetics related to their governed concept, ranging from the fetid, like Sloth, to the open and brutal, as shown by the anthropomorphized form of Wrath. Greed was different. Greed resembled an hourglass filled with treasures imprinted within a handthe hand Wei had come to respect and expect. He had fought the Invisible Hand of the Market, after all. "Have you ever heard the phrase, ''Time is money?'' Bishop intoned. What? No. "Yeah, then it wont make much sense to you. The ideas pretty simple. Its about how if one has enough material possessions, they can afford more time. Time to do what they want. Time to enjoy their lives." "Seems awfully simplistic," the young master replied. "Wealth is one thing. It is good to have, but wealth is not power." "Some might disagree," Bishop replied. "Some have not faced the beggar gangs. They have no wealth, ostensibly. But power? Everyone knows better than the cross or beggar." "Maybe where youre from, kid. Me? The place I grew up, a poet of rage once said, ''Get rich or die trying.'' Suppose the most human thing is want." Wei considered the words and stared into the swirling abyss of spatial essence before him. A final breath escaped him as he prepared himself for what lay aheadfor anything that could await. "Dont worry, out of all the Hearted Realms, this ones least likely to kill you." "Then why do you sound so nervous?" "I aint nervous. Its just... death and misery are two different things. Youll see for yourself." Wei bit his lip, dropped the Liminal Anchor, and stepped forward. The world opened up around him once more, and his Omniscience followed right after. Instead of the decayed horizons or colorful fields that pleased one''s spirit, Wei found himself in a narrow, cramped hall. The walls were a pure porcelain white, the lights above too bright, bright enough to stab irritatingly at his vision. To Weis surprise, he wasnt alone. He found himself positioned in a long line of people, both ahead and behind him. Actual peoplerather than demons. He observed those in his vicinity. Most were level 16 or under, with only a few past 20. They all looked haggard, dirty, and most importantly, bored. A static crackle pulled the young master''s attention as a voice spoke, thrilled and unpleasant. Good day, sinners. For those of you just joining us, welcome to the line of the upper-middlers! If you are here, that means you have accrued enough sins to be considered an upper-middle-class sinner for the Claimed Hells. Rejoice! This is a feat cheered by far too few. After all, we cant all be winners. Enjoy your line of. Nothing! No pain. But also no torment. A perfectly bland existence filled with banality and constant mundanity. Perhaps consider earning more if you wish to know true pleasure. Sneering laughter followed, the voices amusement so vile it grated against Wei''s Intent. He resisted the horrible compulsion to hurt somethinganything, even himself. Some of the others in line werent so lucky. Three meters over, a tall, pale-blooded faeblooded woman gave a lamenting sob before screaming at the ceiling and driving a long blade through her own throat. Wei recoiled at the sudden violence. Instead of dying, a set of numbers formed over the woman. "Resurrection provided. Adopting ten thousand sins from sinner. We thank you for your business." "What? What is this?" Wei gasped. Failed her Will resist, the armor-clad orc in front of him snorted. Also been in this line for three days. Three days? Wei gasped. Why? Where is this? For what? To get out of this shithole, the orc answered. He sighed, his considerable physique sagging under its own weight. We came here because we heard there was no fighting involved. Well. That was true. No horror. But they apparently select people based on lottery numbers, and there are hundreds of us here, and time works differentlythe less you have, the slower it goes for you. And you can use Sins to buy comforts, but every little eternity, they randomly check if youre still middle class. What if youre not? Wei asked. Then you get sent to a line below and start the process again. Then why hasnt anyone rebelled? At what? Go where? Look around you, human. Theres jack and jack here. Not even shit. And even if we wanted to, theres nothing we can do. They own us. Literally. Watch. The faeblood suddenly shuddered back to her feet. A flood of bright, scintillating essence seared away from her open wound as she blinked rapidly and drew in a sharp breath. A string of text extended from her. Mira Nocture - Sins: [1,310,230] - [100,000] Resurrection Deduction Processed Attention, sinners. As you have willingly entered the Hearted Realm of Greed without coercion, this signifies your consent to our mandatory insurance program to ensure that you do not pass until we get our sufficient due. Rejoice! For under Greed''s insurance program, you will be protected from all instances of bodily, mental, and spiritual harm." "What?" Wei cried out again. "This is absurd!" Wei stepped out of line for a second, desperately focusing on the Faeblood and the others. He wanted to see how far this place extended, if there was anywhere for him to go. His Omniscience extended far, almost a full kilometer, but even so, he sensed nothing but hallways, essence, and other Trespassers. Sweeping his perception ahead and behind, he realized the hall seemed infinite, extending onward forever and ever. Attention, Sinner Wei An wei. You have stepped out of line. Failure to reenter the line will result in your position being forfeit. "And what happens if my position is forfeit?" Wei asked, mostly annoyed, partially curious. Then you will be removed from the middle-class line leading through this Hearted Realm and actively penalized every second due to no longer being registered within our system. Doing such will result in a processing period in which you will need to fill in a 6 billion page document pending official review by management before your transition can be completed. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. "What system? What registration?" Wei growled, his frustration mounting. The registration you agreed to upon entering this Hearted Realm. "I didnt agree to anything!" Wei shouted, his fist clenching as his scythe began to form above him. His patience was fast approaching its end. "But you did," the speaker continued, voice tinged with malicious glee. "It was a textual message inscribed on the edifice holding our space orbit. A nanometer-wide print. Bishop added. "It also moves away when you try looking at it. Weve done experiments." "You knew about this?" Wei growled internally. "Why didnt you warn me?" "What would that have done?" Bishop asked. "You cant enter the Archdevil without agreeing to the print. You cant change the print unless you can lock it down. So far, no one''s been able to do thatnot us, not the Inheritors, nobody." The Trespasser said all that, but Wei suspected Bishop just wanted to share in the amusement as well. "Yeah, a bit of that too." Bastard. Attention, Sinner Wei An Wei. If you do not return to your spot, your position will be forfeit, and we will subtract from you 10,000 sins, starting in five seconds. After that, the penalty will double. "No," Wei growled, straining his Omniscience. He used every ounce of power he possessed to locate where foreign essence was infused within him. The Claimed Hells had their own rules, and from what Wei observed, things were not done ex nihilo. But no matter how deep he probed, Wei found nothing. "Look in your money." "What?" "Look at your sins." Wei paused and did as advised, letting his omniscience trickle over the mystical fragments the Claimed Hells used as currency. His mind suddenly ground to a halt. His Sins were rattling, resonating, as if compelled by a higher force. "Surprise," Bishop said blandly. "You found the foundations of Greed." "What? Everyone has sins here. They do not have so much influence." "Why not?" Bishop asked. "Why can''t they have that much influence?" "How would Mepheleon..." "Mepheleon? Mepheleon made them this way. He thinks its hilarious. Listen, kid, if theres something you want to learn about the Circle of Greed, its that they dont technically really fight anyone. In fact, theyre in bed with everyone within the Claimed Hells, and I mean everyonefrom the Lodge to the Inheritors, to the Unfallen, to the Dying Queen, to the Crossroads. Especially the Crossroads. And all the other Ciircles, too. The best thing about Greed is that they dont even test for loyalty. Because they dont believe in it. They believe in profit. So long as youre earning, youre a member." "But this," Wei sputtered, "this is practically incestuous!" "That is their ideology. To possess and ruin someone elses day is their version of purity. Speaking of incest, come on, I know about you cultivators and your first cousin, second cousin marriage traditions. Dont you think thats a bit like casting boulders at a glass pebble?" Wei bristled. "Master Bishop, I have given you clemency enough for your mockery. But do not assume you know our ways. All cultivators undergo sophisticated tests to ensure the eugenic alignment of yin and yang between contrasting bloodlines. Purity is above all. A stretch of silence followed from the trespasser. "You know what? Youre just an idiot kid raised by a bunch of backward people. Im going to let that eugenics and race realist stuff slide for now, but when you get up here into the Claimed Hells, there are some things youll need to learn." Wei shrugged, not seeing the point. After all, what was there left to discover in a field as explored as bloodline purity? Cultivators were practically overbred as it were. The demonic voice returned. Deduction imminent. Please prepare The young master brought his form of the Harvester down, not upon anyone else in the line, nor the walls, but upon himself. He carved into his Sins, severing the link that compelled their resonance. The realm around him shuddered. A screech of outrage came from the unseen speaker. What?!" Darkness and light drifted high from Weis form, as if impurities expelled. "You! What have you done? What was that skill?" Wei simply smiled. Now it was time for him to be smug. I have done nothing, he replied, lying through his teeth. He could faintly hear Bishop laughing in the back of his mind, which only made his grin grow wider. "This is an outrage! This offends the System itself!" I spit upon your System," Wei said, "and I spit upon the market economy. A gasp came from the unseen force, the hoarseness of the inhale conveying grave offense. "Youyou dare?" "I do dare. And I take offense to your accusations." Holding his arms wide, Wei addressed the other Sinners. "Call upon all others to be my witness. Did I do anything? Did you see me inflict any damage at all? Upon the premises? Upon anyone?" Eyes turned to him, one after another. The other sinners, haggard though they were, had a glimpse of defiance ignited behind their eyes. I didnt see shit, the bloodied woman declared, the same faeblood who had stabbed herself earlier. Me neither, another agreed, nodding. His mind sings of honesty. A Hiivekin chittered, in the back lying outright to support the growing movement. "Youyou allyou will all be fined for this!" "Fined for what?" Wei continued his defiance. "I thought this passage was one under Greed, not Wrath or Pride. Is your ego wounded? Do you wish to settle things with force instead?" "IyouIm going to get my manager." "Good," Wei roared. "Bring us someone worth breaking, because you are clearly lacking." "Youll regret this!" The voice stammered. "Well sue you so many times youll spend the next twelve centuries working for us!" "Oh shit, youve done it now, Wei," Bishop snorted. "Prepare to really get into the circus now." Wei snorted derisively. It wasnt like they could make things any worse... or more absurd. Could they? Suddenly, two massive doors burst open before Wei, and a glowing red carpet rolled out to welcome him into another chamber hidden beyond the walls. The lights there were even brighter somehow, with little chandeliers lined with swaying diamonds, complex portraits, and murals crawling across the walls. At the end of this new chamber stood another demon. This one was large, though nowhere near as gargantuan as those Wei had faced in the prior Hearted Realms. It stood about three meters tall, with far too many hands, all hammering on multiple square-cubed tiles. In the background, a machine screeched, spewing out pages of printed paper. "A fax machine," Bishop provided unhelpfully. It breaks all the time and never functions right. Just to waste your time. Its a weapon in the hands of Greed. "Perfect," Wei muttered. "I now know exactly what that is." The demon itself wore four different pairs of spectacles, stacked one over the other. It was draped in an assuit lined with encrusted gems and jewels, painted with eye-watering patterns, and sporting a tie made from a tar-black substance. "That''s oil," Bishop added. "Call it liquid gold." The demon itself was a fat, ugly, wretched creature that wouldnt have looked out of place in the Hearted Realm of Slothif only it were naked and covered in filth. "You know the difference between Greed and Sloth? Not that far, sometimes," Bishop added. Middle Manager: Lv. ??? Wei frowned. Why was this bastard sporting so many question marks? What kind of middle management was this? As much as the name Starmater made the young master shudder at the implications it held, it was something, some kind of statement. The closest comparison Wei could draw was to a senior disciple of a well-known sect. But even so, it sounded like something someone would use when they had nothing else to proclaim their prowess. "Well, come on in. Dont stand around waiting. Time is money, you know," the Middle anager called out. Somehow, the demon''s voice was even more grating than the last demon Wei had encountered. He closed his eyes at the disgusting, miserable quote. "On you," Bishop said, spurring Wei forward. Lightning crackled from the young master''s Broken Crescent. "No more pointless talks. No more of this bureaucratic misery." The Form of the Martial Harvester burned around Wei, casting his Shroud of Scorn in an oscillation of shadow and light. He looked to the other Sinners, taking in their awe-filled gazes. This was what it meant to be a patriarch. "This will take but a moment," Wei declared confidently. Then he manifested a Vector Chain. "Oh good," the fat, ugly demon sighed. "Another one of you violent customers. Alright, lets do this." The Middle Manager hefted a truly massive stack of papers, but Wei''s broken crescent exploded across the room, tearing the velvet carpet to shreds and fracturing the walls. But that wasnt all. The young masters momentum continued unabated. A Lance of Calamity followed, both attacks further charged by Wei''s Form of the Martial Harvester. Once they struck, the demon would surely The Broken Crescent, infused with stone-shattering lightning and cloud-breaking wind, impacted the demons thick stack of papers. Then it vanished. The Lance of Calamity followed thereafterand disappeared as well. Wei blinked. Everyone next to him blinked. The Middle Manager coughed violently, hacking to clear his throat of a stubborn gob of phlegm. "Well then, do you feel better now? Can we finally address proceedings like civilized scoundrels and fight each other in a properly anointed court of law?" But Wei wasnt done. He dismissed his Broken Crescent and tried to resummon it, and failed. Weapon Impounded Please pay [1,000,000,000,000] Sins as a retrieval fee. Red crept over Weis vision as he nearly suffered an aneurysm. I this you Come in, the Middle Manager repeated again. Or perhaps I could just sell the bloody weapon and Weis Form of the Martial Harvester cleaved down with a massive scythe, some twenty meters long, splitting the distance between him and the Middle Manages backside. Parted from his spear, the wave snarled as Wei brought his leg down in a descending axe kick, going so fast it cracked the sound barrier. Return what is mine! The Demon of Greed simply rolled its eyes. 83 Experience (III) Listen, when you observe someone and see nothing but question marks behind their Class Specialization, maybe its not the best idea to fight them. The question marks are an indication that they have a little bit too much essence for your current Class or System to process. However, theyre not the worst kind of people to run into down a dark alley during a rainy night. And then you could encounter those who openly tell you their Class Level. They still usually have too much Essence for you to parse, but when their Class and System is configured toward honesty That usually indicates a open and obvious statement: Im not afraid. Do your best. Throw in Eidolons and people with hidden Systems Dont assume. Find out. Intelligence will keep you alive. -The Trespassers Compendium 83 Experience (III) Weis kick fell, and a Source scythe followed. The physical blow came to a rough halt against a shimmering tapestry that manifested around the demons body. The shield resembled a whirlwind of scrolls, pages, and contracts covered in hellish sigils and burning Essence. The middle manager simply sighed at the young masters efforts, eyes tumbling in a derisive roll. Are you quite done And then Weis Form of the Martial Harvester punched all the way through the demons defenses. The gleaming edge of the scythe ripped through the tumbling of papers and the demon flinched back in surprise. Destruction was something no one could deny the Concept Breaker, regardless of how much Essence they could channel, regardless of their level. All was Weis to break. Weis enhanced Harvest Skill broke through the thin shielding. impacted the Middle Managers Constitution and Strength directly, and Wei tore a chunk of the demons Aspect out from their body. A ragged cry of surprise slipped out from the creature. Clearly, they hadnt expected this, but it was a testament to their power that their Aspects werent broken outright. Instead, the middle manager reeled back, stumbling out from a chair far too small for their bulk, their mouth dropping open, jowls peeling apart to reveal rows of spittling fangs lining the fattened clefts beneath their nonexistent jawline. Youyou dare! Wei pressed his attack, but a new whirlpool of contracts flared into existence around the demons bodyshifting like a set of odd arrays. Stranger still was how most of the pages had their Essences tied to a single folder on the innermost layer of the demons shield. You actually hit me. I I cant bloody believe it. Wei slammed into the demon again with a ragged cry of savagery. The velvet carpet beneath them was reduced to ribbons; cracks developed along the walls. And with the destruction, so too grew the young masters rage. A few more hits, Wei told himself. A few more hits, and I would see him broken. Bishop had fallen suspiciously silent. Perhaps the Trespasser didnt expect him to do so well. Everyone underestimated Wei. That was his greatest advantage. Suddenly, the Middle Manager stumbled, tripping over a carpet strand and Wei seized the moment. He launched a heart-pulping palm toward the demons chest. And thats when everything went terribly wrong. Wei, no! Wei! Bishop cried out in his mind, but Wei ignored him, exploding forward, a cone of devastation spreading behind him as he pushed his Relativity to the limit. Wei crashed into the demon, a storm of palms and fists bearing down against what seemed to be a flowing shell of protective papers. In the back of his mind, Bishop growling for him to stop, but Wei was lost to the throes of battle. Like an arrow loosed from its bow, there would be no return. Victory or death. Once more, Wei struck the demons, but this time, as he tore through the pages, the Middle Manager burst into a puff of flame as severed sheets of paper filled the air before dissolving into shadow and light. Essence detonated. Weis fury flowed. Triumph swelled in the young masters veins and as his Authority Advanced Authority Advanced > 36 Wei took another step, preparing to shift his momentum into a spiking fist. The Demon of Greed blinked back into existence right beside him. One more punch would plunge clean through the demons torso Core Ascension A crushing weight fell on Wei. An impossible weight, with no prelude or hint of forthcoming. The young master barely managed to scream as both his knees folded in the wrong direction with a series of sickening cracks. Flames exploded out from his armor, but without an obvious threat, the jets of fire simply carved wounds across the room. The young master crashed to the ground then, broken, wailing, the mass of a small mountain collapsing over him. Source hissed free from Weis body. He struggled, he fawned, but an unseen bulk sat upon him, a font of crushing Essence gripping his form, holding him down. What whats happening? Wei growled. You broke a contract of inflation, Bishop said with a sigh. Wei found himself entirely confused until the Middle Manager stumbled over him, holding up what looked to be a folderthat folder connected to all the other contracts. They flipped its pages open so Wei could see what was writing within. Massive lines of text embossed in gold taunted the young masters gaze. For whoever this may concern, upon attacking the body of [designated party Middle Manager or a connected piece of property thereof], a penalty of 300 tons will be incurred. Should a connected contract be destroyed, the effects contained herein will promptly take effect on the offending party. Attacking signals consent in the utmost and cannot be withdrawn. Wei blinked as he finished reading through the document. His mind failed to process the information. How was this proper? Just how was this fair? Who upheld these bargains, and why didnt Napoleon allow them to take effect? Another sequence of rattles sounded from the young masters torso. Most of his ribs were caving inward. One of his lungs popped. Source: [3/190] Blind heavens. He was being taunted. Rage and frustration boiled over. Once more. Once more, he faced indignity. Once more, humiliation. He had been trapped by this toad of a creaturethis festering boil of a monster. And they took his Eidolon too Once more, you learn a useful lesson, Bishop said. Maybe dont roll up trying to fight every motherfucking demon in the Claimed Hells before figuring out what they can do. And you couldnt have just told me? Wei hissed internally. Nope, Bishop said, blandly. Its something you best learn through experience alone. So, the Middle Manager said, adjusting his tie, far too small for his rotund body, are you finally done with your little tantrum? Shall we discuss proper punishment for this misbehavior? Despite their domineering posture and prideful tone, Wei detected a quiver of fear in their jowls and an uncertain gaze in their eyes. They also kept two meters of distance away from Wei, as if he could go off at any time. A volatile bomb instead of a man.. No, Wei growled to himself. No, I am not done. He reached out for his Eidolon, but it wasnt there. It was near. He tried to re-summon it once more, but it felt blocked from him, seized by a greater force. He needed it back. He wouldnt let some Demon of Greed take what was his. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Wei pushed against the ground. But though he was stronger than hed ever been, the mass of a small mountain was still far too much, and all he could do was strain. In vain, his body slowly came asunder. All right, son, Bishop muttered. Time to call it quits. You did a little bit better here than the previous ones, but Im not done. Wei spat. He kicked. He thrashed. He strained every muscle he had, but he didnt budge an inch. Darkness crept along the corners of his eyes, and once more, death began to encroach. All that did was feed the young masters ragee. Listen to me, boy, Bishop continued, theres no point in being stubborn and stupid. You learned what you could. Now, Im going to punch into his mind, and Im gonna make him give you back your little spear. Were gonna be gone from here. And after that, were going to talk about Wei spat at the Middle Manager, spite and scorn fueling the last rags of his strength. Yes, yes. Express your discontent, you feeble barbarian, the demon garbled. Now,... The demon pulled out another contractone promising the weight would be lifted off Weis shoulders if he only gave verbal consent to serve the Circle of Greed for the next millennia. Ten thousand years. Wei would have rather died. Once more, he spat. But this time, he felt ita trickle of power. A strand of Source leaked out with his saliva, connecting to him, a part of him. And a wild impulse consumed the young master. He drew upon his Form of the Martial Harvester once more. Instead of spitting at the demon, he aimed at the invisible shroud of swirling essence holding him down like a wrathful claw. Wei spat, and a small scythe cleaved deep into the unseen weight. The young master took a shuddering inhale. Was the weight lessening? Was he simply growing more delirious? Bishop had fallen silent once more. No longer lecturing him. Yet the young master took that as a sign. Pouring more of his essence against the crushing force, Wei spat over and over, his hatred turning back to focus as he ejected spittle with such might that unseen spider webs began to form around his body like a lattice. What what is this? the middle manager said, taking a few steps back. Source began to hiss free out from Wei. With each blow he landed, he focused not on harvesting aspects, but rather dissolving its structure, destroying its concept and returning it to the most foundational form of existential energy. Source. Light and darkness. The samsara of creation and destruction. After the fifth globule, Wei finally managed to fight his way back to his hands and knees. His whole body still struggled, but it was like he was carrying a small building on his shoulders instead of a collapsed city. The Middle Managers mouth opened and closed, eyes wide with disbelief. A series of cheers erupted through the open door. The other Sinners were watching Wei rise, and in the back of his mind, Wei heard a scoff escape Bishop. Fucking Keter, man. Balling his fist, Wei struck at the Essence congealed around him. His first jab could barely be regarded as such. It quivered, as if a punch thrown by a man with palsy, pushing against a roaring river. But with each subsequent blow, the weight around him weakened. Cracks spread, and momentum built within the young master. A Dilation-Echo formed. He watched as a blow came from him in the future. The Middle Manager would fling an object through Wei, delivering upon him a fated end. Just then, in the present, the Middle Manager snapped out of his stupor and tore what looked to be a golden pen from his inner suit pocket. No, Im going to need to catalog you. Hold still for a minute, young one. This will only hurt quite a bit. But before he could cast his item, a detonation of shadow and light swelled out around Wei. The pen slipped through the Source''s staining erosion damage before passing through where Wei once stood. But rather than impaling the young master, or pinning him down by whatever effects it possessed, it carved through open air and detonated against the far wall, as a sudden pulse of purple leaped out from the young master''s body. Bishops influence receded a moment after. A sphere of oblivion sucked in all surrounding matter and energy where the pen structure before it collapsed into an ink black marble that bounced off the ground. What? That was as far as the Middle Manager got before a series of three punches and two kicks slammed into his midsection. Scythes flicked through them with each blow, his Strength, Mind, and Constitution were utterly savaged. The Demon of Greed cried out in surprise, and his bellow quickly turned into a scream of despair. Authority Advanced > 39 Fortification Advanced > 31 [9/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Wei dismissed the other System notifications, and continued beating down on the flagging Middle Manager. Ignoring the pain of his broken body, Wei flung himself, Source pouring from his shattered legs as he sailed through the air. With every punch, they became less, and he was more. The creature gave a ragged snarl, and Wei caught another Dilation-Echo, a backhand almost too fast to perceive that would have separated his head from his shoulders. He ducked just in time, but the demons claws still raked an inch deep into his scalp. Source: [2/190] Searing light filled Weis eyes, and he nearly stumbled, his head spinning with dizziness and nausea. But he kept pushing. Either he would fall, or this demon would. His knuckles were mangled fragments, insufficient to do proper harm to the demons staggering constitution. But even so, his harvest could not be denied. He reaped, even as his Intent dropped, even as trauma barely suppressed flooded his mind. He reaped, drinking away the demons strength, slamming an elbow into their thin thigh for good measure. Mighty though the Demon of Greed was, if they could have just managed to land a single hit more, Wei would have greeted his final end. But that was not their nature. Their sin was one of want and possession, but they lacked the virtues of pride or wrath. When the possibility of death came, their spirit broke before their body ever did, and they tripped as they stumbled backward, trying to flee from the young master. A spiral of contracts formed over their body in a defensive cocoon. For a moment, the demon of greed and the young master glared at each other from across the shattered room. They were at an impasse. The Middle Manager was terrified, though the demon was only entirely harmed on a physical level. The rapidity of their blinks and the choking breaths they took revealed the depths of their fear. Their Aspects had been damagedquite severely if Wei was to guess. Adding all his Class and System Aspects together, he had more than a few stats that were well past the hundred range. The demon, with their Class level being registered as a question mark, probably had something well into the few hundreds, maybe even a thousand. But even that could be worn down. On the other hand, Wei felt his every wound, and was on the verge of death once more. Another clean hit, that would be all it took for the demon to finish him off. So neither moved, both observing the other, waiting for something to give. Waiting until Wei noticed a faint purple tinge pulse behind the demons irises. Suddenly, their contracts vanished, and they bowed their head low. A vacant expression consumed their mind, and immediately, Wei had a guess as to what was going on. Bishop, he growled, pain and frustration co-mingling. I had him. This was my fight. It was your death, Bishop replied. Give him another second, and he would have pulled something out. An item, another deal, hell he might have brought an Invisible Hand down on you. Contended his selection of sins against your own. All you had was a mental edge, boy. But The trespasser trailed off. You damaged him enough for me to slip in and do this Not half bad. Im full of surprises, Wei gasped as he triggered Lesser Hollow Mind. At once, he entered a passive state of meditation, his body slowly knitting back together, wounds closing, bones snapping back into place. The Source, hissing free from his wounds, wafted to a sudden halt, then began to reverse in direction. Tendrils of shadow and light coalesced from the world around Wei, pouring back into him to fuel his reconstitution. Class Level > 37 Free Points: [65] It took the better part of a minute for him to find the strength to stand. He staggered before the inert Middle Manager, a scythe burning black and bright over Weis body. Time to see his System fed. What was cracked might as well be made broken. But before that Bishop, a favor, if I might ask one. You wanna know where hes keeping your Eidolon? Yes. Wait a second. Suddenly, another pulse of psionic opulent energy rushed down from the demons mind, and they flicked a finger, drawing a vellum-veiled contract to the forefront. As Wei reached out and grasped the fluttering papers, he felt an internal storm of Essence shift between the pages. What once was little more than a stack of Essence-inscribed ink shifted back into the Broken Crescent with a burst of crackling lightning. FEE ABSOLVED Im not gonna be able to hold onto this body for long, Bishop said, speaking through the demon now. He flung out a series of other contracts, placing them at Weis feet. These will come in handy soon. I recommend that you finish breaking this body. Should be pretty good for your Systems advancement. Wei bit his lip, sour that he only achieved a partial victory. Could he have won without the trespasser? Could he have danced that edge and secured victory for himself? There was a question that would go unanswered in this life. Dont fixate on that, Bishop finished. A win is a win. Take it, live it, and the hell with all the rest. Now finish things out here and get going. Wei lifted his spear and just as he prepared to plunge it through the demons eye, he froze and looked at the other Sinner. He stared at them. They stared at him. And a new opportunity presented itself. Enlightenment Advanced > 26 Core Ascension Available So does anyone want to join a sect? 84 Forcing the Hand Seever. I have located our quarry. This game is at its end. There is another psionic here. Potent. Skilled. They will find me if I linger. But I have created a connectiona tenuous one. I have the Trine and an Oathbearer enthralled. Yes. Yes. I will call them through the Hearted Realm. Dangle them a bit before the rift to lure the others in. The other Oathbearers will certainly follow. As for the rest Well, if they come, it will make things easier for us. If not there really isnt that much room left for them to run. The Harbinger? The last of the singularities have been consumed. Ah. Looks like Im just in time, then. As always. I do expect a raise for this. And a promotion. -[Censored] 84 Forcing the Hand Authority Advanced > 40 Class Level > 39 Free Points: [75] Refining Source >>>Source Refined: [190/190] Lumens Source Core Ascended > Lv. 19 >[2/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension >>[11/20] Core Ascensions to [Gate] 2 System Ascension >>>Source: [200/200] Lumens Reviewing encounter Masteries Demonstrated >Meditation (II) 99% >Unarmed Combat (III) 1% >Spearmanship (III) 1% >Evasion (II) 33% >Thrown Weapons (II) 39% >Tactics (II) 11% >Rapier 0% Mastery Node Capacity [7/10] >Proximal Acceleration >Form of the Resonant >Lesser Hollow Mind >Lesser Manifestation >Vector Chain >Lesser Cast Possession >Mark of Enmity >Outsight Sourcery Advancements [2] Available! Select [1] Source Magnification > Source Propagation [Requires 10 Sourcery Advancements (Currently at 6] Liminal Bridge > Liminal Tunnel [Requires 25 Sourcery Advancements (Currently at 6) At the end, ten other sinners decided to take Wei up on his offer to join the Drowned Sky Sect. Mira Nocture, the depressed Faeblood, leaped at the opportunity especially. Despite the impressive show he put on, and though they were most pleased by the murder of the Middle Manager, the bulk of the group was content to wait, holding true to their current path in the vain hope that they would be able to pass through without risking death. On some level, the young master understood their apprehension. Why risk one''s life when you could achieve your goal, though the cost might be more than mere convenience? However, by his pride as a cultivator and the glory that came with refining one''s strength, Wei could only scorn those who remained. To survive was not to live, and to exist as a slave was to submit to another''s mercy. Better not to exist at all in that case. The eyes of Greed are upon you A crushing pressure fell over the young master the moment he received that notification. According to Bishop, it meant that the Archdevil was dispatching a proper threat to handle the intruder. And this one would likely see Wei dead with a gesture. Though the young masters blood still boiled with battle-lust, his growing wisdom demanded he heed reason. He lost his Eidolon to the Middle Manger. If he hadnt surprised the damned creature, this battle would have been his defeat. Wei doubled he could court fortunes favor twice. Especially if Bishop got annoyed as well. His decision to leave was further enhanced by the sudden appearance of his mother''s headless corpse, along with the other members of their sect. He was taking the last of his new recruits into his Inventory when they appeared at the end of the hallway. They stood, the members in a line, all of them staring at him, the dread within Wei building alongside his foreboding. Immediately, the young master''s gaze locked onto the gore-hallowed stump that remained of his mother''s bifurcated neck. Something twisted inside him. It hurt just as much as it had before, but Wei found himself better able to digest the pain, to face the horror. "That''s because your Intent''s still high," Bishop said. "Don''t let that drop again or" "Yeah," Wei interrupted, not wanting to have this conversation. He knew. As much as it scalded his ego to admit, he knew. Offering a wordless salute to the remaining sinners, he activated his Liminal Bridge and crossed back over into the Moongrave. He had ten new recruits in his Inventory and a Core Ascension to process. After that New Skill synergy detected New Title synergy detected Wei blinked as his Concept Cores pulsed. Notifications filtered into his mind from both his Class and System, and Wei looked through their contents with anticipation. Achievement: You have survived the Hearted Realm of Greed and destroyed an entity that has taken something from you. Refining New Titles for Concept Cores (Harvest) and (Destruction) Recommended Title > Rough Customer (Harvest): Allows you to better steal from an enemy that has already stolen from you. [Mastery of (Theft) is required] "Dont just let the System lead you blindly." Bishop''s voice cut in, pulling the young master''s attention away from his notifications. "The damn thing can end with you walking off a cliff and crippling your own development. Dont be a damn fool. Think about where you want to be so you dont end up grabbing a bunch of useless Titles or Skills that cripple your future development. Know youre a cultivator; same deal here. You don''t approve of the options they provide?" "Not even a little," Bishop answered. "Listen, your System and Concept Cores give recommendations purely based on your raw experiences and achievements. Its guessing what you might want to be from what youve done. Everything you do shapes the future of your development and choosing to go against something like Greed might remove benefits down the line. I''m sure you already noticed that your form of harvest was looking mighty different from before." That was true. The scythe now had a gleaming edge, allowing Wei to inflict Strength and Constition damage with every blow. The young master considered the Trespasser''s words with a brief frown. He suspected something of this. With cultivation, the more varied Essences one pulled from, the more divergent their paths, the weaker their foundations. True, some people were more generalists than others, and some had a grander repertoire of Skills. But ultimately, those successful were versatile because of their path rather than in spite of it. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. To wander blindly while cultivating would more often than not dilute one''s advancement and render their capabilities at odds with oneself. But so far, the titles Wei had gained and the skill advancements had proven nothing but helpful. "Yeah, but they''re Minor Concept Cores. With every Skill and Title you make, theyll grow and change. You make a few more garbage Skills or Titles, your Concept Core is going to develop into something thats subpar as well. No focus. No Intent. Sure, itll be able to make more things for you, but it will never match a more refined core. Hell, theres even been cases where fools end up cultivating themselves into a crippled state. Imagine getting a Wealth-Destroying evolution for your Destruction core. Wei winced. That could be useful, but he was also not interested in being a pauper or a member of the Beggar Sect. "I know you''re in dire straits right now and doing everything you can to escape from this place. Your coresthose things are your future. Feed your experiences into them. Ruminate on them. Consider who you want to be. Don''t just jump at the first garbage option your System provides. Nothing that''s gold can be spun out of a half-assed incident." The young master considered Bishop''s words. His concept core of Destruction held great potential, but his Harvest and Augmentation related powers had kept him alive. Though he had a Class and a System, his experiences were limited, and he could only devote a certain amount to one. Dismissing the System notifications for now, and considering how he might develop his future Skills and TitlesC And then a message came, a message from Rapael, ruining all of Wei''s plans. For all he wanted to finish his experiences and tour the final Hearted Realm of Pride, it was not to be. Wei, we have a problem. A serious problem. The young master closed his eyes and sighed. What is it? The Trine and Agate have gone missing. Some of the others spotted them moving towards the spatial rift of the Hearted Realm. Wei went very still at that. Why? They couldnt possibly have been compromised Bishop''s voice rose in the back of his mind, No, I had my mind on them, they''re right and then silence. A long pause followed before a single statement set the tone. Motherfucker. It seems you''re not quite so infallible after all, Master Bishop, Wei said, getting in a jab. Kiss my ass, kid. Get back there. We need to get ahead of this shit. But by then, Wei''s Intent was already surging, reaching out for his nearest rift Go after them, Rafael, Wei sent through his Chat. Do whatever you can to stop them. But if they cross over, do not follow. Wait for me. And then, Wei shattered the distance, and the scramble was on. *** When he returned to the Moongrave of Gluttony, his Omniscience immediately captured a whirlwind of motion. The first thing he noticed was Roggi soaring fast across the skies. He was a bulbous mass of cancerous tissue and fetid rot, and it seemed the faster he went, the worse Sloths effect weighed on his body. Even so, he came down before the Hearted Realms rift with a thunderous crash. Wei blurred into existence next to him a mere moment thereafter. In the distance, Wei could see a gathering of inner and outer court disciples standing around Mobile Fortress Wei. Agnesia, Rafael, and Eleanor were also fast approaching the party, drifting in on a mystically constructed palmthe lichs work, no doubt. They just bloody left, Rogi bellowed, his eyes wild, his expression one of confusion and disbelief. They laughed, and no one bloody noticed. No one stopped them. There''s another psionic here, Bishop said. A good one. Good enough to stay off my radar while Im using Angeleous, at least. A low growl of annoyance came from the Trespasser. This also means they know where you and your sect are hiding, kid. No two ways about that. Wei let out an annoyed snort before he turned his attention back to Roggi. We will get them back. Pushing his Omniscience to the limit, he observed his surroundings, noting depressions left in the fetid soil, prints leading into the spatial rifta set of three lighter bodies accompanied by one heavier being. This fit the profile of the Trine and one Oathbearer. It spoke volumes, they left without raising too many alarms. But why only a single Oathbearer? Where were Roggi! Wei heard a cry go up in the distance. Too massive armored forms were pounding toward them, throwing up dust as the approached. Well, it seemed the other two Oathbearers were out of the loop as well. That means Agate was likely a capture of opportunity. A splash of dissolving ciphers spilled over the periphery of Weis vision as Ellena, Agnesia, and Rafael came to a halt right next to him and Rogi. Together, they stared into the swirling maw of blackness, a dreaded apprehension building in the air. I need to go in after them, Roggi said. His fists were balled, but Wei heard a certainty in his voice. It wasnt agitation; it was simply a fact, a duty. You go in willy-nilly, youre not coming back out, Bishop warned. I havent had time to go through all your minds, but I can blunt some of your memories. Still, that doesnt mean youre anywhere near ready for this. And considering the Inheritors probably made the first move, theyll be waiting for you. Ready for you. Hell, theyre coming for all of you. You believe this to be a trap? Wei considered. You bet your ass it''s a trap, and you bet your ass they''re counting on this to draw at least some of you over. Theyre trying to force your hand. Pull your group apart. See what bad choices they can force on you. Once more, Wei regarded his many disciples in the distance. Just how many of them were compromised? How many of them could he trust? He didnt know. But with his recent recruitment, he potentially had optionsindividuals uncontaminated by the others. So, Agnesia said, hefting her blade over her shoulder. When are we going over? Were not going to let these bastards take all our people. Ellena bit her lip. I think I think we should not be hasty. We dont know what waits Theres no bloody time for that, mother, Agnesia interrupted. They came for us. They know we''re here. And so we need to hit them before they come and hit us. Were already compromised. We can keep hiding and running, but eventually, they''re going to find us. And then they''re going to cut us down one after another. Enough, Wei said. He frowned as he took in the others, his mobile fortress, and considered the path ahead. The Inheritors were trying to force his hand, have him come to them, and short of killing Roggi, there was nothing Wei could do to stop the Oathbearer from going after his charges. But more importantly, he agreed with Agnesia. Raid-filled and impatient though she was, their enemies knew. Knew everything about them right now, knew exactly where they were, and would only come hunting sooner or later. The young master wished that he had more timemore time to acclimate to the hearted realms, more time to strengthen himself, more time to make up for his failings, to be the patriarch he needed to become. But time was never promised, and now only choice remained. Choice and opportunity. Rafael, Wei said, get the disciples ready. Have them gather within Mobile Fortress Wei. Roggi, we are going through, but I need you to start the fortress. And then, his next request came out, a painful one. Could you potentially have the sails at the back combust? Were you talking about the engines? Roggi asked, confused. I mean, yeah, but why? I wish to explode the ship alongside the Knight of Lust. Oh. Roggi grinned. Aye. Ill see what I can do. Wei shifted focus. Ellena, Agnesia, go gather our most trusted disciples and convene with me shortly. We have a raid to plan. Right, Agnesia said. Immediately, she shot off, a blur of blackened flame flaring from her back like flapping wings. Ellena bit her lip, worry clear on her face. She didnt want to risk her daughter, nor did she want to face death again. This was no place for the pathless, but they didnt have a choice anymore. Quartermaster, Wei said, speaking directly to Ellena, I know, this is not what you want. This is not what any of us want. But you have wisdom, and you have power now. More power than you had before. The Dying Queenshe comes for you. Her agents will never stop hunting you or your daughter. Just as the Inheritors covet that which lies in my spirit. Just as the Unfallen desire to capture the Trine. We are all wounded, and the enemy seeks to finish us off. The former queen stared on at the patriarch, her lips almost quivering, her gaze filled with fear and worry as she stared into the spatial rift. I am not prepared for this. I do not... I do not know if I have the strength to Perhaps. Perhaps not, Wei said. But I will be here for you. I will support you however I can. You need not face your wounds alone. That is my responsibility as patriarch. That is my duty to you, to all of you. He finished his words by looking at Roggi and even Rafael. In this moment, he felt more like a patriarch than ever before. Well, that''s all well and good, kid, Bishop said in the back of his mind, but what exactly is your plan? You gonna fly Mobile Fortress Wei across the rift and then just try to blow it up when the Inheritors come for you? Even with what I can whip up with the Knight, it ain''t gonna be enough for all of them. They wont just sacrifice all their forces to board your ship. Good. For I have more surprises myself. Wei pulled out a contract stored within his inventory. It was a contract he had left ignored for far too long. Before you, there was another I struck a bargain with. Well, less a bargain, more of a mutual accord. Wei, Bishop said, his voice dangerously low. I havent signed myself over to anything, if that is what you fear, Wei began. The Circle of Pride will come to our aid. For they have been wronged as well. By the Inheritors. Mutual enemies and the such. And when the hell were you going to tell me about this? Bishop asked. Preferably never. Youve been very helpful, Master Bishop. But helpful does not make you trustworthy. And that cuts both ways, dont you agree? Nah, Bishop said. I think I got your measure pretty well, kid. But you do surprise me sometimes. So, Circle of Pride, huh? He snorted. Yeah. Fits you. The little bit of Wrath you have goes well too. The young master simply shrugged. I am what my path demands of me. Youre gonna end up a hell of a lot more than that. Well. Fuck it. Sign that dotted line. Time to what kind of cavalry we can get. 85 Plots Against Plots Yes, yes. They raided your establishment and killed some of your people. What do you want me to do about it, dear boy? You''re in Hell. These are the Claimed Hells. I''m merely the master of this parlor, not the lord of this den. Why, if I wanted to be something as banal as a king, I would have named myself a dying king or something dramatic like that, given my name gravitas, and held all my subjects in crushing sway. But that is not the way to proper development, and I am not so fearful of watching those below me flourish. So listen here, dear... dear Inheritor. Consul. You come to me after engaging in countless little clandestine operations that we both know you''ve been doing. I cant fully trace them back to you, nor do I particularly care to, but we both know you''ve been playing games under my table, and I have no problem with that. Such is the way life should be, after all. It adds spice and gives my circles, and probably the rest of the Fathoms, reason to struggle to develop. But what offends me right now, what nags at my good cheer, is the fact that I allow you thisand when things go poorly for you, you come back to me, whimpering and whining like babes, stripped of bottle and nipple, begging for me to punish the bad people who were better at your game than you were. My friend, this is the Diaspora. People who can live free here... and people who can''t, well, there are lesser pleasures to take as well. But it is not one of the unchained man. -Mepheleon the Harbinger 85 Plots Against Plots Wei An Wei signed the dotted line on his contract, and once more, he was spirited away from the Moongrave, taken to another liminal space to discuss what was to follow. The areahe spawned in was not unlike that which greeted the Count. There were subtler differences. First off, the Essence here was not nearly as pervasive, not quite so crushinga lesser realm fit for a lesser adversary. Secondly, instead of being occupied by a blinding sun, Wei saw a chandelier above him composed of shifting tendrils of blood. Upon further observation, he noticed that they werent exactly tendrils, but rather the bodies of scarlet snakes. Ah yes, Mulvers blood hydra, his signature now hanging overhead like mistletoe, seated upon a golden dais once more. Wei rose, and across from him, in the darkness, veins of blood lit the counterpart below. But as Mulver came into view, fifty meters away, the young master''s slight smirk turned into a wide-eyed look of surprise as the unexpected followed. Mulver was utterly nude. Whats more, strange substances painted his lower body. Surprised, the orc looked around, whipping his head about with a frenzied glare. "Where? Who? I was in the middle of something! I was inside! Inside! I was on the verge of over And then, finally, his perception met Wei, and the young master stared right back. In the back of Weis mind, a quiet chuckle sounded. Bishop snickered to himself. "Oh, well, damn, they get smaller every year. God pity the orcs. "What gets smaller?" Wei thought internally. "Ill tell you when you get older," Bishop teased. Wei had a guess, but he did not want to go down that route. These peopledemons and Trespassers bothhad no sense of propriety. "Mulver," Wei said, offering a salute and piercing through the awkwardness. He learned many things these days. After his experience in the Hearted Realm of Lust, nudity ceased to be a severe distraction. "As per my agreement with the Old Manthe Count of Pride, I have come seeking you again for us to come to a proper arrangement for our mutual problem. "A proper arrangement?" Mulver echoed dumbly, his mind fully catching up with the moment. He blinked twice, and with a flash of spatial Essence, a layer of clothing folded over him. He wore brilliant emerald and gold robes, silken finery that draped his entire form. He coughed and added, Right, right, arrangement. Youre having problems with the Inheritors. Those fucks. "I apologize if I summoned you at a bad time." Wei''s eyes narrowed as he dug for more information. The Old Man, Count of Pride, was capable of creating something of a mind clone. Was Mover able to do the same? It was just the Count after all. He was capable of many things without being present himself. Pray, tell me, do I speak to your original or "No, I''m not a mind clone," Mulver interrupted, catching on to Wei''s digging. "Dont have the power for that... yet." Mulver reached up a hand, and the blood hydra leaned down, coalescing upon his palm to form a chalice filled with shining ichor. Without missing a beat, Mulver took a sip and sighed with pleasure. "So, where is this little accident set to happen at? "The Hearted Realm of Gluttony," Wei answered. "Gluttony?" Mulver opened his eyes wide. "I hate that place. Why couldnt it be somewhere nice, like Lust?" A shiver danced up Weis spine. "You think Lust is better than the Hearted Realm of Gluttony?" "By far," Mulver answered, nodding vigorously. "Let me tell you about Starmater. That demon That demon knows how to show you a nice time." Beads of sweat began to develop on Weis forehead. A nice time... I suspect I encountered the Starmater youve met. Wei trailed off as Mulver grinned at him, large, bestial fangs jutting upward from his underbite. Yeah, did they grab you? Did they show you an adventure up that canal of wonders? I managed to evade... Wei shook his head. That is no matter. I need your assistance. I require it now. If we miss this opportunity, the Inheritors might escape free to wreak havoc, and continue their insults against both our sects. Mulver gestured toward himself. You know, I was kind of hoping youd call me earlier. Usually, these things take a little bit longer to prepare for. Wei didnt like the way this was going. "Well, yeah, kid, you were pulling his leg on short notice," Bishop chimed in. "Usually, these things require planning, you know?" I do not require the lecture right now, Master Bishop, Wei growled internally. Assistance would be preferable. "Ask him what he''s got to give you." Weis voice grew dangerously thin. Does that mean you are unable to render aid, as promised? "I didn''t say that," Mulver replied, a whine entering his voice. "What I mean is, its just... its not gonna be as neat as youre probably hoping for, but thats alright. I got ten Knights I trust. Ten damn good soldiers of Pride. Ten knights? Just ten? Wei said, unable to hide his incredulity. Oh, dont worry, theyre all pretty good. But theyre not going to be the ones doing the bulk of the work. You see, the Claimed Hells play a strange game. We, of Pride, shouldnt be anywhere near the Hearted Realm of Gluttony. Thats not our place. But we still raid, we still steal Sinners by offering contracts in their time of need. All the Circles do it. But the Circles also intercept and fight each other while you little Sinners suffer. Wei nodded in understanding. You intend to lure Gluttonys notice? Absolutely. Were gonna make things really loud. Really loud was just part of Weis plan as well. I have planned a few things myself. Have you? Mulver asked, his orcish grin widening to a feral level. Well, lets hear it. Wei didnt tell him everything, but he explained the details behind Mobile Fortress Wei, the Knight of Lust, and what he intended to do once he got his hands on the Inheritors. By the end, Mulver was laughinglaughing like a tiger in a slaughterhouse. *** Enlightenment Advanced > 27 [3/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension As soon as Wei returned to the Moongraves, he found Agnesia with another twenty-five individuals gathered around him. Wei scarcely recognized a few. The Hivekin now had a crown of son-of-knives hovering over his head, and then there was... Wei did a double take. Was that the bloody elf he saved a few days ago? The disappointmentthe least among the three disappointmentswhat was she doing here? His disbelief only doubled when he saw her level. Level 25. How did that go up? How was she still alive. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. The look she offered him was near apologetic. It was like she was sorry about not being completely useless and growing. Wei shook his head. Now was not the time to consider the unbelievable. He had a scheme to concoct. Wei, I brought everyone I could trust. All our best people, Agnesia said, placing her bone blade over her shoulder. Right. His gaze couldnt help but linger on the elf a moment longer. So, what are we doing now? Whats the plan? Agnesia asked. I have a simple idea, one based on speed and velocity, Wei responded, calling out, Rafael? Suddenly, the lich was next to him, materializing in a spiral of green Essence. Envy had such a sickly color. The young master nearly jolted, his omniscience catching the lich at the last second. My friend, did I startle you? Rafael asked. No. No, you didnt, Wei lied. He needed to keep his focus now more than ever. Maybe the lich was getting better. Maybe youre just thinking about too many things at the same time, Bishop said. The Trespasser was right, but Wei didnt want to acknowledge him. I think weve been going about crossing the Hearted Realm the wrong way. What do you mean? Ellena asked, stepping into the group. Its quite simple. We wanted to pass with extreme velocity, but there are threats there that will manifest. Threats capable of shattering our fortress. The Archdevil will spawn demons superior to all of us. Staying and fighting is folly. This, I have learned across my experiences in the other Hearted Realms. So then, what are we supposed to do? Agnesia asked. Wei grinned. We are supposed to play to our enemies'' expectations and exploit them. Not all of us need to cross. Just one. One individual with the capability of securing the others and dropping them off beyond the Hearted Realm must pass through this space. One that can traverse the space with ease. And that one individual is you, then? Roggi asked, deducing Weis answer. Correct, but I will not be the first one through that gate. It will be you, Agnesia. The girl looked at him, and Ellenas jaw dropped. What? Agnesia. Im going to unequip my Inventory Skill in a while. And youre going to equip it. What are you Wei probably released the ten new members he recruited from the Hearted Realm of Greed and the Knight of Lust. A splash of spatial energies displaced those around him, making room for the newcomers to materialize. The hells are we now? Mira Nocture, suicidal elf and now disciple of the Drowned Sky Sect muttered. On the verge of glory, Wei said. He returned to Agensia. You''re going to store me in the Inventory. Me and all the others. Reunionthat EmbracedCI suspect will come for you. He and a good contingent of the other Inheritors. If we make it seem like you had broken from the others in the group, alongside Roggi, theyll think were splitting apart, Agnesia reasoned. Youre using her as bait? Ellena replied, aghast. Not bait, mother. Im a trap. I know, Agnesia said. But is thereC There is no safer way, Wei interrupted, meeting the former queens gaze with a solid stare of his own. I understand what you risk, but there is no avoiding this. The ones that killed your sons, her brothersthey are not content. They will come for you as well. You strike them down, or they will follow you in your nightmares hereafter, until the day they finally sink their teeth into you. Again. Again. Ellena flinched and bit at her lip. Then... then I want to go with her. What? No! Agnesia sighed. Mother, Im fine. Yes, Wei interjected, nodding with a smirk. This would be for the best. What? Waitcome on, youre not thinking clearly about this, Agnesia said, behaving exactly like her mother had a moment ago. Wei simply shook his head. How true the fears are shared by both mother and daughter. I am, Agnesia, Wei said with a little more force this time. Just as she has no choice, when you risk your safety, you will have no choice about her. Are you strong? Stronger than your adversary? The girl bit her lip the same way as her mother, and that provoked something in Weisome kind of feeling that he ignored for now. No, Agnesia finally answered. No, I dont think we are. Shame stained her voice, but more than that, a yearninga desire to be more than what she was. If she did, then boldness will be our ally. Boldness and surprise. Reunion thinks hes greater than you, that he is indebted to claiming both your persons. As you approach, moving across the Hearted Realm, I suspect the Dying Queens minions will come for you immediately. He will not risk losing you to the demons of Gluttony. The Inheritor and the Unfallen will also follow. And whats to happen after that? Roggi asked. Why dont you, Inheritor, and you just pop up and start fighting them on our behalf? Wei, I know you got a little more kick in that Class of yours compared to ours, lad. Not falling apart at the seams like I am here, but youre just a Knight, perhaps a little bit more, but just that. Indeed, Wei said. But I am not alone, and I do not need to win. I simply need to cripple our adversaries enough for the Hearted Realm to consume them. The Archdevil is the greatest assetthe greatest enemy. For anyone but Mepheleon to linger is an act of courting death. "It will be hard to achieve such a feat if you are diminished by eighty percent," Rafael commented. I will not be, Wei replied. I will not be placing my Liminal Bridge down on this side at all. Slowly, the lich understood. You plan to place down your anchor on the other side and then come for the rest of us. Such is my plan, Wei said, nodding. Now, he addressed the rest of the group, what I need from you is simple. You will be the core defenders of the rest of the sectyou strongest, greatest." And once more, he shed a quick glance at the elf. "Most capable of growth, let''s say. You will be the spine upon which the rest of the group must stand. Can you do that? A series of half-hearted nods and grunts followed. Better than despair, but Wei needed to work on their morale. Perhaps he needed to give them something. Gold, perhaps? Rafael, Wei called out again, do you have any means of disguising how many people we have aboard the Mobile Fortress? Perhaps obfuscating Essence signatures? I can break the minds of demons we find here. But I lack the expertise to hide their identities. The lich let out a hum. Or was it a low chuckle? I might have an idea. But I will require Mr. Bishops aid with that. And also a final sweep of those we can trust. And cannot. A low scoff came from Bishop. You know, I know you dont like hearing it, but there are times you really are your fathers boy. Wei suppressed a wince. Yes, he didnt like hearing that, but if being like William Yu was what it took to ensure the survival of his sect, then so be it. Roggi, how go the changes to the Mobile Fortresss thrusters? Itll be done, Roggi said. I managed to build a faulty sport plug into the ignition. Should detonate the wine pretty easily. Very wellWait. Wine? Wei blinked. Yeah, Roggi grinned. The fuel weve been using for the engines is just gallons of wine weve been siphoning out from the Realm of Lust. Somehow, Wei couldnt fully process that. "Alcohol content high. Very combustible, Roggi laughed. Then, pulling something from his own inventory, he handed it over to Wei. The stench alone disintegrated a few of the young masters nose hairs. Agnesia coughed and gagged, while Ellena, surprisingly, took a sniff, then frowned. Mmm, bit sour for my taste. Her reaction reminded Wei of his mother. What was it with queens and matriarchs and their ability to drink? My ma said it comes with having a kid. Hardens the kidneys. Bishop mused. Very, very good, Wei said. Now, with everything settled, does anyone else have any suggestions to our idea? Yeah. Roggi asked, Your other friends. They send anyone to come help us? Ten Knights? Wei replied. Just ten, Rafael said, sounding distraught. Ten. Meant to bring in, draw the notice of the Circle of Greed. Make this a muddled fight, if you will. Oh. Well. I suppose thats more than ten. A series of half-hearted nods and mutters followed. Wei breathed and took in his companions, his disciples, his fortress. All this. Just for a chance ot get at his foes. Fine. Off with you all, then. Im going to find some demons and" Wei, Roggi said, interrupting the young master before he departed. Striding up, the Oathbearer loomed over Wei and offered out a cancer-ridden hand. Yeah, I owe you my life. I owe you my brothers lives. I tried. And now Im about to owe you again. I know we made an oath earlier. But Im telling you this right now. When we get to the Hearted Realm, when we get past that, into the claimed hells, and my duty is done, I pledge myself to you. Whatever you need, whatever you want to see true, whatever you want to see built, Ill be there for you. Me and my Forgekin. A sudden pressure settled over Wei, and he felt slightly uncomfortable at the outpouring of gratitude. OATHBOUND: OATHBEARER ROGGI HAS SWORN HIS LOYALTY TO YOUR CAUSE. TO BREAK THIS OATH WILL RESULT IN THE DISSOLUTION OF HIS SPIRIT The declaration echoed through Weis very being and a resonant echo of Essence pulsed through both the young master and the Oathbearere as well. I would appreciate this, Wei finished awkwardly. You honor me. Roggi simply clapped him across the shoulder. Havent even started yet. Bishop slipped out from the young master''s mind, and immediately, Wei felt the Trespassers Essence spread out from him and the others. Already, he was scouting through the rest of the disciples. But before he left, he left Wei with a final remark. Wei, youre gonna want to use more Potions of Clarity and keep your Form of the Resonant at the ready. They have a psionic, probably a decent one. I dont know if youve fought a whole false hydra before, but I know what that is. Wei said, recalling the adversary. Do you think they have one of those in store for us? Anythings possible. But yeah, false hydras are a pretty typical problem here in the Claimed Hells. Ill be ready. Looking to Agnesia, he added, If you have any potions you still want to get, prepare them now. Keep your minds protected. I will make haste with them demons. And once I am finished, I will return to offer you my Inventory, so I might enter you and begin our pursuit. Agnesia blinked, her face turning another shade of red. Her mother merely coughed into her hand at that moment. Wei looked between them. What? What? What is wrong? Did I say something. Sadly, he could hear Bishop laughing in the distance. Youre a pure soul, son. 86 Tiger Among Wolves And so, the little pig wandered into the dark woods, oinking happily all the while. Through the darkness of the grove, the wolves came, their eyes gleaming in the night. "I''m here, I''m here!" the little pig oinked. "We''re here, we''re here!" the wolves howled, drawing closer, their steps silent but deliberate. The pig''s joyous oinking grew louder. And though the wolves were ravenous, their confusion grew greater, until their leader couldn''t help but ask. "But why are you so joyous, little creature? Do you not know you''re about to be eaten?" "Oh, but there is to be a feast here," the pig said with a sly smile. "There is to be a feast, but it is not I who will be the meal. For why have one pig when one can have a den of wolves?" Lightning flashed through the woods, revealing a looming visage between the trees. A tiger walked among them, more ravenous than the wolves, more cunning as well. "I''m here, I''m here," the tiger growled, finishing this tale. "Thank you, little pig. These wolves will do." -Old Evernest Fable 86 Tiger Among Wolves "And here they come, lambs to the slaughter," Rico said, chuckling as he slithered around the Harlon Seever, the Project Master of the Preceptors Descent. The false hydras body curled around the entire makeshift command center they established. A ten-meter thick magic-enhanced bunker hovering in midair away from the realms slavering maws, this place became the nexus of the Inheritors operationsafter which it would be discarded, as if it never was. The critical personnel among the Inheritors occupied the very center of this base. Seever, Reunion the Embraced, Athlon the Unfallen Absolver, and a few other higher ranking Inheritors occupied this space, the ceiling above created from cipher-lined glass, forming screens that portrayed perspectives to Hearted Realm beyond. Rico? Rico went unnoticed by everyone but Harlon. And that was just the way he liked it. What point was there in being a false hydra if everyone could see you, after all? Intermittent splashes of fire detonated across the sky across the Archdevils inner realm as Inheritor defenses were unleashed from the exterior of the base in complex arrays. Mystical missiles speared out from glyphs and ciphers, annihilating hundreds of demons with each passing second. And when threats of high enough severity approached, the base simply teleported, evading anything that constituted a proper fight. They had set up within the Hearted Realm for the moment, and Rico had lured the Trine and one of the Oathbearers closer. It was a near thing. Apparently, someone in the little bastard''s camp had a high Mind rating paired with a psionic specialization, so he couldnt linger, but this would work just fine. A few kilometers beyond them, a twin-towered edifice loomed up through the atmosphere, stretching beyond the Hearted Realm, reaching parallel alongside the Black Towers last stretch. Should anyone reach one such tower, they would find a spatial rift stored within its valley and a point of egress from this nightmare. Unlike most other rifts, this one pulsed white, and was the closest point of departure for where the Trineand therefore the rest of the Inheritors quarry would emerge And it was here that the Inheritors had set their trap. Harland Harlon be damned if he was going to let that young bastard slip through his fingers. A chain of telepathic connections extended from the base across all active Inheritor Knights. They had two hundred and one soldiers active on the field in total. Loud and aggressive, but this operation needed to end in victory. Otherwise, Harlon feared both his eyes might be getting filled by ogre balls again. Didnt want that. No sir. Five Censor Class Specialists scouted their psionic network for any intruders and maintained communications between the base and the bulk of their forces. Through such means, Harlons coverage of the Hearted Realm extended over 3000 kilometersmore than enough to create a crushing perimeter. More than enough to ensure that nothing could escape his grasp. At the forefront of his group were the skirmishers and teleportation mages. Their role was simple: speed and the establishment of an instant response network. Already, over twenty-five different positions were secured, each a bulwark holding against the constant demon onslaught. The Archdevil of Gluttony would eventually demand its due if they were forced to linger here for more than a day. But as the Trine fled deeper into the encirclement, Harland had the feeling that the rest of Wei''s forces were about to follow. Trine, 2993 kilometers away, one of the scouts reported. Maxwell McTannon, Skystrider, former jet pilotall speed and efficiency. He already made more than few passes over the Trine, dodging demons and enduring Essence drain while serving his duties. Harlon made a mental note to reward him when this was over. We must secure the Creators Last Hymn, Athlon growled. The undead warrior grumbled as ghosts leaked out from the gaps in his ribs while his sharpened wings flexed. The dumb bastard, selfish was already getting impatient. Inheritor. Fulfill your promise. Send your forces. Relax, baby, Harlon said. Theres still three more of the big round guys you need to grab right? Theyll be following soon, too. Dont just grab a few, get the whole set. The Trine takes priority. Yeah. I know. But wont you be rewarded more if you got everyone? No loose ends? And think about Reunion here, pal. Hes gotta stake in this too, you know? Harlon almost winced as he said stake. Shit. Did vampires get touchy about that The fucked-up melted-child cape Reunion wore responded. Two disfigured and wax-faced children clapped their hands as they extended out from the vampires shoulders. They cheered with vigor and Reunion smiled beatifically as well. We work with some fucked up people, Rico whispered. Yeah. Well, the Consul himself is a fucked up people, Harlon thought. Being in hell made a clown of you, one way or another. "Princess and the queen will be reunited with the rest of their family," Reunion whispered, its voice a thin rasp. "And the embracement of Dawnrest will be complete." Yeah, real happy for you, Harlon nodded, faking the emotion as best he could. Soon, the young bastard would pop his head and theyd snatch these shits and Harlon wont need to deal with anymore degenerates for the rest of his Target spotted! Its princess. Agnesia of Dawnrest. Another telepathic message came in. This one from one Katherine Anvil. Ghoststrider. Her perspective was isolated and magnified from the panoply of screens on display, and Harlon grinned as he caught sight of a girl sailing through the air. She was enwreathed in black fire, sporting wings of ash and destruction. Ricos plan had worked. She clearly came after the Trine, and a few seconds later the massive fortress burst out from a splash of spatial Essence as well. More Essence signatures were identified, and Katherine counted about a hundred or so Classed within the walls of Mobile Fortress Wei. Mobile Fortress Wei. Fuck me. Harlon said. He knew the kid was important for the guys on top, but still, he was just a kid. Harlons conscience twitched inside him, curling like the legs of a dying spider, but the thought of a promotion kept the emotion muted. Life was a rough deal. And Harlon had to look out for number one. And number one was him. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Besides. Kid was just going to die. He wasnt going to get ogre balls in the sockets when he screwed up. It could be much worse. Much worse. Speaking of which though Recruit Anvil, you got eyes on our priority one? Harlon asked. Negative, Project Leader. Well. Kid might just be hiding inside his fortress. It was kind of an inspired strategy in a mad thirteen year old boy kind of way, but it wasnt going to matter in the end. Time to bring this to a close. Alright. Project Lead to groups one to eight. Go secure that fortress. Nine, ten, eleven, and twelve, go grab that princess and the Trine. The leaders of the teams answered him, and the teleportation network connected to the base flared. Things were finally coming together. Time to bring this to a close. *** Agnesia hated the Hearted Realm of Gluttony. She hated the massive tongues that reached up through the atmosphere, flicking through the clouds as if they were smoke to be tasted. She hated the massive maws of teeth that opened with tremoring earthquakes, cracking the land beneath her. She hated the demons that spawned from these fissuresbeasts of might and hunger, all fang, claw, and tooth. Most of all, she hated how hard this all was. How awkward her swings felt. How long it took her hellfire to consume these foes. But that was fine. For every droplet of fire she generated, her Rage grew. And that fueled her power. Roaring after the Trine with a howl, Agnesia swung her blade in wild arcs, severing lesser demons with every brutal strike. A long, centipede-like creature buzzed through the air, smashing through a wall of lesser insects. A vertical mouth opened down the length of its body, but Agnesia was undeterred. She hated that creature. She hated those teeth. Those teeth reminded her of the embracethe ones who took her home, murdered her father, turned her brother, and made her a murderer. A ravenous cry escaped Agnesias lungs, and the surrounding heat flared. She activated her skill, Lesser Wrathful Omen, and the dragon she imagined herself asCthe beast she was fated to becomeflared around her in a shroud of abyssal flame and smoke. Immediately, the demon before her was dwarfed, and her avatar reached in with burning claws. Flesh began to cook from within. With a roar, Agnesia pried the demon open and breathed a mouthful of flame, incinerating the creature of Gluttony from the inside. You have Performed an Act of Rage Class Level > 28 A surge of fury flowed through her veins, and the feeling was beyond euphoric. This was who she was meant to be. This was her power. Her fuel. But then a sudden tranquility splashed through her mind. It felt like sobering up, the effects of battle-wine wearing off after a nights rest. Focus, kid, Bishops voice poured over her inflammed thoughts, ringing like a bell. Dont get caught up killing the chaff. Thats not what were here for. "Right," Agnesia muttered. She flapped her black fire wings, rising higher into the sky. She was here to hunt. To search for the trine. Projecting her aura of flame wider, she kept the lesser demons at bay while taking more conservative routes through the air. But higher up on the horizon, she saw something titanicleviathans, so vast they displaced clouds, sweeping shadows across the land. Their presence was overwhelming and even they were slaves to the hunger. They crashed against each other, massive bodies dwarfing the Heart of Gluttony, while descending mountains of gore carried thunderstorms of rain between every traded bite. Leviathan level: ??? Right, better not fly that high. As Agnesia scanned the battlefield, her eyes caught sight of something. A shimmering light. She blinked, focusing, and then realized what she was seeingscintillating needles sailing through the air. They pierced the demons from afar, creating pockets of space among the masses of nightmares. I found them, Agnesia whispered in triumph. I found the Trine. Dont get too excited, Bishop cautioned. Ease into the trap. You rush, and it might throw them off. Make them suspicious. Oh, dont worry, Agnesia replied with a grin. That was the plan. Flaring her wings once more, she accelerated forward, a one-woman cavalry charge. The lesser demons splattered against her, combusting in her wake. She dodged the greater beasts, darting between them with deadly precision. But even as she pressed forward, she knew she was being watched. She could feel the presence of the wolves circling. Agnesia landed on the platform where the Trine and their Oathbearer were. The three Faebloods turned, their eyes wide with surprise. She could feel itBishop''s psionic influence pulsed out from her mind, mingling with the Trines. Someone had twisted their consciousness. "Agate?" she called. The Oathbearer shook his head, groaning as he remembered. Bloody hells where am I? "Relax," Agnesia said. "You''re among friends, but youre inside the claimed hells now. A lot has happened." Agates eyes settled on the Trine, and the memories came flooding back. Rotten ruin, he repeated, his voice laced with regret. "What have I done?" "Dont worry," Agnesia reassured him. "We''ll get you out of here The wheels of her vehicle suddenly jolted, and Agnesia flared her wings before she was thrown off. The Trine and Agate were not so fortunate. They rolled free from their mobile platform, and bloody tendrils speared out to capture them before Agnesia could react. Flying after her companions, the princess was halted as a figure emerged from a narrow cleft in a rapidly forming nest of crimson. Brambles of dripping red rose from the soil below, their edges emanated with foul Essence; the stench of the dying queen. "I''m afraid neither of you will be leaving at all," the figure whispered. And there, standing before her, was Reunionthe embraced. The Dying Queens envoy. Reunion: Lv. 78 Reunions presence was suffocating, his pale face too perfect, too inhuman. And worse, his cape of fleshit was made from the melted forms of her younger brothers. Horror consumed her heart. Agnesia gripped her sword, but as the children clinging to Reunions body unfurled like a mabre cape, she felt pure terror creeping up her spine. Oh no no, no, no Before the despair could overwhelm her, Bishops influence pulsed again, holding her steady. Reunion smiled, his blood-red eyes gleaming. "Yes. Your siblings have missed you so, Princess Agnesia. Come and greet them. And so Agnesias brothersburned of flesh and disfigured beyond death spread their arms in exultation as Reunion strode forth, his forest of blood growing ever thicker. And with him came an armored monster, its body a fusion between an exposed skeleton and blackest armor, while its face was like looking in the depths of the abyss. Athlon the Absolver: Lv. 87 Theres the Unfallen, Bishop said. Keep it steady now. Were all waiting inside you. Got it. Agnesias throat tightened. The tendrils of blood carried the struggling Trine along with Agate over to Athlon, and ghosts erupted from the Unfallens body to caress his prey. You do me honor, Reunion, Athlon said, his voice like a chorus of thunder. The vampire merely bowed. We are all brethren in this shared moment. You with your family to be, and I with mine He gestured toward Agnesia, but his brambles of blood burned as they approached, flinching from her flames. Ah. Princess. How you have fouled yourself with the Harbingers touch. How you debase your potential. But no matter. The Queen still loves you. She still wants you. Agnesia gritted her teeth. She wanted to burn the bastardto cleave him until nothing remained. Remember the plan, Bishop said. Her grip loosened. Right. The goal was to see this creature dead. But it wouldnt be by her hands. No. The level disparity and the power between them was too wide. But he didnt know what she possessedwho she had hidden in her Inventory. And he had promised Agnesia her revengethat he would leave the Kindred broken, but not dead. That was for her mother to savor. That was a privilege Agnesia wished to indulge. Veins of blood curled tightened and tighter around the space, and soon, Agnesia could no longer see anything of the outside world. You must see that you cannot escape, Reunion said. Hot though your flames might be, they cannot burn my forest. They cannot spare you from love and joy. Run, lass, Agate cried, struggling again the tendrils gripping him. He writhed, but a series of needle-tipped arteries burrowed under his arms, and the Oathbeaerer began to spasm. Agnesia took a step forward involuntarily, Agate But Reunion was already there. He had moved without her even seeing, and his clawed hand snaked through her fiery aura, healing as fast as he burned. An impossible pressure clamped around Agnesias throat, and suddenly, she felt herself lifted into their air, the blood within her rebellion against the flow of her heart, the confines of her body. Surrender yourself, Reunion whispered sweetly. The twins extending from his shoulders reached out to caress Agnesias cheek. The princess gasped and muttered, trying to force out her words. What was that? Reunion asked, loosening his grip. Thank you, Agnesia croaked. The vampire smiled. Finally, you see Agnesia clamped her own hand around his wrist so he couldnt escape, and accessed her Inventory. Thank you for getting close, you piece of shit! A burst of spatial Essence pulsed out from Agnesia, and as it faded, a blossom of crackling thunder bloomed. A spear, empowered by lightning and layered in Source, exploded out from within Reunions guard as Young Master Wei An Wei of the Drowned Sky Sect buried his Eidolon through the vampires gut. I what Reunion gasped, coughing blood. And then a scythe materialized. A scythe lined with shadow and infused with light. The Queen of Dawnrest sends her regards, Wei spat. And then his Form of the Harvester fell, and when it cut, part of the vampire simply ceased to be. 87 The Closing Cage I was there in the Hearted Realm that day. I saw the Concept Breaker fight for the first time. He doesnt really leave corpses, you know. He just removes them, he breaks them, and they stop existing. You just pulse with light and dark. And then nothing afterward. Nothing forever. The Fathoms forget you because you rejoin its waters. You know the thing that bugs me the most? The thing I cant forget even now, is how, when he kills someone, their screams seem to echo forward in time. Like a last broadcast from a failing siren. A lot of people died that day, a lot. And I wasnt one of them, but he came after me too. He hit me, and he cracked something inside me, something that would never be right again. I can never move as fast as I used to. Speed and time they just dont agree with me anymore. Im always a tenth as fast as I was. I age ten times faster than I used to. My reflexes are dull. I see things a second later than they happen. My life since that day has been spent pushing through a mud pit. Its a hard fate to suffer for someone who used to be a jet pilot. Hard fate, better than most. But some days, some days, I envy those who died, because then everything is just done. Nothing to feel, no good or bad. For me, I have to remember. I have to remember who I was, who they were, and who Ill never be again. -Maxwell McTannon. Former Inheritor 87 The Closing Cage Relativity Charges Gained! Strength Damaged! Constitution Damaged! Wei twisted the hilt of his Broken Crescent, and an enjoyable squelch sounded from Reunion''s chest. The kindreds eyes were wide in disbelief, and their clawed hands clenched around the Eidolons sheft. He gasped, blood drooling between snarling fangs, and a sound emerged. Wei didnt let him speak. Instead, the young master headbutted him. Reunions nose turned into a bloody crater, his head snapped back, and another scythe scooped more of his Aspects away. Relativity Charges Gained! Attention: Your (Intent) to maintain these Charges is being expended Intent > 9,998 Expending Relativity Charges > Relativity +422 Just then, Wei devoted thirty free points from his Class level to his Eidolons Speed as well. Speed > 430 Time slowed to a near crawl, Wei carved and cut, striking the vampire over and over. It took eight blows for Reunions Speed to shatter completely. Eight blows until the vampire was incapable moving anywhere, clutched in a temporal stasis. Wei hit him five more times, flensing tendons, dismembering limbs, disfiguring the vampires even more. Reunions Strength and Constitution collapsed, leaving on his Mind and Will intact. Such was Weis desire. He wished for the vampire to remain a prisonerand offering to Ellena and Agnesia before this was done. The young master rooted within the creatures spirit, searching for a link to the Dying Queen like there was with Ellena, but found nothing. The vampire attempted to fight back at the end. Tendrils of blood shot toward Wei from all directions, moving at speeds that sent micro shockwaves through the air. But the vampire was broken of Strength and castrated of Speed, and ultimately his nest of collapsing blood-needles broke against the young masters Fortification. Authority Advanced > 41 Relativity Advanced > 34 [7/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Perhaps Reunion had been given the chance to fight, things would be different. But ultimately, the vampire marched forth like a hungry wolf at the sight of Agnesia, thinking he was going to savor the blood of a piglet. Instead, he wandered into a tigers den. There was no chance, no chance at all, and that was just the way Wei liked it. A speech of primal fury and despair sounded as the vampires spirit broke. Eidolon Class Level > 41 Free Points: [55] Wei promptly put the rest of his points in Strength and Mind thereafter. More to break; a False Hydra was around. Immediate factors to consider. Strength > 540 Enlightenment > 375 A corona of light and black swirled around the young master, and though the Hearted Realm of Gluttony drank Essence from his weapon, the torment he inflicted upon the vampire was still more than sufficient to forge a Shroud of Scorn around his body. Golden plates fused around his person, growing dimmer by the second. He would need to inflict more harm if he wished to stay armored. Fine. Wei even preferred it that way. The vampires mouth remained open, lost in an eternal scream. But from within him, a presence arosea crushing power that Wei remembered only once before. His Omniscience finally felt it. A string of connection. The strand connecting this kindred to his Dying Queen. But before Wei could sever the line using his Form of the Harvester, the other host spoke to him, her voice soft but impossibly clear. Wei An Wei. A shadow of the Dying Queen materialized in the reflection of blood spilling out from Reunion. And to deepen the insult, Wei saw his mothers beheaded visage clipping through the queens form. The Dying Queen herself took on the guise of a crimson-haired woman with an ornate blade stuck in her chest. That which she bled turned into her dress, and flowing all the way down to shoeless feet. She sported bestial nails than anything resembling human toes, and her eyes were like pools of black dotted with pinpricks of red. In a disturbing way, they reminded him of his Concept Core of the Harvest. I see you, child. Angry boy. Lost. Hurt. You have taken something from me. Something dear. You have prevented me the touch of two new daughters. What a cold thing youve done. Warning: Essence Overload in 11 seconds Wei could already feel cracks spreading up his Eidolon. He had but a moment of time to exchange jests with this creature. In my culture, when one claims another without their consent, it is called slavery, not adoption. Reunions nest of blood shimmered as Essence spilled out from the Dying Queen. She assumed the mantle of his skills, and even operating through a conduit, she was still far greater than he; an echo of a falling titan could kill a thousand fleas. She spoke again, but he ignored her words. Instead, thrust forthnoting that the Unfallen, Athlon, was already in motion and coming for the Trine and Agate in his periphery. A bolt of lightning exploded out from Wei, shooting across the distance to pierce through Reunion once more. The weight of a storm erupted out from the young master, and he infused every last droplet of Strength he had into the blow. The ground beneath him shattered. Agnesia was thrown from her feet. Athlon brought his bladed wings up and formed a veil of wailing ghosts to guard himself. But an inch away from impact, Weis lightning stood halted in mid-air, its momentum ceased by the thinnest tendrils of blood. Poor foolish child, the Dying Queen whispered. Her casual statement was followed by her retaliation. Reunions nest of blood collapsed, turning into a choking mist that blurred the world until naught but the Dying Queen and Wei remain. Agnesia vanished from his Omniscience. As did Athlon, the Trine, Agate, and even the Hearted Realm itself. There, in a vast ocean of blood, there stood only two system hosts, one straining with all he had to sever the other from this realm. The Dying Queen rose from the crimson waters, her skin impossibly pale, glowing with ethereal beauty. And Weis mother continued to linger around her body as if a mystical cloak. As the Queen sauntered close, Wei flinched, tried to move. And couldnt. Warning: Essence Overload in 8 seconds. And so fast he went from the tiger to the wolf himself, fallen into the cage of another. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Reunion chortled weakly. Mother. Do you see do you see! He comes to us. Just as you The Dying Queen shushed Reunion. Yes. I see. You can rest now, dear Reunion. Your purpose is complete. Rest, and know the embrace of love everlasting. And with that, Reunion sake beneath the ocean of blood, leaving only his cape molded from the melted body of two twinsAgnesias brotherson the surface. W-Wei Bishops voice cracked in the back of the young masters mind. Att-acck. Need togetcontract opening It was hard to hear what was being said. Harder as the Dying Queen drew nearer, her nearness bringing tortuous pressure. It was like being ground against sharp rounds by crashing waves; pressed under a rolling mountain. Why do you continue to struggle, the Dying Queen said. She reached out to grace Weis cheek, and the young master tried to move away. Tried too. Couldnt. Once more, his mother returned, her hand superimposing over the Queens. And that was when his true suffering began. No, Wei growled. No The Queen traced a single finger along his cheek, and Wei knew nothing but pain. Things broke inside him. A spear burrowed to the bedrock of his mind, and his Intent screamed as it suffered an assault unlike any other. But the young master didnt scream. He refused. It was the last bit of dignity he still had. The Claimed Hells couldnt break him; he would not let some demented spinster with an adoption fetish prevail. What cruel things you think of me, boy, the Dying Queen said, sinking her finger deeper into his flesh. Source spilled from his wound, disintegrating her fingers. But something else happened. Her tendrils of blood rapidly rebuilt what she lost, and slowly, they began pushing into Source as well. Warning: Hostile System Detected Resisting Sanguine Embrace using Aspect of (Intent) Wei dismissed his Form of the Martial Harvester to preserve his Intent. He released his catalyst as well, before he ended up overloading. Bad though the situation was, he still had a few cards left to play thanks to the contracts he inherited from the Middle Manager. Reaching into his Inventory, Wei did his best to focus despite the sanity-piercing suffering, trying to find something he could use against the rival host. Another hand closed around his throat, and between blinks, Wei saw the body of his mother meld with the Dying Queens head. Resisting trauma with Aspect of (Intent)... And the last vestiges of his sanity threatened to give out right then and there. It was too much. It was all too much. His focus grew brittle. But still remained. He just needed to to Surrender. The Queen smiled and knelt down to greet him face to face. When had she grown so much larger than him? And why did she look so beautiful. There is a great deal of pain, my child. I feel what you feel. But it can be made absent. I can give you warmth. You are without a mother, without a family. Alone. Betrayed by your father. I can give you belonging once more. Just let go. Failed to resist trauma Fortification Advanced > 32 [8/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension *** Wei! Agnesia cried. Everything happened in a blur. One second, the young master was cleaving into Reunion, his spear a falling storm, his body shrouded by a gleaming scythe. Then, the nest of blood around her collapsed around both the vampire and Wei, and and They were gone. Nowhere to be seen. Disoriented and terrified, it took a psionic shout from Bishop to refocus Agnesia. Hey! Unfuck yourself! Get the others in your Inventory and get the fuck out! Inheritors are closing on the fortressyou got to move. But Wei Ill try to get to him. You worry about your tasks. Repressing her anxiety, Agnesia watched as Mobile Fortress Wei wailed in the distance, its sails ablaze, an engine smoking as flying outsiders peppered it with ranged Skills while creating fields of repulsion to keep the demons at bay. A few moments later, it crashed hard against the ground, grinding onward in a thunderous cacophony while throwing mangled flesh furrowed from the Hearted Realms surface high up into the air. Deep mocking laughter drew Agnesias attention. Meters away, the Trine and Agate lay shivering on the ground, and a few steps away from them stood Athlon the Absolver, agent of the Unfallen. Staring into the abyss the undead warrior had for a face sent a chill crawling under Agnesias skin and cooling her veins. She did her best not to swallow as she hefted her blade and flared fire-forged wings of her own. Athlon the Absolver: Lv. 89 It will not be long now, Athlon said. Reaching into its absent face, it drew forth a massive axe sculpted from animated shadows while wailing specters flared along its edged wings. Soon. The Court of Ruin will have the last Hymn of the Fallen Creator, the Inheritors of their precious System, and the Dying Queen The Unfallens voice trailed off. Will be spited. You. You are the Princess of Dawnrest. Dragonblooded Heir. Daughter of Ignium. Your flames will better serve the Court of Ruin. My flames are my own, monster, Agnesia snarled. Away from my charges, or Ill get keen on sharing what it means to burn. Run, lass, Agate said, hacking up a wet cough. Agnesia couldnt see their face under the helmet, but she suspected the Oathbearer was bleeding internally from what he suffered. Worthless pawn, Athlon spat. Extending a palm, he sent a blast of screaming ghosts to consume Agateand Agnesia countered with a roaring tide of flame. The flood of ghosts smashed hard into Agnesias abyssal fire, pushing her back. The Unfallen advanced with a posture of contempt at first. But then the ghosts ignited. And the undead warrior stopped mid-stride. How A massive explosion split the horizon with light. Agnesia felt a sudden spike of Essence flood the Hearted Realmand knew the Knight of Lust to have been detonated. Alongside the thousand or so lesser demons Wei captured. Then, Athlon made a mistake. A foolish one. He turned, trying to gather what was amiss. And the princess exploded forth, her bone-blade raised in a vicious charge as she slammed her into his ribs, and struck at Athlons very structure using her Osteokinesis Skill. Athlons midsection burst into fine powder. And through the blade, Agnesia channeled the full strength of her all consuming flames. You want my flame! Here! Have it! Take it all! And empowered by Agnesias rage, the Unfallen learned that even those that were withered could burn. *** ...What the fuck was that! Seever cried. What the fuck just happened. Over fifty perspectives winked out from the screen above him. Their telepathic connections were severed as well. It had all been going just fine. One second, his forces were advancing on the downed fortress preparing to insert. As expected, the giant flying hunk of bullshit didnt have any wardsnothing preventing from a breach-team from boarding. So thats what happened. A squad of five Inheritors flashed aboard, expecting to do a little CQB, hold a few rooms, blow out a few others, the usual shebang. They entered the room with the Essence signatures expecting to eliminate all the major threats in one fell swoop, only to find themselves face to face with an old friend. Severean. The Knight of Lust. She was chained to some kind of weird fucked-up contraption and had these strange tendrils running between her and a bunch of other writhing bodies in the room. For a second, Seever thought he was looking at people, but nope. Demons. Every single one of them. From wall to wall. All connected to the Knight of Lust. Uh, Project Lead, one of his Inheritors asked. We have located A loud sob sang out from the Knight of Lust, interrupting them. Her head rolled, her massive snout bite at the air as she finished her cry of relief. Finally! She crooned. Death. Finally. Theyre here! I have done as you please! Release me, Trespasser! Release Then, a series of fractures spread across her chest, up her scaled neck, and Seevers eyes widened. He knew what this washad seen it before. Breach team, get the fuck Then, his connection to those Inheritors vanished. Followed by forty more soldiers just a second after. From afar, a massive fireball was rising through the air, swallowing hundreds of demons and dozens of Inheritors moving in to secure the premises. But that was only the inner explosion. A massive tide of unstable Essence swept out, cleaving through those unprepared like an edged wave. A massive tongue extending from the Hearted Realms soil was severed, causing blood to spray everywhere. Monitoring personnel moved to flee, but more than a few failed to outmaneuver the disaster, and as their battlelines broke, Demons of Gluttony spilled through the gaps and snatched a few Inheritors up as well. Shit went from dandy to ass-fucked in seconds. What the fuck! Seever screeched, repeating himself. Shit shit! I He ran a hand through his hair. What was going on? Was this a trap? Was this planned? Rico! Rico! The false hydra materialized next to him. You said that you had a trace! You said I did, the hydra interrupted. But I suspect the other psionic I dont give a fuckfix it! Fix this! We need to A sudden impact shook his base. The ceiling above him rattled. Seever went still and dismissed the perspectives of his Inheritors, turning the glass on his ceiling translucent. Overhead, a large serpent made from blood arced over the Inheritor defenses before slamming down. Even as it was bombarded by Skills, it just continued attacking, sprouting new heads and striking from all angles. A moment later, the calls started coming in. Project lead Cant hold! Ambush! Fucking ambush! I have eyes on on Knights of Gluttony Knights of Gluttony are breaching out perimeter They know were here! Project Lead, requesting permission to retreat! Requesting Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckshitfuckfuck, Harlon Seever said, summarizing his feelings. Clawing at his temples, he did his best not to pop a vessel and looked to Rico. Go snatch that princess. And the fucking elves. Were getting something out of this. See if you can find the kid toomessage me once you do. Ill come to you. Of course, Rico said. What about Project lead! Seever snarled his reply across the link. Negative. You do not have permission to retreat. You hold. You hold until I say otherwise. Shaking his head, he shot Rico another look and lowered his voice. And, uh, make sure the Unfallen or the vampire bites it. One or both. Preferably both. Were going to need to cover our asses, and its best that someone else gets the ogre dick this time, you feel me baby. Yes, Harlon. Of course 88 These Wounds Unchained There is a reliable way to counter the Dying Queen. First, you pull out your knife. Then, you shove it through your neck. Finally, overload your Class too so you can die completely and not end up getting resurrected by one of her sick fucks for post-mortal family time. You better die clean, because once she makes a connection with you are fucked. Capital F fucked. Fucked like a guy who just got bit in one of those zombie flicks. Because thats pretty much what this isa super infection of the soul. Only way out of that is to pledge yourself to another great power. Mepheleon maybe. Or the Crossroads. Aside from that Well. Her System is Chesed. Based in connections between people and things. Powered by affection and emotion. All the world is just a set of strings she call pull on and manipulate. And after enough of her blood flows into you, all youll know is love and obedience. Turns you into a good little puppet. But some of you will still be there, screaming on the inside. The worst thing about her is that she can infect practically anything if it gets intelligent enough to feel or love. A person. An awakened rock. A weaker System-host. Anything. And with each connection she makes, the stronger she grows And thats what makes her a nightmare. She knows. Everything about you. From those she has claimed. And will claim. Until there is only love for her. Until you only love her totally, unconditionally. Ignore her bullshit about family. When she claims you, youll just be a toy in a dollhouse. The Dying Queen has a dream, and it aint one of family. Its of being the only real girl left in all existence. Perfect. Harmonious. Because she decides. And then we feel. And no one will ever tell her no again. -The Trespassers Compendium 88 These Wounds Unchained Trauma sustained Error Wei was not traumtized. Of all the times his System could glitch, this was not one of them. We apologize, host. It was not accepted. Even being near-mad with pain couldnt stop the young masters anger from rising. He had been sullied enough. The Dying Queen was using his mothers corpse to defile his spirit. This insult will not go unpunished, and so offended was he at her transgression that he gained clarity from pure hatred. Pain was just a background feeling now. She could tear into his thoughts and try to twist his mind, but she will not decide his response, how he felt, who he was. It was his birthright to break, and never be broken. And it was her misfortune that he finally found something capable of countering her assault. Wei had swapped Inventory Skills with Agnesia before crossing over. She currently had his advanced version that allowed for the containment of living individuals. An upgrade indeed, if you were a practicing slaver like the Knight of Lust. Meanwhile, her basic Inventory, though capable of containing fewer items within its dimensions, still had the capability of carrying certain things for him. Things like a Contract of Spatial Relocation. A burst of spatial Essence materialized next to Weis head, clipping through where the Dying Queens fingers. She froze, though her blood continued warring against his Source. What is this? the Dying Queen inquired, pulling her fingers free from the pages and looking over the contract. The pressure she exuded lessened. Wei gasped a sharp breath and chuckled. A gift something took from a most educational enemy. Read the fine print. The Queen went still and swept her gaze across the page. The bearer of the contract Wei An Wei failure to respect the sanctity of the bearers bodily autonomy or should harm be inflicted in any way by another party the other party will be noted as in breach of contract and penalized by transposition Folds of space began collapsing around the Dying Queen. She looked away from the contract and merely stared back at Wei. This will only delay me briefly. Maybe, the young master swallowed. Or maybe youll find Starmater more charming than I did and choose to stay. Either way, youll be gone long enough for me to sever our connection. Enjoy the Hearted Realm of Lust. I The contract ignited as the bargain contained within its contents were upheld. And in the next instant, the Dying Queen vanished as a rift opened around her person and stole her across the Claimed Hells. Then, without her holding him up, Weis eyes promptly rolled to the back of his head as he collapsed forward, darkness taking him. *** The avatar of the Dying Queen blinked. She had been close to breaking the boy. So close. But it seemed he was a bit more cunning than her many kindred recalled. Voices whispered in the back of her mind as she pulled on her many strings. She was still connected to Reunion. With a simple You look lonely, a voice, impossible loud, distracted the Dying Queen. It exuded enough Essence to almost rival her ownthough the Queen was only here as a partial avatar, the full power of her true self too much to be contained in a paltry vessel like Reunion, and too loud to be hidden in the Fathoms. Turning, she found herself looking up at an enormous hermaphrodite. Truly enormous. Planetary in size, with both sets of exposed genitals bearing the mass of a boom. So. This was the Starmater that the boy spoke of. How aptly named. Starmater knelt, the atmosphere began to twist above her, while the Demons of Lust nearby gathered in riotous anticipation. I can fix that, Starmater said, their eyes that glow of supernovae, her body glistening with lustful, celestial sweat. The Dying Queen cocked her head. *** Wei woke again with a shuddering breath. The young master found himself lying upon an ocean of blood. Every blink of his eyes sent a spike of pain down the base of his skull, and looking across from rippling waters that bore his weight, he saw Reunion surfaced once more, kicking and screaming, begging for the Queen to return. There were also others standing near Wei. His mothers beheaded form. Mouze. Senior Disciples. More. Wei groaned and summoned his Broken Crescent. The Queens torture had left him brutalized and raw. It was hard to focus; his thoughts were like mist and his body felt internally flayed. Spots developed in Weis vision as he forced himself back to his feet using the aid of his Eidolon. The dead members of fallen sect merely looked on in silence. Source: [82/200] Hacking hissing Source into the air, Wei stumbled toward the downed vampire on shaking legs as his strength slowly returned. The world spun and at several points, Wei had to stop as spots of darkness formed in his vision. Every step took a bit more out of him, but he mustered. He managed. And through it all, his mother followed close behind him. Enough, Wei whispered. He didnt have the strength to be horrified or furious anymore. He was just spent. Hurt. Stop. Youre gone. I know. I know I wont see you again. Leave me be. I have a task. But she didnt respect his wishes. The headless corpse of what was his mother walked through his body and arrived before him, occupying the last bit of space between him and the downed Reunion. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. My Queen! Reunion cried. My mother! I beseech you. Return! The boy he comes! He comes! He remains unclaimed! Mother! Mother. Everyone cried for their mother in the end. But not Wei. Not Wei. Something inside him ached. And though his rational mind knew that he was running out of timethat the Dying Queen might return at any moment if he dawdled, he couldnt help himself. I wish I could have made you proud. In life. I wish I could have you could have seen me for what I became. I wish I could have I wish you were still here. There is so much left there was so much time I wasnt am not ready. His mother said nothing. But headless people rarely did. The thought was so intrusively dark that Wei couldnt help but chuckle. Would it matter to you if I killed my father? Would it matter if I rebuilt my sect? Are you here in spirit? Is that anything after? Anything but this life for us? Nothing. The other members of his sect stood beside her, creating a wall forged from his past torment, preventing him from completing his present task. Wei closed his eyes and sighed. He was tired. But he was not dead. And not done. If there is another life. If there is something in the hereafter. I would like to be your son again. I would like to I wish father was who he said. I wish I wish Weis features broke into a snarl. What worth are wishes. He felt the weight of his Broken Crescentthis spear, the only real thing to him right now with its weight; his System, calling for him to sever Reunions link to the Queen. What worth. I will take what I can from this world. I am sorry. I love you, mother. Farewell. Form of the Martial Harvester flared out from the young master, and the scythe increasingly defined who he drowned away the red and consumed the world with light and shadow. A ripple spread out from Wei as currents folded in arcs around his person. He stood at the center of a false samara. He, the executioner, the Reunion, his target, and his fallen kin, the demons of his heart. Pain was a lie. And Wei was more than his heart. He was the choices he made, those he pledged to defend, and vengeance unfulfilled. He was his ambition. Above all, ambition. No! the vampire cried. No, wait please! Wei cut. Through his mother. Through his sect. Down his Eidolon felt. Down the scythe followed. And final severance was made; a new ascension followed thereafter. ERRORGate Three Ascension has not yet Restrictions overridden by (Intent) Aspect of (Intent) > Aspect of (Ambition) At once, Weis desire gained a material quality within him. *** Insolent vermin! Athlon roared. Even as the Unfallens midsection turned to powder, Agnesia saw the ghosts within stitch his body together. Even with all the rage flowing from her, even as her flames grew hotter, they failed to consume the undead warrior in time. His hand shot out through the conflagration, seizing her by the arm and clamping down hard. At level 89, Athlon was still within the Knight Tier, but the sixty-level difference made itself known. Her right arm, empowered by wrath, broke as if it was nothing more than brittle glass between his closing fingers. Agnesia screamed, but the pain only fed into her anger, infusing her flames with more potency and power. Instead of flinching away, she pushed into him, ignoring the jagged shards of bone bursting free from the mangled stump that was now her right hand. Releasing her blade, she summoned her avatar, the black dragon, which slammed its fist down, cracking hard against the Unfallens face. But her foe barely staggered. Pathetic. An eruption of ghosts blossomed out from him.The world went bright, and Agnesia found herself careening through the air. She flared her wings, but it was far too late. A crushing force slammed into her midsection, and her vision went white to the rhythm of her crunching ribs. For a few moments, she flew free, perfectly numb, dead to the world. Agnesia felt comfortableshe could stay in this place forever. Three more punches followed. The first was a dull thud, barely rousing her attention. The second came with the first hint of pain. The third woke her from unconsciousness, her sternum breaking into three parts. Agnesia returned to the Hearted Realm with a choking groan. Still, she did not bend to the agony. She tunneled her focusall that existed was her and the one trying to kill her. Athlon stood over her body, his mutilated body weeping ethereal specters upward, their featureless faces screaming endlessly, lost to torment. Would such be her fate if she lost? No. She projected a blast of fire straight into his chest, and for all Athlons supposed invincibility, he still cried out, revealing his own pain. But that didnt stop him. He thrust one of his scythe-like wings down, puncturing through Agnesias cauldron and lifting her high as if she were nothing more than a piece of fruit skewered on a toothpick. She howled with pain, but her flames kept coming as she fought. Her rage regenerated with each wound, her body barely keeping her alive as Athlon slammed her down against the ground again and again. The moonlit circus parted around her, slick like the insides of one''s mouth. Every time she crashed down, something inside her broke. The ground beneath them turned to puddles of gore, drenching her clothes and painting her hair. Her wings flared, and her draconic form gripped Athlon, trying to push him away, but he only pulled her in closer and slammed his fist into her pelvis. The force sent shockwaves through her, one leg twisting out of place as bones slid out of their sockets. Agnesia blacked out again, only to wake with an anguished scream as she bounced three more times. She slid to a stop and struggled to rise. Parts of her were broken. Parts that held her body together. Everything hurt. Blinking through her swollen eyees, she saw Athlon striding toward her, his ghosts flaring, spreading wider. But behind him, columns of fire rose in the distancesomething was happening over the horizon. Perhaps Weis allies in the Circle of Pride were finally attacking, striking the Inheritors base. At least some parts of the plan were going right. "Im going to peel your soul free from that worthless husk of a body," Athlon rumbled as he drew his lamented blade. And then, I will present you Before he could finish his threat, a burst of steam washed over him. The Unfallen shiftedtoo late to stop a fast-moving shape from slamming into him. Agnesia guessed the object to be a fast-moving vehicle. Athlon slid against the ground, legs sending geysers of blood into the air as he pushed against the Oathbearer forged construct. His ghost speared down, piercing into the vehicle and tearing it in half down the middle. Lass! You alive? Agnesia heard Agates call, and found himself stumbling through the fog, limping on one leg. His hammer gleamed bright and she offered him a pained grin. Just about. She pulled out a Potion of Regeneration from her Inventory and hastily downed. A series of cracks sounded across her body as her healing necessitated the re-breaking of several bones. If there was a Skill to dull pain, Agnesia was going to find it. At the same time, she proceeded to the next part of her planning: releasing several others from her Inventory. The first was Roggi, the second her mother, the third Rafael, and finally Angeleousor more accurately, Bishop. Frankly, she should have done this earlier. Much earlier. But when one walked the Path of Wrath, rage tended to cloud the mind, even in the best of situations. As Roggi materialized, he responded without hesitation, creating bulbous worms from the rot coating his body and firing them at the approaching Unfallen. Agnesias mother, meanwhile, possessed no such warriors instinct. Agnesia, she cried, eyes wide with horror and growing fury at seeing her daughter brutalized form. "Im fine, mother," Agnesia said, though it was a lie. She didnt feel particularly fine. Focusing on the fight, it took Ellena a few seconds more to respond. By then, Rafael had already unleashed a hail of mystical missiles from above. A swirl of sigils flared around Agnesia and Ellena as well. Shielding spells of some kind. Roggis circled above the Unfallen, and from between his wings descended winds of decay that splashed against the rising ghosts trying to cut him down from the sky. "Mother!" Agnesia cried, jolting Ellena free from her stupor. With a shake of her head, Ellena summoned her Demons of Pridetwelve heavily armored warriors plated in gold, bearing various armaments. They charged forth, ready to engage the Unfallen at the behest of their master. The Unfallen fought valiantly, his power immense. Slashing back with his shadow-made axe, he lashed at the fabric of existence itself, severing one of Roggis wings as he tumbled into a controlled roll. Before he could finish the oath-bearer, a series of concussive blasts knocked him backward, and Rafael stepped forward. A torrent of ghosts burst down from Athlons wings, swallowing the space where Rafel once stood, but struck nothingfor what Athlon saw was an illusion. A spiraling sigil shot down from the skies above, hammering the Unfallen like a falling anvil. "Vermin!" Athlon cried out, more in frustration than pain. Then, the first of the demons reached him, their blades flashing with radiant energy as they struck. Their blows chipped away at his armor, making the Unfallen stumblebut their weapons were too feeble. They fell apart as Athlons weapon blurred through the air, cutting them down effortlessly. "Feeble. Hopeless," he snarled. And for the third time, he was interrupted before he could continue. This time, a blast of psionic force carved a gorge through the battlefield and crashed into the Unfallen with a resounding impact. Athlon let out a genuine cry of pain. One of his wings was ripped clean from his body, and his left arm snapped backward, unable to bear the brunt of the force. At the same time, cracks spread along Angeleouss face, the power Bishop challening too much for the old mans paltry vessel. Athlon buried his blade into the ground, using every ounce of strength to hold still and not be blown back. But this ultimately was for not, for few hundred meters away, an eruption of blood rematerialized in the Hearted Realm. At first, Agnesia was clueless to why that was. Then suddenly, Wei appeared beside the struggling Unfallen, his spear vibrating with energy, sores pouring from every orifice. Agnesia grinned vicious at his return, but something about him was differenthe felt more real, more imposing. "No matter what you try..." Athlon muttered. Like always, he was interrupted. This time by Weis spear bursting through him from behind. The Unfallen jolted, hanging in the air a writhing insect on the tip of the Broken Crescent. How is this thing not dead, Wei grunted, staring disappointed at Agnesia. And whats with your eyes. Did you let this fool punch you in the face? And suddenly, she wasnt so pleased he had returned. I was fighting for my life! The Court of Ruin Athlon cried out. Then, a torrent of wind, stone, water, and lightning exploded out from him. As it turned out, undead warriors could reach high octaves when properly wounded. Even higher with their Aspects were destroyed. Not particularly well, Wei taunted, smirking. The Princess of Dawnrests expression turned several shades of scarlet that day. This this bastard this annoying Arsehole! 89 Time’s Up And thats the last little singularity Ill be eating for a long time. Now. To all of you how spent so very much delaying me, parting my focus Run. Take your families with you too. No one has managed it before, but perhaps, just maybe, you might be the first. Theres always hope if you try. Because if you dont, you will learn of pain only spoken of in myth. Oh. And Inheritors Gather your Consuls. I will have words with you shortly -Mepheleon the Harbinger 89 Times Up Mulver Groon was having a good time. It wasnt every day you got the official go ahead to dress up as an Inheritor to hit those Gluttony fucks. False flags were always funny affairs, and Mulver loved each and every one of them. He and ten other Knights did the usual thing. They slipped down along the Black Tower using their Navigators and started doing a little rampaging across the Moongraves of Gluttony. It took a while to get some heat, but after smashing up a couple of Bastions, stealing a few Sinners, and burning a couple of contracts, Mulver and his Knights had a sizable contingent hounding them from Moongrave to Moongrave, which led into the next part of the plan. Leading them right into the Inheritor base. Mighty big brawl happened after that. With the Archdevil constantly siphoning Essence away from the Inheritors, smashing through their protective wards and spreading a blood hydra through their base was pretty straightforward. Mulver kept his attacks fast and quick. He flooded the hallways, he took his damage, he killed who he could, and he kept moving. Meanwhile, hidden within his hydra were the other Knights that came with him. The Knights snuck out through his red, butchering Inheritor rearguard and logistical assets with an explicit focus on going after their psionics and teleportation network. Things deteriorated more after that, and Mulver loved to see it. A glass blade had just punched through his skull when the confirmations started coming in. Rift one is down. Got the defenders here too. Rift three heavily defended. Dropping bomb and leaving. Rift five down. Proceeding to rift six. The Inheritor trying to kill Mulver was a little slip of an elf. A series of gleaming blades hovered behind her like a set of wings, from their tips formed a lattice of light that spawned an Aura of Incineration. She cried out as she drove her blade deeper into the orcs skull. He missed her during his initial rampage through the base; she took her shot. But she should have gone for the decapitation rather than the stab. Mulver yawned. Mulvers blood quivered and slashed out from his wound in a pressured jet, severing clean through the elfs bladeand leaving a neat little hole through her left eye. She managed a disbelieving blink before she toppled off his blood hydra and fell down into the rising fires below. Another wave of devastation crashed down over the groaning outsider base. Its outer walls had already been melted, leaving it looking like a warped cake folding in on itself. The ciphers protecting its innermost layers were flaring its last, and Mulver made one of his hydra heads squeeze tighter, watching the symbols flicker with dying motes of light. Wont be long now. Three beams punched through his chest, but his lungs regenerated as fast as they were destroyed. He could feel something eating him from the inside, and had to use his blood to kill the parasites as well. By the Harbinger was dealing with these Gluttony fucks a chore. A dozen more confirmation followed thereafter. More Inheritor rifts were being closed for business. Wouldnt be long now till they lost any semblance of ground control completely, forcing their Knight-Tiers into a bad choice: do they make a break and run to save themselves, or do they pull a last stand, hoping their one Marquis pulls something fast to save them. A tide of hungry demons poured down from the sky, flooding the gaps in the base. A few tried going for Mulver, but he used a spare head to swallow them before they could become an actual problem. The few Inheritor fliers and speedsters were being encircled and torn apart too. Not bad for a days work. Not bad. Then, something tugged at his senses. Hed taken a Potion of True Seeing before he arrived, and saw a strange shape phasing through the top of the baseeven through Mulvers blood hydra. It resembled a serpent as well, though far smaller than the appendages Mulver controlled. Focusing his Perception, he gleaned what he could for this unidentified foe before he prepared to strike them down. Rico the Snake: Psi-Shaper Lv. 95 Rico the Snake? He knew that name. There was a price on that ones head with the Circle of Envy. Something about going turncoat. Guess Mulver knew where the bastards loyalty shifted. Mulver expected Rico to run, but instead of feeling toward the great rift leading out from the Hearted Realm, he opened a slit in space and tunneled through using some kind of psionic Skill. A blade of curving force cleaved Mulver in half, distracting him from his ruminations as he forced his body to regenerate fast. Goddammit, he muttered. That one actually hurt a little. Withdrawing his hydras, he cocooned himself in a shell of blood before gliding over the Inheritor base. The Circle of Gluttony was bringing in some actual heavy hitters. High Knights by the feel their Essence. They could have the base and the Inheritors. Mulver had other matters to handle. Equipping a Potion of Greater Stealth and a Potion of the Wallflower from his Inventory, Mulver gulped them both down at the same time to shed the heat and regroup with Wei. Both of these potions put together cost half a billion Sins, and it was only thanks to the Old Mans generosity that Mulver got to sample them for this job. The kid was still pretty far out there in the thick of things, and might appreciate a hand soon. Potion of Greater Stealth: Masks your scent, body heat, mutes all noise in your vicinity, and turns you utterly transparent to everyone with sub (10,000) Perception. Potion of the Wallflower: Merges your Essence with ambient Essence. Also, Mulver had a feeling the False Hydra hadnt just run off. Considering the amount of spatial interference, the Hearted Realm inflicted on teleportation Skills and how Rico wasnt any more than Knight, he was going somewhere local. Nearby even. Either running for one of the other great departure rifts, or, equally likely, where the Unfallen and Kindred were. So. The game wasnt over. Inheritors were that desperate. But why? From what he figured out with the dragon-princess and the Trine, he could see why the Unfallen and the Dying Queen wanted them. But Wei? The kid was a menace, but what about him demanded all of this? What was the Inheritors angle? All this mystery got Mulver feeling curious. Alright, kids, Im going after our, uh, client. Handle the rifts and bug out. Think our part is approaching done soon. Im going to stick around for a little longer. Theres something I want to take a look at. You getting greedy, Mulv? One of his Knights asked. Another orc named Franks or something. Trespasser fuck. New guy. Too personable. Mulver didnt like him muchliked being called Mulv less. More like cleaning up shit. Youre welcome to participate if you want, but youll have to talk with the Old Man after, give him a debrief Yo, lead with that next time, motherfucker. Im out. Mulver snorted. Worked every time. Looking behind, he felt hundreds of Essence signatures converging around the Inheritor base. Shadowy maws formed in the air, with fangs the size of mountains closing around the entire space. Damn. That mightve been an Epic Skill. The Gluttony fuckers were pulling out the big guns already. Probably meant they had a Marquis in the field as well. The orc shook his head. Not a moment too soon. And without further ado, he slithered onward toward the horizon, avoiding swarming demons and hopping over the massive jaws lining the land. A single string of Essence became his compasshis link to Wei. Soon, if all went well, hed be getting out of here with a new member for the Circle of Pride. But if the False Hydra was going after Wei Well, Mulver started getting thoughts. Sure, he could intervene immediately and remove the problem for the kid now, but maybe that wasnt the best way things could turn out. Maybe the kid could stand to lose a couple of friends in a tragic encountergive him a reason to hate the Inheritors more. Maybe hed find himself on the verge of death against the ambushing hydra and Mulver could swoop in, cementing his goodwill and fully capturing the cultivator for the Circle of Pride. His commission wasnt done, anyway. Not until the kid signed on. And Mulver knew the game he was playing. Little shit was shrewd, but the Old Man knew better. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Pride wasnt here to serve anyones need but theirs. And that, above all, was a lesson Wei probably shouldve figured out before making any choices. There were so many opportunities that could be created in the Claimed Hells. But with every choice you made, an opportunity might just pop up for someone else too. *** Authority Advanced > 43 [10/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Core Ascension Available Fortification Charges gained! [+344] Strength Damaged! Constitution Damaged! Athlon writhed on the edge of Weis spear, twitching like a smoking insect. Still unsatisfied, the young master channeled another flood of lightning out from his spear, and the Unfallens wails echoed for leagues. A dense haze of Source swirled around Wei, the connection between him and his scythe closer than ever before. With every wound he inflicted, he carved away more of the skeletal warriors spirit as well. Whatever happened to ascend his Intent to Ambition prematurely had given him more internal awareness; finer spiritual control. If gaining Intent was like opening his eyes to the existence of concepts and the potential to break them, now, he could sense the architecture of things in the finest detail, grasp the flowing of Essence as they made up each part. E-enough, Athlon growled, shrieking through the electricity. Wei ignored him. Though the young master taunted her upon his return, a particular loathing was born when Wei laid eyes on Agnesias brutalized state. And here was the culprit who thought he could harm a member of the Drowned Sky Sect without recompense. The Court of Ruin will see you Instinctively, Wei flicked his scythe out with a push of willpower. It didnt even need to accompany his strikes anymore. The naturalness of his spiritual attack nearly took Wei by surprise, but the shattering of Unfallens Constitution became cause for celebration. The skeletal warriors armor shattered, his bones broke, and even his ghosts poured out in bleeding ruptures. No! No, what have you Wei flicked the disgusting insect from his spear and released his Form of the Martial Harvester. Unfallen struck the ground head first and the darkness constituting his face splashed away into the motes of nothingness. Contrarily, The Source Wei radiated receded into his being, and a new System prompt appeared. Choose Harvest [ERROR FUNCTION UN/LOCKED] >SKILL CREATE POLTERGEIST: CARVE AN UNLIVING CONSTRUCT FROM A FALLEN ENEMYS (MIND) THAT CAN BE USED AS A PHYSICAL OR MENTAL MISSILE IN COMBAT >ASPeeeeeeCT ADVANCEMENT +5 TO ALL ASPECTS >TITLeeeeeellllee PALADIN AGAINST THE VOID: GRANTS YOU INCREASED ABILITY to INFlicttt hARMM ON/..asd.rrrrrrrlocked Wei blinked as poorly spelled characters and random bursts of static spiked through his mind. System. What is with you? Did the Dying Queen leave us with lingering damage? Unable to confirm. Error. You have accessed Aspect Ascension before prerequisites have been met. System imbalances detected. What does that mean? Uncertain. This should not be possible. The young master rolled his eyes. Thank you System. You are a great help. As always. Be respectful to me. I will not take such disrespect for a mere host. What? But his System said no more. For a moment, Wei could have sworn the damn thing cursed back at him using his own voice. Wei? You alright. the young master blinked and found Bishop standing next to him. Not far away, Athlon lay shivering on the ground, more of him breaking with each minor movement. A layer of ciphers folded over him as Rafael secured the Unfallen. Ellenas summoned demons stood guard over their new captives form while Agnesia advanced with her bone-blade slung over her shoulders and a sneer on her face. Not far away, Wei also sensed Roggi growing a new wing from a rotten stump as he stomped over to Agate and his Trine. They were alive. Well, not the Knight of Lust, but her purpose had been reached anyway. Without her as a bomb, the Inheritors wouldnt have been so diminished. Wei? Bishop asked again. I am fine, Wei said, trying to ignore how fragmented his thoughts were. You dont feel fine. The Dying Queen I dealt with her, Wei said. She wont be returning. I severed her connection. I killed the Kindred. Hearing his words, Ellena and Agnesia both looked at him. I could keep him alive. He was too dangerous. I tried I gave them peace. Your brothers. The children. They were at peace in the end. Thank you, Ellena said, her voice thick with grief. Agnesia reached out to squeeze her mothers arm in a show of support, but winced as her mangled limb was still in the process of healing. I thank you The young master just nodded, too spent for anything else. S-system error Aspects Imbalanced CHOOSEee PERMENANTNG HARVEST Shut up, Wei breathed, as the System screamed in the back of his mind again. Bishop flinched next to him. The young master gave him a look. You heard that too? Yeah. Damn loud. Shit, son, what did she do to you? I dont think it was her doing, Wei said. The moment he cleaved through his mother, something had broken inside him. But something was unlocked as well. Well, were getting out of here, Bishop continued. Inheritor base got hit. Their forces are getting culled thanks to your other friends and The Trespasser went still. His eyes narrowed. What? Wei asked. And then he felt it too. A trickle of Essence leaking out from AthlonWeis Ambition felt it coming from the undeads Mind specifically. Get back! Bishop roared. A flood of psionic power rushed out from his eyes, punching through Rafaels shielding just as something tried to emerge out of the Unfallen. Cracks began to spread down Bishops vessel. Angeleous body was coming apartthis was too much Essence for him to channel even as a conduit. Wei! Bishop cried. Break him! Break him completely! The young master didnt hesitate. A scythe manifested over him. He cleaved distanceexploded across space with his spear raised, intent on finishing the Unfallen for good. He thought the undead warrior finished after the destruction of his head, but clearly Wei had become too hopeful during the delightful time he spent in the Claimed Hells. But before his final strike could descend, and pillar of opalescent psionic energy exploded up into the sky like a pillar, and Wei felt Bishops vessel crack opena mortal wound for Angeleous. The young master was flung back, the force pressing against him overwhelming, and through the psionic maelstrom, his Aspects of Omniscience and Enlightenment both trembled as he saw a nest of large undulating snakes swirl about. False Hydra. Good thing he got in the habit of drinking those Clarity potions. Unleashing his Heart of Calamity, Wei pressed against the repulsive waves with a force of his own and also triggering his Form of the Resonant. He slashed out with his spear. And a chunk of psionic Essence vanished outright. PERRNNAMMENT HARVEST>SKILL TELEKININNEESSSSSSSSS: MOVE STRET NGTH SNTNREGBNG Between his System screaming inside his head, the ache he felt after slashing through his mother, and the mind-shredding pressure pouring free from the psionic storm, Wei felt his ego flay before a grinding onslaught. Yet still he pressed on. For what other way was there? How else was he supposed to be. Hes here! A shrill, sibilant set of voices cried. Theyre all here! Get over here! Now! Wei took another step, gritted his teeth, felt his other companions barely clinging to the groundfelt more of Bishop break awayand he brought his spear LESSER TIME STOP The world halted. A sphere of static gray exploded outward, swallowing Wei and all his companions. It continued going for about twenty meters before it finally traced out a border. Arms extended from the center of the sphere where the hydra twisted, and they ticked, swinging clockwise with each second. Weis Aspect of Relativity shuddered as space around him broke into fractals. He could move. But barely. It felt like he was swimming through unmoving stone. But stone was nothing to him now. With each flex of Authority, more of the static field around him shattered, allowing his scythe and spear to inch closer down on the Unfallen. Until a figure blinked beside him. The suddenness of their appearance made Weis thoughts go blank. Just a meter away stood a tall man with slick, black hair, a nice blue suit, and a strange round-rimmed hat. In his hands, a what looked to be a round contraption of some kind turned to dust. From it released a truly staggering amount of Essencethe very same kind as the static field. You know, the stranger said, turning to face Wei. That was an epic rarity artifact. Single use. Fourteen billion Sins. And gone. Like that. Wei wasnt sure why the man was unaffected, but a sense of wrongness swelled inside him. The young master needed to But hey, it was all worth it in the end. Managed to catch you in a net after all. See you got rid of Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum for me too. Well. Just the same. I need a patsy and the corpse-knightll do. Rest yous though? Youre coming with me. He took a step close to Wei, and through the swirling haze of chaos that were his thoughts, Wei finally managed to put two and two together. Seever, he seethed. Even speaking was a struggle. Inheritor. The man cracked a winning grin at Wei. And his hand shifted, the flesh peeling back as a large protrusion extended. It looked a barrel of bone. Instead, a twisted swirl of Essence leaked out, promising death. Howdy, kiddo. Please to finally meet you. Gotta say you look just like your old man. Jaw. Face. Everything. Maybe not the eyes though Eh. We can fix that. Hell, we can fix a lot of things. Seever licked his lips. I gotta say. We were just going to kill you before, but now the thought of using you to deal your old man in? Now thats the kind of poetic cruel sadism that tickles me. Wei twisted his spear aside while his scythe continued toward the Unfallen, cleaving through the field of halted time. CALCCULANTE CNCN T INTEEGRITn 21;1./441f Come on, Wei roared internally. The Inheritor arced a brow at Weis struggle. Well. If nothing else, you got bones, kid. Most people wouldve dropped. But not you. Aint no quit. Down even know the word. But that aint enough to win in this town. Sometimes, the games just rigged, and a bullet is fired as you even know the fights begun. Shitty fates all. Better luck next life. And letting out a contemptuous breath, the Inheritor lined his bone-cannon of an arm directly at Weis face, and fired. 90 Overload Most beings in the Fathoms are dichotomous. On one end, you have your material formyour body. This grounds you to the tangible world or the constructed overrealm, as certain scholars call it. Physical forces, things you can sense, feel, and hear, are all rooted here. But connected to that and shaped by sapient perception, well, there exists the spiritual realm, or the Resonant Penumbra. Here, beliefs and concepts are like forces and matter. Here, your spirit resides, anchored to your material body. A deeper layer, your person capable, allowing you to manipulate the supernal. But things don''t work ex nihilo here either. You need fuel or force, such as essence, and you need a source to draw upon if you want to manipulate them. Concepts, and most importantly, your aspects, need to be strong. Strong enough to conduct whatever working you''re trying to perform. Strong enough to serve as a conduit for all that miscible power passing through you. A wall of twigs isn''t going to hold back an ocean the same way a dam can, after all. And a water faucet isn''t quite the same thing as a fire hose either. Of course, you could try to channel more than what you have. Potentially, if you attach a means of overcharging yourself or overpowering your aspects, you''ll even experience higher performance for a little while. But just like your body will come apart if its mechanisms cannot sustain its forces, so too will your spirit rupture and break once it reaches Essence overload. -The Trespassers Compendium (Entry: Essence Overload) 90 Overload As Seever fired, Wei grinned. The Inheritor and the Dying Queen were one and the same: ridiculous fools who thought themselves gods, telegraphing their attack to the extreme to feed their egos. Thus, as a concentrated beam of searing Essence burst out from Seevers arm-cannon, Wei used the same trick he did on Dying Queen. The same trick, but a different contract. When he broke the Middle Manager, he obtained more than few contracts. Most were just promises and pledges of payment, a few were lawsuits, one or two inflicted minor penalties like getting dismembered or castrated if a certain amount of Sins was not delivered on time, but what spared the young masters life was ultimately the same kind of contract the Middle Manager used to take his Broken Crescent. Contract of Offensive Impounding: "Should this contract sustain damage inflicted without its holder''s consent, it will impound the attack until the holder decides to annul the contract, whereupon all the excess force or material stored within will be promptly returned to the offending party. The Inheritors eyes crawled halfway up his forehead as his attack splashedand then sankinto the hellish text scrawled upon the contracts pages. His head vanished into burning chunks of trailing gore when Wei promptly annulled the contract, sending the beam right back through Seevers skull. But though his head was obliterated, Seever didnt fall. In fact, he barely stumbled. Almost immediately, a jungle of sinews erupted from his mangled stump of a neck and began fusing back together in the shape of a skull. Weis elation vanished, and he turned his scythe upon the static field that held time in stasis. Calcaclwllju CONETPPP INTEGGRTIY ;13]/31 His System was still screaming gibberish at him, but Wei didnt have time to worry about that. He could feel his scythe cleaving into the concept of temporal stasiswhatever power was keeping the world around him halted. It felt like trying to saw through a steel bar with a sword, but with each slash, he carved deeper nicks into it foundations, and all the static motes around him trembled, steaming with rising tendrils of monochrome. Wei fed a Source Catalyst into his Eidolon. Transferred his ever-climbing Will into Speed. His reflexes accelerated. His attacks went from the frequency of raindrops to a downpour. Spiritual fractures spread through the field that held him in sway, the strange arms extending from its core groaning with every twitch of movement. But Seever seemed no slower than beforehis healing growing faster even while Weis Relativity rose. Break! The young master screamed, willing the Lesser Time Stop to shatter. Break! Ambition surged through Wei, infusing his Form of the Martial Harvester with more power. The surrounding static began to evaporate. Time went from utterly halted to grinding forward by a crawl. But it still wasnt enough. Faster than Wei could perceive, Seever moved. His body broke apart in a nightmarish eruption of mutated limbs, whipping tendrils, and spearing bone. Wei used all the Fortification Charges he gained from harvesting Athlon, but it was still barely enough to keep him alive. A spearing tentacle slammed into his upper right shoulderand speared all the way through. A blast of dark flame tried to repel the stabbing limb, but Seever was barreled through like the juggernaut he was. Wei felt himself torn from his feet. He found himself cast in the role of the rope as the Inheritor Project Leader conducted a tug of war against the Lesser Time Stop, and as Wei felt his muscles unlatch from his lower spine, he knew he was the only loser in this exchange. Unpleasant though the pain was, it barely fazed the young master. Here was another gift experience granted him; nothing Seever inflicted could come remotely close to the torture she inflicted. But that didnt mean Wei particularly enjoyed it when the Inheritors midsection opened vertically, showing ribs transformed into a fanged maw before biting down. Weis armor groaned. Things inside him broke. But he kept cutting at the time stop. He could feel the effects slipping. Just a few more and FORTIFCANTION ADVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV >>>>> CORES ASNCEION Reverting Aspect of (Ambition) W-w-warning unable to aninbgCannot undo Ascension EMbranceembraceembrace jOin the queenenn A scream of metal sounded from around Weis torso as Seevers new teeth pushed through. They sank and dissolved upon greeting Source and fire, but the Inheritor seemed unbothered. He resembled a man unfurled from within. His torso extended out as deformed petals, with countless bone-like cannons jutting out from his sides alongside extended blades, and lashing tongues. His legs were nothing but flayed muscle and jagged enamel, with joints closer than an insects than a humans. And at the core, his skull stood high from his spine, his face twisting and drawing close upon the nightmarish ruin of a body he now head. In a great many ways, he looked quite like the Hearted Realm of Gluttonyor even one of its demons. And perhaps he was. Perhaps this was his Path. Harlon Seever: Skinsmith Lv. ??? Question marks. At least Weis System could still identify the bastard, though it didnt do him much good. As time-stops grip slackened, Wei momentarily turned his scythe on Seever, but found himself spiked into the ground before his strike even got close. Source: [24/200] Light and dark bleed out from Wei like rising steam, and the young master groaned, clawing to find his feet, struggling to get his bearings. It still felt like pushing through mud. But he never stopped cutting. Even with his catalyst, Seever was faster by a magnitude thanks to the time stop, and if Wei didnt The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. An echo trailed through Weis skull. He blinked. And barely titled his head in time to save himself from execution. Just not fast enough to stop it from taking a chunk out of his neck. RALTIVITY NASNVNC>>> FORTIFICATOIN ANERNA Giveyourselftome Fucking squirrely little shit, Seever laughed, standing over him. Sounds of ripping skin and breaking bone sang out from the Inheritors twisted body as more guns extended out from his flesh, all aimed at Wei. See if you can dodge a firing squad, then. But Wei didnt need to. With a final cut, the space captured by the time stop detonated in a shroud of brilliance, followed by crushing darkness, and a hurricane of ciphers promptly exploded out from Rafael, symbols imprinting themselves on Wei in another layer of protection. Everything and everyone moved at once. A psionic clash sent shockwaves as Bishop and the False Hydra turned their focuses on one another. Rifts bust open over the latter as the scattered remnants of the Inheritors forces came spilling through. A wall of piercing projectiles stabbed into Wei as Seever fired, but each one was deflected by Rafaels working, every impact causing a cipher to wink out. The young master cleaved with his scythe once more. He split the concept of distance ahead of him for a hundred meters, rematerialized over a slick patch of land, and was immediately attacked by a swarm of giant flying worms that burst out from the ground beneath him. An explosion of blade-shaped wind carved the Demon of Gluttony apart, and a chain of scythes passed through their spirits as well, siphoning the shattering demons for source and not Aspect Charges. Source: [49/200] A faint shroud of armor materialized over Wei as his Scorn climbed. Electricity exploded out from his spear. Heavy rain proceeded falling chunks of stone buffeted by angry winds. Turning his Omniscience on the battlefield, Wei separated Seever from all the othersand found the man staring directly at him. A vicious sneer lined the Inheritors face as he held out his many misshapen arms, beckoning Wei to continue their duel. Come and get me, then, cretino. Wei obliged. But he didnt draw close. Instead, he used calamity as the edge of his blade, slashing with waves of sharpened wind, stabbing out with bolts of lightning, sweeping with rising tides, and blocking with rising columns of stone. The place where Seever once stood vanished before the young masters cataclysmic onslaughtbut Wei knew his foe was long gone. And he didnt need a Dilation-Echo to warn him about the coming counterattack. Wei cut distance againmaterialized a hundred meters up in the air as Seever reappeared where he once was. The Inheritor was burning, and the path he traveled blossomed with shockwaves of displaced wind and bursting sound. Even with his Relativity nearing a thousand thanks to his catalyst, Wei couldnt keep track of Seever at all. The young master held back a grimace. He had been hoping that was due to deleterious effects from the Lesser Time Stop the man used earlier. Now, it was clear who had Aspect superiorityand that Wei should target something else within the man if he wanted to break him. But what? It was clear that Seever had plenty of Strength and Constitution too. That left Will, Perception, and Mind. But Wei doubted he could break those quickly eitherand in that time, it probably wouldnt take much for the Inheritor to rip the young master apart. To make matters worse, he sighted twenty-one Knights attacking his comrades as well, a few of among them channeling Skills so potent in Essence that it matched Weis Heart of Calamity. Rafael was still constructing new signs and circuits; Roggi and Agnesia had taken flight; Ellena was froze in shock, her summons closing in defense around her; Agate was standing in front of the Trine as they sang, a shimmering shield slowly manifesting around them. Wei, Bishop said, voice breaking through Weis thoughts. Need you to listen carefully: Bring that fucker over. And get the others away. Im going to overload this vessel and try to catch them in the blast. ESSENVVE AOLOVER O-OVERLOAD IN 313 /13=44 8 seconds It will be done, Wei thought in reply, ignoring his Systems screaming. He gauged how close his Eidolon was to overload by the cracks spreading along its length. It also gave him another ideaone most unappealing and possibly insufficient as well. Bishop wasnt the only one who could achieve an Essence Overload But sacrificing his Eidolon would be a last ditch effort. Channeling his Heart of Calamity, Wei began forming a typhoon around Seever. The Inheritor fired a few probing shots at him through the air. A wall of echoing projectiles loomed. A source-forged scythe materialized above Wei and slashed down, diverting the path of the salvo off at an anglecausing them to rip through three unprepared Inheritor Knights. They fell in cleanly sliced pieces, Constitutions nothing before Seevers beams. Ah, you cheeky fuck! Seever shouted, laughing under his breath. Youre youre cutting down the bonuses we need to hand out. Wh-whatever am I gonna do, huh? Even now, they were mocking him. Hubris. Wei sneered. Youre going to break. Then, Wei expended all of his Scorn at once. First, he had his winds collapse around the Inheritor. After, he created a Lance of Calamity, with the majority of his remaining resources, before Essenceshifting into wind and rushing for his teammates and cut distance once more. He didnt expect his attacks to do anythingbut they might just distract the man for a while. Just long enough to make him realize where Wei was going. And perhaps long enough to get everyone As he reappeared among the Inheritors forces, he found the False Hydra ready for him. Only a Dilation-Echo saved him from having his mind and body shredded apart by a psionic blast. Assuming his Form of the Resonant, Wei met an approaching wave of Essence with the tip of his spear as returned to his physical formScorn spent. He held for just a moment before he was driven back, the power he faced too great. Until his scythe fell and carved another harvest of Source out for Wei. Rico the Snake: Psi-Shaper Lv. 95 Source: [64/200] The False Hydra prepared to unleash another attack, but a torrent of energy from Bishop stole its full focus back. Seever must have been in contact with this Rico all this time, for Another Dilation-Echo. It passed through Wei so fast, he barely had time to react. He cut. He blinked. A rift of spatial Essence burst out from inside Rico, and Seever shot up into the air like a bullet, spreading translucent wings made from pulsating red membrane as he climbed to an apex. They werent just connected telepathically, they had a Skill that allowed for direct teleportation through each other. Weis prescience trembled again. An Inheritor Knight charged him with a fluid lance raised, his back a ring of spinning blades. Wei barely regarded themswatted their strike aside with a flick of his wrist. A gust of wind tore the Knight from their path. But it was the scythe that carved through them that proved fatal. They screamedtheir voice a slow motion droning, but Wei carved them clean of useful Aspects, shattering them for good. RELativy CHargannns ++ +FORTN Wei consumed the Relativity Charges as soon as he gained them and regarded the other Knights with new interest. He might not be able to match Seevers Speed now, but he had others to draw from. A trickle of Scorn built within Wei with his slaying of the Knight and using it, he seized droplets of moisture around his body before firing them at every Inheritor he could see. WARNNING OVERLOANNWE Aspect of (Ambition) cannot be reverted StopFIGHTING WEIIIII His Form of the Martial Harvester strained his Ambition as more scythes formed one after another in quick succession. They reaped and vanished, ripping the Speed from the unprepared Inheritor Knights. He felt their faces contort in painsaw one freeze in the air, unable to move, severed from the concept entirely. Charges flooded into Wei just in time for his Eidolon to start hissing excess Essence, on the verge of overload. Just in time for his new Charges to make up for the difference. But before he boosted his Relativity, there was still a final raindrop seek its target. Infused with barely enough force, it punched through a psionic shroud and shattered against the twisting head of Rico, the False Hydra. The droplet ultimately had less force than a raindrop, but served as omen enough for a final scythe to come. What Wei took from the Rico was not Speed, but Mind. And just enough to tilt things for Bishop. Once, False Hydra and Trespasser were unleashing waves of brilliant color at each other, hammering the world with telepathic and telekinetic tsunamis. The ground tore. The air screamed with ambient thoughts instilled with all-consuming emotion. But the stalemate was ultimately in the Inheritors favor, for Angeleous was a breaking vessel, and soon, it wouldnt be much of a vessel at all. But now, Rico found himself diminished by over a hundred Mind Advancements. His power waned. His spirit wailed. And as Wei consumed his Relativity Charges, he saw two hands shaped from telekinetic power clutch the hydras undulating heads as Rico was drawn toward Bishop. 91 Trauma Somedays, I wonder what might have come to be if she didnt die. If she could have kept her daughter from becoming what she did. If her survival would have grounded Weigiven him a better influence than the Claimed Hells or an old killer like myself. I wonder. And I wonder. I wish it were the case. But life dont work that way. And the Claimed Hells? It will take your heart in the end. It always does. -John Bishop 91 Trauma Rico! Seever said. He rushed down with naked urgency, all hint of playfulness gone. At the same time, Wei blinked over to each of his companions. They were movingfar slower than he, Bishop, Rico, or Seeverbut still fighting. He caught Roggilooking badly burnedin a shroud of wind and sent him flying into the distance. With the damage he inflicted on the Inheritors, a swell of Scorn rushed into him, and pushed his power further, using his elements to shuttle his companions away to safety on rising wavesand in the same direction to ensure they could make a stand, and wouldnt just be eaten by Demons of Gluttony. A coruscating pillar of Essence exploded out from Bishop, rising as if a tower into the sky. To make matters worse, as they lit the clouds, Wei saw a truly gargantuan shape approachingits body looming like a falling moon. Leviathan of the Starved Sky: Lv.??? They needed to be gone from this place. Immediately. Waves of water lifted Agate, the Trine, and Rafael from where they stood, rushing away from the battlefield. Agnesia took a moment to locate, but Wei found her in the throes of battle, tearing a Knight in half using her draconic avatar. The young master almost did a double takethe girl had acclimated herself to brutality, if nothing. As for Ellena Ellena? Where was she? Why couldnt he His Omniscience swept over the every inch of space, trying to locate her. He could still feel something of her Essence, so she couldnt be gone, but then where And suddenly he found her. His Omniscience passing not only through the land but into bodies. Inside Seever himself. She was struggling, Pushing against walls of gripping flesh that left her caged and lost. Cold terror flooded Weis veins. How could he have missed that? When? When did Seever capture her? Was it as he crossed? Wei didnt even thinkhe just knew that he needed space earlierdid he expose Wei! Bishop cried. Im out of time. Get gone! Ill be waiting for you at The connection broke. The young master turned to see the hydra trying to fight, digging heads and tendrils of telekinesis into the ground to halt its movement, but finally arriving right before Bishop regardless. The amount of Essence flooding out from Angeleouss body was staggeringit was like a dam about to collapse. Just how powerful was Bishop normally? Wei cursed himself. He should have given the man a body worth having. The Knight of Lusts perhaps. But it was too late now. All of it was too late. Psionic supernova consumed the world, and Wei blinked toward Seever, trying to intercept him along the path. Rico! Teleport! Teleport outta here now, ya jabronithe fuck you doing! The horror Wei felt about Ellenas present state was mirrored by the expression on Seevers face. He reached outtwo hundred meters away and descending to get to his ally. And Wei materialized just along his path, still far slower, but catching him by surprise. ShiC The young master drove his Broken Crescent into the Inheritor like he was jousting with a missile. The flesh of his foe burst apartand started healing immediately. But that was enough. Wei caught a glimpse of Ellena, her face half-caked in viscera, green eyes meeting his own. The Form of the Marital Harvester followed suite. Seever yelped in surprise at first. What the Eidolon gave him was a wound of the flesh. But the scythe that followed took from him his Perceptionhis weakest, Aspect, judging from how he had a harder time navigating the chaos. You little Wei didnt react; he predicted. He was gone before Seevers stabbing fangs ever shot out. He blinked back above the Inheritor leader, slamming his heel into their jaw. Mawfhakwer! Another harvest. Another bit of Perception. But Weis momentarily boosts were running dry as well. He needed to do this quick. Twirling his spear, he tunneled down into the Inheritors body, shredding through the canvas that was Seevers winces before carving a path of gore to reach his companion. For all Seevers power, he was no warrior. He struck reactively; predictably. No apparent skill at all. Peeling through the Inheritors flesh, Wei exposed more of Seevers innards, and thereby Ellena. His Shroud of Scorn lit his body in a layer of black-gold armor, and he reached out, preparing to pull Ellena free Her flesh twisted and changed. A cannon made from jagged bone extended from her neck. A Dilation-Echo followed. Far too late. Wei took the impact on his chest and his Shroud shattered immediately. His armor caved in with a scream of metal, and he felt his sternum crack in half as well. Ellenas face contorted with pain as she reached out for him as well, the cannon sinking beneath her skin once more. But with a final flash of Essence, she summoned a demon, and they materialized before Wei, trying to absorb the hit. The beam passed through regardless. Wei was flung backward. But barely made it a meter before Seever caught him with a chitinous claw. Inhuman pressure closed around Weis hip. His pelvis lasted less than a second before it broke in half. Wei tried striking back with his spearlanding another blow as he damaged more of Seevers Perception. But a hail of Essence blast spilled over the young master. Wei felt his flesh cook, his ears pop, his eyes melt, his lungs fry. The reason he could still see was thanks to his Omniscience, and witnessing himself from the third person as his body wailed and screamed without his willing consent proved nightmarish dissociative. Then, he felt something finally dissolve inside of him. Something so small and diminutive he barely perceptive before a lucky shot from Seever blew it out of his body. Thequeensheloveyou.l S-system compromised! System reconfiguration in process More text came, but Wei didnt was too distracted by his left arm getting ripped off to notice. The last of his Charges vanished. Time resumed. Ellena was screaming. Stop! Stop! Please! Hes just a child! A blade pierced out through her shoulder and she gave a shrill cry of pain. A ragged cough came from Seever, and he reached out twice with a tendril before he found Wei. Somewhere nested inside a cocoon of pain and impending death, Wei noticed. Source: [14/200] Was the Inheritor blinded? Deafened? It was like he were feeling around in the dark when he used his tendrils. Fucking little shit! Cant hear or see right now, motherfucking Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Wei tried to laugh, but he only managed a wet cough. So, his attacks did manage something in the end after all. Well. That was good. That meant Seever was going to notice what was happening right next to him. Harlon! Rico cried. Harlon! Helllpp Turning his Omniscience over to the False Hydra, Wei watched as Bishops singularity blossomed, and swallowed it completely. The world tore. A chaotic vortex of unbridled power roared across the Hearted Realm. What few surviving Inheritors remained fled. Few were fast enough after what Wei did to them. Meanwhile, their master didnt notice. Didnt notice at all. Swinging his head around, Seever blinked and snarled. Weis laugher grew louder, despite the claw closing around him. The fuck? Seever spat. Are you Wei flared his scythe one more time. But he didnt strike at Seever. No, instead he blinked into the Inheritors wounds and bounced off Ellena just as the blast hit. It was the best he could do. He didnt have the focus left to reach across space. He just had to hope that the Inheritors Constitution was enough for them to survive. Wei felt Ellenas arms wrap around his neck just as a crushing hammer of power swatted them from the sky. The world outside turned to nothing but screaming Essence, and Weis consciousness grew hazy as a second burst of force pulsed through Seeverand into him. *** From ten kilometers away, Mulver blinked as what looked like a Marquis-Tier Essence overload spread across the horizon. His Chat-tether remained, so he knew the kid wasnt dead, but still What the fuck. From above, the enshadowed forms of hungering leviathans drew close. At that, Mulver froze. Yeah. Yeah. Kid might be fucked. Might be. Mulver winced. Shit. *** System restored Hostile System [Ichor] fully cleansed Repairing Spirit Wei coughed. The world greeted him as if it was a nightmare. Enormous shapes displaced the clouds in the sky, and they resembled large jaws with wings, coming to swallow the land. Around him, he heard chattering, sensed minor Essences approaching him. And just beside, he saw the headless form of his mother standing overover A mangled mess of flesh lay merely meters away from Wei. He coughed as he realized what he was looking at: Harlon Seevers body. It looked like a mound of boiled flesh. Bones were half melted. His head was nowhere to be seen. Tendons burned like candles, flesh exposed to the sky. But there was still a signature. Of him. Of Ellena. They were alive. And a body exit lining its side spoke of where Wei was flung out from the body like a bullet. Source: [3/200] Darkness crept along Weis vision. A rush of weakness pulsed, and he nearly blacked out again. But by some miracle, he held on. Reaching out with a single arm, he drug himself toward the Inheritor. Ellena, he wheezed, one lung popped. He tried triggering Lesser Hollow Mind, but a spike of agony rushed through his Spirit. This time, Wei did pass out again. Until another voice woke him a moment after. Wei! Mother! A-ag Wei couldnt finish his words. Pushing himself off the ground, he heard Agnesias cries drawing close. But before him, the mess of flesh and mangled tissued stirred. The young master winced. Damnation. He needed to hurry. He tried to move his legs, but they proved little more than numb anchors behind him. His left arm was missing. And so he made due with his right. Ellena. He hissed. Q-quartermaster. A series of snaps sounded from inside the Inheritor. A peel of flesh lifted. A disfigured face attacked to a drooping skull rose up, clutching Ellena between fractured ribs. El Wei snarled. System! System! Stop! I need to use Repairing Spirit No! Stop! Cease whatever youre doing and give me access to my Skills! I need them! I need them now! Repairing Spirit WORTHLESS! Driven back anger, Wei pushed himself. And only then did his mind clear of pain-wrought haze. He resummoned his Eidolon, spear manifesting in his remaining hand But he was dry. Dry of Scorn. Utterly used. Nononono! Seever rasped. Seever groaned. Seever wept? Rico? Rico? You out there, buddy? You you out there? Anyone? He breathed a few times, his eyes blinking. His face didnt look so good now. Most of its right side was like melted wax, eyelid fused with his upper lip. Fuck. Fuck me. Goddammit. Done in by some fucking Cant see nothing. I cant hear Cant even smell. Between his bones, Ellena twitched. She opened an eye and saw Wei crawling toward her. Her legs were pointing in the wrong direction, and her breaths were shallow, like she had a collapsed lung. Wei, she gasped. Wait. Hold on, he said. He stabbed the ground with his spear and pulled himself forward. I almost. The ribs holding her suddenly speared through her body. She reared back and shrieked. Mother! Agnesia was close now! She was close. Wei could feel her! The young master spat Source and pain as he whimpered. He flopped and crawled. Just a meter away. Rolled onto Seevers bodyand the Inheritor still failed to notice him. The ribs sank deeper into Ellena, and her eyes rolled to back of her head as she gurgled with pain. Slowly, Seevers nightmarish spine rose, extending high up into the air and holding Ellena high for all to see. Wei! Wei An Wei! You FUCK! His voice echoed far. And above, monsters roared, bringing with them smaller demons like a veritable tide of locusts. You out there? You still alive? Well? You did it, kid! You broke me! YOU FUCKING DID IT! Good for you! GREAT FOR YOU! YOU FUCKING FUCK MOTHERFUCK! The Inheritor shuddered as he sobbed. Goddammit fuck me me man fuck. It wasnt supposed to be like this, I wasnt supposed to oh, Rico, Im so goddamn sorryIm His voice trailed off. Wei reached around his spine, pulling hard. Slowly, Seever looked around. Youre youre right here, arent you? Are you? Wei clenched his teeth, seething with hate. Alright Seever chuckled. Alright. Well. That thats something at least. I get to do this to you at least. Come on, Wei said. Come down, cur. Im not dead. Lets finish this But though Seever felt him, he didnt see him. Well. There or not. It doesnt matter. Because because I have something of yours, right? And, well, if you gotta go out, as they say Mother! The air grew hot. Agnesias cries took on a desperate quality. ---you shouldnt go alone. Hey, kid? How was it that your pa did your ma in again? Something inside Wei plunged. NO! NO! NO! DAMN YOU! STOP! I RIGHT HERE! KILL ME! IM RIGHT HERE! And suddenly, Weis mother appeared before him, her beheaded body covering Ellenas. A horrible nausea swelled up inside him, and he watched as two new bones extended out beside Ellenas neck. The young master thrashed. He pushed through his mothers form, grabbing onto the Inheritors body with hand and teeth, climbing. A spill of drool and blood painted his shoulder as Ellena looked down. Tears too. They dotted his face as he crawled faster. Ten ribs away. Nine. Ellena drew in a breath and looked upward. She saw something in the distance, and she smiled. Agnesia! she cried, speaking despite the bones buried through her body. I love you! Ill always She blinked, out of breath and fading. The blades next to her head shivered. Four! Two! Wei caught her by the hem of her armored dress and pulled himself up. One! Wei, she said, face calm, youre a good lad. Take care of Seevers guillotine closed. No! Wei cried. He thrust his spear out, behind her, trying to lock his foes closing fangs in place. But the Aspect he damaged was Perception. Not Strength. His Broken Crescent endured for but a paltry second before it was cleaved clean throughand dissolved into unstable Essence. Ellenas flesh provided no resistance, her Constitution a feeble thing, and Weis struggle worthless in the end. Worthless. Weis despair found a voice in Agnesia as the girl slammed into Seever with an anguished wail that would follow him into his nightmares. He was flung from the Inheritors body. Flung alongside Ellena, and she landed atop him as they finally slammed down to the ground, her head rolling right next to his, green eyes open in death In death In death Once more, Weis mother superimposed herself, and this time, her body connected with Ellenas head, the Hearted Realm tasting the young masters pain. And savoring it. Something inside Wei wilted. Something inside Wei withered. Something inside Wei died. System Repaired Failed to resist trauma with Aspect of (Ambition) Failed to resist trauma with Aspect of (Ambition) Failed to resist trauma with Aspect of (Ambition) 92 The Sin of Hope Ah. Resurrection. One of the finer powers possessed by few and mastered by fewer. Understand that the true preservation of ones beingand usually the continuity of ones consciousness as wellis what is so often desired. Such a thing is possible. And I, among so few, can offer this boon to another and mend their poor, little broken hearts. And at my current power, it takes so little of me to peel the fabric of space and time, to grasp the state at which the lost were severed from existence, and to infuse them in a new vessel before the patterns are denied to me forever. I could. But rarely do I ever. Because even the smallest part of my power, the slightest act across time and against the threshold of death, might see me strained. Strained in this great game between rival Systems. Strained in this quest to consume all of existence. Strained. Where I could do something else, and ensure my gain instead. Many have asked me to bring back those they love. And bring them back I have. But so rarely do people consider what I, as the Harbinger, the master of these Claimed Hells desire. And the ones that do the understanding that you should never beg a Lord of Sin for the nectar of relief. For hope is the greatest poison of all, and through it, I can control how you fall, when you fall, and which way you fall. The hearts most broken are easily reshaped. And vessels empty? Easily replaced. -Mepheleon the Harbinger 92 The Sin of Hope Wei lay there, staring on into Ellenas open eyes as the last threads of his sanity threatened to unravel. In the backdrop, screams and sobs of broken fury sounded from Agnesia. With each blow she delivered against the Inheritors mangled body, black fire blossomed, swelling vast enough to blot out the sky above Wei, to ignite the ends of his hair. Seever was broken. Too broken of perception to even know what was killing him. He was blind. He was deaf. He was tasteless. And he couldnt even feel the strikes crashing against his bodyperhaps he didnt care either. His head lolled back after he beheaded Ellena, and he looked upward, face blank toward the sky in despair and defeat. Somewhere deep inside Wei where the dregs of his spirit still lingered, he recognized the expressionit was the same one he had. They had inflicted shattering wounds on the other. One of sense, the other of their mind, and both succumbed to no will but their own, waiting for death to arrive. Failed to resist trauma with Aspect of (Ambition) The world grew darker. System notification crawled across Weis vision, but he dismissed them one after another. He was vacant of thoughts and strength, wishing only to fold into himself, to flee from existence itself. Again. He was unable to prevent her unjust fate. Again, he was nothing before the whims of a greater power. As the leviathans of Gluttony drew close and Agnesia continued her onslaught of madness, Wei stared on into Ellenas eyes, lost there as his mothers specter lay opposite to him. It didnt matter what followed. He was Ellena blinked. Wei felt a pulse of Essence escape her being, and her eyes began to move. The young master went still, uncertain if the last strings of his sanity finally snapped, or if the scene before him was true. Then, a cough escaped from Ellena, followed by actual words. Wei? He struggled onto his side, flinching away in disbelief. She was just a head, how was she I cannot it hurts Wei, please The young master swallowed. A set of wild booms continued to fill the air as Agnesia brought down blow after blow. For all her growing power, she was still a Knight trying to kill a Marquis without any additional aid. Though Seever was ruined, his Constitution remained a tower that the girl struck at with a twig. It might take hours before she finally did any true harm, even with his flesh as ruined from the blast. Wei, Ellena said once more. Please. I am I am afraid The last vestiges of hesitation vanished in the young master. Could it be Might this I am here, he croaked. He swallowed after, his throat a tunnel of agony. Wei I I need put me in the Inventory. There is the Harbinger he has reached me. The Harbinger. Mepheleon. So spent was Wei that it took him more than beat to catch up with the meaning behind her words. But when he finally understood, the flame of hope roared to life inside him like a wildfire through a jungle. This wasnt done. He hadnt failed! There was still a chancethe possibility of avenging his failure. Resisting trauma with Aspect of (Ambition) Wei snapped to action. He tried to rise, but winced as he recalled the broken state of his body. Rafael and Roggi entered the edge of his Omniscience, then, but more worrying were the sky-blotting demons that were about to crash down on their current position. They needed to leave now! And he was the only one with any chance of escaping. But his Lesser Hollow Mind wouldnt heal him nearly fast enough, and a Potion of Regeneration couldnt restore his Soulforged body. The only option stood clear: he needed to harvest the resources for his restoration from the most puissant being nearby. And so, his solution led right back to Seever. Walls of black flame spread out from atop the misshapen mound that was the Inheritors body. Atop, Agnesia was screaming ceaseless, her draconic embodiment hammering its fists into the downed Project Leader, sending rolling waves of Wrathful power in a wide sphere. Wei growled. He summoned his Path of the Martial Harvester once more. A scythe flared over him. A scythe that cast the world in monochromatic light. Agnesia froze as the brightness in her surroundings changed. She turned just in time to see the gleaming edge of his metaphysical blade descend. The scythe split clean through Seevers skull, carried by Weis far-flung spear. A Vector Chain ensured its deliveryand the regeneration of some Scorn. What followed after was a shuddering echo of extreme brightness followed by abyssal dark and Seever crying out in spiritual agony at the blow. A channel of Source flowed from a deep gash left in the Inheritors face, pouring over to Wei. The monochromatic Essence flowed into the young masters body, melting into his wounds and molding missing limbs. With a snarl of frustration, Wei resummoned his spear before slashing out using a jet of water. Another scythe fell and with each piece that was carved out of the Inheritors being, Wei healed, restored by destruction. Agnesia! Wei roared. Your mothers headput her in your Inventory! The girl stared at him, with tears running down blazing eyes. She didnt understand him, and he had little time to explain. Agnesia! Your mother! Shes still alive! The Harbinger has preserved her! Put her in your Inventory now! Cleaved into Seever thrice more during that time, and with every blow he inflicted, his Authority Advanced at a staggering rate. Source: [59/200] Title Options Generated Skill Options Generated Wei dismissed more notifications. He would ascend once he escaped from this wretched place. With a final slash, he severed Seevers head from the mutated hive of tissue he called and body, but the Inheritors Constitution stood testament to what could be achieved with a high enough Aspect. Fuck you, you little shit! Seever growled, spitting hate even as his head rolled over to Wei. Do you hear me! Fuck! You! I hope you Whatever he had to say next went silent as Wei slammed the butt of his spear down between the Inheritors moving lips. A ringing impact sounded, like metal striking metal, and Wei felt Seever bite his weapon out of spite. Wei looked down at the face of his enemy and sneered. His instincts told him that it would be wise to capture Seeverto keep him for intelligence, knowledge, or ransom. But some part of him knew that was a mistake. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Weis Enlightenment trembled and Advanced as he remembered how easy it was for Seever and the False Hydra to slip through each other, using their connection as a gateway. What Wei risked in keeping the Inheritor alive was his own death or capture. And if he was being honest, killing Harlon Seever was an infinitely sweeter prospect than allowing him another breath. You play your games, Wei breathed. The demons drew close, less than five hundred meters away. He could hear Rafael and Roggi zooming behind him on a floating disc made from signs and symbols. You spent our lives, burn our worlds, murder those we love and think yourself the masters of all that is. You believe yourself to be special. The ones to inherit what the ancients have created? Wei spat. You are nothing but a fool. A bastard who has ruined the wrong world, touched the wrong fate. It is your infinite misfortune that we have crossed paths, and if there is anything you love, anything you treasure, I will come for it. I will take it as mine. Let die the dream of recapturing your homeworld C Earth will be mine! For a world taken from me must be mete with just recompense. The words just spilled out from Wei like an angry flood, and Seevers eyes widened in a flash of horror. He moaned and squeezed, but Wei just pressed his spear down harder, sliding against teeth, slipping down his throat. And with his great foe pinned in place, the young master lifted his boot as a scythe materialized behind him one final time. And then stomped down. Harlon Seevers head came apart in flesh and spirit as the last bit of the man was converted to Source. More advancements spilled through Weis vision, and his System chanted Core Ascension Available on repeat. But rather than seeing his attention drawn inward, he regarded Agnesia, holding her mother in her hands, eyes wide with disbelief. Agnesia, Wei said, his growl breaking down to a groan. Put her in your Inventory But they were talking. And Agnesia was sobbing. I Im so sorry It is well, my dear girl. It is well Do as he says. It is all that you can do Preserve Okay okay. Folds of space collapsed around Ellena and she vanished into Agnesias Inventory, turning she faced Wei with a distant look in her eyes and shaking hands. I He rushed to her, mentally mauled himself. There they were, barely more than children, dancing on the edge of madness. But they endured. They survived. But they still needed to escape this Hearted Realm if any of this was to mean anything. Wei took Agnesia by the shoulder and faced her for a moment. He met her gaze to gaze and gave her a nod. I I am going to need Her lips curled, and she collapsed against him, letting out a sob. She clutched him even as the demons drew near, as the bodies of the leviathans opened up like massive, continent-sized flower petals, exposing serried teeth akin to mountain ranges, and latching tongues that swept across the land below. She didnt care. She just held him for a moment. And he understood. Its okay, Wei said, unsure if his words were truth or lie. We are alive. She is still We must leave. Unequip I did, she said, drawing in a ragged breath. You can take it down. He reached in the Class using his Ambition and disconnected the Skill from her. He then swapped it with his own Inventory, before placing a shaking palm on her face. You were brave. A warrior. She is proud of you. I am proud of you. She could only offer a nod. Wei wished he could offer her more than just words spoken in comfort, but there was no time left. Screeching horrors were approaching, and he still needed to get Rafael, Roggi, and Wei groaned. The Trine. Agate too. Damnation. Were they even still alive? Taking Agnesia into his Inventory, he found Rafael forming a barrier using his symbols while Roggibadly wounded but rapidly regeneratinglaunched slug after slug up into the air, detonating them in bursts of caustic spray to delay the plunging wall of demons. The young masters nearly voided his bowels when he saw just how many were coming for him; he spent too longNeeded to run! Now! Cutting distance, he blinked next to Rafael and Roggi before drawing them into his Inventory. They reacted with surprise, and he wanted to explain what was happening, but the demons were coming. It took what little remained of Weis stamina to duck under a portended attack. Even with all his Relativity, the creature tore a chunk out of his newly reforged armhis self-repairing armor not nearly close to covering the limb. Wei let out a snarl and cut distance again. He blinked away from over a dozen bites meant to swallow him, and felt his mood sour when he saw what he was facing. Oh. You. Of course the heavens have to piss in my mouth one final time. Above him in the air, flanked on all sides by thousands more of its kin, was a Demon of Gluttony that possessed six wings and far too many mouths. Teeth-like feathers jutted from its body, and he felt its burning hunger pulsing out in waves. Skymarrow Devourer: Lv. 89 This one wasnt going to let him leave without a final showdown. Or was it even the same demon? Weis Source left the last Skymarrow Devourer he fought brutally woundedperhaps this was just shared a look. Whatever the case, it came here to hunt him specifically. Unfortunately for it, he wasnt weakened by his Liminal Bridge anymore. Unfortunately for him, the leviathans close behind would likely snuff Wei out like he was nothing more than a flea. Demons began carpeting down around Wei. Massive teeth-tipped tongues hammered through the soil, sending tremors through the land and filling the air with blood. The young master sought his escapethen remembered he needed to find Agate and Trine; hopefully they were still alive. But before he acted, a torrent of animated red burst through the screen of gathered demons and swallowed the Devourer as well. The undulating form of a Blood Hydra pried a path open in the air above as Wei saw Mulver Groon arrive. A smile crept across Weis face. Battered in mind, body, and spirit though he was, it was hard to be miserable when someone finally rendered much needed aid. Ill distract them as long as I can! Mulver roared. Brambles burst out from his hydras and he carved at them using a dagger wreathed in a pulsating substance that pulled at Weis pain. You get the fuck out of here! Get to an exit rift! The Devourer exploded out from the neck of a Blood Hydraonly to be promptly eaten by another. Just follow the demons over the horizon. Theres a basea rift there! Go! Wei saluted the Knight of Pride as he blinked through one of the open gaps. Shooting up into the air, he saw spotted Agate and the Trine near instantly, his mind guessing using flight paths of nearby demons. A glowing shroud of protections leaked out from a cocoon covered in writhing Demons of Gluttony, and even from afar, Wei could hear the Creators Hymns playing loud. But the melody was coming to an end, and he needed to hurry. He reappeared right over Hymn of Protection, sweeping through the cluttering demons with a sweeping wall of wind. The weaker beasts spattered outright, while the stronger were flung away. His Class leveled repeatedly, but he delayed those notifications as well. Staring through the resplendent shroud, he saw Agatearmor pierced and hanging from strapsand the Trine. The Faebloods expression came aglow with hope and the shielding promptly vanished around them. The others! Agate cried as Wei got close to them. We just pulled the Oathbearer into his Inventorythere was no time. But the Trine flinched as he came close. A dark song sounds from inside you. Fear wrongness Power of Sin. Power of twisted life Theres no time Wei said, frustration compelling him to take another step forward. The Trine inched back. More demons were coming. He pulled them in without asking as well. Whatever discomfort or fear they had could wait. And then he was moving again, blinking as far as he could as his scythe cut distance over and over. Struggled to piece together where Mulver was telling him to go. Something about demons on the horizon. Behind, several leviathans made landfall and Wei found himself glad he didnt hesitate. Land stretching hundreds of kilometers were completely covered by enormous forms. Whats more, he felt the Essence drain he suffer increase tenfold in efficiency. Just being near those demons mightve seen him drained hollow in the merest of seconds. The way ahead wasnt better though. Everywhere, more demons of incomprehensible power descended. He could perceive fewer and fewer levels, and the clawing hunger grew more and more oppressive for him by the instant. Wei struggled forward regardless, seeking an exit rift. And as he saw a mass of demons clustering in the distance, he finally saw where he needed to go. A twin-toothed spire rose through a swarm of moving demons, and the remains of what looked to be a bowl-shaped building was beset by a feeding frenzy. Every few seconds, Wei saw flashes of a Skill; someone spraying a jet of fire into the air, cutting through some of the horrors; someone forming a shield for a little bit more time. Past the base did the spire loom, and between its valley-like middle, swirling spatial Essence. A call came from Bishop them, but Wei ignored it as he cut space again again again Warning: Aspect of (Ambition) at Critical Wei ignored his System. He cut again, drawing his Form of the Martial Harvester even when it grew painful to do so. As he plunged into the wall of demons, Wei fed his Eidolon with one last catalyst as a leviathan loomed close above, pulling on the surface of the Hearted Realm like a falling moon. Immediately, the young master could feel his tissue peel from his bones, trickles of Essence drained from his weapon, and his Aspects weaken from the strain. His mind went blank even as he continued shooting forward, guided toward the exit by sheer momentum alone. He crashed into one demon. Their body splashed apart against him. He went tumbling. He cut twice morefirst sending him off course, the next bringing him back. An Inheritor sped through the air beside him, their wings a cape of lightning, their pursuers a few hundred slavering maws attached to roaring fangs. None of this mattered but the exit rift. Nothing but the rift. But just then, a dark tongue snapped down through the sky and smashed through the top of the spire. The construct holding the rift snapped in half. Wei watched as the spatial Essence within spilled out like water from a burst bowl. His way out was destabilized. And he didnt have enough to flee further. It was here or never. It was life or death. With one final exertion of his willpower, Wei cut and rematerialized in the depths of spatial darkness just before the tongue pounded the exit rift down to its very foundations. And between the crushing impact and the unstable maelstrom of shifting space, Wei found himself lost in an expanse of nothingness. 93 Naturalization And what lies those to survive beyond despair but freedom; and the most delicious indulge of mastered sin -Mepheleon the Harbinger 93 Naturalization The first thing that pierced through the darkness gripping Wei was cheering. Raucous cheering. Cheering that built volume and intensity with each passing second as the blackness peeled away. The impact the massive Demon of Gluttony inflicted still reverberated in his bones, and so numb he was that for long seconds, he wasnt sure if he was still living or dead. But as the clench of spatial Essence parted around him, his Omniscience slowly expanded to behold a vast open, thoroughfare standing before him. The ground beneath him was polish of pure white ivory, and they reflected shifting shapes looming far above. Still raw of mind, body, and spirit, Wei took a shaking step forward as he struggle to process any information at all. The world was growing brighter, louder There was wind brushing over his flesh and and He was alive. Despite everything, despite all the Hearted Realm directed against him, the Dying Queens machinations, and the dark deeds of Harlon Seever, he and the others were alive. They had survived the Trial of Despair. Most of them, anyhow. His brain, mauled by exhaustion and torture, remembered Ellena and his heart twitched with agony. He had thought her dead but moments ago, and now Now he wasnt sure what to think. He moved more on instinct than conscious decision, and he held his Broken Crescent at the ready, prepared for anything, keeping his companions stored at protected. Brilliant rays of light brushed over his vision, and Wei blinked as he continued staggering forward. Through the haze of his senses, he began to discern words from the clamoring cheers. Someone was talking. His name was mentioned. And vague shapes loomed before him. Three archways rose in the horizon, each larger than the one before. Their architecture resembled gleaming obsidian veined with burning tendrilsthe same color as the Incubators. Hellfire rose as wisps from the snaking veins covering the arches, and the formed a translucent veil at the center. Staring into the bright orange coloring, Wei could feel a presence beckoning him fortha resonance passing through his Eidolon. His spear hummed, sensing a matching source of power within those gates, and Wei felt something almost akin to hunger resound from within its Concept Core. Congratulations! Wei staggered, blinking his tired eyes as he found who was speaking to him. About twenty meters overhead, a strange demon waved at Wei. It was not alone. Countless others hovered by its side, extending onward through every gate that awaited Wei, each of them holding a brass horn decorated with delicate patterns and encrusted with shining gems. Congratulations! Congratulations! Congratulations! These demons resembled three-headed infants. Well, they had three-infant heads anyway. Their body was that of a muscular looking back, and their wings resembled parchments of skin that sported ritualistic scars shimmering like Essence circuits. Some of them began blowing their horns, the tune sweet and restorative, like a soothing balm for Weis wounded psyche. Others simply clapped and cheered on, but they werent the only voices. Apprehension remained high in the young master. He had been through more than enough madness to never trust anything the Claimed Hells presented, but at least they werent attacking. Go forth! the infant-headed bat demons sang. Go forth! The pointed toward the arches. Pass the gates; experience your final three trials. Finish your naturalization and embrace your well-earned citizenship, o sinner of these Claimed Hells. Wei stared on for a moment. The music filled his flagging mind with purpose, and his awareness rose from a sea of thick fog. As Wei utilized his Omniscience once more, he did a double take as he realized what he was standing on. This wasnt a thoroughfare. This was a furrowed section running along the base of the Black Tower. He was standing on its side, with a twin-toothed spired holding spatial Essence behind him. The way ahead cleared before his eyes as well. The three arches were as if Essence-infused gateways. Their purpose was unclear, but Wei remembered his still had three more trials to complete, and so he assumed they were likely tied to those. Strangely, he sensed nothing related to the Concept of Space within their threshold, so he didnt think he would be shifted elsewhere again. Wei also noticed other major items of note beyond the welcoming demons. A few hundred other Towers also extended behind them, and a hovering chain of small planetary bodies passed between. From them, Wei could hear rapturous music and raucous celebrations, and he got the faint that he was looking Moongraves used for something other than testing sinners. Suddenly, Wei recalled his plan to get the rest of his sect through and placed down a Liminal Bridge. Doing so held major risksespecially if he were to be attacked soon, but this ensured he could return to this point with ease and go back for the There is no need for that, dear boy. Youve impressed me enough that Ive decided to ferry your little disciples over for you. Their special exemption made in part due to your valiant labors. Of course, the fact that the Inheritors had a hand in meddling with my trials made this a thing of spite on my part as well. Wei froze. A tall, thin, bespectacled man wearing an ash-colored suit and smoking a cigarette manifested next to the young master. There had been no warning of his arrival; not of Essence; not of physical movement. One moment he wasnt. The next he was. And with his coming come a crushing power that dwarfed all others Wei experienceda crushing presence he knew too well. Mephelelon, Wei said, turning to face the Harbinger. He clenched his spear tight and hardened his expression. You have been absent. Hm. Yes. Unfortunate. But the Inheritors grew truly desperate. And brazen. Tell me, boy, how long do you think it will take you to punch your way out from a collapsing star using that system of yours? Wei went quiet, unsure if the Harbinger was speaking in jest or actually being genuine. If the latter, Wei truly have an answer either. To face power of such a scope was beyond his comprehension, let alone estimation. For now. Instead, he directed his efforts to studying Mepheleons presented guise. The body he used was tall. Tall enough that Wei had to lean back if he wanted to meet the Harbingers face. Unnaturally gaunt. Large-rimmed glasses sat upon a narrow nose, and Wei found the Harbinger staring back with pitch-black eyes. His teeth were like pearls and his hair was short and tidy. There was a leather patch stitched into his suit, and inside was a lighter. A mundane lighter that had been used to light the Harbingers cigarette if judged by the lightering heat it emanated. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. You should let your companions out. This is as much their moment as yours. And I believe that one of them is in desperate need of a mortal remedy. The young master swallowed. She said you were the reason she was still alive. She said you can Yes, yes, come now, Wei, let us skip the wide-eyed questions and move on straight to the miracles. Wei hesitated for but a moment longer before the last of his reservations melted away and relief flooded in its place. Relief, weariness, and acceptance. With a thought, he let out every single companion he had stored in his Inventory, and they materialized beside him in unfurling pockets of essence. They responded much as Wei did at first: with disorientation and overwhelmed expressions. Agnesia spun round with blade already drawn, looking for enemies to face but finding only a welcoming party. A few ciphers hovered beside Rafael and Roggi was looking over Agate while the Trine sang restorative magics into his wounds and broken armor. And then there was Ellena. The former queen materialized in the Lord of the Claimed Hells grasp, and the lithe man grinned at the blinking head. Alas, poor Queen Ellena. How I knew thee once. How the fates have spurred thee. Agnesias attention shifted over the Mepheleon, and upon seeing him clutching her mothers hand with a single hand, her eyes widened in outrage. Whoyougive her Calm, girl, Mepheleon interrupted with an impish grin. I mean her life. Only life. After all, just as it wasnt her lot to live a nice, long life unmolested by the Dying Queen, it is not her lot to perish in my Claimed Hells. Youre Agnesias eyes widened. But still she held the tip of her bone-blade at the Harbingers throat. Yes. I am. Now. Walk with me. Lets get the rest of your naturalization concluded so we might actually get to the debauchery and festivities. The rest of your sect is waiting at the end of the line. Without further preamble, Mephelon walked on with Ellena balanced on the palm of his hand. The Queen of Dawnrest blinked and breathed as she faced the rest of the group, and from her mouth came a set of wheezed words: Do as he asks he means no harm no ill Wei felt a faint flow of power trickle from the Harbinger into Ellenas head. How Mepheleon kept her from dying, the young master didnt know, but if the Harbinger hadnt intervened at the last moment. So, Rafael said, stepping beside Wei. There is the man whose father I will someday cuck. It took a full second for Wei to process that. He turned and faced the lich. Now? You speak ill of him now? He heard it before; he knows my way, Rafael said. And it makes me laugh, Mepheleon said, wagging a finger in the air. Now, come on, youre all falling behind. With a few twitches of his fingers, the ground beneath Wei and his companions shuddered, cracked, and began to move. It carried them close behind the Harbinger like a moving platform, and Roggi struggled to keep his footing. Agh, rust-damned gobshite. Wei, Agnesia breathed, looking around. Her face was matted with sooth, blood, and sweat. Her locks of ethereal white hair clung to half-clotted wounds in bloody clumps. Her heart was hammering. Her pupils were still dilated. Did we make it out? Did we truly is it done? It hurt for her to even believe. Surviving the Hearted Realm had been an ordeal, and she stood on the verge between shock and collapse. Wei reached out and squeezed her shoulder. We are through, he said. We are through. And there are just three trials left. Three. The word left her as a whisper. She looked on at the gateways drawing closer, and she shrank. I dont know if I have the strength for three more of these. Theyre more like the final stages of your naturalization. I am to gift you with a Title, a lawyer, and then have you all Swear an Oath. That caught Weis attention. And spurred his worry. An oath? Yes. To yourself. What? Rafael chimed. Indeed. Whatever contracts you may have to the Circles or the Lodge or any other ridiculous little group is business. Formal. Official. Documented. Something your Class-Bound lawyers will soon see to resolving. But here, through the Hearted Realm, you have shown promise. Promise that by fortune, choice, and your own grit, that you can rise above your sins. Mepheleon turned his face slightly, and eyed Wei. Or at least know to follow another with the capability. I do apologize about being drawn away for so long. It was most unbecoming of me. I fear my reputation has taken harm; I have been too soft with too many for too longer. Such a problem will need a unique remedy. Ah. Theres the first part. And as they drew close to the first archway, Wei found himself halted by a most grisly sight. There, upon the structure, were thousands of bodies, flayed of skin, mutilated of limbs, with eyelids removed and organs exposed. They were caked into the surface of the gateway and as one they wept, moaned, and begged. And from how the Essence bled out of them, Wei knew their spirits to be in worse conditions than even their bodies. But they werent just adults. There were children there too. Children fused to the bodies of the others, suffocating, clawing desperately with small hands to breach nests of gore and flesh. Wei could feel them writhing beneath the mess of bodies, and he involuntarily swallowed. Ignium, what is this? Agnesia gasped, staring in horror. Pieces of offal, spills of waste, and trails of intestines dropped out from the atrocity. Somehow, the air wasnt foulit was even fragrant. The stench had been removed somehow. These are Inheritors and their families, Mepheleon sighed. I found everyone in their embassy tied to Preceptors Descent: The first ring-city of my Claimed Hells. I had a little chat with those responsible for my temporary delay, and uncovered a great many horrible truths. So many were overcome with guilt and sadness at breaching the sacred laws of hospitality that they requested this fate for them and their young. Just to make things right. Wrongness, the Trine sang as one, their melody filled with genuine terror. Wrongness. Ah. I suppose I did give them a bit of a mental push and some of them broke. But consequences and consequences, and it wasnt like grief they felt wasnt real. Mepheleon came to a stop at the first gate, and slowly, he turned to his side, gesturing forth through the gateway. Now. After you. The ground stopped moving beneath Weis feet. He met the Harbingers eyes once more, ignoring the writhing masses coating the archway above. We need to speak. About Earth. And the Inheritors. And the vault. The Dying Queen as Oh, shes gone. Avatar or not, that poor girl cannot stand to sullied in any fashion. And poor Starmater is left to their own devices once more. But yes. The other things are worth discussing. And I think your future is looking very, very bright, my boy. But that is not here yet. And there are glories you must see to right now. So. Step through. And embrace what is rightfully yours. Staring into the threshold composed of writhing tendrils, Wei felt a strange composition of Essence twisting in place. It wasnt connected to Mepheleonor his deployed avatardirectly. But there was something here. A power that called to Weis spear, that wanted to be a part of his Eidolon. And so, tentatively, Wei pushed his Broken Crescent through, and felt the power pour down through its tip. For a moment, his weapon trembledthe sheer influence of energies nearly sending it to overload. But then the power began to settle, crystallizing somewhere deep instead of just swirling, seeking an outlet. Wei felt his Class Level leap once more, and found himself staggered he finally read the notification. Class Level > 73 And that wasnt all. Title Gifted>[Citizen Invictus] (Legendary): You have overcome the Moongraves. You have walked through the Hearted Realm. You have survived the nature of sin and proved yourself against horror, depravity, and despair. And more than your fellow citizens, you have done this without overtly binding yourself to a Circle or faction. Your fate is truly your own. Grants you the [Invictus] Blessing. Renders you entire immune to mind control effects from entities within 200 Essence Levels of yourself and deals severe backlash to anyone that tries to bend you to their wills. 94 Welcoming (I) Yes. Thats the only answer to if its worth getting a citizenship in the Claimed Hells. It is the only citizenship worth getting in my opinion. -The Trespassers Compendium 94 Welcoming (I) Rot and ruin, Roggi croaked. The Oathbearer flinched back as the Title imprinted itself upon his soul with a flash of burning energy. The veil of Essence left what was a stamp upon him and the others as they stepped through, and he reached as if jolted by lightning. What just happened to us? A legendary Title, Mepheleon explained. The Harbinger took a step forward and suddenly blinked right next to Wei again. The young master fought the urge to jolt back in surprise, choosing instead to glare balefully at the underside of the Demon Lords chin. And before you ask further, no, not everyone gets what you got. Everyone does get a Title though. Something to demonstrate that they have survived the Hearted Realms and earned a place in my Claimed Hells. You just went above and beyond what was required. Because we did it without selling ourselves to a Circle? Rafael asked. Selling is an ugly word. But yes. You stride through my gates, debtless. In fact, it seems you might have even provided one of the Circles a favor. Rare are the Sinners who learn to be so proactive and enterprising. Yet, that is why I made sure you all ended up together after all. Under the wise and courageous leadership of our young friend here. Mepheleon looked down at Wei through his broad-rimmed spectacles, and the young master met his gaze despite the building discomfort. You have done much to aid me, Harbinger. And I am not fool enough to think our journey would have been nearly as pleasant without your machinations. The Harbinger barked a laugh and continued walking. Once more, the ground tumbled into motion beneath Weis feet, carrying him and his companions along. They were making for the next gateway. This one was almost twice the size as the one they just passed through, and rather than having its arches decorated by the mangled bodies of Inheritors, Wei noticed humanoid outlinesoutlines slowly coalescing into the shape of Wei and his companions. Machinations, Mepheleon said, pulling Weis attention back. What an ugly word. Listen, Wei, everyone is playing a game, trying to get their angle. But I noticed you first, you little falling star of hate and patricidal anger. If anything, I was simply protecting a fascinating investment. And, truly, I want to see where your story leads. But of course, the Inheritors decided they wanted your System enough burn their standing in my realm. A pity. A shame. I would have played a dance with them, but alas, it seems we are bound for an ugly little System War over the coming prize. What coming prize? Agnesia asked, her eyes still locked to her mothers head. Ellena hadnt stopped blinking thoroughout their entire walk, and Mepheleon continued to balance her atop his palm like she was some ornament to be shown off. Earth, Wei and Rafael said at the same time. The young master and the lich faced each other, and Wei offered a nod. They are doing this to get access to the spawn world for all Trespassers. A place dry of Essence or magic. A place barely connected to the Fathoms by an Antediluvian Vault. A weary look overcame Agnesia as she shook her head and growled. What godsdamned bullshit. Nothing said holds any sense to me still. Lan-guage, Ellena murmured. Agnesia winced. Sorry mother. A slight smile emerged thereafter. Wei noticed, and to his shame, he felt envy and Suddenly, his mind went blank as a thought occurred to him. If Mepheleon could spare Ellena from death, then perhaps Let me break your heart now for a final, dear boy, Mepheleon said, speaking without turning to face Wei. Our Queen here upon the flat of my palm perished in my domain. And nothing reigns above me in my domain. No Concept. Not time. Not the elements. Not thoughts or stars or even death. Your was lost to the indifferent void. Destroyed using my Tower on the whims of another. There is nothing for me to resurrect besides. I would need to locate their spirits, after all, and now they are well, one with the fundamental Source of existence, I suppose. Source of existence. Could that mean his System processed the spirits of those he knew for power? His mentors? His fellow disciples? His mother? Wei felt sickswallowed back sour spit. He was a fool for hoping. There before him, he saw the scepter of his mother flicker briefly evermore, her body manifesting below Mepheleons palm, connecting to Ellenas head. Resisting trauma using Aspect of (Ambition) Out, Wei growled, clawing his temples as he walked. Away. Trouble me no more. I free of you. I am beyond the Hearted Realms. Away! The others shot him several looks. Agnesia reached out. Wei, are you He quickened his pace and activated Lesser Hollow Mind. No. He was done with this. It wasnt real. And he had other matters that needed resolution. Wei, Agnesia reached out, seeking to comfort him. The young master activated Lesser Hollow Mind and began walking. He had other matters he needed to attend. Matters related to his System and Class. I am well. I am well. I am just tired. Give me silence. Give me He looked on, and the shadow of his mother was no more. He was through the Hearted Realm. And they were gone. They were gone Through it all, Mepheleon said nothing, but Wei knew the Harbinger was aware. A small part of the young master was thankful for the Harbingers discretion. At once, Wei sank into a thoughtless trance as the last of his wounds began to dissolve and the full extent of his progress updated in his mind. Eidolon Class Level > Lv. 73 Cataclysms Herald (2 more Advancements to Unlock Specialization Evolution) Aspect Advancements Per Level: +8 Strength, +6 Speed, +5 Mind, +6 Awareness, +5 Constitution, +8 Will, +5 Free Points Aspects Strength 796 Speed 526 Enlightenment 535 Awareness 546 Constitution 403 Will 636 Abyssal Invocation >[Will Above All] >[Shroud of Scorn] >[Heart of Calamity] Skills [8/10] >[Minor Bolt of Judgment] >[Minor Tyrants Stand] >[Minor Icon of Domination] >[Minor Hammer of Scorn] >[Chain of Conviction] >[Inventory] >[Lance of Calamity] Concept Core of (Destruction) >Titles >>[All-Breaker] If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. System Updating Refining Source >>>Source Refined: [200/200] Lumens Source Core Ascended > Lv. 29 >[9/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension>>[19/20] Core Ascensions to [Gate] 2 System Ascension >>>Source: [290/290] Lumens Authority Advanced 67 Relativity Advanced 53 Enlightenment 39 Omniscience 41 Fortification 41 Ambition [Incalculable] Reviewing encounter Masteries Demonstrated >Meditation (III) 55% >Unarmed Combat (III) 43% >Spearmanship (III) 56% >Evasion (III) 1% >Thrown Weapons (II) 55% >Tactics (II) 99% >Rapier 0% New Selectable Masteries [2] Shiftstride (Evasion/Perception) The world blurs around you when you dodge. Affects everyone within your (Perception) radius. Ruminators Languor (Meditation/Relativity) Whenever the host enters a state of mediation, the world around them slows based on their Aspect of (Relativity). ATTENTION: Ruminators Languor has Skill synergies with Concept Cores of (Augmentation) and (Harvest) ATTENTION: Ruminators Languor can be merged with the Mastery Lesser Hollow Mind Ruminators Languor/Lesser Hollow Mind > Lesser Vessel of the Ruminator The host actively enters a trance of active meditation, causing the world around them to slow based on their (Relativity). They can accelerate the Source they recover via epiphanies or understandings gained from their (Enlightenment) ATTENTION: Lesser Manifestation has Skill synergies with Concept Cores of (Augmentation) Mastery Node Capacity [7/10] >Proximal Acceleration >Form of the Resonant >Lesser Vessel of the Ruminato r>Lesser Manifestation >Vector Chain >Lesser Cast Possession >Mark of Enmity >Outsight Sourcery Advancements [2] Available! Select [10] Source Propagation Allows the host to channel Source out from their body and unravel the stability of the physical matter around them. The more Source is sacrificed, the more the world unravels. Liminal Bridge > Liminal Tunnel [Requires 25 Sourcery Advancements (Currently at 19) Ascensions [Sourceforged] Concept Core of (Harvest)>Skills>>Form of the Martial Harvester Concept Core of (Augmentation)N/A The young master groaned as the new Title bound to his Class while his System finally finished processing his experiences after he finished recovering his Source. The sheer flood of upgrades, advancements, empowerments, masteries, combinations, and Sourceries passing through Weis consciousness came with a free migraine. Still, his growth had been absolutely tremendous. Over thirty levels for his Class, almost ten for his System, and just a single Aspect Advancement away from reaching his next Gate. Wei wondered what changes he would experience upon reaching that threshold. The first allowed him to break concepts and stand the slightest chance against the forces of hell. And then there was the matter of his Ambition. That Aspect was wrong. Or at least it shouldnt have been reached at this point. It felt a level above all the others, and it instilled him with a new weight he couldnt quite comprehend. The best way he could describe it was a field of gravity projected out from his being. Ambition is the infliction of your willpower upon the external world, his System said. And what does that mean? Wei asked, still none too pleased with his System. If the damnable thing had worked when he needed it earlier, Ellena would not be in such a state. The Harbinger would not be needed to intervene. We were unable to respond. The Dying Queens lingering presence needed to be purged. Our response was dictated by protocols, and a failsafe would have activated should her Embracement near culmination. What do you mean? The Keter System is designed to break apart into an unusable state along with its host to prevent hostile capture. More horrible truths. Just what Wei wanted. How much more arent you telling me? We are unsure. We only know upon encounter specific problem scenarios. The young master bit back another sigh. Whatever framework the Antediluvians hadAsaru in particularit was not geared toward transparency or effectiveness. So far, others knew more about his System than he did, and with every benefit it offered, it also came with hidden surprises and a whole host of other problems. We are an unfinished prototype. This is not a surprising outcome. The flaws inherent in our design were not addressed, and some fundamental quality of life features remain absent. A slight frown graced the young masters face. There was little worth in frustration. The System had its faults, but it was also something he could further shape and improve. Now, having survived the Hearted Realms and no longer beset by threats every passing second, Wei could find the time to delve into the mysteries hidden within his spirit and truly learn about the powers he possessed. The ground came to a halt just as Wei emerged from his meditative trance. The gateway shimmered before him, and the edge of his Omniscience glimpsed the end to the Black Tower. What seemed like a wide open plaza awaited the gate after this one, and there were people there. Standing. Waiting. People Wei knew. Disciples from his sect and three particular Essence signatures. The first was Bishop. The psionic resonance there was unmistakable. Beside him was William Yu. Wei clenched his spear tight and hardened his resolve. Yes. If there was time for an accounting, it was now as well. You did not tell me about him, Wei said, speaking to Mepheleon. The Harbinger gestured, waving for Wei to pass through the second gateway as well. Was there the need? And besides, Mr. Yu is a private citizen with his own personal, private vendetta. Far be it for me to get in the way of his life. Or yours. It was an expected answer, but as good as one Wei could expect. The Harbigner treated everything like theater. Demeaning on some level, but at the very least he wasnt trying to stop Wei from acting. And that was all one could ask for some time. And whats this supposed to be now? Agnesia asked? She eyed the threshold before her and saw a strange rippling outline reflecting the generate dimensions of her form. This is where you get a lawyer, of course! Mepheleon said cheerfully. Lawyer? Rafael muttered. The lich made a spitting noise. What need do we have for lawyers? Demonic as such a profession is, this place is ruled by violence and vice already. Ruled being the key word. Step through and find out, rebel. I promise youll be surprised. Rafeal stared suspiciously at Mepheleon for a beat, and the Harbinger just sighed. I will not force you to do anything, of course. I am not the Crossroads. But you will have to suffer the consequences of someone sealing you in a spatial courtroom for eons and eons due to being unrepresented Wei let out a tired snort and stepped through. Wei, wait! Rafael cried. If he meant harm, he would have acted upon it, Wei replied, ignoring the lichs apprehension. Frankly, the young master just wanted to be done with his trials. Whatever ridiculous was to follow, it couldnt be worse than what came before. Letting the wall of Essence splash over him, he felt it imprint on his Eidolon once more, and as he came out the other side, something hummed within his weapon, asking to be let out. Wei came to a halt and held up his spear, unsure if he was hearing things again. Again, a faint call came to him. Hello? Wei said, speaking into his Eidolon. Permission to come out please After a moment of hesitation, Wei granted it. An emanation of golden flames rose from his spear, and within its dancing folds emerged a strange creature barely the size of Weis hand. It wiggled free from his speartip first, and resembled a severed golden tongue wearing a soot-dark suit. After a few seconds of struggling, it got itselfand a small briefcaseout of the Eidolon and stumbled down the length of Weis weapon. The strange little demon was also flat. Thinner than even paper and had a twitchy movement quality to it. Why, howdy-ho, friend. You must be my client! The small demon spoke with a shrill and joyful voice. Wei just stared on, trying to process what he was seeing. I what manner of demon are you? Me? Im your personal lawyer! Im here to make sure you get out from all manner of trouble and represent you in the Court of Circles. Ill also be summoned in your place and draft contracts in defense your personal rights. Im looking forward to all the good times well be having together-and all the lives we will ruin. The lawyers voice deepened at the end, causing Weis bones to tremble. Lawyer of Scorn Lv. 73 Tier Unproven Pending Cases: >0 Activate Contracts >0 Yes. Most people have that reaction to them. Mepheleon chuckled. Wei closed his eyes and caught himself before he could flinch. Cease that. Mepheleons glee lessened. I was sure you were going to shiver at least. Truly, boy, being so stiff at your age is cause for concern. Ahem! The little lawyer bound to Weis spear waved its briefcase at Mepheleon. Please stop bothering my client. Further attempts to provoke a reaction out of him might be treated as an attempt in entrapment. Thats grounds for a suing. The Harbingers grin returned. Well. Look at that. They are nothing if not ever-motivated. Even against me. 95 Welcoming (II) And when I passed through the last gateway and entered the Claimed Hells, the true games began, and I learned. Under the instruction of the Harbinger, I learned. But more meaningfully, I grew my power, and the hunger of my ambition as well. The Inheritors took my home. And so I would take theirs. Before anyone else knew, before even I knew truly knew, Earth was to be mine to conquer. -Wei An Wei The Realmbreaker 95 Welcoming (II) Oh, golly gee, client, you sure lived a rough life. And with some many people acting against you too. Dont worry though: well sue those Inheritors! Well sue them good and hard! Im drafting the first of my documents up as we speak across the Courtswere going to bring OUR SCORN down on their little tushies so hard, the Circle of Pride will have to launch a countersuit against us to stop us from obliterating the Inheritors before they can get a piece The little demonic sprite danced from place to place on Weis spear, pulling comically large papers out of its tiny briefcase. Soon thereafter, the others sported their own lawyersthough theirs different slightly in aesthetic compared to his. All of them were two-dimensional tongues, but their color palates fit the Path they were treading upon, and their ties also gave indications of their clients class. Agnesia had a raw-red lawyer with a blackfire tie. Roggis lawyer, on the other hand, was a bit bloated, seeming more akin to a rotting worm than a tongue, and their tie was likewise a tendril of pure decay. Rafael, ultimately, was snarling at a near-transparent lawyer. Curses were exchanged between them about how the market was a vile thing or how the Crossroads technically did nothing wrong under a set of articles and numbers. It was all frankly a lot for Wei to take in: It had been a long day. A long few weeks. His mind was weary, and his spirit remained fractured from Ellenas near death earlier. He was spent. And so, his focus finally drifted as the lawyer prattled on, and Mepheleon led them toward the last gatewaythe last trial before they were full accepted into the Claimed Hells. For a good half hour they walked and Wei finally spent some time taking in the scenery to histhis place wasnt his home. He would never really have a home again. That was lost to him. But it was a new horizon; a realm of opportunity and refinement. Nearing the base of the tower, he saw massive rings passing above the encroaching gateway, its surface dense with lights and structures. There were eight layers that revolved around a core. A core that sprouted burning arteriesthe incubators that formed the Claimed Hells heartblood. Each ring was many times the size of an ordinary realm, and even from afar could Wei feel the crushing Essence signatures of greater powers than he. A mere month ago, he was but a boy in a backward realm, thinking that his sect was the final pinnacle before one could trespassing into the heavens. Not so. Not so. The Fathoms were far more than he could have ever anticipated, and the black fate of his sect had been writ in betrayal for reasons they couldnt have known. The edge of Weis Omniscience slipped beyond the final gate, and he found a gravity vector symbolthe same kind down in the anchor citiesat the very base of the tower. There, a wide plaza sporting painted tiles of obsidian awaited them. This would be their entry into the first ring of the Claimed Hells, then. This place, called Preceptors Descent. There is a cost to resurrection, you know? Mepheleon said, speaking casually as he levitated Ellenas head. The former queen blinked, face contorted in permanent horror. It hurt to look upon her, and the ghost of Weis mother wouldnt stop lingering below as a body. Wei cursed internally; his damned System must still be trying to manage itself. That was what he wanted to believe, anyway. It will take time and focused effort on my part. It is no small feat, denying death its due. What do you want? Agnesia murmured. Her gaze was locked to Ellena, flinching each time her mothers head dipped. Whatever you desire, I will give it. Whoever you wish killed, whatever you want taken, I will promise Her lawyer sudden bounced on her head, causing Agnesia to stumble forward. Dont say that crap, girlie! Hey, Harbinger! She didnt mean it! Agnesia growled and snatched at her lawyer, but the demon just phased through her hand before bouncing off her head again. Stop! It slammed into Agnesias chin, making her grunt but not actually hurting her. Screwing yourself over. We gotta negotiate! Let him finish his terms first! Hells! I hate new clients! A low chuckle sounded from Mepheleon as he enjoyed the scene. All without turning around once. Dont worry princess. You will have your own tale to create. But your mother her fate rests not with what you choose, but what our young master Wei here decides. Weis gut clenched. What was the Harbinger playing at now. Dont worry, his lawyer said, boucing up his shoulder. The goon probably trying to drive a bargain. Whatever price hes trying to pull, Ill find a way to bring it down. Be sure about that. Wei hesitated before giving the small Demon of Law a brief nod. The creature was strange, and he still wasnt sure about how he truly felt. At least it was upbeat and helpful. It occupied a space parallel to his Eidolon, bonded with his Class. That didnt mean he trusted it. Wei didnt trust anything anymore, and should Mepheleon will the lawyer to betray their clients, then they would. Of this, the young master was sure. But then again, what Mepheleon willed often simply was. There were only a few things Wei had to offer that the Harbinger couldnt simply take, and the big one was his System. Keter. Concept Breaker. Wei was tired. Tired of schemes. Tired of games. And so he went on the offense. It is the vault, isnt it? Wei guessed. The Antediluvian Vault connected to Earth? Oh. So youve done some reading, Mepheleon turned, and lowered his head toward Wei. His glasses slid down his nose, and the dark pools that were his eyes seemed to shine with the celebratory lights. Why, I suppose youre right. But its more than that. I will ask you personally in a moment. I have a feeling youll like what I have to say. An what about the rest of us, Roggi spat. Are we supposed to just go along with whatever you have planned? Well, once you pass the last gate and receive your seal, you may do as you please, provided you dont break any contracts or offend any actual powers. You are on the verge of citizenship, my dears. Meager Sinners no more. And almost boyishly, Mepheleon leaped from the path and clicked his heels together. When he landed, Wei and the others were standing right before the final gatewaythe span of several kilometers crossed in a single click. But the young master caught something that time. There was a trickle of Essence peeling away from the Harbingerand it wasnt the black of space. Whatever that power was, Wei didnt know, but it was unique to the Harbinger so far, and mightve been the primary force behind his greater miracles. Here we stand, Mepheleon said, gesturing toward the final gateway. No corpses dotted its exterior this time. No outlines either. Instead, it was just a pool of pure white, giving off a constant whine. The Creator The Creator This work divine The Trine sang out at once, each of them reaching out toward the gate. They took a few steps forward, but Roggi and Agate sudden shifted in their paths, stopping them. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Hold! Agate growled. The Trine didnt respond. Instead, they continued walking forward. Wait, what are you Then, uncannily, they opened their mouths and sang in a unique note. A unified note that matched the whine of the gate. As the pitches aligned, their bodies came alight as well, and Wei felt a lightness come over them. They grew translucent and phased through the two Oathbearers as a group. Weis eyes widened as he felt them disentangle from material reality. What is this? Roggi said. He tried grabbing at the Trine twice more before spinning on Mepheleon. You! Stop this! I cannot, the Harbinger said. For it is not my doing. The Bearers of the Creators Hymn have found another piece of the song in this great artifact. I suspect they will be joined with the Highest Symphony for a while. Dont mind them. Theyll just be a while, soaking in some new tunes. The Highest Agates words trailed off as he looked upon the gate. How? How is it here Roggi murmured, finishing his forgekins words. Wei looked between the Oathbearers but it was Mepheleon who offered an elaboration. There are fragments of the Creator everywhere. This one has been here for a thousand years. From the time the Creator was first broken. I suspect the old fool foresaw his breaking, and hid bits of himself around. Its what I would have done anyway. And youve been usin it as a bleeding hellgate? Roggi practically roared. Hellgate? Oh, no, its just something to alter your spiritual frequency. Make you more divine, should I say. After all, the old lore goes thusly: be not all demons once angels descended from heavenly grace? When you pass through, you will officially be a citizen, and more than that, you will be able to return to the Claimed Hells any time you so wish, for its resonance will be bound to yours. That gave everyone pause. This is a binding ritual? Rafael asked. No, Platonist, Mepheleon sighed. This is simply Spiritcrafting, Platonist. Weaving a place close to your heart. A home you can always return to, no matter where you are. And what if we refuse, Rafael said, speaking to Mepheleon with far more braver than he ever did Wei. What if we decide we desire destruction over this bondage. Then stay here. Or find a way around the gate. But understand that you will be stranded out in the abyss and consumed by Source should someone, say, teleports you. Serious, old chum, the paranoia act was charming at first, but you need to understand that if I truly meant you harm, you wouldnt even know it. Rafael let out a low scoff at that, but complained no more. Well, then, Mepheleon said, bowing to the group. I bid you a most delicious welcome to our home, my empire, and your place of infinite opportunity, should you be powerful enough to seize them. Step through and be free, oh members of the Drowned Sky Sect. And dont worry about this one. Mepheleon made Ellena spin on one of his fingers. Shell be made perfect in due time. Agnesia bit her lip and clenched her fists. She didnt like this, but what else could she do? What other choice did she have if she was to keep her mother alive. Mother? If you can hear me, Im Im sorry I couldnt That was as far as she got before she brought a hand up to her face and collapsed into a miserable grimace. Her lawyer clambered out of her hair and patted her on the head. There, there, little lady. Youll get her back. Shes just going to get a new body. Wei, too, was anxious about what Mepheleon intended to do, but he was done waiting. Offering a weak salute, the young master hardened his resolve and strode forth into the light of gateway. It was time to bring his trials to an end. Be seeing you soon, Wei, Mepheleon sang. The young master ignored him as he crossed into the threshold. Reality vanished into a reverberating note. All around him was an expanse of whiteness. Being here infused him with a sense of tranquility. Oneness. Like he was a note among a symphony, a unique entity unto himself and also a part of a greater whole. The resonance passed into him, and Wei felt the song pulse out into the world around him as well. Its really quite something to have home follow you wherever you go, Mepheleon said, voice whispering the back of Weis mind. The young master closed his eyes and fought back a sigh. You werent kidding about the soon. Of course. But I didnt want to do this where drifting ears might catch me saying anything. Those Inheritor cockroaches they have offended me. Insulted me in my own home and burned yours down to cinders. For years, I found them overly self-important annoyances, but now now things are finally getting exciting. Exciting? Wei asked. Of course! Theyve been biding their time, building their power to make a play for Earth and the vault. And with the destruction of your realm, the currents are flowing right, and the way is clear. All they lack is a System capable of breaking into the vault, and here you are a faction unto yourself. What do you want? Wei asked. For you to conquer Earth. As you said to that idiot, Seever, earlier. Wei frowned. Why? Because it would offend the great System hosts among the Inheritors to see you debase their homes and claim their rightful treasures. And that will set the ground for my desired war. What games are you playing, Mepheleon? What is your goal here? What it always is: control and influence. I wish for you to give me proper casus belli while my hand seems feeble and clean after this unfortunate attack against me. A dark cloud spread through the young masters mind. You seek to use me as your dagger, then. A tool for your war? The Harbinger just laughed. Youre close to your second gate, are you not? Cross through and reward yourself. You deserve it. And be not afraid for the queen. Her part in this is not yet done. In fact, I will improve on her fragility. And with that, Wei felt the Harbingers presence recede from him, and the light begin to dim as well. A final pulse of sound carried Wei forward, and he found himself emerging through the others side of the portal, stepping out onto a plaza that stretched kilometers wide and leagues long. The first thing he noticed were the other gateways to his left and right. Each one had a kilometer of space between them, and he saw other triumphant sinners passing through. They came in counts of one to five people but never more than that. Behind, Roggi, Rafael, Agate, and Agnesia emerged soon after. But it was the sight a few steps in front of them that rendered Wei speechless. True to Mepheleons word, the disciples of the Drowned Sky Sect stood there as a messy blob, waiting for the arrival of their patriarch. Wei spotted the orc wearing a chefs hat, the Hivekin with a crown, the elf he saved from the Hearted Realm of Greed, Angeleouss Shadow Archer lieutenant, and hundreds more. They werent the only ones there to greet him. In front of the disciples were three other individuals. The first was a three-meter tall woman with pale-eyes. Wei nearly flinched as he felt her Essence. The Moonscar: Lv. ??? A coat composed of drifting slabs of stoneeach one aglow with an inscribed Cipherhovered around her body. When Wei met her gaze, he felt a spirit-rending chill pass through him. He had no idea who she was, but right next to her stood John Bishop in the flesh and with his spirit on display as well. Once more, Wei winced. Putting the Trespasser in Angeleouss body was an insult. The man was at least as powerful as the Count of Pride. But it was the third person in the group that made his heart twist in agony. Weis focus tunneled in on the man, and everything else ceased to matter. Across from Wei stood what might as well be an older version of himself with short hair. Other than they, they had the same jaw, same cheeks, same glare, but different eyes. Veins of red crept along the periphery of Weis vision as his hands shook. William Yuhis father, his mothers murderwas right there in front of him. Finally. After all he suffered, he could He could He could what? Break the man? Torture him? Kill him? No. it wasnt enough. Not anymore. The Inheritors were still alive. Their families were still alive. And William Yu owed the Drowned Sky Sect much more than a single death could provide. A mere day agoperhaps minutes before killing Seever and earning all those Advancements evenWei might have chosen violence. But now, he wanted more than just one death, one life. The hatred Wei felt toward his father was ineffable and borderline unbearable, but bear it he did. For he needed to learn about his enemy and set some things right. The young master held his Broken Crescent high before his fathers gaze. And then dismissed it. William Yu blinked. His posture loosened ever so slightly as well. Wei, he said, his voice low. William Yu, Wei replied, unwilling to claim any kind of relation with his father. We have matters to discuss. A flash of grief and regret passed behind his fathers eyes, but he just nodded. Yeah. I suppose we do. Enlightenment Advanced > 40 >[10/10] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension>>[20/20] Core Ascensions to [Gate] 2 System Ascension [Gate] 2 System Ascension Available II-1 Preceptor’s Descent O miserable fiends, bastards, sinners, liars, deviants, and murders all. Heed these words! The Blood Games for the latest recruitment cycle have come to a close. The Lowest House hopes youve enjoyed your time, and plucked the ripest fruits, most juicy with potential! In sixty full revolutions, the new System War will be upon us! Thats right, Sinners! The prize approachesthe way is clear! The home realm of the Trespassers stands open to us, and Earth will soon know the tender caress of our Claimed Hells. But alas, it is a Hollow World, dry of Essence and poison to those with spirit. Lest ye be Trespasser in origin, to exist in such a space delivers a certain fate: spiritual dissolution. And it is that we must flood the realm with new watersinject it with proper Essence and see freshwater turned to salt for our demons to invade. But there are only so many Towersand our Circles stand legion! What to do, what to do? Oh, I know! How about another competition? A contest for worthy Knights and the like to represent their Circles or factions as the vanguard into this new world. It has been some time since a new novelty graced our Black Theaters. Hark, Sinners! Hark and heed me! Let this be evermore flavored. Let this challenge bear a shared essence with this world we are about to claim: Let our Knights perform, and let primacy, priority, and the privilege of first access be granted with the decision of a vote. A vote to see who shall ride the first tower through the supple atmosphere of Earth Stay tuned for more details -Mepheleon the Harbinger II-1 Preceptors Descent The cold silence slid into place after Wei and his father concluded their exchange of words. For a few beats, no one spoke, both sides observing the other. The Trespassers were powerful, though they numbered only three. Two were known to Wei, while the last one, Sarah Moonscar, remained an enigma. But she was here for a reason, and Wei caught her staring at Rafael with something a bit more than curiosity. The rest of the disciples of the Drowned Sky Sect looked on from behind the Trespassers, trying to glean what was happening. Next to Wei, Agnesia shuffled awkwardly, her fists closing and flexing as if preparing for another battle. Finally, the silence was broken as Bishop gave a cough. "Well, you all made" he said, his voice trailing off as his eyes narrowed. "Wheres Ellena?" Wei grimaced. Bishops gaze shifted, his expression softening. "So, sorry, kid. She, uhno, it wouldn''t make sense." "She didn''t die," Wei said quickly. "Mepheleon he kept her from death things happened at the end. That, however, provoked a greater reaction from the Trespasser. "What do you mean kept her from death?" It means that if the Harbinger didnt intervene, my mother would have died from her beheading, Agnesia growled. Her voice was too tired to fully convey her misery, but there was still plenty of rage in her breath. Sarah Moonscar shot Bishop a look, and he returned it. "Well, that''s something," Bishop said. "Harbinger doesnt intervene to save someone from death all that often. Guess you all are special. At least one of you, anyhow. Moonscar smirked. Whatever the case, Im sure you all had a long day. We arranged temporary accommodations for everyone in the first ring and have scheduled transport as well. If youd follow us, please. "I wouldnt object to some food," Roggi said, groaning as a few dead worms fell out of his beard. "and maybe a little bit of sleep as well." The Trespassers led the group out from the plaza. Using his Omniscience, Wei picked up bits and pieces of conversations around him. The lesser disciples were searching for Ellena as well, some already chattering amongst themselves about her supposed fate. In the short time since his sect''s re-establishment, they seemed to have taken a liking to his quartermaster. He didnt blame them. Ellena was a capable woman, skilled, focused, and experienced in the matters of running larger organizations. Her absence was a true woundmore than material. With how much his Classs Perception had grown, his Omniscience now spread well over a space of a full kilometer, though still far from sufficient to grasp the whole plaza. Studying the square beyond the Black Towers gateway, Wei studied his surroundings. The center of the plaza hosted a detailed depiction created from panels of painted glass: A man wearing a frock coat stepping into the body of a muscular, red vivisected demon. Framing the artwork in a circle were the words: "Here begins Preceptor''s Descent." Enlightenment: The place where the Harbinger became the Harbinger, where his exile became his liberation. Wei frowned. His Enlightenment just spoke to him. It didnt use to do that. Gate [2] System Ascesion Available Right. He would do that soon. Not here. Not with so many people around him. There were other people leaving the Tower as well. His gateway wasnt the only one. It looked like there were hundreds of exits trailing out from the base of the structure, and from each radiant threshold game groups of two to five, but never more than that. There were others here too. Knight-Tier Classed judging from their Essence signatures. Each of them stank of a specific Sin. Circle representatives here to claim their new recruits, Wei guessed. Flying demons dressed in black and white attire and sporting small ties waved and guided new Sinners. The survivors of the ordeal looked haggard as a wholeeyes wide, their spirits weak, bodies brutalized, faces slack. Passing through the Hearted Realm took something from everyone. These new recruits werent heading the same direction as Wei and his group, however. Nine painted paths led off to a corresponding number of archways. Each one burned with a Circles title. All except for the one where Wei was heading. It simply said: Unaffiliated. Another thing he noticed was how sparse his path was. Aside from him and the Trespassers, there was no one else heading in that direction. Using his Omniscience to scout ahead, Wei saw the path led down a set of stairs, descending underground. A wailing noise sounded, and Wei watched a series of long, fast moving forms clambering along extended rails running toward a sprawling cityscape. A film of thin red blurred the specifics of the city they were bound for, but Wei could see structures stacked upon structures. Layers. And there were things moving in a the sky as well, giving a sense of circulation, like he was looking a beating heart rather than dead architecture. Eight shadows rose above all others. A major edifice rose above all others, casting its shadow far, and a rippling wavelength of Essence further. Wei tasted the tang of coin and wealth. The power of Greed was in the airperhaps this was one of that Circles major bases? If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. "Thats a mansions," Bishop said, gesturing toward the grand structure. "Youre going to be seeing those a lot while you''re here. Every Guild has one. The entirety of Preceptor''s Descent was built out from themthe founding pillars of this art-deco madhouse." So Wei''s guess was correct. But there were other things he didnt get. Whats art deco? The Trespasser snorted. Told you back down in the Moongraves, kid. Got a lot to show you. They continued past the archway down steps carved from ivory, glass, and obsidian. Wei found himself proceeding down a tunnel, and an underground station expanded before his senses. After a few more minutes of walking, Wei saw a row of windows staffed by demons constantly stamping pages over and over while mumbling. Ticketing ticketing "This is a crawler station," Bishop explained. "That''s how most people get around the city. Usually, you need to buy a ticket, but we, up at Trespasser''s Lodge, have a special pass that makes us very important people." The tunnel stretched on, spanning kilometers, markers pointing to different platforms that burned midair with hellfire. A feeling of unease gripped Wei as he noticed how empty it was here. "Very vacant," Wei commented. "Yeah, supposed to be," William replied. Weis shifted a look of disdain at the back of his fathers head. Why did this subhuman think he had a right to speak? "This line is for those unaffiliated with any circle. Not many like us, usually. If someones here, its either a recruit for the Lodge or someone from the Crossroads." "And what of the Inheritors?" Wei asked, his glare unbreaking. "I would have included them, but they seem to have fallen on hard times recently. Something about trying to disable the Harbinger and throwing the Blood Games into chaos. A bit of a massacre has taken place is taking place across the city. Open season on their like. The rest are going to groundfeeling into Crossroad establishments to avoid to storm. They fucked up big time with you. That was something, at least. Wei smirked cruelly. So, the Inheritors were punished for their misdeeds. He suspected as much when he saw the bodies coating the second gateway. It seemed the Harbinger was truthful about delivering retribution. Glorious. Wei felt his father flinch slightly but continue walking. Nineteen, Bishop called out and took a left turn. He passed though what looked to be an empty doorframe made from strange alloys and then led them down another staircase. A signpost above confirmed his statement: Platform 19 - Crawler to The Cherubs Corpse. "Cherubs Corpse," Rafeal said, sounding slightly uncertain. "Its an unaffiliated den," Bishop explained, "Non-Circle turf. Not far from where one of the Lodges branches are. We booked lodging for you there, so thats where youll be staying for the foreseeable future. "Why is it called Cherubs Corpse?" Wei asked. "Because thats literally what it is," Bishop grunted. He didnt offer any more details. As they were about to reach the bottom of the stairs, Wei felt a faint Essence signature approaching. The coming presence was barely at Knight-Tier, but the Essence empowering it was constant. Flowing. Endless. But when it entered his perception, he was still surprised. In retrospect, he shouldnt have been. He remembered the demonic spider he rode with Schr?dinger when he first arrived. Demons were the lifeblood of this place, so why wouldnt a demon be the main form of transportation as well. A massive, centipede-like creature slid out from a pit of darkness, and veins of pulsating red danced down its body. Wei counted twelve segments to its body, with each one running twelve meters long. Long demon. Ridiculously long. More than that was the bronze fused into its flesh and the vents that hissed screaming steam into the air. This thing was more then just hellish biologythere was some kind of golemancy at play as well. Weis Omniscience allowed him to perceive within it as well. He looked over luxurious cabins with plush carpets, leather seats, tables laden with food, and impish demon servers on standby. They were small, impish creatures with bat-like wings. The kind Wei wouldnt think twice about killing in one of the Moongraves, if not for their formal pieces of attire and oversized hats. As their group finally reached the base of the stairs, Agnesias eyes widened despite her sullen mood. "What in damnation is that?" Crawler: Lv. 50 A high-pitched squeal echoed through the station from the head of the creature, and from one of the doors emerged a familiar figure. "Alright, you bastards, show me your tickets," Schr?dinger barked. Dressed in a peculiar uniform with a small hat, he spotted Wei. "Well, I''ll be damned. You didnt die." Wei nodded. "Schr?dinger. I never intended to make a liar of myself. You still owe me lessons." The goblin made a smacking noise with his lips. "You know I never technically agreed to that, right?" The young master ignored him. "Good. Ill be speaking with you in the future. I look forward to my continued education." Rafael leaned inw with a sniff. "Wei, I thought I was supposed to be instructing you." "Everyone will instruct me," Wei said casually. "I will claim all knowledge." Nearby, a slight snort escaped from William Yu. Havent changed. Weis momentary banter dissolved as he spat at his fathers feet. The comments stopped after that. Think not of me as anything to you anymore. This moment wasnt for William. Whatever memories Wei had of his father were falsehoods. Defilements. Bishop showed Schr?dinger a pass he drew from his Inventory, and the goblin squinted before nodding. "All right, so you got the pass. Big whoop-dee-doo. Get in." Bishop and Sarah Moonscar entered first. "Sort yourself among whatever train cars you want. Full service is included," Bishop said telepathically. "Wei, bring your crew to car one. There are some things we need to discuss." Without hesitation, Wei followed, Roggi and Agate lumbering close behind. "This doesnt look like any train I know," Agat said. "Train?" Wei replied. "Its a locomotive," Roggi added. Wei blinked. "Its like a mechanical carriage that moves on its own. Sometimes it uses steam, other times essence, or some other form of magic. This ones probably running on pure hellish energy. Everything runs on sin in the Claimed Hells." As Wei stepped into the car, he saw the luxurious setup his omniscience had revealed earlier. Bishop, Moonscar, and his father were seated at the far end, and Wei joined them, planting himself on the leather sofa across from them. Roggi and Agate, being considerably larger, sat at a special table with an entire spread of food and drink before them. There was even a towel and a large box of wet-papers for Roggi to deal with his condition. "So," Bishop began. "What the hell happened after I left?" Wei shook his head. "Seever happened. The Project Lead. Hehe was too fasthe managed to take Ellena. I tired I was I wasnt enough. I broke his perception, but I failed to Weis hands began to shake. He remembered. He remembered how his mothers form overlapped with Ellenas head. He remembered Wei, Bishop said, reaching across the table. The young master flinched back. "Its nothing," he said, shaking himself. Sarah Moonscar studied him closely. "Its not nothing. I can feel whats broken inside you. Her eyes gleamed as she spoke, but her words inspired only rage. "I will not discuss this with you," Wei interrupted. "I do not know you, nor do I need your words about my mental state. I am well. I am well." You are well, his System agreed. She wanted to continue, but Bishop shook his head. "No," was all he said, and all he needed to say. Wei was thankful for that. Bishop respected his boundaries, something Wei appreciated. Another high-pitched squeal signaled the trains departure. Schr?dinger walked through the train cars, ringing a small bell. "Alright, get seated and dig in. If theres anyone still at the station, were leaving you behind, and youre probably going to get eaten by one of the ticket demons when they get bored. Its happened before. Make sure no ones left behind!" And with that, the train started moving. The station outside began rolling along as the Crawlers legs began to skitter. Wei used his Omniscience once more to ensure all his disciples were aboard, and only then let out a breath. They were they survived He did it. At no small cost, but they did it. Wei, listen, his father began, leading over the table between them. About what I did, your mother Bishop felt what was coming and shook his head. Fuckin idiot. Wei punched his father. With all he had. His knuckles crashed hard against his fathers nose. Hit so hard that Wei felt his knuckles fracture. So hard a sonic crackle sent everyone around him stumbling against their seats. So hard that Williams head snapped backwardbut not before a spurt of nosebleed splattered over the glazed chicken between them as new topping. Bishop just frowned at the chickens newest condiment. Come the fuck on, you two, we were going to eat that. Im still going to eat that, Wei said, seething as Source leaked from his hand. I think it might even taste better. II-2 A Glimpse of the City 680 trillion is a large number, almost unfathomable to most people, but ultimately it is quite paltry for the Claimed Hells, considering it is a set of ringworlds collapsed over each other. This, however, had its own reasons. Mepheleons naturalization process was sophisticated and cruel, ensuring that only a certain type of character made it in. The higher layers were mostly dedicated to designing high-level demons, experimental planar realities, demonic assembly lines, new Black Towers, and more. Preceptors Descent, meanwhile, is where the bulk of the population resides. Here, the city stretched well over 5.3 million kilometers in circumference. It was also stacked into three distinct layers: the highest, the Heights, where laws and stability reigned supreme, and tame sources of entertainment could be found; the Balance, known to some locals as the Cleft, a gray zone pulled between order and chaos; and finally, the Base, an eternal trench of warfare where the circles battled in skirmishes and positional struggles, a brutal zone with no laws beyond dominance and war -A summary of Preceptors Descent II-2 A Glimpse of the City True to his word, Wei took a bite out of the chicken, and his father looked on with open disgust. Well, you were never one to lie, son. Always honest about who you were, what you were going to do Wei savored every droplet of blood he tasted, and his stare was unyielding. "One of us has to be." Bishop chuckled as he looked between father and son. "All right, both of you, knock it the fuck off." He pointed at Wei. "No more hitting people. I let you have that one. Please dont do it again. Im asking." Weis pride felt challenged, but the Trespasser was ever so polite. He gave a nodthough his heart was uncertain about if he could fulfill the promise. Then, Bishop looked to William. And you stop the sorry father routine. Bit too late for that shit. Waving his hand over the glazed chicken, Bishop used his psionics to clean away the blood. There were other meals on the table as well. Some kind of filleted fish. A round assortment of eyes. Strange slimy eel-like creatures. Bowls of what looked to be sweet-smelling bugs. And whine. Everyone had a cup of wine its scent sour with a tang of spice. Weis companions stared on tensely, their eyes locked to William Yu. Weis father exuded more power than ever beforehowever he regained his Class when he arrived here, his growth was still in progress. He was at level eighty-four. Far more powerful than almost anyone else other than Wei, Bishop, or Moonscar. But William Yu didnt look threatened or scared. Just tired. Regretful. Whatever he felt, it wasnt enough. It would never be enough. Alright, William said, throwing up his hands and looking away from his son. Fuck me, I guess. Ill keep quiet. You should have done that from the start, Agnesia muttered. Wei noted that the princesss fists were clenched, and her aura simmered with hellish heat. She had been ready for a fight from the moment he hit his father. Across the car, Roggi and Agate were the same, with the former spawning swollen bugs from the sores that lined their body and the latter hefting their hammer. The only one who hadnt acted was Rafaelof everyone present, he was torn between the Lodge and Wei. William gave the others in Weis group a brief look each. His eyes finally settled on Agnesia, and she sneered at him in response. Finally, he looked between her and Wei several more times before he chuckled to himself, nodded, and went back to eating his food. Figures. The tension lasted a moment longer as Moonscar frowned. I told you it was a bad idea to bring him. If we didnt bring him, the kid wouldve started asking questions. William heres the only reason we got in contact with the kid anyway, and frankly, Im not doing this family feud bullshit. Were gonna see it settled, and settled fast. Family never gets settled fast, Moonscar sighed. She offered Wei an apologetic stare. Much as we try. Her gaze suddenly jumped over to Rafael and the young master caught sight of a thin Essence tendril running between them. A chat was ongoing between the two. A chat Rafael hadnt informed him about. Wei was slightly surprised at himselfhe wasnt even that upset. Rafael had mentioned Moonscars name to him before and so this was some time coming, but Wei needed to know what they were speaking after they were done. Paranoia was a virtue in the Claimed Hells. Moonscar herself presented a major problem as well. So far, she kept a low profile, seeming little more than a moral, if her remarkable size and strange attire were ignored. But her Essence was overwhelming. She was well beyond a Knight a bit more than Bishop, even. But she made no spectacle of things. She reminded Wei of an anglerfish; her current form felt like a lure for the foolish. After a few more seconds, Wei took his second bite and everyone began to eat. Agnesia impaled one of those sweet-bugs with her fork, frowning at it. Across the crawler car, Roggi and Agate began attacking a large cauldron of steaming noodles. The formers attempt at eating was complicated by disgusting worm-like demons that fought for a taste as well. The other disciples tore into their food with abandon. Many among them didnt even bother with utensils, choosing to use their hands. Some wept, others stared on, too exhausted to feel. Only Rafael didnt eatbut that was for an obvious reason. Skeletons didnt have the right bits for this. Then, there was Wei himself. He could taste his food. The chicken was deliciousthough his fathers blood mixed poorly with the sweet glaze. It was the aftermath that bothered him. There was no fullness when he finally swallowed. His food simply dissolved; didnt nourish him. Wei felt surprisingly hollow. He wasnt a being of flesh anymore. His Sourceforged Ascension informed him as much, and the way he could just rebuild himself from the patterns of existence was beyond the powers of mortal ken as well. But then what was he now? What did he amount to? The emptiness taunted him. The crawler progressed. They exited the mouth of a tunnel as the demons legs blurred, accelerating fast enough to impress even Wei himself. In seconds, they climbed from the speed of a galloping horse to something that began to piece the threshold of sound. The station drew away behind them, and Wei saw that it rose like a mountain of obsidian above a long fall on all sides. The distance between the plaza and what he assumed was ground level for the Claimed Hells. Where bottom was, it existed beyond the reach of Weis Omniscience. Looking out the window to his left, Wei saw a sheer fall what seemed like a dense layer of clouds. Though he couldnt see through the foggy veil existing as a floor far below the crawlers rails, he felt Essence signaturesand saw flashes of booming thunder. The distance between the cloud bed and the crawler was well over ten kilometers, but there was still something unnatural therelike there was an unseen power separating the world below into segmented layers A flash of what he assumed to be thunder flashed. And then a shape exploded out from one of the clouds at an alarming speed. Immediately, Wei felt a crushing presence approach his crawlerand a swarm of missiles followed thereafter. Thousands of gleaming gem-like projectiles chased the presence, and it crossed a distance of kilometers in the span of seconds. The crawler rattled from the oncoming force, and Wei prepared himself for battle. However, the Trespassers just continued eating as if nothing was happening. The young master and Agnesia shared a brief look of confusion at that. Spillover fight, Bishop said. Nothing to worry about. The lawyers will handle it. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. The lawy The presence came to a halt just beside the crawlers window. Wei blinked as he saw a badly wounded, gray skinned humanoid with enormous wings on a direct collision with their crawler car. If that wasnt problematic enough, there was also the few thousand missiles passing into Weis Omniscience. He prepared to create a catalysthe wasnt fast enough as he was, his Relativity "Hold on, I got this," his lawyer called out. The golden-tongued demon bounced out into existence right next to Wei and flung its briefcase at the oncoming threats with a rumbling declaration. I SUE YOU! I SUE YOU! LET THEE BE DAMNED TO THE COURT FOR [UNLAWFUL CONDUCT IN THE HEIGHTS]. The small demons absurd action took effect immediately. A resonance pulsed out from them, and golden chains sheared down from someplace high above, piercing the gray skinned humanoid and the missiles hounding him. A cry of pain sounded through the crawlers walls, and the chains lurched, and suddenly, the assault vanished. Ongoing Lawsuits: [1] (Low Courts) Charge: [UNLAWFUL CONDUCT IN THE HEIGHTS] Accuser: Wei An Wei (Knight) Defendant: Kasgada (Duke) Release Bond Set At: [10,000 Sins] Wei blinked as a sudden burst of information flooded his mind. His laywer jumped up and cheered. Yea! Sued him! Oh, give me a sec, boss. Gonna see if I can get the bond cranked up. And then the small entity vanished in a puff of Essence. "What just happened?" Wei said to himself, more than anyone else. "Your lawyer is demonstrating what it means to be living in the Heights compared to being in the Base," Bishop said. Wei just stared at Bishop. Elaborate. Especially on Heights and Base. The Trespasser continued. "So, Preceptors Descent is separated into three layers. Right now, were in the Heights. What that means is the laws apply here. Laws rule. Laws are sovereign. You break them and that thing," he pointed to the lawyer, "will ensure that whoever attacks you, be they merely a worthless Thrall Sinner or a Prince of a Circle, will face the full might of the Mepheleons courts. The chains you just saw are the bindings of lawfare. It snatches people for the Unseen Courts. "I see," Wei said. "So there are segmentations where order reigns and chaos rules? Is the Base for the latter? "Yeah, something like that," Bishop replied. A man leaned out and stared down below the window. Down at the layer of cloudsat what was hidden below it. "Hell is in a constant state of war. Think of it as permanent practice. Mepheleon needs a place to test his demons and the Circles, well, they dont really need a reason to fight. Good place to train up their elites as well. War it feeds sin. The Base is effectively a perpetual energy generator for the Claimed Hells. And lives are cheap. "You know, with that contract the Circle of Pride offered you most Knights have tours they need to go on. Tours of service in the to feed the Claimed Hells. Closest thing anyone pays to tax around here your recruitment didnt have that stipulation. Which means they thought you were management material. William snorted. You should be flattered." Wei blinked. "So even if I were to accept their offer, they wouldn''t have used me as a warrior?" "Oh no, they''re definitely going to use you as a warrior," Bishop said. "They''re just not going to waste you as a grunt. Down there, attrition, brutality, chanceall that stuff is the way of things. Sure, if you''re lucky and vicious and skilled enough, you might make a name for yourself, killing people and pushing your Aspects and Levels. If youre worthwhile, they would give you a Resurrection Skill. Expensive but worthwhile. And die you will, because the war in the Base? Its endless. Unrelenting. Bishop leaned back into his seat and a feral grin broke across his face. "It''s also a pretty good time." "Speak for yourself," Moonscar said, rolling her eyes. "Not all of us think upon war so fondly." "I am speaking for myself," Bishop replied. "You feel free to stay quiet instead of getting offended." The two scowled at each other for a moment. Wei caught that. Was there potentially a conflict among the Trespassers of the Lodge as well? No, this felt like a personal disagreement. There was a coldness between them, but a bitter, personal kind. Meanwhile, Wei''s father simply chuckled and shook his head. Still arent over it, huh? "You shut the fuck up," Bishop said, pointing at William. "You don''t get to laugh, all right? You''re the reason why we''re in this mess." "I''m the reason?" William pointed to himself. "Listen, I just got contracted to do a..." He hesitated. He was about to say a job but he and Wei shared a look, and his expression soured. William went back to his wine and quiet thereafter. Weis gaze lingered on his fathers face for a moment longer before he shook his headand caught a set of numbers climbing at the front of the train car. "What is that?" 9,311 KM "The speed we''re going, Moonscar said. Wei blinked. "We''re going at over a thousand kilometers a second?" "Yeah, pretty normal. We''re also displacing space and shortening the route we have to travel. It''s like shortening the distance you have to travel while also going really fast," Bishop said. "It''s pretty neat. It''s useful. The only problem is if you have intersecting spatial routes, it usually causes distension." "Distension?" Wei said. "Yeah, it''s when two things try to extend, shorten the route too much, and it causes a collapse. Whichwell, you ever see what happens when two things try to exist in the same space at once?" Wei blinked. "It sounds fatal." "Often is," Bishop replied. "Gods," Agnesia said, folding her arms and sulking with misery. "Is there nothing here that works properly? Does everything seek to deliver ho;rrific death?" "Welcome to the Claimed Hells," William muttered. He eyed the girl and gave her a smile. She simply sneered and shuffled a bit closer to Wei. Bail Posted +10,000 Sins Wei blinked at that. His lawyer rematerialized and cheered. Lawsuit successful. Tally one. Successful Cases +1! Lawyer Qualification - Beginner Specialty - Pre-Defensive Suits "You''re a really, really, really, really lucky client. " his lawyer said, bouncing on Weis shoulder. "It''s been real good working with you so far. Hopefully, we get to sue a lot more people." Wei simply let out a breath. "Yes," he breathed. "It has been good having you." "Now, don''t you go relying on that thing too much," Bishop said. "Lawyers are useful, but only in the Heights. And the Balanceplace between the Heights and the Basethey''ll keep you from getting killed, but things get murky there. Interpretations of self-defense and ownership rights get real dubious." "Dubious," Agnesia echoed. "The laws are not universal across the Claimed Hells. The Heights are a representation of human damnation under the force of law. It is a tyranny upon all and is meant to benefit those who can navigate such tyrannies. Hence laws, hence bureaucracies, contracts, controls. It is an unavoidable part if one wants to create a hierarchy or a system of control." Moonscar looked aside and took a sip from her tea. "Likewise, the Balance, that gray place between, where all can be done if they are not observed, is a representation of society, the separation of rule and laws. For there are things we shouldn''t do but must, and there are things we shouldn''t follow but do." "And the Base is chaos and anarchy," Roggi said, adding with a grunt. "Just an endless war, an endless slaughter." They fell to silence, and Wei found his interest renewed. "So how does one access the Base?" "I knew you were going to ask that," Bishop said. "You''re a regular little killer, aren''t you?" William winced at his food. The crawlers speed grew even faster, and for a few moments, the conversation was filled with idle chatter and additional details described by Bishop. His thoughts, however, were ruminating about the three layers to the city. The Heights were likely the safest area. But perhaps not. In-Sect politics was brutal. Cutthroat. But it wasnt a desperate battle of survival, like living in the wilderness. There was still much Wei had to learn. Whatever the case, everything he thought was grand and powerful about his mountain home seemed insignificant. Embarrassing compared to the enormity of the Claimed Hells. And Wei meant that in all meanings of the word. Every act of sin fueled the powers of this world, and war itself nourished this realm more than it took. There was never any hope of victory against demons. Nothing they could have done at all. The coldness of dread filled Wei. Power was to be his own refuge. The foreboding inside him only grew as the first structures of the cityscape passed by outside his window. Suddenly, crawler went from rushing over a sheer fall to looking over a dense nest of bridges, railways, and surging demons. Demons. Demons were more than individual entities, they were part of the architecture: they were the traffic, the buildings, merged with the light in the sky to create symbols, patterns, and images, wielding the sound to carry messages, drown existence in a cacophony. Agnesia, Rafael, Roggi, and Agate also gaped at their new reality. For all they imagined, this was beyond them. Their worlds were such small, feeble things. And they were just so few among the masses, motes drifting into a hive. Yeah, Bishop said. Everyone looks like that the first time. II-3 Cherub’s Corpse The Cherubs Corpse is one of the few decent places you can go if you down want to live in a den under Circle control. Sure, there are your usual issues such as skin-stealing horrors hiding in the vents, malformed monsters waiting to ambush you in the darkness, and those greedy Crossroad merchants screwing you out of your last Sin, but as a whole, it really isnt that bad of a place. Running some three hundred kilometers long between the Circles of Wrath and Pride, you find plenty of establishments here to feed your palate. That, and its position, is fantastic to do some gray zone business if you understand what that means. If youre migrating to the Claimed Hells, or if youre one of those special freaks who managed to finish the Trials without indenturing yourself, stop by the Third Rib Hotel for a brief stay to figure out your next plans. Itll give you some time to get maybe scouted by someone. Or at least enjoy a few pleasures before the nightmare that is the Claimed Hells finally breaks you and claims you for its own. -Review of the Cherubs Corpse II-3 Cherubs Corpse The city was alive. There was no better way to describe it. The buildings here rippled with demonic tissue and ebony-tinged chitin. Being in Pride-owned territory, the structures were tinged with gold, but they also sprouted tendrils and fanged maws that doubled as architecturally impractical room extensions. Large transparent irises served as windows here, and within Wei caught fleeting glimpses of people in various stages of undress. The young master blinked rapidly as a few unclothed bodies flashed past him. He was going to ask why the locals lived next to the Crawler lines and if they didnt understand modesty, but knew his words were pointless. This was the Claimed Hells: a deviants paradise. Beneath the surface of these buildings were also Incubator veins pumping Essence throughout. These buildings had their own levels as well. And some were even advancing! Strangely, the structures he noticed were built as if in the shape of a barrel. They curved away from the Crawler like a wall, and they also continued far down through the denseness of the urban jungle, through the wall of clouds leading to the Base. The general layout of the city seemed similar to the plazaa mountain rising between a lot of nothing. Except the density was far greater here, with several of these residential mountains stacked close together. Individually, they were so large that Weis Omniscience only glimpsed a portion of their entire form. The young master could also feel thousands of people moving about within their walls. Thousands in close proximity with each other. Most were Knight-Tiers, with a few just Thralls, and some even lacking a proper presence altogether. There were maybe three Marquises, and Wei felt them like roaring flames amidst a sea of embers. SAVE THREE MILLION SINS ON YOUR NEXT RESURRECTION SHARD! COME TO CULLENS GARDEN TODAY! A psionic broadcast blasted through his mind, deafening him from the inside, while a flash of colors licked over the Crawlers window. Wei saw flashes of shapeswhat looked like a man rising back from the dead after being stabbed. This place was far worse than the Moongraves. His skull was throbbing, there was so much noise and detail. A slight groan escaped Wei. Nausea gripped his stomach. Yeah, Bishop nodded, as he pointed out the window at the unfolding carnage. This aint nothing yet. Were in the outer dens. Things really get loud when you get closer to the Mansions. Those megaspires represent the hearts of each Circle. Ignium, Agnesia muttered. Colors flashed across her face as more noises assailed her from the outside, making her wince each time. You mean that all the Circles are this active? More, Moonscar said, interjecting herself into the conversation. The Circle of Pride is remarkably retrained in terms of tone and presentation. The princesss eyes widened in disbelief. Restrained? This is restrained? Blood and damnation. A school of fish made from screaming human faces drifted along the Crawler for a moment, and behind they tugged a bannera banner with animated paint. Weis jaw fell as he saw an artistic rendition of himself presented upon the cloth, cutting and slashing through hordes of demons. A proclamation came thereafter. A statement behind his recent accent. Here you have it, Sinners! The newest Autark to reach Preceptors Descent. Only took sixty years since Manfell the Dread. Booming laughter consumed existence thereafter. Now, all you Circle-Fuckers keep your eyes peeled. Prides got their eyes on the boy. Rumor has it hes been getting chummy with the Old Man and his Knights. And some others say the Lodge is playing their fuck-fuck games, but nothings written in stone yet, and if you make a good enough offer well, you gotta find him first, dont you? A lightning bolt of realization passed through Wei. The Circles were racing to recruit him. And they knew. They all knew about his arrivaland were broadcasting it across the city. Shit, Bishop murmured. Here I hoped we could keep to a low profile for a few days. You always hope too much, Moonscar muttered back. Wei blinked. How did they know? he said, staring at Bishop. About who I am? What Ive done. Rumors travel fast, Bishop replied, cocking his head. Also, you got in touch with the Circle of Pride, and, well, lets just say the Circles leak into each other all the time. No secrets stay hidden long here. None at all. Wouldnt even be surprised if Mepheleon leaked some details himself. But why? There are million different schemes going at the same time in the Claimed Hells, Wei, William said. He talked without looking at his son and shrugged. You represent a new angle to change the course of almost all of them. That, and the push for Earth is coming up. Recruitment seasons about to hit a crack-high overdrive. Wei frowned. Normally he liked attention. It was a statement, a proclamation of his prestige. But as things were right now, he wanted to have some time to himselfto evaluate, to strengthen, and ready himself for what was to come. Their crawler shot ahead, and a burst of spatial Essence folded over the sides of the demon. The world outside blurred, and when space stabilized, Wei realized they werent in the same area anymore. A heavy wall of traffic grinded on in the inverse direction as their Crawler, and Wei saw flying Sinners drifting alongside winged mounts and other odd-looking demons. Ahead, a massive tunnel loomed before them. A tunnel built into the residential blocks. They vanished into the dimness, and Wei saw a collection of red-lighted rooms within the darkened space, and countless more tiny hollows running within. So many ways in and out, Wei said, observing his surroundings. How does one keep from getting lost here? Getting lost is part of the experience, Bishop answered. Then, what about security? What about safety? Were in the Heights. There are eyes everywhere, here. Unregulated murders are hard to perform, and most apartments or other buildings have their own levels and guardians. You try something, youre not just going to fight the guy youre trying to whack, you gotta fight the entire buildingmaybe even the neighborhood too. As if to illustrate Bishops statement, a mutated hand burst out from the walls of the building and threw a nude, screaming elf over the Crawler. For what reason they were cast, Wei didnt know, but it showed the state of these structures wasnt just aesthetic. The idea of needing to duel a room or a street crossed Weis mind and he winced at that. Everything is going to be nightmarishly weird from now on, isnt it? Youll get used to it, Bishop said. Were passing into a den. Youll get a glimpse of the general make-up of a typical city center in these parts. As their Crawler emerged out from the tunnel, Wei saw even more motion all around him and felt such a concentration of Essence signatures it felt like a spike of pain was digging deeper and deeper down his brain stem. There were people everywhere. There were other Crawlers running parallel to them, their use of spatial Essence creating a frictional turbulence. More than that, Wei got a general glimpse of how a den looked. See how the whole place is shaped like an amphitheater, Bishop said, gesturing toward how the external stack of residential buildings surrounded them. It was specially designed that way. The roughest, most populated buildings are on the outside, always. Inside are the fun districts. Wei followed Bishops pointing figure and identified a thick stretch of jungle amidst all the urban decay and demonic edifices. That theres the Grove. Most dens have em. Places to meet people and talk about things. Tranquility is king there, and any violence will end with the vines present burrowing down your eyes and up your ass and cock before meeting in the middle to make a knot out of your corpse. How wonderfully macabre, Rafael quipped. Next to the Grove was a large structure with massive windows, bathed in gleaming lights, and sporting a series of pointed protrusions from its top. That theres a Gray Theater, Bishop continued. You can find all kinds of shows there. Specialized entertainment. Can choose to perform as well. What kind of shows? Wei asked. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Well, could be anything from a poetry recital to a ritual murder-suicide meant to spite your old boss. Why did Wei expect anything different? Across from the Gray Theater, an influx of people flooded into what seemed to be an open air arena created in the shape of an open rib cage. That theres the Bloodgrounds. Where duels and fights happen. Official duels between citizens are settled there, and challenges can be completed for prestige or Sins. That seemed promising. Stage duels and showdowns were things Wei was long familiar with as a cultivator. At least they werent so different here. That being said, the number of watchers present in a single den alone was daunting. That brought a darkness to Weis mood. For so long he thought his mountain fortress of a home to be the pinnacle of power. But it was nothing. Even smaller than a single den in the Claimed Hells. And if there were trillions of people here Weis shuddered. Which caused him to notice another part of the city. A series of long structures absolutely littered with people filtering in and out its massive doorways caught his attention. Whats that? Oh. The Bazaars where most people do their shopping. If something can be found in the Fathoms, it will be on sale here so Bishop shrugged. If youre a shopaholic, its best that you avoid that place. Everything theres a haggle. And if someone doesnt get charged or sued from a scandal well, the day dont end right. Finally, there is a final structure to note. It stood at the very center of the den, and it rose like a tower of golden, hypercharged with Essence and projecting a pulse of energy outward into the distance. At its very top, Wei saw what looked to be a glowing humanoid figure hovering above the tip, their bodies layered in chains. Every few seconds, one such chain would peel away from their body and slip through a rupture in space. Watchtowers busy today, Moonscar commented. Seems like lots of people are catching suits. Yessir they are, Weis lawyer cheered. The young master looked on, his mind slowly putting the information together. Wait. That figure they are the ones that pulled the missiles and person flying at us earlier. Tribulator, Rafael breathed. I heard of them. They are the Harbingers personal guardians. They are constrained to each Watchtower and act as the primary guardian of every den. They also communicate with the local Circles mansion and convey all details over to the Harbinger as well. Wei tried to reach out with his focus and glean just how powerful said Tribulator was, but he felt nothing. They were too far, and whatever their capability, it was too subtleor weakto sense. Yet, Bishop seemed to frown at them, face contorting with the reliving of bad memories. Alright, you shits and shitets, Schr?dingers voice flooded the Crawler cars. We coming up on our terminal stop from Arrivals Station. Cherubs Corpse is coming off, so remember to finish eating, finish crying, and piss off when we stop. Were not going to turn around if you leave anything or anyone aboard. Suddenly, Wei felt his stomach lurch as their train dropped at a sharp angle. They vanished through a narrow valley of buildings and Wei caught flashes of more people sitting on their windows, leaving over outer-building staircases, and in one case actively uh copulating in public. He coughed and looked away. This place it was a lot to take in. A lot. Too bad for him, the Claimed Hells wasnt done. Emerging into the light of well, there wasnt actually any day here, just the blazing ball Mepheleon used as his supposed coreWei perceived the Crawler accelerating toward a truly absurd sight. A set of massive skeletal remains slipped over into the edge of his Omniscience, what Wei assumed to be the Cherubs Corpse offered him its first greetings. The remains of the giant creature was humanoid from what he could tell, but it was missing its jaw and limbssporting four pairs of wings that served as bridges to eight other dens across both of the Cherubs sides. Along the spine of the Cherub trailed a dense line of architecture. Another Crawler line ran directly overhead, but there were also demonic spiders bouncing from rooftop to rooftop and people actively teleporting about. Finally, they drew close to the third rib on the Cherubs left side, and Wei realized the station here was built on the bottom of a demonic structure. The chimeric monstrosity they were about to enter was in the shape of a serpent made from wood, glass, and brick. It encircled the entirety of the third rib, and its head was made entirely of glass, forming what seemed to be an atrium to the outside. The length of its body was also tremendous, stretching on and on down the entirety of the ribalready far taller than most buildings Wei had seen thus far. Now arriving: Cherubs Corpse Station. Get the fuck off. Schr?dinger showed up again, walking down the aisle of the Crawler car and blowing a whistle. He blew hard and loud though everyone already heard the announcement, and he came to a stop next to Weis table and blew at William Yu specifically. Which caused the Trespasser to snatch the whistle out from the goblins mouth and throw it down the Crawler car. Make noise somewhere else, William sneered. Schr?dinger grinned at William. Yeah. Harbingers congratulations at staying alive, Yu. Youre pretty good at that, considering all the enemies youve made. Dying Queen, the Inheritors, and now your own boy. The goblin looked him up and down. The offers still open, just so you know. Williams expression turned severe and Bishop studied the two carefully. Wei watched them, wanting to ask about what offer, but the hate he felt toward his father prevented him from forming the proper words. With that, though, the spell was broken, and Schr?dinger shrugged and wobbled away from them. Roggi watched the goblin pass and frowned. What kind of rodent is that? Hes not a rodent, hes a goblin, Wei said. Whats a bloody goblin? Schr?dinger, I suppose, Wei said, offering the only response he was certain of. Enlightening, truly, Agate rumbled. Part of his right pauldron fell off. A sigh escaped the Oathbearer. Listen, its been nice seeing the tour an all but is there a place we can rest for a while? Bits of my arse are still falling off from the kicking I got earlier and I need to put myself back together. Yeah, Bishop said. Hotels right on top of us. Accommodations have already been made. Youre staying here today and well, for as long as you want, really. As long as we want? Wei asked. Food, drink, drugs, space Claimed Hells has all that in abundance. You wont starve here. Wont be homeless either. This place is pretty far past scarcity, but pretty well and fucked by human desire. Bishop caught Weis incomprehension and shrugged. Youll see soon enough. As they left the Crawler, Wei took a special moment to make sure all his disciples had disembarked. As he counted the last woman off the demon, he heard a chuckle coming behind him. Hey, kid, since I didnt say it earlier: nice work surviving. Real nice. Wei managed a smile despite himself and offered Schr?dinger a nod. Your aid and the Harbingers patronage helped much. The goblin waved Wei off. Listenseeing as youre with those Lodge fuckers now just keep an eye out for yourself and understand everything you agree to. You couldve chosen a shittier lay to get in bed with, but their problem is that theyre a bunch of saints in a barrel of sin. Theyll see you noble and dead in the end. Just like all the other kids they took under the banner. Moonscar shot Schr?dinger a look. The goblin just sneered. I stand by that. Hows the son, Sarah? Is he still dead? The towering womans eyes grew cold, but she offered no vengeful retort against the cruel remark. Still dead. Still my fault. Wei looked on between them and noted this interaction. There was a lot of history here. And Schr?dinger perhaps he might be more than willing to elaborate on a few things down the line. As they left the Crawler behind, Wei watched it pull away with his Omniscienceliterally crawling out of this plane of existence as it left the tunnel. The interior of the station was lit by brass chandeliers and hovering balls of ectoplasmic energy. As they climbed the staircase, Wei finally saw some other people aside from his group, but noted they were mostly liches. Crossroad lackies, Rafael sneered. Wei noted their formal attire and various badges hanging from their necks. Most chattered and spoke to each other, talking about events across the day, a few others, however, stood alone and herding a procession of people on a leash. Wei noticed one such procession pass him by and caught sight of a psionic network connecting each of their minds to the lich. Three boys and three girls formed the lichs stable, and they were at once far too young, far too underdressed, and far too rank with alcohol and other substances for Weis comfort. Degenerate! Rafael spat. The merchantdressed in a fabulous silken longcoat turned and threw up his arms in confused annoyance. What? They were on sale. He gave no further justification after that. Just kept walking. Wasnt even outraged. Do you see now, Rafael said. Do you see what they do to our worlds? What wrongness pervades within their spirits. It was an ugly sight, but slavery was the lot of the unfortunate or weak. To inflict such a thing on children, however Such a thing was to be only done if one sought to sever the nine and rip their enemys dynasty at its roots. Wei knew that his mother had culled a few rival sects in their time. Was this something similar? A custom of victory, perhaps? Its not fate, Rafael hissed, seething with outrage. Its wrongness. Its vile. There is no justification for it. Look upon them, Wei. Use your Outsight. Glimpse into the horror, and understand what we facethe ones you must break Hey, Bishop snarled, stepping close to Rafael. I dont know if youre dim or just an angry fucking dipshit, but you better keep that shit close to your chest or Im going to tear those memories out of your mind. We dont need to broadcast what hes got going to everyone, and we certainly dont need to provoke another fight right now. Rafael flinched away from the older Trespasser and Bishop let out a breath from his nostrils. I know you''re pissed. Believe me, its all kinds of fucked. But were not going to do any good right now if we just get sued to death. Like it or now, ownership rights are flexible here. Were in hell, Rafael. Hell. But while Bishop chewed out Weis lich, the young master did as Rafael askedif only for curiosityand used his Outsight on one of the children. Immediately, an oppressive sensation hit him. A crushing weight collapsed upon his perception, causing a dim haze to layer over his eyes, a numbness to slow his thoughts, and a spiritual agony to infest his bloody, rot his very bones. His life as nothing but hollow pleasure and his body was for public use. This new master was nice, though. This new master had him eat tasty things and use fun drugs. He wasnt forced to eat his brothers flesh and or let them A flash of horrific memories speared into Weis mind as he broke his Outsight connection. His Ambition reeled back into his own being and he stumbled against someonesomeone who caught. No no no Wei caught himself saying. Its alright. Wei froze. The voice. Those arms. He pulled himself away from his father and refused to face the man. Youre alright. You just Im fine, Wei said, blinking to clear those thoughts. Rafael was right. This was wrong. This place was wrong in so many ways. He cast a final look at the child he dove into. A bald, fair-skinned boy walked at the head of the group. That was the one Wei superimposed his senses over. How old was he? Ten? Younger? What was this place? How Mepheleon allow this? Resisting trauma using Aspect of (Ambition) Wei shook his head and looked to Bishop. Lead us. Take us to the hotel. I wish to to get rest. Bishop grimaced. Yeah. Thats understandable. II-4 Second Ascension And to guard against the tyrants of creation, a vessel made to take, to infest, to empower, and to cage -Asaru the Creator II-4 Second Ascension Cherubs Corpse station was clustered with different exits going everywhere, but they only sought A-34: To the Third Rib. The Third-Rib hotel was, much like the Cherubs Corpse, literally named. It was quite literally the demon coiled around the third rib of the Cherub, and it served as a major hub for gambling, drugs, flesh-trading, entertainment, and a place for wayward and unaffiliated Sinners to rest their heads. A long stretch of moving stairs called an escalator brought Wei and the rest of the Drowned Sky Sect up. Along the way, he turned down thirteen street-walking succubi, each of whom kept shifting between sexes, age ranges, and bodily dimensions to get him to release his pleasure. It took Weis lawyer threatening to sue them for them to go away. Just as well. A moment later, and he might have been the one sued for physical violence. As they passed through an open doorway, the Trespassers of the Lodge led way into a massive barrel-shaped chamber that kept going and going. And just like in the Anchor-Cities, every inch of space was used. There was no true ceiling here with gravity-altering glyphs infused at various corners, everything was technically part of the ground level. People could walk along the walls as they pleased, proceeding to whatever facilities they so desired. Noisy machines that jingled and rolled with shifting slots captured Weis attention. Hundreds hooted and cheered on seats before these devices, while others screamed in impotent rage. Wei didnt know what the machines were, but he was grown enough to notice the twin-faces of a gambler when he saw it. Scantily-clad succubi sporting mixed characteristics also danced across the room, their bodies twisting and pivoting while they carried large golden trays stacked with foodstuff and beverages upon their heads. There was a word for the scene unfolding before him, and that was indulgence. Overdose, even. What are they even doing? Agnesia breathed. The girl was more lost than he wasand it was times like these that made him realize she had been more sheltered from the world than he. Gambling, Bishop muttered, shooting the people present an annoyed glare. Wasting their times and Sins, mostly. Come on. And dont none of you head off and get cleaned out. Were not reimbursing any of your for dumb-shit debts. Wei caught on to what the Trespasser was doing and looked to hid disciples. He will not support you; I will kill you if anyone present dares shame our sect by indulging in such vice. A few among his number flinched. Rafael coughed, uncomfortable. Angelous lieutenantthe Shadow Archermerely sneered. Right. Fuck chance of that considering we got piss and a pebble of shit for wealth between us. Most of our economic worth was with you or the EmCuh, lady. The young master narrowed his eyes at that. None of you have Sins? Most of our Sins went to the quartermaster for focused spending, the orc chef proclaimed. Said it was more reliable that way. And the pain of Ellenas absence grew evermore. Wei took in his group and a feeling of adequacy gripped him; intimidation was fine and all, but what worth was a patriarch that was only feared, never loved, and eventually hated? Lets get you all checked in, Moonscar said with a soft sigh. Her gaze rested on Wei, and he sensed a strange tingling brush over his spirit. Whatever mistakes you all plan to make can come tomorrow. They continued across the grounds, and Weis lawyer grew pre-emptively aggressive with potential lawsuits. This did wonders to keep the succubi away, and Wei grew ever-thankfuland ever fonderof his little friend. Through crowds varied in species and Class-Tier, they finally arrived at a massive column housing a round table of attendants. The workers here wereto Weis un-surpriseSchr?dingers as well. You might just be the hardest-working goblin in existence, Wei quipped. Schr?dinger snorted. Its got to do with my System. Dont do this, I start experiencing penalties. Its goddamn bullshit. Weis smile dimmed at that. Truly, his Concept-Breaker was a blessing for all its instability. Wei couldnt imagine how what mightve become of him should Schr?dingers System had been his. Without prompting, the goblin started chucking what looked to be teardrop-shaped fobs at the group. The first of the items clattered on the ground before Bishop and the Trespasser just sneered. Still going for that golden customer service reward, huh? I keep wanting to say a few things to you, too, John, but I think its a bit early to be teaching the kid some old Earth slurs. Oh, dont worry about him. William heres done a great job making sure the boys primed to join the clan. Got the whole skull-measuring thing down and everything. William Yu squinted at Bishop. Hey, fuck you. Its not my fault the cultivators have the culture they do. Wei glared at all the parties involved. I consent to join no clan. I already belong to a sect. And anyone speaking ill of my culture Bishop flicked his hand, and a burst of psionic energy sent the fallen fob straight at Weis head. The young master caught the item before it could crash into his face, and then suddenly felt a ripple of spatial Essence coming from within. Is this Squeeze it once to be teleported to your room, Schr?dinger said. Itll work within an 1000 kilometer radius, so feel free to use it wherever you are around the Corpse if you want to come back. Or make a quick getaway. Remarkable, Wei said. He eyed the other fobs the goblin kept chucking on the ground. And all these Artifacts possess such capability? Pretty much every place has them. A good spatial lock for your residence is basic security. Wei was without words. With every passing second, he felt less like the young master of a dominant sect and more like a displaced bumpkin gawking a realm made for his betters. Which was technically true, if thought about it. The realization made him sour, and Wei couldnt help but grimace. Alright, Bishop said, calling out the rest of the group. Everyone here is going to be getting a fob. Everyone. Take one. Any one. Squeeze when youre ready, and youll be transported. You should all be on the same floor after teleportation, and well be following close behind to make sure you all arrive. After that, well, youve all had a hell of a time getting up here, so do whatever you wish. Just dont get killed. Wei displeased about being spoken over when it came to the rulership of his sect, addressed his disciples thereafter. There will be no gambling or straying from your chambers until I come and speak to you. Each of you. Anyone who disobeys will have their eyes blinded and limbs removed. A series of demoralized murmurs broke out from the group, and Bishop just shook his head. Kid, were gonna have to talk about motivation and not being a fucking asshole if you want to lead your group. Were going to be talking about respect and recognition of proper authority first, Wei growled, meeting the Trespasser eye to eye. He didnt care Bishop was more powerful than he; allowing another to dictate the rules for your sect was all but declaring your abdication. Bishops mouth opened slightly as if to argue, but he just scoffed. Fuck it. Im not doing this with a fifteen-year-old. Instead, he punched William in the arm. Hard. A burst of force jolted across William Yus body and the man nearly toppled over. Ow, the fuck, John, William winced. Thats for having an annoying shit as a son. What? Its your fault, Bishop continued. I aint never met his momma, but I know it was your spray that carried the fucking asshole genes. Wei looked on in outrage and disbelief. They were crudely arguing over his lacking virtues as if he wasnt thereand in such a manner. Wei ground his teeth together, but as his father turned, the young masters mind went blank. Wei, William said, wincing. Listen, I know Wei squeezed his fob instinctively. He didnt want to listen. In that moment, he just wanted to spite his father. A second later, a shroud of shadowy energies consumed Wei and injected him across the vast distance of space. He accelerated for what felt like kilometers before the world expanded around him, and he took a ragged breath. Suddenly, he found himself on the second floor of a forty-meter-wide room. Behind him, a large bed with covered in golden sheets, stacked high with heavy pillows, and sporting a frame made from what he somehow knew was wyrmbone greeted his senses. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. His Omniscience expanded. He found himself overlooking a nice pristine garden that somehow also doubted as a shower and latrine judging from the small waterfall and what seemed to be an intricate toiletry system in the pond beside it. A patch of small mushrooms and grass dotted half the first floor, while a fourth held a mini-library stacked full of books. Across from the library was a sofa sitting opposite a screen flashing with images. Strangely, Wei felt a coalescence of strange Essences emanating from that as well. And then, there was also Greetings, master! Im so happy youre here. Wei exploded into motion, summoning his Broken Crescent to face the figure standing just behind him. His spear came up with a flash of lightning, and he pointed it at the intruder, freezing as the tip rested an inch away from their throat. What stood before him was a mannequin, its arms hanging by its sides, its face a blank canvas of quivering clay. Wei blinked in surprise but felt the faintest trickle of spiritstuff nested deep within its brownish body. Then the mannequin spoke. Do I displease you, master? Would you like me to take another form? As he examined it for a moment. Companion: Lv. 0. A second later, a telepathic missive arrived from Bishop. Yeah, forgot to warn you, theres a companion in your room. Thats usually used to keep you company. Keep me company? Wei muttered. Fucking. Most guests have them shape-shift into a form like prefer and fuck em. Its like jacking off, kinda, cept with a demonic sexbot that transfers the levels it gains from the act over to the Circle of Lust. A sputtering cough escaped Wei with the bluntness of Bishops statement. W-why would they think? Bishop snorted. This is hell. What do people do in hell? What are the fundamental desires of a person? Wei fell silent at that. He knew there was a Circle of Lust and had been in their Hearted Realm but hed tried to repress memories of that experience, swallowing down the bitter taste that rose in his mouth. This place knew nothing of propriety. I can take any physical form of desire, the mannequin continued. If you have requests about my personality, I can do my best to accommodate as well. For more detailed options, you can access my system settings and make a formal request. Now, that advanced function will require a tithe dedicated to the Circle of Lust. Weis voice rose an octave in disbelief. The Circle of Lust has a view into my room? Dont worry, kid. Those ones are jailbroken. Made sure of that myself. These levels end up getting sold off to the Crossroads instead. It was then that another realization rose within Wei. His Omniscience was constrained to just this room. With his recent Advancements to Perception, he could perceive well beyond a few kilometers. Spatial locks. Keeps you in a pocketed area. Basic security measures from scrying, as you just found out. Come on out. Time to see if everyones on the same floor. Wei did as Bishop asked, but as he descended the staris, the Companion began to follow him. No! Wei growled. Stay! Do not follow me! Understood, the Companion said. Shall I wait in your bed. If you touch my bed, I will take your head. Understood. Would you like me to adopt an abuse-victim mental schema? I have a list of crying voices and screams to choose from if that would please you. Pure disgust consumed Wei. I He didnt even have the words. What kind of people would He didnt want to know. Just stay. Stand in the corner. Face the corner. Do not speak. Acknowledged. At once, the Companion backed away and did just that. Wei still kept a close eye on the deviant mannequin until he reached his front door. Door to his quarters was just like any other. Wooden. Brass handle. No visible locks from what he could see. But there was an oscillating channel of Essence connecting it to his fob. He could feel it now, so faint was it before that he found it hard to detect. Despite this being a common thing in the Claimed Hells, the young master was impressed. Turning the handle, he felt a shift in the Essence, and suddenly his Omniscience flooded the hall just outside his room. Some of his disciples were already emerging. Roggi and the other Oathbearers had a much larger door for their purposes. Rafael was leaning against his door as if trying to keep something contained, while Agnesia was screaming at her Companion. No! Back! Back inside! I do notget away from me! Acknowledged, her Companion replied. Good. You should all be here. Bishops voice emanated from the far left end of the hall and Wei noticed the rooms, much like the general architecture of this place, was built into the walls as well, the cylindrical design offering more space. A single walkway ran between them, and Wei noticed some residents might need to walk over other doors to reach it. That seemed like a flaw in the build. Were going to leave you be today, have you recover? But Wei Another fob blinked into place next to the young master. He caught it without thought. Lodge is gonna want to speak to you. You and the rest of your, uh, Sect Leaders. Squeeze this when youre readybut dont rush yourself. I know youve been through a hell of an ordeal. Despite everything, a sense of fatigue and thankfulness overcame Wei. He managed a salute toward the Trespasser, and Bishop smirked at him before vanishing a splash of psionic energies. Chattering filled the hallway as Wei took in his almost two hundred disciples. So many, yet not enough. The Trine had vanished after passing through the gateway and Ellena Well, Rafael said, speaking to Wei. It feels strange not to be anxious about my life every other second. Wei paused. Yes. Yes, it does. It was as if a mountain was collapsing down on him. A fatigue like never before befell Wei, and all he wanted to do was dropwas to lay down and just be for a moment. But he couldnt do that. The places where his mind would drift in the quietmight He had a gate to cross. He had a System to Ascend. Taking in the haggard appearances of his group, Wei offered a small nod. I think it would be best if we took this opportunity. To recover. And center ourselves. Aye, Roggi grunted. The Oathbearer looked more glum than before. There was a sense of loss and confusion behind their eyes. Got some drinkin I need to catch up on. And might need to figure out what we got to do now that the bloody Harbingers gate ate our charges. They should be fine, Wei said. He hoped. A low grumble came from Roggi and he eyed Wei. I was serious about what I said earlier. Were yours now. Yours to command for all that youve done. Until the Trine returns, well do as you ask, whatever you ask. Wei gave the Oathbearers a thankful salute. I will speak with you in the morning. Recover now. He paused and pulled out his Trespassers Compendium. Rafael. Here. He tossed the book at the lich, and Rafael almost dropped it in surprise. I know youve been talking with Moonscar. I will not pry now I respect your privacy. But I would be interested to know what you have been discussing. And welcome any knowledge you might gain in the meantime. The young master wasnt sure if trusting the lich was the best option, but considering all the opportunities Rafael had to abandon them in the Hearted Realm, and how his goal was to reach the Lodge, well Thank you, Rafael said. This means I will make good use of this. Be certain of that. Wei could only manage a weary acknowledgment. Finally, his gaze drifted over to Agnesia, and there she stood. Alone. Without her mother. The absence was the sign of her failure, and try as he might, he didnt quite have the mettle to meet her gaze. The princess betrayed no hint of her turmoil, but Wei could see it behind her eyes. She was still bloodied and stained from her earlier battle in the Hearted Realm, but now she stood lost, with a distant stare. Well. Good thing about the Harbinger, eh? She chuckled. Otherwise She will be fine, Wei said, his words fueling his own courage as much as hers. There are few beings more powerful than the Harbinger and death is it is nothing to him. Both of them lapsed into silence after that, and as Agnesia looked askance, Wei wondered if he should have said something more. Right. Well, then. She sniffled. Best we all get some rest. Yes. Sleep. Sleep will be good for us. Some of us, Agnesia said. Dont know if I can manage it. Something dormant part of Weis instinct told him she needed some kind of comfort. He had been where she was. Completely alone. But he didnt know what to do. He didnt even know how to help himself. He needed more power. Gate [2] System Ascension Available Agnesia, Wei began, mustering the flagging remnants of his strength. If you need me Im just next door. She gave him an inscrutable look and nodded. Right. Well. Good cant tell if its bloody day or night here anymore. Thats going to take some getting used to, Wei admitted. Lots of things are. Then, the young master noticed Rafael and the Oathbearersalong with a good contingent of the disciplesstill staring at him and Agnesia. What? I said you could all rest. A light slap sounded as the Shadow Archer brought a palm to his head. By the divines fookin lights, the boys soft in the head. Wei glared at the man, but Agnesia muttered something and retreated into her room. As her door closed, a branch of Weis Omniscience vanished. A series of what sounded like disappointed sighs echoed down the halls, and Wei caught more than a few utterances of disrespect aimed toward him. Why, he ought to You should look after yourself as well, Wei, Rafael said quickly, catching the look on the young masters face. It has been a most trying time. Especially for you. All other matters can wait. Yes. Yes, the lich was right. With a sigh of acceptance, Wei murmured about his departure and retreated back into his room. As he closed the door, he swept his glare up to the second floor, and found the Companion facing the wall. Good. At least someone listened in this place. Climbing up the stairs, he ignored all the potential facilities in his room before plopping down on his bed and The way it sank nearly made him fall over. It was soft. Too soft. He shot to his feet and stared. He couldnt meditate on that. It might just swallow him whole. Grunting with weariness, Wei slumped down to the wooden floor and crossed his legs. His mind was a fractured dam holding back a building wave, but he couldnt think about any of that right now. He would face it after he gained power. With power, all things could be made true. Such was the truth Mepheleon taught him. Such was the reality of the Fathoms. For the first time in a good while, Wei closed his eyes, focused his scattered focus, and emptied his thoughts. Lurking nightmares danced along the periphery of his awareness, but he ignored them, going deeper into himself, deeper and deeper. Until something inside him ruptured. At once, Wei arched his back as Source burst out from his body like yolk leaking from an eggand then started condensing around him like a cocoon. The young master reached outtried to scream, but the only one that heard him was the Companion, that slowly turned, and became the last thing he saw before his world was consumed by light and then dark. II-5 Shell of Masteries (I) What do you imagine the shape of your soul to take? What do you think your spirit resembles? I can give you an answer. Your spirit is rawness at first. Just a shapejagged with points toward different inclinations. Then life shears away at its edges, molding it into a proper form, your decisions honing it further, leading you toward masterpiece or ruin. For all that we master, all that we achieve, we become evermore ourselvesor at least the divine perfection we yearn to attain. But understand that this divine realization of yourself, if given voice and animation, will learn to loathe you. For as it is your triumph, so too will you be its failure. Such is the price to pay, if one wishes to pursue dominance. To always hunger, to always want, and to never accept anythingespecially yourself. -Wei An Wei The Realmbreaker II-5 Shell of Masteries (I) Once more, the young master found himself kneeling at the center of a platform, eternally locked in a battle between brightness and dark. He couldnt remember how he arrived here, only that his own Source had consumed him. But once more, he was in that great expanse of creation, awaiting the arrival of Asaru. It didnt take long. A staggering blow lit the vastness of existence. A tide of power swept across Wei, its force enough to sheer continents clean from planets, to shatter stars, and twist the currents of the Fathoms. There, above him, Asaru swung their celestial hammer, forging a creation of impossible complexity. Looking the construct the Antediluvian was hammering into shape, Weis vision doubled. It of a geometry unfathomable to a mortals mind, but if Wei had to describe its outline, it was akin to an inverted pyramid. Ciphers cascaded down its sides and formed a constellation trailing along its faces and edges before bleeding into the cosmos. And within, Wei felt something trapped. Veiled from sight. Asaru was building a blockade. Of this, he was sure on a fundamental level. His focus turned from the construct to Asaru themselves. And horror grew within Wei as noticed the changes afflicting the Antediluvian. Patches of rot spread down the length of Asarus serpent-like body, with some limbs were outright nubs, decayed to the bone. Long stretches of ribs were exposed, bleeding strange whorls of ichor out of existence, and with each swing, the Antediluvians spirit trembled evermore. Just what could have done this to an Antediluvians soul? What foulness could have befallen this ancient being? With a final blow, the construct flared like a diamond caging a sun, and then dimmed to absolute darkness thereafter. Currents of Source washed over it, drowned it beneath layers and layers, and finally, Asaru coiled their body, turning even as more of their primordial flesh peeled free. Ah. Keter. You return to me at least. Through the Second Gate you arrive. And beyond the precipice of your initial trials you have risen. Good. Good. Wei looked on, awe and disbelief consuming him. He waited for Asaru to speak their next words, but only silence followed. Well. Do you have no questions to ask? Do you have nothing you wish to know? That jolted Wei out of his stupor. He wasnt actually expecting Asaru to speak with him. You you can see me? Yes. And what a little creature you are. Human. Hm. Fitting. Suiting it is for the Originator of the Samsara to be its final judge as well. What? Questions exploded through Weis mind, but the sheer surprise he felt in the moment left him staggered. I what do you mean, Originator? And Samara? A low grumble sounded from the Antediluvian. It appears far more of the first Excession has been lost to the world. Unsurprising. My kindred have long been afraid of the possibility of our iteration becoming reverted. More new terms. More new questions. Another piece of flesh flaked away from Asarus body. Where once they were brimming with countless arms and gleaming of scales, they now stood a ruined visage of their prime, and question behind their ailment rose above all others. What happened to you, Wei asked. My kindred, Asaru said. We disagreed about the way things should be. And they sought to make our disagreements final. The other Antediluvians tried to slay you? Wei muttered. Yes. Is that not the way of things for your age? Those that can seek to deny others who might? Look upon my last work. The vault is finally made, is it not? A good creation for a dying dragon such as I. Two things became known to Wei then. The first was a confirmation that Asaru was a dragon. The second was the word vault. This This is the vault connected to Earth. An iteration of Genesis Point. Correct. The origin of all realities that might become, and could become. The home of the first peoples. First peopleyou claim that we are all descendants from this Earth? Not the one that holds my vault. The Antedivulvean was speaking nonsense now. This is just an iteration of the original Earth. A branch of a branch recreated from simulated records and ancient histories. In truth, it is so far removed from First Genesis that it may be an entire deviant. But I am no longer sure. And no one can be certain. Such things were lost to those that came a million years before me, for so long did the first Iterant War last after our separation from the Broken Samsara. Asaru lifted one of their few remaining hands, and a swirling ball of Source fused upon their palmtop. Wei felt realitys fabric twist on a level he couldnt begin to conceive. But even so, he knew what the Antediluvian was doing didnt count as creation. Rather, the composition of space was blending together with each twitch of their clawsthe boundaries of different realms were becoming redefined. When the working settled, Wei saw a sphere sprouting branches after branches, with a jungle growing from a single point. This is the concept of genesis, Asaru said. A world at the beginning of all things. Or so our ancients theorized. Your ancients, Wei whispered. Everyone has ancients. Except the primordial, perhaps. But we only know them by who they were and the Archons they became. Not the divines during the Sequence of First Creation. Humans. Your like is among the earliest of the elder species. The progenitor to many. And it is from Earth that so many realms spawned. Simulated iterations forged concept and materialization from the merging of their cultures, the watering of their fantasies. Your lost realm was one such offshoot. A bastard merger between old cultures and new medias. It was too much for Wei to take in. The ideas were so nebulous he could scarcely grasp them. Are you claiming that Evernest was borne of another cultures delusions? No more than a child is the delusion of their parent. Your realm is offspring. Nothing less. Nothing more. But even the Earth that spawned yours is an offspring, though a Nexus Point at that. The ones that came before us were called the Strayersthose that sought to flee the Broken Samsara that now consumes the First Iteration of all things. We hid ourselves among its many fragmented simulations of history, stealing away a restoration of old Earth and composing our own Systems from the God-Machinethe System of Systems. Thereafter did we hide ourselves in its many generations, masking our escape from its tyrannical cycle by hiding ourselves in branches we stacked within this iteration of Earth. And so, for long eons, we lived. We persisted. Surviving without fear of Fragmentation. Now Wei felt like he was suffering through one of those old literary exams his mother constantly forced him to take. And, esteemed dragon, pray tell what is Fragmentation. Asaru drew in a breath. The reason behind the ancients escape from the First Iteration. A metaphysical blight brought upon us by the Broken Samsara. Where once all were meant to reincarnate, where existence was meant to return after collapsing unto Desolationentropy and oblivionall would become all after countless eons lived, the God-Machine was damaged, and the cycle grew corrupted. Death was lost to those who fell, and drawn back into the wheel, their beings and minds would find themselves scatteredinfested across reality as resources to process the unfolding horror of eternal collapse. Where once all beings were meant to be recycled through countless lives and gain ultimate enlightenment, now, they are trapped in the corpse of their highest divine, but not allowed to pass. The body decays, but the mind does not. And so it had been for as long as the ancients knew. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. The circumstances behind Asarus words were hard to imagine even with all the Antediluvian said. But from what Wei could grasp, a horror unparalleled rose inside him. You mind in a worldno, existence earlier than all others, everyone is trapped within existence. Without their bodies? Even beyond death? Such is a reasonable interpretation. Such is why the Broken Samsara began the iterations. The generate an inoculating instance of Earth that would correct their failingsto reassume parts of the failing divine and for those with the potential to fill the Empty Crowns of the Archons and Administrators that were. This was all too much. Why? What caused all this to fall? Wei asked. Asaru fell silent. This, I know not. It was before my time, just as I was before yours. I came to dominance in a quiet age. Long after a war of our own. The ancients, freed from the cycle, knew peace for a time, and hide themselves in what you now call the Fathoms. But as one wants, so too must one war, and freed from the cage that is the cycle they fought using the powers they stole from the God-Machinethese Sub-Systems and Classificationsand many died. But they were not trapped as grains of awareness between the many collapsing dimensions of the First Iteration, with death comes only a neutral peace. A neutral peace I will soon greet myself with the completion of my decay. Cant you stop it? Wei asked. Perhaps. But I no longer wish to. All I have is gone. All I possess is weariness. I have done enough. Seen enough. There are still things I do not know, but I know enough that I no longer care. I go now knowing that I will not be entrapped between life and death, used by the Great-System to serve as a processing resource in its mad question to attain final enlightenment. I will know nothing. I will be nothing. And I will suffer nothing. And that is best after a life of facing everything. Wei couldnt understand the dragon. For all their power, they were choosing death. Is the Fragmentation truly that hellish? Asaru placed their hammer upon the branching sphere. I know not of this either. Only the tales. Only the old lores. We, the ones you call Antediluvian, are fading. We have destroyed ourselves for spats and control, just like our ancients. But in our absence, I have given unto our Systems the means to control and shape future hierarchies in hopes a great peace might begin after my end. And you are my final enforcer, the executor of my will. The colossal beingso powerful, yet so humbled by their final fatesnaked close to Wei. Their skull alone was the size of several words, or so it felt. Their hammer could shatter the very foundations of reality. But right now, it seemed resigned. My kindred The most of who fled were dragons. We were divine beasts of strife, power, dominance, and creation. And we fled the cycle that birthed us for what it might inflict. Enlightenment. Lives lived as being weaker; lesser. Of the war that killed the Antediluvian, you need know little, for little matters now. It was a banal war. One about a simple choicea choice as pertains to what I have just told you. Some wished to return to the Broken Samsara, believing enough time has passed, and enough power had been gained among us to claim the Empty Crowns. Others wished to hide eternally. And some were caught between. After the powers we wielded against each other, I fear only the young shall remain, and the last of the High Dragons will fade from this iteration. But not your creations, Wei said. No, Asaru chuckled. You see my vanity. Working to my last. Ah. Perhaps this is a more worthwhile expression of immortality and eternity to me. Perhaps the Systems Ive made, the architecture I leave means more than being here to see another sunrise, another world born, another hatching rise to legend. But it may all be hubris. I care little. Yet just enough to hide just a shard of my consciousness with you, Keter. To give you guidance and power. Wei stood a bit more upright at that final statement. This was what he was truly here for: power. The power to control his own fate. To defy the heavens. But even that felt twisted after what he just learned. With everything discovered, he felt like a frog crawling out from a well, only to find himself in an even larger well. How far down did his ignorance lead? Of the scattered Systems, you alone stand apart from the blessings of creation. You alone hold dominion over absolute destruction. Originally, I created you in spite against the idea of the Broken Samsara. To destroy the cycle, even. But now now stand in a unique position to perform righteousness. To decide what is righteous. To choose what my final legacy will be. Asaru brought his hammer high, and ciphers began swirling around its head, a dance of comets shivering before a final descent. For with Earths Vault lies not only an archive of our Highest Arts, but the anchor to which we use to hold the Fathoms, and a System we made to deceive the God-Machine of this iterations status, preventing any chance of true iteration. A pity I was not able to fully instill your System with awareness and virtue, Keter, but such is a thing you can shape of your own accordif that is your choice. For now, my charge remains. Guard against your kindred, as I have warred against mine. Protect those you deem weak and vulnerable against sin, bring peace and art if you can, and as for the vault and Earth An entire portion of Asarus midsection turned to dust. Guard it. Prevent anyone from prying those doors open. Of this, I beseech. It is one thing to kill your kindred. It is another to damn them and yourself to eternal torment and decay: an end without end. Promise me this. Promise me. The sheer pressure behind Asarus intent was choking. Wei let out a whimper as the shadow and light around him distorted, as if the weight of a mountain was crashing down on bands of stretching light. Yes, Wei choked out. I swear The weight faded. And Asarus hammer came down. Good. Though the Antediluvians tool was grand enough to shatter worlds, it did not break any part of Wei. Rather, it rang his tripartite beingmind, spirit, bodylike each was a bell. The young master found himself overwhelmed, parted into three separate frequencies, and to his surprise, Asaru hummed as they used their enormous fingers to pluck at Weis shivering wavelengths. Ah. Still apart in matter, though, and spirit. To be so divided. I have long forgotten what it was to be so mortal. And now, someday, so will you. Wei felt Asaru drew strings out from his body before swing their hammer once more. Wei shook, and felt himself come back together, his spirit and matter growing ever closer. What are you doing to me? Wei wanted to scream. But he was without a mouth, and instead his Ambition carried his voice over. The dragon let out a surprised rasp at that. Ah. Already Ascended that Aspect prematurely. Hmm. Dangerous. It is fortunate you were not destroyed by this imbalancea fault in your System I must have missed. Or perhaps it was the infectious ichor of your sister System that did this. But you remain, and so we continue. Another blow, and Wei felt his thoughts shudder. His Concept Cores snapped deeper inside him. System messages began to load. System Ascension In Progress [Gate] 2 Threshold ReachedSYSTEM FEATURE UNLOCKED [Conceptual Modularity]: The Aspects and Concepts you break can be integrated in to your System. The specific Aspect and Concepts of an entity will now grant you Concept Shards. Shards can be assembled to Advance your Aspects or create/level your Concept Cores. Conceptual > Axiomatic (ERROR ASCENSION [UN]LOCKED AT GATE 4) Aspects Advanced to Axiomatic Threshold (ERROR ASCENSION [UN]LOCKED AT GATE 4) Intent Ascended > Ambition>How much one can materialize their own willpower and direct that against the world around them. Updating System Architecture Another blow fell, and Wei felt his Masteries breaking away from him. I cannot revert your Ambition without dealing severe damage your System, Asaru hummed. Troubling. But your Aspects are uneven, and leaving you in such a state will affect your Systems stability. It is time we consider some workarounds. The hammer came down again, and options loaded into Weis mind once more. Generating [Antediluvian-Tier] Skill Paths for Aspect of (Ambition) You need something to draw away your excess Ambition. Something to temper your will. What a broken thing you are, little cultivator. But still so strong of heart. So deviant to the point of madness. Something in you is shattered, but you deny it. And you force the pieces of your spirit together out of spite and fury. Immediately, Wei felt a deluge of experiences spilled out from him. All he experienced in the Hearted Realmfacing the Inheritors, breaking Seever, his sprint to escape thereafterthe details there grew hazy and distant. As if he could only recollect parts of the whole affair. From him, his experience came to a fork in the road. Concept Core of (Harvest) Concept Core of (Augmentation) Both possessed a few synergies, but Weis instincts knew what he lacked. He had been vulnerable during battlesbreaking when struck and barely able to keep up with Seever physically. For all his offensive capacity, he had been on the back foot that entire battle. He should have died several times over, if not for his fortune and tenacity. Right now, his Concept Core of Augmentation was devoid of anything. And Augmentation was exactly what his System required. And so, Wei guided his experiences down the second path, causing options to be generated thusly. Concept Core of (Augmentation) >Titles (Antediluvean-Tier) Integrating Aspect of (Ambition) Aspect of (Ambition) has synergies with (ALL AVAILABLE MASTERY NODES) Weis mind went blank. All available masteries? Indeed, Asaru said. These resources were meant to be the foundations for future Skills. A pity. This will reset your current mastery progress as well, but an Antediluvean-Tier Skill should be far more than you possess right now. Mastery Node Capacity [7/10] >Proximal Acceleration >Form of the Resonant >Lesser Vessel of the Ruminator >Lesser Manifestation >Vector Chain >Lesser Cast Possession >Mark of Enmity >Outsight >Shiftstride >Ruminators Languor Generating Skill At once, Wei felt his mastery nodes disappear in a building realm pulsating with growing force. Within its depths, his memories dissolved and the feats he performed were given shape once more through channeled Essence. And something built inside him. Like a suit of armor nested within his flesh. [Antediluvian-Skill] Created Shell of Masteries Creates an idealized materialization of the hosts spirit shaped from the merger between their (Ambition) and devoted Mastery Nodes. The Shell of Masteries will constantly consume Source when materialized, and its form gains new evolutions based on what Mastery Nodes are devoted to its design. And with a final blow, Wei finally shatteredbut did not break. Instead, he found his being parted into halves, and from the wretched husk that was his flesh, a manifestation of spiritual perfection rose free. II-6 Shell of Masteries (II) Listen, Antediluvian rarity Skills are a fucking myth, okay? The only people who might get that are System hosts and chances are, thats not you. And if thats you, Im going to give you some life-saving advice right now: Stop chasing rarities. Stop thinking in terms of Common is weaker than Rare is weaker than Elite is wearer than Master is weaker than Legendary is weaker than Mythical is weaker than Antediluvian. If you have a good Title or Skill of a high rarity, great. But. However. Your goal for your Skills and Titles should always be toward the building of your tool kit. For most of you who dont have your own Concept Cores and cultivate new powers based on experiencesmeaning most everyone who got their Class from a Systempick the most directly beneficial option. Dont just case the rarest Skills without looking at what they are. The sum of your actions generate what you can choose, but the sum of your actions is big goddamn mish-mash of different shit. You might be a Pyromancer of some kind with a bit of cooking on the side, and wouldnt you know it, you get a Legendary Barbecue Skill or some shit. Great. Very unique. Very powerful. For cooking. Dogshit useless for a soldier. Remember: Build around your toolkit. And be sensible. A guy with a few Rare or Common Skills can still outfight some lucky asshole with a Legendary or Mythical Skill or two if you make the right choices. Their Skills will give them a lot more punch or flexibility, compared to you, but you can make it work. The creation of a small sun that bombs your enemies without you needing to split your focus is better than something like Fireball, but its not impossible to overcome. But, uh, if you do run into someone with an Antediluvian-Skill well, thats where shit gets kind of weird and harder to gauge. Mainly cause you''re probably fighting a host or a high level Classed with a Concept Core. Best to run, then. Theyre not going to be just launching some advanced fire at you in that case. They might be reshaping the very idea of what it means to burn. -The Trespassers Compendium II-6 Shell of Masteries (II) What once was a cocoon shaped from Source crumbled into a tangible form. It rose from Weithe source of its primordial yolk and the alloy from which it was born. But even as it stood, Wei still felt waves of pressure rippling from its shell, felt his own spirit stretched between two points in existence. Wei himself was the root: the seed-heart from which this new Skill sprouted. But the Shell of Masteries was the full blossoming of his spirit, his potential and power unfettered. At a glance, it resembled his Lesser Manifestation being a construct shaped from Source. But where the Lesser Manifestation was but a vague and bland mimicry of Weis general shape, the Shell of Masteries was carved from detail upon detail. The first thing of significant note was its size. It towered over Wei much like Roggi did, but the edges of its body were blurred, as if smeared by a film of percolating haze. Hence, its full dimensions were a bit harder to gauge. Whats more, Wei felt that its size was variablebound not to physical limits but the channeling of his Source. Even now, he could feel bits of his spirit burn away, consuming his Systems foundational resource to maintain its existence. Then came the other characteristics. More than just an enlarged replica of Wei, the Shell of Masteries resembled a complex suit of armor and limbs. A brilliant white eye graced the core of its helmet, granting it a cyclopean visage that seemed to pierce through Wei. Its torso was stacked and studded by interlocking plates of ebony and ivory. Between their clefts hissed expended Source, and attached to the body were four limbs. The two-top limbs bore a familiar scythethe Form of the Martial Harvester. The fingers that gripped the great, reaping instrument followed the color scheme of Weis foundations, the left white, the right dark. The young master was surprised by just how harmonically attuned his newest Skill seemed to be with his first. They were of different Concept Cores, after all. But then again, they were Concept Cores unique to his System, and as such would have been shaped to work in tandem with each other to begin with. Aside from the top two arms, however, were two more limbs. The lower right stood out from the others by being a length of armored muscle ending in black-tipped claws and white-studded knuckles. In the right was a limb composed by black chains connected to a dozen pale, floating spears. The Shells legs had too many joints to be humanoid, and fascinatingly, their points also ended in the form of spears instead of feet. A set of rings were layered at their tip, releasing a constant thrust that kept the Skill afloat. Finally, there was a tendril-thin lattice forming six wings that extended out its back. They pulsed with force, and time itself seemed to flow slower when passing through the wings gaps. There was also a pitch-black chain coiled around its waist. When the Shell moved, it left afterimages of itself imprinted upon the world, like a droplet of ink staining the purity of existences waters. Asaru lifted their hammer and let out a wheezing groan. Below him, the host and his newly forged Skill stood together and apart form each other at once. They faced each other, the boy looking upon the icon hidden within his spirit. Be you my spirit? Wei breathed. Be you my root? the Shell of Masteries replied. Where Weis breath was one of wonder and awe, the Shells voice trembled with naked disappointment. Further more, it sounded a bit too much like his fatherlike William Yu. Deeper by a bit, perhaps, but the stench of their relation still soured the moment slightly for Wei. A new System notification appeared before his eyes. Updating Mastery Nodes > Armor Nodes Combining Masteries Mastery Nodes [0/20] Mastery Components [6] Where once your Masteries might have existed as but exaggerations of your achieved feats further boosted by means of your Aspects, now they will truly transcend the material and grant you a power above all others. Asaru gestured toward the Shell of Masteries. Every Mastery you achieve will join with your Shell, another extension of its armor. Another boost to your capabilities. Gaze upon its pieces. Learn what it means to be more than yourself. And as Wei focused on the makeup of his armor again. Textual descriptions expanded before his vision as he studied specific components. True to Asarus words, his various Masteries had been reforged into specific and visible parts for the Shell. Shell of Masteries - [Equipped Mastery Components] Head >Helm of Invasive Sight (Common) - Allows the Shell to see invisible entities and also invade the perspectives of weaker entities. Body >Chassis of the Self-Devouring Ruminator (Rare) - Consumes Source and (Ambition) to amplify the Shells other Aspects. Rumination sets (Fortification) to 0 and leaves the Shell vulnerable but allows the Shell to regain Source. Arms >Chainspear Arms (Common) - Allows the Shell to forge, project, and direct 3 Source-forged spears connected to a set of chains. >Gauntlet of the Breaker (Common) - Unarmed strikes delivered through this gauntlet amplifies the users (Authority) by 10%. Legs >Spearstriders (Common) - Grants the Shell to perform [Echo Dashes] based on their (Relativity). Wings>Proximal Aegis (Epic) - Allows the Shell to consume Source and flare their Proximal Aegis across the distance of their (Omniscience). Limits the maximum speed within their Aegis to the users maximum speed. As Wei examined each piece of his Shell, the excitement grew like a crackling flame. Though a few of his Masteries had been helpful, a few fell by the wayside during more intense fights, and most paled before the sheer potency possessed by his Path of the Martial Harvester. But this Antediluvean Skill had reforged them. Turned the Mastery nodes into Mastery Componentsspirited-crafted pieces of potency attached to his Shell. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. This isnt like having just one Skill, Wei breathed. This is one in many. And I can create more? Create more Components for my Shell? Indeed, Asaru said. All you need is to display greater heights of Mastery or discover new paths of development. Strain and novel experiences will allow you to create new pieces or further upgrade your existence Components. These Components will have their own rarities as well. Not all Mastery Components can coexist, however, and each Component added will further tax your Source consumption based on quantity and rarity. Remarkable, Wei said, smiling up at his Shell. He reached up to touch his Shell, and after a moments reluctance, it extended its own handthe Chainspear armand reciprocated Wei. You are small. And fragile. Depressingly so. Wei blinked at his Shells peculiar statement, but his mood was buffeted by a new surprise. The Shells finger overlapped with him, and he let out a gasp as the Skill shot forward and superimposed itself over him. At once, he felt a sensation of complete alignment, with his mind, body, and spirit fully conjoined. Right then, there was no difference between him and the Shell, no distance or separation. But another sensation seized him. The sudden plummeting of his Source became a building fatigue within Weis spirit, and he let out an involuntary groan. Alas, it takes much to maintain a spiritual eidolonfar more than someone at your current stage should be capable. It is only because of the imbalance caused that this Skill could be achieved. And it is only thanks to this Skill that your System will remain whole instead of collapsing. The remainder of Weis System notification loaded in an instant, but the young master found himself fixated on one detail: his rapidly diminishing Source. System Updating Refining Source >>>Source Refined: [600/600] Lumens Source Core Ascended > Lv. 30 >[0/100] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension>>[0/30] Core Ascensions to [Gate] 3 System Ascension >>>Source: [600/600] Lumens Weis mind did a double take at his new Core Ascension requirements. One hundred Aspects? One hundred? He struggled enough getting to ten each timehe expected twenty or His memory jolted. He remembered the first thing he unlocked for this gateConceptual Modularity. [Conceptual Modularity]: The Aspects and Concepts you break can be integrated in to your System. The specific Aspect and Concepts of an entity will now grant you Concept Shards. Shards can be assembled to Advance your Aspects or create/level your Concept Cores. Was this why the requirements were so high? If he understood that right, that meant he could all but farm Aspect and Concept improvements from that which he broke. Which if done right could see his System improved at a rapid rate. The task did not seem so daunting anymore; now, Wei was just excited to discover what it took to compose a whole Concept Shard. Authority 67 Relativity 53 Enlightenment 40 Omniscience 41 Fortification 41 Ambition [Incalculable] Source: [488/600] Masteries Demonstrated >Meditation (III) 55% >Unarmed Combat (III) 43% >Spearmanship (III) 56% >Evasion (III) 1% >Thrown Weapons (II) 55% >Tactics (II) 99% >Rapier 0% Sourcery Advancements [2] Available! Select [10] Source Propagation > Allows the host to channel Source out from their body and unravel the stability of the physical matter around them. The more Source is sacrificed, the more the world unravels. Liminal Bridge > Liminal Tunnel [Requires 25 Sourcery Advancements (Currently at 20) Source Propagation Once more, Weis total Source had doubled from the 300 Source he reached at System Level 30. However, in the scant few seconds he spent merged with his Shell, he had already lost over 100 Lumens. The consumption rate was ridiculous, and still the Skill drained him dry to sustain himself. Pathetic, Weis Shell intoned. The ire was directed at Wei himself, filled with disgust about his lacking spirit and feeble body. What? Wei said, surprise and offense intermingling. But what was he offended by? He was practically talking to himself here, considering the Shell was just an idealized materialization of his spirit. This cannot be all we are, the Shell continued. You know this. You cannot accept this. I will not accept this. It is not enough. It will never be enough. We will always want. Always. This is the curse of mastery: for the price of dominance is eternal hunger for perfect, and eternal torment from never reaching that peak. The Shells words silenced Wei. They came from a place of deep uncomfort nested inside his heartexisted even while he was but a mundane cultivator training desperately to become the future leader of his sect. Nothing he did was enough. Not enough to earn the open praise of his mother; not enough to save her from death; not enough even now. With a grunt of effort, Wei stepped free from his Shell, and his Source ceased its freefall. He quickly realized why this was. When they were conjoined, his Shell was burning Source to materialize over him in reality. Right now, it existed within him, resting in his spirit and mind, waiting to rise. It functioned a bit like his Source Catalyst in a sense. Not surprising, considering Augmentation formed the foundations of its creation. You still have two Concept Cores to condense. Once you do, your System will be in final alignment, and the Equilibrium will be revealed to you. Equilibrium? Wei and his Shell asked at once. They both eyed each other before looking back to the Antediluvian. Asaru let out a soft hiss as another swath of their body turned to dust and decay. Little more than a fourth of the dragon remained now. So much had dissolved in the time it took Wei to look away. You are I am dead, Asaru said, plainly. What you see is but a recording of my final moments. Even my spirit remembers the nature of my death, and so you will behold my final indignityCreator of Systems and Gods bound for dust all the same. And maybe that will be your fate too, someday. Or perhaps you will deny eternitys will and uphold a rule that transcends limits. Whatever might follow, it is up to you now. You and my final System. Asaru looked to his pyramidthe vault hidden within Earth and let out a chortle. And our time is at an end. I knew you so briefly, and you know me not at all. A shame. I would have enjoyed seeing what the youthful create, what you might decide. But I am tired enough. Great dragon, please, I do not mean to interrupt but You have Conceptual Modularity now. Asarus words were a statement. I yes? Good. Break something. And study the pieces. Put them together. Use them to build your Aspects Concepts. You cannot create. That is not your gift. But you can piece what has already been made you can take that which is broken for your own use this. Use this against your siblings should they stray, and know the architecture that is existence if you Asaru sagged. Not only was the dragon withering away, they were dimming as well. It was like all the power and vitality was shriveling out from them, and Wei struggled to bear the sight. The idea of something so powerful, something capable of crafting stars and deciding fate, was to greet a hopeless end shook him. It is well. Our stories are all different. And the same goes for our fates. Yours has yet to conclude, and whoever you choose to be, know that know that The dragon paused. There are some things worse than non-existence. Understand this. There are some immortalities that I would never wish you or any other being to suffer. Guard the vault. Spare them a misguided fate Of this, I can only But Asarus words came no more, as parts of their face began to crumble inwards as well. The remaining length of the once-grand creature coiled as if nothing more than a common worm exposed to the sun and soon for death. But rather than folding in on themselves, Asaru straightened their body and rose. Rose high into the expanse of the Fathoms, the canvas they helped make. Rose into the dark as decay finally claimed its final due. The dragon, once greater than stars and worlds alike, peeled away into nothing upon nothing, and the sentimentality within that visual statement was not lost upon Wei. And neither was the coldness of fear that gripped him. Even in the end, did they choose to mark realms with their own meaning. Such is a victory in of itself, though not one we can desire. Wei turned as his Shell spoke. Around them, the darkness and light collapsed, receding like tidal waves returning from the horizon to a common source. I They have said their due. We have been entrusted with a final will and gifted greater power. But it is our blessing to decide what we wish to do. The Creator is gone. Only we and the other Systems remain. We. You, my miserable origin, and me, your shackled idealization. The Shell sighed, radiating disappointment as the liminal space that held them broke apart. But I suppose I will fashion something out of you yet. We do have a world to conquer, after all, and a vault to claim. Then everything was darkness, then white, then the room in the Third Rib once more. Wei blinked as he found himself laying against the cool wooden floorboards at the base of his bed. The sheer whirlwind of events he just experienced left him feeling unbalanced. Did all that happen or was he Before Wei could check his System, a sharp point of pain pierced his leg and sent him scrambling up to his feet with a yelp. The young master turned and summoned his Broken Crescent. He surged in the direction of the attack with a thrust. Only to have his strike contemptuously parried aside by three monochromatic spears attached to jiggling chains. A flash of motion exploded across Weis vision. Two pitch-black claws ended an inch before his eyes. He found himself staring down his Shells armored gauntlet. How unprepared you are. How you enjoy spending your time blinking and gawking like a fish. The young masters jaw dropped as he almost sputtered, bereft of a proper response. Just like that. Close your mouth, fool. Then, the Shell backhanded him across the face. Weis head snapped backthough his Source didnt drop at all. Still, a sting of pain flashed across his cheek as he almost toppled over his body. Whatdamnwhy are you His final words left as a pitched shriek of purest agony as his Shell snaked two Sourcespears down to the floor before driving them up through Weis groin. II-7 Failures (I) The perfect enemy one can face is themselves, stripped of all flaws, all weakness And so too will such a foe become a perfect teacher as well. -Wei An Wei, The Realmbreaker II-7 Failures (I) Weis eyes rolled into the back of his head. The pain was beyond words. So he just screamed. But still, nothing physical tore or bled, and nothing spiritual was expended. The suffering was purely in his mind, but that was bad enough. The chains connected to the Shell rattled as the Sourcespears continued to burrow up his pelvis. Stop! Stop! E-enough! No, his Shell said bluntly. It is not enough. You allowed me to parry youyou knew I had more weapons and failed to disengage. This is a lesson you must now, learn. Stop! Wei snarled, but on some level, Wei knew the Skill was right. It was wrong of him to be so laxespecially in this place. He he deserved this. At least, he on some level believed that he deserved this. Now you see, the Shell said. I am not a defiance of your will. I am a defiance of your weakness. Wei would have offered a response, but he was busy hyperventilating. Mercifully, his Shell didnt torture him anymore after that, and finally withdrew its spears after a few more seconds. Shamefully, it took Wei well over a minute to recover, and he spent some time dry heaving before he finally managed to rise. I could have killed you a thousand times while you were whimpering like a babe, the Shell growled. Wei just stared on at his Skill. Not so much with thrill anymore. More like haggard disbelief. I He swallowed sour spit. Apparently, the ideal version of myself is an asshole who likes making eunuchs. Yes, his Shell said, not even bothering to dispute the assertion. And you have been too kind to yourself. Too merciful. It is your fault that you didnt notice your fathers misdeeds. It is your fault that you failed to defend your sect. And it is your fault that Lady Ellena was slainpreserved only by the power of another. I Another backhand took Wei across the jaw. The blow was beyond speednear instant. One moment the Shell was still and the next it was dragging the back of its hand across Weis face. Weakness is no excuse. Wei rubbed at his face, and felt an overwhelming dissonance when he discovered no wound. Still, it stung both his pride and his senses to be slapped. Stop backhanding me like a chil He pulled away on instinctbut still wasnt fast enough. The Shells armored gauntlet came to a right against the side of his skull. Within the massive fist thrummed unreleased powerenough to turn Weis head to paste. But true to the Shells words, this was in his mind, and the Skill could no more kill him than his Broken Crescent could without his consent. Still. The urge to punish and humiliate himself for what happened before it It was what he had been missing. I do not do this for pride or ego, the Shell said. I do not strike you as you abused your lessers of the outer sect in your youth for preserve pleasure or delusional glory. I do this because you are not enough. I do this because you should have been greaterfor the heavens are cold and the realms are cruel. The Shell pulled its hand back and Wei looked down, ashamed at who he was. I I tried There was so much Pain. Is that always your excuse. Something ached inside Weis chest. Part of him wanted to scream at his Shell, to tell the damned thing it didnt know what he faced, how much he suffered. He wanted to let out how tired he was, how he feared closing his eyes, how Ellena and his mother were blurring together from their symmetrical fates; how he could hear Agnesias screams in the Hearted Realm resounding always. Always. But these were just useless words from a weak boy. And he was in hell. He had survived so far by fingertips and hairs. By fortune and low-cunning alone did he prevail against the Inheritors and remain alive. But that wasnt going to last forever, and luck would fail him soon. Soon, as he faced the countless forces arrayed against him. The Inheritors, the Dying Queen, the Circles, the Lodge even Mepheleon himself was dubious company. The only true companions Wei had been those he saved during the trials and himself. And as patriarch, he needed to be more than what he was. What are their names? his Shell of Masteries asked. What? Wei said, frowning. He put a few meters of distance between him and the Skill, wary it might attack him at any time; preparing to fight back. The names of your so-called disciples. Name one. Name any from your inner or outer sect? Wei thought to himself. And thought some more. He couldnt. It wasnt a problem of memory. His mind was greater than it had ever been. The problem was how little he truly cared about them, about their struggles. He saved them out of mercy, but also to feed his own ego, his own Pride. But after that, he had cast them to his companions, with Ellena handling the bulk of the sects actual work while Agnesia led them on raids. All he did was speak to them a few times and boast of his plans. That, aside from keeping them save and securing a path for everyone across the Hearted Realm, was all he could speak of in his own favor. The elves you saved before fighting Mulver Groon. They told you their names. And because they were slightly incompetent, you willed yourself to forget as an insult. And yet here you stand before me, with your quartermaster failed, your mother dead, and your father The Shell cocked its head and its burning eye seared Weis nerves. It was a struggle to face himself. And will we do to him? What is our plan, our choice? There are still things we wish to learn, Wei muttered, his ego still smarting from the verbal onslaught delivered by his own Skill. He he worked with the Dying Queenthe Inheritors. Those are our foeswe need to understand them. You need to destroy them. But after that. When his use to use is finished. What will you do. We are close, now. Close to having the power needed to kill him. All that you have done is to avenge your mother and sect, and yet though you rage, you flinch from him as if he is a wound on your body. You ignore him like a debt you are trying to avoid. There are only two true options with him. Wei knew what those were. Kill him, of course. The Shell scoffed with derision. Of course? I dont think you have the mettle to slay your own father, boy. Break him, hurt him perhaps. But your hand will halt before the end, and you possess not the spirit to drive your spear through his chest and watch him expire. This this Wei would not accept. Be silent. The words left him in a near feral snarl. You if you are truly crafted from me, then you know I will not allow his betrayal to go unpunished! That my mother The Shell leaned back, and Wei paused. You youre provoking me. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Feeble of emotion as well as body. There is so much of you that needs to be improved. And the Shell looked down at its own body, its own Components. A fate we both must share if we are to contend with the likes of Mepheleon or the Queen. They will be seeking control over Earth as well. You know this. Wei did. But the idea of growing powerful enough to stand against the Harbinger was as exciting as it was daunting. How shall we start, then? Weariness nipped at him, but Wei pushed it away with his will. Exhaustion was the blessing of mortals and the weak. He could No. His System thundered, cutting through Weis thoughts. This, more than all things, makes me disgraced to have you as my root, my origin. You will not leave and seek the Base tonight to slake your shame through battle. You will achieve nothing meaningful right now, and you may well die if you pursue such foolishness. So, am I to rest? Wei snapped incredulously. You are to improve yourself by any means. By all means. Your mind is scattered. If you are tired, then that must be remedied. Meditate. Rest. It matters not. But you must cleanse yourself of lethargy, lest A knock sounded on the door. Both Wei and the Shell went stiff. Who is that? The Shell looked upon Wei like he was mentally deficient. My helmet allows me to see the unseen and steal the gazes of others. It does not let me piece the boundary of spaces. Using the barest amount of intellect, however, I suspect it is Lady Agnesia, come to seek comfort. Wei blinked. That he did promise her that. How did he forget? Because you are a boy who is easily overwhelmed and constantly get lost in your own thoughts. Another flaw we must fix. Another knock sounded. This one lighter and more tentative than the others. Go get the door, you fool. Before she turns and leaves. Right, Wei muttered, still feeling overtaxed by all that just happened. Asaurs words; the Shell of Masteries both were a lot to process. Later. Focus on your companion now. It is your duty. And one of them was bound to Wei, and a constant voice of nagging abuse. It was as if one of his old masters gained a residence into the back of his mind. Do not complain. Self-pity is the path to me stabbing you from the inside. Fine! Fine! Wei snapped internally. He rushed down the stairsurged on by the fear of being reminded what a castration felt like. As he got right up against the door. Wei drew in the breathand wasnt sure why he hesitated. His hand shook momentarily, and he blinked, everything becoming too much for a beat. Open the door, the Shell growled. But do it slowly so we dont get surprised. We are assuming it is Agnesia. It could be an enemy. Pushing through his sudden discord, Wei creaked open his door and readied himself. His Omniscience spilled out from the crack. To his reliefand awkwardnessit was indeed Agnesia waiting outside. She was half-turned, as if preparing to walk away, but she froze mid-step as she heard the door creek open. Wei? She said softly. The young master wanted to say something, but took a moment to study her. She was wearing silken robes of fiery red, and a butterfly knot wrapped tight to her body. Missing was the sword he gifted her and all the blood and grime that coated her body. Instead, soft white-slippers hung from her feet while a spicy aroma wafted from her ethereally white hair. She had just washed, that was Invite her in. Stop peeking at the outline of her body using your Omniscience. I was not doing that? Wei hissed, snarling over his shoulder. The Shell wasnt there. Could she see it, though? Could she feel the Shell? Was it invisible to others until he materialized it? Wei? Are you there? Agnesia shuffled back over toward his door. And the young master pulled it open fully, revealing his still disheveled, still filth-coated, still foul-smelling person. They both stared at each other for a moment, and Wei coughed. Good evening, he managed. Do you wish to Can I come in? She said. Her expression was that of a stone, but her muscles were taut. It was then that Wei realized he was bloody looking up at this girl. She was a full head taller than him now. When had that happened? Why was she growing so fast. And she wasnt wearing her bootshe was wearing his. We must train your body to grow taller as well. Being short is not an excuse. Yes, Wei said, finally catching up to her words. Heavens, there was so much noise in his mind now. Yes. Please. Find a seat wherever you so choose. He held the door open for her and watched her enter. Shaking his head, he did his best to cast the noise assailing his mind aside. He needed to focus. Agnesia wanted to talkand there was much to speak of. What happened to her mother; Reunion; the Dying Queen She had suffered much. And now, perhaps for the first time in her life, she was alone. Alone in a foreign land with people she barely knew, with the fate of her mother still in question. As Wei was about to close his door, a flash of purple materialized within his Omniscience and a splash of psionic energy and spatial Essence revealed Bishop. The Trespasser stood two steps away from Weis door with a grin plastered on his face. What does he want now? Both Wei and his Shell groaned. A pause passed through the young master. Shell. Do you think He will smear us against these walls with a flick of his wrist. There is no fight to be had. Not for you. Not for me. But that will change soon. That will change. The Shells certitude was a conviction shared by Wei. He remembered how much power Bishop channeled through Angeleous paltry vessel. Now, back in his true body, John Bishop was a match for any Count of Helland that Moonscar matron was even greater than he when it came to the power of their Essence signatures. Inching his head out from behind his door slowly, Wei narrowed his eyes at Bishop. Yes. Master Bishop. How might I help you? Was just wandering around, Bishop said, that ridiculous grin still on his face. Came upon an interesting sight. He nodded. Now. I know you two survived something intense, and youre both just kids, so Inexperienced in certain matters as Wei was, he wasnt a complete fool. When he was little more than a toddler, he caught senior disciples of differing sexes sneaking into each others quarters when they thought no one was watching. Curious, he approached and heard the most peculiar assortment of noises and declarations. When he returned to his own room, he asked his mother and father when he could begin his own special nightly yin-yang cultivation session. That was the first time his father broke down laughing before Wei. That was also the first time Weis mother sprayed a mouthful of tea in his face, so taken by surprise she was. And now these moments were gone. Gone and never to return. I am not doing anything untoward. Weis statement was iron. Final. He wasnt. She was his guest, and he would treat her accordingly. Bishop helped up his hands in defense. Hey. Listen. Theres nothing wrong with it. We get a little stressed and that causes Master Bishop, I am not a degenerate, Wei said through clenched teeth. II am offended you even think this of me. I intend to give Lady Agnesia whatever support she so desires Bishops grin grew wider. Whatever support she so wishes, huh? Thats noble. Weis Shell sighed. We must work on your forward-thinking and rhetorical Masteries as well. A mule would have bleated better than you speak. Goddamn you both, Wei snarled. That made Bishop blink. He looked around and frowned. Both? Its nothing, Wei said, a little too fast. I am not going to do anything undignified. If Ithere are rituals required forwe haventa proper courtship proceeds matters of base flesh. A tumble of words escaped Wei, and Bishop started to laugh. Holy shit, son. You dont have a stick up your ass, you have a whole fucking pillar. The young master began to sputter, but the Trespasser him off. Yeah. Right. Listen. Just dont do anything to fuck yourself up. Or her. Alright. Done breaking your balls. Thats all I wanted to say. Wei paused. I thank you for yourwait, have you been watching me? How did you know? Bishop teleported in a flash of color, and Wei found himself staring at nothing but hallway again. Bishop! Bishop! Wei shouted. You! I will A series of noises escaped Wei, but he decided upon slamming the door shut as a response. Great. Now, the Trespasser was spying on him. But did that mean he knew about the Shell? Unlikely. I have not materialized yet. I remain your secret. And you remain my shame. How encouraging. Sighing, Wei pushed away from the door. Only to find Agnesia standing right behind him, blank-faced and empty-eyed. Another awkward pause formed between them. But Wei mustered his confidence and snorted. I meant every word. My intentions are only for your A single tear dropped from her right eye. Followed by one from her left. Agnesia hugged herself, and slowly she began to shake. Wei froze. His Shell radiated with disappointment from within. This is the opposite of what you were supposed to achieve? You fail yet again. What? What did I do? That does not matter. What matters is that she is miserable, and you are not making it better. Something akin to despair almost overcame Wei. He was so, so tired. II-8 Failures (II) Say one thing about the Realmbreaker, say hell do about everything to hold up the sky for me while he crumbles away on the inside. What the damn fool didnt see was that Id do the same for him. Id do the same, and more -Agnesia the Ashen Dawn II-8 Failures (II) As Agnesia collapsed under her grief, Weis mind stalled with indecision. He wasnt sure what to do, nor did he have any experience buffeting anothers flagging spirits. He wasnt even sure if it was something he said or did that caused this final collapse in her. But as she wept, he felt helpless, feeble, and embarrassed. What kind of patriarch could just stand around and do somenothing in this moment? What kind of patriarch indeed? his Shell said with scorn. Say something, you fool. "I, uh, uh" Wei sputtered. He sputtered like a fish burgling the last bits of water from its gills, exposed to air for the first time. "Master Bishop is a fool. I would never take advantage Not about that," his Shell interrupted. Shes not crying about that, you stupid creature." You are not helping, Wei said, thinking internally as he growled at his new Skill. If you are so wise, then why dont you offer a proper suggestion? "Very well. It always falls to me in the end anyway, considering your lacking prowess." One thing was increasingly certain: Weis idealized spirit was really quite the bastard. "Materialize me. Only a part, though. My helmet." Your helmet? "The Helm of Invasive Sight," his Shell snapped. "It allows me to access her perspective, glean what we might need to heal her spirits." Wei hesitated briefly, but did as the shell recommended. A sudden burst of monochromatic light encapsulated his head. And suddenly, a gleaming orb overlapped his vision, and the world became clearer, as if he could now gaze beyond a thin veil that wasn''t there before. Agnesias perception expanded from her like a bubble, while her vision cast a beam forth, pointed downwards, as she held herself, trying to stop from shaking. The invasive sight projected by Weis helmet crashed into her perception, and slowly his awareness leaked into hers. From her eyes, the world was blurred, and she was shaking, shivering, still trying to hold herself together as she shuddered beneath the weight of all her mental strain. The weightWei knew that weight. He felt that when he saw his mothers head beheaded for the first time, the blood, his fatherhe knew the weighthe knew the weighthe knew the weight. Resisting trauma via Aspect of (Ambition) I cant, I cant, I cant, Wei chanted internally. "Pathetic," his Shell grumbled, and Wei severed the connection. Reeling back, he stumbled against the wall and let out a gasp. That feeling was His thoughts were muddled. He was already weary. Now he found just how like her trauma was to his. No, no, her pain. He didnt have trauma. He wasnt traumatized. He was not wounded. He was stronger. He was stronger than anything the hells could inflict on him. He was fine. He was fine. He was fine. "Stop repeating words and help her," his shell said. "If you cannot find an idea, then I have another suggestion. We target it." Target it? Wei thought. "Yes. Use your Ambition. Isolate her sadness. And then we cut it out." The concept. Wei froze at that. "We cut the concept." He recalled severing the ichor that held Ellena to the Dying Queen. Yes, perhaps this could work. Manifesting another portion of his shell consumed even more source. In scant seconds, he was already down 50 Source Lumens. An incredible amount, considering how little he had to begin with. The shell must be formidable in combat for it to be such a resource hog. He couldnt imagine using more than a few Components in tandem for longer than 15 seconds at its current rate of consumption. He needed to test how fast his chassis could regenerate Source "Think about that later, when were killing things. Right nowhelp her." A scythe materialized within Weis hands. And he used a tendril of sewers to isolate the feeling in her mind. As it brushed into her person and knotted at the core of her skull, Agnesia blinked and suddenly stumbled back in shock as she stared at Wei who slowly advanced on her with his harvesting blade. "Hey, Wei, what are you doing?" she muttered, her breath still coming hitched. Her eyes were wide but still bloodshot with tears. "I" Wei said, suddenly realizing how ugly the scene looked. This was more like an attempted murder than emotional support. But, however, it might be the best thing he could do. "Im going to attack the concept of your sadness." He held up his scythe and shrugged. "It shouldn"t be that hard." Agnesia just stared at him for a second, and then, impossibly, a snort of disbelieving laughter gushed out from her. "You are an utter fool, Wei." "An utter fool," Wei repeated. His empathy vanished before a rising tide of offense., was replaced by a fence. "Im here trying to help you, and you call me a fool? Her laughter and tears mingled until they were one and the same. She stared upon Wei as she shook her head. "You didnt need to do that. I just No, dont, dont," she said. "Id rather feel this way than nothing at all. I I deserve this. I deserve this. Im a terrible daughter. "How?" Wei said, blinking. It seemed that they were more similar at heart than he anticipated. She looked at the insides of his room and gave a shrug. "Can we head in?" "Yes," he said, leading her in. "Anywhere you want. Whatever you wish. We can sit anywhere and speak if that is your will." "Of course, if thats what you want," his shell muttered. "You repeat yourself with every sentence." I am trying my best right now, Wei said mentally. "Yes, and look at how we are. Failure after failure." Instead of rising to the second floor and using his bed, she decided to take a seat at the steps and stared out at the small, tranquil garden that took up half the first floor. Water continued flowing, the sound a meditative pitter-patter that soothed ones spirits. For another moment of silence began between them, and as Wei sat next to her, he frowned, noticing just how much larger she was than him. Not only taller, she seemed more muscular as well. Her biceps were staggering pronounced. A ridge of muscle had become her shoulders and neck. What was even happening. "Emasculation." His Shell scoffed. That is what is happening. Shut up, Wei muttered internally. Agnesia rubbed at her face and sniffled. "Im sorry, I didnt mean to just collapse like that in front of you. Im very ashamed. This is unbecoming behavior for a She snorted. Not a lady anymore. Least thats something. Always wanted to be free, and now I am. Now I am. "It"s all right," Wei said. "I understand." He bit down on his jaw to stop his own trembling. "I do. I have faced the same pain. I have fought it. I know how you feel." And he didnt know what words to say next. He only opened his hands as a faint gesture of understanding. "We are the sum of our achievements and failures, I suppose. But if it means anything, I am here with you right now." A faint smile spread across her face, and Wei knew his words went right. At least this time. "Finally," his Shell said, a voice barely a derisive whisper. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Hugging her knees close to her chest, Agnesia let out a sigh. "I havent thanked you properly for killing that Kindred bastard." "Reunion," Wei said, remembering the vampires name. Heavens, had that been merely hours ago? It felt like another life. The amount of things happening to him these daysthey were overwhelming. "No," his Shell groaned, declaring with full force, "not overwhelming. This cannot overwhelm you." Weis resolve hardened as he nodded. "Yes, it is no deed worth mentioning. He has harmed you. He stands with the Dying Queen, and she is our enemy. Both of our enemies," he said, his glare resolute. He remembered what the Queen did to him, how she tried to twist him, how she used the trauma of his mother to hurt him. That would not go forgivennot in this life, not in all the ones to follow. "I never told you about my life before, about Dawnrest and everything that happened, did I?" she said. "You told me enough," Wei said. "I know enough that you can understand what youve suffered, what you faced, the choices you had to make." He nodded. She stared down at the ground, looking at her feet. She clicked her slippers together, and a pained expression came over her face. "Creators Light, I was just weak at the end. There was nothing I could do. I didnt even see my mother get taken by. I couldnt do anything." "I didn"t either," Wei said. "This is not your failure alone; it is one shared by both of us." "But you actually broke him," she said, her voice cracking. "You won. You slew the bastard. I was just there, swinging, striking him ineffectually. My punches did nothing. My fires couldn"t even burn his flesh." And grief gave way to anger as the surrounding air simmered and her eyes blackened with hissing fire. "I was just worthless in the endworthless." "She is too hard on herself," his Shell said. Wei did a mental double-take. What? You cannot expect that much from her. She has done all that she could. You, on the other hand, are pathetic, worthless. If you were more, then she would not be in this state. Wei blinked. The Shell spoke truth. He was patriarch. She was his responsibility. He should have never risked her or the others against such a foe. From then to after, Agnesia started talking in random statements, recounting the days that were past. She told him about her kingdom, Dawnrest, a wealthy seafaring empire that rested upon the sea and was blessed by the gaze of Ingium, their sun, the heart of the dragon god that once was. It was said that her family was dragon-blooded, inheritors of the ancient legacy and bearers of the highest flame. She, along with her brothers and father, controlled this primordial power, while her mother was merely a remarkable individual who married into her family. For ten generations they ruled Dawnrestrest, for ten generations the empire expanded. Then, because the Crossroads decided to expanded their own trade network, a portal opened, and a new gateway allowed the Dying Queens forces entry from the frigid north of her world. The kindred spilled forth, and the land itself grew infested with the dying queens ichor. Soon, nations crumbled, and Dawnrest turned to face the threat. An onslaught of monsters, beasts, and carrion soon swept the lands, twisting all that there was, forcing my father and my two older brothers to ride off into battle. A battle they would surely win. Agnesia paused, her gaze someplace distant. After all, they were the blessed of Igniums children, the bearers of the holy flame, the scions of dragons. Except not. She paused. The ones who returned were the kindred, with my fathers head on a pike, and my two brothers twisted beyond recognition. She recounted this, her voice hollow of any emotion. It was like an open wound that healed wrongthe skin and flesh missing. Just emptiness there. Emptiness. And after that my life was different altogether. Agnesia finished. Wei stared on, looking at the greenery in his garden, as silence followed once more. It was not a comfortable one. Misery stained the beat. They were going to turn me too my mother, everyone. They started with my younger brothers. It was my fault. Agnesia choked. Because I tried to escape first. I tried to flee. They caught me the first time. I was so scared. I thought they were going to torture me, but instead they turned them first, my younger brothers. I hurt them first. She held herself tighter and tighter until she was almost a ball on the steps. Wei hesitated a moment before he reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder. It was not your fault. You tried, you The proper word was failed, but how could he blame her? She was a princess, not a martial daughter of a sect or a cult, but something more akin to a rich merchants young lady. It was my fault, she said. I should have thought longer, I She let out a laugh. You know, when I finally managed to escape, it was because of another invasion. The demonic ones, the ones that happen annually every year. That was our window. I should have thought more carefully. I should have thought clearer. She waved her hands each time, as if trying to grasp a past that wasnt there anymore. Every year, we would have to fight away some minor demonic incursions. And just the same, it was in the year that my kingdom was She didnt finish her words. That was our opportunity. That was our opportunity all along. The invasion happened, and the kindred were unprepared. But I knew, I knew. And so that night, when they were halfway through turning my mother, I broke free again. I found my opening. I escaped in that chaos and fled toward the rift. Toward where the demons were coming forth as the kindred and those monsters battled each other. I abandoned my home but then my younger brothersthe twinsthey saw me and they I burned my two brothers, my younger brothers. And I escaped into the embrace of damnation, into hell. And so I stumbled. And so I found myself in that place, that Anchor City, as the black tower descended. There was something about the story that was too convenient. Wei suspected that Mepheleon might have had a hand in this as well She let in a rasping breath. You know the strange thing? The painful thing is my mother I always loved her, but it was duty first. Always duty with her. Responsibility, drills. I just I never really understood her, she said. And now I failed her again. All my life, she was a serious one, while my father she rolled her eyes, My father, I loved him dearly, but he was an old fool with his own problems. Agnesia, you are not to be wearing trousers. What are youCIs that my brooch? She laughed. Agnesia, that boys beneath your station. You are a Princess of Dawnrest. You cannot be wasting your time with commoners. Agnesia, are you riding a horse? Is that my sword? Are you using my arming sword? Youve gone mad, girl. Have you forgotten your place? She rolled her eyes. She would get so mad at the silliest things. There were always rules, rules, rules. You must do this. You must do that. You cannot do this. A lady is expected for that. And all the time I just rebelled and roiled against them. He would get so mad. He would send me to stay up the tower, sealing me with tutors and... And the next day he would feel bad. He would take me out. He would sneak me on a ride. Atop the back of a stallion, he would show me the Gold-Tongue Cliffs where he asked my mother to wed him. My brothers, too. They would let me watch them duel. They would hand me swords and frolic and play and all that all that is no more. My mother, she was dutiful. She was smart. But she was never there in that sense. She never truly put a hand over her heart. Her voice softened. I wish I knew how to connect with her better. I wish I knew. And now shes gone, and I cannot. Shes not gone, Wei said. The Harbinger can mend her. He might mend her, Agnesia said. But what will become of her afterward? What becomes of her now? Will she even be herself? She stared on, looking at the ceiling before releasing another mournful sigh. I was a terrible daughter. To this, Wei found a place of accord. And I was a worthless son. She turned to him, faced him. Wei My mother she deserved better, Wei managed. She was stern, she was focused, she was the matriarch of my sect. No one more disciplined, no one greater of will or desire. And though I tried all my life, I was lacking, deficient. He spat the final words, angry at himself. More than ever before. He thought of all the time he wastedthose days he spent running along the pond, humiliating the outer court disciples, reading false novels, and sneaking out to see the nearby villages and cities. All that time he could have spent improving, honing himself. He could have been more aware of what his father was doing. He could have strengthened his sect. A rational part of his being asked, And to do what? What could have made him strong enough to stop the invasion of hell? How could he have stood against his fathers power? But the Shell had another answer. You could have gone beyond. You were a cultivator. Pain is not an excuse. Weakness is only failure. The heavens are cold. Nothing is owed. You must take power. This you know. Wei let out a nodding sigh. What you did for your mother he said. It is an act of true piety. If I could do what you did for your mother, I wish I could provide her with that. I wish I could have fought for her. But I failed her. I failed her. And I will never have the chance to make it right. You still do, he said. We still do. But we have a second chance, and they dont come easy. And your mother knows. Perhaps you are not close like you said to your father or brothers, but she knows. For a time I thought my mother didnt care. But when I was ten, it was a plague that swept my sect. A plague that killed so many. I caught it, he said, remembering those feverish days. It was all a haze. Hallucinations and visions of what actually happened blended together. Thousands of herbalists, healers, spirit cultivators, and exorcists greeted him. And through it all was my mother, screaming, more haggard and unbalanced than she ever seemed. For most of my childhood, her face was that of a stone. And her eyes betrayed her true feelings in sharp instances of displeasure or satisfaction. I thought nothing I could do was enough. But in that time, she scoured the world, finding anyone to save her dear boy. And when my fever finally broke, I heard her. I heard her sobbing for the first time in my life, her head laid against my chest. Faint prayers directed at gods she didnt believe and ancestors she no longer knew. Offering anything just for me to breathe, just to be well, just for her dear boy to live. He never questioned how much she cared after that, and now he could never thank her. And now he could never make anything right. A thumb brushed the underside of Weis cheek. He blinked. Why was Agnesia touching his face? Her own expression was contorted in concern. He grabbed her hand. Were those wet spots trailing his face? Was he crying? No. No! Wei reeled back in horror. He practically clawed the wetness from his face. This was His Shell exploded in outrage. Wei, you worthless fool, you were supposed to encourage her, not weep like a mongrel dog before her. II Wei managed. Its okay, Agnesia said. Its all right. Wei flinched and pulled away. Its nothing. My eyes are tired. I am fine. I am well She grew closer and he snarled. I am well, you dont need to to She didnt flinch, not like most other people. She simply stared at him for a moment, then rested a hand on his arm. They both sat there, rigid, in silence, like two wounded soldiers bleeding out on a battlefield together. I hate being weak, she finally said. I hate being prey. I hate being hurt. There was a snarl at the end of her words. I hate this place. I hate the world for what its done to me, for what its taken from me. And once more, their spirits were in alignment. Wei slowly turned to her. I hate them for the same. Their gazes met, and a mutual resolution was born. Should we take back from the heavens, Wei whispered. Should we bleed the fates as they have bled us? Should we steal from the stars fire and life from our abusers? A grim smile flashed across Agnesias face as she nodded. Why not. Why shouldnt we be the fire instead of the kindling? Why shouldnt we show everyone what it means to burn? II-9 Resolve (I) William Yu is a piece of shit. Hes a womanizing, amoral, greedy, fool of a motherfucker. Hes also my best friend. I owe him my life. I owe him more than I can give back. I cant say he doesnt have death or worse coming for what hes done. But I can say this: his death wont come from me, and Ill see that son of a bitch suffer everything other than death if it is within my power. The damnedest thing is, hed do the same for me. For me and maybe only one other person in the world -John Bishop II-9 Resolve (I) Agnesia grew tired after a while, and Wei let her retire to his bed. Why she wanted to say and avoid her own room was something he didnt ask. Loneliness was his best guess, though. Silence was an unwelcome adversary after a lifetime spent with friends and family. Wei commanded that horrid Companion to go face the door on the first floorto warn him if anyone was about to break in, and it obliged without issue. For the rest of the night, he set about experimenting, learning his newest Skill, and planning for what awaited ahead. He took turns manifesting each Component of his Shell, calculating how long it took for him to run out of Source. The cost was minimal for the Common rarity components. His Chainspear Arm and Gauntlet of the Breaker could both last for almost thirty seconds before he ran out. Manifesting them in tandem reduced his functional period to only ten. His helmet and legs were likewise of a similar status, while his Chassis and Proximal Aegis could but last only twelve and eight seconds individually. Such was the cost of their potency. Whatever part he called upon exploded into existence in bursts of monochromatic color, and they replaced corresponding sections of Weis body. It wasnt so much a transformation as a usurpationhis spirit superimposing over his material form. You are a Skill I need to use sparingly and tactically, Wei said to his Shell. I can only sustain you for a scant period. Perhaps only a few seconds if all used in tandem. But they can be called and dismissed at my will. You are not only an augmentation for my strengthyou are a pristine tool of surprise. Enlightenment Advanced > 41 [1/100] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Good, his Shell said with a grumble that barely edged on approval. You are thinking. You should think more. It makes a better patriarch of you. Wei nodded, taking his Shells criticisms to heart. His spirit intended to fashion him into a proper warrior, and so he would accept it. Whatever insult, whatever tribulations that might follow, he would endure, and he would come out the other side stronger. We need to find an opportunity to test ourselves in battle. Perhaps a sparring round against a Bishop or another Trespasser? No, his Shell said. They are beyond you. You seek to engage the trespass without a pride and curiosity for your distance. This is not worthwhile. What is worthwhile is if you gauge the true capacity of your companions, find a time to face each of them, learn their strengths and weaknesses. Stop neglecting their needs, for their needs are your own as well. Yes, Wei agreed. It was good for him to learn, to understand and master the disciples under his sect. They were to be a true force, after all, and if they were to stand and not be consumed by another of the circles, then Wei needed to understand their nuances as if his own. No more selfishness. He had to be beyond just an individual. There is one component I can test, right now, however, Wei said. The chassis, the Shell said approvingly. Yes, you should understand how fast you can regenerate your source, just as much as how much it empowers you. Out of all his components, the Chassis of the Self-Devouring Ruminator, perhaps, offered the greatest raw advantage in terms of aspect amplification and survivability. With an errant thought, Wei summoned the chassis, and it exploded out from his chest. It did not so much ignite in the air as it did spill out from his core. Wei felt his own size growone time, two times, three timesjust as he witnessed when he first gained the shell. It was not limited in terms of size but rather malleable, adjustable in combat. With a thought, he shrank it, though the Source consumed remained consistent. How large can you get? Wei asked the shell. How great does your Omniscience stretch? the shell replied. Weis eyes widened. That was a considerable area in size. If this skill could allow that, he could be the size of a mountainmore! You would be a fool to think this, his Shell said. Fortification is what determins our integrity. If you wish to break yourself by offering a larger target, then do so, and die with shame. The scornful rebuke was taken to heart by Wei, who nodded. At once, he also felt the dormant power within his chassis. It was like a catalyst waiting to be used. Without another moment, Wei flared his source and immediately felt an inebriating drain overtake him. His very spirit was sapped, but the sapping did not lead to waste. Rather, his source flared like a supernova, and conceptual amplification spread through his body, reaching out to each of his aspects, amplifying them, magnifying them beyond their potential. They climbed as fast as his source drained, and his Source drained fast. In a scant three seconds, he went from having four hundred Source left to merely fifty. It was a staggering skill, one that left Wei overwhelmed. He cut off the flow, blinked himself out of existence, and when he finally dismissed his shell, the source emanated from his being as faint, barely more than a few dim wisps. For the moments it was active, though Wei felt like he could tear this very room asunder with a wrong step, that he could wrestle a continent. His mind felt crisper, the world was almost stillthe flowing waters of his garden unmoving, and his Omniscience capable of sifting through every grain of dust in the air. More than all that, Wei felt absolutely divine. That is because your ambition has plummeted as well, his Shell interrupted. Your will is drained to fuel my power, to fuel your very force of personality against existence. And so, your strength of spirit is diminished, giving way to delusion. Wei examined his aspect of ambition and found himself shocked. It climbed far slower after being drained than his Source did. Ambition 12 Twelve, Wei muttered. It slowly began to climb, but at a far slower rate than he appreciated. Wei shuddered. The greatest weakness of his body, more than the Sources consumption, was the greater vulnerability. At once, a flash of his mothers headless corpse skimmed the surface of his memories, and Wei doubled over, clenching his head. No out! Get out! There is cost to using anything, especially my power, the shell declared. Put her out of your mind through labor. It is time for you to restore the Source you lost. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Wei did so with considerable effort. For all this time, his intent, his willpower, had been his greatest asset, allowing him to endure in the face of all tribulation. Now, when he felt fragility of a brutal kind, a single insult might have sent him into tears or hysterics. He felt small. He was small. Cobbling the ruins of his focus, Wei began meditating and as he did, the black and ivory plates constituting his armor lifted outward as if open vents preparing to spew waste. Yet, instead of expelling anything, they allowed the world to flow through him. Tendrils of Source extended and mixed with the slurry that was existence, melding Wei into all the concepts and Essences that was realitys mixture. Without a better description, Wei felt himself meltmelt into the backdrop of reality; melt and become one with all, drawing forth the quintessence of his recomposition through the flowing waters of unification. To be is to remain, to understand the Source of all things. Just as fast as his Source was consumed, so too did it recoverand what a staggering rate that was. In three seconds, shadow and light swirled around Wei, and he was strong again. His Ambition, however, was still only rising past 100. That would take a while longer. It seems I would need this armor for recovery more than I would need it for defense. You are foolish to think so, the Shell rebuked. You are vulnerable when you recover, like a warrior lifting their helm to draw breath, exposing their face to arrows. You best use this power only when you are certain of safety, lest you see us both shattered. Wei took that to heart as well. For the rest of his time, he spent hours experimenting with his Shell. Afterward, he took to sparring against it as well, their battles mental, and Weis experience bordering on self-torture. Sourcespears rended his body. The gauntlet shattered his insides over and over. As the Shell strode upon his spear-like legs, Wei cut only at afterimages and airbefore he was cut down from behind. He boiled the weariness and weakness out of his body through practice and labor. The fragility of human would be lost to him; he would give himself no more to softness or sorrow. He was at war now. War with the heavens, war with the hells, war against everyone and everything greater than him right now, and at war against the Inheritors, the Dying Queen, the Unfallen, and whoever else stood in his way. Time dissolved around him as Wei lost himself in the trance of action. He knew not how many hours he trained, only that as he did, new System notifications loaded into place, showing his progress. Reviewing encounter Masteries Demonstrated >Meditation (III) 94% >Unarmed Combat (III) 74% >Spearmanship (III) 78% >Evasion (III) 100% >Thrown Weapons (II) 66% >Tactics (II) 100% >Rapier 0% New Mastery Nodes Available >Blindside (Evasion/Omniscience) Allows the host to immediately shift behind their enemy upon achieving a successful dodge. >Seer of Habits (Tactic/Enlightenment) The highlights repetitive ticks and habits performed by your adversaries. Mastery Nodes [2/20] >Blindside >Seer of Habits Concept Core of (Augmentation) Attention: New Mastery Node > Armor Component Upgrades and Alterations Available! Seer of Habits + Helmet of Invasive Sight = Helmet of the Invasive Seer (Common) >Requirements>>3.5 Days to Generate Upgrade in Core >>Mastery Node (Seer of Habits) >>Corresponding Experiences (0%) >Blindside + Spearstriders = Ambushing Spearstriders (Rare) - Grants the Shell to perform [Echo Dashes] based on their (Relativity). Allows the Shell to [Echo Dash] through enemy attacks with perfect timing. >Requirements>>9 Days to Generate Upgrade in Core >>Mastery Node (Blindside) >>Corresponding Experiences (0%) The upgrade to his helmet is substantial, but the transformation provided to his legs was overwhelming. Being able to dash through his enemys attacks to reposition himself would utterly change his approach to combat. This could allow him constant aggression via an active defense. The only limiting factor would be his Skill. And Source consumption, his Shell added. Right. Wei paused. He didnt remember his System updating his masteries without a Core Ascension. What changed? Your second ascension. The chains are coming off of you. It is time for you to walk unguided. Right. Asaru. Asaru was dead. And the vault. And Earth. The task ahead was daunting, but already, Wei felt more than he ever was. Perhaps within a few weeks, he might even be able to A knock on his door pulled him out of his ruminations. His blank-faced Companion turned from where it stood. There is someone at the door. Shall I open it? No, Wei answered. Go back to staring at the wall. Of course, the Companion said. Staring at the wall brings me endless joy. Wei positioned himself before the door to his room again. He checked on Agnesia using his Omniscience and found her peacefully snoring in his bed. Heavens was the girl loud. But at least she had a moment of quiet and respite. She deserved it. He decided against waking her. Though he anticipated this to be one of his disciplesor more likely, the TrespassersWei held his Broken Crescent at the ready and transformed his right limb into the Chainspear Arms. He hid half his body behind the door, but this would allow him an easy means of counter-attack through the wood. Just in case. As he released his Broken Crescent and let it hover beside him on a dancing whirlwind, Wei pulled the door open slowly. And found himself face to face with his father. William Yu stared at his son. Wei glared back. A sniffle came from the Trespasser and he winced. Wei Why do youyou didnt shower or bathe at all? I got caught up in other things, Wei shot back, his words laced with hate. It was strange, speaking so casually with the man who raised himthe traitor to his sect and the murder of his mother. We should kill him, his Shell said. He is alone. He is vulnerable. He is no more than Marquis and the Trespassers prisoner rather than their ally. Kill him. Kill him. Kill him. Its fucking morning, Wei, his father said. What the hell could you be doing instead of A loud snore sounded from the bedroom, and William narrowed his eyes. Slowly, his expression softened to something bordering on incredulous surprise. Huh. I see. No, Wei said. No, you do not. I have not He caught himself. What do you want? To talk. Were past the point of talk. Wei growled, his anger breaking free. After what you have done, the only reason you live now is because I have questions. Questions about your former masters. Question I will see you answer Then, what? William asked. You going to kill me after I tell you about the Inheritors? About the Dying Queen? Yes, Wei said, resolutely. His father didnt flinch at that. He just looked aside, and nodded. Alright. Lets do it the proper way. The way you were raised. I challenge you, son. Blood against blood. Honor against honor. Skill against skill. I challenge you, and Ill give you everything you want and more if you win. Lets get this over with. Im done fucking around about this. Its time we get this done. GetCget this over with? Red crawled across Weis vision. His Sourcespears curled like snakes behind the door, chains rattling. You speak as if you are doing a favor for meyou bastard Wei barely had enough Ambition to control himself. Barely. Drawing a sharp breath, he dismissed his Chainspear Arms and pulled the door open fully. I accept. I accept. Im going to break what remains of you, father. I will see you made a cripple. I see you hurt and begging and and Words werent great enough to convey Weis hatehis rage. William nodded. Yeah. I hear you. Where? When? The Lodge, William said. And I mean right now. Wei took a step forward. He was almost of a height as his fatherhis Class Specialization had granted him that. The two men stared at each other, one almost blind with loathing, the other weary with resignation. Lead the way, then, father. A gust of summoned wind slammed the door shut behind him. *** Agnesia managed to force one eye open at the noise. Wei? No response. Nothing. Ruin was she tired. Her mind was a forest of cobwebs, and the sheets were so silky and cool It appears that my client has left to engage his father in a duel to the death, a voice helpfully informed Agnesia from the first floor. She replied with a quiet series of grumbles. The Companion. She had one in her room tooit was part of the reason she left. The blank face made her uncomfortableshe couldnt sleep right with it there in the corner, and it only added to her loneliness, her pain. Here, with Wei present Wei. Wei was going to duel his father. Both of Agnesias eyes snapped open, and she shot up from the bed, exploding down the stairs. Shite! Shite shite! II-10 Resolve (II) Mepheleon. Its me. Ah. Sarah. I have been waiting for this call. How have you been, dearest? And you are most welcome. I enjoyed dealing with your Inheritor infestation. You were just looking for a reason to clean them out before the invasion. Dont use me as your excuse. I want to talk about the woman. What woman, dear? There is only one lady true to my heart The queen. When are you going to tell the boy the truth? When? And what truth is that? That shes actually dead. That youre using her corpse as a puppet. That true resurrection is impossible unless you have the requisite Essenceand the proper Skill. Oh, Sarah, why would I ever do that? Why would I ever wound this poor, broken boy to the point of invalidity? You must know how ruined he is on the inside. So deliciously close to the edge of madness. All it would take is a little push He would have died there, you know? If I hadnt given him a reason to continue fighting. Michael Oh, come now. Were both going to be using him. He is our means to access the vault! To see the inheritance left to usand the spy upon the universe that anchors ours. I will not tell him any truth that hurts him unless it serves me. And neither will you. After all, we both know what the cost for opening the vault is. And the Concept-Breaker it is too dangerous a weapon to be left without some influence or control. -Sarah Moonscar and Mepheleon the Harbinger II-10 Resolve (II) Instead of using some kind of teleportation Skill immediately, William led his son down the long, narrow hall of the Third Rib. The two walked in silence, neither acknowledging the others presence more than they needed to, and a heavy air of tension settled between them. After less than a minute of walking, they arrived before a massive passageway made of obsidian blocks. The framed portal was embedded into the walls, and it took up 10 full meters of space. Doors to other hotel rooms expanded on its left and right, but a set of cipher-infused barricades were placed, covering the portal as some strange berth. With a casual wave of his hand, William swiped one of the obsidian stones, and a set of symbols lit up into the air. They danced around his hands, he and he flicked through a set of numbers and words before selecting TOP and then DEPARTURES. After that, he made no further gestures. Instead, he started staring at the passage, waiting for something to happen. The silence continued. William eyed Wei briefly. So. Did you fuck her? You disgust me, Wei snapped back. He took a step closer to his father, but the man didnt retreat. All my life, I thought you were someone that had honor, had decency. And now and now I see youre just some mercenary. Some scum who descended from the heavens to speed my realm with ruin, my fate with misfortune. Williams tired eyes looked Wei up and down. That wasnt a yes or a no, Wei. No! Wei barked. No! Damn you! You andand Bishop! Youre both the same. No decencyno respect. I am not like you. I understand Wei wrestled his rage back under control. He returned to silence. I am done. I will waste no more words on you. I will find my satisfaction by carving through your flesh with my spear and breaking your spirit utterl; completely. His father just nodded. And thatll make you happy? What kind of question was that? What kind of insult crafted to hurt Wei further. No. Nothingnothing you can do will make me right again. Nothing Wei blinked, willing unwelcome memories from his mind. Mou Zethe Hundred-Names. The demons tearing through them. The screams. Get out. Get out of my head Wei? William said. He turned, and reached out a hand. As if he was still Weis father. As if he wasnt the reason behind all this travesty. Wei slapped his fathers limb aside and stumbled away. Your fault. Yours. I killing you will not be enough. Using my blade to torture you for a thousand yearsfor a million years will not be enough. I watched Master Mou Ze get torn apart by the hounds. I saw I saw All your doing. It wont be right. I can only I hate you. Wei. Cease this. The Shells words rumbled within Wei, and he felt the Skills disgust at his outburst. Your Ambition is recovering. It will be restored soon. But it is no excuse for such naked weakness. Listen to your own voice. On the verge of tears before your foe. Shameful. Worthless. You might as well drive your spear through your own throat and let him have his triumph. An aching stone throbbed in Weis throat, while his insides were raw and seared with unceasing anger. But he managed to calm his breathing. He managed to look away from his father. He said nothing more. He just stared at the portal. Faintly, he noticed Williams right hand tremble as well, and the Trespasser muttered under his breath. Fuck. Goddammit. Good. Now that your tantrum has ended, look at him. Take in his level. Feel his Essence. Wei heeded his Shells words and did so. William Yu: Marksman of the Reigning Lies Lv. 104 Three things came to Weis attention. The first was that he could see his fathers level now. He hadnt been able to beforethere was something blocking him earlier. The second was that his father had grown more powerfuland changed a Class Specialization somehow. The third was the fact that Wei could now observe Marquis-Tier foes now. Was there a threshold for him to become aware? No. Bishop said some people just set their Classes to public. Wei suspected that to be the case for his father. Suddenly, a burst of activity came from the portal, and from between the cracks in the obsidian, waves of spatial Essence parted, revealing a pathway to another place. Weis Omniscience poured across, revealing moving bodies, Essence signatures, and more, and more, and more. There were hundreds of people out there. Thousands. All of them walking across an open air platform. Biomechanical demons halted and flew from its edges, ferrying people to and fro from the Third Rib. Too much. It was all too much to take in. Is this how people traverse these structures? Wei asked. He studied the portal and frowned. Why not just have it connect to other points in the city? Why have demons as transportation at all? Vulnerabilities, most likely, Weis Shell replied. Such easy access and the risk of spatial overload is a true danger. It also requires a great deal of cost, if the Essence we fell is accurate. As Wei passed over to the other side, he faintly heard someone calling his name from the hotel hallways. He paused in place and frowned, but the portal returned to being dead slots of obsidian afterward. Nothing for it. All around him were people of various Class-Tiers and Specializations. The bulk of them were liches, their skeletal forms composed of different materials. Some were made of platinum while others were living wood or dancing flame. Rafael told Wei liches werent actually undead. This only further emphasized that fact. Wei couldnt fully conceptualize binding his consciousness to another shell, but he supposed it was a statement of power. What he couldnt respect were the slaves. Slaves that had their minds and spirits bound to the liches, with cipher-formed shackles attaching them to their masters skulls. There were men, women, children, and all manner of species among the taken. Disturbingly, more than a few had been modified as well, with certain bodily organs augmented to an exaggerated degree, while others were entirely nude. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Wei averted his gaze and hardened his heart. It was a wretched thing, debasing oneself by taking a slave. Proper power was selfish and personal. What they indulged in here was base pleasure of the lowest manner. Things that distracted one from true ascension It was so easy to forget that this was hell. This was a fallen place. No matter what aid Mepheleon offered him, this was the realm the Harbinger ruled over and allowed. Which made Wei wonder about Ellena, about many other things. William led Wei toward a zone with demons arriving and departing in rapid succession. The text Depatures was inscribed upon the ground and marked a waiting zone for passengers, and along the edge of the platform were strange demons that also doubled as vehicles. Zipwing Lv. 25 The demon sprouted five raven-like wings from its sides, a tail made from pluming fire, and a head that projected a beam of light from a collection of animal snouts. An open wall of flesh revealed a set of chairs bathed in flashing light. William casually shoved a lich over the edge as they went for the same demon, and he waved for Wei to hurry. A muffled series of curses and flashing ciphers filled the air as the Trespasser boarded the vehicle, and Wei just stared in near-disbelief. He didnt know the man. He didnt know him at all. As he entered, the side of the demon closed and William waved at him. Connect to the demon and set the destination. What? Wei asked. If youre going to be living here, you should know how things work. Go to your Class settings and link your mind to the vehicle. Should be intuitive. Out of sheer spite, Wei almost refused, but he did as William said in the end and watched as a new notification crawled over his vision. Welcome Sinner. Please set your destination. From the outside of the demon, he heard a muffled shout. Sirs. Sirs. That was very rude. You will be hearing from my lawyer soon. Ignore him. Lodge will handle whatever suit comes my way. William crossed his legs. Got the destination down yet? Tell it to go to Trespassers Lodge, Local Branch. Wei mentally did just that, and to his surprise, a route formed in his mind. It showed the Zipwing jumping from building to building, and showed the entire trip running twelve kilometers and lasting for eight minutes. Payment: [500] Sins The young master frowned as he acknowledged the cost. And then, the Sins required were drained out from him, leaving with his note of acceptance. Suddenly, the demon started moving, and Wei felt a node of spatial essence build around its cone-shaped nose. Non-tangible currency. Convenient isnt it. Wei eyed his father and took a seat across from him. Still, he said nothing. He intended to spent this entire trip in sile Did you ever think about telling the truth? The words left Wei despite his intentions. They were like a knife that needed to be pulled from his flesh. Did you ever did you ever love mother? Was anything about you real? Finally, after everything, that was what made William truly flinch. An ugly grimace passed over Williams face as he opened his mouth. But offered only a sigh. Doesnt matter anymore, does it? That wasnt what Wei wanted to hear. But here he was, expecting closure from the man who burned his world, who murdered his mother. A pitiful boy, the Shell snarled. Why not throw yourself in his arms and weep, ask him to give you your mother and sect back. Ask if he still wants to be family. SILENCE! The internal scream he directed at the Shell came as an explosion. The Shells words were unwelcome right now, and he stewed in self-loathing silence, both inside and out as their ride began. Unlike the Crawler, the Zipwing injected itself from place to place across the den. It jumped from building to building at rapid speeds, projecting itself away from the Third Rib with a burst of flame from its rear. Its head created a needle of spatial stability, and it traversed the skies at a far faster place, with the distance between it and other structures shortened immensely. Such was how it crossed the city so vast. And such was how Wei found himself going from the heights of the Third Rib to the valley of demonic structures and urban streets between the Cherubs ribs. They passed over a series of structures, with Wei noticing what seemed to be a massive tree with sprouting a series of platforms and a walking castle that sprayed steam into the air. Demonic traffic was high in the air as well, with hundreds of vehicles flitting here and there. But among them were Classed as well, some choosing to fly themselves rather than take a ride. Wei sneered. If he knew that was an option, he would have let his father use the demon while he raced it with his Broken Crescent. They shot from place to place so fast that Wei failed to get a good look over the city, but his mind wasnt in the sightseeing anyway. In a few moments, he and his father would be greeting each other blade to blade, and Skill to Skill. He had yearned for this moment. Waited for it. But now, it was going to be the start of his revenge. Seever was dead. As were many Inheritors, but their true masters remained, and after he broke his father, he was going to tear every last detail about these bastards from Williams bastard tongue. You have arrived! We hope you enjoyed flying with Zipwing! The (Crossroads) appreciate your patronage! The side of the demon opened up again, and Wei found himself facing his father in a stare-off. Neither said anything. Neither made the first move to disembark. Only the sudden interjection of Bishops voice snapped both out of their stupors. Hey, you two gonna get off or what? The muscular Trespasser stood there, folding his arms. He looked annoyed and had some kind of burning stick hanging from his mouth. John, William said, speaking without looking at his friend. I told you dont need to be here for this. Bullshit, Bishop replied. You need a third party to sanction your duel, and it might as well be me. Shit, fucked up family feud aside, the slight chance of you getting your ass kicked by the kid also means I might get some good entertainment. Slight, Wei said, his voice cold. You jumped his unprepared, new Class having ass last time, Bishop said. Williams here a lot of things, but, uh dont think the odds are with you. Known him too long to be that hopeful. Despite Bishops words, William just looked resigned. Hardly a confident victor-to-be. Wei, for his part, simply scoffed. We will see, then, wont we, father? They got off the demon thereafter, and Wei found himself standing at the end of a long marble path flanked by gleaming green lawns. Behind, the cityscape of the Cherubs Corpse loomed, with towers and buildings marching on naked human legs, the districts reorganizing themselves. Further ahead stood a soot-gray mansion with a slightly rounded exterior, a set of brilliant windows, what looked to be a broken moon hovering over its apex, and a terrifying powerful entity composed of shifting chains levitating above the moon. Tribulator Lv.??? Remember, Weis lawyer suddenly reappeared on his shoulder, were in the Heights. So dont attack people without proper cause or itll be off the court of courts with us! The trio crossed the grounds, but Bishop hummed all the way. Of the three of them, he seemed absolutely carefree. Wei spotted other individuals present as well. All of them exhibited high spiritual pressuresMarquises at the very least. He saw some of them turn and stare at him, their expressions shifting ever so slight to betray their curiosity. Arriving before the large gray mansion, Bishop turned over his shoulder and gestured at the house. Local branch heres literally called the Gray House. Once we make for Earth, youll probably see a larger, whiter house during the invasion. Wei noted that. It didnt seem overly special. The architecture was a bit out of place, but at least it wasnt partially a demonic monstrosity. As Bishop pushed two wooden doors open, Wei found himself stepping into a large, open, and ultimately empty chamber lined with a floor made out of reinforced wood. Yet, Wei could also feel a power brimming deep beneath him. An Essence of restoration? Mending? Faintly, he heard notes of a song. A song not so unlike that which the Trine used to sing. Doesnt look like the lobby, William said to Bishop. Didnt want to waste time. Set it straight to the dojo so we can get this dumb shit over. Classy as always, Bishop., William snarked. Yeah. Well. Only one of us murdered our wife here, right? Bishop sneered back at his friend. Williams expression turned into a momentary snarl before it flattened again. Summoning a form out of his Inventory, he handed a document over to Wei. Whats this? Wei asked, hesitating before accepting the papers. Read it and find out. Looking through the contents of the contract, Wei saw that it was a formal declaration to duel, with the end condition being incapacitation or unconsciousness. Lawful safeguards will materialize and bind the loser somehow to prevent them from facing true death. However, what caught his full attention were the terms. If the side (Wei An Wei) prevails in this duel, the agency of side (William Yu) will be his to decide, with the latter becoming a bondslave unable to reject any of the formers commands. If the side (William Yu) prevails in this duel, the side (Wei An Wei) is required to do nothing. Wei frowned. Nothing. What is this? Wei asked. William shrugged. The terms. Are they acceptable. What do you want? Wei said. Your conditions of victory I was supposed to do a job, William began. I was supposed to capture a certain world, to rule over a certain realm, and await further instructions. Then, I was to destroy the realm and secure the System it was housing. If I managed that, the Inheritors would have scrubbed me from the Fathomsoffered me a new life, a new reincarnation away from the shit. From the Dying Queen. Didnt work out. What I want isnt happening, Wei. So. William shrugged, a flash of light shrouded his body. A cloak made from dancing mist formed over him, and he looked his son up and down. Youve been getting stronger. Survived the trials. All to hunt me down. Well. Im tired of running. And I got nowhere to go. So. You think you can take my fate from me? Yes, Wei said. His words were cold and true. They had to be. Even if the heavens willed against him. Alright, then, William said. Lets do this. Bishop. Yeah. Ill come in after you two are done. Make it quick and dont hurt him too bad. Moonscars gonna wanna talk to the boy after. II-11 Blood Against Blood You dont need a powerful Skill to win. Sometimes, you dont even need a higher level. Sometimes, the only thing you really need is a little bit of surprise. Something that no one knows you havethat no one sees coming. -The Trespassers Compendium II-11 Blood Against Blood "His class has changed, as has his level," the Shell said. The young master eyed his father, watching William Yu summon a bow. It seemed to be his weapon of choice. Another difference from the father Wei knew; the patriarch of the Drowned Sky Sect was known to use a sword. This bow, unlike the last one Wei faced, was of a different demon altogether. It was a composition of bone and jagged teeth, and at its very top, a blood-red sclera blinked and glared at the world, its gaze piercing to the point of pain as it landed upon Wei. "Think," his Shell said, compelling Wei to focus."Use your mind. You broke some of his Aspects before, yet he stands before you stronger than ever. You saw his Class Specialization, his level, yet they are different, far greater in a short span of a few weeks. How can this be?" Wei clenched his jaw and frowned. Has his father been preparing for this as well, leveling his class? No. Wei felt different. Instinct told him there was something else at play here. He knows your system. He knows what he risks if he is to lose, but he shows no sign of fear. Perhaps he doesn''t have any, Wei thinking. Perhaps he no longer dreads death. It is one thing to not fear. It is another to disregard the defilement of one''s own very spirit. He knows what you did to the Knight of Lust. Fate is worse than any finality death can provide, and he is unshaken by that as well. This, more than anything, spurred a build of paranoia inside Wei. His father shifted his stance and materialized an arrow created from the light itself. Before he prepared to nock, he offered Wei a final, weary expression. "For what its worth, I did," William said. Wei spun his spear, and the wind within the room began to twist faster and faster. "You did what?" Wei said. "I did love her, and I still love you." William let out a laugh. "God, I''m pathetic." He loosed his arrow. Lightning shot out from Weis spear. Both father and son exploded in action, trading attacks. The arrow sailed out, growing brighter. Lightning exploded from Wei''s spear tip, even as he cleaved fifty meters of space using his scythe. Re-positioning himself directly behind his father, Wei swept both his harvesting blade and his storm-infused spear across his father, splitting the man clean down the middle. Wei felt himself cut through flesh and spirit. He expected gore or Essence to spill. William Yu exploded instead. The result blast flattened Wei against the scythe-infused walls as if he were a flea trying to defy a hurricane. Black flames erupted out of his armor, and his Shroud of Scorn shattered, breaking as fast as it materialized. Only his Omniscience allowed him to keep track of what happened. His father rematerialized from the light-forged arrow he first shot at Wei. His body had merely been a decoy, a bomb. Wei growledprepared to charge the man again. Lightning crackled down the young master''s skin as he rushed, and he tore droplets of water from the mositure in the air; directed them to pierce his father from all angles. Chunks of wood exploded from the stage below as William dodged, and then, with a burst of envious Essence, his shape changed, spreading out as a swarm of locusts to better avoid the spearing rain. Wei retaliated, bringing his Broken Crescent high, and the moisture went from an unceasing barrage of hyper-accelerated bolts to a descending tsunami pulled down from the ceiling. William transformed again, his body flashing to that of a humanoid swordfish. He dove into Wei''s waves, and the young master shot a bolt of lightning at the water, seeking to end this bout via electrocution. Suddenly, Weis Omniscience caught another burst of movement; a few locusts had parted from the swarm, and they condensed behind Wei. The young master''s blind eyes widened as his lightning flashed through the falling wave, and the humanoid swordfish wailed and began to spasm. William reformed himself behind his son, and from his bow sprayed a veritable flood of arrows that spilled out in a constant stream. Wei cut distance again, using his scythe, blinking to the other side of the chamber, only for recently loosed arrows to immediately twist through the air, defying inertia in their pursuit. Wei cursed. His father continued firing. More bolts of light filled the room, but among them mingled other arrows. They burned with various Essencesblood, destruction, lightning, other elements, hunger, lust, and more. A blast of wind exploded out from Wei, but that only slowed the arrows slightly. With a surge of momentum, they pushed through his repulsive barrier, but he Essenceshifted into a gust of wind, and evaded some shots with easeuntil a bolt made of wind crashed into him. Wei went sprawling across the ground, his shoulder armor dented inward. His arm felt bruised, but he was otherwise fine. Until another five arrows impacted against him, each detonating in quick succession. Every time, a counterblast of flame would erupt from his gifted armor, lessening the concussive impacts, but it felt like someone was hammering Wei''s body using a sledgehammer. You are a fool to take a passive, defensive approach, his shell chastised. Get close, run him down, and focus. Use your Omniscience, feel his Essence, do not trust your eyes. Wei did as his shell commanded. He cut the space between him and his father, zipping through the oncoming arrows. He shuddered into existence right beside his father, momentum from the blast still carrying him. Then, Wei halted himself with a thrust from his Broken Crescent, launching himself towards his father in a burst of rushing wind. William spun his bow upward, and it suddenly changed into a massive sword that extended further and further until it was twenty meters in length. The tip hissed like a snake and the entire weapon began to radiate poisonous Essence. He angled his strike to split Wei down the middleand the young master responded by manifesting his scythe and slashing through the sword first. But his Path of the Harvester cut nothing. The hissing blade vanished in a blur of dappling colors, just as three more arrows hammered into Wei''s torso, and a final one slipped under his armpit, piercing his flesh for the first time. A cry of frustration escaped the young master, his pain less than his shame. Focus! his Shell shouted inside of him. Summoning all his will, Wei snapped back just in time to watch his father vanish into parting fractals composed of vibrant colors. A trickle of spatial Essence snaked away from Wei, and the young master saw the remaining arrows in the room circling around him. Their Essence flooded the room, and they also began to multiply, the number of threats increasing exponentially. Nothing in the chamber escaped Weis awareness thanks to his Omniscience, but the sheer amount of arrows populating space and the sheer amount of Essence they released made hard to parse through all the overwhelming detail. We face a clever foe, his Shell said, offering a disdainful compliment toward William. He is exploiting our Aspect of Enlightenment. There is too much to see and not enough mental capacity to do so. Two arrows twisted out from the mass, coming for Wei. He responded by sending a whip of lightning to greet them, attack clashing against attack. A splash of explosive Essence tore another chunk out of the wooden arena between them. But even as the boards shattered, Wei faintly noticed new replacements rising from beneath the gaps left upon the stage replacing the broken parts nigh-instantly. Wei checked his Class menu and frowned. He only had twenty Scorn left. His Class nourished itself off of dominance, off indulging in superiority against someone he hated, and right now, his father was making a mockery of him. In doing so, he was depriving him of his fundamental resource. We are behaving too predictably, his Shell said. We need to go on the offensive mentally as well. Draw him in. Have him expose himself. His battleground is one of deception and illusion. It has been his entire life. He is a traitor and a deceiver. You are not. You are a warrior. You must draw him into your world and out from his. And how are we to do that? Wei asked. By exploiting what he does not know. What no one knows about us. You, Wei realized. But I thought you said That''s why you must do use me carefully and quickly. Gather what remains of your fading Scorn and create a storm. Use it to shroud yourself and then invoke my helmet. Wei understood. Of these many angles of attack, there still was only one conductor, one master to seek. And William had a perspective Wei could intercept. A blast of lightning, water, and rising earth blew out from Weis Eidolon, just as dozen more arrows came for him. They impacted and broke against his final elemental aegis, and Wei felt the last of his Scorn disappear in a cataclysmic burst that swept in all directions. He let out a cry of effort to further emphasize his spiritual weariness. But from within the swirling maelstrom of essence, he called upon his helmet of invasive sight and hunted for his father''s gaze. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. To Wei''s sudden horror, he saw interlinking cobwebs of Perception between each remaining arrow. Practically every inch of this arena under his fathers surveillance as well; the arrows were more than his projectiles; they were his eyes. As Wei projected his own invasive sight into them, however, and quickly began sorting through the rainstorm. Most offered only bland perspectives, pinholes to another place, another individual. The young master followed the network of projectiles, feeling a flowing current leading to a specific arrowthe one hiding his father. Time, however, was not on his side. Though his final calamitous exertion devastated 200 meters of space, his fathers arrows were ceaseless, and the man didnt bother endangering himself. In this respect, he was far different from Seever and most foes Wei faceddifferent from the father he remembered having as well. William Yu was an operative: A man without interest in dueling or proving his supremacy. He just wanted to win. And he was going to achieve victory without exposing himself to undue risk. Spatial arrows blew open vulnerable gaps in Weis fading storm, and hundreds more flooded through. Yet, just then, he finally caught sight of his father again. And found hims further annoyed. His fathers perspective jumped rapidly from arrow to arrow. In a strange sense, they were his teleportation network, and now he was leading the vanguard of projectiles coming toward Wei. He comes, his Shell said. Dismiss the helmet; cast your spear. What? Provoke a reaction from him and intercept his movement. Right now, he can flee at any time. A deceiver is always paranoid. You must make him think you have no choices left. Force him to react. Break his pattern. Wei dismissed his helmet and heeded his own Skills advice. Flicking his spear upon his palmtop, Wei reared his arm back and tossed it out like a javelin. The Eidolon blasted through the air, launched by almost 900 points in Authority. A ripple of force blossomed out. His spear greeted the arrow that housed his father. Both his father and Wei felt a sudden surge of spatial Essence jumping from one arrow to another. William Yu was now two arrows down the chain. But the act did not come without cost. The arrows detonated. Wei felt his Eidolon shatter into fragments of black and gold. But this could work to Weis advantagehelp his sell his desperation. Repairing Broken Crescent Go, his Shell growled, and Wei was upon his father once more. He split space and cut once more using his scytheand then slashed through his target in the same second. This time Wei did not hesitate. This time he was sure. The second arrow that housed his father''s being was cleaved in twain, and with its shattering tumbled William Yu, screaming as his spirit was dealt its first severe wound. Shard Obtained! Wei hewed down once more. His fathers Speed fractured. Perception! Weis Shell roared. Attack his Perception! But Wei was in the thick of battle now, his senses lost, his rage assuming control. His fathers scream had woken something feral in him, and nothing could hold him back from what was to follow. For all he inflicted against Wei, his mother, his sect, Wei would see his father pay, he would see him scream, he would see him rendered invalid before the end. Wei fell upon his father with fists, elbows, knees, feet, and scythe. He cleaved the Trespasser twice more, and two more Shards were harvestedtaken into Weis System. Aspect Advancement Available [1] Three shards for one Aspect Advancement. Wei would have been ecstatic if he wasnt lost to a mindless rage. His Aspects would grow far faster now. William tried to evadebut his Speed was much diminished. He summoned a bear-like demonwhich Wei casually sundered with a harvesting stroke before punching his father in the kidney twice. William flinched and doubled over. And caught a flying knee from Wei for his efforts. For a moment, his Williams eyes rolled to the back of his skull. The shudder of something breaking danced up Wei''s armored greaves, but he wasnt done. Weis elbow fell, splitting the back of his father''s head open, just as another scythe plunged down. Even William Yus flinches were slower now. Marquis-Tier though he was, every blow Wei inflicted took something from him, left him as less than he was before. And more than that, it gave something to Wei. Shards Obtained! Aspect Advancement Available [4] Concept Upgrade Available [1] As Wei prepared to bring his scythe once more, however, a nearby arrow twisted in and transformed into a burst of green energy. A gulf of Envy Essence consumed Weis peripheral vision as a massive serpent-like creature shot out from the arrow, twisting into the path of the falling scythe. The blow cleaved clean through the serpent, unraveling its very being, but the summoned demons sacrifice spared William from further harmand gave him a moment to recover. Worse, the other arrows were reacting as well. They accelerated, rushing towards Wei. With his Scorn slightly refilled, Wei prepared to invoke his Heart of Calamity in retaliation, only to remember his Broken Crescent had been temporarily destroyed. Focus on your father, his shell shouted. Wei did so, ignoring pain and danger, even as the first arrows impacted against him. But William was nothing if not a man of many tricks. He pulled out something from his Inventorya form that he slapped on Weis thigh just as his son tried to kick him again. Then Wei felt a pressure down on his limb, finding himself unable to move, unable to even shift using the leg. Restrainting order inflicted. Pay [5,000,000] Sins to The rest of that message didnt quite finish, as another arrow transformed. This time, a five meter tall tiger-crocodile creature blurred forth, crashed into Wei. The demon impacted the young master faster than he could react., One second, Wei was trapped in place. The next, an entire section of the stage had been torn out from its foundations, the boards still connected to his leg, and a resounding reverberation of cracks spread through Weis torso as his armor was torn open like a tin can by rending claws. Source exploded out from Weis mouth, and absolute agony consumed him. As he finally regained his senses, he found the tigers hand buried deep through his chest, carrying him across the arena, slamming him against the wall once more. Source: [199/600] His scythe beheaded the demon. A shard was gained. But his fathertwo more arrows zipped through the shattering tiger-crocodile, punching clean through Weis right eye and skipping off his collar respectively. The arrow that landed sparked with fiery Essence, and a plume of flame condensed in a beam within Weis skull. The young master gaspedthen tore the arrow out as it began to burn. A slashing beam cut a flap of his skull loose and left him partially blinded. Another five arrows crashed into him; exploded. Wei bounced off the wallonly to be impacted by more blasts. His armor was coming apart from his body. All he knew was pain and deafness. His Shell was shouting something he couldnt hear. Fortification Advanced > 42 [2/100] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Wei cleaved blindly with his scythepulling himself away towards another directionany direction. As he blinked back into existence, he found a moment to breathe. Only for a massive 15-meter-long eel composed of lightning and Gluttonous Essences to slam into his chest and start suckling away his very strength. For the second time, Wei was flung across the arena, slammed against the wall. But this time, the demon detonated itself before he had a chance to destroy it. Shards Obtained! Source: [81/600] It was a testament to how much stronger Wei grown that he was even still alive. But the larger credit went to him splitting the concept of force and heat from the blast in quick succession. If he hadnt, that wouldve likely marked the end of this bout. Still. He was in bad shape. Wei was down an eye, of his ability to hear, and his skull pounded with a building concussion. Staring at himself using his aspect of Omniscience, his stomach churned. A part of his skull was hanging off beside his ear like a danging lid. Light and shadow flowed out from an open gorge where his brain should have resided. He tried taking a step forward, but found one of his legs unresponsive. He remembered the formand cut through it too. Bastard. He hated the Circle of Greed for these things. He hated them! Wei took a few stumbling steps forward, and another thousand or so arrows closed in on his position, establishing a wall with no room for escape. But Wei didnt want to escape. Wei wanted his father dead. And he could see how much slower these shots were. He could feel his fathers damage. He charged. The arrows charged him back. William Yu was nowhere to be seen. As Wei sprinted forth toward certain defeat, his Shell spoke again.Wei. Listen to me. If you continue being a fool, the duel will conclude in his favor. He will go free. Unpunished. Your mother and sect will go unavenged. Wei snarled. No! Damn the laws and damn the agreement. Even if he failed in this duel, even it cost him his dignity and honor, he would break his father. He would teach him pain if it was the last thing he did. And so we have another opportunity. The arrows. The ones that detonate. Seize one. And break it against you. Cleave through the force and heat to spare yourself damage. What? Wei responded. The detonating Essence will mask us briefly. Use it to summon my Components. Use me when he is blind. It was a mad plan. One that only Weis mutilated subconscious could concoct. But he was without options. His Eidolon was still broken; he had scant Source left. The path toward victory or defeat rested upon a thin thread. Wei cut space using his scytheappeared next to one of the arrows and caught it. He broke it with a clench and then cut the force and heat from its blast immediately, let the rest of the explosion consume him. It was a near thing. But he managed it. The world vanished in a wall of black and bright, but Wei peeked at his fathers coming using his Omniscience, felt the Trespasser jump from arrow to arrow using tendrils of spatial Essence. William materialized finally, emerging from his arrow as he pointed two arrows of festering black and blinding white, preparing to deliver a final coup de grace. But now it was his turn to be the fool. Obfuscated by the blast, Wei manifested his Chainspear Arm and directed two spears upwardparrying the coming arrows as they slipped into the heatless flames. William''s eyes widened momentarily in surprise as he sensed something impact his shots. And then they bulged as a scream of absolute pain tore out from his throat. One final Source-made spear snuck under his guard and up through his groin. It seemed that both father and son screamed at a similar pitch when they were gelded. That realization filled Wei with even more hatred, and dismissing his Chainspear Arm, he charged into his father, materializing his Gauntlet of the Breaker before delivering an uppercut that made Williams legs go straight. The blow was unlike any other Wei had ever dealt. The force of a falling meteor shattered the wooden stage beneath them. Boards splintered and flew up, words in shrapnel. William shot off towards the ceiling as if he himself were a pebble flung by a giant. But Wei wasnt done. The young master dismissed his gauntlet and materialized his Spearstriders. He Echo-Dashed once into his father. Just once. The sudden surge of speed was frankly absurd, immense. He crossed the entire space from ground to ceiling within a fraction of a millisecond. Again, he rammed a flying knee into the underside of his fathers head. This time, William''s eyes did roll to the back of his head as his body went limp. He had more health. He had more resources. But this fight was done. William wasn unconscious. Yet Wei wasnt done. He clutched his father by his midriff and, stamping his feet against the ceiling, shot down in a devastating suplex. The arena, already damaged to an extreme extent, shook once more, as the new boards emerging beneath were destroyed as well. Dust and particulates of wood filled the air. But Wei wasnt done. He would never be done. It would never be enough. Straddling his fathers beaten form, Weis fists and scythe fell. Blood splattered across the broken planks of wood. William Yus spirit flashed again, again, again. Wei could hear his Shell screaming at him, felt Bishop rushing over as well. A blast of psionic energy caught him by his sidebut it didnt matter. Weis scythe fell one final time, and he let out a feral roar of anguished triumph as William Yus spirit burst apart in a flash of blinding white, and then stygian darkness. II-12 Reflection You know the true thing that makes us Trespassers special? Its not how we can bond with any Class, any System, any magical or spiritual entity without suffering harm. No. What truly makes us special is that we cant be consumed by Source. Because we are not conceptual beings. We are not spiritual beings. We, who originated from that cold, indifferent realm known as Earth, are matter. First and foremost. Were real. Realer than all the other humans, hivekin, orcs, elves, and whatever ridiculous species there are across the Fathoms. We exist without the touch of a divine creator, without the need for any reason. We just are. Now, there are a great many theories about why that is, even among us Inheritors, but I prefer the one that considers us to be the original beings in all existence. The so-called Source of all Fantasy. Why else would there be elves here, after all? Dragons? Orcs? All these strange and fictional beings, spun from the imaginations of our people, and distilled into form here. In a realm shaped by concepts, by belief, by magic and rooted in Systems. So. What we want is simple. Deserved. Things are unstable. Out of control. A midden of chaos ruled by unworthy tyrants because of all these clashing beliefs. We, the Inheritors, are going to change that. We, the Inheritors, are going to give you proper order. Because we are the only ones who can, and who will. So. If youre tired of having your lives wasted by the Unfallen rampaging through your kingdoms, butchering and raising your people, by the Crossroads actively stealing, buying, selling entire worlds, by the Dying Queen who corrupts trillions because the girl just cant seem to find a therapist good enough to deal with her existential angst Were here. And were the solution. The only one that can work. The only ones ordained. -Haytham Winters, Consul of the Inheritors II-12 Reflection Wei slid through broken, jutting planks as Bishops psionic pulse dissipated around him. Below, he could feel new boards rise and replace the old, but jagged debris became his hand-holds as he clawed back to his feet. Rage. Utter rage. Such was what consumed Wei, and violent satisfaction was all he knew as the sundering of his fathers spirit was complete. The Source inside him was a whirlwind surging behind his skull. People were speaking to him in harsh tones and snarls, but he didnt hearcouldnt hear. His gaze was fused to where his father was, where Where his father remained. At once, Wei sobered from his feral stupor. A new emotion burst through the flesh of his rage like a pointed spear, and its name was confusion. His fathers spirit had been shattered utterly. Completely. Wei felt the mans Aspects come apart; there was a detonation of echoing Source that trembled the very fabric of existence. Yet, there he was, still there, his body beaten, bloodied, but still existing. What Wei muttered, his skull spinning as he staggered toward his father. This wasnt donehe needed to finish William Yu. He tried to summon his spear, but a flashing rejection pulsed over his eyes as a notification. Wei didnt even read it. It didnt matter. He snatched a broken piece of wood off the ground, intending to use it as a stake to finally finish his father off. But as he approached, the rippling form of John Bishop stepped into sight. The Trespasser bore a tired expression as he looked at Wei. Look, kid, I get it but Aside, Wei growled. The sounds of the world were coming back to him. His rage was receding, if only slightly. Stand aside! Stop! A muffled cry sounded from inside the young masters System. His Shell. His Shell had been screaming at him for the past few minutes. Stop, you fool! We still need him. If we kill him now, we will know nothing of our foes! Death is too kind a fate! Wei! Endure, you worthless mongrel! Your Ambition has been diminished by the Wei pushed everything out of his mind and let out a vicious snarl as he saw his father stir. For a moment, he and William locked eyes. And the fires of loathing within Wei combusted to a roaring inferno. Kill! Bastard The young master shot across the broken stage. He charged toward Bishop, toward his father, fully intending to bring an end to A sudden cage of force halted him. Wei let out a gasp of discomfort and went entirely still. He growled at Bishopmanifested a scythe to cut whatever invisible trap this was. But instead of fighting him further, Bishop teleported William with a gesture, and then promptly vanished. Two flashes of purple later, Wei was alone. Alone in a room filled with scattered boards and undamaged walls. Dust rained down as he slashed through the force cage holding him, procuring another Shard for his System, but alas, what was it for now? What point was there to his rage when he couldnt even finish what he came here to do. And to make matters worse, as he spun and took in the room, he realized the doors were missing too. No way out. He was trapped. This was a trap! This was Hey, kid, Bishop said, interrupting his thoughts. A feeling of annoyance and general resignation was injected across the link. I aint trapping you or anything. You won that fight; the contract stands. But you cant be killing nobody up here in a fit of rage after a duel ends. Cool off first. Ill make the door come back when you calm down. Bishop! Wei roared. Bastard! Cur! He was mine! I had him! I was An incoherent cry of frustration, of pain, of unsated vengeance came over Wei, and deprived of violence, he sank, he sank as a pain in his chest so deep and miserable ate at his very bones. His cry died to a squeal of suffering as Wei folded in on himself, curling over as he suddenly heaved. It was too muchhe was feeling too much too much Pathetic, his Shell said. The Skill became as a shadow, standing over Wei as the boy wretched mouthfuls of nothing on the ground. Control yourself. Control! Before everything, control! Power and skill and wealth are all useless without control! Control is the mastery of things. Have you forgotten that already? Is your mother truly dead in your heart as well? Have you forgotten her most important teachings? Wei fought himself. He sucked in wheezing breaths of air and couldnt stop his body from shaking. It was like he was coming apart from the inside. Excess energy with no place to go. Through an impossible effort, he managed to force himself to sit and meditate. Right there in the ruined area. Right there to calm the fire inside that threatened to overtake him. His emotions were too much for him to bear, and using his Armor Components had drained him of both Source and Ambition. He needed to recover. He needed calm. Wei surfaced from a sea of tumult, and drifted thereheld himself in a stasis of thoughtlessness. Time began to pass. New notifications loaded. Wei didnt regard any of them. He did nothing until the pressure inside himself balanced and diminished to a point where it was negligible. Only then, did he open his mind again to the world and his System. Reviewing encounter Masteries Demonstrated >Meditation (III) 99% >Unarmed Combat (III) 89% >Spearmanship (III) 97% >Evasion (IV) 4% >Thrown Weapons (II) 75% Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. >Tactics (III) 2% >Rapier 0% Shards Available! Aspect Advancement Available [12] Concept Upgrade Available [3] Weakness. That is what plagues us. That is why you were undone in your time of victory. The Shells words reverberated through Weis spirit and his mood wilted further. With his Ambition recovered to an acceptable level, shame was all he felt. Shame at debasing himself so. Shame at losing control like a wild dog. He had won. His father was defeatedWeis contract basically allowed him to take William Yu as his slave. But it was not enough. His heart was starved of bloodshed and filled with hurt, and he wanted the former through inflicting the latter. And worst of all was how he shamed himself in front of another. Bishop. The Trespasser got a full glimpse of Weis indiscipline. That was enough to make Wei want to Enough, his Shell grumbled in disgust. Pain is meant to teach a lesson. To self-punish is no different from self-indulgence. It absolves you of shame, but shame is what we need right now. Do not deserve to feel better. You were worthless in this battle, and only through what I offered did you prevail. And even then, you couldnt master yourself after. Wei endured the lecture in silence, accepting the words with wounded dignity. Some part of him enjoyed it. Some part of him remembered his life before in his sect, with his masters and mother and father Stop. Do not do that, either. The past is lost. Home is lost. She is dead. Face this. Cultivate this pain and make use of its bitter taste. Right now, focus. Build yourself. This was not a complete loss. Look upon your shards. There are Aspect Advancements you can imbue yourself with. Concept Upgrades that accelerate your Skills and Titles. Elevate your Concept Cores. Doing as his Shell said, Wei grasped for the broken conceptual fragments he claimed from his father and thought back on the fight. For most of the battle, he had been on the backfoot. His father had been faster by a slight amount, but what made the fight so desperate was Williams overwhelming control over the battlefield and deceptive tactics. Without his Helmet, Wei would have been cut by attrition alone. At baseline, he had enough Omniscience for most fights happening around him, but he was beginning to realize a problem. For every bit his awareness spreads, his cognition is further strainedstruggling to process all the details. This meant that even if he could feel everything in motion, see where things were or sense where attacks came from, an overload of information rendered him incapacitated. But another thing to consider was his Skill. The Helmet allowed him to bypass issues with his baseline stats. Perhaps he should procure a sensory Skill for his Class instead of boosting his Enlightenment. The ratio he would need to achieve between his Enlightenment and Omniscience for full functionality required an extremely skewed ratio as well. Enlightenment Advanced > 42 [3/100] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Good. Think more. Feel less. Your emotions thus far have only betrayed you. Without control, they are not fuel, but fire. Conflagration. Consuming you from within. His Shell fell silent. We have fought enough to arrive at some general judgments. We are capable of a kind of harm few others can resist. Our Authority and Concept Breaking compounded upon our Class allows us to shatter threats we should not even be able to scratch at our Essence Level. But Speed. Reaction. This is what allows us to land our hits first. To be warned of forthcoming blows before they even arrive. Wei understood. His Authority was importantbut ultimately, it was of secondary benefit to his Relativity. He was capable of breaking most foes from Knight to Marquis. At Count-Tier, things got dubiousbut mainly because he couldnt survive long enough to truly do anything. His Fortification also mattered. It was the only reason why he survived the beating his father inflicted. Whatever attacks inflicted on him were eventually adapted to. The explosions would have left him a splattered smear of Source, otherwise. That, and his armor. The broken metal was slowly regrowing around him, gold and black spreading across his person in patches. Finally, though, there were the Concept upgrades. Right now, it seemed like it took about 1000 points of concept integrity damage to actually gain a shard. Three shards or so could be used for an Aspect Advancement and a Concept Upgrade was possible at twelve. This made the ratio between his Aspect Advancements and Concept Upgrades one-to-four. On top of that, there was another question: How fast could these Concept Upgrades accelerate the growth of his generating Skills? Looking between his Helmet of the Invasive Seer and Ambushing Spearstriders (Rare) Component upgrades, Wei considered his choices. The latter was something that could substantially improve his combat prowessbut there was also the risk of revealing his higher capabilities to others. Something he had no desire to do. This would require a stealth or obfuscating Skill to aid him. And then a thought came to him. Perhaps he could get such a Skill from or have Rafael show him some ciphers. There must be something that could mask his presence and muddy his Essence. Yes. This could very much work. Experimentally, Wei mentally selected the Concept Upgrade option tied to his Augmentation Core, and another chain of options followed. Helmet of the Invasive Seer (Common) >Requirements >>3.5 Days to Generate Upgrade in Core >>Mastery Node (Seer of Habits) >>Corresponding Experiences (0%) Ambushing Spearstriders (Rare) >Requirements >>9 Days to Generate Upgrade in Core >>Mastery Node (Blindside) >>Corresponding Experiences (0%) Wei selected the second without hesitation, and it was like throwing oil on a raging fire. The Source inside him cracked, and the space that held his spiritual manifestation. His Shell existed thereas it hovered next to him in his minds eye. At once, dark and light began to twist and weave around its legs. The pointed spears that composed his Spearstriders changedthough not substantially. As the Source faded, the legs grew fainter, the blades near transparent. A few more rings of pulsating force rounded their tips, and two dots of darkness extended below. Ambushing Spearstriders (Rare) >Requirements >>-32 Days to Generate Upgrade in Core >>Mastery Node (Blindside) >>Corresponding Experiences (2422%) Upgrade! Spearstriders (Common) >>> Ambushing Spearstriders (Rare) Minor Concept Core of (Augmentation) >>> Lesser Concept Core of (Augmentation) Progress: 25% The Skill concluded in an instant. The infusion of conceptual matter compiled all that he lacked. Stunned, Wei considered calling upon this new Component but knew eyes were still on him. He wished to examine this alone. In private. With that done, he still had more to spend. Aspect Advancement Available [8] Concept Upgrade Available [2] Though he could accelerate the development of his other Component, Wei found himself content to just wait. It didnt give him more options in combat, nor drastically empower him in any way. No. The rest would go to his Aspect essentials. Aspect Advancement Available [0] Concept Upgrade Available [0] Relativity Advanced > 61 Putting everything into Relativity was an easy choice. He would split some later for his Fortification and Omniscience as well, but right nowand perhaps alwayshis priority was going to be boosting his Relativity to obscene levels. To strike and move first against all attacks or adversaries. As he finally finished his meditation, Wei regarded his Shell. Should we put something toward our Ambition? Worthless. You expend too much using my Components anyway. A single point will make no matter. But you should now bring potions or supplements after you use Ambition-draining abilities. You are a liability toward yourself and others when you have no will. Remember that. Wei clenched his fists and nodded. Something to enhance his Ambition. Or something to blunt it. Whatever it took. Are you finally calm now? Bishops voice whispered in the back of Weis mind. Yes, he said aloud. He winced in embarrassment. I apologize. Fuck no. Dont. He had it coming. Frankly, Im surprised you didnt try that the moment you saw him. The young master blinked in surprise. I debased myself. Lost control. The conditions of the duel He knew the score. He knew and he agreed to fight you. After what he did, I cant say he doesnt have it coming and more. Yeah, you lost hold of yourself. But thats what it is. Fix it if you want, but dont go blaming yourself for hating him. And besides probably felt a little too good to beat on his ass, huh? A beat followed. Are you two even friends? Wei asked. William Yu is as close to a brother as I have left, Bishop answered. A shitty, amoral, constantly fucking up brother who deserves a fate worse than death, but still. So. I can be here for him. But I cant let you finish him off. Not like that. And you won. You angry, vicious little motherfucker. Goddamn. Now, the young master almost blushed. The conversation was taking a very different turn than what he expected. It was a near thing Winning is what matters. Rest is horseshoes and hand grenades. Gre-what? Never mind. A sudden gust of wind made Wei turn. Only then did he realize the room, much like his armor, had completely mended. Restored to its original state. Across from him, an open doorway led into a bright lobby filled with people. People with powerful Essence signatures. Come on in. The ways back. There are a few people that you should probably meet. II-13 The Contest of Conquest As always, as we prepare for a brand-new invasion, a time of festivities and celebration is upon usand a time for Sinners to become Saints Among Monsters. Indeed, I do hereby declare a Festival of Conquest, and in the fashion of the world we are about to invade, there will be a theme to our competition. Popularity. Dominance through recognition. For all that you have done, for all the Sins you have accumulated, for all power you possess, what use is any of it if you cannot wield it properly? Well, then, now I give you permission to indulge in atrocities debased and glories highest. Go, my Circles, be glorious my Sinners. Go to the Blood Grounds, to the Black Theaters, the Gray Bazaars, the Grooves of Communion. Go there and show your dominance against your rivals. Go and rise in your dens to be sent forth as representatives for your Circlesa hundred Classed for each Tier, with the triumphant Knights and Marquises to be the first and foremost granted vanguard privileges when my Black Towers pierce the virgin veil of Earth. History and legend lay at your fingertips. Lay claim, or be claimed. -Mepheleon the Harbinger II-13 The Contest of Conquest Wei felt an overwhelming sense of whiplash as he left the repaired arena and crossed the newly created doorway. The way out led to an entirely different place from where he enteredand the three overwhelming Essence signatures waiting just beyond made Wei prepare himself for what was to come. He knew there were monsters in this realmhad glimpsed their power and faced them time and time again. But this was the first time he felt three individuals at Count-Tier or above gathered in the same room, and their very spiritual aura made it a struggle for him to even breathe. They should inspire you, his Shell proclaimed. If this is what they are capable of with a Class, then understand what you might do with a System in half the time. You will likely be ready for your Class Specialization evolution after this duel as well. For all your failings, you still walk a proper path. Stumble, more like. Wei heeded his Shells words as surging resolve filled his veins. Perhaps the ones he faced were monsters for now, but with his new ability to seize Concept Shards, he would see himself as their greater or equal as fast as he could. The true adversary was the Dying QueenMepheleon, even. Those godlike System-hosts that were his supposed rivals and superiors, but they were ultimately prey for his Concept-Breaker. Such was the mandate of his System and the will of Asaru. The room was broad and conical in design. It was some four meters wide, and the walls were rounded with thousands upon thousands of tomes, books, forms, and other material documents. A few dozen floating skullsliches, much the state Wei found Rafael in during his ascent up the Moongravesflew to and fro, sorting the library as a train of books trailed behind them. Light shone down through a dome of painted glass from above, and it showed what looked to be a realm composed of seven continents and oddly blue seas with trailing currents extending through a breached pyramid to form a complex variegated pattern below it. Wei frowned briefly at the sight, remembering the structure that Asaru had been making in their final moments. So, this was likely Earth, home to the Trespassers and the trails below represented the Fathoms? It was still hard to fully conceptualize the sheer existential horror that was his existence, but Wei was a cultivator. The heavens were unkind to the meek and unfavored, and so in substance, little had truly changed. Directly below the center of the dome was a vast table that projected a light-made representation of the same realm. Earth again. Same number of continents. Same blue body of water. Surrounding the representation were a few individuals actively placing markers on specific points of the globe in silence. They did not talk to each other verbally, but Wei could feel subtle wisps of Essence darting between them. The most prominent of the group was Sarah Moonscar. Her overall look remained unchanged, but the pearlescent shards that composed her outfit were splayed outward like the gills of a fish with a few shards orbiting her person. Additionally, her eyes shone with a pale luminosity as she looked upon the world with a slight frown. To her left and right were two people Wei had never seen before. Both of them were considerably powerfulon par with Moonscar at least. On her right was a man with the messiest hair Wei had ever seen. It looked like a frazzled nest of fiery redthe kind that sparrows might make a nest out of. He was also smoking what looked like over a three large pipes at once, sported over a dozen demonic eyes down the length of six arms, a set of cicada-like wings that hide a long, white cloak, and was actively conducting surgery on himself with a pair of rusted scissors. Wei almost gagged, except the mans blood didnt spill like from a normal person. Rather, it stayed inside him and generally flowed away from his incisions. More interestingly, his exposed organs were all partially insectoid to a certain extent, all chirps and chitters as the man hummed. Nils Alman: Terrible Surgeon (Legendary) Lv.??? Wei did a double-take at the mans specialization. Terrible Surgeon? That was a specialization? A legendary one people could use? Why not, his Shell chided Wei for his closed mindedness. Why could someone not walk a path in their life based on sheer incompetence. Incompetence so sheer no one could match them. It was still hard to grasp. To Moonscars left, meanwhile, was a relatively bland figure decked in thick plates of armor. It was just like a coat of tin, without any regalia or declarations, and slung to his back was an unimpressive poleaxe and massive tower shield. The only part of his body that remained uncovered was the face, and he looked rather plain to the eyes. Short dark hair. Stubble. Thin nose. Brown eyes. Rounded jaw. The mans aesthetic reeked of mundanity. His Essence however, had a brutal edge to it, and of the three, Wei felt his nerves come alive as the man briefly glanced at him and offered a nod. John Doe: Fighter (Common) Lv.??? Just a Common Class? Seemed a bit unimpressive to be in Moonscars company, and overshadowed by all the strange characters in the Claimed Hells. But then again, that might just make this man among the more unique individuals here, wouldnt it? Uniquely boring could be a statement in its own way. Patriarch Wei, Moonscar greeted. I trust that matters between you and Trespasser Yu have reached an acceptable point thus far? A flare of anger came, but Wei suppressed it with his regained Ambition. It wouldnt do well to antagonize people so powerful. That, and Moonscar was always immensely polite in her use of his proper title. Yes. It was there are still things to I understand. It is a troubling thing to do, killing your own father. Moonscar nodded slowly and smiled at him. It felt good when I killed my parents. So. I empathize. Wei hadn''t been expecting that. He didnt know what to say. I thank you for your concern. Good. With Yu now given unto you as a karmic slave, he is no longer our responsibility. I will see him properly transferred to your custody when the time is right. Karmic slave? John Doe said? The Fighter grimaced and shook his head. William has committed many wrongs and deserves death, but there is little chivalry or even use in torturing a man. He owes me a great debt, Wei said firmly and coolly. And he set the conditions. I only agreed to them. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. John Doe considered his points and sighed. Its an ugly thing your father did. And its an ugly thing hes doing now. Kill him if you must, but dont disfigure your heart. You will have to live with who you become. That is the poison of wrongful action. A lecture already, Weis Shell spat scornfully. A mental materialization of the Skill loomed over the Fighter. He is one we must overcome as soon as possible. We cannot have self-righteous fools like him deciding our fate through power. I, contrarily, think you should have as much fun as you like, the red-haired Terrible Surgeon said. A centipede-like set of intestines reached up and wrapped around his pipes. They pulled the smokes away, allowing him to let out a puff. Hes done a lot of terrible things for the Inheritors, for the Dying Queen, for us Id say most people have it coming, but William Yu might have more coming than most. You could even get a little Sin out of this. Sell him out to people wronged across the Claimed Hells for their pleasure. Hes infamous enough that it would be good side business. Despite Weis usual composure, something in him flinched at that. He hated his father. Whatever fate he could inflict on the man, it wouldnt be enough. Yet, the idea of doing what Nils impliedpimping him out to his former enemies. A sense of nausea rose inside Wei. He couldnt consider it. This was something that was beneath him. Do you wish to be beheaded again, Nils? John Doe asked casually. Yes, Nils replied, just as blas. But outside. We cant fight here. Sarah gets so very mad when people get blood all over her war room. His smirk hinted at a reference Wei didnt fully understand. So far, the entire meeting was a surreal experience. When he faced beings of power from the Circles, they demonstrated their might with incredible Skills, theatrics, feats of mind-reeling power. But these three, despite all the overwhelming Essence radiating off of them, acted without care for their station. Come to think of it, Bishop wasnt that much different, either. He possessed great power but didnt seem to flaunt it much. Habits formed by children born of a kinder, softer realm, perhaps, his Shell mused. You can come closer. Moonscars statement pulled Wei out of his ruminations, and he tentatively approached them. He didnt know what this was about, or even what he should even say. As he arrived next to the light-projecting table, she continued. We need to discuss the conditions of our falling out. Excuse me? Wei said. The words made sense, but the meaning behind them was lost. What do you mean, falling out? We believe it would be best if you adopted the guise of an independent agent in the Claimed Hells. This will allow you more access to the Circles in the coming days and grant us both a means of disavowal if it seems we are at odds against each other. Wei blinked. He didnt understand where she was going with this at all. Poor boy, Nils said, grinning as he reached in and plucked out what looked to be a rapidly growing tumor from one of his lungs. He probably captured the mass using his Inventory and unequipped his pipes as well. Ah. Ninth cancer. Done farming today. Anyway, Welcome to the dark games, my son. Tradecraft is a life that we rarely choose, but alas, it often chooses us. The young master wanted to ask what tradecraft meant, but he was tired of this question-answer approach to things. What are you planning? Answer me in detail. What is this scheme that you wish to involve me in? Do not waste my time with fragmentsI am finished being a frog in your well. Speak. Or we will have a proper reason for falling out with each other. John Doe smirked slightly at that, while Moonscar kept her eyes on the map and placed down another market. Focusing on the map of the realm, Wei saw small structures and cities littering the continents, and thus far, she was placing point over point in a place marked as the United States. In two months, the first Black Tower will descend through Earths upper atmosphere. For the first time in history, Essence will flood into the Hollow Realm of Earth and a war will begin between the great powers of the Fathoms to capture the homeworld of all Trespassers. The capital of every nation will be struck. Every major geographic position will be struck. Every nation and every people will be taken by someone or another. The shape of my home will change, and fragment into a thousand-thousand fiefdoms as the Circles, the Unfallen, the Inheritors, Crossroads, and Kindred battle for total control. Slowly, Moonscar shifted to face Wei. That is, unless someone with the proper qualities can unify the Claimed Hells at the vanguard and establish an ordered hegemony. Slowly, vague though her words were, realization dawned on Wei. You want this person to be me? You have all the qualities of a proper upstart populist here. A Sinner that has defied all odds and all contractual bindings to arrive at Preceptors Descent. Someone who has lost a world, and now has broken his traitorous father in a duel before taking him as a karmic slave. Someone with proper grievance that many can understand, who possesses the potential and charisma to rise through the Blood Grounds, the Theaters, to establish contacts in the Grooves, and perform transactions barred to most others due to the uniqueness of his identity. All these things make you the most suitable candidate for what is to come. And what is that? A Contest for Conquest. Moonscar waved a hand at the representation of Earth, and it immediately shifted to a replica of the Claimed Hells. Swirling rings surrounded a core of festering black and red. Veins spread out along seven major pockets, coiling about Black Towers and through the outermost ring. Earth is an Essence Hollow world. Most Fathom-originates cannot exist there without an injection of Essence. Trespassers will have no issue. You, perhaps, can endure, but it will be existentially unpleasant due to your mutilated nature. Even now, the wrongness of his fathers blood defiled his future. Moonscar continued. With that said, the first through will be Knights and Marquises. Those who require a lower amount of Essence to operate. They will be the first ones to invade. Them and the lesser demons. Weis eyes widened at that. Is that why my realm wasnt casually annihilated during all the demonic breaches before? Partially. System Clashes and System Wars are also a factor. When two hosts place down conflicting laws and functions, existence suffers. And so a battle for dominant Essence will ensue. Except for me, Wei said. Except I am required for the vault as well. Precisely. So, you wish to fashion me into a demagogue for hell? Wei asked, his disbelief palpable. For the first time, he saw Sarah Moonscar smile, and the coldness in her gaze sent a shiver of worry down his spine. There was something about her that was detached from humanity, working toward what seemed to be positive ends, yet willing to condemn billions to death without remorse to see her desired future arise. Yes. And more. But to do that, you cannot be on good terms with the Trespassers Lodge. What we wish, everyone already knows. Mistakes left by other branches of our movementthe problem with big tent alliances. Again, Wei was at a loss for words. This will benefit you as well. I understand that your vengeance is incomplete. The Inheritorsthey will not be able to endure your taking of Earth. It will be an insult the Consuls cannot face without debasing the divine position they granted themselves. If you succeed here, they will come, and you will be able to see them dead. Wei waited for her to say something about Asaru, about the Antediluvians, the Broken Samsara, or anything that was revealed to him during his System Ascension. But she made no mention. Either she didnt know, or more likely, she was withholding information from him. So, then, Wei said. How are we to come apart? Because I can already think of several ways. An organic clash between us would be ideal. Something witnessed by a third party. In the Third Rib? Wei said. Ah, Nils chuckled. He catches on quick. You have thoughts about this, boy? Somehow, the Terrible Surgeon sounded more encouraging than condescending. I John Bishop. His powers are intrusive. And my father is his friend. You know, for someone who doesn''t like his father, you sure do think a lot like him. The sudden appearance of Bishop next to Wei made him lash out with a shifting elbow. Bishop casually stepped aside but didnt retaliate otherwise. He humiliates us! the Shell roared with outrage. And you! You shame us! Learn to aim your hits, you predictable fool. Expand your attacks. Let one move flow into another. Wei eyed Bishop with scorn. I was waiting for you to appear. I was waiting to see if youd say something funny. You did. So. Here we are. Bishop looked at Moonscar. You tell him about the competition hell be facing, what hes going to need to do after we get this whole situation set up? I was going to until your theatrics, Moonscar replied. Competition? Wei asked. John Doe smiled grimly. You wont be the only one vying for glory. As fitting of the sacred number, seven. Seven identified champions for the Seven Circles. Seven you must overcome by wit and will, mind and might. Seven to bend to your whims as lessers before the Circles become yours to command. Wei let out a quiet breath. This was quite a bit to process in the aftermath of a duel, but his mind was moving along its own wheels. If he grew into a significant figure, he could actually start recruiting for his sectmake the Drowned Sky Sect great. Greater than ever before! Go on, Wei said. Let us speak in detail about everything. II-14 Challengers (I) The one policy I have for facing someone with a Legendary-Rarity Class Specialization is turning the fuck around and getting my ass out of there. Listen, I know some of you new guys dont want to hear it, but you need to realize your ass isnt going to be the hero in every story, okay? There are monsters down herejust absolute maniacs that love to do nothing but feed their Class and kill and fight and whatever other fucked up thing for more power. Trust me: I died at my computer playing WoW. I know what unhealthy farming is like, and they take it to the next level. They dont have any life to speak of beyond war or conquest. They are driven on a level thatlike, they make a baby between Hitler and Michael Jordan seem normal. IGNORE THE SHITTY METAPHOR! HERE! SIMPLE WORD FOR SIMPLE FUCKS: YOU! NO LEGENDARY? SEE LEGENDARY? RUN FAST! RUN! RUN AND HOPE THEY DONT CARE ABOUT KILLING YOUR ASS! If youre asking yourself if you are the guyif you have what it takes, then you dont. You just dont. The true killers dont question, they just are. -The Trespassers Compendium II-14 Challengers (I) Seven markers appeared on the simulated representation of the Claimed Hellsseven markers that projected seven windows, each showing a different individual. Each one was someone that belonged to a Circle, a champion, Wei guessed, for the coming contest. "These are your competition," John Bishop declared. The Trespasser looked at the eight identified figures and regarded them with something between an amused sneer and a measured glare. "Mepheleons called a contest of champions, and these are the highest performers weve identified. And the one that wins will grant their Circle Warmaster privileges for this invasion. Warmaster? Wei said. It is a fancy way of saying cannon fodder. Nils grinned. But humor aside, Mepheleon and his forces are competing against other System-hosts as well. And the Claimed Hells cannot be divided, so having a single, recognized Circle leading the invasion allows for some order. Some. Enough. Bishop continued. These eight Knights and Marquises are the ones to watch. Their Circles are pushing hard behind them to serve as the initial wave, so make no mistake here, theyre going to be hard targets to drop. The benefits for the winner are clear as well, John Doe said. The Circles are in eternal deadlock due to their constant warring. For one to be granted superior privileges ensures an unrivaled level of influence. Enough for decades of dominance at the least. This will also ensure greater friction between the squabbling fractions in the Claimed Hells, further cementing the Harbingers role as both king and kingmaker. "The clincher here, though, is this: Any organization can run; any entity or even an individual of worthy merit can earn the right to stand at the very forefront of Hell''s vanguard, Bishop gave Wei a meaningful stare. Wei frowned. "Two months to the invasion It feels like a hurry. The other forces in the Fathoms are they the reason for this accelerated pace?" "No really," Bishop replied. "Itll take them time to reach Earth, but they need specific constructs to do so. Crossing the Source Currents isnt easy for most people. The Claimed Hells and their Black Towers have a unique advantage when it comes to invasions. Thats what makes this place the diaspora, after all. But the main thing here is control. But another angle grew clear to Wei. It was as Bishop had said. Mepheleon liked keeping his Circles infighting, but he also favored Wei in ways the young master couldn''t fully understand. Even before Wei understood his System''s full importance, Mepheleon had sponsored him, offered him armor and a new spear as a gift or a loan for the journey to come. Now, the more Wei thought about it, the more this position of Hells Vanguard seemed fine-tuned for someone unaffiliated with the circles, unaffiliated with any faction to claimsomeone like him. It is a high likelihood that the Trespassers'' Lodge and the Harbinger are in league with one another. The feeling was unshakeable for Wei. Yet, he couldn''t quite tell why, or how true the bond between them was. Wei considered asking Bishop or the other Trespassers outright, but even with all the aid they had rendered him, everything Mepheleon had done, something told him this was the wrong move to make. He was a valuable investment, an essential asset for this invasion of Earth, but that didn''t make him equal. That just made him an essential tool, and Wei had no interest in playing someone elses game. Best he kept his suspicions and growing intellect to himself; to spread it too far, to let others know what he thought too much, might just see him constrained, and truths hidden from him. "So what am I to do with these seven champions?" Wei asked though he had a good idea. "Before we get to that," Nils said, taking a good look at Wei, "you should know how this contest is to be decided. The prize of Hells Vanguard is won through SignificanceA currency of recognized popularity. It entails your Significance in battle, the Significance of besting your foes intellectually, the Significance of friendship and connections, even. Every feat you achieve will build your Significance, and once you are an individual of sufficient Significance, then the right of conquest belongs to you." "So how does one claim this Significance?" Way asked. "Quite simple," Nils continued. "Individuals you directly kill legally or in a combat zone will have all the Significance they''ve gathered given unto you. Individuals who have no chance of winning this competitionwhich are the bulk of the Sinnerscan also give their Significance to another. Each individual Sinner only has one Significance, no matter their level, but they can be amassed in others, gifted or traded. And due to Essence deficiencies, only Knights and Marquises are considered for this. And so the Black Theaters will see major performances in the coming days. Artists working to influence the masses for one Circle or another. They can also be bought in the Grey Bazaars," Moonscar added, "or negotiated for directly if you have the proper contacts within the Circles." Taking all that in, Wei felt slightly less confident about his prospects. Certainly, he was a growing terror on the battlefield, but matters of trade and diplomacy werent strengths he had the time to develop yet. He''d learned about them, but held little interest, nor had his masters and mother particularly pushed him on it in years prior. He was only at the beginning of his education for matters of leadership and logistics. His home was destroyed. "Don''t worry," Nils said, speaking directly to Way''s concerns. "The Lodge will make sure you''re properly trained and prepared for these things to come. We might even do some engineering to make sure things happen in your favor." The way the Terrible Surgeon spoke made Wei want to take a bath. "Your goal in the near future is simple," Bishop began. "You want to build up as much Significance as you can in as little time as you can. Right now, these eight," he said, gesturing towards the eight windows that housed the challengers profiles, "represent the most likely victors for the title of Hells Vanguard when the time comes. And killing any of these eight will shoot you all the way up from being a newcomer curiosity in the claimed hells to a dark horse contender for the throne." "Very well then," Wei said. "And you say that this significance can be given willingly or taken through rightful death?" The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. "Yes," Bishop replied. "It means you can''t go around murdering thousands of people in the Heights, even if you can survive the reprisal from the Tribulator. That just means those votes of Significance are lost. If you murder some people in the unseen spots of the Balance or manage a killing spree in the Base" Bishop tilted his head and shrugged. "Well, that''s fair game, right? There are rules, and then there are laws. Learn the former. Dont get fucked by the latter." "I see," Wei said. "Well then, show me my challengers. Let me have a glimpse of my foes so that I might know who I am to break, and who I am to claim." "Right on," Bishop said. He looked at John Doe. "John, you want to give him the lowdown?" "Sure," John Doe replied. Before they could begin, however, Wei looked between the two and frowned. "Are you two related somehow?" Both Trespassers paused. "No," John Doe said, quite directly. "Why would you think that?" "Because both of you share a namea family name." Bishop let out a slight snort. "Yeah, no, you got it the wrong way around. Bishops my last name. Not his actual last name, John Doe said. Yeah. And youre actually called John Doe? "I strongly dislike you, Bishop. I wish you would have died at Karstan." John Does words were blunt and casual. "Right back at you, John." Wei regarded Bishop for a moment. "Why does it seem like everyone hates you and my father? "It''s the inevitable curse of being a spook, son. Nasty business makes you smell. But someones gotta do it. "What is a spook?" Bishop ignored Wei and just waved toward the Fighter to begin the introductions. The first figure to pop up was a Hivekina Hivekin that wore a strange set of goggles and held up what looked to be a transparent vial. "This one here is Badsong, representing the Circle of Gluttony..." *** Another test slave convulsed, shivered, and dropped. She let out a series of ear-piercing screeches as her arms twisted, clawing at nothing. Her legs kicked, barely pounding against the bone-shaped cage. She let out a struggling sound of absolute agony before, suddenly, a death rattle sounded from her throat. Her organs liquefied, a pool of piss spilling out from beneath her as she finally succumbed. "Too strong still," Badsong declared. Another loss. Another failure. But the experiment was getting closer. He retracted the psionic tether connected to her mind and noted the ecstasy she experienced. His new mass market potion was getting closer to deployment. He just needed to blunt the Constitution requirements more. A series of sobs and muttered whispers of despair filled his laboratory. Rusted gears groaned from the clockwork architecture around him, and demons slotted new cages filled with slaves into the wall. Millions of Sins were made and lost in an instant for Badsonghis drugs bringing money in, his experiments, materials, and slaves becoming the cost. The Hivekinheld his lesser arms behind his thorax, observing the state of his newest experiment. A smear of blue powder trailed down the corner of the dead girl''s lip. She had been the most useful purchasea testing slave there, surviving the last half-dozen batches. She had known impossible pleasure granted to her by his earliest pills, absolute agony when he was making potions for the Circle of Wrath, and now she knew nothing but peace, quiet, and final death. But it wasn''t a complete loss, for within her torso, something began to wriggle and writhe. Her heart was mutating, her liquefied organs slowly becoming sustenance for something to be birthed. Slowly, spider-like legs began twitching out from her mouth, through the insides of her eyes. "You''re a monster. You''re an absolute monster!" one of the newer test slaves cried out from the far corner of the room. Badsong marked them out offhandedly. He would give them a few more doses than the others. If they survived, good. If not, well, it would ensure discipline at least. Right now, though, the intensity of his drug was still too strong. If it was to be a mass market drug, he needed to control it at sub 600 Constitution Advancements. Anymore, then most would simply collapse. To make it lower, though, would mean those of a higher level would barely feel anything at all. Specialized drugs for Counts or higher Tiers were novel challenges, but they didnt make nearly enough for his tastes. Of course, Earth would present other means to produce his tonics. It was a hollow Essence world, and if that was something to go by, then perhaps substances sourced from the Hollow areas would allow him to create some absolutely effective drugs More experimentation was required *** John Doe finished his brief introduction of Badsong, and Wei found himself blinking at what had just been told to him. "A Hivekin," Wei said, dully. "A giant intelligent bug that deals in illicit potions and pills." "Yeah, he''s a drug lord," Bishop said. "The perfect, pure, cold, piece-of-shit kind. Not your average Walter White." What is a Walter White? Some shows Im gonna need to have you watch as homework, some time, kid. "Not right now, Bishop," John Doe said. He pointed to another window, and this one enlarged as well. Here, Wei saw a well-armored orc, his skin a rugged black, his dreadlocks knotted with ornaments of brass and metal. In his hand was a strange implement. Wei couldnt quite call it an axe, though it held two wicked and curved heads on the side. The shaft, though, caught his eye. It seemed to be something created from jagged briarsand they bit into the orcs skin, burrowed under his arm, and made his muscles swell to an abnormal level "Why did everything in the Claimed Hells need to be so biologically disgusting?" Wei sneered. "Kalrus the Forgemaster," John Doe said, "newest acquisition of the Circle of Wrath. Hes also a Trespasser. Bishop chuckled and shook his head. This motherfucker used to work for Lockheed, so you know he loved his job in the past life. He might just love it enough to try and get back for personal reasons..." *** "This right here," Kalrus said, his voice echoing louder than the magical artillery hammering the barriers behind. In front were legions of Knights fighting in the base, pushing to control the space between Pride and Wrath for the past two years. Is the Chulainn-II. He flipped the two-headed axe in his hands and summoned a slave he held in his Inventory. A boy, no older than ten, stumbled out, eyes wide with fear. Hellhounds and other beasts slavered and drooled, while some of the Knights jeered and cheered. Slowly, the slave turned to face Kalrus. Only for the orc to chuck the massive ax at him, haft-first. The boy cried outcaught the axe on reflex. Immediately, the briars and composed its haft burrowed into his supple skin, tunneled into his muscles, and began infusing him with Wrathful Essence. The childs pitched scream deepened into a demonic bellow. He grew. He grew rapidly, tearing out of his rags, muscles pulling his skin apart, breaking and reknitting bone. In seconds, the boy was crossing three meters in height and only continued to grow. Now, Kalrus said, if any one of you think you got a shot of dropping this kid, step up. You do it, and theres a million Sins in it for you. Promised by my lawyer. Just then, Kalrus lawyer popped up and showed a contract. A few Knights shrugged and approached. Only to immediately turn into bloodied mist as the boy lost control. Screams and shouts echoed from the gathered legions as the once-child turned into a rageful wrecking ball of destruction. Geysers of gore and blood sprayed out from the trenches as the child killed and killed and killed. He would be dead soon. The Warp Spasm ability the axe gave would kill anyone who lacked the Constitution to wield it. But until that time, the boy would perform at the upper limits of his Class-Tierwhich was Knight. Which was enough to butcher all these underperforming neophyte Sinners, as was the will of the Counts. Hell, son. Color me impressed. Former General and now Prince of Hell Douglas MacArthur leaned back and took in the carnage through Kalrus feed. You turned a pretty useless kid into an artillery shell. Still got a problem with the Constitution, sir. Ah. Just mix this one with your last pattern. The uh, Nemean Lion Jacket. Well throw them into the Gray as a mixed deal. Maybe if you make the requirements worse we can fuck the Lusties again. Give them the what for like last time. Kalrus grinned. Yeah. I think I can manage that, sir. Now. About the project Dont worry. Ill get you your votes. This thing is practically ours, anyway. Once we corner the weapons market for the lower Tiers, therell be nothing the other Circles can do. Not for another century. I mean, were going to be fighting a war, for Christs sake. What are the performers supposed to do? Dance harder? MacArthur laughed. Ah. Gonna look forward to finishing old business. Yes, sir, Kalrus said as the blood finally stopped spraying in the distance. Focusing his Perception, he saw his slave had finally succumbed in the mud and gore, clutching an overworked chest. So do I, sir. II-15 Challengers (II) A lot of us didn''t ask to be here. A lot of us died at the wrong place, at the wrong time, where fate just smiled and sneered at us and took us away, spared us from an eternity of oblivion, and gave us another life. Some people found a use for that. Some people got lucky, became heroes of scattered kingdoms, of little lands of lost fantasy, spread out along with whatever the hell this is. But some of us we got to be slaves. We got to be pawns in another''s great game. Some of us never had a chance. Remember that. Remember, when you kill us, that we didn''t want this, that we''re sorry. That maybe, maybe you could think about us after we''re gone. -The Trespassers Compendium II-15 Challengers (II) As Wei finished taking in the assortment of scenes captured, he frowned. "Have you tried to recruit this Kalrus? That weaponit might have some unsavory qualities, but could be very useful if you had more expendable assets." Though the spending of the boy''s life had been cruel, Wei could see the benefits it provided. An army was a hard thing to raise, and most people would never see the heights of true power. In times of crisis, or perhaps with enough slaves taken from one''s enemies, Wei could very well see himself fielding such an expendable core of disposable soldiers. The only matter was John Doe''s eyes lingered on him for a moment too long. The Fighter gave Wei a slight hint of disapproval but said nothing outward. Bishop, on the other hand, simply shook his head. "We tried," Bishop said, "but as I said, he''s got his own interests in mind. Not exactly the kind to play ball or follow another set of ethics." "I see," Wei said. Even so, he wasn''t particularly inclined to kill Kalrus. There was much that could be salvaged from him, alive or broken. The orcs casual cruelty made him fair game for enslavement himself. Wei would see him broken and seized for the Drowned Sky Sect, if the Trespassers'' Lodge could not deliver on their own ends. "Next up, we have the Facetaker," Bishop said. "Facetaker?" Wei replied, frowning. "What kind of name" "By taking faces," Bishop replied dryly. He even finished off with a laugh. "The name was obtained quite literally. Even the Circle of Envy doesnt know, and hes their guy. *** The Facetaker presents: A Most Dangerous Game This line, large and stylized in red, was seared in the topmost corner of Tei Brawos vision. She sprinted, her heart pumping hard in her chest, spasming, muscles working as hard as they could, her legs a combusting blur coated with volcanic veins. All around her, the woods grew thicker, branches sharper, the sky above darker, blacker. A mist was sweeping in, and sounds cried out from all angles. She could hear the voices of her companions, still screaming, louder and louder. The path grew uneven, swampy in one second, then jagged stone the next. She slashed with her blade of flame, trying to cut her way through this dense midnight hell. But she was lost, and had been lost for the past half hour. At some point, Tei ran dry of tears. At some point, her dream was starting to abandon her, and exhaustion crept in. She had been a fool to attempt this challenge, this latest offering of the Black Theater. She had convinced her friends as wellrecent knights who had passed through the Hearted Realm, arriving under sponsorship of the Circle of Pride. Then came a whistlea sharp, shrill whistle that silenced all the noise. Tei''s heart reached a pace that became truly unbearable. She thought it was going to burst at any time. Her arrogance was running low, and something inside her gave. "Stop! Stop! Let me out! Out!" she screamed. She cleaved out with her blade, and jets of fire slashed through the woods, severing trees at their base. But as they fell, more briars, branches, and twisted vines erupted from that which was cleaved. The forest that trapped her grew denser and denser. "Tei!" She heard a voice. "Tei!" It was even louder now. She knew that voice. "Wilson!" she cried out loud. "Tei, yeah! I found a way out. Come here!" She abandoned all other thoughts, her focus solely on locating Wilson. He''d found her way out. There was hope. She could survive. She barreled forward, using the remainder of her Arrogance and empowering herself with Pyrodancer''s Charge. A detonation of fire sprayed out around her. The wood burned. All that reached out for her was combusted and turned to ash. She didnt know how long she sprinted, and it didnt matter what was in her path. She had a way out. She had a way out. She had a way out. She was going to make it. She was She burst through an unexpected clearing, only to tumble down a hill, rolling, her back smashing against pointed stones sharp enough to draw blood, even from one with a Constitution as high as hers. Tei screamed out as she bounced, the ground zooming towards her, slamming into her face over and over. She continued falling until her collarbone was caught and pried open by something sharp. A final hoarse scream erupted from her throat as she went limp, kicking, suspended in midair. It took a few seconds for her senses to return, and for her body to begin healing, but as she lifted her head, she found herself trapped in a net of needle-sharp briars. Across from her, separated by a roaring stream of midnight black, were her three friendsWilson, Mara, and Connor. All their bodies lay before her, their faces takentaken by her hunter. Between two massive trees, they came, the mists parting to reveal their shadowed presence. A long, flaking coat made of treated human skinof orc skin, of elf skinflapped behind them, and their skull was adorned with a mask of stolen faces, stitched together visages all forever sealed in an eternal scream. "No, no, please," Tei whimpered. "Please, no, please." "You accepted." When the Facetaker spoke, so too did all their victimsthe ones on his coat, the ones he wore as a mask. "You accepted," he repeated, and he reached out for her. The woods closed in, sharp, jagged trees burrowing into the sides of her skull. Tei screamed, and screamed, and screamed. And so concludes our show A cheering could be heard, and as the mist dissipated, she found herself lying on a stage. Her own face danced like the flapping pages of a script caught in the wind, held in the hands of the tall nightmarish figure that was the Facetaker. They bowed, and bowed, as waves of black roses said from the audience in the unseen dark below *** Wei blinked rapidly as the scene came to an end. "What was that?" he asked. "That is a live-play from the Black Theater," Bishop explained. "You can set up almost anything there. A lot of these plays are interactive, so, uh, youre sure to find some interesting art pieces here. Not all of them are that messed up. Not all of them are that lethal. But they''re all pretty... unique." "A way of saying it," John Doe added. "Interesting. Demented. Those are others." "Boring," Mills said, yawning. "Regardless, the next figure might be more interesting to you." Mills smiled. "I''d be interested to see how you''d deal with him. The Gainsmaster." "The what?" Wei asked. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Yeah, Bishop grinned. Sloths got some silly folk with them. *** The Gainsmaster hated running. He hated lifting. He hated fitness. He hated it. He hated every second of it. However, if he didnt do it, he was going to die. His body would literally digest itself from the inside out. Such was the cost of gaining this Legendary Class Specialization. He thought it was going to be beneficial. He thought it was going to help him. Instead, it turned him into a giant metabolistic singularity. And so it was that the Gainsmaster found himself running through the Base again, desperate to gain a few more days of life. The bastard Counts refused to help him; said he was doing fine and that he should just embrace things. But how! He didnt want to be here! Just last, he was eating food on his couch and watching his favorite Law and Order. Now, he had to exercise constantlyor he would fucking die! He was breathing hard, wheezing. His speed and mass blurred as he shot through trenches, over battle lines, up the walls of fortresses, faster than bullets could ever approach him. Everyone he passed by suffered inversely. Their legs gave out. Their muscles shriveled. They grew intensely fat, ridiculously fat. Several immediately developed diabetes and promptly suffered heart attacks. A few more keeled over dead from sudden strokes as well. And through it all, the Gainsmaster kept running, and running, and running. He couldnt stop. Because if he did, his heart would finally pop, and he would lose all his gains again. He couldnt do that. Could never live with that. He needed a new class. He needed to level up. He needed to do somethingsomething. This was why he was doing this. This was why he was always running around down here. This was why he was always working out. Because the Counts, they promised. They promised he would be on Earth. They promised they would take him there, and they would fix his problems. They promised. They promised. They promised! *** Wei watched as the blur continued running, eyes narrowed as countless hundreds fell, bodies withering as he passed nearby them. "So," Wei said, "his exertions caused an inverse effect in others?" "Yeah, you can say that," Bishop nodded. "I see," Wei said. There were some very strange Class Specializations in the Claimed Hells. "Trust me, kid, specializationsthey get much weirder," Nils answered. Fittingly, his specialization was Terrible Surgeon. "However, the next individual you might need to deal with is a charactersomeone you could potentially pacify without needing violence. Though do be mindful of her charisma and her soires. We''ve lost a few agents to those." Nils frowned. "Soires?" "Yes. Marie Antoinette is quite the party planner. Free cake for everybody!" *** "Let cake eat us!" Marie Antoinette declared. Screams erupted from the massive crowds gathered in her parlor. She fanned herself, watching her guests desperately swing and unleash their Skillsonly to fall before the endless onslaught of carnivorous dairy. Poor fools. Poor fools, all. They thought she intended an apology. No. They offended her by not vacating the entire Groove for her and her entourage. Why, she learned her lesson in the past lifeone must not let the peasantry get too many ideas. It was an indignity to die, and a greater one to be rendered as a Marquis. Not even a queen anymore. But she could climb. She could rise again. She just needed to be thorough about things this time. Throw the best parties possible A snarl pulled her attention to the cake in front of her. It was a delectable little dear born of her Skillmade from chocolate, layered with the fluffiest bread, whitened with cream, sparkled with candies, glazed with honey, capped with three strawberries, and scented with perfume. All this was already a splendor for the eyes, but it also had its own teetha dog-like maw that snarled and snapped at her. Oh, why, hello, dear. What might be the matter? Hm? You wish to be eaten? Well Very well, then. Without hesitation, she plucked the cake off the table and placed it within her mandibles. Ah. Delicious. So delicious she simply needed to share this with her world again. She heard the whisperswas positively giddy! Soon! Soon, she would get to go home again! To France! To take back what was rightfully hers. And after that, well, the peasants needed to be taught a most humanitarian lesson. *** Wei just looked on. He didnt have the words for this. Things were getting stranger and stranger. "Speaking of food," Bishop interrupted, "the next guy belongs to the Circle of Gluttony. Yeah, pretty similar deal, except..." *** "It FUCKING RAW!" the Gourmet roared. He slammed the skull of his assistant chef into the building-sized slab of raw-red ribs one time, two times, three. The assistant chef cried out, wept for mercy, but the Gourmet had none to give. "Not raw," he snarled. "Leviathan ribs need more flame. Throw more kindling! As he continued brutalizing the fool of an assistant, the others knew their place. A collective yell of Yes, Chef! shook the very foundations of the world, and more Demons of Wrath were cast into the enormous grill beneath the titanic creature. As for you, the Gourmet said, looking at the assistant. Their head was pulp. They were dead. He ripped a tendon free and bit, savoring the flavor. Well. Elves always taste good. *** Weis speechlessness grew. "So, kind of like a more psychotic Gordon Ramsay," Bishop began to rub the bridge of his nose. "Bishop, the boy has no idea what youre referencing, John Doe said. "He will," Bishop said. "Not right now, but he will. I''m just giving him a primer." He grinned at Wei. Wei blinked several times in quick succession. He hated this place so very, very much. "Can I see my next challenger?" He was already planning to kill the Gourmet. There was nothing to do about this. He didnt want anyone like that near himor alive, for that matter. "Best for last," Nils said. "Deaths Bastard. Once an aspiring candidate for the Circle of Wrath, he was stolen by the Circle of Lust. Through terrible suffering and... less-than-savory means, the Death Bastard had been bound to serve his Circle. Hes also a foe youre least likely to prevail against in a direct fight." Nils'' eyes twinkled. "Which is why I expect you to face him first. And potentially recruit him." Wei cocked his head at that. Nils had presented himself as an amoral, indifferent character thus far. Among most of the challengers, there hadnt been a direct order from the Lodge to save them. Not until now. Wei narrowed his eyes. "What do you want with him?" "Nothing particular," Nils said. "Just he has potential to be more than a slave. And, frankly, I find his biology most fascinating "A slave," Wei repeated. *** The taste of blood. The feeling of enchanted alloy peeling easy as flesh. Screams. Cheers. And the moon. A song of a cursed moon howled within the Bastard. Brother! Brother, enough! Enough! Come back! Come back to me, brother! Deaths Bastard knew not when the wolf took hold, only that he was swallowing mounds of flesh, that his body was coated deep and red with blood, that a hundred other Classed had faced him in a duel, and the same hundred lay in scattered pieces across the Blood Grounds. The corpse of a giant orc was shrinking, its innards already mutilated into paste by the Bastard. His breaths came ragged and fast within his helmet, and his massive greatsword forged from a piece of the same cursed moon that empowered him sang in quieting sync. Mourning was his swords name. Mourning, because it trapped those it killed, used them to nourish his sisters sealed spirit. Brother it is enough. Let the wolf go. It is enough. It is done. Those final words jolted Deaths Bastard back to his senses. The red cleared from his eyes, and the weight of his Lust-Forged armor filled him with unsurpassed euphoria. All around him, down from the vast coliseum, in what felt like every corner of existence, he heard the cheersand despised them. "Bastard, Bastard, Bastard." They were calling his name. No, his title. He didnt have a name anymore. That had been taken. Lost to him. And this love he felt from them, this adoration they flooded the atmosphere with, he didnt want it. It made him sick. It made him want to throw up. But it also empowered him. His Class cleaved between Lust and Wrath, drawing succor from Passion. His blade, with his sisters soul bound to it, nursed off sorrow and death. And so it was that he found himself murdering those who didnt deserve it in the Bloodgrounds. The slaughter was done. The spectacle was achieved. His master would be proud. With calculated ease, she arranged a terrible bet to settle an insult against one of her rivals. One of hers against 100 of theirs. All Knight-Tiers. Nothing more. By her will did the Bastard partake in this nightmare, and by her side was his loveAerea. Looking around the massive coliseum decorated in colorful silks, the stands filled with fornicating and mating bodies, drunken revelers, and at the very highest point, looking down at him from a special viewing box, the Bastard lifted his blade in salute to his master. And she smiled. Veiled by shadow, the Collectoress of Tongues sat upon a throne of ivory. Chains ran out from her body, snaking around the ground, connecting eight love-slaves to her station of power. Some were boys. Some were girls. Some were twisted to be something either both or not at all. And among them was Aereaher womb swollen with child, her skin pale, her pale hair thinning. She stood at the back of the chamber, fanning the Collectress, but her eyes darted toward the Bastard over and over. He held his salute, but his chest thundered with a war drum of rising rage. Once more, the cursed moon sang, and the wolf shifted beneath his flesh. Im going to kill her. Im going to kill her with my Peace, brother, his sister sang from within his blade. She remained his secretsomething that only he knew, and never revealed. You must find the right moment. You must. We know nothing of this place and now the rules work here. But in time, there will come a moment. Do not condemn your love and child to death. Do not fail them. As you did me. As you did mother. Shame was the only thing that quieted the wolf anymore. And so the Bastard held his salute. And so he watched his Significance climb, reaching 9,310,031,144 points, and placing him among the top ten contenders for the war to come. His might. His wrath. And his masters desire. And his Aereahis unborn spawn. Damn it. Damn it all. II-16 Tower of Possibilities Special transmission received. Decrypting details. Decryption complete. Good afternoon, Marksman. I represent a set of interests that have recently experienced a setback in the Claimed Hells. I''m sure you are aware of whom I speak. At present, our operations have been disrupted. And, due to this, our local assets cannot act as freely as they could before. Thus, we require a specialist. One with a subtle touch. Forgoing all flattery, your reputation speaks for itself. And we have undergone great lengths to locate your class identification through the Crossroads. You may check with your handlers to confirm the validity of our statement. Attached below are the specifics behind your target, as well as the compensation we offer. We expect you to be extremely satisfied. [FILE: WEI AN WEI] [COMPPACK] Your target is a recent arrival in the Claimed Hells. His reputation should already be growing due to associated feats he has achieved. Understand that he is a threat of extreme capabilities, though he should still be a Knight in terms of class tier. This is a deception. He has more power than is obvious and will likely grow rapidly in the coming days. We advise that you remedy the issue of his existence as soon as possible. Any delays might see your job become harder than it needs to be. We are putting a great deal of trust and resources in you. Marksman, do not disappoint us. -Special Transmission Dispatched from Inheritors to Marksman II-16 Tower of Possibilities "Am I to expect any competition from the Crossroads? Other non-Circle associated factions?" Wei asked. He regarded the Trespassers with slight suspicion. They were going to use him. In this sense, he was technically their desired championand Mepheleon, by Weis best guess. But, since they were going to engineer a so-called "falling out," did that not mean that the Trespassers would field a spoiler candidate? "The Crossroads are uninterested in directly involving themselves with un-lucrative matters," Nils said. He licked the inside of his cheek. "The ultimate truth about them is, among the Circles of the claimed Hells, only Greed stands as the Crossroads true opposition. And even then, they''re more like two tumors fighting for controlgrowing into each other, consuming each other, but never truly fighting each other. Ultimately, the Crossroads have their influence in all parties across the Claimed Hells and the Fathoms entire. You understand what that means. It means that their access to Earth is practically guaranteed." The Young Master let out a quiet sigh. "Of course. Merchants always had their ways." He hesitated before he asked his follow-up question. "And what about the Lodge? I''m not going to be your representative. Not in the open, anyway. I''m sure you have someone else." "We''ve been supporting some independents," Bishop said, though he made no mention of whom these independents were. "The ultimate thing is, the Claimed Hells know about the Lodge. Just like the Inheritors have a reputation, so do we. And we''re a lot smaller than they are. Something about selecting for more disciplined and quality members." He shot Moonscar a glare, and it was clear there was some disagreement between them about how this organization was to be run. "Our position on the invasion of Earth makes us predictable. We wish to protect our home. We wish to subvert and stand against all outside influence. Our place here is guaranteed due to citizenship and all the work we''ve done in association with the Circles. We are, effectively, a freelance mercenary companya highly trained one, willing to work against any Circle for any Circle, or any other organization on top of that. Our only true adversary are the Inheritors. Their commitment to conquering Earth and the actions they have taken to seize other worlds have been unsavory and unacceptable." Moonscars words were smooth and practiced; Wei still couldn''t glean her specific purpose or game here. "And that''s saying something," Bishop said, smirking. "Wait, I''m not going to bullshit you. None of us here are good people." He gave Nils a hard stare, and a vicious grin slowly pulled his face wide. "Some of us are worse than others, wouldnt we say, Terrible Surgeon?" Nils held out his hands. "Well, I''ve never done anything to someone who didn''t deserve it. Nor do I think my works don''t speak for themselves. I''ve advanced a great many things in the name of..." He paused. "Well, my amusement, really. But ultimately, we are all aligned." "Aligned?" Wei asked. "Because we value personal autonomy more than some pseudo-monarchy. And we also dont believe in that grand delusion about how humanity is special enough to rule over all existence." Nils grinned, leaning forward. "Trust me, Wei, once you see our governments at home and learn about Earth''s culture, you will agree about that, too. We are not the best candidates for overall governance. Not even particularly close." "A ripe opportunity for us, then," Wei''s Shell stirred. It had been listening quietly this entire time, his subconscious considering things just as his consciousness did. "Theyre still holding information back from you," it whispered. "But so far, the breadth of what they''ve said seems truthful." Should we work with them? Wei thought. "I do not believe we have a choice," the Shell replied. "Their power is staggering, but they have no desire to flaunt it. No interest in showing us what we don''t need to know. I fear we already have too many adversaries, and these are ones we cannot best in our current state. Perhaps not even if we are stronger. Unlike the Count of Pride, who is so willing to reveal his capabilities, they seem to be ones that like playing in the dark." Ignorance is a blade unto itself, Wei quoted his mother, and his shell shook in agreement. "Very well then," Wei said aloud. "I see no issue in our alignment. But to make it seem as if there''s a schism developing between usits quite sudden. There will definitely be eyewitness accounts regarding your extraction of me from..." "Arrival Plaza," Bishop said. "A public dispute will do. An official attempt at mental manipulation resisted and then handled by a lawsuit." Bishop grinned. Itll also be an easy means for us to properly provide some funds by exploiting open means. Wei was stunned. It was working out perfectly for them; the Trespassers were devious bastards. "But before we even get to that, there are a few things we have to give you. A means of staying in touch without us formally being in touch, if you will." Wei did not understand what he meant by "if you will." We will be giving you access to a special shared space for us to remain in contact without being seen together in public. An unseen meeting place. Or perhaps a zone for the Trespassers to establish their control over Wei. We have little awareness of our path or the resources we possess. We must proceed with clarity and care. Use this. The Shells pragmatism was increasingly its most welcome aspect. "So this is to be an expression of trust," Wei said. Something that binds us in the dark. "More like necessity," Moonscar continued, glancing at her fellow companionsindividuals Wei didnt know, strangers, in simple terms. "You will be facing considerable challenges in the future. Your System is powerful. Your growth will be unlike anyone elses. You yourself are not without skill. And you display inhuman amounts of self-control. At least, most times, when you are in control of your own faculties." Her hinting at his outbursts filled him with embarrassment. His Shell''s scorn rose within him, a swell of deep water replacing what lay on the surface. Pathetic, it sneered. Look at them. They mock you with their eyes. "When you are ready, you can ask Bishop to help treat your cognitive mutilation," Moonscar said. Wei took special notice that she hadnt used the word "trauma." That was probably deliberate. She was being strategic. Yet despite being aware of this on a conscious level, a surge of outrage stirred within him. Im not broken, he thought. I was momentarily weak. Im not broken. Im growing stronger. Im not broken. I just Im not. Nothing can break me. Nothing. But my willI break the world entire. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it "The rest of us will be overseeing other facets of your" John Bishop paused. "training as well. Im not bullshitting you, son, when I say this. Youre in over your head. Youre still not ready for whats coming. Even with our help, nothings guaranteed. But together, I think we can all get what we want. Our world protected from outside influence. And you, with your revenge sated and the Inheritors resolved. By whatever means you wish to inflict upon them." It was growing increasingly obvious to Wei what kind of game John Bishop was playing. But he played it well. And despite Wei''s awareness, it didnt stop him from feeling a growing sense of camaraderie with the man. He wouldnt have made it through the Hearted Realm without John Bishop, after all. And the man was true to his word, having let Wei enact some measure of revenge upon his father. "And I am here to provide you with more direct means of refinement," John Doe said, his gaze stern upon Wei. The man himself was impossibly stoic. Ive reviewed your combat performance. I would request a session with you as soon as possible in the near future. As the fighter in Wei looked back, his shell made a particular comment. He is alike to us somehow. I feel his spirit. But our mutual presences are like rock grinding against rock. Be wary of him, it warned, and be warier of Nils. And thus the Terrible Surgeon grinned, interrupting. "And I have many recommendations, treatments, and opportunities for you and your..." He trailed off, searching for the proper term. "Associates to peruse. Though the claimed Hells offer countless general kits, and the Crossroads will get you just about anything at the right price, there are still certain developments that require a certain amount of in-group association to obtain." Wei trusted Nils the least out of everyone present, but he thought of Roggiof how the Oathbearer had lost his body, trapped in a rotting, disgusting form. "Ive heard that some people can have their flesh transformed," Wei said, broaching the conversation. "Ah, racial alterations," Nils said, smacking his lips together. "You ask at a ripe time. Once you go past Knight, the expenses for such changes escalate far higher than for those prior. But," Nils continued, and suddenly his eyes extended from their sockets, connected by branches of chitinous tendon, replacing his optical cords, "the same does not apply for Trespassers like most of us. Or for someone like you." Wei shifted defensively, calling for his Broken Crescent to repair itself. He saw there were still a few minutes before it could be summoned. No matterhe doubted Nils would try anything right now. "I am not a full Trespasser," Wei said. The disgust of that admission was almost overwhelming. "Yes, but you are enough," Nils replied. "Enough that your body and your spirit might have just enough separation. The same cant be said for the others." He drew in a sharp breath. "There is much you must learn about conceptual theory." Wei took in his would-be mentors, and his perception finally fell upon Moonscar. Moonscar, who so far seemed a recalcitrant leader, yet the most dominant force in the room despite her few words. "I understand why they are here," Wei said slowly. "They wish to guide me, shape me into their instrument. And I find use in you as wellthat has been settled. But what of you, Moonscar?" Wei asked. "Why have you shown yourself to me when there is no need?" "There is every need," Moonscar declared. "For once, long before, we shared a System." And suddenly, everything in Weis mind jumbled to a halt. "You were also a Concept Breaker?" he asked, stunned. "Before," Moonscar replied. "There was more than one prototype. Now, what few realms holding created Systems remain are diminishing, and time is no longer our ally." "Wait," Wei said, his voice filled with urgency. "How did you lose your System? Where is it now?" "Destroyed," Moonscar said. "Destroyed?" Wei repeated, incredulous. "What do you mean destroyed? How can a system be destroyed?" "By my will," she said, her gaze steady. "It couldnt be allowed to fall into the Inheritors'' hands." And there it was. Wei didnt need the full story, but now he saw a potential loss or capture. And so, she had crippled her spiritexcept not. Except she was a Trespasser, with the luxury of such choices. His father, so broken by Weis hand, would be fine. Just fine. In the next instant, the truth crystallized. This explained everythinghow he was capable of switching class specializations, how hed grown so much stronger so quickly. Classes, spirits, these powers... They were like clothes to the Inheritors. Things they could put on and take off. They were more real than other people here. Realer, truer. Asaru hadnt been lying. Wei didnt know how to feel about that. Didnt know how to feel about his partial ancestry. "I will not be capable of the same thing, will I?" Wei asked. "You might survive," Moonscar answered. "But I fear you will never be whole again. Your mothershe was a conceptual entity. And part of her remains with you." Wei looked away, processing all that he had just learned. His shell whispered: The game is growing clearer. But do not make any sudden moves. We cannot betray ourselves. There are no allies but our sect. There is no one we can trust. We are on our own. But for now, we can use them as they do with us. Wei lifted his head again and offered them all a salute. "Then I take you upon this journey with me as esteemed masters to replace the lives I lost. And I will serve as your instrumentyour dagger to gut your enemies, and your shield to safeguard your realm." Wei lied as easily as he breathed; he had no intention of binding himself to anyone. His revenge would not be merely an act of violence, but absolute defilement. They had stolen his realm''s future, so he would keep theirsfor eternity. And with that, a sudden doorway shot open on the other side of the chamber. A section of bookshelves suddenly went missing, and two massive wooden slabs stood splayed open. Crystalline vines and gleam branches formed something of a carpet leading into a truly enormous roomfar larger than Weis Omniscience could perceive. Whats this? Wei asked, tension within him rising. Bishop grinned. Ill show you. Come on. Trepidation built within Wei as he entered the new area. Area. That was the proper term for it, because it wasnt a room. Not nearly small enough. The ground were threads of crystaland his Enlightenment told him it was some fashion of resin. What stood out to him more than just the physical qualities was the Essence radiating from them. The entire space spread out for hundreds of meters, and the entire structure was akin to an internally hollowed tower. Countless crystalline bridges extended from a massive pillar that extended far abovebeyond even Weis perception. And that was the other thing that stood out to him. Bridges that led to what seemed to be dormant portals. Finally, at the base of the pillar was a massive reflective screen that flashed alight with Bishops approach. "What is this place?" Wei asked. "Antediluvians call this place the Tower of Responsibilities," Bishop explained. If the Claimed Hells are a mobile realm that traverses the void and invades realms with relative ease, then the Tower of Responsibilities is like a branching forest that threads between multiple worlds and connects countless empires." Bishop came to a stop before the pillar, and a few tendrils extended from its sides. It scanned those presentincluding Wei, and a soft, melodic voice filled the tower. "Good morning, Candidate Bishop. Have you come to seek more experiences and encounters?" "Not for me today," Bishop replied. "I''m here to get another person logged in." Wei felt a splash of Perception sweep over him. He couldnt tell from where it originated, but the swell was overwhelming, all-encompassing. "New candidate detected. Attention. Special candidate privileges detected. Candidate is a possessor of System Keter. Concept Breaker." Wei paused and shot Bishop a look. "It can sense that in me?" "The Tower of Possibilities has a limited intellect to it," Bishop explained. "And its capable of interfacing with any Class or System. Especially Systems. But the catch is anyone who gets recruited needs to be authorized. So, Mepheleon cannot access its functions? It will not even allow him access to its threshold, Moonscar answered. She looked Wei up and down. Some of its power is hidden from you. Once you access Boundaries, you will see. "Is the Harbinger your ally or not?" Wei asked while taking in more of the tower. "He seems to have an arrangement with you." "More like an enemy-of-my-enemy-makes-an-annoying-enemy situation." Suddenly, a system notification appeared in Wei''s vision. Accept connection to Tower of Possibilities? The Young Master hesitated. "Do it," his Shell declared. "If they wish to deceive or pressure you into making an unwise choice, they have millions of ways to do so. Let us not pretend rationality will protect us, not after your performance against your father." Once more, Weis doubts hung over him like a pall. But he accepted, and immediately, he felt a link develop between him and the Tower of Possibilities. "Greetings," the towers voice said, casting a message into his mind. "The host of the Concept Breaker has been accepted into the registry. Authorization confirmed. Generating and encrypting your spatial key." "Spatial key?" Wei asked. "Something tied into your Class or System," Bishop said. His eyes flashed slightly magenta and a telepathic missive followed. "I recommend you use your Class over your System. More secure. By now, Wei had been telepathically communicated with often enough that he gave away nothing. Still, his suspicions continued to rise. It seemed Bishop was playing another game, one separate from the other Trespassers. He had his own agenda and wasnt fully trusted. This could be to our use, Weis Shell said. The more fractious all parties around us are, the more openings the Drowned Sky Sect will have to exploit. Maybe we can even turn Bishop... But that is something for the future. As the Tower of Possibilities finished its generation, Wei shifted on his heels as a shard emerged from the screen before him, brimming with spiritual Essence. Spatial Key to Tower of Possibilities (Antediluvian): Allows the user to bind this key to their spirit for access to the Tower of Possibilities. Requires stable spatial environments to function. Just then, Wei''s Broken Crescent came back online. Broken Crescent available. He summoned his Eidolon, now reforged within him, and it crackled and manifested between his fingers. As he did so, he felt another surge of strength and power flow into his body. He gained eight more levels, with six of them pending after his Class Specialization. Class Level > 81 Attention: Specialization Evolution Available Hey, Wei, you should be at Level 75 for your Class, right? Bishop asked. The young master nodded slowly. Why? Perfect, Nils clapped his hands together. Time to show you some of what the Tower offers! Lets get the boy a more in-house set of evolution as a housewarming gift! II-17 Scion of the Celestial Flame (I) Most of you who have been around know what dungeons or towers are. They''re connections to other realms, other worldsSystem-ruled worlds. Most of the time, you''ll find them popping up during an invasion or a System Apocalypse. But every now and again, when two Systems fight and one loses, the destruction is not entirely complete. Parts of the vanquished realm linger. Pocket dimensions remain stable even as the Source dissolves the rest. And within these pockets, the final pieces of the defeated System remain attached to other realms, awaiting someone to claim them. They can take the form of essence-altered dimensions with a Dungeon Core. These usually result in long-time incursions as it tries to expand, infesting whatever remains to consume more Essence. Other times, they exist as extremely powerful entities that have gone rogue without their System''s guidance. Whatever the case, if you can overcome themif you can take their Essence into youthen you have a chance of integrating a new Class or Class Specialization for yourself. This is not guaranteed, mind you. Some Classes and Specialization won''t go together. Cross-System integration is a thing. But still, securing the dungeon will earn you a great deal of benefits. Worse comes to worst, you can sell the location to the Crossroads. They are always used for new properties. -The Trespassers Compendium II-17 Scion of the Celestial Flame (I) Class Level > 81 Attention! Leveling temporarily halted at Lv. 75. Please seek out Class Specialization Evolution opportunities to continue your progression. Total Free Points can still be distributed. Eidolon Class Level > Lv. 75 (Actual: Lv. 81) Cataclysms Herald (Specialization Evolution Available Seek Specialization Rifts or overcome Archetypical Adversary for Evolution) Aspect Advancements Per Level: +8 Strength, +6 Speed, +5 Mind, +6 Awareness, +5 Constitution, +8 Will, +5 Free Points Free Points: [40] Aspects Strength > 812 Speed > 538 Enlightenment > 545 Awareness > 558 Constitution > 413 Will > 652 Wei let out a measured breath. His Class Specialization was on the cusp of evolving. And just in time as well. He didnt doubt the Trespassersor Bishop, for that matterhad planned this. They knew he was on the precipice, and whatever the outcome of his battle against his father, he would have likely reached Lv. 75. "You were always planning to entice me with the Tower of Possibilities, werent you?" Wei asked. John Bishop simply grinned. "Entice? Nah. You can say whatever you like. Nothing here that even resembles entrapmentshit, I cant even say Im familiar with the concept. But, if you''re not interested in the tower''s opportunities, well, there are plenty of spots across the Claimed Hills for you to undergo an evolution as well. Its just that most of the Circles squat in those spots, and theyre usually found deep down in the Base, where Mepheleon routinely releases experimental demons for capable sinners to challenge." Archetypical Adversaries, Wei said. Yeah. There is a great deal you havent told me about Class Evolutions. Yep. And that was all Bishop said. They were absolutely stringing him along, and dammit, he was being strung. This can be to our benefit. His Shell gazed upwards at the many bridges extending out from the pillar at the core of the tower. Each of them was connected to a dormant portal. Pathways to other places "Feel the spatial Essence around us. Feel the complexity within this place. I suspect that there must be thousands of Specialization Evolutions available to us, with a more convenient and selective variety than most sinners of the Claimed Hells will ever know. This opportunity is too good to surrender." "Very well," Wei said, trying to keep the excitement out of his voice. He stared into the bright amber screen embedded in the towers central pillar and made his intent known. "I, Wei An Wei, Patriarch of the Drowned Sky Sect, accept your connection and will undergo whatever trial you place before me." Confirmed Please wait as you are entered into the Towers registry. "Why," Nils chimed next to the young master. What spirit you have, boy. I look forward to seeing how well that spirit fares when you face a Remnant Avatar or a Dungeon Core? Wei eyed the Terrible Surgeon. These are the challenges that await beyond the dormant portals. They seem like the rifts in the Moongraves. "Oh yes," Nils replied. "The Tower of Possibilities is something between an archive and a seed bank. It harvests portions of collapsed realms to reserve them as Instances. Within these instances, youll find recorded Classifications given form or great challenges meant to mold a champion into shape. As such: Avatars and Dungeon Cores." "And it does this with every world?" Wei asked. He didnt want to hope, but "No, not every world. Only the ones it deems interesting enough or asset-heavy enough to preserve." Nils gave him a sad smile. "Which means that your pitiful little Evernest had no chance. No chance at all." Only a dull pain throbbed inside Wei. He was used to disappointment now. He didnt know what he was expecting. "Then I am to enter one of these Instances and overcome them for my next Specialization upgrade?" "For some of them," John Doe answered. "Others will let you know their requirements. With your class being on the verge of evolution, its spiritual structure is malleable to deconstruction and transformation. But even with the flexible Class architecture provided by the Harbinger, some System Classifications will remain incompatible with yours." Nils grinned. "This will also allow you greater personalization and influence over your Eidolon. Needless to say, I''m sure you doubt just how much control you have of your own weapon if Mepheleon demands it betray you." "I had thought of that before," Wei admitted, "but I suspect that would be the least of my issues if the Harbinger wished me ill." Just then, he felt a twinge of pressure rush across his mind and then glide away from him, over into a sphere. Examining class configuration analyzing Class Specialization Cataclysms Herald analysis in progress analysis complete. Sorting for synthesizable class specializations. Narrowing narrowing options to most optimal combinations. Options narrowed. Opening gateway to Instances. At once, Wei felt a series of spatial gateways snap open far above. They werent like the rifts characterized by whirls of spinning blackness. Instead, they were sheets of bright translucence, resembling a film of glowing fluid. 108 options generated. Wei blinked at that. "108," he muttered. That was a staggering amount. That was practically too much choice. "Ill be spending all day here. I must contact The young master blinked. He had been gone for a while, so why hadnt anyone contacted him through the Chat? We already have that handled, Moonscar said. Your companions are being watched over. No communications can reach the Gray House or the Tower of Possibilities. Lay your burdens to rest. You have time. For now. "Got a suggestion for you, Wei," Bishop interrupted. "Instead of going through and examining each of these Instances, why dont you directly get some hands-on experience?" The young master regarded Bishops suggestion. "And how do you suggest I do that?" "By heading into each portal and seeing which of them you can clear without difficulty and which of them might take you a few tries. They all offer an evolution, but I dont think youre one to settle for something subpar, yeah? And besides I dont think you got it." Got it Wei said, his fingers tightening around his spear. William his ass was distracted against you. His Class? Wasnt the best available. Youre not gonna find as much mercy and gentleness from these Remnants. It will be interesting to see how far youll get. The young master clenched his teeth so hard he heard something in his jaw crack. This man this bastard Hes taunting us deliberately, Weis Shell seethed. And its working. This bastard This fool He dares challenge us. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. I will show you, Master Bishop, that there are consequences for courting death Wei whispered. Are there? Bishops grin grew wider. Beside them, John Doe simply shook his head while Nils muttered something about severe inferiority complex. Yes, Wei said, leaning closer to Bishop. I will make you swallow that smile. And suddenly, massive crystalline bridges extended down from above, creating pathways connected to pathways, offering Wei a way up. As if he couldnt fly. Alright, then, kid, Bishop said. Lets see it. Wei flared his Source. Gladly Without the use of your System, John Bishop added. Wei paused. The Shell turned to glare at the fight. Excuse me. Your System. You rely on it heavily. We wish to see how you perform without an outsized advantage. This, and using your Concept Breaker within the Instances will result in permanent damage. Wei blinked. His Shell shrugged. So be it. Show them. Show them that a cultivator is a cultivator, down to the bone. The young masters hesitation hardened to resolve. Fine. A shift built in the wind. A crackle of electricity ran up his arm. I accept this hobbling. And know that nothing has changed. Nothing! *** Filtering for (Common) Instances The common Instances Wei entered werent worth mentioning in detail. Stepping through their thresholds, he either found himself faced with an assortment of challenges, a collection of foes, or a single enemy bestowed with what remained of a formative system classification. He found himself fighting in all manners of desperate biomes, but the commonality between them all was the concept of destruction and the themes of disaster. He dueled a three-headed tiger in an erupting volcano; he wrestled a bioelectric shark at the bottom of an ocean trench. He hid between the cracks of mountains as the skies above were filled with falling steel, cast down from the wings of enormous hawks. And he shattered the exoskeleton of a sandworm by smashing his way into its core and stealing an Essence-empowered treasure. None of these battles lasted longer than thirty seconds. And as he vanquished his foes or overcame the obstacles, he felt the surge of essence coalesce around his Eidolon, the Essence that composed the Instance collapsing, swirling, asking to be absorbed by his spear. Begin Class Specialization Evolution? That was the question each time, and every instance offered another variation of weapon type, a new Essence he could channel, and Skill he could use. But of those fifty-five instances, not a single one pleased him. Unfulfilled, he tore through the Rare and Elite tier Instances with equal disinterest. After a near month of fighting for his life against esoteric and powerful enemies, the threats offered within these pocket dimensions were simply displeasing. Add that to his overwhelming Aspect advantage in most cases, and there was rarely much of a fight to be had. With ninety Instances done and the chance to turn his Eidolon into an artillery cannon rejected, Wei finally moved onto the Epic category of challenges. He cleared six more Instanceseach one holding a massive beast that represented a specific elementspending six minutes within each one. Then, he came upon the first Instance worth nothing, as he entered a world consumed by towering stalks of tangible darkness. Enormous tendrils of fluid ebony rose from a devastated urban landscape. Between their lengths, the rubble of buildings greeted the young master. Wei took to the sky to survey his surroundings, only to discover a strange and solitary figure standing at the center of the destroyed city. The Remnant Avatar was humanoid and rail-thin, from their back extended countless lengths of Umbral Essence. They wielded and shaped all darkness around them, and formed the same darkness into shields as Wei loosed a Lance of Calamity from high above. The projectile, infused with the full power of a falling storm, crashed against a midnight bulwark. For the first time, Wei found himself caught in a struggle as gigantic hands clutched the lance and tried to stop its acceleration. But even so, the young masters Aspect of Strength proved greater. His lance exploded through the dark And achieved nothing. In the very same instant, Wei felt a dilation echo pulse within him, warn of an incoming attack, but the young master couldnt understand from where A spike of pain punched through his gut. Hooking claws wailed against his reformed armor. The young master cried out as the remnant suddenly materialized next to Wei, leaking from the shadows imprinted on the young masters body. Shadeshaper: Lv. 125 Its eyes were pools of white upon a canvas of shifting darkness. To Weis self-loathing, he failed to sense its comingthe way it wielded blackness itself was delicate and subtle. And the control it possessed was incredible. Constructs of shadow closed around the young masters body. But just as he failed to kill it with his first blow, so too did it fail to achieve the same. Wei Essenceshifted into air and drifted away from the Shadeshaper, lashing at its body using his Skills Telekinetic modification. He tore at the Shadeshaperbut its body broke and recomposed without difficulty. The young master returned to his physical shape and let loose a bolt of lightningonly for a net of shadows to swallow the bolt just as it flashed. A storm of umbral projectiles exploded from all directions. A wave of shrapnel closed in on Wei. He dove and dodged, Dilation-Echoes saving him more than pure reflex. He clenched his teeth as he flew on. This was already more of a challenge than all his prior fights put together, and he pour more Scorn into his Heart of Cataclysms as he counter-attacked. Tsunamis counter-charged tides of shadow. Columns of stone exploded outward, swallowing entire sections of the city below while flashing bolts of lightning made the shadows around Wei flinch, and his wind blades left cuts across the Shadeshapers body. Source: [542/600] Lumens This continued for five minutes. Then ten. Then Wei was running low on Scorn, reducing his attacks to take on a more defensive posture, all while the Shadeshaper remained unfettered throughout. Any physical harm it suffered was regenerated in an instant. Though he could contend with it Aspect to Aspect, his Scorn was far inferior to whatever resources it required, and so he found himself on the verge of exhaustion while it seized increasing command over the battles tempo. Because you are a fool, Weis Shell chided. It flinches with your lightning. It takes special care to capture your bolts before they can land. I noticed, Wei snarled. Another dagger-sized shard of darkness crashed against his right pauldron. A responsive burst of flame destroyed the darknessbut a mountain-sized claw swept down from the clouds above. Wei twisted. Dodged between the fingers and cleaved it down the middle with a trailing jetstream. Only for a dozen more hands to punch down, seeking his life. You notice, but you do nothing to achieve a proper outcome, his Shell growled. Have you learned nothing from fighting our father? Provoke. Observe. Learn how your enemy reacts. You have less than a minute to win this battle before you disgrace us with your System. I will not You will! We both know you will unleash your harvesting blade before ever accepting defeat. Your pride is raw. A bitter taste grew inside Weis mouth. Think. What is the correct path. A lance of pure darkness barely missed Weis throat. He exploded away from the Shadeshaper rapidly pursuing him, its body a small nub connected to a mass of colossal tendrils. He couldnt keep evading. He needed to find a decisive way to strike at the avatar with his lightning. But He recalled another thing his Shell said. Layer his attacks. Let his art flow together, one technique leading to the next. Thus far, he launched his assault with wide abandon, seeking to overwhelm his foes. But that wasnt enough. Countered and stymied, he was simply biding his time, dueling ineffectually. A greater thought was needed if he wanted to push through his enemies defenses. Predictions and surprise Wei turned suddenly, and knew he only had enough Scorn for three more bolts of lightning. It was this, his System, or surrender. The last wasnt an option, the second was disgrace. Once more, the young master let certain defeat guide his hand. A bolt shot out from his spear. Like all the times before, darkness reached out to catch it. But what the Shadeshaper didnt anticipate was Wei Essenceshifting himself into another bolt and merging with his attack. Wei forked off the lightning before the shadows could close around him. More shapes bubbled across the Shadeshapers body, but not fast enough. Wei crashed into the Remnant Avatar in a thunderclap of force and light. The darkness composing its shell and constructs peeled away, recoiling. Then, in that instant, he saw something exposed. It looked like a gleaming sphere at the core of Shadeshapers parted body, and Essence radiated from it in waves. For the first time, Wei pulled the Knight of Lusts rapier from his Inventory and drove it into the core, unwilling to risk his Eidolon in this desperate strike. The silvery blade punched clean through. A flash of light surged through the shadows, and a piercing cry sounded from the Shadeshaper as it broke apart into dissolving motes. Suddenly, a brightness returned to the pocket, and the Instance quivered around Wei like a smeared painting. Instance completed! Integrating [Shadeshaper] with Current Class Specialization Umbral Stormshaper (Legendary) Specialization unlocked by joining storm and shadow. Unleash calamity from shadows; shape shadows into calamities. Grants the user the ability to shape darkness into calamitous constructs or infuse lightning, water, earth, and air with the Essence of [Shadow]. >Aspect Advancements Per Level: +8 Strength, +10 Speed, +10 Mind, +8 Awareness, +12 Constitution, +12 Will, +5 Free Points >Abyssal Invocation (Evolution): [Shadowstorm] You are shadow. You are calamity. Unleash the dark was a storm and hide the storm in the dark. You gain access to the [Force,] [Destruction,] [Lightning,] [Water,] [Earth,] [Wind], and [Shadow] essences and can direct them as if strikes from your body. The amount of force you can exert on the world is based on your Aspect of Strength. The scope of your influence is determined by your Perception. Your control over the channeled disasters is determined by Will. Become the Heart of Calamity and let the world be cleansed. The Heart of Calamity state will constantly consume your foundational Sin. >Skill Shard: [Shadeform] You become an avatar of shadows, leaving you vulnerable to [Fire] Essence or concentrated light, but immune to physical forms of damage. You can also travel to any point of darkness within your (Perception). >Eidolon Form Evolution: [Umbral Hand] Wei looked through his newest specializations offerings and found himself pleased for the first time. The control over shadows was least among these benefits. Shadeform would see his survivability increased although he wasnt sure about the vulnerability to light or flame. Fire was quite common in the Claimed Hells. The Umbral Hand was another downside. It looked to be a curved shovel rather than a spear. The hilt also resembled a shadowy hand with a sphere of lightning, earth, air, and water hovering upon the digits. Wei guessed it could be functional, but aesthetically and practically Begin Class Specialization Evolution? We can do better, his Shell said. And now that you have bested it, you can do it again. Right, Wei muttered to himself. There were more choices to go through. He rejected the evolution. Time to clear out the remainder of the Epic Instances and see what awaited thereafter. II-18 Scion of the Celestial Flame (II) The greatest gift I ever gave myself is becoming my own master. -Wei An Wei, The Realmbreaker II-18 Scion of the Celestial Flame (II) An arrow the size of a tower burst out through a wall of storms, surging forth to reduce the young master to a smear. But Wei had sensed its coming via Dilation Echoresponded in kind. Instead of fleeing away from the attack, he Essenceshifted into a bolt of lightning down arrows shaft. Ten meters. Thirty. Forty eighty. Eighty meters of arrow zipped by Wei and pierced through the turning hurricanes that composed the bulk of this Instances dimensionality. The sheer force behind the shot disrupted the wind currents, punched holes in the storm walls, revealing distant mountains kilometers beyond. But even the distance of kilometers meant nothing to the arrow. It sailed out in a blink and shattered the top of a distant edifice, sending stones sailing into the stratosphere. But through it all, Wei drew closerclosed in on his previously unseen adversary. Through a closing gap left in the tumbling stratocumulus, he saw the visage of his foehis Omniscience finally granting him a picture of what he faced. Titanwing Stormbow Lv. 145 The Titanwing Stormbow lived up to the name, resembling an enormous figure clad in bronze armor, a falcon-like helmet, with two hawk-like wings jutting out from their back. Upon further observation, Wei noted that its wings were the source of its arrows as it plucked another bit of pinion free. Sparks danced along the tips of its arrows, and its bow was the color of a blue sky with a string made from a bolt of lightning. All in all, it was about three hundred meters of Remnant Avatar that could create hurricanes and devastate mountains. Just your average Marquis-Tier adversary. What made the Titanwing even more intimidating was how it flowed weightlessly through the air, moving like a feather on the wind despite its immense mass. Unfortunately for it, Wei was far faster than a featherand far cleverer as well. You see him? his Shell asked. Yes, Wei replied. Then execute the plan. The young master did just that. Once more, he Essenceshifted, this time turning to wind. Joining the currents, he merged with the storm walls instead of fighting them, jumping from hurricane to hurricane as he crossed the eight hundred meters of distance above where the Titanwing was aiming its next shot. Three more Dilation Echoes manifested, but no of them came anywhere near Wei. Instead, they tore through places he used to beand these arrows exploded into eruptions of electrical energy. Such an attack was anticipatedhe felt the Essence within their shafts more than a few times. An indignant squawk came from the Titanwing as it loaded more shotsit didnt know where Wei was. But it wouldnt need to wait long. After it launched another enormous arrow, the young master closed in, was only three hundred meters away. With each flap of the Avatars wings, the hurricanes consuming the Instance slowed, the stormwalls thinned. It was searching for Wei, unable to differentiate him from its Essence, from the hurricanes it created. And this proved to be its fatal mistake. As the rolling storms thinned and the aerokinetic protections guarding the Titanwing weakened, Wei turned into a bolt of lightning once more, a shot out for his adversary. Two hundred meters. The Titanwing was faster than Weibut not by that much. Not when it was surprised. Not quick enough to nock another arrow. Instead, the young master became an arrow unto himself, accelerating across the distance in the span of a second, before Essenceshifting into a drill-shaped construct made of earth. Metal screamed as Wei impactedand punctured the titanic avatars bronze armor. The Titanwing reeled back, squawking in outrage. But Wei already tasted blood and flesh, was bathed in his adversarys wounds. The Titanwing bucked and struggled, but Wei didn''t wrestle it. Instead, he focused his Essence and spun his body using his telekinetic tethers. He burrowed deeper into the Titanwing. Blood gushing out from the avatars neck, and Wei vanished into its body with an eruption of gore. And there, tearing through its squirming organs, the young master dispelled his Essenceshift and released a Lance of Calamity up toward the Remnant Avatar''s head. The entire top half of the Titanwing''s stormbow blew apart. Sinew and flesh petaled out in every direction. The deed complete, Wei felt gravity clutch him as he stood upon a pedestal, formed by organs and the lingering curve of a solitary remaining rib. Before he could fall, he sudden felt the Instance quiver, smear, and conclude. Essence swirled around the young masters Eidolon, as Wei released an exhalation of triumph. Instance completed! Integrating [Titanwing Stormbow] with Current Class Specialization Titanic Stormspear (Legendary) Specialization focusing on merging the power of a storm within a spear of unrivaled proportions. Allows the user to unleash massive storms while wielding a spear the size of mountains. >Aspect Advancements Per Level: +12 Strength, +12 Speed, +8 Mind, +10 Awareness, +10 Constitution, +8 Will, +5 Free Points >Abyssal Invocation (Alteration): [Stormspear] Your spear is a falling storm, an instrument that might pierce through mountains. You lose access to the [Force,] [Destruction,] [Water,] and [Earth] Essences and gain [Greater Lightning] and [Greater Wind] Essences. The amount of force you can exert on the world is based on your Aspect of Strength. The scope of your influence is determined by your Perception. Your control over the channeled disasters is determined by Will. >Skill Shard: [Stormtitan] You grow to be three hundred meters in size and your body becomes that of a rolling storm. You can also travel to any point of darkness within your (Perception). >Eidolon Form Evolution: [Titans Stormspear] Another considerable evolution. The young master witnessed the transformation that would come to his spear, it was a staggering one at that. For one, it would be over five hundred meters longsomething he couldnt easily summon in an enclosed space, and storms would spill out from it, consuming an entire area. However, it came at a cost as well. He would lose most of his existing Essences. The existing Essences that allowed him to prevail against the Titanwing itself. We can do better, his Shell said. You used your mind. You applied your learnings. Let everything fold and flow. Defense to offense. One technique to another. But you still have more left. Yes, Wei said. He rejected the evolution. He would come back if there was nothing better, but this was far from done. The Titanwing Instance was the last of his Epic Tier Instances. Two hours. Thats how long he spent. Two hours clearing every single Instance aside from the two Legendary portals he had left. Most were disappointments. Only the Titanwing was worth nothing after the Shadeshaper, and the young master held out hope that the final to challenges would be just thatchallenges. But so far, nothing was worthy of taking as a specialization. If he was not strained, then would his enemies? Would a greater rival? No. Further. Greater. More.The Instance collapsed. And Wei found himself outside the portal. On, then, to the last two. Time to see if I can get his specialization to finally evolve to a Mythical rarity. *** At the base of the Tower of Possibility, John Doe frowned. Scenes from each of Weis battles played upon the golden screen, and the leaders of the local Trespassers watched and studied the young masters progress. The boy''s performances were remarkable. His focus was inhuman, even for a cultivator. The Fighter had reviewed Wei''s engagement when engaging against his fatherthe Trespasser William Yu. William Yu was no easy opponent. John Doe had sparred with him numerous times and could attest to that. Even with a crippled Marquis-Tier Class, Wei''s odds of success should have been low. Yet, the boy prevailed. Somehow, he saw through his father''s tactics, enduring the onslaught, found an opening, and struck. Yes, a good deal of that was thanks to the Keter System. But even so, even if William Yu, on some level, intended to throw the fight, it shouldn''t have ended the way it did. John Doe decided it was a bit of a fluke. Too many personal factors on all sides, with some obvious weaknesses revealed in Wei as well. A vulnerable psyche. An inability to think aheador take in the larger picture. More room for complexity in his fighting style. Then came the Shadeshaper fight, and Wei''s flaws only grew plainer. The boy was skilled, as befitting his upbringing. Even when weary or desperate, his technique remained crispor close to as crisp as possible. However, he lacked broad-scope thinking, proper strategy. That, and his attacks were sporadic; an overwhelming wave of simple strikes that led nowhere against a more esoteric or seasoned adversary. John Doe expected the boy to lose then, or to defy the restrictions placed upon him and bring out his System Skills. Yet neither of those things happened. As Wei''s Scorn ran low, he pulled out a final surprise, creating an actually intelligent strategy in the throes of desperation. He ambushed the Shadeshaper using his own bolt of lightning as a disguise. A single opening, just like the one with William Yu, allowed Wei to secure his victory. John Doe was beginning to see a pattern: an experience overcome by impossible focus and an iron will. At least, while the will was iron. Wei hadnt fractured mentally after facing the Shadeshaper. Probably because he wasnt drawing on his Willpower for his Skills this time. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Then the Titanwing changed the Fighters assessment altogether. Once more, he expected the Bulwark of Storms created by the Remnant Avatar to be too hard for the young master to navigate, the power of the avatar to be too great. But it wasn''t so. Wei adapted immediately, flowing with the winds, dodging through the arrows and using them to pinpoint the Titanwing rather than struggling to find his bearings or attempt a breakthrough against the hurricanes. Wei had come nowhere near expending all his Scorn that time as well. Instead, he plotted, he schemed, he forced the Titanwing to reactand then he struck. He created that one moment, that one opening, and attacks folded, one after another, one into another. Fluid. Hard to predict. Efficiency in motion. In the end, it was Wei who was too much for the Remnant Avatar to contend with, despite its superior aspects. "I suppose we can say one good thing came from William Yu," Nils said, chuckling. "The boy is dynamite. I think we''re going to have the easiest time in the world teaching him. He learns quickly." "He learns damn quick," Bishop added. "And despite that stick up his ass, he''s more than willing to listen. I told you he was going to get far." John Doe simply continued staring at the screen, his frown deepening. The Instance ended, and a bolt of lightning surged above them, darting toward one of the few remaining portals. He didnt accept that evolution either, Moonscar muttered. "What''s up next?" John Bishop asked. John Doe looked upon the base, nodded. "The Graviton Brawler." Bishop winced slightly. "Yeah, he might have some trouble with that, but I think he gets past it. One or two tries at the most." John Doe shook his head. It will be an overwhelming foe. His progress will be halted here. He has shown growth. Progress. More than almost anyone else Ive seen, but his skill has limits. The Brawler is more than he can face. He will need to fight a perfect fight to win. One blow. One good hit. That is all the Brawler needs. And it will not let him escape. Not easily." Bishop paused and regarded John Doe with a sneer. "How much do you want to bet on that?" John Doe considered it and then shook his head. "I do not wish to bet on it. I do not wish to bet against him. If nothing else... The boy is surprising." Bishop snorted. Pussy. *** As Wei entered his penultimate Instance, he expected anything and everything. Disasters to sweep over him. A sudden ambush. The sky to fall. Even his skin to peel off his body like with the Ulton Skinjumper. Instead, all was calm. All was quiet. The Instance was set against a backdrop of serene blackness. Asteroids drifted on the far horizon, and a single dim star bathed everything in a fleeting radiance. And the ground he stood one was a massive continent made from pock-marked stone, shaped to a curving bowl. There, at the heart of this arena, hovering slightly above the ground, was a two-meter-tall figure. Its body was a composing of slab-like rocks colored a dull gray. It had four arms and massive pillar-like legs, but its feet were stubs connected by tethers of forceand a new form of Essence Wei knew as gravity. What surprised Wei most was the singularity bobbing where its head should have been: A swirling mass of blackness, with an orbit of small stones. A second surprise followed as the remnant Avatar held a fist high in something of a salute to Wei instead of attacking immediately. Graviton Brawler Lv. 160 Amused by his adversary''s display of chivalry, the young master planted his Eidolon and offered his own salute. Finally. Some courtesy. I hope you will instruct me well. I will strive to do the same. His foe''s head rippled, and Wei felt a crushing pull of force wash over him. He tried to stand his ground, but even that was a strain. Wei blinked rapidly. His Shell murmured. Beware. This one is far strong And then the Graviton Brawler exploded across the distance. Two hundred meters. Two hundred meters was the separation between it and Wei. A Dilation Echo came. Wei saw it. It just didn''t matter. The Graviton Brawler was that much faster than him, and that much stronger. A fist passed through the young master, punching clean through his chest, and doing no damagefor Wei had already turned into air. Just because it was faster didnt mean Wei was out of tricks. But even so, he couldn''t escape the pull of its gravity. A field spread out from the Brawler, and the young master was wrenched inward, closer to the brawler. Wei didnt bother fighting it. Instead, he flowed with his enemy''s force before turning into a bolt of lightning Only to be surprised as the Brawler caught his bolt. And then squeezed. Weis Essenceshift collapsed as he was literally pulled out from the form. The young master found his Broken Crescent clenched by the brawler, their digits growing tighter, gravity building with intensity. Weis bones cracked first. Then his Eidolon began to fracture. A sudden spike of inexorable force pulled Wei forward. A fist blasted forth to greet Wei while the Brawler directed another palm upward to shatter his Eidolon. Wei dismissed his spear, and then intercepted the punch with an elbow. It was the proper ideato counter force with force. But he lacked the Strength and Constitution for such an attempt. The Brawlers punch shattered Weis left elbow like a splintering toothpick. Wei screamedit felt like the weight of a collapsed star was behind the strike. The armor on his left arm erupted in a blast of fiery destruction against the Graviton Brawler''s shell. And did nothing. It stomped forward. Two more fists snapped forth. And Wei angled his body. The world vanished. For a second, there was blackness, then sensation suddenly returned to him as he skipped across the surface of the arena, bouncing and twisting as he found parts of his chest piece buried into his torso. Slowing himself with a blast of wind, Wei wheezed as he staggered, struggling not to collapse, trying to get his bearings. 1.5 kilometers. Thats how far the Brawler sent him sprawling with one good hit. Source: [142/600] Lumens No one had ever hit Wei that hard. Not even Harlon Seever. Pain and numbness warred inside Wei, but he rolled his neck and his focus narrowed. This was what he wanted. The Instances were finally delivering. A challenge. A proper fight. A worthy evolution. The young master''s elbow hung limply by his side, dangling on sinew and blood. Source hissed out from his many wounds. But he was alive. And the battle-thrill was upon him. We cannot make another mistake, his Shell growled. One more. One more blow. And you fall. I wont. Wei took a step forward. And so did the Brawler. But with its step came an explosion of gravitya surge of force so great that the horizon behind it was cleaved in half from leagues and more. And suddenly, it was ten meters from Wei, fists reared back, a tidal wave of force coming down on him, and a crushing gravity well drawing him toward the Brawler a riptide. He was going nowhere without the Graviton Brawler''s permission, and it moved through the well freely, quickly, his fated death approaching with its fists. "Do not turn," his Shell growled. "Do not react. Face and overcome. Adapt and break through." Wei gritted his teeth and Essenceshifted once more. He turned into water, using his telekinesis to pull himself along the Brawlers arms. The monster wanted him close? Fine. He would get close. He spilled into the Graviton Brawler''s form, filling the uneven gaps that made up its body, and suddenly the crushing gravity diminished. A meter within its reach, it was like the gravity field they predicted vanished altogether. This explained how they could move so easily. The field was projected outward from the Brawler. Even so, it was still impossibly strong. If it touched Wei only once... If it struck him only once... It wont, Wei snarled to himself. He reformed behind its back, his first attack a feint. He knew it was faster than him. Expected the spinning fist. Wei turned back to water againlet the blow split him down the middle as he flowed along its arm, materializing just under its exposed armpit. He saw a swirl of Essence withinstole the moment; drove the point of his weapon up, splitting clean through the gap. He created a Lance of Calamity right therebut Essenceshifted into water once more as he poured across its bodybarely avoiding a chopping hand that would have seen to his decapitation. The Lance exploded. Chunks flew out from the Brawler. A grumble of force crashed down on the arena, and fissures spread across the continent. Suddenly, the gravity well collapsed inward. It was like a mountain of force coming down right again against Weis body. Once more, he was torn out from his Essenceshifted form, but he clung close to the Brawler, sliding along its back, between its legs, turning into water again and sinking into its cracks. He became a gnat within its armor, and rather than being able to brawl him properly, it wasted time plucking at him using its power of gravity. But Wei never stayed in one place, and never acted passive. Constant teased approaches on the Brawlers open wound, and it shifted to violent twists, its overwhelming offense repressed by a necessity for defense. "Good," Weis Shell encouraged. It wishes to fight you in the pocket. It wishes to control your distance, so take that choice away from it. Be close. Be closer than it can even attack. A sudden burst of force rippled out from the Graviton Brawler head, and Wei tumbled out from his body but spread himself into a blanket of wind to reduce how far he was thrown. Ultimately, it didnt matter as the Brawler came rushing forth, fists raised to deliver a single, solid punch. One that it would never manage. Wei attacked first: unleashing two strikes that hid once more. First came a bolt of lightning from the tip of his spear. Next, he swiped, and called an eruption of pointed stones to rise below the Brawlers lower left armtrying to protect its wound. The bolt was caught. The stones were shattered. The Brawler was storming closer. But it didnt predict the needle-thin jet of water shooting out from the destroyed rocks, slipping under the now exposed armpit and stabbing in like a lashing snake. The attack tore into the Brawlers Essence core. The Brawler spasmed and instead of unleashing a city-breaking straight, threw a sloppy haymaker that Wei rolled under. But still he didnt attack. Instead, he turned to wind, passed through his foe, and as he reached the other side, he bounced his spear against the ground, redirected it with a burst of wind, and punched into the Brawlers Essence for core for a third time. And then, Wei channeled the full power of his Essences. Lightning, stone, water, and wind burst out from the Brawlers body, blowing apart its limbs and shattering its material shell. The Graviton Brawler toppled before Wei, and the young master stood over his felled foe, breathing heavily. His left arm useless, but he lost one limb and paid his foe back six times over. Well fought. Well fought indeed. Wei grimaced. You should have never let it hit you, his Shell said. No other encouragement came. And none was deserved. Perfection was not a reward, but a natural state. This was the way Wei needed to be. Instance completed! Integrating [Graviton Brawler] with Current Class Specialization Graviton Spearman (Mythical) Specialization unlocked by sealing the power of a black hole into unrivaled martial prowess. Grants the user to manipulate gravity itself in conjunction with attacks from their spear. >Aspect Advancements Per Level: +20 Strength, +18 Speed, +5 Mind, +20 Awareness, +20 Constitution, +5 Will, +10 Free Points >Abyssal Invocation (Evolution): [Heart of Singularity] You are force and mass itself. The world moves when you allow it. The world will break if you desire it. You gain access to the [Greater Force,] [Destruction,] [Lightning,] [Water,] [Earth,] [Wind], and [Greater Gravity] Essences and can direct them as if strikes from your body. The amount of force you can exert on the world is based on your Aspect of Strength. The scope of your influence is determined by your Perception. Your control over the channeled disasters is determined by Will. Become the Heart of Singularity and still the universe. >Skill Shards: [Mind Over Mass] You can expend your Scorn to increase your mass and density. [Gravity Well] - You project a well of gravity out from your body. Allows you to manipulate forces and masses of all entities based on your (Strength) with the fields distance governed by [Perception]. >Eidolon Form Evolution: [Shard of the Abyss] The Graviton Brawlers head vanished. And in its place, Wei saw a visage of a new Eidolon. It looked like a slab of pale stone holding a singularity within its core. The pressure it emanated was incredible. Inexorable. Absurd. But there was just one thing about it. Were not done, his Shell said. You can do more. Do better. Finish this. And then decide. Wei rejected the specialization evolution once more. II-19 Scion of the Celestial Flame (III) Celestial Vanguards. What to say about them? Say theyre enforcers of a long dead god of purity carved into something that vaguely resembles the body of a person. Say their bright is more than flameit heals as easily as it destroys. Say they can burn anythingeven fire itself. Say theyre supernovas of destruction when they wish to devastate, and nigh-breakable bulwarks when their flames draw dim. Say theyre easiest to kill when theyre at their most dangerous, and understand you need to avoid attacking them when they dim, lest you wish to feed their light anew. Look imagine fighting a small scale fusion bomb that, after expending itself, can absorb your attacks to regenerate its flame if it manages a successful counter. Yeah. Yeah, its pretty bad. Treat them as being a whole Class-Tier higher than what they are. Treat them as a threattreat them as something to avoid. Or youll learn what it means to be touched by the Creators flame Youll learn -The Trespassers Compendium Bestiary Entry: Celestial Vanguard II-19 Scion of the Celestial Flame (III) A long stretch of silence consumed the Trespassers as they watched Wei reject the Graviton Brawler''s offerings. Ho-ly shit, John Bishop said. He chuckled and looked at John Doe once more. You know, Doe, you''re a pretty smart guy. Real careful with your Sins. Was a good idea. Not betting. John Doe didn''t respond to the former Green Beret''s provocations. Instead, he was standing closetoo closeto the golden screen, scrutinizing Wei''s every single move. The young master had exceeded all his expectations. That battle was near surgical. Aside from the single blow the Brawler landed early on, Wei controlled that fight, controlled it in an impossibly dominant fashion, despite being far weaker in all Aspects. He did it by adapting to the way the Brawler fought. He didnt waste time wrestling against its force, or trying to match its speed, or hesitated in any fashion. Instead, adapted, and he forced his foe to react instead. All the young masters Aspects worked in tandem, making him more than the sum of his stats. He had a shifted goal in mind: to overwhelm his adversary through whatever means possible, using whatever opportunities possible. With each progressive fight, the young master used his Eidolon with greater precision and efficiency. He didnt throw out bolts of lightning or tides of water with wild abandon, nor did he launch massive boulders or twisting whirlwinds. Everything was kept in moderation until one final instant: an explosion of Scorn, of essence, of focused violence. But his growth wasnt just spectacularit was wrong. Unnatural. There was no one coaching Wei, no one training him between bouts. That was supposed to be John Doe''s role. The entire arrangement was meant to engender a sense of trust between him and the Trespassers'' Lodge. Wei would fail when he inevitably ran into a strong enough adversary. He would grow frustrated after repeated attempts, and through Does guidance, through Nilss expertise, through even Bishop''s subtle manipulations, he would finally overcome, and a sense of camaraderie would be born. Except the boy apparently didnt need it. Wei was overcoming these challenges on his own, clearing instance after instance, his skill growing at an impossible pace, even considering his Mental Aspect. John Doe had seen generational talents in his timewarriors nearly without peer, strategists beyond the description of genius, all manner of adversaries. And he had killed them all, too. But Wei was something else. He was learning, undergoing an active metamorphosis before the Fighter''s very eyes, and it was unnatural. It was as if he had a special master instructing him at every point, refining his every mistake, guiding him with every battle. Nils head was tilted as well. Instead of a wary frown, his face was a mask of appreciation. Well, Im not sure if he even needs us. If he keeps up with this performance, all we might be able to offer him is support. He gave Moonscar a look. Tell me, did that System allow you to No. Moonscar cut him off. The Concept Breaker only allows you to destroy, to change boundaries, to amplify yourself, and to take from the world. This... this is something unique to Wei. Nils scrutinized Bishop. And you said his mother was just a cultivator? A phenomenally talented matriarch, apparently, Bishop said. We can bring out William once they finish patching him up. Scanned his mind though. He didnt lie. Hes your friend, John Doe said, his accusation unstated. Yeah, hes my friend. He also destroyed the kids life, murdered an entire planet filled with people. So he has it coming. Doesnt matter what I feel about him. I didnt cover for him. That wasnt my statement, John Doe said. Yeah, but that was your hint. Bishop licked his lips. Subtlety is not your specialty, Doe. You have a problem with me? Youd best state it plain. Enough, Moonscar said. The boy is about to enter the final Instance. I wish to see this. Ah yes, Nils brightened. The Celestial Vanguard. Quite the foe. Even for a Count-Tier adversary. He snorted. I never could get used to that. Why did Mepheleon rank Counts higher than Marquises? Isnt it the other way around? Personal slight, Moonscar said, and said nothing more. Ah, Nils nodded. Well. The boy has performed admirably so far, but this foe... It will be hard. He will find a way, John Doe said. This time, Bishop gave him a look of surprise. So hes won you over too? He did not win me over, John Doe said. Im simply observing a pattern. If he fails, that is to be expected. But he should have failed. He should have failed at several points. He hasnt. So expecting him to fail now is simply not empirical. Well, look at you being a regular scientist. John Doe ignored Bishop, his attention entirely fixated on the screen. Soon. Soon he would witness the young masters capabilities once more. Time to see if the boy would grow once more. After that John Doe wasnt sure what he could offer Wei. The young master didnt need a combat instructor. Not at the pace he was growing. No, what he needed were other means of refinement. Perhaps someone to help him with his trauma. And that inspired another note of concern in the Fighter. At the rate Wei was progressing There was a window of time when John might be able to kill him. Might be able to decisively win. But that window wasnt going to last. He needed to ask Wei for a duel. And he needed to make plans. The young master wasnt just an opportunity or an allybut a growing risk. Once he hit Marquis-Tier or above Perhaps the only people capable of stopping him would be Mepheleon. Or another System-host. Or an army of Classed. More than what John Doe himself could muster. Much more. In the boy, he saw promise. Of death. Of triumph. Or Earths destruction. *** Wei took a moment to steady himself before the final Instance. The portal before him shimmered bright, and even through its threshold, he felt a crushing power greater than even that of the Graviton Brawler. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. For a few minutes, Wei meditated, recounting all that he had learned, all that he had faced, all the experiences he had earned. By pain and triumph, he was honing himself, forging himself into a better warrior. And through it all, his shell was there to help him, to scorch him, to demand more of him. Your armor is almost restored, his shell said. Your Source has long been filled. Ignore the masteries. Recount your experiences after you finish. Ignore what offerings they have generated from this battle. Focusfocus on what lies ahead. Tell me, what do you think youve learned? To accept, Wei said. To accept what? The capabilities of my foes... and my own limits. You have no limits, the Shell replied sharply. But you have weaknessespresent weaknesses. They will not last, not forever. Continue. To dominatenot by force, not only by forcebut by all means. This is skill, the true essence of mastery, to use all that I am capable of against all they are not. Good. The Shells voice lowered, laced with an almost approving intensity. And how shall you attack? Overwhelmingly, Wei said, from all angles. One attack becoming another, transforming, unceasingbut not wastefully. And how will you defend? Through attack. Through motion. Through active aggression. Never passive. Never hesitate. Then show me, the Shell growled. Show me that you have learned. Show me that these Trespassers have underestimated us. That we are worthy of the system. That we, by our deeds today, have lived up to the teachings of the Drowned Sky Sect. You were weak. Pathetic. You embarrassed yourself against your father earlier. You allowed Lady Ellena to have her head taken. You allowed your mother to be slain. Is that the boy who will walk through this portal? Is that the worthless vermin who holds the spear? No, Wei said, a coldness entering his voice. He wished he could cut his Shell down. But the Skill was right. It was the best version of him possible.. And Wei deserved these words. He deserved to hate his former selves. He deserved to hate them for their weakness, for their failure. The hate would make him better. The hate would make him like the Shell. His present self would have never failed Ellena. His present self would have never allowed Agnesia to weep, to let Roggi suffer his wounds. Whatever their burdens, he would be more. Whatever the hells unleashed against him, he would be greater. Go then, the Shell said. It does not matter what waits on the other side. It could be Mepheleon himself. And you must find a way. Cut him down. Cut them down. Prove yourself worthy. Wei opened his eyes and stood. Reaching out a hand, he summoned his Eidolon and stepped forth. He stepped into the portal, into the last Instance, into the last good fight he would know. And inside his being, an impossible equilibrium sang like white noise, his focus unshakingunshakeable. Through the portal, he witnessed the Instance and nearly flinched from the choking Essence he felt. The world was radiance unleashed. Patterns of intersecting light crisscrossed the skies above, and columns of pale-white fire hefted dilapidated castles heft by burning clouds. A bridge of gleaming ivory extended forth, led off into an open court. Tiles for the floor of the arena ahead, and a solitary figure awaited him. Using his Omniscience, Wei gauged the entire space to hundreds of kilometers wide. In the distance, he saw massive gates of ethereal pallor. A song drifted through the world, the melody not unlike that which the Trine sang. This place the Essence that suffused it Greater Creation and Greater Destruction warred here. Shaped this place. And Weis Concept Core of Destruction trembled inside his Eidolon. Walking across the bridge, he saw massive entities staring down at him. They looked like revolving wheels interlaced with each other, their surfaces lined with eyes, their gaps sprouting burning wings. Others were too hard for him to comprehend, their geometries unnatural to the extreme. There were thousands of them hovering in the vicinity, observing the wide court. And once more, Wei noted his adversary. The Remnant Avatar. His final challenge. He could feel power radiating from his foe like searing heat. Uncannily, the spiritual pressure nourished Wei was much as it scalded him. Celestial Vanguard: Enforcer of Creation Lv. 171 Unlike all his previous foes, the Celestial Vanguard was not a colossal beastno taller than two meters, even. It did not immediately unleash a barrage of devastating attacks against him, nor was it guarded by an esoteric Skill. Instead, it was a humanoid warrior clad in fiery armor. The flames that posed its resplendent plates were pale, and intricate patterns danced across the surface of the divine alloy like traveling fractures. It sported six wings, three of them bright, and three of them pitch black. And its helmet was a vertical chasm, within which dwelled a shivering conflagration that hurt Wei to even behold. Source: [597/600] Lumen A spill of monochrome leaked out from Weis eyes as he chuckled. Quite the foe, wounding him without action. The young master continued walking. Until he finally came to a stop just five meters away from the Celestial Vanguard. Through it all, the Vanguard did nothing to stop him. It studied him, just as he studied it. A beat of uneasy silence followed. The young master gripped his spear tightly and declared his intentions to all those who were present. I am Wei An Wei, Patriarch of the Drowned Sky Sect. I come here to earn a proper Class Specialization Evolution. I come here to face your champion, to show myself as worthy. I hope that you can show me proper instruction. The Vanguard, much like the Graviton Brawler before it, surprised Wei. I sense the touch of Hell within you. Wei blinked. Almost none of his foes spoke to him. But this onethis one had a strong voice. A crisp voice. A voice that promised violence, but a voice capable of gentleness as well. That I do, Wei replied, his tone even. But it is my power to wield. The Vanguard considered his words. I judge your words as truth. The song of the Lost Gate resounds within you. The Hearted Realm you have passed through the core of an Archdevil. Another unexpected declaration. You know this? And the Lost Gateit is the final threshold? That which marks me as a citizen? The Third Gate forges a marker of divinity within you, the Vanguard said. Such is why you have not been unmade by the Empyreal Flame. And a song of a Trine you have done much in the service of the Creator. I salute you, strange challenger. It is a pity I am no longer true. This is only a replication of what I originally was. My court must have been lost. This Instance a preservation, but a replica, diminished of the Creators glow. But you you may still serve Creation. To fulfill the legacy of the Creator. The Celestial Vanguard fell to a single knee, and it was like existence itself shook. Oh, Wei An Wei, Patriarch of the Drowned Sky Sect. I will surrender myself to your spear and grant you desired power. In trade, I wish to impart upon you a quest: to guard the Trine when they return as the Harmonious One. To nourish them, and ensure the restoration of the Celestial Harmony. Slowly, Wei took in the Remnant Avatars words and shook his head. Stand. I will have my fight. And I swear to meet your cause. I have given my honor to protect the Faebloods already regardless. The Vanguard rose and titled their head. Then I understand This battle is to be my offering to you a truer reward than power. A weapon is not deserved by an unworthy wielder, Wei proclaimed. The Vanguard flared its wings. Magnificent. It reached out with its right hand, and a thin scar of flame formed in the air. Slowly, a congealment of all-restoring, all-destroying Essence fused into a glaive of blinding purity, and Wei felt the destruction contained within its length. It was three meters long. Three meters, and more devastating than anything he faced before. Wei knew. He knew it in his bones. Behold my flattery. A weapon aping yours. A weapon to become yours should you prevail. Magnificent, Wei echoed. Come, then, honored adversary, the Celestial Vanguard echoed. Show me your conviction. Give unto me a testament of your might. Let us begin of your accord. Very well, Wei said. Then he struck. He struck with a cascade of different attacks, each building upon another, each a layer of complexity. His opening cut released a blade of winda probing strike and nothing more. A stomp of his foot sent a wall of stone rising beneath the Vanguards feet; a tendril of waterformed in advance, whipped out from behind his foe. But Wei also released his spearlet the winds wield his Eidolon for him as he summoned the Knight of Lusts rapier. He stabbed trice, each strike duplicating the silvery blade. They joined the fray as well, and in that single moment, his opening onslaught collapsed upon the Vanguard like a cageand became a symphony unto itself. The Vanguard swept out with spear and wings. Blades of divine flame swept outWeis wind slash was unmade. As well as two of the three rapier thrusts he delivered. That last blade twirled wildly off course. The young masters Eidolon twirled off to the side, and Wei himself had already vanished. The shape of the young master exploded out the ground a meter to the left of the Vanguard with the rapier in hand, already thrusting. But the Vanguard reacted instantly. It was faster than Wei. Exactly as fast as the Graviton Brawler. It cleaved Wei clean in half with a wingor what it thought was Wei. A sculpture of Wei molded from earth itself turned to two. Three more stone statues blasted out around the Vanguard, each of them bearing a silvery blade, each of them covered by falling bolts of lightning, each of them propelled by wind. The Vanguard swept its glaive out. A wide beam of coruscating radiance hewed everything around it clean. Everything its fire touched simply broke apart. Was deconstructed. It wasnt an unmaking like Source, more like it disassembled the foundational material components of a material. And then came a ring impact. The first blow of combat had been struck. And it was delivered by Wei. The third silvery blade Wei createdthe one that sailed far off course, had been caught by his water tendril. Everything else had been a smokescreen, an initial exchange to gauge the reflexes and habits of the Vanguard. Just as the Vanguard unmade all of Weis other attacks, a thin whip of water lashed the rapier against their chestand a surge of lightning followed. A thunderclap sounded. The silvery blade detonated as an explosion before it could dissolve against the Vanguards fiery plating. A small rent was left in the center of their chestpiece. And it was the stronger of the two duelists that staggered back, clutching their chest. It was the more powerful among them that was humbled. A low hum of astonishment sounded from the Vanguard. Slowly, it looked up, and saw Wei drifting in the air above, a whirling twisting around him, trails of Essence extended out from him like puppet strings. Slowly, the Eidolon circled the Vanguard, fighting separately from its master, and finally, silver-tipped needles began to rain down from the sky, each trapped in a sphere of water. What skill the Vanguard said. Alas I fear you will not be enough. And as they lifted their hand from their chest, the small puncture Wei sizzled away, the fiery aura of the Vanguard mending its damage with ease. I commend this effort. And I bring this fight to a close. And for the first time, the Vanguard flared its wings, and Wei witnessed the birth of a small star infused with absolute destruction, absolute creation. II-20 Scion of the Celestial Flame (IV) How does it feel to fight the Realmbreaker? I uh its hard to describe It''s like drowning. But even thats too gentle. Its like being trapped in a storm, and destined for defeat before you even begin. Its an exercise in despair, into being overwhelmed. They keep coming. The attacks. From all angles, different forms and methods, and they all support each other, build on each other, work together like an army controlled by one person I dont know how he does it. I thought I was a good warrior. Wasnt a person I could beat up until I challenged him. But when I did fuck, it wasnt even a fight. I I drowned. He pulled me undereverything he does, the surface is just a lie, and what is below You can The way he fights is beyond me. Is so layered, too, too much. There was nothing I could do. No Skill. No plan. Nothing. Theres no reality that I beat him. And thats just the thing: you cant. You cant. Hes too much for anyone. You cant win. You cant be the best. Because he already exists. Theres no hope. -Jennifer Kane, Trespasser II-20 Scion of the Celestial Flame (IV) The world didnt so much burn as it came asunder. A swelling tide of cascading deconstruction exploded out from the vertical slit lining the Vanguards visor. An instant was all it took for empyreal fire to consume kilometers worth of space, unmaking the bulk of Weis descending storm. But not the young master. No. Even with the Vanguards impossible power, the young master remained a step ahead. Essenceshifted as a bolt of lightning, he jumped between his watery spheres, using them as conduits for travel and masking his presence. Such was also why he fought apart from his Eidolon, and created so many vectors of attack: obfuscation. A tactic he learned from facing his father and further refined through meditation. Just as William Yu used his arrows as vehicles of disguise, so too did Wei present an active defense while he conducted his retreat. The young master surged across what remained of his storm while the Vanguard burned and burned, celestial fire cleaving gouges into Weis storm, but never striking the one that truly mattered. Through it all, Wei observed his adversary as well using his Omniscience and gleaned much from his foe. The Celestial Vanguard was a warrior of simplicity. They were impossibly powerful, and unfathomably fast, but their strikes and attacks were blunt to the point of banality. There was no hidden motive in any of their blows, no flow between techniques. And why would there be? With the power they possessed, only an enemy hundred or so Essence Levels higher would be a proper threat. But this didnt diminish the Vanguards lethality. The more Wei tasted their Essence, the greater his wariness grew. The Remnant Avatar wasnt just empowered by concepts of Destruction and Creation but was rather the marriage between the two powers. It didnt so much incinerate as it deconstructed. There was a component of creation to its destruction as well. And the way it regenerated from harm was by using destruction as a tool to warp what was broken back into shape. Weis decision to conduct an evasive offense was a wise one. Even a single hit would have shattered his Eidolon, would have obliterated his armor and flesh besides. A single mistake would see him slain without a chance of turnabout. Wei was dancing on the edge of a burning blade. But despite the Vanguards strengths, Wei observed a single flaw in his adversary. They were predictable. Reactive. Even more than he was a few fights prior. The Vanguard just attacked. Despite its overpowering offensive and defensive capabilities, it was inflexible, striking at the most obvious targets and outputting Essence at a tremendous, wasteful rate. This was why, after leaving lingering burn marks on the face of existence itself after unleashing that massive blastwave of deconstructive fire, the Vanguards wings dimmed, and its Essence grew paltry. With seven whole kilometers utterly unmade, it was diminished, wings sparking with dying embers, and a shroud of ash swirling around its diminished body and fading glaive. It now resembled a dying fireplace more than an avatar of radiance. And just in time. Weis active defense had paid off. He barely had eight percent of Scorn remaining. The destruction he inflicted allowed him to recoup some of his expenditures, but he was pushed hard as well, creating more spheres of water to hide himself, and more whirlwinds to stall for time. High above, the strange creatures shaped from wheels, eyes, wings, and alien geometries sang an ethereal orchestra that reverberated with Weis very spirit. They were more than spectators, they were a choir, recording this moment as a song. And now, their melody was progressing toward a climax, for Wei had his window of opportunity. Mustering what remained of his calamities, he unleashed a meteor shower of watery missiles containing sharp chunks of rock, and silvery rapier blades, and flung them forth using the winds of a collapsing tornado. The Vanguard, now standing as a black spot upon a canvas of white, seemed to have nothing left. It projected no more blasts of fire. It unleashed no more attacks of consuming deconstruction. It only held its glaive high. And waited. Finish this, the Shell ordered. Wei was evolving. Not only as a Class or System-host, but his technique and strategies as well. All of his attacks were transforming multitudes, each working with each, each layered upon each. The typhoon slammed into the Vanguard, and it was a testament to their Strength alone that they managed to root in place by burying their wings into the broken ivory tiles that composed the ground. But through the winds came the fluid missileswatery spheres hammering against the Vanguard as a jolt of electricity rushed through the wetness, detonating silvery blades within and sending earth-shaped fragments into the Vanguard as shrapnel. Overwhelm. Always pivot into offense. Always adapt But Wei noticed something wrong. As his onslaught continued, as the entire arena came asunder, the Vanguard suffered only scratches and dents on their armor. Worse, Wei felt a lingering touch of the avatars deconstruction clash against his attack, unmake his elements, and diminish his blows. In an instant, the Vanguard ignited once more, wings and glaive growing brighter, the ash swirling about its body acting as a consuming shroud, draining the very Essence that Wei expended. The young master halted his remaining salvos and shifted his strategy. This was a mistake. The Vanguard was spentof that he was sure. Their Essence was dry. Their fires were dim. Yet, his attacks only fueled them, and empowered them once more. He assumed they were weakened. He was wrong. This was a part of how they foughta natural progression to their power. As fast as they expended their flames to dissect the material world, so too would their ashen shroud become a deconstructive aegis to find fuel for their fire. The Vanguard cycled from absolute offense and physical reconstruction to absolute defense and Essence regeneration. Quite the design, Weis Shell stated. Many must have fallen before such a foe. Even skilled warriors. Yes, Wei agreed. Just as we used its reactivity, it exploited our assumptions. Good that you did not commit blindly and offer your neck, then, the Shell said. A new blossom of flame expanded out from the Vanguard. Everything in its vicinity disintegrated into tiny motes. Then, with a flap of its six wings, it exploded up into the air, leaving a fiery scar as an afterimage, accelerating so fast the surrounding air combusted and swelled in explosions of force. Wei cursed and spread his storm out in all directions. The Vanguard just crossed a few kilometers of distance in less than a full second. There was no way to outrun them, but Wei could still trouble them. He expanded his storm in all directionsfelt his Scorn drop to five percentand created watery effigies of himself. He gave them bolts of lightning to wield as spears as well, while also coating his Eidolon in an eruption of stormstuff. Wei himself Essenceshifted into a lightning bolt, hiding himself among his clones and jumping between when the flames drew near. But even these measures were barely enough. Though his effigies attacked from every angle, though Weis strategy was doubtlessly cunning, the Vanguard was unstoppable, and with casual sweeps of its glaive, it channeled a beam that carved through the bulk of Weis mirage. The slashes were fast. Faster than Wei could reliably dodge. The first blow barely clipped himbut still took a chunk out of his lightning form. Wei tumbled out of his Essenceshifted state with most of his left rib cage missing. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. But the young master didnt linger. He accepted the pain and setback. Adapted. Folded into an active defense. At once, he threw himself back with a gust of wind as the Vanguard spotted him. Wei splashed into one of his avatars, superimposed it over himself, and sent it forward in a sacrificial attack. He dismissed and summoned his Eidolon back to his hand and unleashed a Lance of Calamity through his pawnthen Essenceshifted into water, shaped to his own form, before mixing with his remaining clones. The Vanguard obliterated both Weis clone and the Lance with contemptuous ease. However, he noticed something with his Omniscience. The presence of clashing Essences made the Vanguards unmaking flame fluctuate briefly. That could create an opening. But right now, he needed to focus on surviving. As Wei directed his remaining copies to unleash lightning bolt after lightning bolt against the Vanguard, he noted it had given up on defense altogether. Chunks of fiery armor were blown off its shell, but the damage was restored with each flickering flame. Even so, it was growing dimmer. With every explosion of fire or piece of its body reconstructed, it was consuming its own Essence at an absurd rate. Between the vanishing rents left in its armor, though, Wei glimpsed a burning corejust like the Shadeshaper. The target that would bring this fight to an end. Do you see that? his Shell asked. Yes. Good. With a final burst of power, a field of deconstruction conflagration swept out, and Wei was sent fleeing as fast as he could, surging along currents of water and abandoning most of his copiescreating new ones on the periphery of his disemboweled storm. Three percent Scorn left. He wouldnt be able to do this for another cycle. Once more, the Vanguard turned dim, and after carving through a kilometer-wide storm with contemptuous ease, it fell from the sky as its wings wilted to ash, as its body turned the color of dying embers. Your display of prowess is masterful, the Celestial Vanguard declared. Its voice was like a bell in the morning, echoing far. But there is a limit to skill, and you lack the power to overcome me. This is the tragedy of life, but it will guide you in the future. Take this lesson well. Wei ignored the Vanguards words and plotted his final play. We do not possess the capability to destroy the Vanguard while they are dimmed. That will require the use of our Systemor an attack of unfathomable power. I must break them while they are at their most lethal, Wei deduced. They break easier when bright. But mend fast as well. So, I must land a heavy blow and then continue attacking thereafter to push through the pace of its reconstruction. An idea came to Wei. He survived earlier by superimposing an Essence-creation over his body. Perhaps the path to victory lay in doing the opposite Bolts of lightning lashed out from all directions. They crashed against the Vanguards falling form and rather than dealing any obvious damage, simply lit them like a candle. Once more, the Remnant Avatars divine fire returned and they unfurled their wings Only to be taken by surprise as Wei charged directly at them. The Vanguard hesitated. Tilting their head before holding their glaive high in salute. So be it. Show me your heart, worthy challenger. Wei surged forward. The Vanguard counter charge. Within five hundred meters of the avatar, Wei felt the power of deconstruction touch his flesh for the first time and nearly lost focus as indescribable agony burrowed his skin. His armor peeled. His flesh dissolved. His Source dropped. But that wasnt the hurt Wei was expecting. For just as the Vanguard was about to reach him, Weis Broken Crescent, against his spine, created a Lance of Calamity using his very body as a platform. The sensation of his organs and bones churning apart as a construct of lightning, wind, water, earth, and destruction blasted out from him was indescribable. Weis consciousness briefly dimmed before his Shell screamed at him. Worthless! Stand! Fight! Wei returned to himself with a snarl. Saw a trail of Source leaving his mangled torso. Already, the Lance was disintegratingand Wei guessed the Vanguard was going to blow it apart with a blast of flame. Channeling every bit of Scorn he had left into his Eidolon, he cast his spear forward with a detonation of wind and lightning as it sailed after the Lance, superimposition over superimposition, blow hiding blow. As expected, the Vanguard retaliated, destroying the young masters Lance with a swipe of their glaive. But the fire they channeled impacted the Eidolon, and with the Broken Crescents destruction came an explosion of excess Essencean explosion that created a pocket of stability in the Vanguards deconstructive aura and sent the avatar reeling back. Now! the Shell snarled. Wei, kicking off a stone platform he shaped in the last moment, became the final blow himself. He shot across the path of destabilization with rapier leveled. The Vanguard recovered. But far too late. A shockwave preceded a resounding impact as Wei buried his blade into the Vanguards chest. But not deep enough. The flames rebuilt its warped chestplate. Wei could feel the flames returning, and felt the avatar reaching down from him. He didnt wait. He acted. He pulled himself up using the hilt of the rapier as a lever. The Vanguards hand swiped empty air as the young master reared backand then jerked himself forward, slamming his knee into the hilt of his blade, sending it all the way through to its core. A thin gap opened in the Vanguards armor. The avatar spasmed. Wei created another blade and stabbed. And stabbed. And stabbed until the Vanguard came asunder in a rippling blast of fire. Agony and triumph. Such were the feelings in Weis heart as he plummeted, cast down like a pebble from heaven by the force of the Vanguards destruction. But he didnt collapse to his knees, and didn''t black out from pain. Instead, he landed hardon his feeteven darkness crept across his vision, the fingers of death creeping around the corners of his perception. Source: [13/600] Wei staggered. Wei drew in wheezing breaths. Wei shook with misery. But he didnt fall. His back didnt touch the broken tiles. What remained of the Vanguard did. The avatar, once a glorious warrior of light and power, smashed a meter away from Wei, with ashes weeping from its broken husk. Its form was deformed and dented, but as the dust faded, the chasm of light that composed its helmet turned to regard Wei, conveying astonishment. And awe. For a beat, neither spoke, the young master struggling not to kneel over. The avatar, realizing its own defeat and death. I see now, the Vanguard said. I see what you are. Yours is greater than glory. That was you are a seeker of mastery, of perfection incarnate. I I no longer lament my existence as a replication This Instance was not my prison it was my absolution. It was my deliverance unto you. The Creators will shines still. No worthier bear of the empyreal flames have I ever seen The fires within the Vanguards face began to dim. But still it spoke. I beg of you, seeker of mastery, take my flame. Use it. Protect our Harmonious One, so that the Creator might grace these realms once more. I will, Wei said. Even on the verge of death, he saluted. Decorum was not an aesthetic, it was an expression of who he was, and what he wanted to become. You honor me with your flame I will use it and show the hells what it means to burn. Slowly, the Vanguard reached out for Wei, but finally, its helmet released an exhalation of ashes as well, and it finally went limp with a parting statement: Magnificent. And Wei stood alone, but the silence was broken, for the angelic entities above sang an ode to his impossible victory, their voices reaching a pitched crescendo beyond what any humanor mortalcould muster. The Instance smeared. And Wei still refused to fall. Good, his Shell said, standing beside him. It offered no further congratulations beyond that. This is acceptable. But we can be better. We could have overcome that without insulting ourselves with near death. Yes, Wei agreed. Yes. Instance completed! Integrating [Celestial Vanguard] with Current Class Specialization Scion of the Celestial Flame (Mythical) Specialization unlocked by defeating a Celestial Vanguard and prevailing over the powers of creation itself. Grants the user the power to wield a celestial flame born of Greater Destruction and Greater Creation. All that exists can be unmade, and all that is ash can return to flame >Aspect Advancements Per Level: +22 Strength, +18 Speed, +14 Mind, +14 Awareness, +22 Constitution, +14 Will, +10 Free Points >Abyssal Invocation (Evolution): [Empyreal Wrath] Become an avatar of Destruction and Creation, and let the celestial flame spill from your onslaught. You gain access to the [Greater Force,] [Greater Destruction,] [Celestial Lightning,] [Celestial Ichor,] [Heavenly Stone,] [Divine Wind], and [Greater Creation] Essences and can direct them as if strikes from your body. When your Essence is expended, it allows you to gain back Essence by deconstructing oncoming attacks. The damage you can resist in your dimmed state is determined by your Strength. The amount of force you can exert on the world is based on your Aspect of Strength. The scope of your influence is determined by your Perception. Your control over the celestial fire is determined by Will. Annihilation and rebirth are but twins of a womb. Concept Core of (Creation) [Minor] Concept Core of (Deconstruction) [Minor] >Skill Shard Evolution: [Lance of Annihilation] Expends all Scorn to create a lance of celestial flame. Damage is determined by Strength. >Eidolon Form Evolution: [Celestial Fang] This Wei groaned. This will do. Specialization Evolution Accepted. Beginning Evolution *** The Trespassers stood silent. Even Bishop didnt have words. Well, then, Nils finally breathed. We seemed to have adopted a fucking monster. Yeah, Bishop muttered. Starting to think that William mightve lost that fight even if he went with a higher Class-Tier. John Doe stood apart from the rest, his face practically pressed against the golden screen. This was worse than he could have possibly imagined. There were still things he could teach the boy, techniques, strategies, but It seemed like Wei might just figure out these missing lessons on his own after a few more fights. If it would even take that long. And that was the least of his concerns. He made eye contact with Moonscar and knew them both to be two of a mind. Our time frames are no longer accurate. The boy will be beyond our means to contend with directly within two months. Likely less. By the time the invasion begins, I will be unable to overcome him alone. I know, Moonscar replied. Ill make adjustments. We continue as planned for now. And despite her message, John Doe caught the grimace flashing across her face. A monster. John Doe snorted. An improper word: Monsters were easy to kill. But a master a master needed to be outmatched in all areas to overcome. And now, they were going to be eclipsed not only in terms of power, but also skill. Fuck. II-21 Manufactured Enmity Getting sued or suing someone is the most common way people transfer funds in the Claimed Hells. Id call it laundering, except thats the entire point. There are so many Sin transference schemes going on that its impossible to keep track of whos actually on whose side or where anyones loyalties lie. Which might just be the way Mepheleon likes. The bastard. Remember: the more everyone spends clawing at each other like crabs in the bucket, the less time they have to actually eye the throne In a strange, fucked up way, the best base for tyranny might just be a corrupted democracy. -Schr?dinger II-21 Manufactured Enmity The surface of reality fractured with a flash of celestial fire as Wei summoned his newly evolved Eidolon. Porcelain-bright lightning greeted Wei first through the crack, lashing at his wounds, sealing them closed, and rebuilding his body and armor from ruin. The Source he lost remained so, but his pain faded as an outpouring of fire recreated him, restored him to wholeness as he meditated. Celestial ichor came next, gleaming waters spraying over Wei, nursing his exhaustion like a healing balm. After that tumbled chunks of porcelain-bright shards, carried by divine winds that trilled with a chorus of heavenly music. Finally came the Celestial Fang, its tip emerging like a resplendent wound, gliding across existence like a teardrop. Within its edge trembled the power of destruction, of creation, wed to become deconstruction. Its shaft was akin to a fluid bolt of lightning, and its hilt was a crystalline cross of purest light. But the new Eidolon was more than a spear. The flames that radiated from its existence traveled over Wei, superimposing themselves onto his body like a translucent shell. Fires burned around him, shrouded him, observed his flesh, and threatened the surrounding matter. His very presence turned the world around him supple and malleable, like clay. As the Instance finally collapsed, Wei found himself right outside the portal. His Omniscience greeted the world with a new extension of its senses. It never occurred to him how fragile matter was. It had never stood out to him so much before now. Class: Dominator (Pride/Wrath) Eidolon Class Specialization Level > Lv. 81 Scion of the Celestial Flame (Next Specialization Evolution at Lv. 200) Eidolon Form Evolution: [Celestial Fang] >Aspect Advancements Per Level: +22 Strength, +18 Speed, +14 Mind, +14 Awareness, +22 Constitution, +14 Will, +10 Free Points Free Points: [100] Aspects Strength > 944 Speed > 646 Enlightenment > 629 Awareness > 642 Constitution > 545 Will > 736 Abyssal Invocations >[Will Above All] >[Shroud of Scorn] >[Empyreal Wrath] Skills [8/10] >[Minor Bolt of Judgment] >[Minor Tyrants Stand] >[Minor Icon of Domination] >[Essence Shift] >[Minor Hammer of Scorn] >[Chain of Conviction] >[Inventory] >[Lance of Annihilation] Minor Concept Core of (Destruction) Minor Concept Core of (Creation) Minor Concept Core of (Deconstruction) The bridge of crystalline wood he stood upon began to warp and come undone, barely able to resist his aura. New vines of wood swarmed over the bridge, sent from the base of the tower. Even then, Wei felt their fragilityknew that he could simply take these new limbs with a channeled flame. For destruction and creation were but expressions of the same art at their base. More than just his Specialization, though, his Aspects had also developed. They were growing at an astronomical pace. Already, Wei felt himself a titan compared to who he was. Strength flooded his muscles and bones. His vitality surged. His fine motor skills sharpened to a point where no mere mortal could match him. His awareness swelled, and his mind his mind was no longer a howling hive of chaos. Slowly, it was turning into a fortress he could wield. And yet, he still had so far to travel. Back when he was a mere cultivator, this would have been a dreamwhat he believed to be the pinnacle of power. But now, this was just a facet of totality, a single aspect in his pursuit of absolute mastery. And speaking of mastery, his System had nourished itself from his experiences as well. Wei had refrained from using his scythe, so he didnt claim any Concept Shards. Such a challenge was wise on the part of the trespassersand beneficial for him. It finally occurred to him how much hed been relying on his concept breaker. On his unfair advantages. Shame filled him. Hed crippled himself from proper development. One needed to start with the foundations of skill before using an all-powerful weapon. Unworthy wielders embarrassed their tools. And Wei would humiliate himself no longer. Authority Advanced > 71 Relativity Advanced > 66 Enlightenment > 50 Omniscience > 48 Fortification > 47 Ambition [Incalculable] [29/100] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Reviewing Encounter Masteries Demonstrated >Meditation (III) 101% >Unarmed Combat (III) 103% >Spearmanship (III) 103% >Evasion (IV) 110% >Thrown Weapons (II) 92% >Tactics (III) 189% >Rapier 89% New Mastery Nodes Available >>> New Armor Components and Upgrades Available Upgrades Arms Chainspear Arm (Common) > Spearforging Arm (Rare) = Allows the Shell to forge, project, and control Sourforged spears. Number of spears that can be controlled is determined by (Enlightenment). Distance of control within (Omniscience) >>1.7 Months to Generate Upgrade in Core >>Mastery Node (Intercepting Hand) >>Corresponding Experiences (0%) Gauntlet of the Breaker (Common) > Fist of Force-Breaking (Elite) = Unarmed strikes delivered through this gauntlet can store and redirect force based on (Authority) >Requirements >>3.5 Months to Generate Upgrade in Core This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. >>Mastery Node >>Corresponding Experiences (0%) Legs Ambushing Spearstriders (Rare) > Intercepting Spearstriders (Rare) = Grants the Shell to perform [Echo Dashes] based on their (Relativity). Allows the Shell to [Echo Dash] through enemy attacks with perfect timing. Causes targets dashed through to sustain an impact based on the Shells (Authority) as well. >>4 Weeks to Generate Upgrade in Core >>Mastery Node >>Corresponding Experiences (0%) New Body Echo Forged Body (Rare) Allows the Shell to create Source-made projections of itself that last for a brief period. These echoes will repeat a set amount of actions based on (Enlightenment) before vanishing. Consumes Source to use. >>3 Weeks to Generate Upgrade in Core >>Mastery Node >>Corresponding Experiences (0%) Examining his new Armor Components and upgrades, Wei noted their benefits and conferred with his Shell. Are you pleased? he asked. No, the Shell responded immediately. I cannot be pleased because this is simply what I am. A master is not entranced with their own mastery, no more than a fire is enamored with how brightly it burns. Do not do this for appreciation or gratitude. Do this because this is who we are to become. This is the only way we will find satisfaction, find retribution, and stand above the heavens. Wei looked upon the Celestial Fang, and saw his own reflection in the flat of its blade. His hair had grown longer and the white of his eyes glowed with a divine radiance. To his dismay, however, he wasnt any taller than he was before. Which was frankly absurd because the Broken Crescent gave him a few centimeters! His evolution his Aspects all the struggle So why was he still the same height? Ridiculous, he muttered. Perhaps we need to talk to Nils, he said to his Shell, slightly dismayed. Surely there are height-increasing procedures among the Claimed Hells? There must be, his Shell replied, equally disturbed. People can be molded into hydras here. What difficulty could a few centimeters pose? What difficulty, indeed, Wei mused. He needed to hide his evolution from Agnesiafrom the others as well. It wasnt that he wished to be games of deception, but he saw a future where the girl would pout at him, and then attack his one weaknesshis height! His damnable height! She would loom over him, ask him why he hadnt grown literally if he was so powerful. And what was Wei to say? That power didnt come with height? She was still taller than him! That was wrong. Absolutely wrong. It was Wei inhaled deeply and released. No. He would deal with that after. It wasnt too late. Nils could help him. He was certain of this. For a moment, he took in the aftermath of his victory and felt a calmness. An Acceptance. Joy or thrill did not follow as they had with his previous battles. Perhaps this was a sign of growing maturityor perhaps it was simply exhaustion. Be pleased with yourself, his Shell finally said. Pleased that youve come this far. Pleased that you are growing. But do not be satisfied. Never be satisfied. Wei nodded in agreement and dispelled the Celestial Fang. With that done, he looked downkilometers downto the base of the tower where the trespassers remained. They stayed there as he cleared each instance, monitoring his progress. With his Perception amplified, he studied their silence, their slack-jawed looks. Priceless. Glorious. Doubtless, they would have feedback for him. Their perspectives could be interesting, even valuable. A bit of smugness rose inside Wei, despite his Shells words. Surely, they hadnt expected this of him. John Doe, Nils, and the rest were meant to take on mentorship roles. Such was the reason behind their introduction. If so, he looked forward to what he still had to learn. But it was not arrogance to say that they would never find another student like him. Not at all. Stepping over the edge, Wei fell, plummeting down toward the base of the Tower of Possibility. He accelerated with a burst of divine wind, and the world around him blurred. He was exponentially faster than beforefar more nimble at thatmoving with barely any noise. Wei dodged between bridges, shifting like a kingfisher slicing down toward a river. He Essenceshifted, cycling through all his elemental Essences, and found each of them empowered by destruction, creation, and deconstruction. His winds could unmake all that it touched. As could his lightning, his ichor, and his heavenly stones. Where the Celestial Vanguard was but a simple warrior defined by flame, Wei retained his complex and inherited the devastating powers of his bested foe. And with overwhelming power married to his master, he was now far greater than whom he had been before. And this understanding was the greatest reward of all. When Wei landed, a gust of wind swept the world around him, and the crater he left on the ground was sealed with a rush of celestial wind. A lingering expression of purest flame fused the cracks together, and Wei knew that to be the expression of deconstruction. But Wei dispelled his new power and put away his light before the urge to peacock overcame him. He turned and greeted the Trespassers, his face impassive, the glow of his divine fire fading. Apologies, Wei said. I wanted to make things faster. I did not mean to startle. Four sets of eyes stared at him, and John Bishop was the first to break. Chuckling, the Trespasser summoned a cigar from his inventory and lit it with a snap of his finger. You smug little fuck. Wei did his best to suppress a smile. His Shell loomed over him, glaring, daring him to break his stoic expression. I do not appreciate your insult, Master Bishop, Wei said. Wei wasnt proud. He wasnt. He was just satisfied, that was all. Oh, yeah, sure, Bishop said, nodding. No big display. You only got Doe heres ass puckered so tightly he might be shitting diamonds the next time he goes to the shitter. His spot as the Lodges attack dog might be threatened soon. And Nils At the mention of Nil, the Terrible Surgeon skittered over to Wei and wrapped an arm around the young masters shoulder. You have a remarkable ability to direct multiple attacks at onceCtell me, have you thought about grafting a few more limbs onto your body? I fear the human form is insufficient to capture your full potential. Wei hummed at that. I have not considered more arms, though I am aware of such techniques. But there is something I wish to inquire from you. Please, ask. Nils grinned. Can you make someone taller? Taller? Nils said. He looked Wei up and down. Youre about 175 centimeters or so. That the Terrible Surgeon grinned, can be improved. He laughed. Wei laughed. The Shell laughed. Truly, the Trespassers Lodge was composed of nothing but good and noble souls. Nils, Moonscar said, interrupting the Terrible Surgeon''s merry-making with the Scion of Celestial Flame. Nil withdrew his arm and shifted away from Wei. Yes, yes. Business first, he said, but glanced once more at the young master and mouthed: Well talk about this later. The only two among the Trespassers who held steady expressions were Sarah Moonscar and John Doe. The former held to their flat expression while the latter seemed troubled and watched Wei like a hawk. Weis Shell let out a low, rumbling laugh. Poor fool. Hes threatened by us. He sees his coming inferiority. Are you sure of this? Wei asked, studying John Does rigid stance himself. I can practically taste it from him, the Shell replied, its tone tinged with amusement. Very well done, Sarah Moonscar said. We have observed your combat performance and find it exceedingly satisfactory. I now see that I must make adjustments to your coming curriculum. Curriculum? Wei asked. Yes. To ensure that you are perfectly positioned to claim the role of Hells Vanguard. I anticipated some variation of combat training necessary but after this She looked at John Doe. The Fighter, meanwhile, nodded. I would like to challenge you in a weeks time. After you had a chance to go over your experiences today and familiarize yourself with Preceptors Descent. Have I not demonstrated enough? Wei said. What I have to show you cannot be expressed in words, John Doe stated. Only through battle. You pursue mastery. You learn by facing, overcoming, adapting, and overwhelming. So that is what I can provide you. A challenge you cannot easily overcome. At least for now. The Fighter hesitated. That, and I wish to see if I can triumph against you with this meager Specialization of mine. Ah, Wei said. The Trespassers ability to switch Classes with ease. You have something greater in reserve, then. Why do you hold it back? To inspire false confidence in your foes or is it because so few of them are worth your full effort, and you wish to keep your mastery of combat as sharp as possible through the whetstone of difficulty. The Fighters eyes narrowed slightly. Something like that. Then he is more alike to us than I anticipated, Weis Shell declared. Watch him. And, in the time you have been given, shake his spirit. So, then. Does this conclude our initial business? Wei said, regarding each of the Trespassers. Just about, Bishop stated. Were almost done patching your father up. Well let you pick him up and well. What follows is your business. The Trespasser gave an unwilling shrug. He agreed to the terms. Hes your karmic slave now. Weis gut turned slightly at that. His father deserved a great many torments, but taking the man as a slavesomething was wrong. So very wrong with the thought. Remember her face. Remember her head. Remember what he took from you. The Shell growled inside Wei. And suddenly, the wrongness was boiled away, overcome by steaming rage. Thank you, Master Bishop. It pleases me that this could be settled so neatly. Aint nothing neat about this, Bishop snorted. And thats what makes it so convenient. Because after I surrender William and you make it back to the Third Rib, an unofficial assassination will take placeI will try to free my friend, and youre going to fight me offand then sue me for two billion Sins using your lawyer. Weis eyes widened. This is the moment you are trying to engineer. The separation between me and Lodge. Ill also get disavowed after, Bishop said. Frees me up to be more flexible. He grinned, seeming pleased despite the personal cost this plan was to exact on his position and reputation. I I cannot accept this, Wei said, distressed. You have helped me much, Master Bishop, you should have another No, Bishop said, shaking his head. It works better if I do it. It makes for a more believable story. Easier for everyone to swallow. And its good for me too. I dont like doing things in the light. Not my place. Not my preferred theater. The young master was still uncertain. He wavered then, disturbed by how casually Bishop plotted his own disgrace, and the indifference maintained by the others as well. Even after everything Wei saw, he could barely believe the plan that was being conceived. No right cultivator would ever agree to this. But then, he wasnt among the cultivators anymore, was he? Bishop reached out and placed a strong, steady hand on Weis shoulder. Hey. Dont worry. This is how things are done. This is the life Ive always chosen. Aint gonna be your fault. Aint nothing for it. Just play along with it. Youll get used to it. But I dont want to, Wei thought to say. He didnt though. He stayed silent, for fear of earning a reprimand from his Shell. This was the Claimed Hells. And every time he forgot, the world made sure to remind him, over and over and over again. Come on, Bishop said, pulling Wei toward the exit. Lets go to the infirmary and wave that new spear of yours in your fathers face. Wanna see his expression when he hears that you beat the fuck out of a Celestial Vanguard using just your Knight-Tier Eidolon. Maybe you can wave that new spear in his face too. II-22 Unsatisfied We had no idea what the Lodge had planned. And they had no idea what the kid wanted to do. And he had no idea about the queens actual state, about what Mepheleon was planning to do. Dont know Shadow games All that bullshit. Thats the way of the Claimed Hells. But Ill tell you this much: even if I did know, there wouldnt have been a damn thing I could have done to stop him. Not a damn thing anyone below Duke could have done to beat the kid. Not after he got to Preceptors Descent. What can I say? There are monsters beyond monsters. And masters beyond masters. Wei An Wei ended up being both. -Mulver Groon, Knight of Pride II-22 Unsatisfied Bishop led Wei through a maze of materializing doors and winding hallways to claim his father. This Gray House that the Lodge owned was a strange place. Though it looked like a normal mansion from the outside, internally the doors seemed to lead into entirely different places. Even Weis Omniscience failed to glean what lurked behind certain walls. The young masters Shell suspected there might be nothing there at all, that everything within the Gray House was simply modular and disconnectedrooms and doorways leading only where the masters of the mansion decided. That meant that even if it were breached, it would be a hopeless affair for the attackers, for every pathway might lead them further into the slaughter. But that begged the question: why was Bishop leading him down this variety of halls? The walls were increasingly decorated nowmarble surfaces carved with macabre depictions of human anatomy. And then not only human. Elven, orc, Hivekin, and more. So many more. The carvings spread away from the leftmost wall, slowly seeping across the ceiling, before encompassing every inch of space around Wei. The depressions beneath his feet made walking awkward, and a sense of wrongness consumed this place. It didnt spread like a natural choice of architectural design. No, instead it seemed like a natural infection growing through marble and stone. With each step, the air grew thick with the tang of iron and the sour scent of antiseptic. The stench of unknown chemicals clung to Weis skin as well. The final hallway the walked turned fully into a tunnel filled with strange artistry until finally, they were standing before a door made from clasped ribs. Above the ribs blinked a single eye, its bright blue sclera narrowing as it sighted Bishop before closing entirely. "Where have you brought me?" Wei breathed. "Nils place," the Trespasser replied with a shrug. "Its where he puts people back together. Does his experiments. Wei eyed him. Yeah, I get that its a little creepy, but thats the way it goes with his class. He needs to treat people, to gain his sins, and, well" A distant scream served as Bishops answer. It echoed from somewhere, and the sound of tearing flesh and shattering bone came thereafter. Weis gaze practically burned a hole into Bishop right then. "Master Bishop, if you brought me out here to arrange my dissection" "Relax, kid," Bishop said, shaking his head. "Id never do that. Shit, if I wanted to kill you, Id just crack your mind. Wei pressed his lips together. Hed like to see the man try at this point. "Appreciate the honesty. A series of cracks sounded. The ribs blocking their way opened up, and there, Wei saw his father lying on what could only be described as a nightmarish, demonic monstrosity doing its best impression of a bed. It had way too many legs, sporting ingrown nails upon its mangled digits. By its sides were numerous arms with a dozen hands stitched along its length. Each hand clutched a surgical appliance, and it jabbed down, stabbing at William Yus woundsand somehow removing them from existence through deliberate harm. The bed frame was a teratoma of flesh and bone, eyes dotting its edges, while jagged skeletal growths protruded from its skin. Creeping strings of biomass spread from between the cracks in the frame and burrowed under Williams flesh, keeping a steady flow of blood coursing through him while also suckling at his injuries. They licked at his open cuts, suckled his swelling face until the inflammation went down in patches. And then there was the quilt covering Williams forma quilt made from human skin, stitched together by a silvery needle. As he stepped into the room, Wei examined the surroundings once more. This wasnt meant to be a place that housed humans. No, even more carvings decorated this place. The ceiling above showed a grotesque depiction of a man giving birth to himself via his Wei blinked. "Is that man defecating his entire body? Bishop looked up and shrugged. "Yeah, that sometimes happens when Nils botches a surgery. Anyway" Bishop cleared his throat. "Hey William, guess who just came back from the Tower of Possibility?" William stirred slightly, groaning as he opened his eyesthe right one still partially swollen. For a few tense seconds, he just stared, taking in Bishop standing next to Wei. The young master was unimpressed. The sight of his father was like salt upon a wound. His nerves screamed, his heart accelerated, and his skull thundered with a rising urge to do violence. But he wasnt what he was before. He wasnt weak anymore. As his Shell demanded of him, he stayed calm, controlled, and adamant. "So," William croaked, his voice hoarse, "howd he do?" He wasnt speaking to Wei. Rather, he was speaking to Bishop. The other Trespasser replied as if nothing was wrong, as if they were just old friends. "Well, you know, the kids a monster. I thought him beating your ass was a fluke, but he made it all the way up to Celestial Vanguard." Williams eyes widened. All the way to well. Thats thats a pretty good run. Miracle run for a Knight. His mother would be proud." Something almost resembling a proud, fatherly smile pulled at his features. But then he seemed to remember who he was, how he got here, and he suppressed it. Through it all, he never made eye contact with Wei, never acknowledged his presence. "Yeah, and when he got to the Vanguard" Bishop paused, his grin widening. "He fucking beat the pseudo-angels ass, too." Williams attempts to hold back his surprise failed. "What? What do you mean, beat his ass too?" Finally, he looked at Wei. But instead of shame or horror, there was disbelief, and more than a little awe. "That Celestial Vanguard isnt something a Knight-Tier should be fightingnot even something most Counts should be fighting." Bishop laughed. "Not. Shouldnt. We both know he has a habit of surviving things he shouldnt, and then killing the things that try to kill him. And coming back to fuck up the people that hurt him. There was a not-so-hidden jab in that statement, and William fell silent again. This time, his eyes finally rested upon Wei. He let out a sigh. "So, I guess thats that, then." "No," Wei said, his voice cold. "That is not that. Nothing is done. Nothing He quieted, mustering his will, refusing to break down in tears or explode in anger. The Shell was watching. Bishop was watching. His father was watching. He couldnt lose himself again. Never again. "I will never forgive you for what youve done," Wei said. "For what you have inflicted upon me. For your sins against the Drowned Sky Sect. The murder. The betrayal of its matriarch. I could see you castrated, tortured, suffering a thousand fates worse than death." William said nothing. "But," Wei continued, inhaling, until that day comes, until there is no more use I can find in you You worked with the Inheritors. You fled from the Dying Queen. You spent years operating in the Claimed Hells. All your experiencesI have need of them." He stepped closer to his father. That single act took from Wei more will than facing the Celestial Vanguard. You were only the dagger, not the wielder. I want to know everyone who was involved in the destruction of my world. And after they are dead, after everything they have and everything they dream of is nothing but ash and misery, then I will decide what to do with you." Williams response was lackluster. Closer to resignation than anything else. "All right, then." "All right, then," Wei repeated his voice nearly cracking. I that that is all you have to say to me? William Yu threw up his hands, shrugged weakly, and fell slightly against the monstrous bed. "Tears arent going to fix this. An apology isnt going to do shit." His hand closed, then opened againa gesture of futility. "I suppose its time that I hear your contract. How about that lawyer of yours? Lets make it official. You won. Im your Karmic Slave now. Lets start our new relationship there, huh, master. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Wei suppressed the dark rage surging in his chest. Slowly, he called upon his lawyer. A small golden tongue, dressed in a fine suit, hopped out from Weis radiant. A flash of divine fire swept out from Wei and his father flinched at the sight. Jesus Christ, William cried. Fucking warn me if youre going to flashbang me, goddammit son. Wei frowned and looked to Bishop. The other Trespasser didnt seem to share Williams reaction. The dark-skinned man smirked. "Yeah. People get really soft and fragile without a Class. This is as tough as people can be when were just flesh and blood. Real. Real, Wei replied coldly. In a way only Tresspasser can be. You too. By half, I guess," Bishop muttered, watching Weis lawyer hop up to Williams monstrous sickbed. The small golden creature bounded high, landing on the bedpost before pointing its briefcase directly at William Yu. "I see that youve lost your Class somehow," the lawyer chirped. William squinted, shielding his eyes from the brightness of Weis manifested aura. "Yeah," he muttered, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "Well, per the guidelines" the lawyer began, but William waved it off. "Yeah, yeah, I know the guidelines. I accept. No, I dont want to settle this in the Highest Court per the conditions of my citizenship. The contracts been signed. Now enforce it." Weis little lawyer chirped again, snapping its briefcase shut with a loud click. "Well, this will be a quick session, then." Cases Won: 2 Lawyer Review in Progress - Legal Specialization Pending Karmic Slave Obtained: [William Yu] Karmic Slave: This individuals every right and choice will be determined by you after failing a righteous trial determined by the highest laws. They are now spiritbound to obey you in every circumstance and cannot act against you in any way without your consent. They are your slave and yours alone unless you decree otherwise or set them free. The lawyer turned to Wei. "Congratulations! You now have a Karmic Slave. The lawyers voice grew gleeful as it added, "And your father too! The taboo things you can get into here are spectacular. If you want a personal recommendation, the Circle of Lust has many programs in the Black Theaters that will pay good money to see a son do certain acts to their fatherForce male impregnation "Enough," Wei said, his voice a bomb of barely restrained fury. The space around Wei combusted. The surrounding walls began to flake and dissolve, divine fire deconstructing matter, winnowing the carvings down to a smooth flatness in a violent instant. Wei barely avoided burning Bishop and his father. Barely. His lawyer froze, its golden body trembling as it flinched. "Oh, Im sorry. I, um Ill be going now. Ill handle the processing of the contract. Lotslots of paperwork!" And like a darting arrow, the lawyer shot back into Weis aura and vanished. Wei clenched his fists, absolute disgust simmering just below the surface. "Must everything here be wretched and disgusting?" "Kid, youre in hell," Bishop reminded him with a smirk. Wei let out a snarl and marched over to his father, his temper held back by a thread. He glared at his father, and the man just stared back. See you chose the flame, William muttered. Bishop answered before William could speak. "You know you can do whatever you want with him now, right," Bishop said flatly. "Hes your Karmic Slave. Thats how it works. Wanna torture him? Go ahead. You can torture him. Hes got no rights. Wanna kill him? Sure, itd be like breaking your own property, but againhes got no rights." Bishops tone was practical there was a hint of displeasure.. "But, if you want my recommendation" He trailed off, considering his words carefully. Weis piercing gaze locked on Bishop, daring him to say something displeasing. "Use him," Bishop said at last. "Use him for his experience. Shit, Im not going to tell you theres still some good left in him or that he deserves to be saved. Because he doesnt." "Thanks, Bishop," William interrupted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "And fuck you." "Fuck you too, William," Bishop shot back without missing a beat. He made the gesturethe one with the middle finger the goblins made at that merchant in the anchor city. "You got yourself into this." Turning back to Wei, Bishop continued. "Look, however you feel about him, hes going to be an invaluable resource. Hes worked in the Claimed Hells, dealt with the Inheritors, fled from the Dying Queen. Hes seen more shit than most people could handle. Thats knowledge you can use. Maybe keep him in reserve. Hell, consider giving him a low-level Class. Something small, just enough to make him more useful. He cant betray you anyway. Bishop saw the outrage flash across Weis face and quickly raised a hand to placate him. "You dont need to, but think about it. Think of him as a tool. A dagger. Just like he used to be for the Inheritors." Wei didnt respond immediately, his jaw tight as he weighed Bishops words. Finally, he gave a curt nod. "Ill take your words into account." As Wei turned to his father again, his cold fury palpable, he found the man well past the border of acceptance. We didnt know what he was expecting. Begging? Fear? No. William Yu had many flaws, but he was no weakling, no feeble victim. He lost. And he accepted that with the refinement of a warrior, a cultivator. Heavens damn it all. "Well, Wei," William whispered. "I" Whatever else he was going to say went unspoken. Wei reached down and pulled him into his Inventory, his fathers body vanishing in a clench of spatial Essence. William didnt resist. He couldnt resist. He was a mundane man now, stripped of his Class and power. That meant he would languish as long as Wei desired, trapped in the cold void of his Inventory. The monstrous bed that had held William let out a low groan. Its legs folded beneath it, sprawling out like a grotesque animal succumbing to sleep. The hands folded over, and Wei finally noticed it had a level too. Sickbed Lv. 135 "Well, looks like were done here, then," Bishop said, breaking the silence. He cast Wei an inquisitive look. "Honestly, I expected you to spit on him. Or try to kill him. Or something." "I thought about doing many things," Wei admitted. His voice was the calmness of a sea before a storm. A storm that had yet to comethat might never stop once it started. "I thought about many things. But it wouldnt help me. Not really." "No, it wouldnt," Bishop agreed. For once, Bishops usual smirk was gone, replaced by a faint look of pity. "I I cant tell you how your revenge will feel. Or how youre supposed to be feeling now. But Ill tell you this: I do what I can for you. Help you however I can. I know you didnt ask for thisfucking dont deserve none of this. But youre part of this war now, and we got the same enemies, same bastards to kill. Trust in that. Mutual animosity. Wei didnt reply. He didnt know how to reply. He felt everything and nothing all at once. Furious. Triumphant. Unsatisfied. It felt like things were only beginning instead of ending. He had reached his father. He had broken him his Class. And now the man was at Weis mercy. His literal slave. Wei it felt wrong. Wrong on a level that twisted Weis stomach. Youve been through a lot of shit again today, Bishop snorted. Probably wont be getting that many breaks down the line too. But this is it for today. Wei looked at the Trespasser. We still need to discuss our falling out. How my Sect will go independent. Later. You should shit, we both know you wont be resting. But spend some time with your companions. Maybe calm them down. Theyre about to tear Hasens head off. Hansen? Guy we got guarding all of them. Hes barely keeping them calm. Might not be able to without resorting to force soon. Wei growled. If he touches any of mine Yeah. So. Get. Dont wanna get poor Hansen murdered. Despite everything, it still felt awkward for Wei to leave. He gave Bishop a salute and, as he pulled his rooms fob out from his Inventory, he paused. John Doe. Nils. They were expecting me to fail. To come to you for advice. This was to create a relationship and bind me to you all, wasnt it. Instead of surprise, outright, denial, or blankness, Bishop threw his head back and laughed. Hell yeah. And, though a few folks in the Lodge are a bit thrown off, I loved it. And Im glad you noticed. You got good instincts for tradecraft. Thatll help you handle the problems you cant kill with that shiny new spear of yours. "I suppose so," Wei replied. What is tradecraft. Tell you later. Get out of here. No more questions. Spend some time on your own. Ill be in touch soon. Help set things up. Wei nodded, and he pressed his fob. For a moment, he felt a tendril of spatial Essence shoot out from the item and Bishop blinked. Oh, right. He clapped his hands twice, and Wei suddenly felt the doorway that came through change in an instant, blinking to the courtyard leading to the Gray House. There, he saw the green lawns and the city skyline of the Cherubs Corpse and The world twisted as a swirl of spatial Essence consumed Wei, dragging him far across space. He felt himself collapsing inward, sucked into a tunnel of blackness until light surged ahead of him. Moments later, he jolted back into his room in the Third Rib, right before his front door. The room was quiet, too quiet, but distant sounds of commotion trickled in from the hallway outside. It sounded like arguing. Bishop said something about his companions arguing with a Trespasser Hasen. Just as he was about to step out and summon his closest friends, Wei froze. He sensed the Companion coming down the stairs from the second-floor bedroom. And the young master frowned. Something was wrong. Something was off about the strange Lust-made construct. The weight of paranoia coiled tightly around Wei. Perhaps he was It''s not paranoia, the Shell whispered in his mind. It''s survival. Trust your instincts. Do not be blinded by them. He scanned the hotel room, his sharp eyes flickering over every corner. The furniture was untouched, everything where it should be. Nothing else seemed off. But the Companion. Why was it coming to greet him? It was still a featureless puppet, but Weis last orders were for it to face the wall. Had Agnesia told it to do something otherwise? Could she even order it? Considering the messy state of his blankets, it''s clear she left in a hurry earlier. The Companion appeared before Wei, stepping out from the end of the staircase and greeting him with a wave. Greetings, Master Wei. Its voice was smooth, polite, and yet somehow off. There was a bit more life there compared to earlier. The cadence was slightly off, too. And the posture. It stood like it weighed a hundred pounds heavierits legs apart in the stance of a brawler. "Youve been absent for some time," the Companion continued. "The others didnt know where you were. They were extremely worried." "Were they now?" Wei asked, his voice sharp as a blade. And Rafael told you this when he was in my room earlier? The Companion went silent. And then, Wei felt the Essence inside it suddenly spike. A surge of power poured into the construct from someplace unseen, the young masters eyes widened as cracks spread down its clay-shaped body, spiritual energies overflowing Whereupon the Companion disintegrated with a gust of Weis Divine Wind. Celestial fire blossomed out from the young masters body as everything before him came asunder. The Companion was swept away like grains of dustdestroyed before it could detonate itself. For a beat, Wei stared at a deep gouge he left across the middle of his room and frowned. And then he exploded into action, sending a message to Bishop. You are a funny man, Master Bishop. ? Was all he got in reply. Soon, you tell me. Is this your plan? To use the rooms Companion to assassinate me and steal back your friend. Disappointing. Ive always suspected the strange puppet. You should have been more creative. The fuck are you talking about? Wei paused. You didnt hijack my Companion and try to overload it? A pause. Goddammit. Alright. Im coming over. Cant get a damn break. Wei blinked. That wasnt your assassin? No. Not at all. The young master frowned. And then a loud rumbling explosion outside blew a chunk of his door off its frame. Wei tilted his head and avoided the shrapnel, releasing a miserable sigh. So much for a moments respite. II-23 Assassination The Fathoms. A place of infinite possibility, opportunity and danger. In the pursuit of nobler goals and higher profits, it is not uncommon for problems to arise; not unforeseen for stalemates to linger; not unexpected for setbacks to befall. But for every problem is a suite of solutions, and every impediment can be cleared with the application of proper persuasion. It is toward the ideal of service and comfort that Whisper Resolutions was established. We understand that many across the Fathoms have their own interests and other matters of concern. As such, our specialists with a more delicate and indirect touch will gladly offer their services in less than desirable circumstances. Should you be faced with a dilemma or find yourself on the verge of despair, we are here to see you through, and pledge to conduct our mission with subtlety and precision. Simply locate your local Crossroads representative and ask to be routed through our System-hosts, and leave your struggles with us. Our specialists will see your will made manifest. By any means. By all means. And with your hands clean throughout. Whisper Resolutions: You have problems. We have solutions. -Whisper Resolutions, Crossroads Liquidation Service II-23 Assassination Wei left his room through the cracks lining his broken door. Essenceshifted as a gust of Divine Wind, the matter he brushed across warped and thinned, but his physical presence was otherwise masked, granting him a measure of stealth. His Omniscience flooded the hallway, and he beheld a cascading series of Essence explosions blasting from the hotel rooms housing his disciples. Doors turned to sprays of dust. Cries of agony played as an accompaniment to the unfolding chaos. Each subsequent explosion spiked Weis already present rage to new heights. His failure to locate Agnesia, Roggi, the Oathbearers, or Rafael didnt help either. The young master sensed the state of his disciples as his Omniscience poured through their broken doorways. Most of them had been caught unaware by the attack; were in bed or resting when their Companions went off. A substantial amount had been lying beside their Companion as wellthe implications obvious and the consequences deadly. There was little left to save of his disciples that chose intimacy. They were less than smears and smoking corpses. The others, however, would soon be corpses as well if Wei couldn''t lay his flames on them. The young master saw how the Celestial Vanguard could reconstruct itself using its fires. Though it didnt help him regenerate his Source, he assumed his new powers over Creation could allow him to mend flesh and matter. Such was what propelled him to trigger his Empyreal Wrath right then. The young master exploded back into solid shape with a blast of radiance. Lightning, water, stone, wind, and fire of purest white gushed out from Weis Pale Fang. His specialization evolution had offered him a deluge of Will Advancements. His Scorn was a magnitude greater than what it used to be, and Wei channeled every bit of his Classs power into saving his surviving disciples, for his power was of Destruction and Creation both. Scorn: [45,412/73,600] His Celestial Flame sheared clean through the surrounding matter. Walls and doors turned to grains of dust. Entire rooms were winnowed away, the flames seeking only the living. Just like the Celestial Vanguard, a small dawn exploded out from Wei, unmaking all he decreed and mending those he wished to save. When his brightness fell upon writhing bodies, Destruction surrendered to Creation, and the true work began. Scorn: [21,332/73,600] Where Weis winds caressed, flesh knit back together. Where his lightnings lashed, missing limbs were restored. Where his water flowed, ruptured organs were stitched closed. And where his celestial crystals fell, limbs were rebuilt. Scorn: [9,318/73,600] Thirty-two. He saved thirty-two disciples in his immediacy. The celestial fury flowing out from Wei surged out for a near kilometer, and seemed like it was about to keep going, his Empyreal Wrath suddenly sputtered, and broke into sprays of fading ash. His Scorn was almost entirely spent. His pale flames dimmed.The brilliant shell of divine armor that coated his body now resembled plates reflecting the colors of a dying fireplace. Helplessly, infuriatingly, Wei snarled as more Essence blasts burst down the halls. He glimpsed more death, more of his people slaughtered. And Wei could do nothing to spare them this damnable fate. After all he suffered ensuring their passage into the Claimed Hells, a good portion of his Sect had been culled without warning or prelude. Here. In a place of supposed safety. After surviving the Moongraves. It was beyond insulting. It was a bitterness Wei couldnt accept. Enough! Wei''s Shell roared. You have no right to despair. Deliver! Perform as patriarch. You cannot save all your disciples, but you can avenge them. You can stop this. Contact your companions. See if they respond. The young master bit back a frustrated growl. Of course. He accessed his Chat and found a dozen unread messages from Agnesia, Roggi, and Rafael. Shame gripped him. Shame at himself, and fury at the Trespassers. He had gone to resolve things with his fatherand resolve things he did. But the Tower of Possibility was too enticing for him to resist, and the Lodge pledged his sects safety. But what was this? His people were being butchered all the same. What worth was their promise to him now? Shaking bitterness from his mind, Wei forced himself to focus and dispatched a series of messages to his companions, replying to them in quick succession. His intent wasnt even to see if they would reply, but follow the messages using his Omniscience. He already knew that the chat function worked off a connection between Classed. They were still alive, Wei could track them using the paths his Essence traveled. As soon as he dispatched his messages, Wei felt a spark of relief. Three threads of Essence pulsed out from his Pale Fang, all entwining with each other as they snaked toward the same direction. That boded well. Wei suspected his companions were together in the same place rather than on their own. Another welcome surprise came in the form of a reverberation rushing down the thread. A reply notification expanded in Weis visionAgnesia reaching out to him immediately. Wei! Where are you? I think were under attack! I know, said Wei. I just returned. Im in the hallway. Do not approach the Companions. They are compromised. Its not just the Companions. The Trespasser who was meant to watch over usRafael found him dead in his roomcalled us over to investigate. The room number is The Essence thread came to a halt. No need. Im on my way. For the first time in hours, Wei materialized his scythe and slashed distance. He snapped forward toward where Agnesia and the others were, leaving his present location an open chasm. The surviving disciples coughed, rose from a blanket of ashes, while the dead remained still, even after Weis restorative flames fixed their unmoving bodies. The young master would return for them in just a moment. For now, he needed to make sure the ones who mattered most were fine. As Wei came to a stop before a door numbered 0539, he received another messageand a psionic poke from Bishop. At the same time, other guests emerged from their rooms, doors swinging open ahead and behind Wei. A muscular orc emerged a few meters behind Wei, wearing what looked to be adult diapers with the words biggest baby emblazoned on them. A bit further away, the chittering head of a Hivekin poked out, and the sapient insect released a telepathic question. Whats happening? Are we under attack? Wei didnt bother to respond. Instead, he smashed through the door and kept his focus sharp. The young master expected anything and everything. Especially a trap. Instead, he found himself stumbling in on Rafeal weaving a vortex of ciphers in the air while Agnesia and Roggi held down Companion. Upstairs, an armored figure with short hair and stubble layed still, unmoving in his bed. His throat was slit, and his eyes stared on blankly at the ceiling. Suppose that was Hasen. The one Bishop mentioned earlier. So much for the Lodges security. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Wei! Agnesia cried out. A smile crept across her features and Roggi cried out for her to stay focused. The young master approached, but made no attempt to distract Rafael. One after another, the ciphers fell, splashing into the Companion. It looked like a stack of characters were being seared upon the automatas core. Wei! Rafael said. I think we are being targeted by something. Using the Companions. I managed to siphon off the excess Essence in this one. I compromised its Mind and I think I think I can locate and tag the dog thats behind this. Good, Wei breathed. Good job. Good. All of you His words trailed off as a weight in his chest dissipated. Though the death of his lesser disciples was an affront, the loss of his Companions would Wei didnt want to think about losing any more people. So he focused on the task at hand instead. Rafael was doing his part, performing his platonic art on the Companion. Agnesia and Roggi were securing the things arms and legs respectively, and as Wei drew closer, the Oathbearer went still, and turned. The massive trash-formed wings extending from Roggis back fluttered and Wei saw squirming worms inch out to greet him between the filthy plumage. Roggi himself sucked in a sharp intake of breath as his eyes went to Weis Pale Fang immediately. I know that light that song. Song? Wei looked down at his spear. He couldnt hear a song. Later, the Shell boomed. Aid the lich now. Wei remained on task. He focused his Omniscience on the Companion, and isolated a source of external Essence. It was flowing into the lust-made automata by a thin tendril. Not so unlike the thread that carried Weis messages. Rafael was right. Someone was channeling the power across, using the Companions as bombs. The young master gritted his teeth as he understood what he needed to do. Summoning his Shells helmet, Wei directed a beam of invasive sight into the Companions senses. At once, his Perception overlapped with the constructs, and he felt someone else there as well. Wei felt them shiver and pull, trying to wrench this extension of their spirit free, to no avail. The young master also sensed the potency of Rafaels working. It was like an anchor had been placed on his Mind. It was hard to draw himself away from the Companionimpossible, but like crawling through the mud. It was likely because of this that the assassin hadnt escaped either. Wei needed to reward Rafael for this deed after all was done. For now, the young master focused his awareness and traveled down the unknown partys Essence chain, inching toward them. Wei felt himself travel hundreds of kilometers in an instant, his consciousness was injected downward, away from the upper levels of the Cherubs Corpse, away from the natural light of the Heights, into a place deep within the shadows. It took all of Weis focus to keep from getting lost, from losing track of his link. There was so much interference to contend with, so many noises to filter. Just then, Wei distributed twenty-five free advancements for his Class to his Aspect of Mind and felt the strain clear. Clear just long enough for to finally reach his adversary. Free Points: [75] Enlightenment > 654 The young masters face turned into a vicious grin. Got you. For the second time, Wei used his Relativity to create a common boundary between him and his quarry. The first time Wei created his liminal threshold, it was an instinctive action, done against his father in a moment of rage. Now, Wei focused his power and wielded his System with purpose. A swell of Source poured out from Wei, tainting a meter of space around him like mud turning water murky. Agnesia called out to him. Rafael stopped composing his ciphers. Roggi was standing, gazing upon Weis new glaive with an expression of reverence and awe. And suddenly, they were gone, replaced by a stretching expanse of shadow and light. A stretching expanse that extended out for just over two whole kilometers. There, Wei took in the assassin using his Omniscience and guessed at what he faced. Jnaegism LLoc: Master of Puppets Lv. 142 The unseen assassin was a strange dressed lich. They wore a coat made from stitched dollsno, puppets. The kind with strings, meant to entertain children. A collection of small plastic hands formed a crown on their head, and a weave of near-invisible threads danced around their body. They looked lost, seemed utterly surprised by their predicament, and Wei thought there was something entirely too karmic about their coming fate. Wei summoned his Path of the Martial Harvester for a second timewith only the scythes metallic, gleaming edge separating it from the backdrop of Sourceand cleaved across space and time to arrive a meter left of Jnaegism. The lich jolted back in shock and terror, and the young master licked his lips for what was to come. A hum of battle-thrill flowed through the young master. The Shell materialized, watching Wei fight. After hours dancing on the edge of death, facing threats that should have laid him low, Wei relished a bite of soft meateven if they were supposedly sixty Essence levels higher. Wei strode forth. He took his time. There was nowhere for the lich to run anyway. Jnaegism responded by directing his hidden threads to pierce Wei. The sank an inch through the dense embers surrounding Wei, and the young master countered the attackdeconstructed the lichs strings. The threads simply ceased to bealong with the Essence that composed them. A flicker of light sparked around the young master, and faintly, the celestial fires within him were reignited. Scorn: [4,001/73,600] Even so, the process of recovering his spent Scorn was slow. Wei needed to deconstruct a larger attack to refuel himself. He remembered how fast the Celestial Vanguard had expended themselves. And they were almost a hundred levels higher than Wei. The Scion of the Celestial Flame was a powerful Class, but a resource-hungry one. It was devastating. Powerful. But its capabilities could be spent in a single moment, and even with his defenses drastically amplified while in his Empyreal Wraths dimmed state, it was still better to use his powers conservatively. You! The assassin cried. His threads retreated. He knew his efforts were in vain. Stumbling away, he directed his strings to spin around him while he reached out, spatial Essence congealing between his skeletal digits as he tried to summon something. Wei wasnt going to give him that chance. The young master performed a cascade of attacks: He cut once moreblinked just behind the lich. A fortunate move, as what remained of the assassins threads suddenly teleported into the space where Wei once was. But that left the Master of Puppets open. Weis arms then shifted. Source-spears blasted out from his left and swept through the lichs limbs from behind, and as they toppled, Wei dismissed his Pale Fang to deliver a crushing blow using his Gauntlet of the Breaker. A shockwave blasted out in all directions. Yet, the assassin didnt go flying. Instead, the force was absorbed by the lichs doll-coat. Wei felt a swell of Essence flood the attireand decided he wanted to keep it for study. The lich was dismembered, so he fell with a cry, only for Wei to seize them by their coats collar and tear the entire garment away from them. Jnaegism sailed through the airtried to stab Wei a second time with his strings. Only for the young master to sweep his resummoned Pale Fang through them, the deconstruction lining the glaives edge carving clean through Essence and matter. Just then, Wei exploded into the air and drove his fingers into the lichs sockets. Cutting with his scythe, they both zipped down into the Source-made flooring, with Wei choke slammed the lich hard enough to crack their bonesseemingly made from a crystalline material. A groan sounded from the assassin. But the young master wasnt done. Planting a boot on their ribs, Wei dismissed his Pale Fang again, and hefted his scythe with both hands. Jnaegism shook his head and looked up at Wei. He let out a sneering laugh. Well. Nasty trick you have there. Cant say I saw that coming. Well. Do what you got to do, kid. Death doesnt scare me! Death? Wei said. He chuckled. Death is the greatest mercy I can offer. And then the young master reared back, and swung his Skill through the lich. Something inside Jnaegism cracked immediately. The assassins bravado vanished. Ino, what are you doingwhat isstop! Wei swung again, and this time a blast of light gushed out from the lich. They twitched and shook, and a long wheezing gasp escaped them. Whatwhat? Your Will, Wei answered. It doesnt exist anymore. Class Level Up 81 > 82 Concept Shard: [1] As the lich pawed at their chest, the young master took that moment to pull the assassin into his Inventory alongside the puppet coat. He couldnt risk ending up apart from his foe after the threshold collapsed. After that, Wei checked his Source and nodded. Source: [522/600] Lumens Not too bad. Releasing his focus, the threshold collapsed, and once more the realm of light and dark receded back into him. Wei found himself standing where he was in the room. The Companion lay there on the ground before him, unmoving. His companions remained where they were standing, waiting expectantly. And just then, Bishop came marching through the door as well, an annoyed expression on his face. Alright, John Bishop muttered. Hi, Wei. Fancy seeing you again so soon. Wheres Hansen? Im gonna kick his ass. Upstairs. Dead. Throat slit. Wei grunted. The Trespassers frowned and opened his mouth. But he didnt speak. Instead, Wei noticed several threads of Essence slithering into his spirit, and a grimace growing over his face. Bishop just got some messages. Yeah. Rest of our local watchers got done in the same way. Fucks sake. Cant get any good help in this town. The young master chucked the lich out in response. Jnaegism plopped down on the ground and shivered. They were little more than a torso and a head, and now their mind seemed as damaged as their body as they muttered and flinched at the sight of Wei. Thankfully, Wei said through clenched teeth, some of us are not useless. Here. The assassin. Bishop studied the shaking lich for a moment. And a grin flashed over his face. You know, we can work with this What do you mean, Wei replied mentally. I mean Well, I was going to stage this, but Wei blinked in disbelief. You.. you wish to pretend they are the Lodges assassin. No. Just mine. Here. Lets see. Bishops eyes flashed purple, and the lich suddenly stopped struggling. Instead, his sockets came alight with the color as Bishops irises, and he suddenly looked up at Wei. Him hes the one hes the one who paid me Hes the one that wanted you dead. What? Rafael said. Huh? Roggi blinked, barely able to follow the rapid turn of events. Agnesia, for her part, matched toward Bishop with bone-blade drawn, flames around her body, and murder in her eyes. Only to be halted by Weis extended arm. Master Bishop, Wei began uneasily. How could you? Fucking hell, kid. We need to work on your acting. Now, hurry up and sue me. Lets take this to court so you can get paid. II-24 Settlement The Claimed Hells has no law Its more like an interconnected set of laws put in place by the Harbinger to make sure everyone doesnt kill each other in the Heights, a sort of dtente so you see. Thats why everyone gets a personal lawyer. Because theyre tuned into all the changes coming down from the top. Sure, you can spend all your time keeping up with all the legal changes and new bills being drafted from the Kings of the Circles and the Harbinger himself, but its frankly kind of a waste of time. If youre going to do something wrong, do it in the right place like the Balance, or do whatever you want in the Base. But as for the Heights, well, use your lawyerand dont get trapped. Ive seen too many times how people get caught up with their pride of their power. Power doesnt matter as much as the rules up top, and you sure as shit arent as powerful as the Harbinger. Dont get fooled into signing anything without having your lawyer read it, dont say anything or promise anything, and dont make any mistakes you cant afford. And thats just the thing. Afford. Because settling a thing decided between two people. Its how most things get resolved. Because fighting it out in the Highest Court well, that has dire consequencesand you can get hit with fates worse than death. So. Be careful. Be rich. And be on your way. -The Trespassers Compendium II-24 Settlement Wei understood what Bishop was going for and fully accommodated him. Everything else, including the failure of the Trespassers to ensure his sect''s security, could wait afterward. The young master leveled his Pale Fang, and from its tip, the lawyer emerged. The small demonic tongue figure straightened its tie and bounced up and down on the edge like it was some manner of trampoline. Ooh, whoopee! Surprised you called me back so soon after our last talk, boss, huh And suddenly, it noticed John Bishop. Wow! Him too? Looks like were suing everyone, boss! Wei narrowed his eyes at Bishop. Master Bishop, I expected better from you. I thought I could trust you. After all weve done together. Yet, I see now my mistake. There is no one worthy of trust in these claimed hells. No one but me and mine. We are truly on our own. Should have known that since the day you stepped into this place, son, Bishop said. He summoned a cigar from his Inventory, and with a snap of his fingers, lit it. He put his hands in his pockets and shrugged. My only regret was that the assassin wasnt good enough. He leveled a scornful gaze at the Master of Puppets. The lich made whimpering, broken noises, muttering about why he couldnt choose anymore, where it wasit being his Aspect of Will. Being little more than a torso resulted in him being less than a wriggling set of bones. Again, a slight discomfort clenched the young master, but it faded as he remembered how many of his disciples had been killed. The bombings were underhanded. Disgusting. Jnaegism deserved worse than death, infinitely worse. A telepathic message brushed against Weis mind. Hey, Wei, hotel securitys on their way. Theyre gonna probably try to take this guy from you. Dont let them. Declare him a part of the crime, and do not release him into anyones custody. I think hes Crossroads. Whisper Resolutions. My guess is the Inheritors hired him. Sent him after you to eliminate you as soon as possible and snatch your System after your death somehow. Wei kept his expression consistent, betraying nothing. It certainly tracked with the Inheritors. He didnt expect a group of people willing to destroy entire worlds to be reasonable about the measure they took to eliminate him. Very well. Well, suppose we take this to court, then, Bishop continued. You light-starved bastard Agnesia growled. Her eyes flared with black dragonflame. A massive draconic avatar flared around her body and growled at the man, but the Trespasser barely spared her a glance. Yeah, yeah, keep your dog under control, Wei. Listen, no, its a lot to ask since I tried to kill you and all, but I want to talk with William before you fully use him as a slave. This time, Wei didnt need to act. He simply let out a scornful snort. And why would I do you this favor after the insult you inflicted upon me? For old times. I can say goodbye to my friends. Youre not that sentimental. No more tricks, Bishop. Today, I will have recompense. Yeah, about that and at that point, Bishops warning proved true. Wei felt their arrival before he even saw them coming. A chain of strange metallic liches exploded down the hallway, crawling along the walls and planting themselves over hotel room doorways. The young master examined them further and realized instead of the network being a single entity, it was an interconnected series of lichesupper bodies sculpted together like branches along a single spine. They commanded for guests to return to their rooms, declaring a quarantine in place. Through the hotel followed a resonate broadcast. Attention! A terrorist attack has occurred within the Third Rib. All guests, please shelter in place. SegSec has been dispatched and will quarantine the scene of the incident. We apologize for this inconvenience and will be refunding everyone for time lost or expenses incurred. SegSec? Wei said. Segmented Security, Bishop replied. Theyre kind of a press-ganged unit. Former criminals or the desperate who have a specific set of skills now attached to the command of a single Attendant. And speaking of which An extension of the SegSec passed over their door. Wei saw the upper body of a lich fold down, its ribs open up, and clamp the doorway shut. The young master clenched his spear tighter. If they thought they could seal him in, they were sorely mistaken. He examined the many liches that made up the branches. Each of them were around the Level 60 to 100 range, but there were hundreds of them along this branch. And they continued going, going beyond even the reach of his Omniscience. Furthermore, he saw that the other rooms had been quarantined as well. True to Bishops word, the rooms were all sealed in place. And from the central spine of the liches emerged ciphersciphers that became gleaming eyes composed of shifting patterns. Wei felt projections of Perception spray out from the coronas of these flying eyes. They were surveillance units, he guessed. Something to ensure that no one was hidden, no one could go unseen. Then, from between the clasped ribs of the lich guarding Weis doorway, emerged a portal. A net of light formed between each of the ribs before it expanded into a pool. And out from within stepped another lich. This one was considerably more powerful than any among the SegSec. Another thing that separated them from the rest of the bunch was how they were actually dressed. A long black leather coat swayed around their body, and a hat that had a brass-made iris on the forefront. Said iris blinked and steaming Essence gushed forth. SegChain Attendant Murins: Martial Prefect Lv. 110 All right, Murins said, his voice sounding like a middle-aged man who spent too long yelling. What the hell is this? You lot start explaining right now. Weis lawyer cleared its throat. Ahem. Dont say anything. Everything can be used against us. Let me do the talking. Trust me, boss. The lawyer promptly pointed its briefcase at Bishop, and Wei noted how the Trespasser hadnt called upon their own lawyer for this matter. Greetings, honored SegSec Attendant. We have suffered a most grievous offense on the grounds of your establishment. The companions you have so graciously offered to each of our disciplesdisciples connected to Wei and his Drowned Sectwere attacked. Attacked on the orders of one John Bishop, member of the Trespassers Lodge, in an attempt to free his friend, rightfully claimed in a legally recognized battle. My client has the documentation. Show him, Wei. Without hesitation, Wei summoned the form that contained his fathers acquiescence to his karmic slavery, and offered it to the SegSec Attendant. Murins slowly walked over, took the form, looked it over, and then looked at John Bishop. Are you are you soft in the head? You compromised our Companions over a pre-existing legal agreement? John Bishop simply nodded. Yeah, and I would have gotten away with it if Whisper Resolutions were actually living up to their reputation, he spat on the downed assassin who just whimpered. And now, Murins attention turned to his fellow lich. The SegSec Attendant paused for several moments, and then slowly his head tilted. So, Whisper Resolutions leaking over to our business again, the Attendant let out a sigh. Always problems with them. An explanation came from Bishop, telepathically sent instead of outright said. Crossroads is a major conglomerate, but the conglomerate is made up of a bunch of different departments as well. They sometimes fight each other. Well, often fight each other. A little bit of a left-hand-doesnt-know-what-the-right-hands-doing situation, and theres only so many room positions for a proper promotion. Expect this to be kicked up the chain and cause a bit of a mess. Then, a third force intruded on the scene. Wei felt a spike of unmatched power phase through the walls behind him, the surface consumed by glistening chains of ringing gold. The same chains that extended from the Tribulators. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. A series of grunts sounded from the room. Only Wei, Bishop, and surprisingly, Agensia stood stillthough the girl still winced. Their air itself shimmered, compressed by massive spiritual pressure. The chains then shifted, part and twisting as they widened to become a tunnel wide enough for a towering figure to walk through. Tribulator: Lv. ??? The Tribulator came without declaration or fanfare. None was needed. It was power incarnate. It was law incarnate. And now, with a transgression performed in the domain of the Heights, it had come seeking proper dispensation. What is this? the Tribulator said. Its voice was neither male, masculine, nor feminine. It was thunder unleashed. Its body resembled a casket turned to armor, with smooth wood lining its torso and brass knots connecting each chain. A briar patch extended where it walked, trailing behind it, burrowing out from its bare, bleeding feet. Its face was further mutilated. Ears carved away, eyes stitched over by a layer of scabs, and a spike driven under its chin, pinning its tongue to the roof of its mouth. Still, the Tribulator spoke, regardless of its physical state. Bishop replied to the Tribulator without any anxiety. Yeah, I arranged an assassination. Didnt go as planned. So, uh he looked away. Do what you gotta do. Thats right, Weis lawyer said. Were suing John Bishop for multiple counts of death, attempted murder, destruction of property, and conspiracy. This has been witnessed, the Tribulator declared. And you, John Bishop, what do you declare? Where is your lawyer? John Bishop waved lazily. We need to get the highest court involved this time. I dont intend to fight this case. I wish to settle, however, if that pleases the young master. Wei understood. This was how Bishop was intending to transfer funds. Settle? Wei laughed. He played the part as well as he could, though he still felt a little awkward. Youve taken lives from me. You insulted my pride and used my trust. How much can you offer to buy that back? I know that youre in dire straits and without us, well, Circles are going to be preying on you real soon. So, Im not asking you to be magnanimous or decent. Bishop paused, taking another drag from his cigar. Im asking you to think about your future. Youve still got forty-six people left to care about. Thirty-two plus, he pointed to Roggi, Rafael, and Agnesia, three or so. Gotta think about them, too. Wei clenched his jaw reflexively. He didnt need to fake that. This might have been a genuine threat. Damn him. Wei, Agnesia said, we dont need his bloody money. Rafel looked the most tense among them all. Wei sent the lich a quick message, telling him to play along, and that he would explain after. Rafael tension lessened slightly, and he gave Wei a startled look. Wei what is even happening? How about ten billion sins? Bishop began. Rafael let out a choked gasp. Ten billion. Enough to potentially buy yourself a place along with some security and assurance from someone of power. You can be sitting pretty for a good few years up in the Heights with that money. Think about it. Think about your people. The young master paused. Ten billion was Frankly, Wei was never good with money. He was the young master of a sect, for heavens sake. Everything he wanted, he could get. The only things of value to him were personal skill and powerthings that he couldnt buy using money. He didnt know how much a piece of fruit cost here, or property. He really didnt have a clue back at home, either. Wei was ashamed to admit it, but he was rather disconnected from the life of ordinary folk. But if there was one thing his father and mother taught him growing up, it was that you could always squeeze a little more out of someone past their starting price. Twenty, Wei said. This time, Bishops expression broke as well. A telepathic message followed soon after. The fuck? You squeezing me, kid? Wei replied with innocence. Yes. It is as you said, Master Bishop. This is a very vicious, cold place without your protection. Think of me. Think of the forty-six plus three people I must take care of now that you are casting me away, now that you have betrayed my trust. Holy shit, you are exactly like your father. The piece of shit gene keeps popping up. You little fuck. You absolute fuck. That sent a spur of anger inside Wei, but he knew Bishop was trying to provoke him, trying to break him in anger. Perhaps so. But I will be twenty billion sins richer. Enough to mend the failing in my blood. Do I look like Im made of money, Wei? Do I look like Im a particularly rich man? The Beggar Sect was quite wealthy. Ask me how they looked. Wei almost smirked. But the fact that youre haggling tells me you can afford it. Yeah, fuck you, kid. Bishop mentally laughed. I cant believe this. On the surface, Bishop scowled. Seventeen. Twenty. Seventeen. Point five. Twenty. Eighteen. Fine, Wei said, pressing no further. Eighteen. And we will be keeping your failure here. The young master paused and sent another message. My condolences about the ones you lost as well. Their incompetence displeases me, but death He shook his head. Death is Yeah, Bishop replied, his amused expression dimming. Well get the bastards responsible. Theyll always pay. Theyll always pay. And thats all we can do. Thats war. Sure, Bishop said, discarding the assassin without a second thought. Hes useless to me now. Cant interrogate him since I already admitted everything too. A real shame. The young master slammed his spear down on the ground, letting out a rageful shout to sell the moment. Fine, damn you! Extort me! Offend me! But understand thisafter this moment, we are done. We are through. If I see you or any member of the Lodge come near us again, I will cut them down. Andand you tell them to beware. You tell them that if I find them, I will be coming for them. That when my time comes, when my star rises, I will burn their home to the ground. Yeah, well, dont go blaming the wrong person, Bishop said. This was all me. So, we settled? Wei let out in a deep, miserable breath. Indeed. See, it signed, then, the Tribulator declared. From within its chest, it pulled out a form. Stomping closer to stand between Wei, the SegSec Attendant, and Bishop, it held out the form and produced a quilla quill made from bone and dipped in blood. As the Tribulator handed the tool off to Wei, the young master signed it, scrawling his name at the very bottom after his lawyer briefly read the documentation and answered with a chirping, Seems legit. Bishop, meanwhile, read nothing and simply used his psionic power to seize the quill and scribble his name across the page right under Weis. At once, Wei felt a shift of Essence in the aira flow of pulsating crimson, the same shade as the ink as the incubators, extended. The energy bled out from Bishops aura and brushed against Weis. The exchange concluded, and Wei watched his Sins spike by a considerable margin. + [18 Billion Sins] Enlightenment Advanced > 51 [30/100] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Eighteen billion. It felt like an extreme amount, but Wei wondered if he was still being lowballed. Perhaps that was something he could ask his father, though the thought of such a question made him feel sickened. Wait. There was someone else he constantly consulted for questions in the Moongraves. Rafael, Wei sent through his Chat, is eighteen billion sins a lot of money? The lich looked at him as if he was stupid. Wei, that is more money than most people make here in several centuries. Its also highly unethical! What? Why? Because it is impossible Rafael trailed off. I it comes from exploitation? What? One person shouldnt hold that much wealth over society? Why not? Someone needs to master the masses? I Rafael gave Wei a pleading look. Its a lot of money. We we can talk about ethics later. Later Does this appease the accuser? the Tribulator spoke. Wei glared at Bishop for a long moment, looking at each of his companions and giving a harsh sigh before finally bending. Yes. Were done. For now. Bishop simply smirked. Well. Now that Im paying you, I can avoid the apology. And save me the look. Its just how the Claimed Hells works. Now that were done here Hold, the SegSec Attendant declared to Bishop. The lich-chain outside clamped down hard against the door frame, the portal it produced turning a blistering red as Wei felt that patch of space itself grow denseunpassable. You may be done with the boy here, but your actions against our establishment still need recourse. Furthermore, we must ask that Guest Wei surrender The Attendant stammered as Bishops eyes flashed purple. Immediately, the Tribulator was standing before Bishop. Wei hadnt even seen it move. It was instantaneous. Overwhelming. What have you done? the Tribulator declared. The room shook. The chains rattled. Bishop sneered at a being that should be able to reduce him to a smear. Nothing to twist their mind, Bishop replied. I simply thought that revealing a few truths to them might help. The Tribulator turned to the Attendant. The Attendant coughed, nodded, and said, Theres nothing Nothing we have to discuss anymore. Nothing. I must talk to management. The Tribulator paused and said nothing thereafter. It simply faced Bishop for a few seconds longer before turning and regarding Wei and the others once more. Then, before this concludes, I have been tasked to do one more thing. From within the tunnel of chains, Wei felt another presence. This one was familiar. This one He turned and saw Lady Ellena staggering forth, seeming weak but alive. A thin trail of scars separated the point where her neck had been severed from her body. Now she wore a dress of black silk, flowing around her, giving her person a midnight glow. Mother! Agnesia breathed, and despite everything, Weis own spirit soared. Mepheleon had not been lying. Hed managed to restore her, return her to life. Every part of herher Essence, her spirit, her bodyWeis Omniscience could see no flaw. Nothing, except the few levels lost and what felt like a lingering wound staining her being. The siren song of pain emerged out from the tunnel made of chains. Ellena let out a breath. I apologize. I wanted to return sooner but the HarbingerC Mother! Agnesias voice broke. She exploded across the distance, embracing Ellena in a desperate hug. She lifted her mother off her feet and quietly, Agnesia shook, while Ellena, now dwarfed by her daughter by a substantial amount, offered Wei and the others a gentle smile. Lady Ellena, Wei whispered. He took a few steps forward, but found himself unable to meet her gaze, too ashamed. II am sorry. I failed Oh, be silent, Sir Wei, she said, with a twinkle in her eyes. Those green eyes I wouldnt be here if not for you. Thank you, Wei. For me. For my daughter. The young master swallowed and clenched his teeth. His Shell suddenly emerged and loomed over him. You do not deserve her kindness. Bishop, however, narrowed his eyes. A message came from him, brushing telepathically against Weis thoughts. Watch yourself, Wei. Somethings off. Something doesnt smell right about this. What do you mean? The Trespassers expression turned unreadable. Means keep an eye on her. The Harbinger released her out using the Tribulator for a reason. Hes place his cards on the table. Face down. And I think shes one of them. And the Lodge? Wei asked. Are you so clean? That made Bishop consider. Touch. What? Means you got a point. But still. Watch her. And watch yourself. Im going to settle things with the Tribulator and SegSec here. You should go talk to your surviving people. I can hear their minds screaming from here. II-25 Power Above Despair Alright, I just want to know one thing. How am I supposed to sell this place? Because if I dont, Im going to be fused here forever! Forever! II got cursed into being a literal demon-gate after being accused of theft! Why did they give me community service doing this? I hate sales! I hate it! I hate it! This place is unsellable. Not only did it used to be the Inheritor''s local branch building or whatevernot only that, but most of their families are still here, fused into some kind of nightmarish flesh abomination where their central portal was, screaming day after day! And I have to listen to them! I dont even know what Mepheleon did to them. Entire families! Children! The mound-flesh-thing cant even die normallyits healing constantly. Nothing kills it. And fused into the portal, its connected to the foundations of the building as well. Merged with the architecture. I mean, I know were in hell, but Im not complaining about the cruelty. Its just inconvenient. Its really inconvenient. Yeah, itll be a miracle if anyone wants to buy. Dammit. Im taking another billion off. Just under 99,999,999,999 Sins, see if theres anyone who bites, but I doubt it. I really, really doubt it. Harbingers feeble mercies, thisll take a miracle. -Uete Lanten, Condemned Gatebearer and Seller of Unwanted Estates II-25 Power Above Despair "You know, I kind of hoped that the whole getting killed, getting blown up, getting attacked while Im trying to rest, and constantly needing to keep up my guard thing would end after we left the Moongraves, but I see that Im wrong. I see that Im really, really fucking wrong!" Mira Nocture, the elf Wei saved from the endless line within the Hearted Realm of Greed, grumbled to the others, and a series of deadpan concurrences followed from the other thirty-two survivors. "I just want to make bread. I just want to make bread. I want people to stop attacking me," Gazgul the Orc Chef said, hyperventilating. The Hivekin of the group, sporting a psionic crown of some kind, patted him on the shoulder with a massive bladed limb. "I feel your pain, quite literally." They were gathered in Weis room, one of the few chambers that had suffered a relatively light amount of damage. Moments earlier, their bodies were disfigured, missing limbs and Essence-burned. However, a tide of radiant fire poured over them after obliterating the walls of each of their rooms. Their wounds were undone, bodies and attire reconstructed in an instant. The more coherent among their number swore they saw their supposed patriarch, Master Wei, as the source of the light. This, and the fact that Weis chamber remained relatively undamaged compared to the disintegrated chasm that was most of the other nearby hotel rooms, made them gather in the young masters abode. And there they stayed when the SegSec arrived, speaking among themselves, commiserating over shared misery. The broadcast declaring the terror attack repeated every few seconds, and a member or two from the group spoke to the lich currently latched over their doorway with their ribs. The metal skeleton, in response, said nothing, and instead just glared balefully. At least until it suddenly snapped free from the door and pulled away, allowing Wei and the others through. After convening with Ellena briefly, they were released from the Tribulators custody. The SegSec fled back through the portal, muttering all the while about how heads were going to roll when they found out. Bishops telepathic message lingered in Weis mind, but though he focused his Omniscience on Ellena discreetly, he couldnt see anything wrong with her and was just glad she had returned. Despite the tragedy and losses they just suffered, Ellenas return made Wei feel like things could changewould change. After sending a message to Bishop saying he would be in touch to discuss following settlements, Wei continued down the hallway with his allies in tow. Liches embedded in doorways barked demands at residents, ordering them to surrender their Companions. The tension in Wei spiked as he kept his senses locked to each automaton of lust he noticed. They all marched into the portals in a unified recall. But no explosions followed. The calm only fed Weis paranoia. In his Inventory was the assassin as well. He would need to spend some time questioning the lich. Would need to level up his Class as welldistribute his free points and examine his new doll-coat. As they reached Weis room, the lich folded back against the spine that mostly ran a few meters overhead. Roggi needed to crouch to avoid them, and the Oathbearer grumbled throughout. He complained even more as the door-clutching lich didnt bend back against the spine far enough. As Wei entered his celestial flame-scarred room, he countered thirty-two. Only thirty-two. Roggis forgekin remained, standing in the garden away from the others. Just like with Roggi, their eyes snapped to Wei, and seemed to sense his Class Specialization Evolution as well. The other disciples were mostly scattered smatterings of humans, with only a single orc, three elves, and a hivekin. Wei grimaced at what his sect had been reduced too again. Again. A twisting ache shifted inside his stomach as he thought of how many there were, how he managed to get them out of the Moongraves only for them to find unjust ends here. Another insult. Another slap delivered by the Inheritors. By the Fathoms. Curse it all Only two of the three elves he had saved from Mulver Groon still remained. They played a low, melancholy melody together by the staircase, one drawing a bow across a string, the other plucking at a harp. Part of their accompaniment was missing, gone forever. The Shadow Archer looked lost. The lines on his face grew creased as he made eye contact with Wei and looked away. The orc chef and the Hivekin did their best to comfort each other. And they were among the more upbeat of the survivors. The young master suffered several near-glares from his disciples, but they all feared him too much to raise their voices in dissent. Most of them were alive because of him anyway, and after his display of power, they knew he could take their lives if he chose. Still, the expressions on their faces, the thinning of their numbers, were like a wound to Weis ego. A wound you should remember well, Weis Shell spat in his mind. This was your failing as well. The trespassers let you down, but you need more powerand so do they. A sect cannot be protected by a single man forever. They are lambs, while you... you are barely a wolf in this place of lions. There is much to do. Much, much more to do. Wei looked over his surviving disciples and wondered how he was going to start this address. He opened his mouth several times, but no words came. He didnt know what to say to them. He didnt know how to inspire them, how to take what was now bitterness and fear and channel it into something useful. They werent like him. He knew that. He could taste it in the atmosphere. They were lost, broken, overwhelmed. Few among them were warriors to begin withtrue warriors who liked battle for battles sake, who saw the martial ways as artistry and expression. But thankfully, his words were unnecessary, for at the rear of his group of companions was EllenaLady Ellena. Resurrected. No dead like in the rumors. As she stepped into the room, the atmosphere shifted slightly. Eyes widened. Whispers and mutters sounded. She pointed at the scar along her throat and simply laughed. "Hello, friends. It seems weve all suffered some tragedies in recent times." A series of mutters greeted her. Several nodded. Wei turned to stare at the former queen, and she looked to him for permission. "May I speak to them, Sir Wei? If you will allow." "Of course," Wei said, surprised. Her request, though slight, reminded him of how much more powerful he was compared to her, yet he always felt a sense of inferiority. Perhaps it was her eyes, green and piercing, that reminded him of his mother. Perhaps it was the fact that she was a mother herself. Her position in society above his, her role as matron, slid into an open wound and took him off balance. "Companions, disciples," Ellena began. "Friends, I see you all, and I see those of you that are no longer here. It pleases and pains me just the same. A series of nods and muttered thank yous followed. I, like you, had hoped that our lives would be easier. That we would be granted what we desired upon arriving in Preceptors Descent. Yet that is not the case. "I hoped that our hunters would finally know when to stop. That our suffering would be at an endor at least a temporary pause as we settled into this new and strange place. It is not to be. It is not." Her voice was thick with emotion at the end, and she sounded genuinely troubled. "I will not assume anything of your pain, but I will tell you of mine if you would listen. I was once Ellena of Dawnrest. Queen to Dawnrest. My kingdom was taken from me by the fell hand of the Dying Queen and her Embraced." Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. A rising susurration of voices swept through the disciples, and Wei could already see her words having an effect. They knew of the Dying Queen. Some of them held the system host in equal disdain. Ellena reached out and placed a hand on the back of her daughters neck. Agnesia towered over her by a full head now, but even so, the girl lowered herself and accepted the touch of her mother like a child. "My daughter gave everything. She wounded her own heart, burned her own siblings, my sons who were turned from our family by foulest blood to save me. She has sacrificed, and so have you. So have all of you. And after all this, after all weve endured"she looked at them, holding out a hand imploringly"we still remain lost. We still remain scorned. Because this place, though now ruled by men, is a realm of sin and rot. A den of coldness." Wei blinked uncertainly. She had started so well, but the mood was dropping quickly, her weariness and exhaustion showing. Still, he didnt interrupt. Ellena was going somewhere. He could feel it. "So what do we do then?" The orc chef spoke up, waving his hands. "Yeah, what do we do?" Angelous Shadow Archer, stared on, a blankness behind his eyes. He was the only one left of his group. Ellena turned away, her expression becoming resolute. "We do what Patriarch Wei has shown to us. Look upon him. Look upon the only reason you are herethe only reason I am still alive." She finished her words by pointing at the scar lining her neck. "If not for him, if not for my daughter, my friends"she waved at Rafael and Roggi"you would not be here. If not for their capacity to fight, to defy, to tear into our enemies, to find strength where there is none to find and to feed upon the wolves that wish to sate themselves on our blood, we would not be here. Without strength, without the desire to battle, to be powerful, we would not be here." She looked at the gathered crowd. "I am tired. I am tired of weakness. I am tired of my fate being governed by another. And so is my daughter. And so is Wei." She turned to Wei, locking eyes with him. "Wei," she said. "Tell them. Tell them what has happened in your world. Tell them what has been taken from you." Suddenly, the young master didnt feel quite so powerful anymore. All the eyes were on him. New gazes leveled at his personpity, curiosity. They were taking him in as if he were a person as well. Sympathy. Sympathy. Oh heavens. Everything he had lost... Control yourself, the Shell muttered. You are more than this. The past is merely a flame to fuel you Wei swallowed and awkwardly cleared his throat. "Yes, it was very unfortunate." Ellena winced, interrupting him. Not the right words, she sent. Wei drew in a long breath. Honesty is needed, then. More details. "They murdered everyone I know. Everyone" Wei began. His first came out more as a vicious snarl, escaping him to his own surprise. Several of the disciples flinched back, but Wei continued. "My mother. She was slain. Everyone who trained me, slaughtered. Demons had them. My world was burned. And my father" Wei bit his tongue to sate his rage. "My own father was a Trespasser. He was the one that killed my mother. And he was just a pawn of the Inheritors. And my world was meant to be a sacrifice. An obstacle to be paved. Nothing more. Nothing more. Wei fell silent. It was all so absurd. The System hiding at the heart of his worldthe only reason he was alive. Earth. Everything. How could any of this be justified It couldnt. He wouldnt accept this. He refused! "But I will not suffer this. I will not be mocked by the heavens. The Dying Queen. The Unfallen. The Inheritors. The Circles. They think us victims. But what is a victim? What is a victim? A victim is someone who could not fight back. Who cannot defy the heavens when a cruel fate befalls? But I am a cultivator. My chosen destiny is to spite the heavens. To go beyond all thresholds. To ascend past my limits. He looked at the others, his voice rising in intensity. "And that is what I can offer you. For so long we have struggled, we have fought. All we have done is fight for survival in desperation. You dont even fully understand what a sect iswhat we offer. I dont blame you. I..." He steeled his ego, prepared to strike his own pride. "I failed you. I am not a good patriarch. I barely know how to be one. But I know how to fight. I know what it means to cultivate. To seek strength. To achieve mastery. I know. And so can you. I can teach you. Guide you. Give you whatever power your potential possesses. I cannot lie..." Wei fell silent for a moment. "I cannot lie. I cannot predict the future. And I might not even be able to protect you. But it matters not anymore. This place... it wishes to feed on us. If not with me, then you will need to find another powerful benefactor in the Circles. But they dont care about you, either. They would use you as foot soldiers in the Base, leading endless wars for their own benefit. You would be little more than chattel. Slaves. Or workers to exploit. You are not the powerful. Your whims will be decided by another." He clenched his fist, the weight of his words settling on him. "Not with me. No. I will not take this insult. I will not allow you to be weak. I will have you be" He tried to find the words. "Capable of ruling over yourself. Of living your own lives. I am no meager petty tyrant. I am, I am..." Weis speech faltered. He ran dry he didnt know where to go, what more he could say. "A boy," Ellena said. Her voice cut through the silence. She stepped forward, her gaze fixed on the disciples. "A boy stands before you. A boy clawing at being a man. Forcing himself to be more. Look upon him. He is not divine. He is not impossible. See your son in him. Your brother. Your neighbor. See all thatand what else hes become. What else you can become." The room was silent as Ellena continued, her voice steady and commanding. "The impossible has already been achieved. We reached here without indenturing ourselves. So of course we will be attacked. So of course we will be hounded. Because that would be your fate regardless. Used within or used without, the Circles have no love for us. We are merely numbers. Resources to spend. And the Inheritors? They would see you all dead. Dead for their own religious fervor. And so I ask you not to trust in anything else but yourself. Because we wish to build that trust. To grow your strength. This sect is our fortress. Our only recourse. We have only endured together, thrown together despite our choices. Nothing else is a slow suicide. I have seen this." She paused, her shoulders tense. She pointed to her neck, to the scar that marked her near death. "The Harbinger has shown me things. Told me truths. He gave me an offer. Said that death would be an even more desirable path than the pain I would face. But I rejected him." Ellena glanced at her daughter, her expression softening. "I rejected him for my daughter," Agnesia stepped closer to her mother, biting her lip to stop from crying. "I rejected him for Wei. Because he still needs me. The young master forced his face to be a stone, the Shell watching him intently for any hint of weakness. "For all of you. Because you still need me." Her voice softened, her hands trembling slightly. "And now, I need you. I need us to stay together. Because only, only that way will we ensure a path forward. I have no right to ask or demand anything of you. So take this as a plea. Take this as my most genuine truth." Silence overcame the room. The disciples, though still sullen, no longer appeared overwhelmed. Instead, the words of the former queen were settling in, taking root, becoming a new foundation within their spirits. There was fear too, but now, there was also understanding. "Man, I just wanted to bake," the orc chef said, sagging with weariness. "But this world wont let me, so damn it, Im going to find a way! I was never accepted! I just wanted to be myself! I got exiled for having no interest in war, and now, even here, I cant be a baker? No! Im going to be! Im still alive, so Im going to be! "I am Eekon the Aberrant," the Hivekin said, their mind buzzing as they spoke. "I was exiled by my hive for wishing peace instead of war. I fled to escape my own execution for aberrancy, only to find myself forced back into violence to preserve my own virtues. I will choose my fate. I will choose my own fate. I choose strength. I choose strength. I choose strength. To find my desired peace. A chorus of voices rose in agreement, a chord of unity swelling in the chamber. Weis eyes widened as he watched. Look at how Ellena managed to turn the mood, Weis Shell said taking in the scene. She used despair against despair and found a flicker of unity within it. This too is mastery. Wei exhaled slowly, feeling a flicker of gratitude. She possesses much that I still have to learn. True, the Shell muttered. You are fortunate that she has survived. You are also fortunate that the Harbinger has been so merciful to you. But you should remain wary. They play their own games, Weigames you are not privy to. Games you cannot understand. The Shells voice grew darker. You have witnessed the endgame of the Inheritors and the Lodge. Earth is at the center of all things. It is best for you to learn about this worldand about your final goal. Wei let out a breath. His tasks seemed to be compounding more and more. "Wait!" the shadow archer suddenly said, his voice breaking the calm. Everyone turned to look at him as he raised a trembling hand. "II choose strength and all that. Dont want to die or anything. But..." He frowned, his gaze flicking uneasily toward the door. "Were not staying here? Are we? Because because you know "No," Wei said. "After what just happened after how the Lodge failed us, after what one of their number did, we stand alone. We move. "Right," the Shadow Archer muttered, nodding slowly. "So Where, then? Where are we going now? Wei opened his mouth to reply, but he paused. That was a good question. What were they going to do? What were they going to do? Where were they going to live? Once again, Ellena came to the rescue, stepping forward to steady the uncertain mood. "I have been given a recommendation," the queen said slowly, her voice commanding attention. "It is a surprising one, something that the Harbinger told me after his ministrations." There was a faint, almost amused smile pulling at her lips. "However, there is a karmic justice to it, he said. I suspect it might please some of you to know that the Inheritors local branch has been all but annihilated." Wei turned sharply to study her, his eyes narrowing. He had a feeling where she was going but wasnt sure. He couldnt quite believe it. "Well," Ellena continued, "they had a building in this local den. A consulate, as it were, in the area. One of many scattered across the Claimed Hells. And now it stands vacant after the Harbinger completed his cleansing. I think we should inquire about purchasing the establishment." Weis eyes widened further. The Harbinger claimed he was entirely done culling the Inheritors. Ellena was quoting the Harbingers words. Yes I see the appeal, but are the grounds secure? And what is the cost? Cost will not be an issue, Rafael muttered. Youre a a The lich gagged as he said the next words. Billionaire. You can afford a great many things. He paused. Oh, gods, Bishop is a billionaire. I am truly in hell "It has been entirely sealed," Ellena said. A gatekeeper has been assigned to the location and will keep it under watch until someone finally purchases the premises. The Harbinger said something about the facilities being damaged, but still present They have taken much from us. Perhaps we can take something back. She was right. There was karmic justice in the idea. However, Wei couldnt help feeling uneasy. He also had another ideapotentially settling everyone within the Tower of Possibility. But after the Trespassers failings, he wasnt sure if he wanted any of his disciples near the Lodge or their machinations anytime soon. So. What else was there to do? What else, but to take from a group that has already stripped him of so much? Very well, then. Lets go see about claiming a new home for ourselves. II-26 Settling In One of the best perks about the Claimed Hells is how much real estate is available. People are always dying therealwaysso things get vacant a lot. Furthermore, you can exercise some pretty interesting strategies to get people to sell to you. Which is why I strongly recommend acquiring your first unit in the Claimed Hells. Let me explain. You don''t need to be there in person. What you can do is hire a local and have them perform a set of operations for you to your benefit. Now, you want to secure housing in a low-conflict area. This is usually mapped out by the season through the Crossroads Census. Be sure to subscribe to that if you also have the resources. Now, after this, you want to secure your unit first. Don''t think of expansion. Think of hardening the district. This is why we recommend low-risk districts or districts currently undergoing renovation or phases of gentrification. Stability is good for business, but struggles? That''s bad. Another part of the claimed hells is how great the value spikes. You don''t want to be in the path of a major acquisition. The Circlesthey battle with each other all the time. They displace housing and population, so be sure to mind their waves of disruption. For more details about investing in the claimed hells or other hot zones in the fathoms, please stay tuned to this psionic-broadcast. -The Cruel Investor (A Crossroad Mindwave) II-26 Settling In Schr?dinger let out a sigh as Wei approached. "What? Hotel not to your liking? Room not fancy enough?" A second, even deeper sigh followed the first as nearly forty key fobs splattered on the counter, which the goblin manned. "Terrorist attack," Wei answered. As a recording of the SegSec announcement played in the background, he continued, "You might have heard something about it." "Yeah, might have. Jesus Christ, kid, how do you keep getting into this?" "It''s less how I keep getting into things and more how things keep coming after me. My foes are unwise," Wei finished. Schr?dinger nodded. "So what now? Are you gonna find someplace to slum, cozy up to some other master? I heard some of the security here chattering about how you''re on the out-and-outs with the lodge already." The goblin snorted. "Bad riddance. Self-righteous bastards. The Lodge is as dirty as anyone else. Their hands are dark with blood too. Dont let them tell you otherwise." "Indeed," Wei finished. As for where I''m going to go..." The young master trailed off but didn''t fully tell Schr?dinger anything. "We will see. But I will see you soon, Schrodinger. I''m sure of that." "Yeah, yeah," the goblin clicked his small pointed teeth together. "Listen, about that, uh, cipher lesson thing. If you''re serious about that, you''re gonna want to look through the Compendium first for details. I want you to understand that ciphers aren''t some kind of weird magic or a bullshit weapon you can pull out of your ass in desperate times. You literally need to invoke things that exist, things in the environment. Connect shit togetherfucking like if programming had sex with origami and electrical engineering. When you finish with the basics and, uh, come talk to a version of me, I''ll find time to tell you a few secrets, show you a few things." The faintest smile spread across Wei''s face. "Thank you, Schrodinger. It is remarkable how one so ugly can hide a heart most genuine." The goblin''s face turned to an outright frown. Every single Schr?dinger manning the counter glared at Wei. "And while you''re at it, maybe read up on, uh, basic compliments. With that settled, Wei turned and saw the rest of his sect gathered. They were a group gathered just beyond the in-building spatial passage. The lockdown was still in effect, but due to their unique circumstances, management gave them special passage rights to leave. It didnt take long for them to gather their belongings, either. What little belongings they had. Some were even wearing hotel robes with the ruination of their original articles of clothing. The check-out is settled, Wei declared. We leave. They left along the same paths they first arrived, moving toward the Crawler station that carried them over from Arrival Plaza. The station leading into Cherubs Corpse itself was a level above, and all Wei needed to do was follow the signs. The interior of the Third Rib was utterly vacant now. It was astonishing how the Crossroads managed to clear the hotel of guests. Echoing footsteps resounded through the vastness of the chamber. Tables laden with scattered cards, discarded chips, and other trinkets characterized the surrounding space. Slot machines stood vacant, bright lights flashing, but no one dared indulge. Thirty-seven walked the main lobby of the Third Rib. Thirty-seven upward, joining a flow of foot traffic before finally reaching their new platform. As the centipede-deep-like demon crawled in, Wei noted it had none of the luxury the earlier one possessed. Its body was rough gunmetal gray, and inside, rather than luxurious couches, ample space, and tables filled with food, there were only metallic seats and poles for people to grip when standing in the middle, and portals at the end of each Crawler segment, allowing passengers to move between the demons inner sections. There were other people present as they boarded. Wei caught glances from a smattering of liches still clustered across the segments among their own cliques. The young master entered without fear, but he sensed a note of hesitation among his disciples. Slowly, they trickled in as well, filling a single segment to twenty-five percent capacity. Then came the whispers and statements from the liches. "What''s this? Some new arrivals. What a peculiar look the boy has." "I think that one''s a cultivator. Look at his hair. His facial structure. Even his bearing." "Ah. Those are always fascinating. And what a unique fragrance his Essences form. What about the others?" "Mm. They''re chaff and nothing more. Aside from that large girl next to him and thats not one of ours, is it? Oh, no. Absolutely not. No identification. Echoes from another place. This exchange between red-skinned women wearing only transparent silk sheets rather than proper clothing. Their Classes noted them as succubi, and Wei resolved to keep his gaze far from them to avoid any uncouth situations. Say, do you think that one is the new boy? The one called Wei? Defier of Circles? Arrived in the Claimed Hells through his own power alone "Defier of Circles?" "Oh, yes. That rumor is about someone who made it through the claimed hells without accepting a sponsorship. Propaganda, I suspect. Why, the last person to manage that was the Bastard. And you all know how much of a monster that man is. Good thing Countess Forbida claimed him first. Hmm. I wonder what it would take to buy some of his time from her A series of klaxons sounded from the Crawler, and a light above the open door turned yellow, yellow, then red. The door slammed shut. "Door closing. Proceeding toward Gasgill Station." Once the crawler began moving again, gliding ahead via spatial magics and rising velocity. The demon undulated, twisting and turning through a narrow den of winding tunnels before it finally emerged into the light. Brightness filled the world. Wei looked upwards and saw a map of Cherub''s Corpse with hundreds of local stations. They were like parts of a greater constellation. Eleanor said they were heading toward Willow Way Station, after which, they simply needed to reach the 225th floor to find it. That was forty stops away. However, each stop only took thirty seconds to reach. So fast was the crawler, and so efficient was the infrastructure of the Claimed Hells Heights that Wei couldnt help but feel a bit awed. All major cultivator sects traveled by essence-driven skyships if they could afford it, but most led hard lives, carried by ox-drawn carriages or horses. Powerful practitioners could traverse the world by themselves, but possessing a vessel of prestige was a statement of one''s status and the power of their organization. Such a thing couldnt be ignored. If anyone from Wei''s homeworld could see where they were now, they would have flinched back, shrank in speechless disgrace. Even the lowest Sinners traveled like Ascended Elders here. The Fathoms were vast and overwhelming. Wei felt small, despite everything he had survived. A series of moans and scenes of questionable intercourse began playing across all the windows within the Crawler. They also distorted Weis view of the cityscape outside. The young master grimaced and accessed the interface using his Class Settings. A set of intuitive controls spilled across his mind. He quickly searched for one option. The moment he found the "Turn Off" choice, he selected it mentally, and the pornography vanishedbut only on the screen in front of him. The others remained. Hey, I was watching that! Wei turned to stare at the passenger who said those words. He saw a muscular humanoid with thick fur coating their upper body. Lightning danced upon the goat horns jutting from their head and their lower body was likewise hoofed. Hgnasdne: Infernal Runner Lv. ??? Unlike other people who had their Essence Level hidden, Wei could feel this ones spirit, and unless the goat-man was suppressing his power through some unknown means, his essence wasn''t particularly strong. Wei, on the other hand, just finished fighting a whole gauntlet of foes far more powerful than he. The goat-man looked away, unable to bear the tension, and Wei sneered. No one else complained at him anymore. I dont bloody understand it, Roggi said, muttering as he and his forgekin studied the pornography. Ellena and Agnesia, meanwhile, were both beet red. Wei used his mothers technique of pretending the uncomfortable matter wasnt happening and just stared out the window, trying to ignore the ambiance. Demons of all shapes and varieties drifted through the sky like schools of colorful fish. They left traces of Essence emissions in their aftermath, and these emissions melded into vibrant mirages that materialized scenes of battle. Wei blinked as he realized he was staring at an advertisement. SLAKE YOUR BEAST AT THE BLOODGROUNDS! The words flashed at the top of the mirage, and Wei watched a flashing series of images: depictions of gruesome killings and brutal triumphs. The advertisement turned black, and sprawling lines of text beckoned passengers to visit local arenas to join ongoing tournaments, watch grudge matches and other violent spectacles with VIP tickets on sale at discounted rates, starting from 5000 Sins and up. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Finally, the mirage brightened again, and Wei observed two Sinners squaring off against each other. On the left stood a towering humanoid serpent, twirling a whip of lightning in their hands. Their eyes gleamed with the cold blue of winter, and their dark scales were riven with scars. Across from the serpent was a human man, his incandescent hair and beard crackling like an open flame. A scar ran along the bridge of his nose, and his brown eyes gleamed with barely restrained hate for his foe. He wielded a traditional sworda cultivator''s twin-edged straight sword at that. Weis interest was captured. And rose further when he realized he recognized the symbol on the back of the mans robesthe symbol of the Blackwind Sages. The mirage displayed the match''s title: Silt of Storms vs. the Midnight Sage. Below it was the subtitle: Annulment or Betrothal! The battle was scheduled as tomorrow nights main event. Wei stared at the screen, his jaw tightening. "What''s wrong?" Agnesia asked, noticing his focus. "You''re staring pretty hard through that window." Wei exhaled sharply. "I think... I think that man is from my world." The princess frowned, peering at the screen. "What, the dark robed guy with the burning hair?" "Yes," Wei replied. "He''s wearing the robes of the Blackwing Sages. My mother claimed to have eradicated them. They were an unorthodox cult on my world, dedicated to spreading techniques among the masses without restriction, to bring down the old orders. So Agnesia breathed. Is he a friend or a foe? I do not know, Wei answered. But he is a cultivator. And I assume to be an Ascended Elder at that. I am not sure how else he arrived here aside from leaving the realm before my mothers purges. He should know about what happened to Evernest. I owe him that courtesy, at least, despite whatever else might follow. Wei, Agnesia said. Hm. Youre a good man. An honorable one. The young master shifted. Yes. I His Shell loomed. But I need to be more. *** As the crawler neared its destination, Wei observed the cityscape more carefully. The bulk of the architecture sprawled outward, like lichen clinging to the body of a corpse. A few structures jutted upwards, clustering into massive towers that culminated in platforms reminiscent of mushroom caps. Wei wasnt surprised. The entire city seemed thematically built around the corpse it rested upon. Growth from decay. Fungal life blooming from death. Whoever designed this place had merged artistry and morbidity in their vision. For all of hell''s depravity, Wei couldnt deny its unfettered creativity. Despite the pain and offense this place had inflicted on him, he could see why someone powerful, ambitious, and visionary might wish to reside here. It took nearly half an hour for the crawler to arrive at Willow Way Station. Compared to the other stops, Willow Way was sparsely populated. Foot traffic was minimal, and there were fewer liches here as well. Mostly, it was humans. Humans that didnt like outsiders entering their community. The non-humans in Wei''s group immediately drew vulgar glances from passersby as they disembarked. Wei himself wasnt spared from the disdainful looks. More than once, he heard mutterings: "Fucking pseudos," and, "Great, now that the consulate''s cleared out, they''re letting bloody fictionals move in." Weis summoned his Pale Fang at some point, and as the celestial flame wrapped over his bloody, the surrounding murmurs grew quieter. Soon, the locals found it wise to create greater distance from him and his disciples. He didnt even need to ask what a "fictional" was. After everything Asaru revealed and the Trespassers had told him, Wei had connected the dots. The locals here werent just mainly human, they were real humans from Earth. That sparked a fire in Weis chest. Oh, how he would relish taking their world from them. A world for a World. They found an elevation platform as soon as they left the Willow Way station. After spending a few more Sins to call a platform, Wei found himself accelerating upward to the 225th level. As they came to a stop, Ellenas words proved true: It was easy to locate the consulate. Mainly because it was the largest structure around, and also because a massive demonic face projecting a force field around the premises was actively glowering at everyone in the area. "That should be the gatekeeper," Ellena said, gesturing at the grotesque face. It was almost a kilometer in height, and even from far away could Wei feel its baleful rage. Kevin Collins: Indentured Gatekeeper Lv. 210 Wei regarded the buildings here aside from the warded consulate first. Most of them were overly white, used too much marble, and were built upon lawns of emerald green. Inside, he found worried people peeking at him out from their windows. Already, there were prying eyes. Time to go. As they climbed up a long set of stairs, they finally came before the Gatekeeper, and Wei mustered his will for whatever was to come. Though the Gatekeeper was mostly composed of Essence, its burning orange eyes were sunken with obvious fatigue. It noticed Wei and his group approaching, its mouth widened in desperation. A thunderous voice boomed: "Oh, please, please, PLEASE tell me you''re here to buy and not piss on my Restriction Field. Wei blinked, startled. "What do you mean, piss on your Restriction Field''?" "That''s what people have been doing!" the Gatekeeper roared. "I hate it! I dont want to see any more of that! Everyone who hates the Inheritors comes by and..." His voice trailed off, and he let out a disgusted rasp. "Listen, I understand if you hate the Inheritors. Everyone does. I do too. I cant stand the Trespassers! They''re self-righteous: ''Oh, Im the only one thats real! Oh, Im special, and youre not because I can swap out any Class I want!''" The gatekeeper''s voice grew louder. "I hate them. However, would it kill not to involve me in their grudges? The Gatekeeper''s sudden outburst left Wei slightly disturbed. Glancing behind him, he beheld nearly forty sets of wide-eyes. Right. Wei returned his attention to the Gatekeeper. Im sorry youve had to endure that, he said, his tone carefully measured. You have my sympathies. The Gatekeeper opened his mouth to continue his rant, then paused, letting out a mournful sigh. ...Thanks. Its justI need to sell this, okay? I need to sell this so I can finally finish my indenturement. Do you understand? Ive been doing this for years, but I need to be done. I need to! Ten years, watching over properties, trying to convince people to buy unwanted estates! Do you know how many times Ive been sued because I tried to create a bubble by lowering the price? Do you?! The Gatekeepers tone shifted to a mocking lilt. Oh no, lowering the price devalues the local market! Oh no, youre disrupting supply-demand balance! Do you know how many times the Crossroads have sued me? The Circles? Thousands. THOUSANDS. Literally. The Gatekeeper exhaled shakily, his eyes glowing brighter in agitation. My lawyer is sick of me. And I cant go any lower here! If I go any lower, Im going to get sued again. So PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, buy this place from me! Its just under a billion! This is as low a price as I can make it, okay? Wei calmly folded his arms, his voice even. Can I see the grounds first? The gatekeeper froze, his burning eyes blinking. Wait... youre actually going to consider buying it? Youre not lying to me? Wei tilted his head slightly, frowning. Why would you offend my virtue this way? The gatekeeper sniffled, his voice softening. Good... good... Are you all right? Wei asked, watching the gatekeeper carefully. Yep, the Gatekeeper replied, his voice cracking. Never better. With a resounding clash, the chains wrapped around the structure receded into its walls. The gatekeeper rose, revealing the property he had been guarding. Before them stood the Inheritors Consulate. The structure resembled a massive flower, closed tightly before the point of unfurling. Its name, The Unblossomed, was emblazoned across its fa?ade. However, the front doors were missing, hollowed clean by what looked like a scorching column of fire. Several gaping holes scarred the walls of the consulates outer layers. Wei quickly realized that the structure was layered like an onion. Each "petal" of the outer walls formed a revolving row of defenses protecting the true core of the consulate. Wei and his disciples stared at the open wound carved into The Unblossomed for a long moment. Finally, Wei shrugged. Well, I suppose its not as destroyed as our last place. A series of tired chuckles sounded. Whats the bet that we get attacked here too, the Shadow Archer joined in. I hope they do it early if it does happen, the Hivekin broadcast. More laughter. More jadedness. But they were still here. Still with him. Bolstered by that, Wei took his first step into his enemys old abode. As they passed through the interior of the Unblossomed, scenes of carnage greeted them at every turn. Blood smeared the cracked floors, defensive barricades were shattered, and debris lay scattered across the hallways. The lingering stench of Essence overloads brushed against Weis senses, heavy, and suffocating. Shadows of people were burned into the walls and floors. They were frozen in postures of desperationhands outstretched as if begging for mercy. But mercy, clearly, had not come. Not at the hands of the Harbinger, Wei murmured to himself as they moved deeper into the structure. Screams echoed faintly from further within. At that moment, the Gatekeeper reappeared, phasing through the ceiling. His enormous face filled the hallway, looking sheepish. Oh, right, that, the Gatekeeper said nervously. Uh, how do I explain this... A bunch of Trespassers tried to escape, and the Harbinger did something... Uh, you know, sound-dampening materials can be found across the district. Not hard to install. Wei didnt reply. He wanted to see the full extent of the horrors awaiting him, and see them he did. When they reached the innermost chamber of the Unblossomed, Wei froze. At the epicenter of the space was a grotesque massa writhing abomination of flesh, bone, and limbs fused together in a way that defied all reason. Worse was how spatial reality seemed to twist and tighten around it. Rather than horror, the sect responded with jeers and a series of sighs. Always with the mutilation and flesh, Nocturne wrinkled her nose. And the bloody smell There were other buildings in this interior space too. Stacks of residences behind the final layer of folded petals Most of them were burned, destroyed, devastated, and so on, but there was still furniture inside. Beds. Items the Inheritors didnt get to send away in time. That could be useful for his Sect. Or there could be lingering traps. Over four hundred of these residences were clustered together inside four kilometers of area, and at their center was a large mansion with only one wing left standing. Through its midsection ran three enormous claw marks leading to the nightmarish flesh-thing that Mepheleon left as a housewarming gift. Cries from men, women, and children sounded. They were fused over a teleportation mechanism. Wei was sure of that now. Could feel it. Bringing his Pale Fang to bear, the space around him brightened. Im going to remove this and scour the rest of the grounds. Will that be a problem? The Gatekeeper snorted. Sure. Knock yourself out. I hired an entire crew of Wei channeled his Empyreal Wrath. Celestial Lightning leaped from his glaive and carried the Fires of Deconstruction across the vast distance between him and the mass. It passed through the punctured interior of the mansion, bathed the surrounding houses, and finally splashed against the mass. The mess of fused bodies disintegrated, turning to grains of dust as an entire chunk of their bulk vanished. Wei felt multiple Essence signatures blink out as well. Though some of the bodies began to heal, they could replace what he destroyed outright, and the Gatekeeper let out a shocked The hells? as Wei poured the rest of his Scorn into the strike. Im not going to stare at that mess up close, Wei muttered. I tire of this place. Its depravity. Its pointless cruelty. The Inheritors were his enemies. But he could feel the children twitching inside the mass. And instead of granting him a vengeful joy, it was just tiring. All this was tiring. He suffered enough of the Claimed Hells. If he was going to stay here, he wasnt going to have it infest his living space too. A flash of black fire roared from beside him as Agensia channeled her flames as well. Rafael sent a few bolts thereafter, and Roggi joined in, launching acid-filled worms that streaked through the air from his fetid wings. At once, everyone began pouring their Skills into the abomination, and though Weis fires did most of the work, his power did not burn alone. The sect was with him. With him still. And they just might stay tomorrow as well. An overwhelming tide of radiance washed Mepheleons handiwork away, and Wei caught a proud look from Ellena. He studied the space using his Omniscience, seeing only a gust of dust trailing through the air. Whoa, the Gatekeeper said. What the hell is your Class Specialization? Was that supposed to be Celestial Fire? I had a whole bunch of people try and I am going to check the rest of the premises personally. If I find things to be acceptable, I will conduct the transaction directly. DirectI I have the Sins. Do not worry. The glowing face just stared at him. Dude I wish I could give you a giant hug right now. II-27 Taking a Name (I) LAST CHANCE TO RESERVE A SPECIAL SEAT AT THE CHERUBS CORPSE BLOODGROUNDS. 10 challenges set by Mallageis, Count of Envy, and only one prize. Who will claim the Mirrored Helm? Find out for yourself. Sign the contract. Join the tourney. Risk your life to build a true legend, and rise beyond your station with an artifact without peer. Or perhaps you are more connoisseur than gladiator. If so, watch the fights, with countless preliminaries leading up to the midnight event: Silt of Storms versus the Midnight Sage. Classed of the Claimed Hells against an Ascendant who rose beyond the constraints of their System on a backward world. Tasked with securing a betrothal for her mother and master, Silt of Storms stands against her Classeless foe in a classic duel over lust, for it is the Sages precious son that is the grand prize for this battle. Should he prevail, the marriage between the Sages son and the Countess of Gluttony will be annulled. But should the stage fall, then a new husband will be claimed by Selv Many-Wed. And more than just personal interest, the winner also stands a chance to earn votes of Significance cast by all loyal fans. Never forget: the chance to become Warmaster for the Invasion of Earth is open to anyone. If they have the wit, the might, the will Place your bids today and witness the outcome to this battle of clashing loves. -Bloodgrounds Advertisement II-27 Taking a Name (I) Wei and the others encountered no further gruesome surprises after dealing with the mangled abomination. Such was a small mercy on Mepheleons part. Even so, Paranoia was a hard thing to shake for the group. After suffering attack after attack for the past few weeks and still on edge with the recent assassination, the disciples gathered everything that could channel Essence and brought them to Wei for more in-depth examinations. As he made sure they were stable, Rafael set up a small-scale surveillance network by weaving some floating eyes from his ciphers. These so-called oculi could be accessed by anyone who a Class and an Aspect of Perception. The added security measures dotted the ceilings far above them to give a full overview of the Unblossomeds insides. Though this helped to assuage frayed nerves, the Oathbearers still constructed makeshift shelters and rooms, unwilling to occupy any of the still-standing structures. Roggi and his forgekin also created large metallic gates to block off the gaping wound Mepheleon and the Circle left in the structure. With all that done and no subterfuge detected, Wei paid the Gatekeeper, and found himself the bearer of a deed: One that marked him as the new owner of the Unblossomed. The moment 99,999,999,999 Sins left his Class, a new notification flashed across his vision, informing him of his new status as a landowner. Congratulations! You have gained territorial dominion over [The Unblossomed] a high-scale developmental zone in the Heights. Currently, your property spans 25 kilometers and possesses [0] Essence Core and [0] facilities. As such, its current rating is [Abysmal]. It is recommended that you visit the Gray Bazaar as soon as possible to renovate your new domain. You should start with a Lv. 0 Crude Essence Core to begin the process, and rent some laborer demons for use if you wish to perform any large-scale constructions. For more information, please schedule a consultation with a specialist Domain Designer using your Chat function. We hope your property can become a sanctuary of your darkest delights and that you avoid the ugly fate of its previous occupants. Thank you! The Gatekeeper said, receding through the ceiling as he sniffed. I thought I was never going to Im free. Im finally fucking free A day off after years of this Free Let me know if you need anything. Anything at all. You got my Class tag saved for your Chat menu, so Im gonna leave now Leave and Go anywhere I want Anywhere Wei barely noted the Gatekeeper as they slipped away. His attention rested on the stacks of cube-shaped houses the Oathbearers built around where the abomination used to be. The mangled nightmare of flesh had been reduced to ash, but even so, they sealed the space it once occupied beneath a large dome. No sense in risking anything. His disciplesexhausted from all they experiencedwere permitted to find their rest. Some of the braver ones stole mattresses or whole bed frames from the Inheritors houses, but most made do with what the Oathbearers provided them. Even after Ellenas speech and the unified display of camaraderie earlier, Wei could tell they were spent. He understood. The Claimed Hells was a ravenous beast that took and took and so rarely gave anything back. But that was going to change soon. Wei would see to it. There was much he had to do if he wanted to see the Drowned Sky Sect resurrected and ascended to heights his mother and former masters could have never dreamed. He would begin by spending more of his Sins on the disciples. There was a time to endure harshness and train ones resolve, and there was a moment to rest and recover through pleasure and tranquility. Indeed, his Shell said. And a unique opportunity presents itself. We need to find out more about the Blackwind Sage. The Bloodgrounds is a place of sport. Brutal, fatal sport, but sport nonetheless. It will be worthwhile to bring your sect to the bout tomorrow. Something that can help us reach multiple ends. It will help your disciples understand you better, it will grant you a moment with an Ascended Elder from our world, and it will let you see the quality of adversary you will soon be facing when you take a name for yourself and become the Vanguard of the Claimed Hells. I will see about obtaining seating. With only a day, the openings might be tight. The Shell chuckled. This is hell, Wei. Remember what Master Ziyi taught us. All hearts can be bent when you find their want. We have wealth right now. Enough to be considerable if Rafael is correct. We can use that to our own endsbuy seats from existing patrons if necessary. Right. Wei. Ellenas voice pulled the young master out from his ruminations, he turned to see her, Agnesia, Rafael, Roggi, and the other Oathbearers standing right behind them. A short walk away, a near-ruined mansion loomed, three enormous gashes splitting its wings asunder. You said you wished to speak with us when everything was finished? Yes, Wei replied. I wish to discuss our future. Our future? Agnesia said, raising an eyebrow. Why does that sound so bloody ominous to me now? Because it should, Wei said. But I wish to have this talk somewhere private. There are things I want you to know first. Things that I do not want unseen eyes or drifting ears to hear. Rafael. Can you perhaps create a secluded area using ciphers? There isnt the need, my friend, Rafael said, turning to stare at the mansion. There is a room we can use here. One inside the mansion. And it is safe, Wei asked, dubiousness lining his tone. Its practically its own dimension with all the ciphers lining its walls. I managed to reconnect and update a few of its signs when putting up the oculi earlier. It should be perfect for private discussions or as a place to plan. I see, Wei breathed. Well, then. Let us see this place. The Inheritors have taken much from us. It is about time they gave something in return. *** Rafael led the group into the mansion through one of the many gaping chasms left in its structure, and then guided them along a curving marble staircase. With a good portion of the wing outright obliterated, Wei could tell there were once two sets of staircases curving along the wall in a U-shape. But the other stairs were little more than rubble and dust now. But he might just be able to reconstruct what was lost using his fire. Something to test later. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. As they got to the second floor, Rafael showed them a hallway with most of its right walls sheared away. Picture frames littered a walkway of cracked marble, and at the far end was a massive set of brown, wooden doors. A slight crack horizontally across their middle, but aside from that, they were relatively unscathed from the general devastation inflicted on this place. When Rafael flung open the doors, Wei saw the space inside entirely untouchedprotected by the ciphers in some way, he guessed. The room was characterized by a table of mahogany enmeshed with bits of flesh. Human flesh. Rotting faces were cluttered the topside of the desk, while a large leather chair shadowed the space behind it like a throne. The air was thick with a pungent cologneand Wei realized he was familiar with the smell. He had tasted in the Hearted Realm. Seever. Seever had been here before. This place reeked of his taste. Omniscience > 49 [31/100] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Looking up, a golden chandelier swung back and forth, basking the room in near-blinding radiance while on the ceiling, a blue-eyed man wearing a navy-colored suit and a strange hat winked down at Wei. The walls to the sides had depictions of two women. On one side was a blonde haired lady with a beauty mark holding her white dress down while standing over a vent. The other was a short-haired brunette that had a peculiar shape about her face. Rafael introduced them as Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Audrey Hepburn respectively. Apparently, they were famous artists some time ago on Earth. Interesting characters. Wei wondered if he would ever get the chance to meet them at some point. With their surroundings secured and with a flick of his wrist, Rafael closed the door and assured Wei that they were completely sealed from outside contact now. Indeed, when the young master tried to access his Chat function, it only worked with those present in the room. Something about the ciphers thinning the Essence flow. Reassured of their security, Wei went over all he had learned from the Lodge, his newest System Ascension, and told them about his task to overcome the seven contenders from the rival Circles to ensure he was going to be Hells Vanguard for the invasion of Earth. He also told them about his duel with his father and the battles he experienced in the Tower of Possibility thereafter. Finally, he revealed to them the deception he and Bishop performed to make it seem as though he was an independent agent. The only thing he didnt speak in depth on was Earth. His own intentions for the world. How he wished to seize it for himself, it only to spite the Inheritors. He wasnt sure how Rafael might take such a thing, and the more Wei thought of his desire, the more he found himself wondering how he was going to achieve such a thing. So, you beat your da in a duel, Agnesia said for the third time. And then took him as a slave? Yes, Wei replied, slightly annoyed. Yes, I did. Do I need to show him to you? Hes in my Inventory. No, Agnesia replied, seeming uncomfortable. Its just you dont have a problem doing that? Wei really didnt want to think about it. He helped destroy my world. He deserves worse than I can inflict. But words unspoken remained: It did gnaw at him. No matter how much he hated his father. The girl wanted to continue, but Ellena held out a hand and stopped her daughter with a sympathetic look. So, these challengers, Rafeal said. You are to best each one of them? Or recruit them, Wei answered. The most important thing is securing their Significance and ensuring I and the Drowned Sky Sect become Hells Vanguard for the coming invasion. The Lodge will be helping from the shadows. But their separation from us is to all our mutual benefits. It allows us to flirt with the Circles. Get deeper and manipulate them from within. So you say, Rafael muttered. But one must take heart: Playing unfaithful games requires a cold heart and a colder mind. Many who desire to play the field find themselves alone after being cucked instead. Wei stared at the lich, unable to parse their wisdom. What? Youre too young, Rafael replied with a dramatic sigh. Powerful. But young. You do not understand. And hopefully he never will, Ellena snapped, shooting the lich a disgusted glare. Sir Wei, I think it is truthful to say that we find ourselves as wildcards in a nest of intrigue. More aptly, you are the wildcard and we are your associates. But this places us in a precarious position. Though my time with the Harbinger was brief, he told me things about the Circles, about how the Kings of each would do anything to secure power for themselves, use any means, exert any influence. You think they will press us, Wei replied. That they will use their influence to break our sect before we become a contender. It is the most likely outcome, Ellena said. Upstart political forces are usually forced into the fold or eradicated entirely. Wei almost sneered at the thought. If they thought it would be so easy, then they were courting death. I am certain they will try. But I will see them turned to our benefit. And I will see us in a position of power before this week is even over. Yeah? Hows that? Agnesia asked, curious. The Bloodgrounds. I do not know much about the Claimed Hells yet, but I am reasonably certain of this: If I can best a sufficiently powerful foe, all of their glory and momentum will be mine to wield. And there is an opportunity tomorrow. An even I wish for our entire sect to attend. The one with the other cultivator? Agnesia said. Yes. I will see about ensuring our attendance. I want to meet the Ascended Elder, but also see just how capable our foes in Knight-Tier are. It took a demonstration of exquisite mastery for me to overcome the Celestial Vanguard, and I am curious how the Circles compare. Not nearly as bloody impressive, is my guess, Agnesia snorted and then glared. Say, why is it that you end up wandering off and coming back with a new and incredible Class Specialization while the rest of us have to enjoy scraps. Wei just stared at Agnesia. Because even if opened the portal to the Tower of Possibility right now, you likely lack the skill to succeed. The girl jaw opened slightly in outrage. You That, and youre not at the level yet. But do not worry. I will see you trained. She closed her mouth and a flash of excitement ignited behind her gaze. You will? Yes. You and all the other disciples. I will show you the fundamentals of what was taught to me. And I will see you all made greater than the limits of your Essence Levels. Yes, Agnesia chirped. Ellena shot her a soft smile and then her eyes widened. Wait, the former queen asked. By other disciples Everyone, Wei declared. We share an education. In ciphers. In combat. In knowledge. We will act as each others masters. Ellena looked slightly uncomfortable at the thought of that. Been meaning to speak with you about your Class Specialization too, Roggi grunted. He held his rotting wings close to his body as he spoke. Wei. I know I already swore myself to your service for what youve done, but Agate took over. Youve got the Hymn of Creation, now. The songs of victory and destruction within your spirit. The Creator has chosen you. Has blessed you with his divine flame. It werent chance that we met each other, Stalag said. The often quiet Oathbearer spoke with clear convictionhad also removed his helmet at some point to meet Wei face to face. Its part of the Grand Symphony. The Celestial Vanguard told you about what the Trine was to become. Well. When they become the Harminous One, they will begin singing a hymn that will see the Creator resurrected, and the Unfallen banished from the realms of light. And we were sworn to see them delivered to a gate. A gate beyond the reach of the Unfallen. The last arch before we arrived at Preceptors Descent, Wei said. Aye, Roggi said. We would have never been able to do this without you. And though you honor us, I was ashamed. We were ashamed. We were made for one purpose. And we failed. Would have failed without you. But now I am no longer ashamed. Now I see what you are, see that youre worthy of flame and song. As one, the Oathbearers knelt, and the room shook under their considerable bulk. Composer of the Highest Flame, we greet you as unworthy instruments. Whatever you will, whatever you decide, we will give all we have to see it done. Such is our oath to the Creator, so is our oath to his champion. Wei was without words. The rest of the group was speechless as well. Shaken by the declaration, the young master shook himself from the stupor and saluted Roggi and the Oathbearers. You honor me again. All I need from you is continued support and He thought about Nils. It is not what I need from you right now, but what I can do for you. Roggi. I will see if your body can be restored and your Class changed. It isnt Every member of this sect is my responsibility, Wei pressed. And where you are uncomfortable or weak is my personal failing. In fact Now the young masters attention was on Rafael. There is a gesture of forgiveness I wish to offer. He summoned his scythe, its blade glowing with monochrome light. As everyone flinched, he cleaved through the flesh-wood desk, destroying it in a single stroke. Concept Shard Obtained! He cut through the chair afterward, and took another shard as well. Aspect Advancement Available! Moment of truth, Wei muttered to himself. Rafael. He focused his power and fragment formed from concentrated Source drifted over to the lich. Tentatively, fearfully, Rafael took the fragment into his hands as it pulsed into his very being. This Rafael said. Wei felt it then. His Aspect Advancement vanished. Taken by another. A surge of light and darkness washed through Rafael. And something about the lich felt like it was more than before. The young master grinned. It worked? Yes, Rafael said, sounding awed. How did you why did you Because we would have failed many times without you. Because I would have never caught the assassin without you. Rafael. I understand why you ran before. And I forgive you. You have a duty to your home as well. But I need you. I need your aid and expertise. And need you with me so we can stop the Crossroads and Inheritors from taking Earth for their own. Rafael was silent for a moment, and then he gave Wei a nod. This might be the best apology I have ever received. Good. Because I intend to use these shards to start a bidding war, Wei said. If it works on your, then that means it will work on Counts Or greater. And I suspect its hard for the masters of hell to progress after so long And just then, Ellena saw Weis angle. This is potent. And dangerous. Wei grinned. And just so, it will be my means of ensuring every Circle does exactly what I want them to. Because there is no drug like easy power. II-28 Taking a Name (II) For certain worlds that exist under more freeform Systems, its possible to reach a point where your Essence Level goes beyond what your System can support. Usually, these Systems also have an Essence ceiling as well. This might be because the world is meant to be a tranquil world leftover by the Antediluveans or a special observation realm to see how the locals develop based on the existing limitations. Tied to the ceiling is an Ascension ritual: A means of transporting someone out of the realm theyve outgrown into a higher plane that can support their new potential. Certain realms were even created with this in mind, each with ceiling breached causing the local System to bestow upon them a means to cross the Source Phlogiston that encases most realms and arrive at a sister world with greater challenges. Some worlds, however, have a contingency instead. Instead of placing you somewhere else, it places you in a realm that intersects with almost everywhere else. The Claimed Hells isnt the worst place to end up, despite the name but Well, being Ascended usually just means youre a big fish for a very small, very limited pond. The Claimed Hells, meanwhile, is open water. -The Trespassers Compendium: Ascended II-28 Taking a Name (II) "Wait, so you''re telling me I can book the tickets to the Bloodgrounds and also watch the fights directly online through this... vision-jacking feature?" Wei asked incredulously. "Yes," Rafael replied. "It''s very convenient. It''s practically exactly the same as streaming. It''s a new addition Mepheleon made, in fact." "And what is streaming?" Wei said, tilting his head. "It''s like... imagine a network in which you can find anything you want. A magical library that shows itself to you through a screen. Well, your chat settings allow that to function directly through your class. And though I find the Harbinger a particularly loathsome figure, who am I to knock his search function? It might be the best I have ever encountered, no matter what world." "I see," Wei said. Slowly, he tested what Rafael told him, entering the words [Midnight Sage Fight, Blood Grounds, Cherub''s Corpse, Tomorrow Evening] mentally into his search bar. A few seconds later, only two contacts showed themselves. The first connected to a demon assistant managing sales for the Cherubs Corpse Bloodgrounds. The second was a scalper, a well-known local scalper that Rafael had told Wei to ignore. Apparently, the scalper was notorious enough to appear in the Trespasser''s Compendium multiple times. As soon as Wei sent a message to the demonic assistant, he received an immediate reply, and after a brief exchange of messages, he found himself 80,000 Sins poorer. What he got in exchange were 47 executive view platforming tickets and a special VIP package that included arranged transport for his entire sect come dawn, infinite refills and access to the buffet, along with an in-person greeting with the contenders for the main event. It was the last thing that truly interested Wei. Getting to speak to the Midnight Sage would be most enlighteningthough the blackness in their shared history made the young master a bit anxious as well. After that, he explored the sight-jacking feature and found himself further amazed. Apparently, all one needed to do if they wished to view the fight remotely was rent one of the flying demons in the arena. After that, the assistant would link your Perception into the rented demon and use it as some manner of remote spyglass. The concept alone was novel and amazing to the young master. If his home had this, it would have revolutionized everything. For all the horror provided by the claimed hells, there was also an equal amount of wonderment. "Now try not to seem too amazed," Rafael said, a hint of scorn in his voice. "Everything you are experiencing right now, these technologies and ideastheyre mostly stolen from Earth. Mepheleon is a thief with no respect for intellectual property rights. You can tell this by how willing he is to do business with a group of dogs who would pimp out their own mother if you offered them the right kind of gemstone." "Are you talking about the Crossroads?" Wei asked. "Of course, Im talking about the Crossroads. Who else could I hate more than them?" The relationship between the young master and the lich had changed. After Wei handed Rafael an Aspect Advancement Shard, the air between them had lightened, becoming almost jovial. Gone was the constant apprehension with the lich. Previously, Rafael had been reliable, though a cloud of tension lingered between thema lingering result of the damage Wei left. The new change in dynamic pleased Wei, but also surprised him. Rafael made for good companyand offered novel insights. As the others retreated to their own quarters out of more mental lethargy than physical exhaustion, Wei and Rafael stayed in the trespassers office. The lich taught him ciphering basics while also going through excerpts and key entries from the Trespasser''s Compendium. It helped that neither of them particularly needed restone being Sourceforged and the other a cognitive construct bound to a skeletal body. As the Oathbearers continued clearing away rubble and fortifying walls around their inner community, and as Ellena spent some private time with her daughter, Wei learned much from the lich and found him a most peculiar master. He wasnt harsh like Master Wuren or strange like Master Mouze. No, Rafael was impossibly patient, easily distracted, and also approached problems from the strangest of angles. He could go from patiently explaining the fundamental way two circuits connected, a similar set of signs for working, to wildly cursing when the words "economy" and "trickle down" were mentioned. Furthermore, he used the words "Argentina" and "failed state" a lot, making Wei realize that the Trespasser wasnt particularly fond of his former home. Time slipped away as lich and cultivator communed, and by nights end, their shared efforts had reaped great dividends. After carving sign after sign and binding it using a complex weave of circuits, Wei learned how to make one of the lichs floating eyes. In return, he broke a few more Essence-infused objects to provide Rafael a full restoration of Aspects damaged weeks prior. Cipher Pattern Mastered! >Create Oculus: Allows you to create an Oculusa remotely callable eye tied to your Aspect of Perception. This working requires an external power source (light, kinetic energy, electricity, etc.) to sustain itself. It must also be bound to a source of Perception. Aspect Advancement Shards: [6] Concept Core shards: [1] As night came to an end, Wei found himself glad to have Rafaels company. It was preferable to being alone, and it distracted him from looming concerns. His aid will be reliable, the Shell whispered. Take heart to learn all you can from him. But also to shape him to your cause. There will come a time when he is made to choose between the Drowned Sky and the cultivators. Of this, we both can feel. In no time at all, night turned back to day, and Weis Class registered a full cycles completion with a quiet beep. Outside, the massive core that constituted Mepheleons spirit rose over the horizon and glared brightness upon the land. And so it was time. Today was the day that the Drowned Sky Sect made their formal entrance into polite societyor at least whatever passed for such things in the Claimed Hells. But before they left, there was one more problem: After spending all this time with Rafael, Wei realized he still didnt know most of the names of his disciples. And so the lich encouraged him to be personable. To engage with his disciples. Thus, as the others began to filter out from their temporary homes, Wei stood there, arms behind his back, with Rafael by his side, waiting to greet them. An awkward assembly was formed as Wei addressed his Drowned Sky Sect with the arrival of the second day. Most of them looked weary still. It seemed like a few of them hadnt managed sleep at all, and there was still a lingering wariness clinging to them at all times. This couldnt continue. Wei needed to fashion warriors from them, but to do that, he needed to build rapport. Earn respect. "There will be changes in the near future," he declared. A few worried glances were exchanged among the group. "Good changes," Wei added quickly. "As you might have noticed, the Claimed Hells have been trying to kill us. Our enemies are many. Their dangers, even more so." A snort came from the Shadow Archer, the only survivor of Sir Angeleouss troops. "No shit," the man murmured. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Wei looked around. There was indeed no shit. The Oathbearers did a stellar job cleaning up the rubble was well. Rafael leaned in close. "He means it is obvious." "What?" Wei asked. "No shitit is a euphemism." Wei didnt understand why such a thing would use the words "no shit," but he shook his head and moved on. I see. You. Wei pointed to the Shadow Archer. Whats your name? The Shadow Archer froze and after a moments hesitation said: Garret. Garret Losleid. Former Bowmen under the Radiant Will. "Good. Good. Glad to finally learn your name. First, I wish to establish better relations with all of you. I realize now that I have neglected furthering our bond while we were in the clienteles. I intend to correct this mistake now." A series of accepting nods and murmurs sounded. "I will do this by training you. I have seen how many of you fight and it pains me to stand next to you after seeing your performances. At that, Rafael suddenly turned, staring at Wei. The young master noticed Ellena shared the same response. She was shaking her head, her brows furrowed in warning. Wei paused for a moment, then took his disciples in. A lot of them were decisively unamused. A few looked even a little depressed. "I was only trying to tell the truth," Wei said, speaking to Rafael using a Chat message. "Well, sometimes the truth is like a fist up the asshole, Wei," Rafael replied. "Yes, it knocks the shit aside, but the knuckles are an acquired taste on ones folds, and some will never get used toC" "Rafael." "Yes?" "I forbid you to ever use that metaphor for anything ever again." "Of course. Certainly. But you get my point." Wei cleared his throat and addressed the disciples again, trying to pivot and adjust his approach. "But this is my fault as well," he declared, trying to right the course of the conversation. "I have not taken an interest in your backgrounds or your lives. I should understand that not everyone was fortunate enough to be born a cultivator. Some of you might even been from poorer bloodlines by no fault of your own. Rafaels head tilted forward. He let out a grunt. Wei eyed the lich. Are you well? "I feel a pain in my gut," Rafael murmured. Wei stared at the lich. "But you dont have a gut, Rafael." "It is psychosomatic." Wei didnt really know what psychosomatic meant but it sounded terrible. "Do you need to find a healer?" "No, it will pass as soon as this conversation ends. Please, continue. It will be good for me. It will be good for everyone." Wei turned back to his disciples, offering Rafael a final worried glance. "Regardless, every morning as the sun begins to rise, we will train. This will begin tomorrow. I wish to gauge each of your skills and specializations." A hand rose from the disciples. Wei stared. "Yes?" Mira Nocturne, the elf he saved from the Hearted Realm of Greed, gave him a lazy smile. "Well, thats nice, your masterfulness, but how are you planning on doing that? "By challenging you all to a series of duels." Open terror consumed his gathered disciples. Only Agnesia pumped her fist, excited at the prospect of facing Wei. The young masters Pale Fang manifested in his hand with a searing fracture of light, its spectral edge gleaming ominously. A splash of light washed over his disciples, earning a chorus of curses as most of them shielded their eyes from the flare. "Through my newly evolved Specialization," Wei said confidently, "your wounds will be temporary. I will make sure not to kill you. Perhaps there are even those among you who possess skill capable of frustrating me." "Is it too late to find another bloody place to commit myself to?" the Shadow ArcherGarretmuttered under his breath. "Yes," Wei replied sharply. "Next question. Any next questions?" Another hand rose, tentatively. It was the orc chef. Gazgul, Wei thought his name was. With beads of sweat rolling down his dense slab of a nose, he stared nervously at Wei. "So, uh... Im a chef, right?" he said, pointing to himself as though Wei might have forgotten. The young master humored him, nodding along. "Yes." "Uh... most of my skills and invocations have to do with baking and cooking. Im not sure how good I am in a fight." "Then we will discover tomorrow together," Wei replied firmly, as though the matter was settled. The orc shivered. Ellena cleared her throat loudly, cutting in. "What Sir Wei wishes to say," she began, her voice tinged with a diplomats precision, "is that he wants to see you all capable of defending yourselves." Her tone carried a severe concern, something Wei struggled to emulate. He felt a flicker of envy. "This, too, is something you must learn," she continued, her calm words slicing through the orc chefs trembling nerves like a blade. Wei clenched his fists, determined to study the former queens approach. "Morning training sessions will be good for all of us," she added. "It will not be pleasant. That is not what I am saying, nor, I think, is it what Master Wei wishes to say. But if we are trained, if we are strengthened"her voice grew firm, reverberating with authority"then perhaps we will be victors instead of victims in this place." "Victors instead of victims..." the orc chef muttered, looking down at his hands. "If thats what it takes to do my cooking and baking in peace. "Do whatever I can to bloody survive this place," the Garret agreed, his voice carrying an uncharacteristic edge of hope. Wei frowned, his pride prickled. Victors instead of victims. Why hadnt he thought of that? "Because your speechcraft is nowhere near mastery," the Shell said internally. "Hurry up. I need a new helmet." As Ellena finished, Wei nodded to the lich and Rafael addressed the group. "And after you''re done with combat training," the Lich interjected, "I will show you all the way of High Art." He cut the air with a quick gesture, and from his fingers, a glowing sphere of energy materialized. The radiant orb bathed the group in soothing brilliance, prompting a series of awe-filled oohs and aahs from the disciples. Weis jealousy flared harder. "Unlike those of you who are combat-oriented," Rafael continued, "everyone can be a master of workings. All it takes is attention to detail, a little bit of creativity, and an open understanding of the world." The Lich paused for effect, then added slyly, "Also, we must talk about market theories and why the Crossroads are never to be trust "Aside from this," Ellena interrupted, her authoritative tone returning, "we will be compiling a shopping list. I understand many of you have lost items in the past few days or are lacking critical components for your class. We will be heading to the Grey Bazaar at some point this week. Worry not about what you needsimply put it on a piece of paper or tell me directly, and all that we can obtain shall be obtained once we venture to the markets." A rousing cheer erupted from the group. Wei stood back, confused at the enthusiasm. They liked the idea of shopping and learning from Rafael, but when it came to sharpening their combat skills, they were filled with dread? "Not everyone has the constitution to defy the heavens," the Shell whispered softly. "Yes," Wei agreed, his voice laden with regret. "Truly a pity." Just then, Wei received a message, a notification that their transport had finally arrived. Well. Today, life would be easy for his sect, for they were off to a coliseum of epic proportions to mingle, dine, and witness the other warriors of hell face each other. And as Wei intended to fight in the Bloodgrounds, it would give him perspective as well. "Everyone," Wei said, his tone suddenly brighter, "it is time we head to our scheduled event. "Fucks sake," the Shadow Archer grumbled. "I was looking forward to lounging around here. What madness are we being dragged into now?" "Madness indeed," Wei replied. "It is time for us to make our formal entry into the Claimed Hells." He paused for effect, savoring the moment. "The Bloodgrounds. There will be a bout scheduled later. I wish to see the caliber of our foes, and I wish to meet a potential old" Wei hesitated, searching for the right word, "peer of my mothers." "Worry not about the expense," Wei continue. "I have procured tickets for everyone. Today will be a day of festive revelry. Let your hearts roam as you so desire, and take in the splendors of combat." A hand shot up again. It was the orc chef. "Master Wei!" the Gazgul blurted, voice trembling. Wei nodded, his jaw tightening. "Yes. What is it? "So... I have a thing where Im kind of afraid of blood, and I dont like violence." Wei stared at the Orc, the words landing heavily but not quite making sense to him. Silence lingered, awkward and heavy, as Wei struggled to internalize the concept. After a long pause, Rafael nudged him gently. "Wei, are you alright?" "Yes, yes," Wei stammered, blinking out of his stupor. "Im sorry. What do you mean, youre afraid of violence?" "I dont like it when people hurt each other," the Orc explained. "It makes me scared. Thats the reason why I fled from my warband." Wei stared at the orc and nodded slowly, as if trying to process the foreign concept. "Well, that is... Im sorry about your disability." A groan escaped Rafael. Ellena buried her face in her hands. "But at the end of this day," Wei continued with renewed determination, "there will be blood and violence enough that you will likely become more immune to it. A whimper came from Gazgul. "Yes," Wei said firmly, "you wont be making those noises anymore. You can thank me later. But now, let us go. I wish to see what the Claimed Hells have to offer." Once more, they embarked. When the Oathbearers unsealed their makeshift gate, Wei noticed his Trespasser neighbors retreating into their homes meters away from the bottom of the stairs leading to the former consulate. They were clearly doing all they could to avoid him. He was fine with that. In fact, Wei quite preferred it this way. For now. When the time came, he would see about expanding his current home as well. There must be a way he could persuade the Earthborn infesting this area to leave or join him. Suddenly, a shadow passed over the sky, and Wei received another notification that his arranged transportation was landing. Down from the sky came a massive spinal column clutching a set of passenger cabins. A set of wings flapped behind the column, but Weis Enlightenment also helped him notice that the spine was made from a strange alloy he wasnt familiar with. It wasnt bone. On the top side of the demonic spine, the words Spinal Limo glowed. Spinal Limo Lv. 55 As the limo landed, its doors flipped open before Wei and the others. Dont worry, Rafael said. The oculi will ensure no one slips in while we are away. Good, Wei said, though he still felt a bit paranoid, but that couldnt be helped. Not after all he survived. Well, disciples. Were off, then. It is time we see the caliber of foes arrayed against us and how an Ascended Elder without a Class faces against one of Mepheleons empowered Sinners. II-29 Taking a Name (III) There are two theaters of battle being waged at the Bloodgrounds at all times. The first is obvious: battles between duelists, challengers, and sinners who enter the Bloodgrounds to claim glory through violence. The other, however, is far more insidious: the benefactors and patrons who use these warriors as tools for their own ends. There is great glory in possessing a Knight with immense promise, or displaying a Prince that can flatten entire continents. But that is naked power, and it works hand-in-hand with subtler interests and influence. Understand where you stand in the grand scheme of things and apply your pressures carefully. There''s no point in being powerful if you cannot control your own fate. -The Trespassers Compendium II-29 Taking a Name (III) Wei and his sect soared through the air, merging with the stream of traffic around Cherub''s Corpse at blinding speed. Unlike the Crawler they had used before, the limousine they had summoned could traverse freely, flying wherever it desired. There were no formal traffic laws in the Claimed Hells, but everyone adhered to an unspoken order. Simply flying out of course and striking another vessel in the air was a surefire way of being sued by a Demon of Law. The spinal limo dipped, merging with a dense stream of other demons as they proceeded deeperlowerinto the bowels of the den. Clustered buildings topped by massive platforms holding smaller residences were the norm here. Once again, the mushroom camp theme was prevalent throughout, but this time the sprawl revealed itself even more dramatically to Wei. As they soared over the open streets, his skull pounded. His Enlightenment was sufficiently powerful enough to resist the headache, but still, he felt overwhelmed. There were so many hereso many with incredibly diverse powers, specializations, and essences. It was like drowning in a miasma of clashing flavors, and in the middle of it all, Wei stood alone. His disciples chattered among themselves, each of them taking in the sights and giving their own insights. Agnesias eyes were wide, disbelief, and wonderment painted across her face. Ellena had no desire to marvel at the scenery. A pensive expression darkened her features, and Wei could see the weight of her thoughts. He considered approaching her for conversation but decided against it. She deserved her own time to reflect. After all, she had suffered. As they flew, Rafael and Rogi provided running commentary on the den''s many flaws. Apparently, Rafael was concerned with something called health and safety violations. Rogi, meanwhile, found it inefficient to have rows of staircases lining the exteriors of buildings without railings. As they drew closer to the Bloodgrounds, Wei saw the arena rise above the other buildings. The structures here were smaller, their heights diminishing compared to those they had passed. The urban design gave way to a flat sprawl of jagged, tooth-like buildings surrounding an intricately patterned garden. Each section of the garden was bisected by a wide thoroughfare, leading directly to one of the Bloodgrounds'' many entrances. Along these thoroughfares walked tides of peoplemore people than Wei had ever seen in one place. The pressure building in his cranium grew, but it was more manageable now. "Behold the fruits of your strength," the Shell said. "Tread on. Earn more of your masteries. Demonstrate to this world who you are, and endure. Rise beyond this weight. Rise beyond this entire realm, until nothing about it troubles you any longer." The world settled into Wei like a growing foundation. In the distance, he heard horns and the pounding of heavy drums. With each basso beat, his resolve hardenedironclad. They flew over the ever-moving crowds, joining the procession of other limos and high-level demonshigher level, anyway. The Bloodgrounds spanned a massive ten kilometers but plunged even deeper into the ground, disappearing into the bowels of the den. From above, he caught a glimpse of the audience stands. Each one was already overflowing with people, but there was a faint shimmer in the air, a pulse of spatial essence that told him things were not as they seemed. Even a ten kilometer structure would be hard-pressed to contain all the people he saw entering, after all. It had to be more than meets the eye. The uppermost section of the Bloodgrounds housed thousands of platforms for aerial demons to drop off passengers. Encircled by glowing ciphers, each platform was tended by a legion of suit-clad demons. As Weis limo drew in close, he noted that they also possessed golden hooks in the place of heads. Arena Attendant Lv. 24. As the limo landed, one such demon came forth and pulled open their door. Wei felt the demons specter scan him with its Perception. "Master Wei and entourage, correct?" "Correct," Wei replied. "Very well. We understand this is your first time at the Blood Grounds. Please, follow me. I will lead you to your reserved viewing platform." A ripple of excitement coursed through Weis companions as they disembarked. They were clearly pleased with the treatment. "So this is how it feels to be a bloody noble?" Garret the Shadow Archer asked, a smirk tugging at his lips. Wei didnt reply. This sort of attention wasnt new to himhe had spent his entire life as a young master. Even so, it was satisfying. It fed his ego. Perhaps that is why these demons belong to the Circle of Pride, Wei thought. As the sect departed, the Spinal Limo rose back into the air of its own accord and joined merged into the dense air traffic without difficulty. Wei watched it sail away and noted some Sinners flying through the air themselves. They were Count-Tiers if the pressure radiating from their spirits could be trusted. Weis excitement grew. He remembered the Count of Pride. The young master wondered how the Celestial Vanguard would far against the Old Man or someone of his caliberhow Wei himself might fare now. They were still far more powerful than him, but there was a focus sharped into his beinga honed edge after all the battles he fought. He wanted to see. He wanted to experience. And he was in the right place. He didnt expect to be just a spectator for long. The Arena Attendendant led them away from their landing platform down a nearby set of stairs. They waited for another group of fifty Sinners to descend first, and Wei noted each of them wore matching sets of silver armor and bull-shaped masks. All of them were Knight-Tiers, and Wei read a crushing anxiety from their posturetheir muscles bundled tight as if they were marching to an execution. A minute after they went, the Arena Attendant led Wei and his disciples onward. Theres so many people here, Agnesia breathed. All kinds of people too. All this power its Suffocating, Ellena finished for her daughter. Agnesia looked to her, and the former queen reached out with a comforting hand. I understand. The time I spent with the Harbinger was like being ground under a mountain. Mother, Im I told you yesterday, little spark, its not your fault. It was none of your faults. We can all only do so much. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. The Shell materialized behind Ellena. She lies to give you peace. Peace you do not deserve. When you looked upon her, gaze at the scar lining her neck first. Know she is only here because of a higher powers favor. A trembling roar echoed through the dense walls by their sides. The crowds were cheering deep below; jeering; stomping their feet. The fights were on, and the thrill was high. Ahead, Wei saw an active Spatial Rift pulsating before them. Their staircase led straight into its open maw, with no path leading anywhere else. "As you have reserved an exclusive viewing pod, we ensure that you do not need to mingle with the more standard rabble," the Arena Attended elaborated, as if sensing Weis thoughts. It brought them before the portal and gestured for them to proceed. Wei hesitated, narrowing his eyes at the demon. "Apologies," he said carefully. "Recent events have engendered a sense of paranoia in me. I would prefer it if you demonstrated the safety of this mechanism." The Attendant was unbothered by the request. Without argument, it stepped through the rift. A second later, as Weis Omniscience detected no anomalies, he followed. Darkness swallowed him, only to spit him out a moment later into a wide, sphere-shaped room. The chamber spanned some forty meters in diameter, with a ring of sofas fused into its walls. The floor beneath him was entirely transparent, offering an unimpeded view of the arena below. Wei was high above the grounds of the arenaa good hundred meters, or so it seemed. It gave him a wide view of the battlegrounda wide open plain beset by clashing storms. A lone fighter stood his ground against a dozen circling Horsementhe very same kind Wei fought when he first arrived. Dismembered corpses lay scattered around the sole survivor, and as ghostly arrows slammed streaked out, Wei judged this battle to be a close to a close. Just then, the rest of Weis sect were teleported into the room as well. They arrived with splashes of Spatial Essence, and each of them let out a yelp as they expected to fall. The orc chef in particular collapsed with an undignified whimper, requiring the sole Hivekin of the sect to pull him back to his feet. Heights! the orc moaned. Why! I hate heights! He appears to hate everything, the Shell stated disdainfully. You will need to spend substantial time fixing that one. Their odds of surviving the Claimed Hells lessens with each phobia they possess. The Oathbearers tapped lightly on the flooring using their boots. Each of them responded with curiosity rather than shock, discussing what kind of material the ground might be made of. Rafael, ultimately, had a choice statement about Weis decision to book an exclusive viewing platform. I hope that I do not offend when I say that I wish you got everyone standard entry tickets. What do you mean? Wei asked, curious as to why the lich thought this rather than offended. We are isolated. And likely invisible. Do you recall seeing the view platform while we were flying in? Wei considered that. No. Not over the arena. But I sensed a strange shimmering in the area. Perhaps a spatial distortion. Absolutely, the lich said. This place has a very well-made dimensional expansion field. Truly? I suspected something of the such. There were too many people flooding in for just a few rows of seats to accommodate all of them, even with how large the structure is. This design is meant to segregate the people from each other. It keeps us siloed. Your wealthit twists the world into a distorted version of itself. It is beneficial, yes, but the life of an average Sinner has now been lost to us. With his donation and your choice, we are cast among the elites. It blinds us. The young master studied his friend for a long moment. Is it the wealth that bothers you, or what people do with it? It is the temptations it offers. And the options it gives people to be the worst of themselves. Rafael paused. Or the best. But still. We are narrowed by our Sins. If I may, I wish to walk among the masses somehow. See what it is like to view the fight from the cheapest stands. Of course, Wei said. It will be good for us to gain perspective. Hearing their conversation, the Arena Attendant interjected. Should you wish to access the low-tier viewing stands, you may consult with me. I will see you dispatched and returned at your leisure. Wei noticed then that there was seemingly no other way out. We cannot navigate the Bloodgrounds under our own power? It will be extremely inefficient, the Attendant replied. The grounds are vast and complex in design. Furthermore, there are multiple fights happening at different points across the area. Right now, the open exhibition battles for new Sinners is coming to a close. Soon, the preliminary events will start. Those will run through the day, and by evening, the main duel will commence. I see, Wei said. As you have purchased the deluxe package, I will be responsible for ensuring your every need. Should you have a requestany requestI will do my utmost to see it done. This includes an infinite supply of free-flowing libations, specific meal orders involving cuisine from across the Fathoms, and other means of entertainment enhancements. Interesting. A sudden roar echoed through their viewing platform from the outside. Looking down, Wei saw two Horsemen pulling the last survivor in half by their arms and legs. Wei watched the Sinner scream, struggle, and tear apart in a spray of red and spilling entrails. The orc chef gagged. Agnesia blinked. So do people join these fights just to get themselves killed? she asked. A contract of mortal acceptance is usually signed, the Attendant said. But most fighters are sponsored agents. As such, many have a single use Resurrection Skill. The one who just died. Did they have that? Wei asked. No. KaevenKnight of LustSpecialization and party were unsponsored. That was the reason behind their participation in the open exhibitions: To gain a sponsor. Another life claimed for the masses pleasure, Rafael said with disgust. Wei watched as the Horsemen rode off with parts of the dead Knight-Tiers body, using it to paint the ground. I see. And these open exhibitionsthey can be joined by anyone. With the signing of the proper forms exempting the arena from all legal repercussions, correct. The Attendant nodded. And the more formal events? How do they work? Legalities must be discussed as well as a baseline. But events are myriad and there are no unified rules. The simplest event is a duel between two Sinners. When their lawyers are in agreement, they can set almost any conditions for a battle in the Bloodgrounds. Should they wish to host a more novel affair, it will require them to use their own Sins to set up proceedings and festivities. And of the main event tonight? For Silt of Storms vs. the Midnight Sage? This is a standard duel. The battleground will have a slot based format, allowing the audience to bid and change the conditions of the battleground once enough donations have been reached. Aside from this, it is a duel that ends only with true death. Such is what the legal bindings state. True death, Wei said. Stipulations on the part of the Midnight Sage, the Attendant elaborated. Understandable, Wei replied. That was a very cultivator thing to do. Time to accomplish one of his goals. Is the Sage open to guests right now? I selected the deluxe package mainly because it came with an opportunity to meet with the main contenders. Affirmative. Would you like me to message the Sages personal Attendant for details about their opening? Yes, Wei said. He considered his approach. And tell them that I am a cultivator as well. From Evernest. He might be interested to know that. Acknowledged, the Arena Attendant said. Wei watched as a thread of Essence zipped out from the demona splashed through the transparent flooring beneath them. There was something about the flooringabout what Rafael said. The young masters gathered his focus and sensed a strange displacement infesting the space nearby, but it was hard to grasp, the dimensionality eluding him in ways he couldnt fully understand. Omniscience Advanced > 49 [32/100] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension The Sage says he wants to meet with you, the Demonic Attendant declared. Immediately. The young master managed a grin. Good. Time to see just how impressive an Ascended Elder was. Good. Bring me to him as soon as possible. Wei turned to Ellena. Watch over the others. I shouldnt be too long. The former queen gave him a polite smile. Of course. Though, would you like to bring a second? Agnesia perked up at that. Id like to meet one of your Ascended Elders. Be interesting to see if others from your world are like you too. Though I wouldnt be against such a thing, I fear the meeting is only open to the individual that made the purchase, Wei said. Ill see if I can invite him over afterward. If we dont come to blows. Because of the whole sect conflict thing? she asked. Yes. That. Right. Well. Try not to kill him before his big fight, Wei. Agnesia grinned. Try not to kill the Midnight Sage, she joked. Her confidence in Weis abilities was heartening. Even with him uncertain as to his fellow cultivators capabilities. Hopefully not, Wei answered. Few enough of us cultivators as it remains.A Spatial Rift opened beside the demon as they held out a hand. A passage has been established. The Sage is waiting. Wei looked to his disciples. Wei addressed his disciples. Make merry and cast your worries aside. Drink, eat, and dont do anything to upset the quartermaster. Otherwise, youll answer to me. A series of awkward nods and coughs greeted Wei. Right. This was a work in progress. There were still getting used to everything. And he was trying to figure out how to be a decent patriarch. Wei stepped into the rift, eager to escape his disciples lingering gazes. Whatever surprises awaited with the Sage, he would probably be easier to handle than the anxieties of leadership. II-30 Taking a Name (IV) You can expect nothing and still be disappointed. -Ancient Evernest Proverb. II-30 Taking a Name (IV) Wei''s transition from the viewing platform to the Midnight Sage''s training ground came amidst a swell of swirling Spatial Essence. At once, another dimension expanded before him, spilling out in a rolling tide. His Omniscience grasped the entirety of his environment. Birds chirped. A vast, open view of dense greenery, spilling down the slopes of a many-tiered mountain, became the distant horizon for him. Wei found himself standing in the middle of a training yard filled with broken dummiesthe old kind found on Evernest. Home. Lanterns swayed above, dangling from rusted metal chains. He was inside a hollowed mountain redecorated to resemble a cultivator''s sanctuary. A still pond splashed behind him, while weapon and armor stands littered the space to his left. To his right, only a folded bedroll was propped against a table that held a small tea set. Two wooden stools were the only furniture here. It appeared the Sage was a man who lived frugally. Without distraction. Good. Wei could respect that in another man. But then two other points of interest caught his attention. The training ground was marred and marked with forceful steps, the kind of indentations a foot-cultivator might leave when practicing their footwork. Weis Omniscience gave him insight beyond what most mortals could fathom. There was something wrong about the faded footprintsan imbalance to the footwork. Like the Sage was trying to keep himself standing, grinding into the ground rather than flowing from place to place. Then, to the back of the cave, just a few steps away from the pound, was a veritable hill of alcohol. A chaotic hill of bottlesempty, half-full, and untouchedspilled across the ground. Beers, spirits, and liquors of every kind were tossed into the heap without care The young master stared. A second later, the Shell joined him. Neither one said anything. Perhaps he is of the West Drunkard Style, the Shell mused. "The Midnight Sage will be with you shortly," came a voice from behind Wei. He turned to see an Attendant, though it was not the same one that had sent him here. Wei offered the Attendant a polite nod but focused his Omniscience further, continuing to probe his surroundings. The tea was cold, but the stools retained a faint warmth, indicating recent use. Judging from a twin set of footprints, they left through the mouth of the cave. I can go out and greet him myself if that would be to his convenience, Wei said. Negative, the Attendant replied. The Sage will not appreciate a potential intrusion at this moment. Understood, Wei replied. But he didnt waste time idling. Instead, he immediately got to work refining his knowledge of last nights ciphering lesson. Rafael had spent the better part of the previous evening teaching him how to create an Oculus, and Wei wished to see if it worked as intended. Pulling out his Platonic Scalpel, the young master began carving. He traced the signs slowly, his Enlightenment ensuring his memory of Rafaels instructions was near perfect. A common mortal might have taken hours to trace all the intricate connections, but Wei finished the Reference Circuits with a flourish of strokes. In under a minute, the young master had created an Oculus. The glowing eye flared into being, licking up residual light to power itself, and as the was connected to his Aspect of Perception, it gave his senses another point of projection. "This is most pleasing," his Shell declared. It will be to our benefit if we can use this in tandem with my helmet. He spent some time controlling the Oculus around, willing it to fly around the space. It moved according to his whims, and when he released it, he found it idling in place. Rafael hadnt yet taught him how to carve logics into the construct to have it patrol on its own or adhere to a set of guidelines, but this was a good start. "Please do not attempt to spy on the Midnight Sage," the Attendant said flatly. "He will not appreciate that." "Of course not," Wei replied with a polite nod. "I am merely testing one of my new techniques. My working will not leave this cave." The attendant acknowledged this with a small nod, but as Wei spoke, he felt an urge to further push his capabilities. Placing the platonic scalpel back within his being, he drew it out again and let a gust of Divine Wind carry it away out from the mouth of the cave. It shot off, masked by the light, and Wei began performing a footwork drill, flowing from stance to stance as the winds danced around him, causing the celestial flames they carried to mask what he was doing. It required more of his focus to wield the scalpel using the essences he controlled, but he managed to summon a celestial gale that carried the cipher-inscribing instrument far into the distance. Seconds later, Weis Platonic Scalpel was 500 meters away, slicing over rolling green waves of descending treetops. As he continued practicing fundamental footwork drills, he began reconstructing another Oculus remotely. This time, it took him nearly four minutes, but the result was still a success. So much so that both his Omniscience and Enlightenment advanced twice. Enlightenment > 53 Omniscience > 51 [36/100] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension As he connected to the new Oculus, he discovered that it allowed him to explore the surrounding territory, extending his awareness far beyond the limits of his Omniscience. It truly is an extension of our gaze, the Shell proclaimed. However, as the Oculus flew upon the trees, Wei noticed that at around three kilometers, the environment looped back to where it was. And he rounded the space several times before understanding. This is a circular realm, Wei muttered. A sub-dimension. A few back on Evernest were capable of creating such spaces, but they seemed to be impossibly common in the Claimed Hells. He wondered how much Essence it cost to sustain such an environment. His thoughts were interrupted by a bout of noisewhat sounded like vicious arguing. A low, slurring voice interrupted by a pitched, sobbing one. Wei hesitated, considering his next steps, but curiosity prevailed over caution. He directed the Oculus to slip through the dense foliage, using the trees crowns to mask his approach. Wei moved with caution, approaching the disturbance slowly. Another benefit the Oculus had was how it barely gave off any spiritual resonancemade it harder to detect. "A path becomes clear to us," his Shell declared. "We can use the ciphers to enhance our active abilities. We already have a growing font of power; now we require greater finesse and a resource for deception." As Weis Oculus slipped out through the between a dense cluster of leaves, he found himself looking down at a man clad in dark cultivator robes leaning hard against the tree while a younger mansomeone Weis age, it seemedscreamed at him. Both shared similar featuresunkempt beards and incandescent, candle-like hair. But where the Sage was wore messy and barely stitched robes, the boy had a nice suit with a flower pinned on his right breast pocket. They were also contrasts of emotion. The Sage leaned against the tree, seeming resigned about something. The boy, meanwhile, was on the verge of a meltdown. Another difference was how Wei could sense the boys Class Specialization. Su Jian Tian Painter of Demons: Lv. 47. The Sage, however, lacked any specialization and only gave off an estimated Essence Level of Lv. 95. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. Only 95. Wei frowned. In the short time since his arrival in the Claimed Hells, he was already catching up to the Sage. How long had the Midnight Sage been here? Was he suppressing his spiritual power? Or was Wei advancing far faster, his System enabling him to achieve what others could not through Class alone? "Assume nothing," the Shell advised. "Listen. Learn. Understand. This is a den of lies, but between lies, there must be a foundation for truth. Deception is for one''s enemies, not oneself. Focus your perception. Use your senses. Listen to what theyre saying." Wei heeded the advice, funneling some of his free points into amplifying his Perception. Free Points: [50] Awareness > 667 The faint murmur of voices sharpened, becoming clearer. "You cant do this, do you understand me? I will not watch you die. I will not!" the Su Jian Tian cried. This is my fault! Mine alone! I will bear this burden. You are my son, the Sage said, his voice slurring. He reached out with a trembling hand, but the boy slapped it away, grabbing the older man by his collar. "Listen to me!" the boy shouted. "You spent my entire life telling me how much of a disappointment I was, how terrible I was at everything. And now you want to be my father? Now you want to save me from my own mistakes? I will not let you. I will not!" The Sages response was weak. He tried to slap the boy, but the blow was slow, sloppy. The boy easily dodged it, and the Sage toppled into the grass, slurring incoherently. Wei watched, stunned, wondering if this was an illusion or some elaborate deception for prying eyes. "This cannot be the Midnight Sage," his Shell declared, but Wei could not deny what he was seeing. The boy stood over his father, breathing heavily, his teeth clenched. "Its done," he said. "Im going to call this off. I will go to her and surrender myself. There are worse fates. I could be like mother. Or sister. This is done. I despise you. But you are still my fatherI will not watch you die. Suddenly, the Sage lunged, blasting off the ground and pinning his son to the tree by the neck. Jian Tian froze. Wei expected violencebrutalitybut though the Sages face twisted with fury, the moment passed. His expression broke, leaving only exhaustion. Awkwardly, tenderly, the Sage wiped the tears from the boys eyes. "I am no good father," he said, his voice low. "And you are no good son. But we are all we have of each other now. And if it kills meeven if you are forced to be..." He let out a disgusted snort. "A serpents concubinewe must give all that we have to deny our fate, to deny the heavens." The boy shook his head, tears spilling anew. "No, Father. I..." "It doesnt matter if you understand," the Sage interrupted, patting his sons cheek. "Thats the way its going to be. And it isnt up to you. Not while Im still your father. Not while you still belong to my sect." With that, the Sage released his son and turned away. The boy collapsed to his knees, sobbing quietly. I I will see this done. I will find a way. If it is possible, I will do you this one right, the Sage said. And then, a thread of Essence struck hima message. From the Attendant, Wei realized. Discomfort swelled in Weis chest as he realized he had intruded on something deeply private. Quietly, he dispelled his Oculus and returned his focus to the courtyard, kneeling, and pretending to meditate as the Sage made his slow, drunken way back. "It seems that everywhere we go, fathers fail their sons," the Shell remarked. Wei gave no response. He had no intention of thinking about William Yu. It took another ten minutes for the Sage to arrive. When he did, the stench of alcohol was stronger than ever. Wei clenched his fists, fury burning in his chest. Had this fool stopped to drink again instead of coming straight back? Had he forgotten all decorum? The Sage staggered through the mouth of his mountain home, swaying on unstable legs as he sang an off-key tune. It was a bawdy ballad about a literate man known as the Yellow Fox and his attempts to bed the Moon Maidenwhich ended with him sleeping with an ape somehow as the Moon Maiden was revealed to be an illusion. It wasnt an appropriate song to be singing in esteemed company. Or any company for that matter. Finally, he came to stand before Wei, taking him in with a crooked stare. Wei studied him in return, rising to his feet from where he knelt and offered a salute. Greetings, Ascended Elder. This one is Young Master Wei An Wei, come to bid you an auspicious outcome to your duel. "So," the Sage slurred. "Youre the one who claimed to be a Cultivator. Tell me, are you a... He hiccuped. Where are you from? Evernest, Wei replied, trying to remember if he already mentioned this earlier. The Sages expression softened, replaced by a flicker of grief. "Ah, yes, I... Youve heard of" "Yes," Wei interrupted coldly. "I survived it." The Sage sobered instantly. His eyes widened in shock. "You survived?" "Ascended right on time, eh?" The Sage let out a laugh, bitter and surprised. "The heavens must have smiled on you if you managed to make it off our world just in time. Well, more like the hells have mercy. Tell me, of what sect are you?" Weis winced. "Id rather not say." The Sage snorted. "It cant be that bad," he muttered. "Its not like youre one of those Drowned Sky bastards. Cant be worse." "Youre right," Wei replied slowly. "It cant be worse." The Sage paused as realization dawned on him. Wait youre saying Yes, Wei said, getting this out of the way. Quite so. A disbelieving chuckle escaped the Sages lips. "I cant believe it. Of all the people to escape our realms destruction, it had to be someone like you." "If its any consolation," Wei said bitterly, "everyone else is dead. Including all those I know and love." The Sage considered Weis words for a moment, then smirked. "Youre right. That is a consolation." Something inside the young master tightened. Oh, this meeting was inching ever closer to delicious bloodshed. It seemed he might find out of the Ascended Elders mettle one way or another. The Sage gestured for Wei to sit on one of the stools. "Come, come, then. Ive been a poor host so far. And if you are the scion of my most hated enemy, old customs must still be maintained." Wei hesitated, his thoughts clouded with anger and disappointment. But a cultivator was a cultivator, and there were so few of them in this place. He sat. He watched as the Sage grumbled, pulling tea leaves out from his own shadowsa technique accompanied by a Strange Essence Wei had never experienced before. Then, the Sage snapped his fingers, and shadows began to writhe within the teapot. Tendrils of darkness churned the water, heating it to a simmer. But Wei detected something elsea faint tinge of poison. "Poison?" Wei sneered. The Sage shook his head. "Not poison. Alcohol. In tea, Wei said, exploding up from his seat. This this is sacrilege! Sacrilege tastes good, the Sage grinned. Have you taken leave of your senses? Wei sputtered. Isis He pointed at the bottles. Are you just a drunk? Im also bitter and likely to die soon, the Sage replied. What was this? Wei expected to meet a champion cultivator, instead instead So.Tell me how your sect was destroyed. Spare no detail. Id like something to smile about before Silt cuts me down later. The outrage in Wei thinned to a finely refined hate. No. The Sage continued. How did the Matriarch die for that matter? Painfully? Humiliatingly? I remember her. I remember I had two brothers. Two brothers that she castrated and left defiled through her foul arts. Hung them outside our cave during the Yellow Sand Siege. I remember them calling out to me. His gaze met Weis. Did she ever tell you about that, boy? About who she was. I know who she was, Wei said, a drumbeat of roaring thunder building in Wei. And you mind your words. I came seeking guidance from an Ascended Elder and to offer due courtesy. You have done nothing but spit on my good will. I spit on the very notion of your existence, the Sage sneered. Still, reach poured a cup for Wei and shoved it over. I see her features on you. Her, and that lackey she decided passed for a breeder. So. Tell me, how ugly was her end. Weis insides were raw with building force. He needed to hurt this man. Needed to but he wouldnt be provoked into throwing the first blow. This was still the Heights. And there were rules. Rules that could be used against his foe. Tell me, Wei asked. What kind of concubine will your son become? Do you imagine that? About his fate when you embarrass yourself later. The hateful glee drained out of the Sages expression. Wei tested the mans speed. He snatched his cup up and flicked the water into the Sages face. To his surpriseand further disappointmentthe Sage was drenched. YouClittle A growl come from the Sage. Wei felt a twist of Essence burst out from the man. Please do not the Attendant could not finish its plea as a blade of darkness blasted out from inside it, spearing toward Wei. A disappointment, the Shell muttered in agony. This man is nothing Wei triggered his Empyreal Wrath. Celestial Fire blasted out from himcleaving through the shadowand at once the Sage cried, flinching away from the brightness. A mistake no cultivator should make. Wei hit him then. Lightly. Just a jab. The Sage failed to block ittook it straight to the nose. Cartilage broke. Blood splattered. The Sage toppled back, and for a few moments, both cultivators stared at each other, a sense of shock rising above it all. The Sages expressions flickered through several variations, but he finally clenched his teeth as Wei prepared himself for what was to come. He failed. The Sage started crying. Loudly. Violently. Like a child throwing a tantrum. He rolled on his belly and started begging. Spare me! Please spare mewait! He froze. How how you would like to fight in my place. I have there are things I can offer you! Sins! Favors. A pathetic gleam flashed behind his eyes. Any favor. Kill this man, the Shell begged. Please kill him. Wei could only stare on in disbelief. What are you I am going to die, the Sage wept. And my son is going to be sold off to a Countess of Hell! As a snakes concubine! Please! Please! Please save us! Save us, and I willI will give anything! II-31 Taking a Name (V) Came expecting a bloody grudge match that would end in heroic triumph or brutal tragedy. Ended up getting front-row seats to the birth of a new icon in the Claimed Hells. Worth every fucking Sin. -Review of Night at the Bloodgrounds: Silt v Sage II-31 Taking a Name (V) Failed to resist (Flabbergasted) with Aspect of (Ambition) The Sage begged. The Sage sobbed. The Sage pissed himself while clinging to Weis legs. Words flowed out from his babbling mouth as the final facade behind his false bravado was extinguished, showing the pathetic shadow of a cultivator that remained. He told Wei of his pastor tried to, anyway. The hyperventilation and constant crying made understanding things difficult. So many parts were unclear, interrupted by breakdowns, the words choking in his throat or lost entirely to his sobs. And through it all, the young master stared in disbelief, his mind unable to process the absurdity of the scene. His paranoia and nerves were razor-sharp, ready for the Sage to attack him again, anything to bring this absurd moment to an end. But the end didnt come. Instead, the Sage continued whimpering, and through his sobs, his supposed past became known to Wei. The Sage began with how he was granted a ritual, a means to depart their Evernest as the Drowned Sky Sect sought to sweep away what remained of the Black Wind Sages. He told him of accepting this ritual, of Everblossom roots bursting through the earth and forming a portal before him to a world with a higher Essence threshold. He fled across the threshold, abandoning his friends as his cowardice overpowered his loyalty. When he crossed to the other side, he felt himself inundated with an overload of essence. Simply becoming an Ascended Elder made one far more powerful, it seemedit made things easier to cultivate as well. Or so he thought. Apparently, it wasnt he who got stronger, but the spiritual environment becoming less restrained. Apparently, Evernest wasnt just a world where gathering Essence was difficult; it was also constrained, with several varieties of Essence limited and countless Concepts restricted. The first world the Sage crossed to wasnt the Claimed Hells, but rather a little-known realm called Istrah. It was a primitive world, even more so than Evernest. A place ruled by crude iron, kingdoms, and warring gods. For the better part of two years, the Sage stayed there. He even started a family, became something of a local hero among the Lances of Ordera group dedicated to defending the realm against invading demons and necromantic horrors. But all of that came to an end when the Claimed Hells formally invaded. Though he and the other Legends put up a fight, they were ultimately overwhelmed. Their cities were surrounded, their people kidnapped and funneled into the anchor cities, the environment stripped bare. Literally for the last part. Apparently, Mepheleon manifested as a large serpent, drank all the water, snorted their sun, started ranting about the taste being too tame, pulled all the natural minerals and ores from the land, hollowed the core of the planet, teleported all the good scenery awaytaking enormous chunks out of entire continentsand finally left them with less than nothing. A dying world. But unlike Evernest, Istrah was not destroyed outright. Instead, it was preserved, taken over, with the remaining territory sold to the Crossroads to use as a new experimental research domain. The active dungeons on Istrah were given over to the merchants, and soon, unnatural zones began to spread across the ruined expanse, and the husk of a realm was transformed once more. For a time, these Experimental Ur-Host Dimensions offered suitable conditions for living, operating as if dungeons turned outward. But from them came new horrors every day, and as the Crossroads reaped from them spoils, the locals that survived and refused to leave their home suffered. Suffered unless they submitted to a higher will, be that Mepheleons or the Circles. Despite the Claimed Hells initial brutality, they were more than willing to negotiate with the surviving Lance, giving them offers to join the Circles directly after witnessing their displays in battle. Twice shamed by losing his home and haunted by his previous act of cowardice, the Midnight Sage claimed that he stood his ground, that he refused the Circles offers, that he remained, as he always was, a Cultivator. But even so, honor had a limit, and his neighbors were not nearly as resilient as he. One by one, surviving heroes departed. Some signed themselves over to the liches, accepting roles as enforcers for a mission of eternal expansion. Others went into the Claimed Hells under Circle sponsorship. Those who held out started getting spirit-sicksuffering ghostly manifestations that drained their Essence Levels and couldnt be stabilized unless they underwent a ritual of lichification. Or so the Crossroads claimed. Those who accepted were fused into new bodies of bone, glass, or alloy. For their stay of death and new-blessed immortality, they incurred an astronomical debt that demanded sworn service. No different from slavery. Despite the disgust the Sages words imparted upon Wei, they gave the young master insight into why Rafael hated the Crossroads so much. While Weis own early experiences had been positive, it now seemed the merchants were cold devourers barren of ethical virtue. Eventually, even the Sage and his new family couldnt endure. The attacks were too much. Too many people were getting spirit-sick. And he had a new child on the waya young son to join his family of five. So, honor succumbed. For the second time, he abandoned his home and pride, calling out to old friends to grant him respite and sanctuary. They opened their arms to him, welcomed him to his new home in Preceptors Descent, and though the experience was nightmarish and jarring for him, he adapted quickly, proving himself a novelty as a Classless warrior belonging to no true Circle or faction. As he took to facing foes and overcoming challenges in the Bloodgrounds, he gained a following, managing feats of victory when everyone doubted him. As he wielded darkness and ash as weapons using his spiritual techniques, he earned the title Midnight Sage from the public, and even laid lasting roots Runners Gulley at Cherubs Corpse. But easy days were always fleeting. As he cultivated, he grew in power, won more battles, but eventually drew more attention as well. Eventually, he gained the interest of a particularly powerful Prince of Lustwho found him a decent amusement. He offered the Sage a position in his Circle, but was rejected. The Prince promptly responded by unleashing a nightmarish campaign of deception, seduction, and brutality. First, he targeted the Sages wife and grown childrenlured them away with offerings of powers and desire. This made the Sages drinking get worsefundamentally destroyed his relations. But the Prince wasnt done. Instead, he addicted each of the Sages family to substances beyond their Constitutions to resist, to addictions that rendered them hollow of mind and agency. And after that, the Sage received videos of how they paid for their debts. The services they provided on behalf of the Circle. And after that, it was as if he was a Cultivator no more. Now, only the Sage and his youngest son were still alive. He didnt elaborate on the death of his wifehis eldest son and daughter. Only that they were gone. And Wei, for all his scorn, didnt ask. Now you see me, the Sage said, slumped over on his stool, his eyes red-rimmed, his tear dried. He had taken to drinking in the stead of tea, and Wei didnt chide him. This is all that I am. There is no such thing as an Ascended Elder, Young Master Wei. It is a lie. Our Cultivationour traditions were pointless. Hopeless! Worth nothing! Our realm caged our potentials, and with every technique, our Essence Level grows lesser, weaker. Our cores can contain more Essence with each ascension but He took another swig. It can be emptied as well. And we must mediate to retain our power. The Classed? The System-hosts? They were imbued with power on a fundamental level. Nothing we could have done matters. After all the time he spent in the Claimed Hells, Wei was beginning to suspect there was something off about the limits of Cultivation. That the demons and Classed were more powerful was one thing, but them being that much more powerful was another. With how easy it was for a Classed to advance compared to a cultivator, the young master suspected most of this had to do with the System. Now, he realized the problems were more overwhelming; even worse. I see, Wei finally replied. His Shell stood over the Sage and let out a rumbling sigh. Perhaps it might be right for us to simply slay this dog. He has fallen. He has shamed his sect, his companions, his family, and himself. Worse, he has not attempted to avenge himself upon those who harmed him, nor has he resolved his own miserable existence for being so weak. Pitiful. And yet And yet the Sage was still supposedly a Cultivator. One from an enemy sect. A disgrace. But still, the only thing Wei had left of Evernest. Even beyond the Lawyers and laws, Wei found himself hesitant to actually kill the Sage, to even hurt him further. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it A bitter taste rose within the young master, sharp and difficult to swallow. I spend Sins. A great many Sins to come and see you. I wished to speak with you. About our realm. To greet you in person to see what kind of man you are. The Sage eyed Wei and had the gall to snort. Youre a fool, then. Just like the rest of them. My life isnt worth a single Sin. Truth be told, if not for my son, I would have been fine to waste away. But Jian Tian he has the potential to live another life. He creates these art piecesbeautiful drawings. They make people happy. He paused. They made the wrong person happy. As with so many times in this Diaspora. What do you mean? Wei asked. His mind worked, and he put things together before the Sage could continue. Is this why you are fighting the Many-Weds champion. To stop her from marrying your son? That was another failing of mine, the Sage said. After my family I retreated into myself. Into the bottle. He was left to fend for himself as I wasted away. During this time, he wandered many Grooves. Showcased his works at the Theaters. And ultimately, encountered Selv Many-Wedthe Whoremaster of Aklon. He was desperate for approval, and she offered it with appreciation toward his talents. But she was no good soul, and being a creature of rank envy, she despised any art he created that wasnt meant solely for her. She hurt my son. Abused him. I knew it was desperation when he came to me those months ago he would have nothing to do with me otherwise. And he is right. But I I am not the man I was. And even if I was, I do not think I could match the Many-Weds champion. Are they truly that potent? Wei asked, curious. He knew Silt of Storms had some kind of Lightning Esssence Class, but he wasnt sure about their exact capabilities. Because theyre a damned Trespasser, the Sage groaned. If you do not know of their kind I understand. You speak of their soulessness. Their ability to assume any Class at will without harm to themselves. The Sage was left wordless for a moment. Yes. Another way the heavens mock us. Were not quite mocked the same way, Wei wanted to say. Through his Omniscience, he found the Sages son slowly walking to the cave after spending hours down amongst the green. A new Arena Attendant had also teleported into to replace its slain counterpart at some point. Wei hadnt known what to expect when he came to meet the Sage, but he certainly hadnt expected such an impotent creature or such a horrid tale. If your intent was to stay my hand from violence, you have succeeded, Wei scoffed. I would not strike you with my glaive. Your dog-blood would stain its edge; render it incapable of cutting right. The Sage took the insult without a wince, simply taking another drink. But what of your son? Wei continued. What of him, the Sage said. I will do all I can once more. It will not be enough. And then he will languish. Suffer. Perhaps he will learn to find smaller joys. It is not the first time someone has been taken as a concubine. This is a fate known to Cultivators. If you taught him proper honor, he would be prepared to take his own life. This made the Sage bark with a derisive snort. You truly are newly escaped. It has been years since I heard a declaration so backward. Thank you for offering me a reminder of home. And why I was right to flee. This, of all things, ignited Weis ire once more. Yes. Do you ever wonder what the final moments of the Blackwind Sages were like? If their spirits linger and spit upon your familyfind joy in your cursed fate. His rage was like a forest fire. It lit the Sages anger as well. The man flung his bottle at Wei, but the young master simply dissolved it with a glare, channeling a gust of wind. Just then, the Sages son arrivedthe poor fools footsteps loud and lumbering. Just hearing it made Wei want to beat the boy. You havent even trained him. He didnt have the talent, the Sage said. Or interest. That is not his decision to make, Wei growled. You are the patriarch. It is your role to He stopped talking as Jian Tian appeared before him for the first time. He looked slightly like the Sage in terms of its rounded facial structure, but his ears were wider, his nose was narrower, and his hair was an odd color of blonde. The suit he wore was also not of Evernest, and he regarded the young master with an apprehensive stare The thing Wei found most displeasing about him, though, was his height. He was practically a giant. Even taller than Agnesia. How was he supposed to be talentless and built like a small house? The young master swung his gaze back to the Sage and sneered. He then offered a salute to the boywho clearly didnt know what the gesture meant or how to respond. Young Master Wei An Wei of the Drowned Sky Sect greets a host of this house. I Jian Tian swallowed, fear naked in his eyes. Who are you with the Circle of Envy. Somehow, that immediately made Wei hate him: what worth was someone who couldnt protect themselves in this place? Weakness is not a sin, the Shell declared. Choosing to remain weak, however, is unforgivable. I am with no Circle. I am the Patriarch of the Drowned Sky Sect, come to regard an Ascended Elder. Wei watched as the Sage walked away, stumbling toward the bottles. Wretch. As he got halfway across, however, the new Arena Attendant spoke aloud: Attention, Midnight Sage. For unlawful destruction of arena property, you will be fined after your match. However, I have come bearing a message. The opposition of Countess Many-wed and her champion would like to speak with you directly. Would you like me to confer their message? The Sage sniffled, eyes wide, as he looked at Wei. He quickly started scrubbing at his face, forcing himself into a semblance of composure. I... uh... He cleared his throat. Yes, yes, relay the message. Of course, the Attendant said. It straightened itself, and as the golden hook that it had for a head began to glow, Wei heard a hissing, sibilant, shrill voice come singing through. Oh, my dear Sage, the voice began. Wei assumed it belonged to Many-wed. Are you truly committed to going through with this farce? Do you really wish to throw your life away in hopelessness and despair against me and my champion? I have watched you. I know who you are now. We both know you cannot winnot against my Trespasser. So, Im going to give you an option. One final show of mercy on my part. I will allow you to forfeit. I will even make an excuse for you, saying that you were poisoned by one of my rivals. It can be a noble exit. Grant you the excuse of preserving your pride. That is still worth something, is it not? Many-wed laughed. I will even prepare a proper poison for you. All you need to do is ingest it, and this can all be over. Your torment can end. All I want is your boy, after all. And besides, being as weak as you are, you cannot take care of him. Not like I can. No one, like I can. Wei watched as the Sages face contorted into a snarl. For all the mans failures, for his current weakness, he was still a father. And what he was being forced to endure was I despise this place, Wei said through ground teeth. I despise the fact that just hearing the Countess speak has made me hate her more than I hate you. Welcome to the Claimed Hells, the Sage murmured. A place where bastards, scoundrels, and monsters reign. Oh, Wei was going to show them a monster. Wait, the Shell said. It shifted slightly, thinking. We have an opportunity before us. What do you mean? We came here to gauge the power of the Sage and of his adversary. He is wanting, but perhaps this Silt of Storms can offer something of interest and should there be the opportunity, we can cleave our name into the Claimed Hells on this very day. And how shall I manage that? This fight has already been sold as a duel between the Sage and Silt. Meet with them first if you can. And see if they can resist a formal challenge if they make for good killing: 10 billion Sins is no small amount in terms of a gambit. And the weakness of envy is self-evident. Would you like for me to offer a reply? the attendant asked. The Sage shook his head. Theres no point. What reply could I give? Ask them to come, Wei said. I wish to see this Many-Wed. And her champion. A pair of choked sounds came from both the Sage and his son. No, the boy cried. His heart accelerated, he began to shake. I cant I cant dont Flee if you want, Wei said to him, annoyed by his cowardice. This no longer concerns you. Somehow, Wei got the feeling that Rafael might not like what he just said. Jian Tians face flashed with disbelief and pain. Im sorry, but who the fuck Sage, Wei said, cutting him off. You might not discipline your child. But I will. I still follow the old ways. It is wrong of a lesser to speak to their better out of order. The Sage went still. He met Wei with a stare of his own. Dont threaten my son. It is not a threat. I will not hurt him. I do not need to. But you also cannot protect him. Not from the Many-wed. And not from me. Fortunately, perhaps he might find salvation in me. The Sages eyes widened in disbelief. What? Call the Many-wed over, Wei repeated. I wish to meet with them. Afterward I will decide what happens afterward. For a second, nothing happened. The Sage just stared. Youre mad. No. I just intend to defile the heavens in retribution. As a cultivator should. Call them. Do it now. The Sage swallowed, and he turned to his son. Jian Tian. Go. Go back down. But Jian Tian said, his heart beating at a rapid pace. This boy was beyond terrified. It was pathetic. Jian Tian. I am doing what I can. All that I can. Any hope I have. Please. The young artists expression became a canvas of shifting horror, grief, and despair. Wordless, he ran from the cavethough not beyond Weis Omniscience. Then, he started weeping. It was all the young master could do not to kill him. Such open weakness, the Shell hissed. No spirit in him at all. Unbefitting of a practitioner. Or even a man. Indeed. The Sage hesitated, his body trembling slightly. Then, with a visible effort and another glare from Wei, he lifted his chin and gave a curt nod. Let them across, he said hoarsely, commanding the Attendant. Tell the Many-wed I wish to parley. The golden hook of the attendants head flared once more, and Wei watched as a thread of essence traveled outward, like a shimmering tendril weaving through the fabric of reality. Wei expected some time to pass before the Countess responded. But the answer came almost immediately. Message received, acknowledged, the attendant declared in its smooth, even tone. Creating spatial rift to Countess Many-weds platform. With those words, a new expanse of swirling black opened behind the demonic attendant. The spatial rift pulsed with energy, a swirling vortex of raw essence that buzzed against Weis senses. From the other side, Wei felt itthe crackle of power, the suffocating weight of a Count-tier adversarys presence pressing against his soul. High Count-Tier judging from the discomfort he felt. The Sage tensed visibly, his hands clenching into fists. His entire body seemed to shrink under the oppressive aura leaking from the rift. Wei, on the other hand, remained perfectly still, his face a mask of calm. Internally, however, his System hummed as his spirit braced instinctively against the incoming force From the swirling blackness, two figures emerged, and to Weis surprise, bothnot just one of themwere Count-Tier Classed. II-32 Humiliation (I) Many-Wed. Now theres a piece of work. And thats saying something considering what I do. Selling guns is one thing, but kidnapping kids from their families and forcing them to be bound to you? Thats a special kind of low. Dont matter if her Class requires it. And then theres what she does to them, how she tortures them with that Corrosive Song of hers Yeah. Cant wait to see her get whats coming. -Hogslave, Knight of Greed II-32 Humiliation (I) "Do you think he''s all right?" Agnesia asked again, for the thirteenth time that hour. "I''m sure he''s entirely fine, Agnesia," her mother replied, rolling her eyes slightly. "Let him have his time. He said this other Cultivator was from his world, so it is likely going to be a difficult conversation." Agnesia bit her lip. "Still, I don''t think any of us should be alone right now, not for any prolonged periods. We''re being hunted! You know that just means we''re in more bloody danger, right?" Garret the Shadow Archer leaned back, his focus mostly fixed on the fight happening below. Right now, the arena resembled a storm-cast sea, with the battlefield designed around a raging maelstrom. Hours earlier, a giant slot had appeared in the sky. As its dials rotated, the environment regenerated based on a combination of Essenceswater, disaster, storms. What it created was chaos: a whirlpool with a kraken at the center. A kraken demon that had its own class. Multi-Armed Duelist. Each of its eight arms held cutlasses as long as a small island chain, slashing and carving through the sinners braveor foolishenough to stand before it. With each massive swing of its gargantuan blades, jets of pressurized water whipped across the horizon, cleaving anything in their path. Below, sinners teleported and leapt across a myriad of platforms that drifted atop the raging waters. As it was a maelstrom, everything was constantly in motion. Rocks and tentacles fell from above, obstacles that forced contestants to dodge or die. Right now, an immense minotaur had grown to match the krakens size and was grappling with one of its arms. It was not faring well. Two of the krakens blades were lodged through its gut, and a third was streaking toward its head. A loud squelch followed. A roaring cheer erupted across the Bloodgrounds The orc chef gagged again, doubling over in the corner. "As I said," the Garret grinned, sniffing as he relished the violence, "were the ones who need protection. If I was going to come after usand believe me, Ive done things like this beforeId be going after..." He surveyed the room. "Well, hell, Id be going after someone like me first. Low Essence Level, not that skilled, at least comparatively." Both Agnesia and her mother turned sharp glares on the former bowman of the late Ser Angeleous. Shadow Archer gave them an apologetic shrug. "Just trying to be honest." "I still havent forgotten what you tried to do," Agnesia snapped, the air around her flickering with black fire. Garrett averted his gaze, pretending the conversation wasnt happening. "If were really worried, I could potentially just send him a message," Rafael mused, his mechanical voice unusually light. "No," Agnesia said quickly, though she really wanted to. "Just give him time, like Mother said. Knowing Wei, he might be..." She paused, considering what trouble Wei might have gotten himself into. Given his track record, he was likely about to drag them all into a bloody fight sooner or lateror, worse, find a way to elevate his own class while conveniently leaving everyone else out of it. She bit her lip, imagining how this might play out. "Actually, Rafael, I think we might want to prepare some defenses. Some ciphers. Also, maybe a way out, in case things go wrong." "What?" Rafael asked, tilting his head. Why? "Well, you know how Wei ishow things tend to devolve into utter bloodshed around him." Raphael stared at her for a long moment. As another chorus of cheers echoed from the Bloodgrounds below, his gaze shifted down to see the kraken splattering a dozen Sinners on a platform. "You know," Rafael said, "I can imagine him killing that kraken. Cutting it in half. Boasting about it." "I can too," Agnesia admitted. Ellena quietly nodded. Roggi and the other Oathbearers both let out gunting laughs. "Oh, I think its inevitable," Rogi said. "He brought us here to see a fight. Well, our Symphonist got real pride in him. I expect hes going to get involved in the bloodshed." "So its agreed, then," Agnesia said with a sigh. "Were probably going to be attacked before this is over." "Oh yeah, most definitely," Roggi nodded. "Yes," Raphael agreed, already beginning to carve ciphers into the air. "We really should have seen this coming ahead of time." "Dont you all think youre being a little paranoid?" the Hivekin of the sect asked, still patting the trembling orc chef on the back. "No," most of the sect responded in unison. Mira Nocturne simply laughed. "Id never have made it out of the Hearted Realm of Greed if he wasnt so bloody murderous. Im telling you, that boys got a touch of violence in him. Which is, really, really good for us. *** From the spatial rift came veins of lightning, prying at the fabric of existence. Heralded by this exultation of power was Silt of Storms. The figure that emerged was a large serpent-like humanoida Naga, according to Weis System. As the creature slithered forward, he studied their Class. Silt of Storms: Bringer of Lightning Unbidden Lv. 145 The Nagas glowing, storm-blue eyes gleamed like shards of energy. Orbiting her were shards of fluid metalferromagnetic debrischarged with electricity, infused with magnetic chains. "I underestimated your resolve, Sage," Silt said, her voice crackling with static as she laughed. "I did not think youd be so bold as to let us into your own abode. Are you foolish? Or simply suicidal?" Her tone was filled with contempt, and throughout her speech, she barely gave Wei a second glance. Behind her, an even grander figure loomed. Countess Many-wed. At first, she appeared human. The upper portion of her body emerged, revealingsharp cheekbones, violet eyes, and short white hair. Layers of translucent veils glided around her like spirits, casting her as an ethereal, haunting beauty. But only her upper half was human. The rest of her was something monstrousa fusion of spider, centipede, and machine. Her thorax was metallic, steam hissing from the many segmented limbs that slammed into the ground with jarring weight. Her body was adorned with engravings of screaming, tormented menyoung men, their despair frozen in alloy. Selv Many-wed: Melodist of the Unrequited Cage Lv. ??? Wei felt a deep foreboding. No one normal walks around adorned with regalia of torment. Why was everyone some kind of psychotic degenerate in the Claimed Hells? When did being a normal killer go out of fashion. Unlike Silt, the Countess did regard Wei, her eyes narrowing in slight confusion as they lingered on him. But a moment later, her attention shifted back to the Sage, and she dismissed Wei with a flick of her hand. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. "I see that you are currently occupied," she said smoothly. "Perhaps we could come back later, after your guest leaves." "No," Wei interjected, cutting off the Sage before he could respond. "I need to be here." Silt of Storms turned her glowing eyes onto Wei, slithering forward with an unnerving grace. Her towering form loomed over him, the magnetic shards orbiting her body like a storm on the verge of breaking. And who are you? Silt hissed, her voice low and edged with menace. Wei didnt flinch. He wasnt impressed by her display of intimidation, though he silently noted the sharpness in her presencea sense of refined lethality born from countless battles. The Many-weds voice interrupted before Wei could answer. "Silt," she said smoothly, her tone velvet but unmistakably commanding. There was no warmth in it, no interest in sparing Wei. To her, he simply wasnt worth killing. Not yet. Before we proceed, the Countess continued, her gleaming violet eyes narrowing, perhaps you would introduce yourself, strange guest. Wei met her gaze evenly. "I am Wei An Wei," he said clearly, his voice cutting through the tense atmosphere. "Cultivator. Survivor of Evernests destruction. I had business with the Sage. We share a history." The room shifted. Wei caught the slight widening of the Countesss eyes, the faint quickening of her heartbeat, and the tiniest twitch in her expression. Whatever shed heard of him, it had caught her attention. You? she murmured, studying him intently. You are the self-made? The one who passed through the Moongraves alone? The one rumored to have survived the Hearted Realm and butchered the Inheritors? Her words were slow and deliberate, and Wei noticed a faint flicker of interest in her expression. Wei smirked faintly. People tell many stories, he said. Sometimes, legends pale before the actual person. A soft, lilting laugh escaped the Many-weds lips, her veils swirling around her with unnatural grace. Oh, bold. Arrogant. Delicious. She disgusted him. Already, the Sage was turning into his third least favorite person in the room. Silt of Storms, did not share the Countesses amusement. She turned her glowing gaze to her master and hissed, Many-wed, we spoke of this. You can sample new dishes any time, but do it away from me. She pointed a clawed finger at the Sage, and as she did, the ferromagnetic debris orbiting her body sharpened into jagged lances of metal, glinting with deadly intent. Weis system had already begun analyzing her movements, and the Shell chimed in. Observe the metallic fragments, it said. Note how they adhere to her will. She likely uses them as a basic attack. Watch her control. She will prove an interesting foe to sharpen our skills. I hope so, Wei muttered under his breath, his eyes flicking toward Silt. She wasnt the most overwhelming presence hed facednot as crushing as the Graviton Brawler, nor as overwhelming as the Celestial Vanguardbut there was a precision to her, a focus that promised danger. The way she directed her Essence told him belayed a fine dexterity. Silt of Storms turned her attention back to the Sage, ignoring Weis presence entirely. So then, Sage, she said coldly, her voice dripping with disdain, ignoring our most fascinating new friend, is this invitation valid? Are you to accept my offer of honorable surrender? The Sage looked at her for a long moment, then sank lower onto his stool. He let out a bitter laugh and shook his head. I fear you might have overestimated me, Countess, he said, his tone defeated. Once again, I am He hesitated, then gestured toward Wei. Just a side character in my own life. The Many-wed tilted her head curiously as the Sage continued. Our new friend here, the Sage said, motioning toward Wei, is of the Drowned Sky Sect. If you know anything of my pastif your agents have done any worthwhile researchyoud know that it was his clan that pushed me to escape my realm. Truly? the Countess said, her violet eyes narrowing. She turned back to Wei, licking her lips slightly. So, have you come to settle old grudges? Wei met her gaze without flinching. I fear I cannot allow this, the Countess added before Wei could speak. I have an arrangement with the Sage. Wei smirked, folding his arms across his chest. Im aware of your arrangement, he said. So, tell me, why have you injected yourself into our little feud? Because he is nothing. Just a shadow of a man. And I am everything a Cultivator should be. If there is someone to represent Evernest, then it should be me. Only I am worthy. And, the young master took a step closer to Silt, looking up at the Naga. I wonder if this one might make a fine pair of boots. Silts eyes widened. Is that supposed to be a joke? No, Wei said. Its just a challenge. A matter of personal pride. I care little for the Sage, but he and I are all that remain of Evernest. I will not abide by your vile intentions for his son either, nor will I stand idly by while his worthless weakling of a father fails him once more. The Sage grimaced, his fists clenching, but he said nothing, only raising his bottle to his lips in a pitiful attempt to suppress his rage. So this is a matter of personal pride, the Many-wed mused. No, Wei replied. Its a matter of wealth. Oh? the Countess leaned back, a playful smile spreading across her face. Do tell. Silt of Storms, however, glowered at Wei with suspicion. What are you playing at? she growled. Wei ignored her and locked eyes with the Countess. The bargain starts with ten billion sins being wagered, he said calmly. Lawyer! Out from a burst of radiance came the small demon. It bounded on the young masters shoulder and pulled out its briefcase. Hey, boss, who are we suing now? Oh, boy, I sure do like how exciting youve made Not a suit, but an offer. Draft a document: I wish to duel the Many-weds champion for ten billion Sins. To the death. You got it, boss! With a crackle of hellfire, a large stack manifested from the small demon, its pages dense with hellish script with two empty lines for Wei and the Countess to sign. To further impress his seriousness, the young master infused 10 billion Sins into the document immediately, leaving no dispute to his truthfulness. A beat of choked silence followed. Both Silt and Many-wed looked at each other. Then, the Countesss fa?ade cracked for the first time, greed burning behind her eyes. Ten billion Sins? she repeated. She whistled, and Wei felt the tune assail his mind, pull at his senses. Resisted [Sirens Note] with Aspect of (Ambition) Ah, the Shell said. Another mental adversary. Be mindful of her tricks. Notice how the Essence around her vibrates. Disrupting that is the key bringing her down. She is powerful. Moreso than her champion, but less than the Old Man of the Circle of Pride or Bishop. We can face her. We can break her. The Countess let out a soft laugh, regaining her composure. And what, exactly, do you want in return? Weis smile sharpened. All your invested Significance. As for Silt, well, a legal killing makes me the inheritor of her favor. The room fell silent again. Even the Countess blinked, momentarily stunned. Face me? Silt of Storms hissed, her metallic shards vibrating with lethal intent. Youre just a Knight! You think because you Silence, dog, Wei replied casually. The masters are speaking. A crackle of electricity rushed out from the Naga as she hissed in his face. The young master swatted her tongue aside in annoyance. Ill make you hurt, boy, she seethed. Ill teach you what it means to suffer. The Countess observed him, her lips curling into a sly smile. Bold. Arrogant. Stupid. Very well. She glanced at Silt and nodded. Silt. You are up for an exhibition before the main course? Wei narrowed his eyes at the Countess. She was insulting him, still regarding the Sage as the main threat. I can do with an appetizer, Silt chuckled. And you, Sage? Many-wed asked. The Sage put down the bottle and regarded Wei. Well. I must be honest: This is more than I would ever do for you. That just makes me the better Cultivator? Wei replied. The supposed Ascended Elder scoffed. Fine. Die in my name, then. Ill drink to you before my own end. Then, it is settled, the Countess said, gliding up to Wei. I abide by your wish. She leaned down, producing a quill from her Inventory. Though I suspect this moment of yours wont turn out how you like it. As she signed the form, she pressed her lips together. Perhaps you would be interested in a alternative There is no life I become your concubine, Wei snorted. The very idea is laughable. And you are far too wanting. The Countess froze. For the first time, the casual smirk vanished from her face, and he saw a simmer of barely controlled rage. A pity. I was going to tell Silt to spare you. Wei regarded the Naga again and shook his head. It wouldnt have mattered. Now. Lets see about expediating things, shall we. Ive had enough disappointment for one day. *** As the kraken killed the last of the competitors, a loud broadcast echoed across the Bloodgrounds. Attention, all spectators, the baritone voice roared. The match between the Midnight Sage and Silt of Storms has been adjusted. To showcase Silt of Storms prowess and to give a newcomer a chance to showcase their skills, Countess Many-wed of the Circle of Envy has generously agreed to an additional preliminary match. A new contender has entered the field. Introducing Wei An Wei of the Drowned Sky Sect! Agnesia, watching from their reserved platform, threw her head back and barked a laugh. I knew he was going to do something like this, she muttered. He always does, Rafael said, as he carved another defensive sign into the ceiling. Reference Circuits extended from it into every last disciple of the sect, using their Essence as fuel for a forming array. Just then, a large roulette formed in the air again, with three slots spinning this time. The first symbol landed on what a symbol with the subtitle ASH, the second with a subtitle WASTES, a third with the modifier UNFALLEN. A wave of Spatial Essence swallowed the kraken. At once, the great, raging sea twisted and changed. Power flowed through the Bloodgrounds, as the killing floor was altered once more for the coming bloodshed. II-33 Humiliation (II) By the Harbingers cock, I think we have a new contender for Warmaster rising before us. Do I actually think that? Motherfucker, watch my logs. Whens the last time something like this happened? Fuck me, the Circle of Envy is going to be seething. I love to see it. -Message Sent by Frostfinger, Correspondent for The Left-Hand Post II-33 Humiliation (II) Entering a fight in the Bloodgrounds was surprisingly easy. All Wei needed to do was register his name with the Attendant. After that, the Bloodgrounds'' internal systems took over, marking both him and Silt of Storms as forthcoming combatants. This fight was labeled an exhibition, a spectacle meant to showcase Wei''s abilitiesor, in the more likely eyes of the crowd, his demise. It was also meant to amplify enthusiasm for Silts coming battle against the Midnight Sage. Little did they know what was truly about to unfold. When Wei materialized on the battlefield, the first thing that struck him was the desolation. The ground beneath his feet was a wasteland of soot and ash, the air heavy with a sharp, metallic tang. As the effects of teleportation faded, Wei felt his Omniscience expand outward, his perception taking in a radius of nearly two kilometers. The landscape was grim: grave posts jutted from the cracked earth at odd angles, their wood warped and rotted. Half-submerged corpses clawed weakly at the air, lifeless but refusing to fully die. Far above, nooses hung from unseen gallows, suspending thousands of bodies whose entrails dripped down like macabre streamers. Ash rained from their wounds in an endless, choking deluge. Wei let out a tired sigh. All of itthe grotesque imagery, the exaggerated horrorit felt too... ridiculous. The Claimed Hells seemed to revel in over-the-top displays of torment, and after everything hed seen, it was just exhausting. A hundred meters away, Silt of Storms materialized. She was as she had been moments ago, aside being armored by a flowing lattice of fluid metal and encased in a lattice of crackling electricity. She didn''t need a weapon. Her entire being was a weapon, lightning out from her scales in arcs that illuminated the ash-choked battlefield. I have no idea what you intend to achieve with this, boy, Silt hissed. Her voice carried a venomous disgust, each word dripping with malice. But Im going to enjoy peeling you apart bit by bit. Ill savor the taste of your marrow. Wei didnt bother responding. She wasnt interesting enough to warrant his attention. Instead, he let his omniscience sweep through the Bloodgrounds once more, this time analyzing the structure itself. Through the ash-filled air, he noticed oscillationstranslucent outlines of enormous platforms, separated from real space by esoteric workings. These must have been the viewing platforms, reserved for those wealthy or powerful enough to buy premium seats. Surrounding them, immense audience stands filled with lesser spectators pulsed with waves of spatial essence, creating the illusion of proximity even in a structure far too vast to physically contain so many people. It was clear to Wei now: the Bloodgrounds werent just an arenathey were a marvel of spatial manipulation, enlarged and distorted in ways that bent the rules of natural law. A loud clang echoed through the arena, followed by a booming voice that heralded the fight''s beginning. "Welcome, welcome, sinners, guests, and aspirants all!" the announcer bellowed, his tone gleeful and theatrical. "Today, we bring you a special bout, arranged at the behest of Countess Selv Many-wed and our bold newcomer, Wei An Wei of the Drowned Sky Sect!" Wei grimaced. He would have to find this announcer later and throttle him. Hed explicitly instructed them to address him as Master Wei Anwei, yet the title was conspicuously absent. On one side, we have the Slayer of Varric, the Unbreakable, the Butcher of the Tamarine Nine, the Serpent that Guides the StormSilt of Storms! Silt raised her arms, her ferromagnetic streams sharpening into spikes. Lightning surged outward in forking bolts, casting her in an eerie, flickering glow. And her challenger! the announcer continued, Entering the Bloodgrounds for the first time, intervening for honor and to make his prowess knownI give you Wei An Wei of the Drowned Sky Sect! The crowd erupted in cheers for Silt, their enthusiasm loud and overwhelming. Her name rose like a prayer a fundamental truth. Fireworks burst in the air above, sending the hanged corpses swaying. In blasts of light, Wei saw Silts former moments of glory captured, witnessed foes she struck down and triumphs she achieved. When it came to Wei, however, there was only silence, broken by the occasional jeer. Wei sneered. These people were easily amused if they thought Silt was worth cheering for. He summoned his Pale Fang, the celestial glaive materializing in his hands with a flare of radiant light. Before the fight began, he made a quick adjustment, pouring all his free Class points into Speed. Speed > 696 Instantly, the world grew slower. Even the falling ash seemed to drift at a languid pace, each flake suspended in midair. Around him, echoes danced in his peripheral vision, the afterimages of possible movements, possible outcomes. Combatants, are you ready? the announcer roared. Silt of Storms let out a hiss, a ferromagnetic glaive forming from the liquid metal swirling around her. Wei cocked his head and grinned. Oh, she was mocking him. How quaint. Lightning raced down its length, illuminating her with a deadly radiance. Ill show you how to use that stick, she snarled, her voice dripping with contempt. Consider it a final gift before the end. Wei gave a curt nod, keeping his power in check. He didnt think hed need much to handle her. With a slight rush of Essence, Divine Winds swirled around him, masking his person. At the same time, he steppedstep back and shed an outline of Essence. An outline that was filled by celestial crystals, forming a decoy. Do not underestimate her, his Shell murmured, materializing beside him as a ghostly silhouette. She is arrogant, Wei replied. She wont get a second chance. Good, the Shell said, its voice filled with cold approval. Break her casually. Show them who you are. After you humiliate her, then we go for our true prize: the Countess herself. And for a final time, the announcers voice rang out. Then let the bout begin! Silt of Storms moved first, launching herself forward like a magnetically accelerated projectile. Her speed was impressivetoo fast for most to trackbut for Wei, it was all too predictable. What use was power when left in the hands of a fool? The Naga came, but Wei simply Essenceshifted. *** In an instant, Silts ferromagnetic spear punched through the young vermins forehead. A roaring cheer erupted from the crowd. He might have tried to hide himself using that glowing gale, but it was hopelessno Knight could face a Count. That was something even the stupidest child knew. Yet, here this Cultivator was, courting his own death. Immediately, she felt him sink dead against the tip of her blade. Worthless. Not even a second had passed, and victory was already hers. Didnt even need to form her Magnetic Aegis either, or get the chance to unleash her Artifact-infused Skill: Railblade Slash. Silt twisted the blade, a smug grin spreading across her face. How pathetic, she roared. I apologize to the Sinners of Cherubs Corpse. A chorus of laughter and boos sounded. I expected a Whatever Silt was going to say next broke out as a scream. Agony bloomed in her lower body as numbness spread upward. She was flyingsailing. The world was suddenly bright, and the brilliant winds the young master conjured earlier was suddenly ablaze. She tumbled, and somewhere during her third rotation, saw her torso severed cleanly at the waist. Her body flopped at the waist, while her upper torso came crashing down. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. She slammed down upon the ashen ground, her lower half landing a few meters away. Withered limbs grasped her body, infusing her being with the cold chill of undeath. The Unfallen cursecourse flooded her spirit, sapping her Consitutions. Meanwhile, Radiant flames still flickered along the edges of her dismemberment, burning away what remained of her severed body. Her liquid metal lattice was hewn clean through as well, utterly disintegrated. Silt of Storms looked up, her vision swimming with disbelief. She looked for her enemy and saw that her glaive was still embedded in Weis foreheador what she thought was Weis forehead. The resplendent winds dimmed. And she beheld the truth. The body she had struck was a decoy, a construct of gleaming crystalline stone. A gust of wind swept over her, and Wei emerged from the bright haze, his Pale Fang resting casually on his shoulder. Pathetic indeed, Wei said, his tone dripping with disdain. I barely tried to deceive you. But it is clear that even the stupidest child could have taken your place in this battle, if granted your Class. Silt tried to speak, to beg, but the words caught in her throat. Fear consumed her. Wei didnt hesitate. He raised his glaive high, its blade gleaming with unmaking radiance. I came here for a fight, he declared, his voice echoing across the arena. And instead, Ive been given another insult. Wait, Silt wheezed. She reached out with her hands, imploring him. Please. A message left at the same time, begging for her mistress to save her. Countess! Countess! Help! I need The glaive plunged down. *** Class Level > Lv. 83 Significance +11,248 The Nagas hands feebly clamped around the weapons shaft, but it was futile. Flames erupted from the blade, consuming her entirely. Though Wei saw a final flash of electricity pass through her, it was all for naught before the flames of deconstruction. The Silt of Storms dissolved into ash. Above and around, the audience was silent, stunned. Wei stood amidst the dying embers, his eyes scanning the stands. Somewhere above, among the many viewing platforms, the Countess was watching. He would ensure she regretted ever underestimating him. And so, he pointed his glaive high, its annihilating power illuminating the arena. I came here, Wei said, his voice booming, to find a proper battle. And I have been given another insult. Countess Many-wed, your champion has failed. Embarrassed herself. I will have you know that it takes more than some mongrel snake to kill a true son of Evernest, and today I will have everyone in the Claimed Hells know that I spit on you. I spit on your champion. I spit on your name. Come down! My urge for bloodshed is unslaked; the watchers deserve more. Come down and defend what remains of your honor, pedophile! I demand satisfaction! The silence that followed Wei''s declaration was deafening. From the viewing platforms above to the stands, faces went white. Countless eyes bore down on him, disbelieving, seething, or scrutinizing. The arena, a place known for its roaring, bloodthirsty crowds, felt stifled under the weight of Weis words. Somewhere, far above, Countess Many-wed sat behind her veils of power and arrogance, and Wei could feel the sting of her pride. His challenge would not go unanswered. From the ashes of Silt of Storms, a faint pulse of Essence lingered. Wei looked down, and saw a bubbling mass sphere of liquid metal calling to him. How fascinating. Shaping a gust of Divine Wind to his will, Wei pulled the strange item from the ground, and it immediately began flowing up his armor, looping around his body in weaving nets. Stormdancers Ferro-Weave (Rare): An artifact that can be shaped by its users whims. It can serve as both weapon and armor, and can be transformed with pulses of electricity. It is also a hyper-conductor for Lightning Essences. Also allows the user to execute the [Railblade Slash] infused Skill. Railblade Slash: Allows the user to magnetically accelerate themselves across the battlefield. The Stormdancers Ferro-Weave will turn into a piercing construct during the process. The young master allowed himself a soft smile at that. A useful artifact. Perhaps he will give this one of his disciples. Or maybe he would get it for himself. An idea occurred to him: He could use this for tomorrow mornings training. Yes. The Celestial Fang might be a bit too much for some, but he could blunt the edge of this weapon. With a thought, Wei shaped it around his arms and legs, further coating his limbs with protection. It was an impressive Artifact, no doubt. And now, it had an impressive master. He would gave it a taste of true bloodshed. *** Above him, in the stands, Weis sect watched with a mixture of amusement and resignation. Agnesia crossed her arms and shook her head. "I knew it," she muttered to no one in particular. "Another bloody weapon for him. Wheres our weapons? Wheres our Mythical Specializations?" Roggi snorted a laugh. "What did you expect, lass? Its how hes been. At least hell probably have too many things to use soon. You might get one of his secondhands. A Princess of Dawnrest gets nothing secondhand! Agnesia growled. Oh, shed show them. Shed pull someone apart just like Wei and take everything from them. Just they wait. "And the trap is laid!" Rafael said, chuckling. The interior of the viewing platform was now entirely lined with glowing symbols. Reference Circuits passed through everyone within like a spider web of intricate references, and dormant signs glowed dimly in the air. Whoever comes for us now is going to be charging ass-first upon a cock-shaped knife. Several heads turned to stare at Rafael. Ellena calmly walked up to the lich. And then slapped him. After that, she went back as if she hadnt done any violence at all. Use a better choice of words next time. *** Below, on the ash-strewn battlefield, Wei paced slowly, burning any undead that dared grab at him as he called out to his true foe. Countess Many-wed! he called out, his tone measured but laced with derision. I gave you my terms, but it seems you require... extra motivation to answer me. Very well. He swept his glaive in a wide arc, the blade crackling with celestial fire. "Let me make myself clear." The flames swirling around his weapon intensified, and Wei slammed the glaive into the ground with a fiery crash. The resulting blast swept across the arena, dissolving everything for a good fifty meters around him. "I came here seeking a fight worthy of my time, my honor, and my sins," Wei said. His voice reverberated across the arena, a thunderous echo that demanded attention. "What you have shown me today is nothing but mediocrity dressed in arrogance." Wei''s glaive rose once more, pointing upward like a spear aimed at heaven itself. "But now, you insult me further by your silence. So I will say it one last time: face me, or accept that you are nothing more than a coward hiding behind the strength of others. Accept that I am better than you. The crowd in the stands began to stir. Whispers turned to murmurs. Millions of voices were chattering from all corners. People were talking. His goal of gaining some notoriety was going well, but if the Countess didnt take the bait The arena trembled as an overwhelming wave of essence surged into the battlefield. Wei felt it immediatelya suffocating pressure that bore down on his shoulders, that slashed at his mind with a rising shriek. A crackle of energy split the air, and a new spatial rift formed in the center of the battlefield. A deafening ringing of aggressive melodies sang forth first, with an array of musical notes rushing toward Wei like comets. Behind them came Countess Many-wed, her eyes white with malice and fury. Gone was the creature of elegance, veiled in transparent shifts of clothing. In her place stood a creature of pure malice and loathing. Her humanoid upper body was now adorned with interlocking plates of armor, each etched with the screaming faces of her conquests. Her lower half, a monstrous fusion of spider and centipede, bristled with metallic legs that hissed steam as they dug into the ash-covered ground. Her crown, a grotesque construct of intertwined childrens faces, glimmered with unnatural light. In her hands was not a blade, but a wand of some kind. With every wave, a pitched scream rang across the world. You cockroach, she spat, her voice venomous and guttural. You festering fool of a boy. Im going to strip the skin from your bones. Ill make you beg for death before I allow you to have it. Wei smirked, swirling his glaive. "Finally," he said, his tone almost conversational. "Make this worth my time. The air between them sparked with tension, the arena crackling with anticipation. But just as they prepared to clash, a third force intervened. Chains of golden light erupted from the sky, binding both Wei and the Countess in place. A new presence descended, its sheer power dwarfing even that of the Countess. The figure was clad in radiant gold, their blindfolded visage exuding an air of absolute authority. This was a Tribulator, an enforcer of the laws that governed the Claimed Hells. "Enough," the Tribulators voice thundered, silencing the crowd instantly. "Cease your actions. There will be order." Many-wed didnt heed the demand, instead, she opened her mouth and a rotting tune came forth. Wei felt his flesh bubble, felt his armor sizzle The golden chains tightened around the Countess, dragging her to the ground. Her song died as a tightness constricted her. She writhed and snarled, spitting curses, but the Tribulators grip was absolute. "You dare defy the will of the law?" the Tribulator intoned, their voice resonating with divine judgment. I must Wei, however, spoke first. He addressed the Tribulator with a salute. "Pardon, Great Tribulator. Whatever penalties you intend to impose on her, let them come after Ive had my satisfaction. There are matters of legality me and the Countess must attend. I have bested her champion. But I wish to amend our contract." The Tribulator turned to him, staring at him somehow through their blindfolds. For a moment, the impossibly powerful creature said nothing. For a moment, Wei thought it was going to reject his offer. Then, it arced its head. Interdiction: The Harbinger allows this. Wei smirked, his gaze shifting to the Countess. "Well, then. It seems we both might get a chance at satisfaction, after all. Well. I suspect I will. You, however The Countesss growls grew louder, her metallic legs digging furiously into the ground as she fought against her restraints. But Weis voice cut through her rage like a blade. "I, Wei Anwei of the Drowned Sky Sect," he declared, his tone sharp and commanding, "challenge you, Countess Manywed of the Circle of Envy, to a duel. A formal duel, here in the Bloodgrounds. A second chance for you to reclaim what remains of your tattered honor. The Midnight Sage is nothing. I am the only enemy that matters now. Muster your strength. Gather all you have. Make me struggle breaking you. Of this, I beg. Or refuse. Refuse, I will spend every Sin I would have granted you upon victory. Every Sin dedicated to ruining your wretched name." The Countesss eyes burned with incandescent hatred. The Tribulators chains loosed. I am going to take your manhood from you, boy. I am going to flay it off your body and wear it as a mantelpiece for my armor. This made Wei frown. Iwhy must all of you be so vulgar? A normal threat would have sufficed. We could threaten to force our glaive up Shell. Please. I do not need any more disgusting imagery. I came for slaughter, not smut. II-34 Humiliation (III) What do you mean the boy is fighting Many-wed? He just got to Preceptors Descent. Its barely been a daywhat do you mean people are betting in his favor? And hes finished the Lodge? Those Hollowborn fools tried to assassinate him? IGet Mulver down there! Now! Tell him to protect the investment at allAh, never mind. Im going myself. -Message from The Old Man, Count of Pride II-34 Humiliation (III) Class Level > 83 Free Points: [0] Strength - 988 Speed - 742 Enlightenment - 682 Awareness - 695 Constitution - 589 Will - 764 Wei examined his new aspect''s advancements while testing his feral weave. He shaped it into a myriad of forms, creating blades and bludgeons, layers of segmented armor across his body, or clawed hands extending from his limbs. While he tested his newest Artifact in anticipation of the duel to come, Countess Many-wed sent message after message, threads of essence slipping out from her as she kept her hateful gaze fixed on Wei. Far above, the Tribulator lingered, the only spot of golden brightness amidst a sky filled with hanging bodies. As soon as Harbingers master of laws released the Countess, they set about accelerating her bout with Wei. An unceasing crash of noise cascaded down from the crowds, their whispers and sentences endless, rumors beginning to spread. With millions watching, Wei expected his notoriety to climb rapidly. Already, one of his goals was being met. However, he hadnt come here to create a halfway legend. No, he was going to leave a bone-deep wound on the Claimed Hells. And to do that, a knight needed to break a Count. The announcer offered a deluge of half-hearted apologies, promising rebates and free tickets to those inconvenienced. The brief lull did not last long. As the announcer came back once again, he declared a change to the schedule, with a new main event being put in place. He described it as a surprise, gifted on behalf of the Circle of Envy to the Sinners of Cherubs Corpse. The bribery nearly made Wei snort. It seemed that all worlds were the same when it came to political influence and personal power. When you had enough of either, you could make anything happen. And soon, all the prestige that belonged to Many-wed would be taken by the young master himself. A call notification popped up for Wei. He saw it was from John Bishop. Curious, he responded. "You know, some of us were expecting you to keep a low profile. Take a look at the towns, other sites. Acclimate yourself to the Claimed Hells first," Bishop said. "Is that not what Im doing?" Wei replied. "No, what youre apparently doing is trying to get yourself killed fighting a Countess two whole Tiers stronger than you. Or so, some people think." "What do you think?" Wei asked. John Bishop chuckled. "Well, I think the Circle of Envy might be about to lose a Countess, but I also think that you want to be very, very careful with this one. She isnt your run-of-the-mill killer with a sword. Most of the threats youve faced so far have been, Id say, in the material realm of threat. People trying to kill you physically, and mentally sometimes. Shes got a whole suite of bullshit. "I know," Wei replied. "I noticed her manipulating sounds earlier. Her melodies corroded my flesh, burned my armor. My guess is that she uses music to shape her spiritual techniques." "Thats just the surface," Bishop said. "But shes also got other shit going on under the hood, so to speak." He paused, thoughtful. "Do you want me to tell you, or do you want to figure her out yourself?" A disquieted Wei realized how well Bishop understood him. Perhaps years spent working with William Yu gave the man some insight. That epiphany only spurred Wei further. A good thing he was about to have an outlet. "No," Wei replied, letting out a vicious chuckle. "I prefer to solve my own puzzles." Alright. Dont get killed; take this fight seriously. I take all my fights seriously. Just then, the announcers voice returned. "Ahem. Sinners of Cherubs Corpse, we formally apologize for any and all delays youve experienced. Im sure youre excited after this, uh..." He paused, trying to find the words. "This exciting turn of events..." The announcer didnt sound fully convinced that the events were truly exciting, but Wei didnt much care. People were talking, and he would give them a show soon enough. "The, uh, surprising death of Countess Many-weds champion, Silt of Storms, and the declaration made by the challenger... The Countess has, um, implored the arena to give her a chance at settling matters formallylegally. Overseeing this fight is the special guest, the Tribulator of the Cherubs Court. And... and also, the other fights will be, uh, postponed, though adjustments have been made. We are, uh, sad to inform that Silt of Storms versus Midnight Sage has been canceled due to one of the contestants dying prematurely." Wei smirked. "In its place, however, weve included a new" The announcement broadcast crackled with apprehension. "What the fuck do I even call this thing? Ah, yes. A trial by combat!" "Trial by combat!" The announcer repeated, sounding more confident this time. "At the special request of Countess Many-wed, and Im sure that the challenger is already raring to go, considering hes the one who provoked this in the first place, the fight is to take place immediately in the same arena without any period of recovery given to either combatant. Is... is this acceptable?" Wei smirked as he gave his reply. "If the Countess has another embarrassment of a champion for me to wet my glaive on, I will gladly kill them too." The Countess said nothing. Instead, Wei felt a building flood of Essence pour out from her, a distant din of held notes and dissonant pitches ringing from within her alloyed thorax. It sounded like she had a full orchestra caged within her physical shell. "And Countess?" Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Another message left Many-wed, and the announcer went silent. "I have just received her confirmation, and I did not mean any disrespect. Well, then I suppose I should announce the the beginning of this Trial by Combat. The announcer coughed, and a mutter escaped them. The fuck is even happening. Cheers did not roar from the audience, nor did the whispers stop. It seemed like everyone was still too stunned, taken aback by the intense transpiring before their eyes. Perhaps it was Weis boldness. Perhaps it was how easily Manywed agreed to his deliberate provocation. Whatever the case, the scene before them was clear: a supposed knight, who had just arrived in Perceptors Descent a mere day ago, was now preparing to challenge a Countess of Envy after intruding on her personal feud and slaying her champion. "I will not kill you, boy," the Countess finally said, seething with every word. "Im going to take your limbs from you. Im going to carve out your tongue. Im going to take everything except for an eye, an ear, and Im going to lay you upon my armor so that everyone can hear you whimper, so that everyone can see what happens to those who dare test me." Is that happening after my decorative castration? Wei replied sardonically. Or have you changed your mind already? She held up her wand. Oscillating waves pulsed out through the air, carrying glowing musical notes infused with inimical Essence. Wei felt a brief spike of something slam against his Ambition, and frowned to hide his discomfort. Resisting [Tune of the Hewn Mind] with Aspects of (Ambition)... >Resisted "Wonderful. Another mind-warrior." Now he understood why Bishop was going to warn him that what he faced right now was likely closer to psionic than actually physical. "Good." His Shell appeared, speaking from within. "Experiencing the variety of opponents is the only way to grow. There is little worth in being a halfway warrior." True words. The young master was looking forward to this. Wei raised his Eidolon and prepared himself. A hailstorm of Dilation-Echoes tickled through his being, granting portents of what was to come The Countess, like her Champion, was the impatient sort. His glimpse ahead into the future showed attacks streaking out from her wand, every note a threat vector of sound and Essence. Soon, the world would be consumed by her melodies, and she would drown with a deluge of overwhelming Essence. It was a viable strategy she had Essence to spare. However, it was also sloppy, impatient, wasteful. And easily intercepted. Especially by a defensive screen composed of Divine Wind. Then, without further ado, let the blood flow! And with the announcer''s riotous declaration, the battle began. The Countess let out a shriek But it was Wei who struck first. Wei, who immediately triggered his new Artifacts Railblade Slash. Wei, who fired himself across the battlefield in a blast of Celestial Lightning, ushering a stormwall of Divine Wind. Wei, who upon getting within fifty meters of Many-wed, launched his Lance of Annihilationand melded into the winds chasing him with Essenceshift. A celestial missile the size of a small tower blasted forth ahead of the young master. It left a trail of coruscating flame upon the fabric of space and as the Countess deluge of musical notes erupted from her wand, they barely made it more than a few meters before disintegrating outrightrupturing pockets of Essence forming across the battlefield. Immediately, Many-wed was on the back foot, and she responded shamefully. Flailing; skittering back. Each of her attacks could twist flesh and poison the soul, but she allowed him to close so easily; she betrayed her rank inexperience when it came to matters of war. But an incredible rush of power radiated out from her, and Wei left nothing to chance. He shifted again, turning from wind to crystal, plunging into the ashen ground, tearing through the undead as he accelerated beneath Many-weds feet. The sounds above were muffled. Immediately, he felt her influence over him lessen. All the while, he kept careful watch with his Omnisciencewaited to see if she would survive his lance. Annihilation closed on the Countess. A meter away, it was clear she had no chance to dodge. But then Countess did something unexpected: her mechanical thorax expanded, its insides bursting open like a flower unfurling. Suddenly, Wei felt thirty new Essences signatures emerge. Thirty Essence Signatures tied to thirty men. Melodic tethers ran through these men, making them seem as fruits on a needle and thread. All of them were drained of Essence and physique, bound to the Countess in ways inexorable and absolute. Time itself seemed to slow as Many-wed held out her arms. "Oh, husbands mine," she proclaimed, her voice ringing across existence like a resonant bell. "As I am bound to you, so too are you bound to me." The Lance struck. A detonation of celestial fire spread for good kilometer across the battlefield, consuming the countess and everything around her. When the brightness faded, Wei found himself at 12% Scorn. 12% Scorn, and Many-wed entirely find. She stood in a deep crater of his making, except for a single difference. One of the men tied to her dissolved away, joining the ash. A shift of Essence told Wei had just happenedhe died in her place. His spirit sacrificed to preserve hers. I think, the Shell muttered. These they are her husbands. This would have been the fate of the Sages son. At once the twenty-nine surviving husbands of Selv Many-wed began to sing, from them came a harmonious song, their blending Essences gushing into her body, infusing her with greater might. Wings shaped from musical notations expanded around her, and the engravings now folded outwards came aglow as each of her husbands began to scream. They were the ones on the armor, they were the ones she wore on her helmet. Weis mind went blank. The Countess was, for lack of a better word, truly and completely demented. When Wei felt his Empyrael Wrath reach its dimmed state, and he emerged from deep underground, bursting out to face his adversary a mere ten meters away. She turned slowly, each of her surviving husbands dangling in the air. In their hands were tools of artistrysome of them holding papers and pens, others brushes and paintings, a few instruments like violins or guitars. If there was one thing they shared, it was that they were all artists, and the Countessshe was a parasite that preyed on artists. Each of them had a Specializationa name. But all of them belonged to her now. Damned and devoured to fuel her spirit. "I loathe wretched boys like you," the Countess said, her eyes dripping with rage, her voice stained deep with scorn. "Butchers, warriors, violators. All you know is to destroy. All you know is to break. You never preserve; you never take." She let out a contemptuous breath. "I even considered keeping you alive as a pet." Contrarily, I am amused, Wei breathed. I seem that because of your bindings, I will get to kill you twenty-nine more times. Seems I will be gaining adequate practice today and rid our world of a parasite. Strange thing as well: I dont know if I would have preferred you to be pedophile instead. At his provocation, she gave a snarl. "I am a patroness of the arts. I preserve, I protect, I maintain, and I nurture. What do you know of how any these things? You think I merely prey on the young and supple? No. I am no lustful creature. I am no predator upon the young. I am patron, mother, and master all, and I have guarded these artists from the undeserving vulgarity of the lady for as long as I have lived. The sage, you, the debased Sinners of the Claimed Hellsall of you seek to feed off the labors of others, devoid of appreciation and indulgence. These privileges belong to one: me!" The sheer absurdity of her motivation left Wei staring, and then a disbelieving laugh escaped him. "You truly are all the mad." The Countess flinched as it struck, and at once she raised her wand, pointing it high in the air. From its tip flooded streams of twisting melodies fused with hundreds of Essences, all of them coalescing, weaving into a grand working that left Wei''s mind flummoxed. His Omniscience caught something. The flow of Essences were leeched from her husbands, she also stole their Enlightenments. She was draining from their minds to create this coming attackusing them not only as vessels of power, but bodies to process thought. "You murdered my champion, my friend. You arranged all this to steal a name for yourself, to cement your own legend. But this is not the way of the Claimed Hells, boy, and you are a fool to stand before me. I declare now unto you that my humiliation is at an end: I strike you from the sheet! Then, with a vicious scream, she brought the whirlwind of musical notation down upon the ashen land, and a constellation of havoc enveloped the entirety of the battleground. II-35 Dominance The creatures that thrive the most in the Claimed Hells are sadists. There is no delusion about this. Everyone knows. But what people miss is that there are two kinds of sadists. Well, more than two, but two predominantly, determined by how they use their cruelty and why. The first is your run-of-the-mill sadist. They are emotional. They hurt people to nourish their own feelings. They hurt people because theres something missing in them, or because theyre addicted. This is not a good kind of sadist to be. Mostly, they die while trying to pass through the Moongraves. A few unfortunate ones become citizens and eventually meet their untimely ends. Then theres the other kind of sadistthe calculating kind. This one is a thinking predator that hurts to make a point, that inflicts harm to leave a name. They leave a scar on you, just so you can remember them, so that when you close your eyes, when your nightmares come and you wake screaming, it will be their name on your lips forevermore. That is the sadist that thrives here. And that is why I have such high hopes for little Wei. -Mepheleon the Harbinger II-35 Dominance Countess Many-Weds attacks crashed upon the young master like a hailstorm of falling artillery. Her melodic notes, infused with a myriad of Essence types, crashed down around Wei. The blast swallowed him. Everything for three hundred meters was pummeled into nothingness. Everything except for Wei. Corrosion licked at his body, seared his very eyes. Heavy concussive blasts hammered against his ashen shroud. Piercing sonic screeches stabbed at his ears, and psionic blasts shattered and popped his thoughts like bubbles. Yet he stood his ground. He did not flee. As the flooding tide of offensive melodies crashed against the young master, his Empyrael Wraths faded embers shifted around him, shrouding him like armor. The attacks came, painted by his dilations, and Wei shattered them with his new Specialization. Every attack unleashed was enough to destroy him ten times over normally. If but one landed, his body would come asunder. Merely being in the presence of these attacks rattled his bones, boiled his veins, and made him bleed from his orifices. Yet, that was still not enough. The young master danced the edge, with each stroke of his glaive, he unmade the attacks inflicted on him with edge and Essence, deconstructing and recycling the Countesss assault to fuel his own power. Many-Wed screamed as her suitors sang their wailing tune. The husbands widened their mouths and eyes as light bled out. Howling wails of symphonic melodies poured from them as their spirits were drained further, squeezed dry of every droplet of Essence she could claim. More power poured forth from the Countess. More. The notes flying over her were practically like a stream. Her wand burned brilliant hot, turning white like a star. And through it all, no one could see Weinot anymorenot after he was drowned under that avalanche of destruction. Yet, as note after note crashed where the young master once stood, through the rising smoke and dust came a flicker, then a flare, and finally, a defiant radiance that rivaled her wands blossomed. *** The Countess froze and stumbled back in surprise.What? A blast of celestial fire cleaved through her assault. Wei expanded his aura, a wave of celestial fire spreading out from him as Many-weds attacks were unmade. He rose as the winds swirled around him, and the Ferro-Weave flowed around his arm, Divine Lightning coursing along its lattice. The young master re-emerged, radiant as he had been before, Scorn at full capacity. The celestial vanguard had taught him the rudiments of his new Class Specialization. A Scion of the Celestial Flame burned hot and dimmed fast. But he could rekindle his fires. All it took was countering his enemies attackunmaking them. It was the perfect Specialization for him, where he could use his skills to ensure his own rekindling. One good strike to restoring his Scorn, one mistake from absolute obliteration. He fought in cycles, most vulnerable at his offensive, and most durable at his drained. The young master approached. Even the ash he strode on ceased to be. His Pale Fang gleamed, a bright wound upon the surface of the world. Worst of all was that look on his face, that disappointed sneer directed at the Countness. You you the Countess managed. She took a step back, her body starting to shake. She had spent a full ten percent of her Envy on him. Ten percent to destroy him outright. And it did nothing. It was as I feared, the young master muttered, a look of pure disdain in his eyes. You were worthless, just like your champion. I came here to fight a duel. Instead, I find a worthless, pathetic excuse for a Countness. All your power, all that Essence, all those slaves they are wasted on you. He looked around, taking the spectators of Cherubs Corpse. Disgust on his face turned visceral. This is what you consider entertainment? These are you champions? Wei spat. If so, then it is little wonder why degeneracy has won here. But I will show you what it means to fight. And she will show you want it means to fall. The Countess saw a pulse of light and dark flicker within his eyes. Felt it. That wasnt Essence. That was something else. This is not your arena, not anymore, he continued. For I am here, and I will make corrections to remedy a mistake the heavens allowed to exist for far too long. Die! Many-wed shrieked. She swept her wand, and a searing missile came streaking out at supersonic speedsa high note that sent the world quivering, tearing the Spatial Essence ahead of her like wet tissue. But the young master swept his glaive up a full second ahead of her assault. A tide of rising wind, lightning, and crystal crashed into her attackand tore it apart. It was impossible. She had far more Essence. But as the celestial slash came for her, Many-wed was forced to bring her Wings of the Taken Symphony to shield herself. Mellifluous crash sang as her notes wrapped around her, shrouded her from the blast. But even with how much power she channeled, she could feel his cut digging through her wings, disintegrating them outright. Just what kind of flames were those? How did he obtain such a Specialization. This question went unanswered as, horrifyingly, the young master burst from his very own fires with an Essenceshift, his body coated by dying embers once more. Many-wed reacted. She was still over twice as fast as he. A cone of thunderous force exploded from her want. He slashed through it. Instantly, his body flared once more. But then, she saw Divine Lightning surge across his body, and the Ferror-Weave he stole from Silt activated again. For the second time, the young master used Railblade Slash. He slid between the Countesss alloyed legs, dragging his glaive and Ferro-Weave along her midsection. A disembowelment followed. But rather than the Countess dying, another of her suitors was split from groin to head. They gave her a gasping shock and died. Slowly, the Countess felt her Essence dropping, her power draining. Twenty eight left. TwentyAngus. He was her favorite pianist. No, Many-wed cried, catching the parted halves of his body. The count was clean. Perfect. It was like a thin slice of him ceased to be down the middle. No! The crowds were murmuring. Random sections burst out in raucous cheers. But the Countess only felt sorrow, rage, and the faint building of cold despair. Twenty eight more, Wei said, chuckling. It is a fortune that I get to kill you twenty-eight more times, for if I were to sharpen my glaive on you as a whetstone for skill, I fear I might come out of this diminished. Then, with a burst of Divine Wind and a rush of glowing water, he came for her once more. *** Two suns flared into existence within the private viewing platform. The first was a pure white. The second was abyssal dark. A second later, the Old Man of Pride arrived, and Mulver Groon flinched before his spiritual pressure. The Count came stomping forward, that signature scowl on his face and a look of disbelief in his eyes. Mulver, if that fool boy got himself killed The orc interrupted his superior with a grunt of laughter. He pointed down. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. The Old Man, usually not one to take an interruption lightly, followed the orcs finger. A second later, he fell wordless. His jaw opened and closed a few times, and his eyes grew wider. Is sheis the bitch running from him? Seems to be, Wolverine said. The Old Man continued staring, unable to process the unfolding scene. His reaction was one shared by countless millions in the audience. Silt of Storms was one thingthat could have been a fluke, or some kind of trick. But right now, here, it was the Countess fighting on the defensive, unleashing note, burning through her Essence, hammering the entirety of the battlefield just to keep him at bay. And not once did she land a clean hit. Rather, every blow she sent at him was either dissolved, parried, or dodged with peternatural grace. She had more Essence by far. If any of her notes landed, it should have shattered him outrighteach one at the yield of a hill-flattening bomb. But she couldnt hit him. She didnt have the skill. She didnt dance on the edge quite well enough. And so, she missed again and again, and he carved and bled her again and again, stalking her, humiliating her, breaking her in front of everyone, murdering her suitors. Jesus fucking Christ, the Old Man muttered. Just what the hell did we fish out of the Moongraves? Mulver grinned. You wanna hear the best part? Word is hes already on the outs with the Lodge. They tried to assassinate him. Hes a free agent. Sir, I present to you our second best shot at becoming Warmasters for the Invasion of Earth. *** Why wont you die? Why? the Countess screamed over and over. Full songs of ruin or torment were flowing from her, notes channeled so fast they became coruscating beams of sheet musical that lifted columns of destruction kilometers high. At the same time, her wings had spread wide, with each shivering symbol becoming a point of teleportation for her to utilize. But it was to no avail. Everywhere she fled, he followedlike a prophet who knew what she was about to do before she did. His flames were as deceitful as they were destructive. Every single note she shot at him was unmade. And though her power was far superior, he persisteda burning beacon of defiance against her tsunami of sound and havoc. She crashed against him time and time again, battering him with every Skill and Invocation she had, exerted her every Title. Corrosive blasts. Fields of incineration. Mind-rending bells that she summoned through her countless compositions. These bells had shattered the mind of a rival Count-Tiers. But when she used it against that boy, that monster, all that showed on his face was a slight hint of annoyance. And through it all, his glaive fell and fell and fell again. He carved her husbands away, one after another. Hed killed ten already. Ten of her precious loves. Ten of her treasures. Ten, never to be hers again. Ten times she felt the deathly touch of his blades edge. Ten times she felt herself run through, split down, and incinerated from within. She only had eighteen husbands left. Eighteen until it was her life on the line. No. No, this couldnt continue. She needed to win. She needed to find a way. But how? Never before had Silt or her power failed her? A truce? A bribe? The Tribulator loomed above, his chains ringing with the cold sound of judgment. She could feel the creatures gaze on her, Mepheleons perfect guardian waiting to take her away after this was over. She still needed to find some waysome way to overcome this boy. If not through direct force, then Three cuts danced down her body. Three more of her husbands tumbled apart within her grasp. No. No more She had to risk it. With a thought, she accessed a spatial cage back within her viewing platform and released her hound. A message followed thereafter. Dagos! I have need of you! There is prey for you to hunt! A second later, a response came. I hear you, mistress *** With each swing, with each second, the rage within Wei grew. He came here expecting a fighta proper duel against a Count-Tier adversary. Instead, what he got was an insult, a pathetic showing from one with too much power and not enough skill. Her notes crashed down blindly, savagely, devastatingly, but they were wielded without any coherence or foresight. Every blow was telegraphed and thoughtlessly delivered. If not for her ability to put a hole through the side of a mountain or the few psionic notes that plucked at his focus, this was a travesty. She didnt predict. She didnt even guess. She just hammered the entirety of the arena over and over, hammered against his celestial flames over and over, even when it was all useless. Meanwhile, he cycled though supernovas and dusks, Aspects growing, his Class Level rising from the Scornful display he inflicted upon the Countess. Class Level > 84 Relativity Advanced > 73 Enlightenment > 55 Omniscience > 56 >[46/100] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension And through it all, she never figured out what she had to do to strike at him when he was at his most radiant, rather than at his darkest. She failed to focus on his Essence, understand his strategies. Hopefully, when he was done with her, a better caliber of foe would present themselves. As he shattered through another note, he flicked a finger and a crystalline projectile burst out from underground, catching the Countess under the ribs. She jolted sideways, and one of her six remaining husbands cried out as he slumped over on his tendril, blood oozing out of his chest. This was the worst thing about fighting her. How others died in her stead. Boys spent to protect an unworthy Countess. The young master accelerated forth, his Dilation Echoes warning him of a forthcoming attack. Her wings, made from sheet music, speared down, crushing noise and cacophonous blasts nearly swallowing the whole arena. But she was slowing, her Essence running dry. With all those loud and heavy attacks, She spent herself without success, while he flowed seamlesslyhis attacks layered, his winds, lightning, crystals, and flames serving as both offense and obfuscation. He Essenceshifted into a bolt of lightning and passed beyond her guard. Twisting, he slammed a fist into her thorax, and the alloy rang like a gong. Many-wed cried out in outrage. This attack barely phased her, so high was her Constitution. But as she slashed down, he spent the remainder of his Scorn in a burst of Deconstruction as he Essenceshifted upward into a wind as she shattered a crystal decoy he left behind. She let out a cry of triumph then, thinking the battle over. Then, he reemerged above her, and triggered Railblade Slash straight down. He impaled her using his glaive, the impact sending them down a full ten meters into the ash. Wei twisted his weapon, and the Countess gave a ragged cry of frustration as another of her husbands died. This one grasped at something as he tumbled next to Wei, muttering a final Thank you, as he passed. ENOUGH! ENOUGH! The Countess cried. She tried to rise but Wei drove his knee into her face, shattering her helmet and revealing the mascara running down her cheeks. No so pristine now. Her wings flickered. Her notes grew quieter, loud cries and hollers sounded from the crowd. Mongrels. Wei didnt need them. The only song he wanted to hear was his glaives: cut, stab, flick, blood. The Countess was carved over and over, mortal blows transferred to her husbands. One. Two. Three. Four. And one more. She brought her wand upbut Wei snatched it out from between her fingers and pulled it into his Inventory. A look of disbelief and outrage played across her face before he shaped dagger from his Ferro-Weave and put it through her eye. As the last of her husbands died, Wei pulled his blade out and prepared to finish Many-wed. Wait! She cried. The young master didnt. Not until she projected an image with a wave of her hand. Before him materialized a scene. A scene that displayed his disciplesof someone watching them from within the viewing platform without their knowledge. Fury boiled over in the young master. He seized her by the throat. Honorless cur. You dare do this before the Tribulator? She sniffled, snot receding up her nostrils. I will accept any punishment bestowed by the Highest Court. I will pay you anything. But I wish to live. I only wish to live. If you would just She clenched her teeth. Give me mercy. I will grant you any desire And your people will live. Chains crashed down around Wei, the Tribulators presence sank like a crumbling mountain. The perspective hovering before Many-wed showed her assassin creeping closer. To Agnesia. To Ellena. The young master held up a hand, delaying their judgment. Many-wed had the audacity to smirk. Good. I knew I knew you were a wise Then, suddenly, Agnesia, Ellena, and all the rest of his disciples vanished. In their place burned Signs and Reference Circuits. Ciphers. A surprised cry came from Many-weds assassin as they were suddenly hit from the side by a massive draconic avatar composed of blackest flames. A doglike yelp sounded as chaos unfolded. The perspective jolted about as the assassin was slammed against the ground over and over again. Roggi! Stalag. Agate! CHAINS! Agnesia cried. Steam burst across the window projected before Many-wed, and whimpering followed. The sound of an arrow striking flesh followed. A cry of agony answered. Suddenly, Wei saw the furious faces of his disciplesbut mainly the soles of their shoes. They were stomping the assassin, all of them kicking and beating him. Get diabetes! the orc chef roared, smashing a large cream bun onto the assassin. Eat it. Through it all, neither Many-wed, Wei, nor the Tribulator said anything. Cries of Countess! They knew I was coming! Help me! came from Many-weds agent, and Hold him still, I will use a vacuum cipher to prolapse his folds signalled Rafaels presence. Slowly, the young master began to laugh with pride while the Countess broke down in bitter sobs. Please, she said, sniffling. I just wanted to be a patroness of the arts. Wei breathed. And I just wanted a good fight. Both of us have been failed today. What a shame. Then, he drove his glaive into her, split her open from gut to groin. Many-wed let out a shuddering gasp. Her face contorted in agony, but suddenly, a vicious idea came to Wei. If the Circle of Envy was going to insult him with this trash, then he will take this fued personally, and bring this humiliation to a close. With a channeling of his flames, he used his Concept of Creation to mend her wounds. Suddenly, the Countesss eyes widened, and he flung her back. Looking down, she saw a dimming patch of radiance painting her torso. There, her armor and flesh were both restored. Suddenly, her wand was cast back into the ashes. Chucked at her feet like garbage. Pick it up, Wei demanded, his voice as sharp as his glaives edge. The Countess stared at him, her mind unable to process what was happening. The arena was deathly silent again. I Pick it up, Wei repeated, flourishing his glaive. I am unsatisfied. We will do this until I am happy. And until his Class and Aspects stopped growing. I Many-weds lip quivered. I wish to see how well my Specialization can heal someone. I will be training my disciples tomorrow. It will annoy me greatly if they died under my administrations. You will serve me as a practice dummy, for you could not perform the duty of rival. No, she breathed. Yes, Wei said, advancing on her. Now pick it up. Or dont. It makes no difference. *** Mulver flinched and looked away as another anguished scream of despair sounded across the Bloodgrounds. Many-wed had pitches. Real pipes. And they were all used to channel her pain and begging now. Other Knights and Marquises from the Circle of Pride turned away, some of them pale, a few excited. The Old Man, meanwhile, looked lost in thought. How long ago did you say he arrived in Preceptors Descent. A day. Good Christ. What a find. II-36 Notoriety The best way to climb the popularity ladder in the Claimed Hells? Easy. Knock off someone everyone hates. Or cut down someone powerful. That always gets you noticed. Now for the downside: Sometimes, you really dont want to be noticed -Guide to the Claimed Hells II-36 Notoriety In the end, Wei slew Countess Many-wed over 108 times. 108 times, he brought her to the brink of death. 108 times, he used his flames of creation to mend her, ignoring her pleas for mercy, only to smite her once more for the inconvenience caused by her incompetence. With each session, the crowds grew louder. Strings of Essence slithered overheadmessages exchanged. As he fought, his name became the voice of the world, the Sinners of Cherubs Corpse chanting it as if a prayer, calling for him to indulge in new depravities. But he ignored them. He just wanted to use her as a means to hone himself; to teach the Claimed Hells a lesson about who he was, what he was capable. By the end, she didnt even fight at alla final insult toward his dedication. She simply cast down her wand as her legs gave out, and finally begged for death. Death, because her pride could take no more. He granted her request and gave her a final mercy. As she lay there bleeding, severed of limbs and seared of flesh and alloyed, she looked up at him, her eyes dry of tears and devoid of light. When he swiped his glaive across her neck for the final time, it was not triumph he felt, but muted weariness. How disappointing. The Celestial Vanguard had dulled these lesser foes. Class Level > 84 Free Points: [20] Authority Advanced > 74 (3) Relativity Advanced > 77 (4) Omniscience > 58 (2) Fortification > 49 [57/100] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension. Reviewing Encounter Masteries Demonstrated >Meditation (IV) 1% >Unarmed Combat (IV) 4% >Spearmanship (IV) 4% >Evasion (V) 8% >Thrown Weapons (III) 94% >Tactics (IV) 93% >Rapier 93% Attention: New Title Synergy Detected Achievement: Defeat an adversary at least two Essence Tiers above your own.Concept Core of (Augmentation) >Title >>Face the Mountains When facing a foe fifty or more Essence Levels higher than yourself, gain 20% Strength and Speed along with 5% Toughness. +20,000 Significance At least the entire affair wasnt entirely worthless. Beheading Many-wed sent a shiver down his spine. For a moment, he saw a flashback of Ellenaof her as mother. And then nothing. Nothing anymore. He focused on his System and Class notifications. Reviewed his changes. And took her discarded wand. Wand of the Composer (Epic): [Locked due to Class Specialization: Requires Musical-Related Essence] Musical-related Essence? Though we are not of no talent with a zither, I suspect this will serve another of our sect better. the Shell muttered. Indeed. But still. This wasnt a complete waste. After all that blood spilled and the tedious battle thereafter, it was good to claim something. And and holy shit, the announcer muttered. Their voice was a low drone, and arrived suddenly. It was as if the announcer suddenly remembered they had to officiate affairs. Spurred by their words, Wei heard roaring cheers, mutters, and sussurations of conversations washing over his ears. If they were so excited by his savagery against this worthless competitor, then he could only imagine how enticed they might be when a proper fight was put on. Wei took in the Bloodgrounds, gazing at all corners of the arena, and let out a snort. Rabble seemed to be the same everywhere. II give you your winner. Thethe winner of this legally recognized dispute. Wei An Wei of the Drowned Sky Sect! Wei An Wei the the Count-Breaker. No! The Breaker! The Breaker? It is acceptable, the Shell said, still sounding slightly disappointed. We do indeed break things. It fits better than they know. Golden chains descended from on high and layered themselves over the Countesss body. Wei watched as the Tribulator descended, hovering just over her. The matter has been resolved through the outcome of the Countesses death. Have you achieved your desired legal restitution? Indeed, Wei said. A beat followed. Although, I would not be against keeping her body. That armor she has You are not permitted to take anything else, the Tribulator said. There are already arrangements made for her body and her items. By law, they belong to her Circle, to be reimbursed and distributed in the event of her death. Truly, Wei said, arcing an eyebrow. I hadnt anticipated the Countess to be so forward-thinking about her own demise. The Tribulator did not respond. Instead, it continued staring at Wei. Functionally, this conversation was over. The young master considered pushing the matter for a long moment, but decided against it. Though he managed to dance the edge against a fool of a Countess, a Tribulator was on another level entirely. A level Wei wasnt ready to risk. Yet. With that with that, Wei froze. He realized he didnt know how to leave this place. With that, he turned, marchingbut then he realized he had nowhere to go. The bloodgrounds furled all around him, all the way to the horizon. Beyond the fields of ash, he could see the rising stands, feel the shimmer of spatial essence dancing like a mirage, shrouding the countless crowds. But no gates or doors. No obvious exit. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Finally, he looked up and inquired, Announcer! Voice! How do I leave? His answer did not come in a statement, but rather in an opening.A rift materialized before him. Wei judged it, using his Omniscience to confirm its stability, before simply offering a nod. My thanks, then. Before stepping through, he gave the Bloodgrounds one final look, and left with a final statement. I am unsatisfied. And I will return. I only ask that there is a better caliber of enemy waiting here thereafter. A moments silence, then roaring laughter; cheering. The effect has been met twice over. People will be talking about him now. If that was loud enough to get him closer to the Bastard or one of the other challengers, Wei didnt know. He would work on his Significance more in due time. He entered the rift. Darkness swallowed him, but only momentarily. A second later, a portal opened, and as he slipped through the opening, he found himself standing before the brutalized corpse of a now-dead werewolf. Its skin was degloved, its flesh bloated, its fur half-shorn off. Despite this, there was less gore and more sugar and candy leaking out from the mangled remains. All around it stood his disciples, each of them holding implements of death, of torture, and in one case, a particularly well-sprinkled cupcake. Agnesia turned on Wei first, placing her hands upon her hips. I knew you were gonna get us into another fight, you bastard, she laughed. I knew it! Wei looked at all his disciples, most of them snorting, scoffing, and grinning at him. All this was expected? The young master wasnt sure how to take that. I you all anticipated this? Wei Roggi began. You got habits, lad. Now, I cant quite blame you for it, considering were in Hell and all, but youre, uh pretty predictable. Seriously, boy, Garret, the Shadow Archer, finished. Everything you get involved with ends in blood and death. You really should get better hobbies. Wei didnt know how to respond to that, nor to the flippant attitude some of his disciples were taking toward him. Instead, he parried, moving on to another topic. He gestured at the dead werewolf. Many-weds minion, I assume. The young master frowned. I do wish you kept him alive. It would be useful to interrogate the scoundrel. But Wei considered the scene of them stomping the assassin over and over again. There was a lack of technique, but plenty of aggression and brutality. These were good foundations. The fact you did not need me to aid you is comforting. The orc chef chuckled. Yeah. We really got this guy good, huh? There was one question Wei did want to ask. Why is he fat? And why his skin half flayed? The orc chef looked at him and winced. Oh, that. I fed him my Blow Your Skin Off Hyper-Sugar Cupcake. He held up his cupcake and shook it. Wei could feel a stinging sweetness radiating from its cream, practically taste the sour from the sprinkles. The young master blinked. You killed him with food? Yeah. His heart popped. Rafael said so. The lich gave Wei a nod. It is very calorie-intensive. He got diabetes in record time. And then, his body became as if a banana. The young master didnt fully understand what diabetes was, but the rest of that sentence made him shiver. I have underestimated you, chef. Truly, your style is one to dread. The orc beamed. Aw, thanks chef. I look forward to seeing what else you can show me tomorrow morning during practice. The orcs smile vanished. Pure terror replaced it. All of you. Do not worry, though. Wei chuckled. I have more means of motivation. Artifacts and other rewards for those who perform well. New armors for the victors. New weapons for those who need them. In fact, when the rest of the fights are over, we are bound for the markets! For your demonstration of valor, I will get you all anything you so desire. Ellena winced. Perhaps within reason. Anything! Wei said. The point of wealth was to use it. To gather more resources for cultivation and advancement. Why else have gold and valuables if they cannot be made into items and services? It is time to do my part to remove us from the wrong economic class, Rafael said, with resolve. Attention, Patriarch Wei An Wei," the Attendant within the viewing platform spoke. Weis attention turned to the demon, and his eyes narrowed. Oh, youre still here. I did not notice you. Tell the arena I have a complaint: You missed the intruder. I expect you to be brutally lashed for your failures. Three hundred times at least. Of course, sir. We are sorry for the inconvenience, sir. However, there is a message from the Midnight Sage. Would you like me to relay it to you? Wei didnt even need to consider that question. No. I dont know this Midnight Sage. Several heads turned to him. What? Agnesia said. Ellena tilted her head. Didnt you leave specifically to talk to him? Wei scowled. I went to speak to a cultivator. One from my homeworld. I found none. The Midnight Sage is a drunk, simply masquerading, using the title for his own prestige. As he was too pitiful to kill, I spared his life. He and I should never meet again, for the next time, I will not be so merciful. Agnesia shot Wei a slightly worried expression, but the former queen shook her head and whispered for her daughter to let it go. Young Master Wei, the attendant said again. There is another matter I already told the Midnight Sage, Wei interrupted, I have no intention of meeting him. This message is from the Old Man. A count of the Circle of Pride. The Old Man Wei paused. Was Mulver here? The Count as well. Did they have eyes on him already. Yes, of course. My apologies. What does he want? Wei asked. He wishes to send you a formal invite to a gala at his personal mansion tomorrow in the Risen Thronethe capital of the Circle of Pride. Furthermore, he offers his expression of astonishment and congratulations in your most audacious victory. He stresses that a great many figures of significance will be in attendance, and that he senses an expression of dissatisfaction with the Countesss performance. He thinks he might be able to offer you something more filling. A series of expression played across his disciple. Agnesia looked wary. The Oathbearers were on alert. Rafeal seemed nervous with his posture, but Ellena surprised Wei with her statement. We should attend. Wei stared at her, taken aback by her declaration. It is a unique opportunity to further entrench ourselves with the elites of this place. Mother, Agnesia said, clearly uneasy. These are demon lords. Surely, they cannot be Trust? Ellena barked a shrill laugh. Of course not. I am half certain this Count will try to kill us at some point. However we are already being hunted. And we cannot play the outcast if we wish to take the role of master. And though Wei has earned merits through his martial prowess, it takes more than the blade to reign over another. Her words hold a great deal of truth, the Shell said. The young master nodded after a moments hesitation. Very well. Attendant. Give word to the Count. Tell him to expect He looked at his disciples. Tell him to expect us. Oh, Agnesia grinned. Were finally getting invited to something. *** Scenes of succulent brutality played out before the Collectress. Within her den of love and lust, a screen floated before her, formed of Essence, playing scenes of a most unbelievable kind. She watched as this so-called Wei An Wei, known to the sinners of Cherubs Corpse as the Breaker, hurt, flayed, wounded, and ultimately brutalized Countess Many-wed. Oh, Manywed. For so many years, she had been the Collectresss rivalor thought herself to be. Ultimately, she was a lovestruck fool, consumed by an urge to possess, to keep art away from others in the hopes of filling that hole in her chest. A hole the young master was making and healing over and over again with that burning blade of his. If the Collectress wasnt mistaken, that was a Celestial Vanguard-inspired classification. She hadnt seen that in years. In fact, she didnt know that someone in the Claimed Hells could obtain such a class. How fascinating. Ultimately, however, she was interested in another thing: the way he fought, with such precision, such exquisite beauty. It was enough to get her flustered. The Collectress shifted, the chains connecting to her body rattling, and slowly she pulled one of her Loveslaves over. Yes, Garlin, she purred. The boy had been neglected too long. With a wiggle of her finger, she inspired his senses, sharpened his ardor, and overflowed the very lust that kindled in his stomach. He crawled on all fours, coming to her like a base animal. For thats all he was: a base animal to her whims. And through it all, the rest of her belongings fanned her. Especially Aerea. Sweet, sweet Aerea and the fate child in her womb. Far across her cavernous chamber, she laid her eyes on her most prized possession: The childs father. To so-called Bastard. Howls of exertion and brutality played out before her as he slashed, tore, bit, and gouged his way through another one of her challenges. Right now, his fur was aglow with moonlight, and the touch of a most ancient Essence lit his body with a silvery sheen as he ripped another wyvern in half. With a wave of her hand, she summoned more. A hydra emerged from a portal; a land dragon blinked next to the Bastard; a dozen demons entered the fray. Through it all, his blade never stopped moving, shining, singing. As her champion slaughtered, she leveled her screen and compared his performance to the young master. Bursts of celestial fire were matched against beams of lunar radiance. After a moment, she spoke. Aerea. Do you think your lover can contend with this one. The woman who oh-so-recently fancied herself an explorer and not a prized mare could barely meet the Collectresss gaze. But as she swallowed, her jaw tightened, and she simply nodded. Yes. Why? This one is so skilled. Many-wed, though a fool girl, was a Count in terms of Essence. It will not be enough, Aerea said. A slight smile passed over her face. It is never enough. II-37 Nature and Nurture The training of indigenous personnel requires careful planning and execution to ensure skills are imparted effectively while building trust, discipline, and a shared understanding of mission objectives. -U.S. Army Field Manual FM 3-05.20 II-37 Nature and Nurture Disappointment was rapidly becoming an enduring factor in Wei An Weis life. After his little adventure in the Bloodgrounds, he had taken his sect to the market at night. The streets were clenched tight with surging crowds and sights and sounds aplenty to behold. Establishments of all sorts ran from wall to wall, and rather than it being a mere quarter, the bazaar was a complex Wei only skimmed. During their brief time there, Wei obtained new weapons, essentials, training materials, Skill Shards, and even specialized demons for his sects use. More, he bought them libations dinner at a place called The Long Pork and countless other baubles they so desired. Their moods had been high. Morale was radiant. That night, they had all gone to bed with motivation burning in their hearts and ready spirits for the following day. Or so Wei thought. It all began with their warm-up. The fifty-kilometer run was something Wei expected to be completed in two hours. It was not. The run took substantially longer than two hours for most of his disciples. One was even still runningor, more accurately, crawlingon his arms and legs as he made squealing noises every time his heart started to rupture. Hovering over the mansion at the heart of the Unblossomed upon a whirlwind, Wei shot the orc chef a brief look, using his Omniscience to monitor the disciple carefully. The tracks that the Oathbearers made ran the entire rim of the former consulates habitation area. The prior housing had been looted clean and then demolished to make room for further renovations. It was along this rim that the orc suffered two heart attacks. And it was from above the mansion that Wei whipped a bolt of restorative lightning into him from afar. It wouldnt do to lose a disciple to his lacking Constitution. Or the fat clogging his vessels. A loud, high-pitched scream sounded from the northern side of the living quarters. Wei let out a soft sigh and turned his attention to the next disappointment. With the warm-up runs conclusion, his sect was to move on to a circuit for Wei to gauge their performance. The circuit was compromised of a station for every Aspect, and it began with the plum blossom poles, a cultivator classic. The course was a series of poles hammered deep into the earth that one needed to run across. Shaped like a plum, the course was designed to improve agility and balance. To provided added motivation, Wei dug a deep trench below and filled it with approximately five hellhounds. Five Hellhounds that were currently tearing Garret, the Shadow Archer, apart. The poor fool had somehow missed his first jump, fell between two poles, and then crashed down into the muck. Then, the dogs came for him. Four Hellhounds buried their teeth into his limbs immediatelyand as two forced his legs open, the fifth bit down on his groin. Oh gods! Oh! Oh, Radiance! Oh, someone help me! Garret screamed. Wei shook his head at the shameful display. He would have been disowned if he lost a fight to a dog. Loudly, he yelled, Defend, Garrett! Defend! Fuck you! Garrett shrieked. How the hell am I supposed to defend? Its biting it off! Oh gods, its coming off Wei shot a beam of celestial flame, mending Garrets body. There, he said. A little bit of help. More than Wei himself could have expected during his days as a cultivator. Truly, he was already too soft a master. Kill the dogs! Dont heal me! Kill theAGHGUUGUGHH ITS STILL BITING! FUUUUCCKK! ITS SINKING IN! ITS SINKING! His shell agreed. You are coddling them. Failure should be rewarded with pain. Wei winced slightly at his Shells reprimand, though Garretts screams made him wonder. Anyhow. The next circuit was a contest of strength. Wei had purchased a training demona modified variant Rage Demon called a Practice Brawler. To defeat it, one simply needed to pin it to the ground for three seconds. So far, the only ones who have managed this are the Oathbearers and Agnesia. Everyone else Stop! Stop! Shes going to die! The Hivekins psionic projections took on a desperate quality as their primary and second limbs clutched their clicking head. They, along with a crowd of other disciples, watched from beyond a cipher-forged barrier. Inside, the Practice Brawler was slamming Mira Noctures back on its knee over and over again. Her eyes rolled. Her limbs flopped. She was on the verge of unconsciousness. However, despite the beating, her spine hadnt broken. Though her Strength was lacking, her Constitution was not. Perhaps she would find a way to prevail. Perhaps not. The third circuit focused on mental acuity. Raphael manned a series of desks where a pen and several pieces of paper awaited the disciples. There, questions of basic arithmetic, language, and reasoning skills challenged their minds. Wei frowned at some questions. They seemed oddly focused on murdering the rich and setting systems ablaze. The content felt vaguely threatening, if he was honest with himself. The fourth circuit tested perception. Wei had hidden three silver needles inside a mound of hay. So far, no one had found a single needle. A few had given up entirely and were now lounging by the side, smoking and drinking in despair. Finally, the last circuit tested willpower. Wei had his Oathbearers fashion an electrified cage that one needed to grip onto. It wasnt enough to kill, but discomfort was certain. The longer one held the cage, the stronger their willpower would prove to be. So far, only Agnesia was still holding onto the cage. Her draconic avatar was faintly manifested over her, and she had long exceeded Weis expectations. Although, judging by the expression on her face, Wei couldnt quite tell if she was in genuine pain or simply refusing to let go out of sheer stubbornness. Suddenly, Wei felt ita popping of a heart. Pointing his Pale Fang southward without looking, he released another bolt of Divine Lightning, and kept the orc from crossing over. Three heart attacks now. Still ten kilometers to go. the Shell said. Hell get there. He just needs to crawl faster. *** As the initial session of morning training turned to noon whimpering, Wei stood before his disciples and prepared to give them his assessment. Well then, he said, sweeping his gaze across their battered and broken forms. His disciples glared at him, unimpressed. Only Rafael, Agnesia, Ellena, and the Oathbearers stood in the backline, bearing the bulk of the sects dignity. Most of the others were without the ability to walk, exchanging back massages bout with the Practice Brawler. Their orc was laying face up and his clothes were soaked through as if he had taken a dip in the sea. A few meters away, Garret sat to the side, holding a solid brick of ice between his legs, muttering a litany of curses. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Wei paused, trying to think of how to speak to his people. Be motivational, Ellena advised. Focus on what they did well. Make their failures sound hopeful. And meaningful. Blame not the person for the failures of their actions. And perhaps use a bit of humor. You are all there is potential here. Great deals of potential. Wei coughed. Whispered slurs and groans came as a unified reply. Got fucking potential to get my cock mauled off is what I got, Garret muttered. Im not doing this shit every morning. You can kill me, you can throw me out of the sect, but Im not doing this every morning. He let out a pathetic whimper. Fuck me. For the first time in my life, I didnt like having my balls in a bitchs mouth. The female disciples glared at Garrett. Garret, Wei said, his tone sharp, I understand you may have had certain habits, but I will not allow my disciples to mate with animals. Especially not dogs. Everyone froze. The archers eyes widened. No! No, bitchesas in women! I meant women! A few disciples stepped farther away from him, their faces pale with revulsion. Garrett looked around in panic before clenching his eyes shut. Goddammit. There goes my chances of getting any plough here. I know, Wei said, awkwardly. I was trying to make a joke. I Garret choked. Your idea of a joke is to call me a dog-fucker? A series of snorts followed. Rafael forced a laugh. The Oathbearers didnt need to. Agnesia covered her mouth. Ellena hide a wince. The rest of the sect mostly just stared. Wei shook his head in disapproval. Right. Right. But respect your fellow disciples. Or I will give you three hundred lashes. Fucking lash me to death, so long as I dont have to hop those sticks again, Garret grunted. At this, a series of agreements followed. Agreements and more. Wei swept his gaze across his disciples again, he took in their demoralized expressions, the vacant stares of trauma, the shudders of exhaustion as they sat trapped by their recent failures. His Shell manifested beside him and let out a sigh. We should have expected this, the Skill said. They are not cultivators. It is not in their nature to endure such harshness with focus and discipline. Lady Ellena was correct about many things, loathe as I am to accept it. Then, what should I do? Appeal to them as a person. Do as she recommended the day before. And that made Weis gut tighten up. Training, fighting, posturing These things came naturally to him. But the idea that his sect might see him for who he is made him feel some kind of ill. Understand that they all truly have potential, the Shell growled. But their potential will not be realized if your cowardice cripples you. Look upon them and remembered the glory of your sect. Masters of all techniques, styles, disciplines, and philosophies. Your mother might have been the matriarch, but she was only one among many martial geniuses. This made Wei realize another matter. I think we need to start recruiting more people. More masters. Indeed. But for now, you give your all to everything that you have. Crushing down his discomfort, Wei planted his glaive into the earth. He took a few steps forward, closing the distance between him and disciples. A few flniched. Most held their breath. And so, facing such anxiety, Wei spoke. I He paused, his tone softening. I am sorry if this is difficult for all of you. I did not mean for this to be a session of torture. Several disciples blinked at him in disbelief. Clearly, they did not trust his sincerity. However, Wei continued, I understand that you are all from different worlds, each with your own histories. I would like to hear about your experiences, your expertise. Things have changed for all of us. And they will continue changing. Today was unpleasant for some of you. He caught several glowers. Practically all of you. But your misery here is not without purpose. It has given me insight into your abilities. And places where you can improve. Like not getting me cock bitten off by dogs? Garret asked. Preferably. The Shadow Archer snorted. Right. Well. He looked Wei up and down, then shrugged. Thanks for hitting me with the light, anyway. Letting me stay alive. Even if you didnt help me any other way. Yeah, the orc wheezed. Thanks for keeping me alive. Finally, Wei grinned at the others, only to catch a scowl from Mira, who was currently enjoying a chiropractic session from the Hivekin. Im still bloody mad at you. That was understandable. But also, something that could be fixed. Well. With morning training completed, it is time for more rewards. At the mention of rewards, greed and motivation returned to his disciples. From his Inventory, Wei produced a number of items, all of which were recently procured in battle. The first was the doll coat he had taken from the assassin, Jnaegism LLocthe lich responsible for killing so many of his disciples. Here, Wei said, holding the coat out to Mira. Take this. Her eyes bulged as she stared at the garish jacket. Small puppets dangled along the tasseled clothings length. A few people coughed to hide their chuckles. What is this thing? This thing will take damage on your behalf, Wei answered. Dollmasters Coat (Rare) Jack will sustain 1 instance of fatal damage for the user per day. Cannot be worn with other Constitution boosting artifacts. It will keep you alive when you are struck down, Wei explained. It transfers the damage into one of the dolls. It will only work once per day, though. So, dont be careless. Or allow a demon to slam your back against their knee repeatedly. Fuck you, Mira laughed. Wei squinted at her, pulling her jacket back. Repeat that. She froze. Everyone stopped breathing. Then the young master handed the jacket over slowly as he smirked. Another joke. Surprise. Awkward chuckles followed. The Shell loomed over Wei. It was not. Her statement genuinely angered you. You lie to them. Let me have my pride, damn you. As the elf took her artifact, she wrinkled her nose and nodded. Right. Thanks. For, you know, getting me out of the Hearted Realm. And keeping us alive. You are most welcome. Never insult me again, or I will show you how a spine properly breaks. She nodded and swallowed deeply thereafter. Ellena leaned into view and shot Wei a disapproving look. He did his best not to react. Agnesia. Here! From his Inventory emerged the Ferro-Weave into the form of a fluid sphere. Though it did aid him in the Bloodgrounds, it was no true match for his System, and the girl was lacking in Speed. Agnesia stared at sphere for a moment before looking apprehensively at Wei. Dont you need it. She blinked, her expression torn between confusion and offense. Wei snorted. Not as much as you do. You pinned the Practice Brawler. You completed the run ahead of most others. You held onto the electric bars the longest. You did nearly trip over the blossom poles and failed to find the needles, though. Alas, I have nothing that can help with your senses yet, so I must work on your flat-footedness first. That needle test was bullshite, and you know it! Agnesia, language! Ellena admonished. The girl pouted. Wei held back a snicker. Ah. But it was a joy to wind her up. And he preferred her this way rather than sad. With that thought, he turned his attention to Ellena. He owed a great deal to the Harbinger. Far more than he could repay right now. As the Ferro-Weave left his hand, it poured over Agnesias arm, fused with her bone-blade, and she spent the next few moments learning how to manipulate it. He would have Roggi and Rafael see if they could craft something like it together. Making it a standard Artifact for his disciples would be most beneficial. Finally, the wand. As he brought it out of his Inventory, he swept his disciples. Is there anyone here who is most musically attuned? Two elves looked at each other, but it was the Hivekin that lifted a massive bladed arm. I was to evolve into a hive-compose. My current Specialization is Psycho-Melodicist. That gave Wei pause. Psycho-Melodicist. Yes. Very disturbing. Most of my Skills relate to using mental melodies. A lot of suggestive self-mutilation and suicide. The young master nodded. It wouldnt be a specialization from the Claimed Hells if it worked otherwise. With his most major gifts handed out for now, Wei struck while the iron was hot. There will be more artifacts in the future. More benefits. I have provided you all you desired from the market, will continue investing in you because I see a realm where you are all masters in your own right, where we are strong, where we are no longer afraid. But that comes with strain. With effort. With pain. His disciples shuffled. They still didnt appear too enthused, but at least they seemed less miserable now. Good. Fantastic. I am glad you all listened. Now. The first days training has gone on longer than expected. I suggest you all clean yourselves. The hard part is done, but we cannot embarrass ourselves in high society later tonight. There is a gala waiting, and we are all guests of honor. At the mention of the gala, more than a few people perked up. Oh, how soft the human heart, to love the sweet and never savor the bitter. You are all dismissed. Be ready before nightfall. Transportation has been arranged. With his declaration, strength suddenly flooded back into his disciples as they rosewell, some of them crawledaway toward their temporary abodes. They needed to get started on building a new complex. With much of the Inheritors housing demolished, they had more than enough room to develop further. Another thing to speak with the Oathbearers about. As everyone dispersed, he watched Ellena approach him, her hands folded neatly over her stomach. How did I do? Wei said, smiling. There is potential here. Great deals of potential. His smile faded. Ah. I fear speaking does not come as easy to me as fighting does. It just takes Wei, Bishops voice resounded in the young masters head. We need to talk. Its about the galawe got an opening for you: the Bastard and his master is going to be in attendance. II-38 Off to See the Bastard (I) Being a Scion, a descendant of a divine entity, is more than just being a class. As a Scion, you possess rulership over concepts. Not just the ability to make skills or titles from concepts, but absolute rulership. Through your will, you can compel something under your divine patrons portfolio to adhere to you. This means that when faced with an adversary, your power takes precedence over theirsunless they too are a Scion. Take, for instance, a Scion of Ignium, the Gold Dragon of the Rising Dawn, creator and destroyer both. You rule over fire, over light, over destructionbut also forging. This means that all descendants of the Golden Dragon can become warriors and blacksmiths without peer, if they learn to master their own bloodline. And that is what makes them truly valuable: a spiritual bloodline. Something the System-hosts desire to possess to broaden their own influences All except one bloodline, one that is scorned. One that is an omen for all others. Those born of the Hound of the Withered Moon. For one born of death can be shaped into a spiritual weapon against even the greatest powers in the Fathoms. -A Primer on Scions II-38 Off to See the Bastard (I) Master Bishop, Wei said aloud, declaring to his companions just who had telepathically reached out to him. Agnesia scowled. Ellens eyes widened. The Oathbearers leaned in as if they could hear Weis thoughts. Rafael, of all people, went still. Wei didnt doubt that he remained in constant contact with the other Trespassers from the Lodgedespite his current allegiance. Dont worry, this isnt a clandestine message or anything, Bishop said after the fact. He made his thoughts aloud echo out from Wei, looping the young masters companions in. Im just calling to congratulate you first on, uh, earning yourself some attention. Pretty nasty work you pulled back in the Bloodgrounds. There was a betting pool going on between me and the rest of the bunch down here at the Lodge. Trying to gauge when I would get in trouble? Wei asked. Oh no, we knew you would get in trouble. We were just betting on when. And who won? Wei asked curiously. Me, because I said immediately. You are Williams kid, after all. And there it wasthe dig, that ever-so-familiar finger in the wound. Wei clenched his jaw and nodded. Very well. What, then, do you wish to warn me about, Master Bishop? The Hound, yes? One of my many challengersslave to the Circle of Lust. Yeah, Bishop replied. The one Sarah thought was going to give you the most trouble in a straight fight. After your recent showing, though, I think even John Doe is starting to have second questions about any Knight-Tier adversary being your equal. He and his mistress will be attending this, uh, gala youve been invited to. Congratulations, by the way. The Old Man dont hand out invitations like this to anyone, especially not most Knight classes, only ones that show substantial promise or potential. And you? Well, lets just say the Circle of Pride is salivating to get their teeth into you. I must disappoint them, then, Wei replied. I am my own master. But the young master grinned, thinking of ways he could angle this to his advantage. Yes, the Concept Shards. He could now provide easy advancements to his sect. So, just how long would it take for a Count-Tier to advance? To grow their Aspects? There, then, was his greatest angle. But he also needed to hide the existence of his System However, I wouldnt be against working with them, Wei mused, or playing them against each other for my favors. Then were on a wavelength, Bishop replied. But keep yourself ready. It isnt going to be a walk in the park. The Sinners are sharks, and you, right now, are a very fascinating swordfish that popped out of nowhere. You might be able to thread a line with the Counts, but if you get the attention of a Duke? Or a Prince? The Trespasser sent Wei an image of a finger squishing a gnat. Ah. So this place isnt devoid of true powers. Good. Many-wed has left me irritated and frustrated. There are so few good adversaries to find in this place. Yeah, dont worry, son, Bishop chuckled. John Does still gonna want to see you by the end of the week. You treat him like any of these clowns, well, hes gonna carve some respect into your bones. And that sent a shiver of excitement up Weis spine. Oh, I hope he does. I hope he tries. A beat followed. You know, Bishop continued, when you talk like that, you dont sound anything like your father. Man was always one to avoid a fight more than he was one to engage in it. He was always a coward at heart, Wei shot back. Coward? No. But he was always a sneaky shit, a knife in the dark. And, uh, well, heres an awkward segue. You might want to inquire his expertise. A burst of outrage flared inside Weis gut. What? Why? I do not need him. You dont need him, Bishop said diplomatically. But his assistance is helpful. He spent years working with the Circle of Envy. Hell, he was part of them at one point. Then he betrayed them for the Circle of Lust, then went back to Envy, and when he burned both those bridges, did a little work for the Dying Queen, which landed him in his current spot of trouble. My father is a factional whore, Wei muttered, with no shortage of venom. That he is. But he also knows their inner workings, and also the whos who and whats what. And better yet, he cant betray you. Ill be on standby, Ill be watching out for you. But you want someone there, in person, that they can put a face on. Better yet, you want to show people what you did to him to build your legend. See, the name William Yu still echoes through some corners of the Claimed Hells. If people found out that hes now your karmic slave, that you broke your own father in a straight-up legal duel, well, that might open you more doors than Many-wed did, if you catch my drift. Wei did not understand Bishop. Frankly, the thought of even facing his father again, speaking to the man, filled the young masters throat with bile. But above emotional weakness and that lingering stench of rage, he knew the Trespasser spoke sense. His Aspect of Ambition shivered. The Shell spoke from within him. Do not let yourself be deceived and wielded. Remember that John Bishop has an old friendship with your father. Do not let him use this to ameliorate what he has done. William Yu must suffer. He must die for what hes done to you, for what hes done to our sect. Think now. Think back to Evernests destruction. Wei flinched. He didnt want to. Think, coward. Think, you worm. Think about your mothers open eyes, her severed head. Think about your weakness, your lateness, what you allowed. Wei shuddered and struggled not to heave. Wei? Agnesia said, taking a step forward, reaching out for him. He shifted back, avoiding her touch. Im fine, the young master shook his head. I merely have slight nausea, he lied. So, Wei said, continuing his conversation with John Bishop as if it hadnt ended, Are you here to give me advice or merely a warning? Direct intelligence and support. But the main thing is how you perform. Right now, you are a hot commodity. If the Old Man wants you, if Pride wants you, then the other Circles want youif only to spite Pride. You can use that to play against them. And you can start with the Collectress. She and the Old Man are well, theyre old enemies. Which makes them friends by this point. And earlier, we intercepted an exchange between them. She wants to get a first glimpse at you by his side. You, and Agnesia. What are you talking about? Ellena said as her daughter blinked rapidly. The Collectress is looking to build up her collection of Scions. And your daughter is one of the few bearers of the Igniums blood Suddenly, Wei had doubts about bringing her thereher, her mother, or any of his disciples. Dont worry, Bishop said, intercepting Weis spiraling thoughts. Theyll be watched after. Itd be a terrible faux pas on the Counts part if he allows any of his guests to be illegally killed within his mansion. And Hi-Rest... well, thats a hell of a mansion. Thats the capital of Pridethe place where the Archdevils essence is processed and channeled back into Mepheleon. I see, Wei said, though his worries were still far from assuaged. Additionally, weve got people in place, Bishop added. Well be there to keep an eye out for you in case anything goes wrong. Just like you kept an eye out for my sect last time, Wei shot back, a sting of anger creeping into his voice. No, not like last time, Bishop replied sharply. Because this time, the asset consist of me and a few handpicked associates. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. That made Wei feel a little betterbut also worse. It didnt speak well for a master to intervene directly. Or perhaps it meant the situation was severe enough to merit their presence. Aside from the Collectress, Bishop continued, there have been whispers. Talks about how several other Counts might be attending. Representatives from other Circles. Youre gonna want to use this opportunity to schmooze them. After that, well, if I can get a backdoor, I might just be able to give you all the details you need to push their buttons and play them against each other. One way or another, were gonna help you run this town, Wei, and be the perfect little demagogue for Hell. The young master still wasnt sure how he felt about that. But this place did need some orderand a purging of its degeneracy. Then your aid is appreciated, Wei said, honestly but still wary. He began to make his own considerations. If John Bishop was involved, then Wei was only getting part of the picture. The Trespasser had an innate capability of manipulating peoples minds, far more refined and penetrative than anything Wei had. Though the Lodge was an edge, they also wanted to use him toward their own ends. And sooner or later... well, who knew if they would be allies or adversaries tomorrow? We cannot rely on them, the Shell said. We must cultivate our own disciples, become a power in our own right. Right now, we are in a vulnerable place. And, should we allow it, they might become a nipple we cannot wean ourselves from. So, Roggi said, slipping into the conversation, am I to attend this fancy gathering looking like, well, like a walking trash heap then? Wei regarded Roggi and winced. There were bugs crawling across the mucus-slicked strands of his beard, strange parasites undulating and emerging from beneath his rotting flesh. Patches of him smelledGod, did it smell. Wei was used to it by now, but every day Roggi seemed to grew more akin to a pile of refuse given humanoid form. His horrid, furrowed wings hid pulsating slugs between their folds, and they leered at the young master, vomiting intermittently on the ground in caustic sprays. Bishop, one more thing, Wei asked. Yeah, Wei? Can you ask your Terrible Surgeon if he has treatment to provide for someone that wishes to change their physiological state? Oh, yeah, that. I think we could do something about that. *** A few hours later, several arrangements were made. Roggi would be getting certain morphological upgrades to suit his new Classsomething that would reduce his grossness and dysmorphia to more acceptable levels. The arrangements were made with some pressure involved. Roggi felt as if he was abandoning the others to handle his own matters, but Wei said the best thing he could do was avoid the gala, considering his current statesomething the Oathbearer begrudgingly accepted. At the same time, Wei had Rafael prepare a series of ciphersworkings inclined toward subterfuge, escape, and ways of hijacking anothers Perception. He wanted means to scout and establish a security perimeter around them, even as they spoke to members of high society. Finally, it was decided that Ellena would take the lead on all matters of diplomacy. Wei had to admit he was no good with words. They did not flow for him as they had for his mother or Ellena. And the sect needed to be served by its strongest member for every battle. In this situation, that wasnt Wei. In fact, he would count himself as quite a liability. Finally, the time came for their pick-up. Members of the sect swapped into their more formal bits of apparel purchased from the Bazaar a day before. In the far distance, the massive sun bobbing above the horizonMepheleons corebegan to dip. Night approached, and with it, a golden spinal limo arrived outside the Unblossomed. Out from the demon-carriage emerged Mulvergroon, now wearing a very elaborate cape-and-robe ensemble. The outfit had three different layers of collars, over a dozen metal buckles, and intricate gems trailing down its fine silken threads. Mulver, Wei said, genuinely pleased to see the orc. I see theyve finally managed to force you to wear a shirtor something more than that. The orc grinned at him. Oh yeah, formal requirements. You know, its kind of rude not to tell someone that you already had a prior engagement. Prior engagement? Wei asked, feigning ignorance. Oh, you know, you and the Lodge. Oh no, that wasnt an engagement. That was merely... mutual interest. Mutual interest, Mulver repeated with a wry smile. Like you and us. Us? Wei asked. The Circle of Pride. Ah, yes. Well, even more mutual. Weis tone was dry. They were helping me with a spot of business. Right, Mulver snorted, his voice lowering. With your father. Wei froze. The orc knew more than he let on. That, or the old man knew more. Such a thing wasnt unexpected, but it still prickled the young master. Yes, my father, Wei said evenly, though his stomach felt tight. That matter has been... somewhat settled. Considering Bishops words earlier, Wei hesitated only briefly before pulling William Yu out from his Inventory. His father stumbled out, disoriented for a moment, before turning toward Mulver Groon, then back to Wei. What the fu William Yu snarled, his words cut short as Wei unceremoniously pulled him back into the Inventory. Karmic slave, Wei explained curtly. He wont be a problem anymore. Mulver blinked, then let out a low whistle. You made a slave of your own old man? William Fucking Yu, no less. Thats vicious. Cold-blooded. I like it. And in fact, I think the Old Mans gonna love it. Speaking of which, thats why I came so early: He and a special guest want to mingle with the talk of the dens before you get pulled away by the crowds. The orc turned to look at Weis group, now fully assembled and prepared to board the limo. However, his expression soured as he took in the sight of them. Whats wrong with them? Wei looked at his disciples. They seemed fine. Garret rubbed his couch. Wei frowned. Nothing. Why do they look all shell-shocked and shit. Bow-guy theres grabbing his balls every three seconds. Dog bit it, Garret grunted. Mulver stared. What? I was being made to run poles. I fell. A dog ate my cock. Repeatedly. My back was crack. Over and over. Mira sneered. Hurt like a bitch. Shit, Mulver breathed. Is there someone torturing you guys? Someone forcing you all to do this? All eyes turned on Wei. The young master remained unapologetic. It is for their potential. For their own good. The orc just studied Wei. Alright. Sure. We dont have problems with sadists. Im not a sadist. Im not judging, Mulver replied. You are a sadist, Agnesia whispered, betraying Wei. The young master clenched his teeth. Everyone aboard the limo. Last person on runs seventy kilometers FUCK NO! The orc chef smashed through the other disciples and charged the Spinal Limo with a desperate screetch. GET OUT OF THE WAY! GET OUT OF THE WAY! *** The trip to Highrest was thankfully uneventful. No one tried to kill them. Their demon didnt explode. Wei wasnt attacked by some random demon. Their specially accommodated vehicle was granted priority privileges to defy traffic norms thanks to being a special VIP vessel dispatched from the Circle of Pride. This allowed it to travel free of conventional traffic lanes without fear of legal reprisal. Rising alone, it floated as a singular speck against the wide-open skies. Soon, they left behind the grim sprawl of Cherubs Corpse, flying closer toward Pride-owned territory within Preceptors Descent. The nature of the architecture gradually shifted. What once resembled ribcages and organic ruins gave way to layers of intricately inlaid buildings, fortress-like in structure and shimmering with gold. There was a clear sense of hierarchy here, with smaller buildings forming the foundation of larger ones, stacking upward in steps that rose skyward. At the center of this golden expanse stood Highrest, a crystalline crown rising above all else. The Counts mansion itself was a massive, sprawling structure, walled by reinforced golden battlements that seemed more ornamental than practical. Beyond the gates, a wide and open pathway led toward the central manor, welcoming those deemed worthy of entry. As they crossed through the gates, a pulse of overwhelming authority slammed down upon Wei and his disciples. It was like standing under the weight of a thousand suns. Each of them strained beneath the crushing pressure, their breathing labored, their spirits battered. There were many great powers here. Count-Tiers and more. Most importantly was how a beam carrying the Archdevils of Prides Essence up and arcing across the horizon, into Mepheleons core. Mulver led them through a labyrinth of ornate halls and chambers. The rooms of Highrest were nothing short of ostentatious. Mulver led them past vast open spaces manned by thousands of demonic attendants, each resembling the arena staff but now gilded and polished to perfection. Their armor gleamed, their movements precise. Each was tailored to their rolechefs with miniature hats atop their helmets, workers with shell-like domes marking their function. More, Wei noted each of them were at Lv.80. Nearly equal to his own level, with even more Concept Cores adorning their spirits. Quite something, arent they, Mulver said. Yes, Wei breathed. Quite so. And these werent even the actual guards. Those went from 90 and higher. You should see a Dukes core-dimension. It gets wilder than this. Core-Dimension? Wei asked. Mulver opened his mouth and chuckled. Yeah. Youve only met the Count-Tiers. And Mepheleon. You still dont know how much higher you can climb between that. Maybe youll get lucky tonight. Depends on how things shape up. Mysterious words said, Mulver finally reached a massive gate with twin doors of silver and gold. With a wave of his hand, it creaked open and revealed a long throne room inside. The hall was long, and by the sides were three-meter tall guards that sported burning torches for heads and armored bodies of heavy gold. Torchbearer Guardians Lv. 95 There, at the end of the throne room pulsed a collection of presencestwo of which overwhelmed all others. The first was the Old Man himself, as suffocating as ever. His aura filled the room, commanding respect and demanding submission in equal measure. Twin suns burned upon his shoulders, casting the surrounding columns as long shadows. He smirked as he saw Wei, his wrinkled face come alight with delight. The second was a tall, lustrous creature with pink, gleaming skin and six arms, each wrapped in glistening, fluid chains. At the ends of these chains were three captivesan elf and two humanoid creatures with pitch-black eyes and curling horns. The Collectress, Wei realized, her blood-red gaze boring into him. She smiled faintly, her movements fluid, her aura dangerous. The third presence was what truly caught Weis attention. From her shadow, a towering figure stepped out. Raven-haired, clad in heavy black iron plates, and carrying a blade that shimmered with soft moonlight. Trailing scars ran down his eyes and intersected at the top of his upper lip. His skin was paletoo pale, and his heart beat so slowly Wei almost thought he was undead. His spirit was twistedbulging and fractured, yet powerful. His eyes locked onto Wei with a glare that was part hatred, part curiosity. Ah, Wei, the Old Man said, rising from his throne. His grin was as sharp as a blade. Glad to see you again. And in the flesh this time. Wei fought to keep his voice steady as he returned the salute. Greetings to you, too, Count. The Old Mans grin widened. I told you, he said, gesturing toward the Collectress. I told you he was going to be a charmer, wasnt he? Well, come over here. Come say hello to my favorite enemy. The Collectress eyed the young master. Then her gaze slipped over to Agnesia, and a flash of carnivorous fascination revealed itself. She wants to give you her special thanks in person, the old man said, his tone almost mocking. For removing a mutual nuisance of ours. Ah, Many-wed. We thought that bitch was going to live forever, didnt we, Collectress. And for the first time, Wei heard the Countess of Lust speak. Things change fast, Old Man. Resisting [Sirens Tongue] with Aspect of (Enlightenment)... >Failed II-39 Off to See the Bastard (II) Sometimes, an enemy is but an ally yet to be. -Old Evernest Proverb II-39 Off to See the Bastard (II) So, you are Williams boy, the Collectress said. Her voice was like a series of chimes, each bell more delightful than the last. Wei was on guard now. He had no idea what Sirens Allure was, but if his Enlightenment failed to resist it, he could already be mentally affected. He didnt feel any essence seeping out of her, nothing twisting his mind or bending his will. Wei sent a message to his companions, asking if they also experienced something similar. Agnesia turned to him, eyes widening. Yes, but I dont feel anything. I dont know what shes done to us. Rafael lightened their ignorance. This is a slight persuasion skill. It is not meant to control anothers mind. It is simply here to make you more positively inclined to the speaker. I suspect it is an Invocation as well. A natural one granted to one who has evolved into the Incubus race. Wei squinted at the Collectress. Was that all it was? After fighting so many adversaries that struck at his sanity, Wei was more than a little suspicious. He decided to play things bold and confront the Collectress directly. Im flattered that you thought it necessary to use such a Skill on me, Wei said, his voice flat. Sirens Allure, is it? Ah. Yes. Unfortunately, that is an Invocation comes with my current race. She let out a quiet sigh, though it never sounded entirely genuine. When one becomes an incubus, their very words pluck at someone elses mind. Makes you like them more. Her gaze turned to the old man, sharp and cutting. Isnt that right, old enemy? The Old Man gave her a mocking smirk. Is it? Didnt seem to ever work on me. Thats because you are a miserable old creature, the Collectress retorted. Devoid of love, lust, or anything else but the desire to plant your haunches on a larger, more ridiculous throne. She leaned in closer, her voice dropping a pitch. And dont you ever forget it. The Count of Prides smirk widened, undeterred. Oh, I wont. He straightened, brushing imaginary dust off his coat. First, let us both express our congratulations to you, Wei. Killing Count Many-wed? Now thats really something. She turned the Bloodgrounds into a fucking series of craters, but it still wasnt enough. Like watching an idiot try to kill a wasp with a sledgehammer. He chuckled, and Wei noticed a subtle fluctuation in the twin flames etched into the Counts pauldrons. Compared to Many-wed, the Old Mans presence was slightly stronger, but what drew Weis attention more was the COunt of Prides control. Weis focus sharpened, his Omniscience probing the Count, learning and gleaning what he could. Even as his Enlightenment strained, Wei felt the intricate flows of Essence passing to and fro across the Old Mans spirit. Enlightenment > 56 Omniscience > 59 [59/100] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Ill have you know, the Old Man began, that killing her pleased more than just us? Why, the Countess of Envy has been a problem for years. Turns out, you dont end up very popular when you snatch boys from their parents. And here I thought I was in hell, Wei quipped, hiding his insult behind a jest. How very vulnerable of you. We are in hell, the Count replied dryly. But still, call it love, call it possessiveness, call it basic decencytaking something that belongs to someone else? Now thats a statement one simply cannot accept lying down. Wei turned his attention to Collectress. Im surprised you were offended as well. Oh, I see you misunderstand. She gestured toward the Bastard standing silently beside her. I strike arrangements. I collect people. I do not own them. Theyre here of their own volition, have given themselves to me because I can provide for them. Because I can give them what they want. Or save those they cant. Her voice dropped an octave, and Wei felt a shiver crawl up his spine due to her Sirens Allure. Once more, he turned his attention to the Bastard. The mans face was stone-cold, carved out of granite. Within his eyes shone a glint of coldnessa coldness one might find on a barren moon, absolutely devoid of life. Yet there was something else, buried deeper: a spark of desperation and sorrow. Suddenly, Wei felt bad for the man, though he couldnt quite tell why. All right, the Count said, clapping his hands together. Im going to get to the chase here. I and the Collectress well, we want to make our intentions known. We want you in our Circles. She, more of her stable of monsters and whores. I do not collect monsters or whores, Old Fool. Merely the desperate and precious. Wei raised a brow. Of course, the Count continued, Since it was one of mine that found you first, I think my wants should take priority. And with what Ive heard down the grapevine, youre on the out-and-outs with the Inheritors. Out-and-outs? Wei tested the phrase. There was a great deal of strange colloquialisms in this place. Yes, if thats your reference to John Bishops assassination attempt on me. So thats true. The Old Man slouching. He shared a glance with the Collectress. Her eyes narrowed, and a hum of pleasure rattled in her throat. To think they would do something so brazen, she mused. I did break my father, Wei said. Took him as a karmic slave. His old friend took offense to that. Though his attempt was insulting sloppy. At that, the Old Man chuckled. You know what? Im going to call bullshit on that. Show me. Show me William Yu. Let me see if that rat bastard finally got what was coming to him. Wei hesitated and turned his attention to Mulver. Didnt you tell him? I did, Mulver said, shrugging. But, well, seeing is believing and all that. That, and I told you: lots of people want to see William Yu hang. The young masters hesitation deepened. They clearly just wanted to face his father, but for what reason, he couldnt be sure. According to Bishop, his father had done a great deal of work in the Circles, operating for Envy, Lust, and even the Dying Queen before the Inheritors. That made any request to see William suspicious. He couldnt shake the concern that William might still have contacts within the Circlespeople willing to break him out. Or worse, someone might try to kill him, depriving Wei of his coveted revenge. But we could use this, the Shell whispered in the back of his mind. Our hate, our unfulfilled bloodlust, is nothing compared to the opportunity before us. What point is there to hiding him away when we can use him to lure the elites of this realm closer to us. Wei sighed. Then, against his reluctance, he reached into his Inventory. A burst of spatial essence announced Williams arrival. The man stumbled out, blinking rapidly as his disorientation cleared. His eyes landed on Wei for a moment, then shifted to the Count and the Collectress. A longer sigh escaped him. Great, William said, running a hand through his hair. Thanks. A little forewarning next time would be helpful, Wei. Wei only glared in response. The fact the man still spoke to him so casually was more than offense. Never address me without my allowance. A jolt of Essence pulsed through them, and William grunted with discomfort. Well, well, well, the Old Man said, striding toward William. Taller by half a head, he grinned with exuberance as he met unimpressed Williams gaze. I dont know if I want to break your neck or shake your hand. Its only because of you I managed to get a promotion those years back. But its also because of you, Im short a brother. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. William shrugged. Well, if your brother had hired proper security when I was contracting for him, maybe I wouldnt have killed him so easily. Bad to see you again, Nelson. See youre still going with the withered old man act. There was a flash of something across the Old Mans faceanger, perhaps, or grudging amusement. Ah, theres that winning personality, the Count of Pride said. Its been bad to see you, William. Glad someone finally put a leash on you. Just didnt expect it to be your own son. Williams focus shifted, sliding off the old man like oil. His gaze settled on the Collectress. You, he said, stunned. Youre still alive? How? I killed you. Contrary, the Collectress replied smoothly. Your attempt came close, but it also became my impetus to cut ties with the Dying Queen. What? Wei asked, his attention snapping to her. Ellena and Agnesia responded similarly. You were I was embraced against my will, the Collectress said. Strange fortune. The wound your father dealt me ensured my liberation. I suppose I owe him a debt. But my soul still aches sometimes. Quite unpleasant. She looked William up and down. I would be willing to offer you a substantial amount of Sins No! Weis outburst caught even him by surprise. His father turned sharply, his eyes widening in shock. Wei refused to meet his gaze. It wasnt about him. It was about honor. It was about a debt that was owed to Weiowed to the Drowned Sky Sect. He is mine, Wei said, his voice filled with steel and loathing. He is mine now, forever, and until the stars turn to dust, he is mine. Whatever wrong, whatever affront he inflicted upon you, it pales in comparison to what he has taken from me. Weis Pale Fang materialized, tearing into existence like a scar splitting across the fabric of reality. The Old Man flinched back instinctively, while the Collectress leaned closer, her eyes alight with fascination. Deaths Bastard moved in response, his own blade partially drawn, standing just across from Wei. Only the raised hand of his mistress kept the situation from erupting into violence. Wei regarded the Bastard briefly, then let out a slow breath through his nose. Then, his awareness turned to the Bastards blade. There was something there something more than just Essence Weis voice turned cold as he planted his Eidolon into the ground. Let this be a declaration of my intent. There is no amount of money, no amount of artifacts, no amount of power, privilege, or pleasure you can offer me that will have me surrender him. He is mine, and I will use him until there is nothing left to use. Fucking touching, William muttered bitterly. Okay, okay, the Count of Pride said, holding his hands up defensively. I hear you. Hell, kid, it was just a joke. Not to me, Wei said sharply, his tone brooking no argument. Never to me. Whatever the case may be, Ellena said suddenly, her voice slicing through the tension, it seems that William Yu has harmed a great many people. On this, I believe a foundation of mutual accord can be established. The Collectress studied Ellena with a curious glint in her eye, then gave a slow nod. You are the former queen of Dawnrest. That I am, Ellena replied evenly. It is a pleasure to be in your presence, oh great Mistress of Hell. The Collectress allowed a faint smile to curve her lips. My condolences for your kingdom. It is an ill thing to be consumed by the Dying Queen. I speak from personal experience. If Eleanor felt discomfort at the Collectresss words, she gave no indication. Instead, she inclined her head graciously. I take your words to heart, and thank you for your concern. She turned her attention to the Count next. Furthermore, she continued, her voice steady, I must profess my sincerest thanksand the thanks of all my sectfor this opportunity to participate in the gala. For so long, we have strived and struggled through the Moongraves, and now it is as though a breath of fresh air has been bestowed upon us. I thank you personally, Count. The Old Man cocked his head, a sly grin spreading across his face. Well, look at that. Decorum, decency, and a proper lady. Havent seen one of those in a while. The Collectress shot him a pointed side-eye. Come now, old friend. We both know you have no interest in proper ladiesor ladies in general. There were layers of meaning traded in their words that Wei didnt fully grasp. She means hes perpetually celibate, Bishop murmured in Weis mind, ever uninvited but always present. Hes, uh hes a eunuch. Always was. Happened back when he was just a Sinner-Thrall. Wei winced internally. So, the Old Man said, his tone casual yet charged with intent, pleasant as this conversation has been thus far, I think its time we get down to proper business. With a snap of his fingers, the room shifted. It was as if a tidal wave of gold swept through the space, washing over every surface and reshaping their surroundings. Thrones emerged from the groundone for every person in the room. Beneath the waves of gold, workers appeared: countless little demons and humanoid figures scuttling about, carrying trays of food, ferrying jugs of amber-hued wine. The suddenness of the transformation was dizzying, disorienting. Their signatures were all weak, none rising above Lv. 25. Weis Omniscience spread through the space instinctively, like ripples on the surface of a pond. Beneath the shimmering waters of the room, he saw another realmanother dimensioncomposed of narrow, labyrinthine passages. For a moment, he glimpsed its depths, but with another ripple of the old mans power, it was gone. The black, white, and gold tiles of the throne room reasserted themselves as if nothing had changed. The casual display of such overwhelming power was sobering. For all of Weis skill, for all of his enlightenment, he was still far from the apex. This was effortless for the old mansomething Wei couldnt yet hope to comprehend. The reason I called you here beforehand is simple, the Old Man said, leaning forward slightly. I think we can help each other. All of us. He gestured between himself, the Collectress, and Wei. Wei said nothing, waiting for him to continue. Right now, the Circle of Pride has their own so-called champion running for Hells Vanguard. Queen Antoinette. They have an arrangement with Gluttony too. Shes a vapid bitch, and Im not going to mince words, more likely going to screw us over when she gets a better offer from another Circle. The problem is, the Old Man went on, shes the favorite candidate of a certain Duke whose name I wont bother to mention. And because of that well, I cant overstep my bounds, if you understand what I mean. Wei did understand. It was a sobering thought, realizing even someone like the old man had superior. Hierarchy was the structure of all things, even in hell. Sitting back on his throne, the Counts lips curled into a bitter smile. Said champions going to be making an appearance at the gala, alongside the Duke. However, his grin widened, Ive heard on good authority that this Duke has also expressed interest in a certain up-and-comer. He turned his gaze to Wei, his meaning all too clear. Someone who apparently made it through a Hearted Realm all by their lonesome. Ostensibly. Ostensibly, Wei echoed softly, his tone neutral. The Count chuckled. So, youve caught on. Yes, Wei. I wish for you to be that up-and-comer. Someone who can tip the scales. Weis eyes narrowed slightly. So, you wish to use me as a tool to shame your Circles champion. I wish for you to help us, the Count said, spreading his hands wide as if the distinction was obvious.To help put us out of our misery: Mary Antoinette, the Count of Lust declared, his voice heavy with disdain. She was a twit in her life, and shes going to be a twit now. Shes not going to outperform any of the other champions, including this one. He gestured toward Deaths Bastard with a casual wave of his hand. The Bastard didnt react, his cold, lifeless eyes fixed forward. And so, the Count continued, before the Circle of Pride can be rendered the Circle of a Laughingstock, I think we have a unique opportunity hereto trade her out for someone more deserving. His gaze locked onto Wei, sharp and unrelenting. William let out a derisive snort. Yeah, more deserving. Youre just pushing him into the firing line. Circle politics bullshit never changes. The Counts attention shifted to William, his expression souring. Wei, do you often let your dog talk for you? Father, Wei said coldly, his voice sharp as a blade, be quiet. William fell silent, though the corners of his mouth twitched into a faint, rebellious sneer. The Count shifted his focus back to Wei, his demeanor softening as if brushing aside the brief interruption. Now, I wont do you the indignity of asking you to join my Circle, he said smoothly. Even though we both know thats exactly what Im aiming for. His smile was one of jagged teeth. But I will say this: if you knock Antoinette off, shell be out of the running. Off the board entirely. All her significance will be transferred to you, and your name will spread further. Wei remained silent, his expression unreadable. The Count let the moment hang before continuing, his voice taking on a new, measured tone. This leads to the part with the Collectress, he said, glancing toward her. I wish to make a gambit with you. A gamble Weis gaze flicked to the Collectress. What kind of gambit? The Collectresss golden eyes gleamed as she turned her attention fully to him. Her finger rose, pointing toward Agnesia, who stood at Weis side. I see you in the arena. I can sense that you are unslaked. Yearning for more prominence. I can help you reach a new level of prominence. I can give you better fights. Including one, you might be vying for already. Wei briefly met the Bastards gaze and sawa warning. But. In exchange. The price I demand you bid, is her. The Collectress pointed one of her many arms at Agnesia. The girl straighted in defiance, and a flicker of her draconic avatar materialized. At this, Eleanor straightened, her regal composure hardening into steel. No, Eleanor said sharply, her voice cutting through the room like a blade. The answer is no. The Collectresss eyes narrowed slightly, but she did not lose her composure. Eleanor continued, her voice trembling with restrained fury. My daughter is all I have left. I will see that she remains that way. The Collectress folded her six hands in front of her, tilting her head with a faint smile. Do not misunderstand me, she said. I do not intend to pawn her off like some common whore, nor do I wish to use her for some pointless war. Her tone was smooth, unbothered. I want her for the same reason I keep Deaths Bastard. Weis gaze flickered toward the Bastard. The man remained as still and cold as ever, his presence a looming reminder of the Collectresss strength. She is a Scion, is she not? the Collectress continued, her tone almost reverent. Purest blood of Ignium. I collect Scions. That is why I earned my name. That is what drives me now, after my liberation. And why do you want Scions? Wei asked, his voice low but direct. The Collectresss gaze sharpened, a fire burning in her golden eyes. Because, she said, her words deliberate, within their bloodlines might be the means to see the Dying Queen dead. The room fell deathly silent. II-40 In the Blood The Dying Queen governs not blood, but bondsconnections that stretch beyond the flesh, weaving the unseen threads of existence. Adhesion is the essence of her being, the force that holds her together and pulls others into her grasp. She fuses things, warps them, mutates them, conjoining all to her vast, inescapable design. In her, there is a singularity that cannot be ignored, a gravitational pull that defies reason. I have heard her dreams. They come to me in the quiet hours, whispering like wind through cracked glass, soft yet insistent. When I sleep, her voice murmurs its intentions, wrapping around my thoughts. She seeks a world reshaped to her willa world where all is family, all is bound. She dreams of unity, not as an ideal, but as a law, with herself at the center of it all. She and the world, fused as one. And her will, reshaping all of ours -Journal of an Embraced II-40 In the Blood You wish to what? Ellena gasped. Her daughters head swung like a pendulum, shifting between her, Wei, and the Collectress. I wish to see the Dying Queen dead. The Collectress seethed. The world around her quivered as if oil stains spilling out around her person. Then, as she took a breath, her corrosive Essence receded. I wish to see her broken, choking on the very blood she used to infest me, to turn me, to take my will. The Collectresss voice sharpened with venom, every syllable laced with fury. Do you remember, Queen Ellena? Fighting yourselffightingand your very body tells you to betray yourself. To give yourself as a slave to an unworthy, unhuman mistress who sees us all as playthings for her playhouse, for her to toy with forever. The Collectresss snarl was guttural now, more like a rabid dog than a woman or a demon. Wei was stunned by the sudden outburst. He shifted his focus, using his Omniscience to study the others. The Count of Pride merely tilted his head with an air of fascination, as though this was a tantrum hed endured many times before. But Death Bastardhe was the interesting one. His expression betrayed apprehension, his mouth slightly ajar in surprise. It was clear he hadnt expected this, either. Is she faking this? Wei asked Bishop through the shared link. The Trespasser hesitated before finally responding. I dont know. We dont have anything on the Collectress being a former Embraced. Still. This is the Claimed Hells. Anyone could be lying here. Playing you to their own ends. Ill take a peek in your fathers memories. See if he can give us something useful. Right. Of course. William Yu was tasked with killing the Collectressor so she claimed. Wei felt a tendril of magenta essence leave him. He was briefly worried that either the Old Man or the Collectress might notice, but neither responded. Seemed only he could see Bishops power. As the psionic tendril dripped into Williams mind, he went still but did not give any other overt reactions. A beat later, Bishop replied. Yeah He took a job. He remembers putting a hole through her skull. Apparently, she got infected during a system war between the Claimed Hells and the Dying Queen. Tapped some other sources too. Seems that being near death resulted in the Dying Queen withdrawing her influence long enough to let the Collectress return to being herself. She got help from her Circle afterwardspent a good few decades out of commission. Spiritually diminished too. That was more than just cause for vengeance. The pieces were coming together. Princess Agnesia, the Collectress said, her voice cutting through Weis thoughts. Look upon me. I am no noble soul, no proper lady of esteemed virtue. She fell silent, letting her words linger in the air before continuing. But I want you to trust in something. Trust in my hate. Trust that this is not a selfish desire for me to possess youthat this bid is an alliance, more than it is you surrendering yourself to me. The bet is for pleasureexcitement. But I want youall of you. She gestured to Wei and his entire sect. Not as slaves, but as willing partners in this enterprise of revenge. She has taken much from all of us. Agnesia, startled by the Collectors sudden outburst, hesitated before replying, I dontwhy does the Harbinger not deal with her? The Harbinger? The Collector spat the words with scorn. Our esteemed master finds it useful to keep the Fathoms at war, to see his peers feed on us, to ensure this conflict rages eternally. It fuels him. Do you know what sins are? Theyre the foundation of his power. Every wrong deed, every ill action, every ounce of miseryit all funnels into him, feeding his strength, letting him create more. What do you think shapes the rings of Preceptors descent? He is forged from misery and wrongness. Of course, he keeps the Dying Queen alive. Shes not a true threatjust a lonely monster given the power of a god. If someone else takes her System, then finally, there would be another threat. Oh, how amusing it is to glimpse the opinions of my subjects, Mepheleon chuckled in the back of Weis mind. The young master shivered. Bishop cursed. Everyone else in the chamber remained blissfully ignorant. Worry not. Im just peeking in. Keep playing your little schemes. They do so amuse me. As does what is about to follow. Before the conversation could go further, three thunderous knocks echoed through the throne room. The sound reverberated through the air, making Ways bones rattle. All heads turned toward the massive doors at the far end of the chamber. The Count narrowed his eyes briefly as an Essence thread pulsed into his skull. A broadcasted message, no doubt. He waved a hand, and the grand doors creaked open. Two towering figures clad in heavy gold plate entered, dragging a brutalized lump of flesh across the floor. Blood leaked from the mans broken body, forming a crimson trail behind him, marring the white, black, and gold tiling that made up the floor with unwelcome red. But Wei sensed something else about them. A pulse of familiar, thirsty Essence. The power that belonged to the Dying Queen. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Embraced, Bishop muttered in Ways mind. The young master stiffened. How had an Embraced made it into the Mansion of Pride? The Count looked equally perplexed. What the hell is this? he barked, gesturing toward the figure. How did this thing get in my house? He merged with the shadows of one of the servants, one guard explained. Their voice sounded steady, but that was when Weis Omniscience sensed something else. Their blood was flowing unnaturally, and a foreign signature was flowing through themthe open wounds weeping across the vampires body were actually crawling up the guards limbs, burrowing under their flesh twisting them. They did not capture the Embraced, the Shell proclaimed. It is controlling them. Using them to get inside! Omniscience > 61 >[59/100] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension A massive Dialation-Echo manifested before Wei. A near second into the future, the Embrace would detonate his blood-slaves. Veins of slashing red would cut across the room, killing multiple members of his sect. The young master sprung into action, not wasting time on explanations. Ambush! He roared, channeling his Empyrael Wrath. Celestial fire poured out from the young masters glaive. He brought up a slash. In the same instant, both the golden guards burst apart in fissures of gore. From them sprawled forking fingers of ichor, burrowing through the tiled flooring, splitting through the demonic guards on standbyonly to be severed in return by Weis radiant attack. His power of Deconstruction graced the Dying Queens fetid blood, and his power prevailed. An arcing slash formed a defensive barrier behind his disciples. The orc chef stumbled back, throwing cupcakes that detonated into massive explosions of cream. Mira Nocture manifested her Skillsome manner of stealth technique. She opened her mouth, and a billowing wave of darkness shrouded everyone on Weis end of the throne room. The Oathbearers slammed their hammers done, forging fortifications in bursts of steam, while Rafael unleashed cipher after cipher. But for all their promptness, their power paled before the Count and the Collectress. At once, Wei felt an immense swell of Essence wash over him. So much spiritual pressure came down on the room that the edges of existence quivered. Two suns flared at opposite ends of the throne room. The first was a white globe of protective brilliance. It bathed Wei and his allies with its power, multiplying their Aspects by a factor of ten. Weis muscles pulsed with impossible strength, reflexes accelerated to unimaginable heights, skin turned impenetrable, mind slickened with alacrity, and senses sharpened to the finest detail. The only Aspect that remained unaffected was his Will. The same boons were bestowed upon his allies, and thus was the reason behind their prompt response. But on the Embraceds side of the room, a black sun burned, melting through the mansion itself to incinerate the wretched intruder. The Count of Pride achieved this through raw output of power alone. His flames were a greater variant of pure Destruction from what Wei could sense. It wasn''t nearly as sublime as the Celestial Vanguards attacks and for that, the young master felt thankful. With every passing day, he knew his experiences at the Tower of Possibility to be a privilege few would ever learn. That being said, the Old Man still reminded Wei of the difference between a Count and Knight. In a few seconds, he almost outputted half of Weis entire Essence threshold. The black sun expanded, becoming a supernova. But even as it grew to swallow a good portion of the mansion, the blood endured. It did not boil or evaporate. Instead, it held. Became as if a protective nest. What is this thing? The Old Man scoffed. The Briars of Sanctuary, the Collectress whispered. Wei noted then that the Countess of Lust hadnt used any of her Skills or Invocations yet. Instead, Deaths Bastard was standing by her side, his massive greatblade drawn. As Wei laid eyes on his erstwhile rivals naked weapon, he was surprised. Its hilt resembled a mundane crossguard, but the blade itself flowed like liquid moonlight, waxing and waning. Previously, its spiritual signature was dim, though there was also a spark of Enlightenment within its shape. Now, Wei could feel it radiating with almost as much power as the Bastard himself, and threads of mental Essence were coursing between the sword and its user. Old Fool, the Collectress breathed. Conventional means will not see the Briars destroyed. The Dying Queen herself keeps the these veins nourished. Someone must force their way into the red and slay her conduits. Her attention shifted to Wei and then jumped to her champion. Perhaps we can all make a new wager right now: A formal toast declared to all members of the gala; an admission of ones inferiority against a worthy adversary. A moment of pride granted to the one that cuts the Embraced down. Wont the Dying Queen just slay us if we dare approach, Wei said, pouring more fire into the blood. He had an easier time slicing into the nest compared to the Old Man, but true to the Collectresss words, it was for naught. It was like he was hewing his way through a rapidly regenerating layer of tissue. No, the Collectress said, her face twisting in a sneer. This is a challenge deployed toward us. An insult. She knows my planstrikes at all of us to express her scorn. She will not dare transgress overtly, however. The Harbingers eyes are upon us. He will not intervene to save our lives, but he will ensure that another host does not spoil his fun. Wei reflexively looked up in exasperation. Go, Wei, Mepheleon said. The Harbinger manifested loud cheering noises. I am rooting for you. Dont tell the others. Also, this should be a good time for you to cut loose a bit. Youve been neglecting your System overlong. Show me what you can do. Cleave the poor girls flesh. Cant breach the nest either. Its like a field of interference, Bishop replied. It seemed like no one else heard the Harbinger. If that is the ascended elders will, then let it be done, the Shell declared. Let us earn some new Concept Shards. Wei swept his glaive and shot the Old Man a look. Esteemed Elder, I beseech you. Watch over my sect. This foe is of no challenge to you, but here is another opportunity to show my worth. I accept the Matrons challenge. The Old Man snorted. Both miniature suns atop his pauldrons crackled, sounding as if clapping hands. Well, kid. Go out there and have some fun, then. The Collectress looked at him with an expression of pleasure. You are a precious boy. And possibly a good influence on my oh-so-dour champion. Bastard. Go. See which of you has more mettle. Let the foreplay simmer. Her words made Wei do a double-take, and he noticed the Bastard seemed slightly disturbed as well. As they made eye contact, the atmosphere turned awkward. Wei resolved this by striding forward, his Eidolon piercing through the shadows unleashed by Mira. Wei, Agnesia said, summoning her Ferro-Weave and boneblade. Im Stay here. Hold in place. Guard the others. No, she snapped. You keep doing this! You keep running off and fighting things alone. How am I supposed to get any new levels if you keep doing all the bloody fighting? How are any of us supposed to get better if the battle is always about you, you, you? Agnesia, Ellena chided. Wei froze in place. The Bastard kept walking, leaving him behind. The young master took a deep breath and sighed. Collectress. Do you mind if others join in on this bargain of yours? Oh, no. I do so wish to see how brightly a Scion of Ignium can burn. The more, the merrier. Wei looked over his disciples againsaw all of them using their Skills in sloppy but deliberate fashion. There was substantial risk bringing them against such a foe. But there was substantial risk to being alive in the Claimed Hells. Unnerving as it was to admit, Agnesia was right. Power was to be taken through righteous victory and tempered through desperate struggle. Come, then, disciples of the Drowned Sky Sect! Weis voice resounded with authority. Stride with your Patriarch. A mongrel has deigned to breach the hospitality of our esteemed host. It is our duty as guest to correct such behavior. Come. Show him what were worth. The Old Man fell back in his throne and clapped. For the first time, the new Drowned Sky Sect marched as one toward whipping vines of crimson, protected by a star of white, walking toward a dawn of darkness. Blood-made tentacles burst out from the nest, the Bastard lifted his blade high, and the lunar glow it exuded grew ever-more beautiful to behold. Hold, Wei said, flaring his celestial aura. I will open a path His sentence was left unfinished as the Bastard exploded forward in a blur, far faster than a man his size had any right to be. He twirled through the air, rolling with his blade as he tunneled into the nest, cutting it clean through where the Old Mans flames could only keep it at bay. Wei scoffed. Impatient. Not one to be left behind, he surged after his supposed rival. Wei wasnt going to let someone else steal this opportunity to break the vampire. But even as split the closing Briars once more with his Divine Wind shot throughforced the path to remain open for his sect by running it through with Holy Crystalline outcroppingshe found his gaze following the Bastards blade. Just what was the nature of that strange sword? II-41 Battlebonds (I) I so very often hear fools ask me, Mepheleon, arent you the lord of hell? Why do you particularly care about establishing bonds and creating healthy factions? Shouldnt you be suckling marrow out of a sick childs eye, or spit-roasting him and savoring the delicious screams of his parents? Well, to this I say, fool, that is good fun and all. But have you considered longevity? Have you considered that functional institutions make a good state? The ones asking this are always poor material for sinners, rarely making it over a decade before they are cut down. Its quite simple. We are the users of corruption, but our corruption is our primary produce. We sell this to other lands. We sell our services, our powers, to other lands. But we should not suffer ourselves. The reason why the Claimed Hells works is simple. Because there is hope. There is a possibility for virtue here, despite all the bad that powers us. Because those who are inhabited by their sins are usually undone by them, while those who practice atrocity but remain untouched will survive across eons of injustice. This oxymoron, some might think, is also the reason why the greatest powers in the worldmy ultimate Sinners, these Princes, Kingsall know that we get to enjoy our sinful delights so long as this enterprise remains common, and so long as said institutions remain undamaged in the face of it all. -Mepheleon the Harbinger II-41 Battlebonds (I) As Wei led his sect into the gouge he had carved into the crimson nest, he observed several things with his Omniscience. The first was how his celestial flames, channeled through the outcroppings, prevented the briars complete closure. It seemed his Concept of Deconstruction formed something of a counter against the Dying Queens unceasing blood. The second thing Wei noticed was how the blood interfered with his Omniscience. He could still see within it, but the images were blurry, like trying to peer into a murky lake. There were things moving behind the tendrils beasts laden with spiritual presence. They all retained the Dying Queens stench, so separating the Bastard from them wasnt hard. However, he only had a general sense of their direction. Third was the faint Spatial Essence coursing through this nest of blood. The space within the enclosure of Briars was expanded. To put it simply, it was larger on the inside. When Wei and his sect entered, they found themselves cutting through way through a narrow chasm lead into the darkness. Now, as the young master held his Pale Fang aloft, his radiant glow keeping the shadows at bay, he found them venturing across scab-formed bridges and through tunnels. Whatever Skill the Embraced used, it turned a good few hundred meters of blood-coated throne room into a labyrinth. Scablings assailed Wei and his disciples during the journeys as well. These creatures emerged from the surrounding structure, shaped from hardened clumps of dried blood. They ran from Essence Levels 14 to 45, and they primarily attacked in hordes of forty at a minimum. When the first waves emerged, some of Weis disciples flagged. The Orc Chef made an audible whimper as they exploded out from the ground before them, launching needles of infectious crimson at Wei and his sect. The young master dispatched that group with contempt. All it took was a gust of Divine Wind to dissolve the feeble monsters. The effort was so pitiful that he didnt even gain any power from dispatching them. As such, he left this battle to his companions, seeing it as an easy opportunity for training. So far at least they havent been killed. Where are they? Where! Garret cried as he fired arrow after arrow. Most of his shots splashed worthlessly into the quivering ichor that composed this unnatural delve. As his arrows were shaped from shadows, all it cost him was Essence. But Wei still scorned the lack of focus. Worse was how they failed to coordinate. Scablings would pop up between his disciples, before slashing at their tendons or pulling them into the ground, now suddenly a liquid state of matter. Cries of horror sounded through the Drowned Sky Sect. A few missed exploding pancakes also caused a sudden onset of obesity. As they progressed, Wei protected them less and less, choosing instead to use his powers of Creation to mend their bodies when they were severely injured. Ultimately, there were only three main individuals holding his sect together. The first was unsurprisingly Rafael. His Class Specialization provided invaluable in this place. He created mirrored illusions of his fellow disciples, expanded their numbers and infused them with ciphers that gave off Essence signatures. More than once did a Scabling burst out from the ground, only to bite into a mirageand be cut down by a well-aimed dagger or ebony-arrow. The second was Agnesia, whose draconic avatar became the groups second source of light. She still lacked technique, foresight, and basic tactical comprehension, but her instincts guided her on a warpath. She burned, slashed, cleaved, ripped, and tore without ever losing momentum. She darted from disciple to disciple, guarding them as new threats emerged, saving them when Wei chose not to. For some reason, the Scablings feared her black flames almost as much as they feared Weis celestial radiance. When she came, most simply chose to run. The only few times she found herself in trouble was when she overextended, pushing well beyond the group and getting surrounded. A few hundred bloody needles peppered her from all directions when that happened, but the Ferro-Weave Wei had gifted her proved to be an excellent set of armor. The fluid metal parried and deflected oncoming attacks, and the Railblade Slash allowed Agnesia to leave trails of draconic fire across the battlefield, allowing her to enter and leave engagements at will against weaker threats. Yes, the way she fought suited a skirmisher. Training her further down this path would be most prudent. Left! Mira cried. She let out a screech, and the air before her vibrated. A dozen Scablings burst apart like viscous pimples, and Wei felt the elfs Class Level advance. Sadly, that wouldnt be enough to stem the tide as a few hundred more of blood-born emerged from the red beneath their feetand were promptly fused in place as the Oathbearers brought their hammers down again. Unlike the rest of his disciples, the main utility Wei found in his Oathbearers wasnt combatthey were more than capable there as well. Rather, it was their ability to instantly construct fortifications, objects, equipment, and even complex machinery at the swing of their hammers. Expanding platform. Remember to jump! Stalag cried. The opal-visored Oathbearer chuckled as he swung his hammer back and swatted a leaping Scabling aside. When his next blow fell, steam filled the air around the other disciples, and a series of curses followed. Beneath their feet, another metallic platform materialized, slicing through the Scablings that have yet to dive beneath the crimson. Expanding barricades! Agate cried right after, bringing his hammer down right after his forgekin did. Jagged battlements sprouted out from the sides of the platform. Leaping Scablings slammed into steel walls where there was naught but open air a mere second ago. Then, the Oathbearers started constructing Precision Cannons, allowing even the less offensively oriented of the sect to deliver worthwhile damage. Thus was how Weis sect advanced, one part sloppy, undisciplined army, another part a rapidly constructed mobile fortress that was being held together by a select few champions and an elite crew of engineers. Well, twosome. Wei felt a pang of guilt that Roggi was undergoing morphological treatments now. He would have enjoyed this. A deafening cry reverberated through the blood nest. At that, the Scablings went still and receded into the red en masse. Weis eyes narrowed. Seems like they had enough, Agnesia said. She was drenched in layers of blood, but with a pulse of her flames, they rose from her body in wafts of fetid steam. Wei regarded her for a moment and found that she had gained more than a few levels herself. Agnesia of Dawnrest Lv. 72 There was also the way her pupils were dilated, the look of sheer excitement on her face. It was good to enjoy a battle, but Wei knew it as the refinement of his virtue, the improvement of his personal art. For Agnesia, it seemed combat was quickly becoming a point of pleasure. That was He didnt fully know what to make of that. Another bellow sounded from someplace afar. It was guttural. Inhuman. The threats of blood that composed this space shivered from the volume. The aftermath felt like a slight earthquake beneath Weis feet. What do you think that is? Agnesia asked. Ahead, a vertical cut left a gateway for them to follow. A cut that left the blood lined in an outline of chilling, silvery Essence. This was a wound left by the Bastard. More curiously, it seemed like the blood struggled to close these cuts as well. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Who, Wei replied. The Bastard has some lungs on him. Looking behind, he took in his sect. Mira was pulling dagger after dagger out of her Inventory, counting how many she had left. The Oathbearers created a ceiling over their expanding defenses, preventing ambushes from above. Ellena directed her summons to carry the exhausted and wounded with the rest of the group. Three flying Oculi sailed out from Rafaels grasp and progressed into the opening before them. Recover, Wei said, calling out to his disciples. Our enemy flocks to eliminate the Bastard. Or so I assume. Whatever the case, you have been given a moment to breath. So use it. His reply came in grunts and murmurs, but also more weapons being drawn, Essence-refilling items used, boasts exchanged, and a building confidence sweeping through his group. Kept thinking all that would be the end of us, Garret said, as he peeked over the battlements. Havent killed that many creatures charging my wall since Shite, I dont think I remember. He let out a laugh a looked at his bow. Fucking Scablings could a lance of good men apart back home. And here I am, killing them by the score. Power is sublime, aint it, Mira grinned. The Shadow Archer nodded. It seemed Agnesia wasnt the only one enjoying herself. They proceeded with Rafael scouting for them. His Oculi remained ahead, while he also created multiple illusory versions of their sect manifested ahead of them. Despite this, no further Scabling raids followed. Wei connecting need Bishop cut in and out of Weis mind. He wasnt completely severed, but it was harder for him to reach the young master in this space. Wei tested the distortive effects of the blood by sending a message to Agnesia. A thread of Essence left him, but quickly corroded before it fully arrived. Agnesia regarded him with wide eyes. Something wrong? She asked. Yes, Wei replied. Remind me to blast you all with my fires as this is done. His Omniscience didnt sense any infections spreading among his people. With the Dying Queen, though, one could never be sure. Their travels continued a while longer before they finally arrived before a large open cavern that let out into a round scab-formed platform which overlooked a sunken pit in the ground. The Oculi scouted the place first, and Wei detected the Bastards presence immediate thereafter. Kneeling atop a mountain of unmoving bodies, flowing streams of ghostly moonlight flowed into the Bastard, into his blade as well. The young master observed the scene that Rafael projected over to him and nodded. Well done, Rafael. I cannot identify his Essence, Rafael said, sounding apprehensive. It is not Frost, as I guessed earlier. But there is a likeness there. A closeness that can be compared to an analogy. Analogy is right, Wei responded. I cannot place him either. Did you sense that his blade as an Aspect of Enlightenment as well? Enlightenment? I thought it was purely Mind. No, Wei replied. That weapon is more alike to me in some ways. Then, it cannot be an Eidolon, Rafael stated. Eidolons do not have minds of their own. I suspect we might be facing an Awakened Weapon. Or a Spiritbound Artifact. One with anothers soul fused to it. So, whats that mean? Agnesia said, slipping into the conversation. That this Bastard has added help when he fights? That his sort counts as another Knight in battle? At least, Wei replied. She thought about that for a moment and pouted. Well, hows that bloody fair. Wei shrugged, more fascinated than jealous. Seems fine to me. Thats because youre a special git with a System, Wei. Not all of us have a bloody System. Yes. Im sure thats the main thing stopping you from being a great warrior. Wei grinned. The princess glared at him. Hey. Whats that supposed to mean? She began punching him in his right arm, and Wei just laugh. Whats that supposed to mean? A peasant does not have the right to mock nobility. Peasant, Wei snorted. If I am a peasant, you are a toad, Agnesia. The punching intensified. The air itself shook from every impact. Actually, it was starting to hurt. Agnesia, fun as this is, we must remain focused. You can train your Strength and my Fortification later. I need to speak with my supposed rival now. See why hes just kneeling there. Wei and his disciples emerged from their walkway in an outpouring of steam. The Oathbearers built over everything they could, further securing the sects position against future assaults. Wei held up a hand and called his group to a halt. Rafael. Aid Stalag and Agate with defenses. Prepare illusions as well. Agnesia. Ready the others. You are to retreat back across the passage in case this goes poorly. Expecting a fight with him here? Now? Her eyes were wide, and she bit her lipa show of concern. Wei shook his head. No. I do not think so. But I think the implication is deliberate. This is why the Collectress sent him in. Why Mepeheleon has not intervened. The former wishes to learn of my mettle from her champion. The latter is interested in being amused. Or has some other high-minded scheme in place that we cant even perceive. Alright, Agnesia breathed. But after that After that you stay on guard and keep the others safe, Wei cut her off. Do not get between us if a battle follows. I cannot gauge his true power; I cannot ensure your safety should combat follow. I dont need to be looked after, Agnesia said, folding her arms. Im a Classed. Just like you. Wei opened his mouth, preparing a retort, demanding she comply as he was her patriarch. But then he paused. Yes. Yes, you are. And you are on the path as well. A cultivator. Such is our lot in life. She blinked, not expecting his acquiescence so soon. One who court power, courts death as well, Wei continued. He gave her a solemn look. I will respect your choice. I will honor your courage. I will mourn your death, if that is what follows. He scanned the rest of his disciples thereafter. The same applies to all of you. As disciples, I promise only the potential of power, of being more than what you are. But I cannot promise you your lives. That comes with our struggle against the heavens. As disciples, you are not slaves. But know this: There are no roads that can be trod without consequence. I will protect you if I can. But your ultimate fate belongs to you and you alone. His Shell manifested over Ellena. And for a moment, Wei flinched, saw his own mothers shadow. You speak these words, the Shell murmured. But they are false in your heart. You do not believe them. This is how cultivators are. This is the way of our lives. And if Agnesias life is the cost of certain victory? If Ellena must be spent to strike down the Inheritors. Will you turn from them? Or will you break. As you have broken mere days ago. Wei remembered the Hearted Realm. Ellena. Her beheading. Agnesias screams. Heavens, her screams. He couldnt he couldnt Take care of your mother, Wei said, forcing his breath to remain under control. Alright Agnesia grinned, only to freeze when he reached up and clenched her shoulder. And whatever you do, do not die. I will not allow it. I forbid it. Wei walked away then, barely noticing Rafael looking between him and Agnesia, or the redness crawling across her face. As he got to the edge, he looked down, at saw the Bastard still squatting there talking to his sword. The young master frowned. Well. Two possibilities here. Awakened blade or madman. Maybe both. We hallucinate our mother sometimes, the Shell snorted. Right. It wasnt that bad being a madman. Esteemed Bastard, Wei said, wincing at how that sounded. He cursed himself for not asking if the Bastard had an actual name. It was like insulting the poor man. Esteemed fellow Knight, Wei corrected. Why do you kneel amidst those bodies? Is something amiss? The Bastard went still, then slowly turned to face Wei. He was entirely covered in blood and gore. But his blade was still pristine. Clean like the face of the moon. The Bastard shot his greatsword another few glances before letting out an annoyed growl. I Im not really sure where to go next. Wei paused. He swept his gaze across his surroundings and Well, this place was a nightmare to traverse. But he could still feel a faint Essence signature somewhere far above them. Understandable. But I think I can help you there. The Bastards eyes narrowed. His black locks of hair swayed over his scarred face like a midnight curtain. Why? What do you want? To see how you fight up close, mainly, Wei said, choosing honesty. Also, the idea of me besting you solely because you have the direction sense of a blind and deaf mule does not make for a boast-worthy story. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, the Bastards lips did something. Is he smiling? the Shell asked. I cant tell. I dont think his face knows what its doing. Perhaps this is a stroke. Fine, the Bastard said. You try to knock me off though, and Im going to pull that girl in half. Wei nodded, though his grip around his Pale Fang grew tighter. If I intended to do you harm, we would be fighting right now. Hm. Saved your own life. Might have saved yours. The two stared at each other a second longer. And then shared a snort. Would you like to be cleansed? Have your armor and equipment repaired? Wei flared his Eidolon. My flames hold the Concept of Creation. That work on a lot of people? the Bastard asked. It does when the offer is honest. The Bastard paused and shrugged. Fine. Lets see it. But if you burn me Youll try to kill Agnesia. I know. I suspect shell take personal offense to that and try to beat you to death with her brute strength and terrible technique. A shrill cry sounded from behind him. Wei! You knave! II-42 Battlebonds (II) I knew he was like me the moment I looked into his eyes. There is something in him missing. That part of a person that yearned for peace, that hungered for it. We remember. We remember, but we will never feel it again. And so we rage. And so we slay. And so death clings to us. This is the way we are. This way and not some other way. -Vendrian the Unnamed, Deaths Bastard II-42 Battlebonds (II) Any of you have a bloody towel? Such were the first words spoken by Deaths Bastard to Weis gathered disciples. The Collectresss prize champion resembled something closer to a wild beast than a man. His eyes were bloodshot and bright, with his iris pulsing between dull gray and lunar white. Blood dripped from every inch of his body aside from his sword, and his armor was practically red from the entrails stuck between its gaps. Deaths Bastard flicked spattered giblets of flesh from his neck-long coat of hair and Wei crooned in secret. Here the champion of Lust was, barely able to maintain his own hygiene, to care for his own aesthetic. His hair was choked tight with bits of gore. And there Wei stood, pristine guarded by celestial fire and sheer skill. And his hair was longer and smooth as well. A growing sense of pity welled up in the young master. The Collectress truly sent this poor fool to suffer. Do not be arrogant, his Shell chided. The Antediluvian Skill loomed over Deaths Bastard, taking every inch of his body in. We must understand this one, learn his nature, and not assume to be his better because of appearance alone. Wei accepted that, but he still continued his private comparisons. What was the point of being so much better than other people if you couldnt revel in it once in a while, after all. Got a rag for you, Garret tossed a gray cloth from the back of the group as he said. It aint bloody, though. The Shadow Archer let out a rasping laugh shared by no one. Deaths Bastard reached out and caught the offered rag with a grateful grunt. So. I came out of the pit and you havent tried to kill me. He wiped his face down and fixed with him an inscrutable look. Cant tell if youre actually decent or just a fool. The answer is supremely confident, Wei said in reply. One does not fear letting a tiger out of a cage if they are sure they can slay the tiger. Deaths Bastard snorted a sharp gust of air out from his nostrils. Supremely arrogant it is, then. Fine. Dealt with worse. You said you know where our target is. "Yes," Wei replied, omitting the fact that his knowledge was more of a vague sense than an exact destination. Expanding his Omniscience, the young master felt more shapes slithering through the blood before raising his glaive at an angle to his right. Deaths Bastard followed the pointed weapon and found himself staring at a wall. Right. The Collectresss Champion drew his gleaming greatblade. Time to make a new hole. A part of Wei wanted to burn a hole through the inside of the nest to show his rival up. But his Enlightenment demanded that he not waste this opportunity. If his supposed rival was going to show how his techniques worked, Wei wasnt going to stop them. Please, the young master said. The large man walked past way, spat on the ground, and rolled his arms. Bringing his blade high, he lunged forward in an explosive motion that sent a blast of air washing over Weis disciples. More than a few weaker ones were thrown off their feet, tumbling back into the tumble, heads ringing against the armor of the Oathbearers. Even Agnesia had to hold herself in place. Wei, meanwhile, watched with his arms folded and an eyebrow raised. As Deaths Bastard followed through with his swing, the young master gauged his technique to be adequate. Not too bad, really. But there was something odd about his stancehis legs were half a hairs length too wide, and his back was awfully hunched. He swung with meteoric forceand Wei deduced Deaths Bastard had a far higher Aspect of Strength if the two of them were to be compared. His Speed wasnt bad either, but it lagged behind the young master by a half second normally and well over a second practically thanks to the Dilation-Echoes. What surprised Wei was the sword. It came alight with a brilliant flash of moonlit energies. A beam of cold nothingness emerged from the tip of the blade and carved through the shifting tendrils of red. Yet, the briars did not freeze. Rather, they wilted. A withered furrow opened into a three-meter wide chasm, and the blood nest itself writhed. Clumps of unmade blood rained down from both sides of the bifurcation, and a Deaths Bastard made, and two sets of silvery outlines marked the end of the Bastards cut. Compared to Weis Deconstruction, which unmade things entirely, this was more like Like the cold of the grave. The coldness that comes with death. The cut went deep too, extending far enough to create a valley of shadow. That was another reminder how unnatural space expressed itself in this place. All right. Where do we go next? the Bastard asked, shouldering his blade. Wei caught a faint resonance from within the sworda whispering series of echoes that resounded with the Bastards spirit. It subsided as quickly as it came, like a wave fleeing back into the embrace of the sea, afraid to linger on the shore. The young master pointed his glaive down the opening the Bastard made. We proceed onward. I will make the next path when it is time. Stalag. Agate. Line the surfaces. Make sure we dont get ambushed. Seal the path behind us as well. Rafael. Help them. Aye! Stalag chuckled, as he trod ahead alongside his forgekin. The Bastard watched the two bounding giants with a fascinated expression. How in the hell did you get dwarves to follow your orders. Theyre not obedient to anyone but that broken god of theirs. Agate waved his hammer in the Bastards direction. Thats Oathbearer to you, short one. Short He didnt even anything to say to that. Incredulity and disbelief silenced him. Compared to you two, I suppose. He looked down at Wei. Who used a gust of wind to make himself grow taller. Ah. Youre one of those. One of what? I simply wish to look over the heads of my disciples. Make sure nothing will charge out of the darkness far ahead to ambush them. Sure. And my cock is nine meters long. Truly? May I inquire about the spatial Skill possessed by your pants. Wei caught a glower from Ellena and decided to end the exchange. Such uncouth behavior was inappropriate. But still, the man had an approachable bitterness about him. And oddly, he, like Agnesia, was rather fun to tease. Steam soon flooded the insides of the nest. After a few seconds of building, the space ahead of them went from behind a long stretch of silver lined blood to a proper hallway layered in reinforced metal and stone supports. The Oathbearers even threw up a few columns to hold the space together in case this entire place just collapsed. Been a while since I saw one of them do that, the Bastard breathed. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. There are Oathbearers where you were from? Wei asked, fishing for more about the Bastards backstory. There were, the Bastard grumbled. He shook his head. There was more of everything then. Suddenly, a pang of realization passed through Wei. Your world. Is it lost? The man remained expressionless. Its not our world anymore. Not much difference, then, Rafael added, his voice light with sympathy. The Collectresss champion regarded the lich and squinted. Trespasser. He sneered, then spat. I dont talk to your like. Rafael looked at Wei, then Ellena, slightly taken aback. I apologize for whatever I did to offend you You exist. Thats what offends me. The Bastard growled, and began stomping away. Wei shot the lich a look, and then sent him a message. An interesting prejudice to have. Perhaps the Inheritors did something to his world. Perhaps. But we Trespassers a great many of us are bestowed with immense power, but use it most poorly. I fear we do not need to be of great organizations to wrong another. The group carried on in tense silence after that. Wei used his Omniscience to keep track on several things. The first were the Scablings and other monsters lurking in the blood. They were still there, swimming through the red, thousands of them clambering through the nest in pace with Weis group. They were tracking. A few approached and took bites at the Oathbearers fortifications, but quickly discovered they were too hard to easily punch through, and any focused effort would see them obliterated by a beam of concreted Deconstruction. For now, they seemed content to shadow Wei, doubtless keeping the Embraced at the center of this supposed sanctuary informed. The second thing Wei watched over were his disciples. He felt many of them put points into their Aspects of Speed and Perception. Both had been sorely wanting during their first engagements. Most unaccustomed to battle often found themselves overwhelmed by the pace of combat and the intensity. But more than Aspect Advancements, they needed more experience to run along the edge of death. They didnt need to be fearless, they just needed to become tired of fearing death. Used to it. The last thing Wei kept his gaze on was the Bastard. The Bastard who walked just behind Wei, but stayed far away from the others in the group. The disciples of the sect eyed and whispered to each other about the Bastard. Wei, with his Omniscience, heard them fine, but he wasnt sure if the Bastard did. Considering how some of them judged him, it was clear he didnt care, even if he did hear. You know the Scablings are trailing after us, right? the Bastard said. Yes. I feel them. Behind the walls. They are lurking. Waiting for a moment to strike. At the very head of the group, an oculus hovered, scanning the walls shifting ichor, serving as overwatch. Every time they ran out of fortifications, the Oathbearers swung, extending their protections a bit longer. It was a strange thing, to be building another layer of infrastructure within your enemys house, but Wei supposed it was a viable strategy. He just wasnt sure why the Embraced was being so passive. He wondered what the Dying Queens intentions were, being so brazen to attack Highrest directly. Theyre playing us against each other, the Bastard said again. Hm? Wei looked at the large warrior, and only realized the man had been staring for a good long while. Yes. What of it? The elites always use their lessers in games of politics. This is the nature of the world. This is the unfortunate fate of what it means to be without power. Something almost like a wince flashed across the Bastards features. You take to this easily. But you look young. Oh, so that was why the Bastard was staring at him. Whatever pity you feel for him, he might feel even more for you. He believes us to be a child. By age, we might as well be. The Shell regarded the Bastard. Wei wasnt sure how he felt about that. Being underestimated was useful in combat, as shown by his bout with Silt of Storms. But Wei had survived a great many things, had gone from a broken child to You are still a broken child. But you are in the process of making something of worth out of your lifes ruins. A great weight rests on your unworthy shoulders. Never forget that. No. No, he would not. I am a cultivator, Wei finally said, meeting the Bastards observation with a statement of fact. I am aware of the truth of the cruel heavens. I know the dangers of the path I tread, of how I am sought by heavenly tribulations for my every attempt at advancement and achieving dominance. I am no child. I am merely young. Despite the confidence he projected through his words, the Bastard simply lowered his head and turned away, as he clenched his jaw. It shouldnt be this way. Its not right. Not right? Well, this large brute of a man was proving to be evermore an enigma. One who hated Trespassers understandable had experiences with Oathbearers interesting and still had embers of ethics burning inside him. The questions Wei had were overwhelming. During this moment of quietude, he had to push. You know we are about to cross blades, yes. Id rather we didnt. Id hate to kill you. The audacity made Wei bark a sudden laugh. This earned him a glare from the Bastard. Im serious. So were most people who try to kill me, Wei shot back. Im not most people. What a coincidence: Neither am I. And now they were back to staring. Wei noticed then that his disciples were silent, absolutely drawn in by the exchange of words occurring between the Bastard and the patriarch. Agnesia, for her part, was practically trying to burn a whole in the back of the Bastards head with her black-gold gaze. The glare-off between Wei and the Bastard ended as the latter shook his head. Why are you doing this? Doing what? All this, the Bastard waved a hand at Weis disciples, as the space around them. Youre wandering down a literal blood nest made from a vampire, to kill said vampire to what? Show your dominance? Show your mettle to a cold bitch who schemes to chain you. To use you for her schemes. And what schemes are those? Why do you serve her? The Bastard ignored Weis attempt at a question and continued. Listen. You seem brave. Competent. Even skilled. Ive seen you fight, youre you can do a great many things without getting involved with these people. Without making a mistake. Remarkable, the Shell said, leaning over the Bastard. Even now, he is still trying to save us. Or so he believes. Not nearly the savage animal his appearance hints at. Perhaps he is. But even beasts have their nobility. Lions and jackals are of a different class, are they not? And what mistake is that? Trying to be Hells Vanguard. This ridiculous contest to be selected as the first murderer of all murderers. You dont want to be the Vanguard? Wei probed. I dont want a lot of things, the Bastard said. What do you want? Doesnt matter. Id say it does. The Bastard snorted. And why does what you say matter? What are you going to do? You going to kill my mistress? Wei gave him a vicious grin. Tell me. Give me a reason for why she must die. And then Ill see about it. I The Bastard snorted. I see now. Youre not just arrogant. Youre also bloody insane Then, Wei felt it. And so did the Bastard for that measure. A powerful spiritual signature approaching them. The Embraced was coming. Or something more than just a scabling. Accelerating through the walls from their right. You feel that? The Bastard asked. Yes, Wei said. And so do you. How high is your Perception? the Bastard said. That would be telling. But Ill tell you my Perception if you tell me yours. The Bastard clamped his lips tight again. Must be something more than just a Class there. Wei felt it. Wei shifted to face the attack and flared his glaive. The Bastard took a step ahead of him. Wei took a step so they were mostly shoulder to shoulder. You fucking serious right now? the Bastard asked. Quite. A patriarch cannot be standing behind when a true threat comes. And I especially cannot be overshadowed by someone who looks like a butcher-turned-beggar, who stole a set of armor. Despite it all, another near grin passed over the mans features. I hope this thing gores you bloody, boy. Youre a very hopeful man, Bastard, Wei said. Celestial fire, wind, lightning, crystal, and water began to meld at the tip of his Pale Fang. The wall before him began to disintegrate outright. Everyone. Behind. Oathbearers, fall back and create more barricades within our halls. I am going to greet our enemy. A Lance of Annihilation began to form, and the Bastard cocked his head. What kind of Specialization is Scion of the Celestial Flame anyway. Wei regarded the Bastard again and took in their Class. Deaths Bastard: Unchained Slayer Lv.94 Wait Did he see something different earlier? Why did Wei remember the Bastards Specialization being something else. Once again, the young master felt a string of Essence leading back to the sword. And then there was the whispering again. This close, Wei could practically hear it. It sounded like words? Ill tell you about mind if you tell me why your sword speaks to you. The Embraced closed in, a mere two hundred meters away and coming fast. The Bastard simply spat. No. I think Id rather kill this thing. Do you now? Because I think I will be the one doing the killing. They shared a look. Which blossomed into understanding. Want to make a bet on this. Like you did with my owner and the old piece of shit? No. I think the gloating after will be good enough for me. Heh. Yeah. Good enough for me too. II-43 Battlebonds (III) There is a cost to associating with a child of the Withered Moon. There is also a reason why most of them are insane, sealed away, or held by System-hosts to be used as experimental specimens. After all, the power to cheat death is precious, but the power to twist the very concept of death to do your bidding Well. That might just be the deciding factor to win any war Or even slay a System-host. -The Trespassers Compendium II-43 Battlebonds (III) Twin strikes cleaved through metal walls created by the Oathbearers and burrowed deeper into a nest of twitching blood. The Bastards cut traveled faster and wider than Weis Lance of Annihilation. As with before, the young master felt the coldness radiating from the cutand this time decided to test how it might contend with his deconstruction. He carefully extended the celestial flames of his Lance to overlap with the Bastards attack. To Weis surprise, felt his fires extinguished in an instant. There was barely any clash or struggle. The radiance was. And then it wasnt. Troubling, but also remarkable. Whatever power the Bastard wielded, it made him a true force to be reckoned with. I felt that, the Bastard snarled under his breath at Wei. The young master put on an innocent act, but failed to suppress a mocking smirk. Both of their attacks created an opening a few hundred meters long through the interior of the nest. From the nest came Scablings and other horrorsthese fiends were human-sized spiders coated in scab-like armor. Haemocrawler Lv. 55 Weis sect immediately fell upon them, launching their own Skills to keep the smaller horrors suppressed. Leading their efforts was Rafael, who was actively tracing Reference Circuits through all the disciples of the sect. Tendrils of platonic influence trailed out from them and burrowed into the surrounding alloys that the Oathbearers used to create this hallway. Faintly, Wei felt the structure protecting them from the blood grow harder as portions of Constitution flowed from his disciples into the matter. Ah. Reinforcement. That was wise. The Bastard and Weis Skills traveled a dozen meters more before they finally impacted against the approaching Embraced. However, unlike how they tunneled through most of the nest without difficulty, Wei felt a pulse of Essence-Draining rush through the tread like tendrils. A sudden pull of enervation sapped at Lanceat the Bastards slash, too. Both Skills began to dim, through the crimson tentacles that tried to absorb them paid a price as well. Entire patches of the nest began to dissolve and wilt. But they were quickly replaced. Spatial Essence began coursing through the ruby tendrils, and that which was lost found themselves refilled in an instant. Wei felt the structure around them shake, felt pockets of Essence burst like pustules as new veins crawled over open space. A jungle of arteries was growing before Weis very eyes. Connected the nest and the lesser monsters was a single entity. A powerful creature whose Essence pressed down against Wei forced labor into every exhale he breathed. Whatever the Embraced was doing to preserve its own life, it came at a cost. Then, the dense threads began to move. Scablings rushed toward the young master and his company. Behind them roared massive beasts. They resembled gorillas in aesthetic, except their bodies were naught but tumors and scars. Their arms ended as flat-headed clubs made to crush and pulverize, and as they trudged closer, Wei noted they were well over four meters tall. Sanguinaut Lv. 80 The Bastard continued his onslaught immediately. He unleashed cut after cut, yet conserved the bulk of his power. With casual strokes, Scablings and their larger kin came apart, withering into clumps of ashen decay, the remains radiating a dull coldness into the nest. Wei directed his harder-hitting disciples to join in the attack. He called for his Oathbearers to create openings along their makeshift walls first. With every swing of their hammers, crenelations and gaps were formed, allowing Skills, projectiles, flames, and arrows to be loosed through. Thousands of blood-born horrors came at them. Wei read the fear from his disciples expressions. Overwhelming to them, perhaps, but a diversion. A distraction. The true power had yet to show themself fully. A loud reverberation pulsed through Wei, and he found the Hivekin of his sect channeling their psionics to ward the others from fear. After that, another tune started, and a violin and a guitar joined in, boosting the Speed and Will of those nearby. Two elves had joined with the Hivekin, forming a band that bolstered the will of the others. Good. This was how things were meant to be. We are so outnumbered, the orc chef groaned. Still, he chucked a pancake outside. A pancake that exploded with so much syrupy substance, it left countless Scablings stuck to the wallseasy prey for Garret or Agnesia to pick off. Targeted ciphers tore out among the Skills. They struck the Sanguinauts. Rafaels newest workings didnt inflict damage, but actively stunned the monstrosities. Twisted their Perceptions and made them charge in the wrong directions. More than a few barreled through their lesser kindred, thinning the herd. Quite the eccentric band you collected, the Bastard said, chancing a new glance at Weis disciples. Mostly untrained. Unfocused. But motivated. And brave. That brought a smile to Weis face. Yes. They are those things, arent they. Quite so. A new voice forced its way into the conversation. It was high and sibilant. The kind of voice Wei came to expect from the vampires of the Embraced. A curtain of bloody tendrils began to twitch and part. The gouge left by Wei and the Bastard opened, turning into a distended set of folds as the vampire emerged. Then, the vampire emerged. They were a hairless creature, body porcelain bright. Their eyes were pitch black with red scleras, and wounds lined their torso. So many brilliant ruby-red wounds that bled Spatial Essence as well. More interesting was how hair-thin strands of blood connected it to the many Scablings and Sanguinauts it commanded. But no Aspect of Mind flowed between them. The young master suspected this vampire to be more pure summoner than mastermind for these forces. Stolen story; please report. Crimson briars sprouted from under the Embraceds flesh, and Wei the widening wounds resonate to his senses. These werent just wounds, they were now portals as well. It didnt mend what we destroyed earlier, the Bastard breathed. It just teleported new substance in. Were facing a Space Mage. Space Blood Mage. Something like that. From these wounds rained new blood-forged creatures of all Essence Levels, carrying additional Concepts of their own. Hordes of Scablings emerged from these wounds in a rain of twitching, insectoid bodies, but massive laws of leaking crimson lashed out as well, along with new strings to replace that which the vampire lost from absorbing Weis earlier attack. The Sacrifice: Passage-Keeper of Wounds Lv. 144 And though it was only at Lv. 144, the young master felt a considerable source of power lurking deep within his new enemy, waiting to be called upon like dammed water. The Bastard eyed Wei briefly, noticing how the young masters once all-consuming radiance was now little more than swirling embers. Dont tell me youre a one hit wonder. A crackle sounded in the air. A Sanguinaut flung a Scabling straight at Wei. The Bastard leveled his swordbut Weis glaive whipped out to greet the blow first. Having Dilation-Echoes was ever so convenient for ambushes. Wrapped in an ashen glow, the Pale Fang struck the oncoming attack and unmade it with ease. A flash of Essence rekindled his celestial flames. Once more, the Bastards features were bathed in light. No. I recover fast. Wei flicked his weapon then, channeling a gust of blazing wind to consume all that moved. Scablings and other monstrosities disintegrated en masse. The blood itself combusted but didnt simmer. The Bastard looked on, slightly fascinated. Theres no heat to your fire. And your coldness is unnatural, Wei replied. Yet, just then, the massing Scablings and Sanguinauts froze in place. They froze as the Embraced held up a hand, and swung low, hanging from the ceiling like a puppet connected by red strings. Kin to be, I bid you welcome to my sanc Fuck off! the Bastard growled. He slashed againclearly not the type for dialogue, and this time, Wei observed another change in the man. A flash of a larger figure materialized around his body. This one was not in the shape of a humanoid, but a hound with two additional arms. Arms that ended with clawed hands of deathly frost. Between those hands extended a blade fashioned from gleaming moonlight. And when the Bastard cut, so did this flickering avatar. The Skill triggered a Dilation-Echo, but Wei felt himself stunned by its sheer speed. It blinked across the space between the Bastard and their incoming adversary in less than a fraction of a second but gave off no hint of force. Instead, it flicked through the Embraced, marking them with a silver scar. Then, Wei felt a connection between Deaths Bastard and their shared enemy. They were now bound somehow. Thin strings of cold fused their spirits together. Though the young master strained his Omniscience to comprehend what was happening, actual effects were so minute that he found himself lost. What was that? Wei whispered to the Bastard. The man gazed at him from the corner of his eye and grinned slightly. Insurance. In case this goes south. An ill feeling rose in Wei. Ignorance was a fatal affliction to suffer in the Claimed Hells. Ah, the Embraced said, running skeletal fingers across the silver wound that marked them. They didnt seem shocked or even hurt. Just merely resigned. Just like a child of the Deathless Moon to behave this way. It is well. She forgives you. As she forgives all. Even if you were an abomination by birth. A mistake that should never have been. But this is not your failing. You did not ask to be. Yeah. You tell the Dying Bitch to go fuck herself with a burning rod. Ive heard this shit enough from the Priests of the Light. Im not taking it from a glorified corpse. Weis sect were grouped tightly behind him. The young master regarded them momentarily and ordered them to move back. He messaged the Oathbearers and Rafael to build additional defenses to put up more illusions as well. Where most were all too happy to retreat, Agnesia came walking forward, taking her place by Weis right shoulder. Which now left him dwarfed on both flanks. Damn them. Did their Specializations offer some stipulations about height? What was this? Why couldnt get grow taller? He needed to see Nils after Roggi finished. Agnesia! Ellena cried. She sent a demon a pride to go get her daughter, but the girl merely flared her draconic avatar. No! She growled. I stand here! I face the vermin that stole my home. Our home! Ellena looked at Wei imploringly, but he Shell materialized behind her. If you force the girl away, she will not forgive you. She will not trust you. And she will be crippled along her path. Death is hers to risk. Do not take this form her. Wei clenched his glaive so tight, his knuckles popped. Stay close. Such were his only orders to Agnesia. Ah, the Embraced breathed. Then flicked a long, disgusting tongue through the air. Daughter of the Golden Dragon. You come to us again. She misses you. She wishes for you to join your brother, to allow you all to be family once more. It hurt her when you fled. Hurt her? Agnesia said. The flames around her began to swirl and pop. An uncomfortable heat licked at Weis flesh. Judging by how the Bastard winced, he felt it too. You took my home from me! My father! You monsters! Im going to burn you! Im going to burn you all! It pains her to see you so rageful, so lost. The vampire sighed. I would willingly offer to claim you, but that is not why I have come today. No. I come offering a truce and a message. A chance for mutual forgiveness. And a new opportunity for all of us to flourish as one. The Embraced spoke aloud, cutting the young master off. The young master regarded their adversary again, and noted how passive they continued to be. Scablings never stopped pouring out from the Embraces open woundsand the wounds grew larger, shimmered brighter. With each passing second, they became more portal than injury, and soon countless small scab-forged insects skittered along sinuous strands of visceral crimson. The creatures worked to extend these branches, weaving them across the space as if spiders creating a web. But they didnt work alone. Even more veins began growing out of the Embraced as well. They fused into the surrounding architecture. Changed it. The environment around Wei began to transform. It widened, spreading large to become a dome-like structure. And then larger still. The threads smoothed out, while pillars and uneven slabs of red rose from the land, creating differentiations of height, and cover to hide behind. The Oathbearers constructs remained unbothered. It seemed the Embraced was uninterested in breaking them. At least right now. And through it all, the vampire maintained a serene expression, more interested in rebuilding than slaying. You have all wronged Our Mother. You have all been wronged in return. This is understandable. As beings, we all harm each other Another cut exploded out from the Bastard. It crashed into the Embraced, but one of its wounds widened. Large enough to swallow the slash entirely. This time, a flood of silver pulsed through the vampire, lit its spirit briefly, but failed to ever land. The young master noted how the Spatial Essence shifted within its body. That was a useful Skill to have: the ability to make passages out of ones wounds ensured that any direct cut would simply miss. Perhaps this called for him to use his scythe. Very rude, the Embraced said flatly. I told your Queen what I have to say, the Bastard growled, pointing his massive blade at the dangling vampire. You heard me. Dont think the boy or the others want to give you any time either. The Embraced lifted its head. Suddenly, the Scablings began to fuse together, their spirits and bodies joining to create even more chimeric entities of uncanny shapes. From them trailed new tentacles. Tentacles that plugged into the Embraced, treating him as if the core of a network. It is surprising that an abomination such as you cannot see reason. But the rest. Its black and red eyes fell on Wei. Perhaps a more civilized counterpart will heed the Queens words. There is nothing to heed. And I will not forgive, Wei breathed. He remembered how the Dying Queen tortured him. How she tried to infect his Systemwas the reason behind why he couldnt save Ellena in the first place. We are enemies eternal for all that she has done. And for what she has done to those who are mine. Ellena and Agnesia both eyed the young master briefly. Very well, the Embraced moaned. But at least listen, before we progress to bloodshed. It will make much to the Mother. What a fucking waste of time, the Bastard grumbled. The Collectress was not released from Our Mothers touch. No. She was banished. Banished for what she attempts to do with you now. To create a cocktail from Scions. To choke the Mothers great system, and slave her without breaking it. So another can take her place. To steal her System. And worst of all, the Harbinger is aiding her in this endeavor. For his interest. To cheat our mistress out from the holiest embracement of all: the reclaiming of Earth. II-44 A Layered Plot Hm. Why are children of the Withered Moon dangerous? Well, lets just say that death stands among the few Concept few System-hosts have influence over. Though many have indeed tried. Including me. There are ways to bypass that cruel, cold end that awaits most. Immortality is a most coveted prizebut after that, there is the maintenance of your power. One has to ensure they survive the ages after becoming ageless after all. But even with all this achieved, you are still not invincible. Oh, come now, little one. Do not act so surprised. The only reason I remain alive is because I have felt the cold sting of death so many times. None more so than the time a former Scion of the Withered Moon passed near me. You see, death is a fundamental power in existence. It is well, there are secrets tied to its purpose. Its design. It cannot be denied. And when one passes, there is a cost incurred. There is a price that must be paid. However, that doesnt mean the one who dies must be the one that pays. The expense can be offset. Or harvested for future use. Quite useful. And quite dangerous Thankfully, Sarah, both these things suit my needs. -Mepheleon the Harbinger II-44 A Layered Plot William Yu watched as the nest of blood quivered and twitched. If he still had his Class, he would probably be feeling a maelstrom of Essence flowing right now. Alas, Wei saw an end to that. Saw an end to a great many things. Despite everything that transpired between William and his son, there was still a feeling of dread in his chest. A tightness. Wei had left him behind, taking the rest of his so-called sect in there with him. The Drowned Sky Sect. People William knew for a lifetime. People he betrayed without a second thought when the time came. He didnt see most of them dieonly killed the one he truly cared about. Had to. She would have stopped him otherwise. And the damnable thing was he could do it facing her. He waited for her to turn. Then he struck. Coward. But it was just easier that way. But look where that got you. Look at you know. Witness your own miserable fate, you damned fool. His company was now an Incubus he thought he killed and another Circle ladder climber. Both had reason to see him dead. But both barely regarded him more interested in his son. And, to William, it was worse. Wei was he was supposed to die with the sect. With the others. Be at peace instead of in the middle of all this. William should have seen the Inheritors machinations coming ahead of time. No one would spend top Sins on a man of his talents for a Low-Essence ceiling world like Evernest. But he was desperate, and they offered him an escape. New Class, new identity, a realm of his own hidden away from prying eyes, from the Dying Queen. The Dying Queen who was reaching back for him. Hunting him, his boy, and practically everyone around him. What a goddamn mess. What a goddamn mess indeed, Bishops voice rumbled in the back of his mind. Worst of all was Johns constant moaning and signing and the you fucking idiot speeches. William had enough of those. You should have never taken up a contract with her. No shit, William thought back. He couldnt reply directly with a Class. Couldnt stop Bishop from rooting around in his mind either. Essence was strange, and the Fathoms were drenched and shaped by it. Source might not be able to destroy him, but he was still material, and the fire was fire, fantastical in origin or not. There was nothing he could do to stop those around him from hurting him. Killing him at a moments notice. He felt naked. He felt weak. You are naked and weak. You wouldnt be if you decided to Jesus, give it a fucking break, John. I told before: Your crusade is a suicide run. There is no chance the Lodge manages to secure Earth. Not with how many powers are going to push for it. Not when Trespassers can do what they do. Maybe. Maybe not. Your boy, hes something special. That made Williams guts churn. Yeah. He always had the devil in him. Stubborn. Prideful. But devoted. Just like Williams insides plummeted. He thought of his wifethe woman he betrayed and killed. It took all he had not to be sick. Still dont know how you have the strength to do it. Simple. Be selfish. Let your urge to survive be stronger than your good sense, and youll make it. What do you think he is playing at? the Old Man suddenly said. The Count of Pride was resting on one of his thrones, but the Collectress stood a ways apart from hers. Instead, her gaze was locked to the nest of blood while she nursed herself on a cup of amber wine. Who knows, the Collectress breathed. We have our games, but the great powers have theirs. Ah. But your games trespass against them, dont they. the Old Man chuckled. Youve always been the ambitious type. Tell me: Deaths Bastard. Is he really a Scion of the Withered Moon? The Collectress turned, angling her head slightly. He is. And youre not afraid of the risk he poses? Of what might happen to you when he dies? A subtle smile pulled her soft, purple lips. Oh, I know how his bond works. And I have insurance otherwise. The Old Man let out a laugh. Yeah. The wife and kid-to-be. Thats not much of a safeguard if you ask me. Oh? Do tell. If he dies if his Concept activates. Its one of them first. Probably the unborn one. Then her. Then The Old Man paused and looked into the nest of blood. His mouth opened then closed. You you sneaky bitch. You didnt. The Collectress let out a sigh. It is very obvious, if you think about it. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. You absolute whore, the Old Man said, letting out a guffaw of outrage and bemusement. What a dirty, dirty trick. I applaud you. I have half a mind to murder you with my own hands, but I applaud you. Understand that Im not just going to sit idly by while you take my investment from me. Our investment, the Collectress corrected. Im sorry, William said, very much not sorry. Both Count-Tiers eyed him, and he found himself glad he didnt have a Class. Spiritual pressure was uncomfortable in the best of times. Just what the hell are you two talking about. They shared a look. And the Collectress smirked. What are the strongest bonds, William? William considered the question, but Bishop was the one who answered. The kind forged over a lifetime. Or in battle. The kind that is forged in battle, William answered, stealing Bishops answer. Or other extreme circumstances. The Collectress took a step closer to him. She towered over him by a half a head, and her eyes bore into his like daggers piercing flesh. He struggled not to shudder, reflexively called for power that wasnt there. Fucking hell, Wei. Leaving me with these degenerates. So. What about battle-bonds? William asked. The Collectress regarded him a moment longer and her eyes glowed with a cruel gleam. Ah. But it is so hard to resist gloating. Very well. I smuggled the Queens assassin here. What? William said. He shot a look at the Old Man, but the Count of Pride didnt seem surprised at all. Instead, it was like he worked everything out already. What do you mean? Fucking why? Are you still one of the Dying Queens? No. Hardly. The creature thinks they are deceiving me. That they have influence over me, when it is the other way. She began to circle William. It was not easy capturing the Scion of the Withered Moon. He was quite the warrior on his world. He cut down many of my finest servants in my attempt to subjugate him. Yet, I managed it. I caged him. I took his beloved as well. She, and a few others he cared about. Theyre gone now. Gone? William said. You had them killed? To break him? No. I allowed him to break free the first few times. I gave him hope. I let him feed his blade, watched and learned how his power functioned. Death is no easy weapon to wieldit is both capricious and absolute. It will not be denied. Every time he got close to me, I cut him down. Bled him slowly. And I killed him. Over and over. But he keeps coming back because hes a Scion of Death, William answered, unimpressed. Cheap. Dont even need to use a Resurrection Shard. The Collectress laughed. Oh, but the shard wouldnt even work in concert with his Concept Core. His Scion Core. What youve heard about the Scions of the Withered Moon? Most of it is just rumor. Most of his like are cast into the Source to be unmade. Indeed, that is the only reliable way to kill them. To dissolve them utterly instead of feeding their cores with deaths. For when they die, another pays the final price in their stead. Another falls in their place. Someone they think about. Have a bond with. A true bond of comradery, love, or loathing. And there it was. The fine weapon that the Collectress stole for herself. A man unkillable by nature, if only because his death was constantly outsourced to the others around him. Outsourced to Wei. They were both sent in to ensure a bond. Williams nervousness spiked and dropped. They didnt know about Weis Systemabout his powers. They couldnt if they were speaking this way. Theres that expression. The one I have been waiting for. The Collectress laughed, her voice chiming like a set of ringing bells. Oh, William. To think that I would be able to revenge myself upon you in such a fashion. It is delectable. Sublime. And Suddenly, existence rippled. A pulse of fluid Essence washed over everything and everyone, and the world around William lost color. John? William blinked. He took a step back and felt his mind strangely vacant. John? You there? Absolutely riveting! A booming voice filled the throne room, and a tall, well-dressed man appeared before William. He wore a fine suit from the 40s, and his glasses were horn-rimmed and cracked. His body was still burning, flesh crackling from the blaze, but through it all, a smile remained on his face. A smile even as skin charred and fat sizzled. Mepheleon gazed at William with those vacant eyes, and the Trespasser let out a curse. Fucks sake. Of course youre involved in this too. Naughty, naughty boy, William. I am involved in everything. This is my manor, my domain. How could I let someone else plot and scheme and not participate. The old spy walked past the Collectress and grinned at her, shaking his head. Ah, but she thinks she is the cunning one. That she is the weaver of plots and plans. It was a vicious strategy, certainly. I can appreciate that. But alas, she made a mistake: You should always look into your enemy before involving them in your strategy. Poor girl thinks Wei to be another mark. Another skilled but naive blade who wandered into a den of monsters. The Harbinger tutted. If it were only so simple. She doesnt know about his System, does she? William asked. No. No, she does not. If she did well, she is ambitious, so she likely would have come up with some other mad plan. But nothing so wasteful. If the Bastard were to fall within, the death incurred will flow to his pregnant love first. But then Mepheleons grin broadened. Unless someone created a vessel to trap all that Essence escaping him. Someone who plans to cheat death itself. William scoffed. There was no end to dealing with nonsensical bullshit in the Claimed Hells. So. Whats your angle in all this? Why do you want Wei and her champion to bond. Because, why, after what you did to him, all the trauma you inflicted, I think he deserves a new family he can count on. Out of the goodness of your vacant heart? Really? No. But goodness is convenient in this case. Mepheleon took a step closer to William. You hurt him so so badly. Yet, his spirit is very strong. Strong, despite the cracks I can feel lining his psyche. The System holds him together, but I have seen what happens when he drains his own Will. I have seen it. And it is a tragedy in motion. I do not need a tragedy. I need a champion. I need another power in my corner for what is to come. For your invasion. And what follows thereafter, the Harbinger chuckled. William sighed. More cryptic bullshit. So. All this. Its part of your plan as well. Which is why a Duke or higher in Pride hasnt come down to put an end to this. Could be smoothed to: "Dearest William, I always have multiple plans running at once. But yes. I do intend for the bonds of friendship and brotherhood to spread between two Sinners scarred by their misfortunes. And I also intend for the Bastard to die soon. To allow the Dying Queen just enough leeway that things become desperate, that she thinks she can reach over. So I might scar her as well for reaching into my realm without permission, naughty girl that she is. All just a game to you, huh? The greatest game. The Harbinger took a step closer toward William. And pretend not you are otherwise. Let us recall your part in this madness. Aiding the Inheritors, trying to give them that final System they required, all to escape from rightful consequence. Like it is all a game. He reached out and ruffled Williams hair in the way a father would. William snarled and pushed the Harbingers hand away. Fuck off. No. I dont think I will. Like it or not, youre back in the big games again. But thankfully, your boy offers hope for a better future. Well. My preferred future. He doesnt seem to like you very much. And I cant say I blame him. But it isnt all over for you. I have an offer for you. A way for you to get out aliveand maybe avoid execution at your sons hands. Ridiculous. After what William did, there was nothing Nothing And there it is. That little ember of hope. Youre going to say yes. Youre going to do what I say. And youre going to thank me before this is all over. You stopped time. You crawled out of a singularity. You can do all that, so why do you need me? There are rules, William. Rules, costs, and limitations you dont understand. Systems have their own demands. Dont ask. Just say yes. Somehow, William very much doubted that. But what other choice did he have? He was a karmic slave. A karmic slave to his own son. So. Whats in it for me? Aside from being rid of the Dying Queen? Aside from getting to go home? Aside from freeing yourself and getting a new Class again? The Bastard was right. Goddamn him. Goddamn everything. Fine. What do you want me to do? II-45 A Theft of Death The Hound of the Withered Moon. Antediluvian of Death. A divine entity shrouded in layers of mystery, making it hard to distinguish truth from legend. But they did exist. And their line lingers to the present day. The Inheritors have spent years capturing and gathering the progeny of the Withered Moon. Of all the great factions of the Fathoms, they alone hold most of Deaths Scions. The power of the Withered Moon is tied, somehow, to the Unfallen as well. The very corruption that fuels them, that lets them linger beyond death is something the Scions can wield. The same connection compels the Legions of the Unfallen Lords to seek the absolute destruction of the Scions. At present, I have been tracking a specific Sciona warrior called Vendrian. Better known to most people as Deaths Bastard. Right now, he is held by the Collectress, and is a part in her scheme to overthrow her former master, the Dying Queen. I find him interesting for other reasons. For one, he isnt consumed by madness or bloodlust yet. Instead, he seems quite averse to killing when he has the chance. I suspect that has something to do with his sword. Mourning, I believe he calls it. There is a shard of intellect there, something keeping his Mind intact, holding the Beast of the Withered Moon at bay -Journal of Sarah Moonscar II-45 A Theft of Death There it was once again: Earth. The word on everyones lips, spoken over and over, almost to the point of being a mantra. Trespassers occupied a strange position in the ecosystem of the Fathoms, that much was clear, but there was also the vault and the Broken Samsara. Wei pondered how to proceed if he should fish for more information from the Embraced. The Dying Queen was a System-host, too, after all. Perhaps her System revealed her other truths as well. Wei watched as The Sacrifice dangled from tendrils of blood. More Spatial Essence was coursing through his body, pulsing like blood running through veins. Other signatures were on the cusp of emerging from within its flesh. The moment the battle restarted, they would be facing the weight of an army spawned from a single entity. There would be no time to waste. Wei would channel all his Classs Essence in a blasting supernova to mask the deployment of his System. Now was not the time for risk, now was the time to ensure his enemy was dead. Earth, Earth, fucking Earth, Deaths Bastard spat. Part of the globule hit a strand of the mans own long and unkempt hair, but he barely cared. I dont know why you System fuckers are so fixated on the Trespasser world so much. Last thing we need is more Trespassers tainting our lives, twisting our fates. You tell your Queen that she can open her own throat. Im done with you, and Im done with this conversation. Truly? You care nothing for revenge against the woman that enslaved you? That slew youand used your death to take from your kin The Bastard cut again. This time, his slash was accompanied by a guttural shout, and a gust of coldest wind. Wei saw the manifestation of his power againthat hound-like entity formed over his body. It lingered longer, lasting a full second rather than a flash. Looking upon its ghostly visage filled Wei with an ineffable dread. The kind that made his insides scream. He remembered the first time he saw a wolf in the darkness as a child. He had been scared then, had held his spear tight, and kept his posture solid to stop from shaking. This moment reminded him of that. Except, it wasnt the wolf the creature represented. It was the darkness behind the wolf; the possibility of what else lurked deep in the belly of ink-black night. The place where death resides. Several of Weis disciples cried out and flinched back. The outpouring of Essence from the Bastard was overwhelmingit felt like his spiritual pressure had doubled in a moment. The air before him tore open, and a gust of unnatural chill began to bleed into the world, sapping at every droplet of Essence in the air. The Embraced summoned something from its wounds in haste. Bloody tendrils wove the shape of a large blinking eye that covered the vampires entire body. It functioned as a shield, and when the Bastards blow hit, it shattered into shards of dust and glass. But Wei felt something more. Consuming. Draining. Every bit of the creature''s vitality flowed out of its being and drifted into the Bastard. It was as if he consumed its vitality through its destruction. His power simmered and grew, filling his spirit with another weight. The same weight as the creature he just killed. see now? Do you seen why the dog Is he No, the Shell said. That shouldnt be a System. We would sense it otherwise. But this this is something else. This is more than just a Class. "A silver wound fifty meters long tore through the air, leaving space itself flayed after the Bastards strike. The man was breathing hard, hissing hot gusts of steam from the attack, yet it wasnt from exhaustion. Instead, his eyes were wide like that of a man on the verge of madness. Wei felt the Bastards sword gleaming bright with Essence. Enlightenment. Like it was bearing a portion of the Bastards sanity. In contrast, part of the Bastard dimmed, and his movements took on an instinctive, bestial quality. Savagery! the Embraced moaned. They rose beyond the end of the silvery wound, untouched but trembling. The creature they summoned was nowhere to be seen. Vanished into the silver gouge the Bastard left upon the world. What a pitiable creature. What a vulgar reaction. It turned its attention to Wei. Do you see now? Do you see why the dog must be put down. It has no sense. It is driven to destroy, to bleed and wound the very world. But you can solve this problem. You can deprive the Collectress of her tool, if you would only bring your System to bear This is what it was created for. Justice. Enforcement. To ensure the other hosts were protected. How interesting, Wei replied dryly, that wasnt what I was told. He grimaced slightly at the vampires open mention of his System, but the Bastard didnt react. Perhaps he was too lost in the madness to hear. Perhaps he didnt care regardless. The young master sent a message to his disciples, telling them to stay ready, to keep together. She will see you rewarded, the vampire breathed, holding out his long fingers. She can give you more power, the means to If there is anything she has that I desire, I will simply take it, Wei shot back, now truly offended. She thinks that she can wound me, torture and defile the lives of me and mine and simply bribe me for my favor? Like I am the dog here? The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. The young master chanced another look at the Bastard and shivered. The hound-beast fused with his being glowed with plates of lunar armor. Its head sprouted a long snarly snout of metallic ivory, and the rest of its flesh sported dense clumps of fur between ridges of smooth white. And from the Bastards blade came a soft pulse of energy. Wei observed it fully for the first time. Mourning: Blade of Life-Drinking Lv. 110 110? the Shell exclaimed, surprised. Was this the Bastards true power? A weapon akin to Weis Eidolon, but awakened somehow? With its own Class, its own levels? Light protect us, Garret muttered as he stared at the Bastard. Weis disciples were more unnerved by their supposed ally than the vampire spawn by this point. The light is not here, came a high but stern voice. It sounded feminine but strong. Tired as well. And most of all, it echoed from the blade itself. The time for talk is over, vermin of the Leech-Queen. Begone from this place. I give you this one chance at life. Begone, or I release my hold, and let my brother ride forth to feed his birthright. Ah, and there she is. The Twin of Life to counteract the Bastard of Death. But bound to your brothers blade. The one he used to kill you. The one you remained trapped in, holding yourself back from crossing the horizon of death Enough of this. Wei! The suddenness of the sword''s proclamation caught Wei off-guard. Are you with us? The young master only blinked. IYes! Drowned Sky Sect! To arms. What a pity the Embraced was interrupted again. This time, by another slash of silver, followed by a blast of celestial radiance. Whatever else it had to say drowned beneath the battles din. A wall of bloody tendrils sprouted out of the ground and formed a protective barrier on the Embraceds behalf. As it did that, Wei sensed it suddenly blinked to another portion of this sanctuary. It was teleporting. The entire nest must be like a spatial rift for it. Damnation. But Wei could still sense its Essence, follow its signature. At the same moment, the surrounding blood clamped down hard around the Oathbearers protective corridor but failed to crush it. Several of Weis disciples groaned as their Essence trickled across Reference Circuits, feeding reinforcement ciphers. The hordes of Scablings, Sanguinauts, and other horrors came forth. But the first wave shattered into shards of ashen ice as the Bastard galloped through them, cutting wildly through the onrush like a blade through silk. Oathbearers! Wei cried. More horrors erupted out from the nearby veins. Monsters came flooding into the gap Wei and the Bastard made earlier, but the young master held breach. Fangs and claws shaped by mystical scabbing crashed against his dim shroud of ash, but the young master countered his foes. He Deconstructed blows. Destroyed Scablings. Rekindled more of his celestial flame, and blasted the oncoming horde back with a flaring of his Empyrael Wrath. A clearing formed in the havoc. A space created at the vanguard by the Bastard cutting his way through the vampire-spawn by the hundreds with each stroke, held by Weis disintegrating might, and the supplementary volleys of Skills and attacks from his disciples. Get this hallway moving. The enemy is a teleporter. Rafael. Find a way to disrupt their movement somehow. The rest of you, man the defenses. Hold the horde. Agnesia. Let your flames sing. But the girl didnt need to be told twice. Slower than Wei and the Bastard though she was, the girl was ready, was already charging forth by the time the words left Weis lips. Black-gold fire poured forth from the jaws of her draconic avatar, and Wei felt the sting of her destruction mingleand then completely subsume his. Weis eyes widened as his celestial flames were tainted black in an instant. His power of Creation and Deconstruction remained, but his Concept Core of Destruction rattled within his glaive, unbalanced by a greater will. A primal roar came from Agnesia. Her voice was not of a girls but a nightmare unchained, of a falling avalanche, of a descending sun promising to scour the lands queen. Weis celestial flames, already potent in terms of lethality, were magnified. Tidal waves of black and glow crashed through the treaded walls of this vampire sanctuary, curving around and past the Bastard, consuming everything else in its wake. When the flames she stole finally subsided, a good third of the nest ceased to be, hollowed in a cone-like shape for five hundred meters. Wei felt Agnesias spirit flare, her being fed by this act of unfettered destruction. Her Essence Level grew over and over. The young master was speechless. So was everyone else for that matter. Oathbearers missed swings with their hammers. Garret failed to grab his next arrow. Ellenas eyes were as wide as saucers. Agnesia, meanwhile, let out a wheezing breath and chuckled. That felt good. I I got a lot of levels from that? Wei broke from his stupor. This was wonderful. It gave him options. Something to delay the vampires hordes even longer. Right. Keep doing that. More flames. Keep them at bay. Everyone else support her! Ill be back. Before anyone could react, Wei manifested his scythe and cleaved the space in front of him. He blinked, right next to the Bastard, who was moving at a frankly frightful pace. A chilling aura frayed the edges of reality around thewhatever actually was. Sickle-shaped cuts hatched from said aura, their shapes akin to a crescent moon, and the Bastard guided them with swings of his blade, sending them in all directions to shred through the vampires sanctuary. Everything his projectiles touched froze and then shattered into drained shards. A Dilation-Echo pulsed through Wei. He twisted down in a burst of Divine Wind barely evading the hit. Well, if the man wasnt actually a beast by this point, he was clearly fighting like it. Bastard! He cried again. This time, the Bastard noticed him. And responded by swinging his massive blade of lunar bright. Brother! No! Stop! awakened greatsword, Mourning, cried. But the Bastard was acting purely off instinct, and his instincts were geared toward killing anything that moved. Frightful. But predictable. Wei blinked away from the attack with a quick slash of his scythe. There was no way he could have dodged at with just the Speed of his Class. The Bastard was just barely slower than the Graviton Brawler at this pointwhich meant Wei needed to approach him slowly and carefully. Treat this like a dance on the knifes edge as well. For what stood before him wasnt anymore a Knight-Tier adversary than Wei was. No. What he faced was something far, far more. Calm! Wei said. A Scabling burst out from a patch of blood that still remained nearby. Wei swept his scythe and shattered it without looking. He channeled a beam through a rushing horde of Sanguinenauts thereafter. A pulse of energy flowed into his Eidolon. Not far from the next Class Level either. Calm. These are mere distractions. The Embraced is running, but I have their scent But then Wei felt something else. A flood of Essence choked the surrounding atmosphere, and a new pressure ground down upon his. The Scablings shivered and spattered into inanimate blood. Sanguinauts plunged back into the red that spawned them. The nest itself shook and reverberated, while the tendrils that remained began to twist and merge. The area around their armored hallway widened into a dome. A dome in the likeness of the Bloodgrounds. Far above though, a massive curving spatial rift flashed and awakened, and behind the quivering red emerged a gargantuan limb fifty meters long. And now, she graces you! For the Dying Queen offers a champion when faced with champions, and she will not let this slight go unavenged. the Embraceds voice weakened with every syllable, turning into a whisper near the end. Oh, Mother of All and All to Be. Take from me my blood. Let me serve as kindling. Let your wrath fall, let the Souldrinker claim its due From above, emerged a head. A head that resembled that of a massive mosquito, if said mosquito was created from thousands of human bodies stitched together. Their small naked bodies writhed and twitched as the Souldrinker descended. Souldrinker: That Which Hollows the Heart Lv. 178 Fuck me, the Bastard sighed, pointing his sword upward. Does everyone have a giant monster hiding up their ass in this place? Wei eyed the Bastard flatly. Look who was talking. Evidently so. II-46 A Theft of Death (II) Take care not to get infested when fighting the Dying Queens horrors. Their main threat isnt in their Aspects, but how they can fuse with your spirit, can siphon from your very being to further mutate themselves while also twisting you into an abomination. If youre a Trespasser, the effects are less terminal, but no less miserable. Getting rid of your Class or whatever else you have bound to that empty spot we call a spirit will help us shed the effects, but youll still need to contend with the blood-wrought horror that is now rapidly transforming thanks to all the free Concepts and Essence you fed to it. This is why the Crossroads has a very simple recommendation when dealing with realms overrun by the Embraced: Glass them from orbit or beyond a dimensional threshold. Spares you the chance of catching something you cant afford. But if you have to fight them well, Concept of Fire or Destruction helps. Rumors are that the Queen has a hard time digesting those. And Death, but almost no one has that Concept aside from the Scions of the Withered Moon, and before some of you new guys think about recruiting one of them, understand that the juice there is really not worth the squeeze. Theyre conditionally invincible. Meaning that they might not stay dead, but someone else has to foot the bill. And that someone else might just be the newest friend they made namely: you -The Trespassers Compendium II-46 A Theft of Death (II) Skills, arrows, pastries, and ciphers flew upward at the emerging monstrosity in a hail of attacks. Wei didnt even need to order his disciplesthe sight of the nightmarish creature was enough to spur them to action. Despite their promptness, their blows inflicted little damage, splashing uselessly against an aura of shimmering mist set to the color of glowing crimson. Both Wei and the Bastard shot into action, the latter faster than the former by a factor of two. Wei sensed power flowing through the Bastard, oscillating between blade and man. There was a perfect synergy between him and his weapon, something that increased his efficiency to an enviable level. Both young master and scion launched their attacks, using the disciples initial barrage as a smokescreen. Slashes of cold silver and needles of disintegrating flame lashed up to hew and part the creature before it could fully emerge. But fast though the Bastard was, and lethal though Weis Deconstruction could be, the Souldrinker was a beast of another magnitude. As lesser Skills, ciphers, and missiles shattered against its blood-made veil, it designated Wei and the Bastard threats, and took a more evasive approach. Said evasive approach involved it teleporting all ten meters of its body an arms length above the Bastard. Weis dilation echo was barely fast enough to warn him of what was coming. The young master swept a slashing beam to behead the beast. The Bastard sensed the blow as wellthought Wei was trying to kill him. The man let out a furious growl, blade flashing brilliantly as his deathly frost extinguished Weis celestial flames. It would have been a martial feat in any other circumstance. Right now, it was to his detriment. Behind you Wei cried. Brother! Look Neither Wei nor the blade got to the Bastard in time. The Souldrinker, exposed in its grotesque glory, brought a rotting limb composed of mangled flesh and thick viscera down upon the Bastards body. The limb shattered as if frozen, but still the blow was struck. A blow that sent a crushing shockwave across the makeshift battlefield the nest had become. A wave that slammed into Weis chestcaved the midsection of his armor in and cracked a rib. The young master grasped and Essenceshifted. Good thing that he did too, for if he had been a half-second later, the Bastard would have crashed through him. Instead, the Scion of the Withered Moon shot through Weis form of Divine Wind like a rocket. A tunnel of air formed around him. The barrier of sound broke as he zipped off toward the horizon, striking the far walls of crimson with a cataclysmic impact, burrowing through them like a bullet splashing into water. In a second, Wei felt the Bastards Essence Signature grow further and further. Do not let that thing hit you, the Shell sagely advised. Truly? I have always been fascinated to learn how my intestines might taste if pushed up through my throat. Turn your acid on your enemy, not me, fool. Wei curved his form of Divine Wind and began to circle the Souldrinker. Immediately, he began fighting as he always did, creating layers, striking at his enemy to probe for weaknesses. A dozen small celestial crystals formed in the air like particulates, and Wei sent them jabbing toward the Souldrinker to test how they might respond. As his attacks shot forth, the Souldrinker spread a set of six wings made from blood and mist. Each of them glistened, more than just limbs made from Essence and fetid ichor, but also portals to another place, to other planes. Suddenly, the young master sensed a flood of other Essences coming at him. Essences that reeked of necrosis, of decay, of withering, and of rot. The Souldrinker splayed its wings wide, a misshapen mosquito made from stitched human bodies, and from each of its wings came waves of corrosive flame, of infectious blood, of decaying wind, of crushing despair, of absolute darkness. Weis initial attack glistened before such an onslaught, eating a few meters through the onrush of counter-energies before they were spent. In the time it took for the young master to prepare one attack, the Souldrinker was already unleashing six in return. Shift back; fight a retreat and make some room before making your approach. It has boundless Essence compared to you. It will still be hale long before you are spent. The young master twisted as a gale of fleeing wind. He formed larger shards now, launching them at his enemy as disposable missiles. They detonated in pools of holy water and lashing lightning, their celestial Essence creating a protective screen for him. But as Wei tried to create room, he watched as the Souldrinkers veil of blood spread out once more. An oppressive pinch of pain jolted through his Eidolon. RESISTING SOULDRINK WITH ASPECT OF (CONSTITUTION)>FAILED AFFLICTED WITH SOULDRINK Wei immediately felt his Essence plummet. An aura of blood swept around him, clung to him like maggots eating at an infected wound. Scorn: [11,155/79,200]>Scorn: [9,412/79,200] A wave of enervation spread over Wei. His Eidolon dimmed so fast that his Essenceshift began to flicker. From celestial white emerged motes of ash, until they too grew fainter, flagging into nonexistence. A few seconds more of this, and there would be nothing left of his Class to spend. But despite that, Wei realized another thing about his enemy: the creature was smart enough not to drink from his System. That either meant it understood what it could and couldnt consume, or had an intuitive sense of these things. Both indicated a higher than bestial intellect. And because it wasnt siphoning directly from his System or hurting him directly, he couldnt adapt to its nature with his Aspect of Fortification. It fears your System, the Shell declared. Bring forth your scythe. Use it. The words were spoken by the Antediluvian Skill most reluctantly, and Wei knew how it felt. Drawing on his fullest power now was an admission of somethingthat his Class wouldnt be enough to overcome this threat alone. After his triumphs against the Celestial Vanguard, the Graviton Brawler, Silt of Storms, and Many-wed, he had hoped his mastery of the martial ways and his tactics would carry him forward for a good while. Alas, what he faced as a foe that would a lesser enemy drained from aura alone. The best way to face such an adversary was to have a means of instant positioning: teleportation. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Moving fast was no longer sufficient against foes bearing superior Aspects and sporting irresistible auras. He needed to add another Skill to his Classs capabilities. But that was for the future, when his sect wasnt at risk of being butchered by a superior enemy. Spending the rest of his Scorn to create a Lance of Annihilation, Wei launched the destructive Skill at his adversarybut also hid himself inside of it. A slightly risky play considering the cataclysmic destruction that was set to follow. Yet, the Souldrinkers aura immediately set about weakening its effects, drawing away its potency and fueling its blood. Worse yet, the Souldrinkers wings flashed again, and from within their surfaces came a legion swarm of smaller humanoid mosquitos. Lifedrainer: That Which Feeds From Flesh Lv. 50 They erupted into existence by the hundreds each second, and all at once they began to dive down. Down toward Weis sectto where the reinforced hallway was. No! Do not split your focus! the Shell roared. Resolve the main threat first. The exterior of the lance thinned. Wei materialized his scythe and locked his Omniscience on the Souldrinker. The massive horror twitched as the spatial channels formed by its wings continued to hold. Just how much Essence did this thing possess? Messages filtered into Weis perception. The weaker among his sect were calling for him, begging for his return practically praying for it. At the same time, Rafael, Agnesia, and Agate called him at once. The young master gritted his teeth. If he turned to help them, no one would pin the Souldrinker in placeand if it followed him down, there was nothing he could do to stop it from conducting a massacre. It was faster than him by far. Stronger too. He couldnt fight a careful offensive while also watching over his weakest disciples. Shamed as he was to admit it, his mastery was still far from such a summit. They will hold, the Shell declared. They must. These are weak adversaries. Agnesia will ward them off with her flames. Rafael will stall them with his workings. Resolve the Souldrinker, and cull the rest thereafter. If you do not, the swarms will simply continue coming. Soon! Wei replied to them. That was all he said. Every ounce of his focus narrowed on the Souldrinker. Within the fading celestial cauldron that was his lance, a scythe of pulsating ivory and ebony lit outlined Weis form. Scorn: [141/79,200]>Scorn: [21/79,200] The last of his Classs power faded down to near nothing. But just then, Wei the 30 free Aspect points all into Speed. A jolt of lightning flashed through his nerves and muscles. Time to see this done. The lance dissolved. And Wei timed his cut perfectly, shattering distance exactly as it did. He blinked through a tide of clawing limbs and lashing bodies, past jutting pikes of bone shaped to resemble a proboscis, and materialized right behind his enemy. The Souldrinker moved, its wings pulsing like a hurricane, his body an avalanche of violence. Even with Weis advantage of surprise, it should have turned around at splattered him with a casual backhand. Should have, but there was just one thing wrong with this match-up. He had an Antediluvian Skill. A contrasting set of wings exploded out from Weis back, and the young master unleashed his Proximal Aegis for the first time. The manifestation of his Shell burned Source at a nightmarish rate, but its effectiveness couldnt be denied. >Proximal Aegis (Epic) - Allows the Shell to consume Source and flare their Proximal Aegis across the distance of their (Omniscience). Limits the maximum speed within their Aegis to the users maximum speed. A second aura superimposed itself over the Souldrinkers veil of blood. An aura of brightest white edged with hissing darkness. Wei felt a painful weight tug at his very spirit as the Souldrinker went from being over six times faster than him to exactly the same speed. Its backhand came. He shifted down, slipping under a horrid arm composed of branching human limbs and jutting fingers, and slashed upward. His Harvester bit clean through three of the Souldrinkers wings, and the monster recoiled from the hittried to turn away. Wei felt the beasts aura of blood collapse back in on it as spatial energies began to twist and coil around themand so he cut twice more, striking the Souldrinkers Speed over and over, each blow sending a reverberation up his arms. Source: [498/600] There, high in the air, Souldrinker and Wei performed a deadly ballet, both gliding on the edge of destruction. With each hit, the young master broke his adversary more, made them less. And with a single blow, a gush of Essence, the young master would be unmade entirely, rendered little more than a smear of monochrome where he once was. A blast of raging fire erupted below to the accompaniment of Agnesias roar. The young master had no attention to spare. Everything was on the Souldrinker. Everything. It swung all six of its limbs. He twisted and writhed between them. Blinking from point to point to avoid Essence bursts. He landed a glancing blow along its torso. Then it finally teleported. A receding wave of blood tore Wei off course, sending him tumbling. The Souldrinker rematerialized right in his path with its wings close to its body burning wings that rippled with growing brightness. Evade! the Shell cried. It is going to channel a blast. The young master did evade. But rather than using his scythe to break distance and create distance, he materialized another part of his Shell. A blast of crimson exploded out from the Souldrinker. A blast that Wei dodged intoand through. Ambushing Spearstriders (Rare) - Grants the Shell to perform [Echo Dashes] based on their (Relativity). Allows the Shell to [Echo Dash] through enemy attacks with perfect timing. Wei turned into an entity of light and shadow as he passed through the oncoming attack and rematerialized over the back of the Souldrinker himself. The young master let out a triumphant laugh as he brought his scythe down once more, seeking to bring the fight past the point of no return. Then, a lancing pain pierced through his chest. Wei felt one of his lungs collapse, felt his veins boil and wither from within, felt his flesh twist and bones shatter from the inside. Through, from the Souldrinkers spine emerged a hair-thin thread of blood. A hair-thin thread of blood that pierced through Weis armor and bit into his flesh. His Sourceforged body ensured he wouldnt be destroyed so easily, but even so, the Souldrinkers power was immense. An ocean of deleterious Essence came pouring out from the Souldrinkerand Weis Source practically vanished. When dancing the edge, one must care not to slip. Source: [14/600] The young masters manifested wings and legs vanished. He cut through the tendril with a weak swing, but as he brought an arm up to break distance, to escapethe Souldrinker wrapped a massive hand around his entire head. And squeezed. Weis ears popped. His skull folded in ways it truly shouldnt. And all coherence left him. If the creature had been allowed to squeeze him for a half-second more, his head would have been less than paste. But just then, a feeling of bone-piercing coldness washed over Wei. And he felt himself pulled back from the brink. LIVE! A voice screamed inside his mind. Vitality poured into him. So much vitality he felt his Source come ablaze with life, bursting out from him, blasting through the limb that held him. The world before him cleared just in time for him to see the Souldrinker wrap its wings around its body, just in time for Deaths Bastard to bring down a massive blade of lunar frost against its wretched shell. A second shockwave exploded across the battlefield. A blast of deathly cold crawled past Wei, avoided touching him, but stole the life from hundreds of lesser Lifedrinkers as they turned to aid their progenitor. Now it was the Souldrinkers turn to crash into the far side of the blood-walland keep going. Gravity took Wei. He felt himself drop, head spinning even as pieces of his skull snapped back into place. But a strong hand caught him before he could plummet more than a meter. A strong hand that radiated cold, that was layered in armored frost, that extended along a limb of palest white, to an armor the color of a lifeless moon. Wei found his vision spinning as he was placed on a hovering platform of frost. Frost that originated from the Bastard. The mans avatar had manifested again. Whatever this Skill was. His helmet was that of a hollowed eyed hound, and within his hands did his greatsword glow with in contrast to his coldness with greenish warmth and soothing light. Oh, Wei wheezed, a throbbing ache making it hard to think. Youre finally back from your nap. How was it? A shudder shook the Bastard. You little fuck. Shouldve just let it crush your head. Wei waved him off. It got lucky. I would have had it. Youre the one who who let it hit you. Like a blind idiot. A distant rumble sounded from the distant surface where the Bastard sent the Souldrinker flying. From below, a wave of flicking fire swept through the remaining Lifedrinkers. Who kills the most wins? Wei asked, still groggy. An exasperated scoff came from the sword. Wei, please, you''re hardly in a condition toC You''re fucking on, kid. Loser needs to refer to themselves as this bitch for a month. Brother! You must truly like degrading yourself, Wei said, chuckling. Wei! IBy the Sea of Life, Im surrounded by madmen. II-47 A Theft of Death (III) Souldrinkers, now thats a nasty problem you can run into. Dying Queen has a whole roster of nightmares under employ. But that one? That monster specifically? You want to get rid of it before all the others. Its greatest threat isnt even its strength and regeneration, but how it serves as a gateway for all the other Bloodspawn to spill out. Worse, it can shuttle another being equal or lesser than its own Essence Levelthough doing the last will overload and kill it instantly. This means that if you dont kill a Souldrinker after downing it, it might just spawn a fresh version of itself at the cost of its own life. So. Kill it quick. Suppress its spatial abilities. Or get the hell out. -Kindred of the Queen: A Manual on Hunting Bloodspawn II-47 A Theft of Death (III) Weis head swam and his insides churned. All it took to nearly unmake him was a touch at the hands of the Souldrinker, but what a touch that was. The Souldrinkers tendril dissolved before it could linger long, but most of his veins were tangled around his chest in coiled knots, his lungs were ruptured, his ribs were collapsed like a bear-trap made from bones around the place where his heart should be. Any normal being would have died instantly from that attack. But Wei was Sourceforged, and so his existence was bound to his Essence. Essence that was rapidly refilling thanks to a soothing aura projected from the Bastards greatsword. Source: [55/600] Fortification > 51 [59/100] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Concept Core of (Harvest) >Title >>Life Unplucked Survive a powerful opponents attempt to directly drain your Essence. Grants 10% extra Fortification when suffering from Drain-Category Skills and also inflicts 10% extra Source Corruption on enemies that try to drain you. The blood-nest was awash in chaotic movements. The dome-shaped arena around them was quivering, a sign of the Souldrinkers forthcoming return; below, the Lifedrinkers assailed Weis sect like a horde of locusts trying to tear through vulnerable crops. Yet, they fell in rolling tides of black-gold fire. Lifedrinkers fell like a curtain of trailing embers, and behind them was Agnesia, her draconic avatar unleashed to its fullest potential. The girls Essence Signature dipped and rose, her every exertion costing her substantial energy to project, but the many kills she reaped refueling her losses and then some. Other Skills crashed against the legion of nightmares, their presences were paltrier in comparison. Wei could barely feel them through his Omniscience. Flashing circuits of composed of Reference Circuits channeling the collective Constitution of the entire Drowned Sky Sect kept their reinforced hallway from being pierced through. And into the fray, Wei and the Bastard descended, both speeding forth on a platform of deathly frost. By the cycle, the Bastards blade breathed as it channeled more of her power into Wei. Your wounds how are you even still alive? And what is this Essence that composes you? I have never felt such a thing. What are you? Wei found himself glad that the greatswords power only needed to be projected outward, otherwise, he suspected that she would learn the dangers of Source Corruption firsthand. Sloppy, Wei replied, offering an alternative answer. He could feel the boiling ire within his Shell, and felt shame crawl across his flesh. Was he blind? Was he incompetent? How could he have missed that strike? He needed to improve his Omniscience You need to improve your Mind, fool! It wasnt beyond your perception, you simply drowned in your own glory and failed to notice. The Shell observed the Lifedrinkers in their masses. A problem we will rectify now. You let the Souldrinker humiliate youhad to be saved by a rival. Understand that we now owe him a debt of honor. Him and his blade. But that is no excuse to be defeated by him. Descend. Take back some measure of self-respect. Spurred by the words of his Skill, Wei took a step forward to the edge of the speeding platform. The Bastards greatblade called out. Wait, Im not done. You are still Wei resummoned his Pale Fang in a burst of celestial flame. I am well enough. He offered a weak grin to the Bastard and gave him a nod. I will honor this deed of yours. I owe you my life. But do not expect any clemency when it comes to our clash of skill. The Bastard offered him a shrug as crescent slashes of purest silver began to materialize around his body by the dozen. Right. Is this your bitch way of forfeiting. Another dozen notifications splashed into Weis vision, but he couldnt help but bark a laugh. You really are a bastard. But no. Soon, youre going to be the bitch too. The young master leaped off the platform. In the same instant, the Bastard unleashed a volley of crescent blades. They snapped ahead of Wei, moving at an impossible speed, but as he materialized his scythe and cut, that ceased to be a thing that mattered. He blinked past the crescents, materializing in the thick of the battle. Agnesias flames rumbled just below him, and he could feel the sheer intensity of her fire. This close to its vicinity, his very hair began to crackle from the intensity. She was growing stronger, serving as the primary bulwark for his sect against the Lifedrinkers. Good. Wei brought a gust of blazing wind down upon the Lifedrinkers from above, crushing them between two fires. Immediately, hundreds more of the hellish creatures burst into ash and soot. His Eidolon began to resonate in his hand, and he felt it inch ever closer to another level, doubling his ferocity in combat. Auras of faint red smashed against his person. He parried them with his Pale Fang, each strike directing his ashen Essence against theirs in sparks of growing radiance. The Lifedrinkers were unprepared for his trespass among their number. A few turned, their mangled bodies twisting and breaking in unnatural ways to get at him. Those were the first to die as he turned a coruscating beam of Deconstruction through them. In that instant, the first of the Bastards crescents struck. Massive gashes opened upon the surface of existence, ripping open gaping wounds that caused waves of gushing cold to flood into the world. Entire sections of the Lifedrinker swarm withered and died, plunging as if spots of cold that refused to burn despite Agnesias flames. The Bastard shot over Wei, speeding on his platform with greatblade raised and a wolf-like snarl from his lungs. The young master managed a pained snort before he cut with his scythe again. It was time to top his Source off. Wei snapped back into shape amidst another group of Lifedrinkers. He tore through them, slashing with his Eidolon in one hand and his scythe in the other. The Bloodspawn shattered as imprints of shadow and light upon the world, their Aspects fragile before Weis whirling onslaught. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. He never lingered in one place, his Empyreal Wrath burning the weakest of those around him, his Path of the Harvester reaping portions of Source from the rest. Spears of blood and lashing tendrils struck blindly at him, but he was a fire shoved into a wasps nest. They could not strike him, they could only burn and feed his raging flame. As soon as he hit [300] Source, he took things up another level. If he was going to use his System, he might as well fight with nothing held back. A flash of monochrome blazed around Weis body. A massive armored chassis ridged with jutting armor and emblazoned with his family name flared around his chest. He called upon his Chassis of the Self-Devouring Ruminator and felt it drink from him his hard-claimed Source and weaken his Ambition. Just like when he used Source Catalysts in conjunction with his Eidolon, time began to slow as his Aspects climbed fast. Wei became as a whirlwind, blowing gaps amidst the Lifedrinker swarm, slashing and breaking that which he couldnt casually incinerate, alternating his swings between reaping shards for Aspect and Concept and restoring his constantly sapped Source. Whatever fight the Lifedrinkers were putting up at first ceased to be worthy of note. The Bastard might be a child of death, but Wei was the Breaker of All. In scant seconds, he carved a path of radiance that was further streaked by pale light on one edge and empty dark on the other. A gap opened between the Lifedrinker remnantsbarely more than a hundred left. To Weis surprise, the Bastard was still moving at considerable Speed. Slightly slower than the young master in his current state, but still fast. Fast enough that it took effort for Wei to track him. The young master cut with his scythe again and shot past his rival, driving the tip of his glaive through the skull of a Bloodspawn that the Bastard was about to cut. With a channeled blast of lightning, an arcing chain lashed through the Lifedrinker Wei pierced and three others behind it. The Bastards hound-shaped helmet snapped to him, and he let out a vicious growl. You little Wei cut with his scythe again, doing his best to suppress a laugh. Oh, but there were few joys in life than being much faster than another. Authority Advanced > 76 Relativity Advanced > 80 >[64/100] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Aspect Shards: [44] Concept Shards: [11] Forty-four Aspect shards were more than enough for him to reach his next Core Ascension. Yet, the blood-made walls around him quivered, and the crushing Essence of the Souldrinker drew close. Wei decided not to rush thingshe didnt see himself surviving an encounter with the Souldrinker while trying to sort through a new set of Ascension notifications. This fight was going to demand his every attention. But that didnt mean he wasnt going to give himself every advantage possible. He transferred 35 of his Aspect Shards into Relativity. >[99/100] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Aspect Shards: [9] Concept Shards: [2] A huge ten-meter dragon of gold and shadow slashed through ten remaining Lifedrinkers. Wei watched as Agnesia emerged from ash and flame, sprouting infernal wings behind her back. She was in the air as well, her expression one of absolute bloodlust. A layer of hellish fire crusted the girl like an aegis, and she smashed clean through one of the cold-wounds made by the Bastards crescents. The way it shattered made her spirit ripple briefly, but she held while the Bastard''s Skill parted like broken glass. Interesting. Wei didnt think his Class could do that in any form. Was this because she was a scion as well. The young master briefly dismissed his Chassis and shot down to land before his disciples. He found himself sinking knee-deep in a mound of ash and corpses. A few dozen shocked eyes and haggard expressions greeted him. There were a few rents that lined the top half of the protective hallway, but Wei saw their insides were reinforced as well. The young master grinned at his disciples, feeling the new power resonating with each of their spirits. They all gained a good few levels as well. Fantastic. This was the kind of growth he desired to seethe type that would require nigh suicidal strain for them to achieve on their own. And soon, he would have more Aspect Shards to offer them as well. Wei, Rafael said, levitating himself over the hulking bodies of two gore-splattered Oathbearers in the hallway. His body quivered with a set of layered illusions. The Essence of Envy lingered off his form, and a set of geometric shapes wafted up from his body like tendrils of rising smoke. He was connected to almost every other disciple in the sect, shifting their Essences around to fuel their defenses, layering everyone with protective Ciphers to guard them from harm. I think now would a good time for us to evacuate from this area. He shot a worried look at a few wounded disciples. Garret looked pale. Seemed to sport a deep cut running down his right shoulder blade. The Hivekin was missing two of his minor arms, and their mind constantly made a miserable trilling noise. Mira Nocture, meanwhile, had what could only be described as a lustful expression on her face as she carved and skinned Lifedrinker corpse after Lifedrinker corpse like they were apples to be peeled, with each action increasing her Essence Signature. Overall, the Drowned Sky sect seemed exhausted, terrified, but still courageous. Unbroken through everything. It was only when he stuck his head into the hall that he understood why. At the end of each of side, a row of gold armored knights kept everyone in place, and carried necessary supplies to each person. About six knights sporting large ballistas pointed their weapons through portholes lining the sides of the hallway, and each of them cast their perception at the oscillating waves rising and falling from the surrounding walls. As the Souldrinker drew close, a crushing weight pressed down over everyone. Groans and curses followed, urging Wei to give Rafael a nod. Drowned Sky Sect, this is a job well done! You honor me. You honor yourselves. Agate. Stalag. Get these defenses moving. As far from the walls as possible. Just then, another presence landed behind Wei with a loud crash. Chips of frost nipped at the back of Weis neck as the young master let out an annoyed huff. The Bastard stomped up behind himand a half-second later, Agnesia chased his heels. You stole one of my kills, you little shit, the Bastard grumbled. Agnesia slammed her shoulder into the mans back. He barely shifted, only cocking his head to look at her in surprise. Youre one to talk, you fucking gobshite. Those were my level-ups you took. Agnesia! Ellena cried from the middle of the hallway. Language. A muffled shriek sounded, so loud it began to vibrate every surface. An overwhelming deluge of Spatial Essence began to seep into the atmosphere, and the young master felt his insides grow heavy. Rafael. Help the Oathbearers mo The walls exploded. A torrent of rushing blood cascaded down, pouring forth like a dam breaking. From behind came the Souldrinker, reaching out with their grotesque limbs, but slower than before. Far slower. Wei couldnt help but smirk at that. His slashes earlier had inflicted permanent harm. That explained why it took the creature so long to return. Wei hefted his glaive. Only to barely dodge aside as the Bastard grabbed for him, trying to fling him back. The Bastard lifted a first and a wall of frost arced over them. The Souldrinker struck hard then, and the frost thundered. Cracks spread across its translucent surface, but it didnt break. On the other side, the Souldrinker brought its arms down in hammering blows, trying to get through while its wings spawned lesser Bloodspawn. Did you just try to pull me aside, Wei said, almost outraged. Agnesia squared up with the Bastardthough the effect was muted with her being only at the height of his nose. I was trying to get you out of my sight, the Bastard muttered. Was blocking my view. What? Wei said. I He almost admitted not being tall enough to impede the Bastards sight, but caught himself. You Remember our arrangement! Bets not over, Bastard snorted, pointing his blade through the ice. More Lifedrinkers were wrapping around his protections. We still got plenty more to kill. The young master watched as the Souldrinker threw labored punches, unable to move even a tenth as fast as it used to. It was weakened. Diminished severely. Wei must have hurt it much more than he thought considering the twitching spasms of weakness that passed through its body. He also noticed how the Bastard was focusing intently on it. Whoever reached it first would be the one that And then another weight crashed down on Weis spirit: One arriving from inside the Souldrinkerits equal in spiritual presence. The Bastard went stiff. Weis disciples cried out under the doubling pressure. Somethings wrong, Agnesia choked. She came to a stumbling standstill next to Wei. Its wings, why are they glowing so And that was when a second Souldrinker exploded out from the disintegrating body of the first and ploughed straight through the Bastards protective frost. II-48 A Theft of Death (IV) Die, my children. Die, and die again. Die, so that you might feed the cold of my realm, so that you might fuel my Concepts, so that my power might grow. Die, and be returned. Between that point of unlife and oblivion, we remaina blockade before the nothingness, a final gate before the great sleep. And here, none may pass. Not without our indulgence, our surrender. Die, and through me, you will live eternal, and I through you, will be the eternal winter that embraces the realms. -The Hound of the Withered Moon II-48 A Theft of Death (IV) The new Souldrinker burst through the Bastards protective veil trailing a smear of viscera through the air. Every last bit of Spatial Essence that constituted the spirit of the original Souldrinker had been sacrificed, consumed utterly to bring something of equal Essence across the reach of space. Weis Dilation Echo barely warned him of the forthcoming dangerdidnt give him enough time to warn his allies. Instead, he intercepted the powerful Bloodspawn with glaive and scythe, pulsing his Proximal Aegis once more to limit its maximum Speed to his. But that did nothing to ward off its infectious aura, nor did it stop the overwhelming tides of Lifedrinkers from flooding past it. They came a unified swarm, furling wide like an expanding net, taking up every inch of space they possibly could. Only the Bastard moved in tandem with Wei, crescents slashing out to cut these new threats down before they could overrun Weis disciples. Splotches of cold opened in the world, becoming zones of death for hundreds of Lifedrinkers. They fell as a tide of withered corpses. The others adaptedpositioning themselves behind the Lifedrinker, which was now actively summoning even more of Bloodspawn using its wings. This, Wei had no recourse against. The only solution was bringing the horror down. He cut a stretch of space running just behind the Souldrinker. The moment he arrived, he Essenceshifted, becoming a bolt of Divine Lightning that speared down into the Souldrinkers back. A cataclysmic impact blasted out. A tide of force flung most of the Lifedrinkers aside while his Empyreal Aegis disintegrated everything around him, burrowed through the Souldrinkers outer flesh. Yet, the mangled flesh composition of its form regenerated as fast as they were spent. Pulses of Spatial Essence preluded entire patches of tissue being teleported back to replace that which the nightmarish behemoth lost. The cursed thing wasnt even healing the normal way outright grafting bits of its body back through teleportations. Wei felt a twist of the blood-aura composing its body. A crushing Wei swept over him, ground against his senses. He felt his Essenceshift breaking around him, coming apart as it was corroded away by a more intrusive Essence. But Wei knew this was cominghad already faced his adversary once. Materializing once more, the young masters Proximal Aegis was expanded wide, wings of light and shadow that bathed everything in brightness, that highlighted the lashing wall-sized limb descending to splatter him. Source: [209/600] A burst of wind sent Wei into a spiral. The Souldrinker was matched to his top speedevery bit of Source Essence he consumed keeping it bound. With both their velocities equalized and with clear knowledge of where the Souldrinkers blow going to land, the young master slipped it by a hairs inch and began carving piece after piece out of his adversarys spirit using his scythe. The Lifedrinker rattled and groaned. It could regenerate from his Concept of Deconstruction, but there was still no coming back from being broken. At the same time, a massive blade of glacial moonlight burst out from its chest and sent it staggering past Wei. The Bastard entered the fray, armor aglow with an impossible amount of Essence, blade rivaling it, creating a clashing interplay between the cold, winnowing energies of death against the soothing breeze offered by life. The young master let out a snort and buried his Pale Fang into the side of the Souldrinker. His arm jolted tight as he was pulled along for the rise. As he went, he channeled every last bit of Scorn he had in a colossal burst of powerthe same technique the Celestial Vanguard used against him during his first duel. Billowing tides of brilliant fire swallowed and unmade countless Lifedrinkers, crashed down over the armored hallway guarding his sect, through their rents and cracks to grace his disciples. The hallway itself was mended by his powers, the structure was restored, his allies were healed, and as he fell to a sub-percent of Scorn remaining, Wei offered his excess power over to Agnesia, who reflexively seized his Deconstructive flames with her own abilities and fused it to her terrifying potent blasts. A second cone of fire followed Weis initial explosion. What few Lifedrinkers still alive came asunder. Class Level > 84 Wei wasted no time and assigned every free point he had to Speed. The Souldrinker was recoiling. Between him and the Bastard, they had it on the back foot. As the young master carved pieces out of its Aspects with his Path of the Martial Harvester, he felt a sapping frost creep across the Souldrinkers body and tear its vitality away. Focus. A bit more effort. That was all it would take before The Souldrinkers wings flared. A new set of echoes manifested. Portents of a few thousand hair-thin threads spilled out from the spatial portals. They would run through Wei, through the Bastard as well. The young master growled. Hed seen this attack before. It was the reason behind his earlier humiliation. Now, it was time to see if he could manage to redeem himself. He cut with his scythe again and materialized just before the Souldrinkers open wings. He flung his scythe after the Souldrinker, directing it using his Source to continue carving a gruesome path through its inner spirit while at channeling the motes of ash that were now swirling around his Eidolon. The tendrils came. They splashed against the young masters protective screen of diminished Essence, but he countered this time, pitting his unmaking power against the twisted concepts that ruled over flesh, skin, blood, and space offered by the Dying Queen. There, he felt a touch of her presence, the faintest hint of her awareness. She noticed him as well. An image flashed before his eyesof her seated upon her throne, blood flowing from her sanctuary realm, offered in part to fuel the Souldrinker. Yet, something held her back. Something kept the fullness of her power at bay. Mepheleon was Weis guess. But the Harbinger cared only enough to warn off the worst of her intentions. Her slaves were still free to sully the mansions of hell, it seemed. I will have them, the Queen said, her words echoing across the span of entire galaxies. I will have the Scion of Flame, of Destruction, of Creation. I will have the last blood of Ignium. And I will have you as well, oh, rival mine. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Wei responded by flaring his celestial brightness again, and his Scorn was partially restored thanks to the successful counter. He blasted into the Queens Souldrinker in a surge of lightning. It jolted violently from the impactthen he created a Lance of Annihilation against its chest, drilling deeper into its core as he recalled his scythe. The Bloodspawned horror tried to reach for him with a gruesome hand made out of interconnected human arms. A twisting crescent dismembered the Souldrinkers entire arm. Then its other limbs as well. More sources of deathly cold suffused the Souldrinkers body. It was weakening rapidly. Between Weis Aspect breaking and the Bastards life-extinguishing onslaught, even this foe of immense power was as if a lamb being pulled apart by two ravenous wolves. The young masters Lance blasted through the Souldrinkers chest. It let out a ragged cry. Through the gore-choked gape, Wei caught sight of the Bastard, channeling a massive outpouring of frost through his greatblade on the other side. The two made eye contact. The Bastard briefly pointed to his armored shouldershowing Wei a part that had been dissolved. Ah. Friendly fire. How displeasing. In Weis defense, the fool should have stayed alert and dodged. Letting oneself get hit is no excuse. However, another thing occurred to the young master thereafter: Previously, the Bastards aura extinguished Weis celestial flames. Now, there was a sign of harm. Perhaps the Bastard needed to be focused to achieve the quelling effect? No time to theorize now. Time to finish the beast. Wei twisted both blade and scythe, bringing it up to split the Souldrinker clean through. The Bastard clearly had the same idea as he turned his now hill-sized blade of frost from vertical to horizontal, forcing Wei to dodge to the side, barely avoiding the edge. The edge, but not the aura of impossible cold. Bastard! Wei growled, shaking his left arm. The entire limb was numb and rapidly losing feeling. What are you doing? Are you trying to take my limb? Dodge better, bitch! the Bastard laughed. This insolent dog. Wei prepared to dive back into the slaughter. Then, stopped. The Souldrinkers Essence began to gather, shifting internally once more. This felt just like how it did earlier when the new Souldrinker emerged from the original. It was trying to do the same thing. Urgency guided Weis cuts and slashes. The Souldrinker had to be close to losing an Aspect, if he just The Bloodspawn came asunder in a wave of Spatial Essence. Both he and the Bastard were caught in its rippling wave, rapidly displaced across the insides of the nest. Until Wei brought his scythe down on the wave, that was. He struck three times. Each moment, he carved more from the waves Essence to restore his lost Source. Opposite to him, he could see the Bastard struggling, slashing. Another weakness noted: Deaths Bastard lacks any means to counter spatial manipulation as well. With a final cut, the wave detonated in shadow and light, and Wei blinked, going for the Souldrinker. He rematerialized a second too late-barely avoiding a sweeping backhand that burst out from the Souldrinkers body as another replacement arrived on the scene. The young master let out a frustrated snarl. There was no end to this. Even with all the Source he was reaping, his Proximal Aegis demanded more than he could sustain without a constant barrage of attacks. He needed to bring this fight to an end, and fast. Otherwise, defeat might arrive out of sheer attrition alone. He came for the new Souldrinker as he considered his approach. He needed to use his scythe as much as he could. Target its Will or Mind to cripple its ability to respond tactically. Before he entered the fray once more, a channel of dark-gold fire speared up and into its body, blasting a hole through its chest. Agnesia. Weis Omniscience shifted ever briefly, and he saw the girl rising through the air, an endless torrent of flames pouring forth from the open jaws of her draconic avatar. Part of him was proud of her spiking power and courage. More of him wanted her far away from this fight. The Souldrinker wasnt something she could contend withshe wasnt ready to dance the edge. His thoughts were broken as another pulse of Spatial Essence surged inside the Souldrinker. Wei let out a disbelieving sigh and his Shell responded the same way. Another? the Shell muttered, weary. Truly, it wishes to exhaust us. Keep close to it. And be ready for what is to come. Wei closed with a slash of his scythe. As he materialized right in front of the monster, he cut into it three more times with his Path of the Martial Harvester when he realized something was wrong. It was letting him take pieces out from its Mindnot responding. Instead, the Essence it manipulated was concentrated where Agnesias blast was tunneling through it. Then, Wei felt its power course through its veins. Its wings furled wide. Some turned toward Wei. Others turned at the Bastard, now fast approaching. The rest were directed at Agnesia and the disciples behind her. With everything happening at once, the young master didnt understand what was happening. Until it started actively teleporting Agnesias channeled flame through its wings using its very body as a conduit. Tides of gold, black, and crimson sizzled upon the surface of reality. Wei tried unleashing a beam of fire to ward off the coming deluge, but infused with Agnesias Concepts, the Souldrinkers newest attack consumed his Essence and only grew stronger. Wei cut upwardjolted out of position before it could sweep over him. But just then, a lethargy gnawed at his very being, and uncontrollable panic filled his heart. Source: [44/600] Ambition 88 Right. His Shell drained his Ambition as well. So did his Harvester. This fight had gone on too long. Long enough for everything to go wrong. The Bastard parried the oncoming wave of fire and corrosive blood with a cry of effort. The steams projected from the Souldrinkers wings were split in half against the Bastards frost-made blade. Despite this, he was straining, Essence bleeding out from him into the atmosphere at a staggering rate. Wei could hear the mans greatsword crying out as wellcrying out, and channeling a wave of Rejuvenating Essence downward. To where Weis sect was. His sect. The disciples. Their position had been entirely enveloped with a waterfall of devastation. Black and gold flame further empowered by the fetid blood of the Dying Queen splashed over the armored hallway the Oathbearers made. Weis Omniscience granted him sight beyond the visual and sensoryhe could see the state of his disciples. And they were screaming, most of them boiling from within as their spirits were strained, their flesh twisted, their lungs fried. The only reason they hadnt died immediately was thanks to the superior Constitution of the Oathbearers, who were actively building more protective layers to the structure, and Rafael scribing cipher after cipher to delay the inevitable. Then, a second cry parted his focus once more. A counter wave of infected flame split through Agnesias blast and struck her from the sky. Wei could see coiling veins of twisted red burrowing into his flesh, and his thoughts dissolved into animal instinct. He cut. He reached her, pulled her close and began slashing at the infection eating through her person. Her eyes were rolling into the back of her head. He needed to Something struck Wei, then. It struck him so hard that he felt his spinal column shatter, his limbs fold at awkward angles. The young master slammed into Agnesia. Parts of her broke as well, and she was flung away from him like a ragdoll, bouncing across the ground and skipping toward the far walls in the distance. Wei lost track of her as he spiked into the floor, forming a massive crater of blood. His armor shattered. His Shroud of Scorn burst into fragments of fading glitter. For a second, Wei wondered if he was dead, but as agony set back into him, he started wishing he actually was. Source: [4/600] The young master coughed and wheezed. On the edge of death. Again. Again. He tried to rise, tried to force himself to face the descending Souldrinker, now channeling the bulk of its portals toward his sect and Deaths Bastard. No, Wei choked. His vision dimmed and brightened. The Bastard was entirely swallowed, wailing as his body was cooked inside his rapidly melting armor. His greatsword screamed a second time, wailing as she gleamed, struggling to bear the heat. Death. The very stench of death and dread loomed. It poured out from the Bastard, staining the world as it drained away all colors, as Weis surroundings changed. The nest of blood began to vanish, peeling away like a torn canvas to reveal a cold, pale moon hanging above. Beside Wei, ceaseless rivers streamed, the waters bright with life, yet bound for an endless precipice. The young master was on one such river, twisted and turning along the waves, his body too brutalized to function, his Ambition too frail to overcome. Beside him, he saw his disciples carried by the same currents, destined for the same fate. But then, the waters began to slow, and time began to crawl. From the moons withering glare emerged a shadowa hound that descended from the impossible heights. Its body was armored in the same fashion as the Bastards, but while he was a man that sported hound-like features when manifesting his armor, the hound was a thing of pure elemental power, a beast of coldness and death. The Hound of the Withered Moon: Lv. ??? And as it finished its sprint across the skies, dancing on platforms of ice, it came to a halt above the abyss Wei was bound for and cast its baleful eyes on him. Keter. So, a host remains II-49 The Hound of the Withered Moon Death and oblivion are not the same. For all wish to rest, but few wish to cease, and the idea of an end is not quite the same as being nothing at all -Hound of the Withered Moon II-49 The Hound of the Withered Moon A pillar of ash-colored ice spread down from the pawing limbs of the Hound, descending into the fathomless abyss that awaited Wei and all the others. The God of Death loomed over them, its armored form shining like a dying star, radiating spirit-piercing cold rather than the soothing caress of warmth. Their body seemed almost crystalline in design, but upon closer examination, their form seemed crackedassembled from pieces of jagged glass. Serrated glaciers jutted out from the Hounds back, under its face, and along its misshapen arms. With its metallic dog-like skull, the Bastards face revealed itself. His features were contorted in a permanent grimace, and the young master flinched as he felt agony seep forth from the mans spirit. Aside from its four paws, it sprouted two humanoid arms that clenched a massive blade encoiled by colors of greenery and life. Fresh water bled from the blade and burrowed into the Hounds chest. Between them warred a clash of Essences and Concepts. A small fragment of life contended with an avatar of death, but rather than being snuffed out, it endured, and it continued to glow. They served as a contrast for each other. Definition but also a source of continued growth. Meanwhile, the coldness of a winnowing winter hissed out from the Hounds vacant eye-slits in gushes of steam. With each passing second, the world grew colder and colder, and the young master felt his strength leave him, felt the precipice draw close. Wei tried to move, but he found his body broken, felt his muscles laden with the weight of frost. He was an ant trying to lift the weight of a mountain on his backstraining to do the impossible before he finally slid off the edge Source: [3/600] Ambition 241 But he couldnt give up. Ambition 301 He didnt know how. And it was not his way. He would not succumb to the cold. He would not go into the dark. Not without a struggle. Not without a fight. Wei snarled as he managed to force a limb out from the numbing waters. The effort was nigh-impossible, but he managed it. Against even his straining sanity, he managed it. Ambition 332 The Hound shifted their attention, and Wei felt the temperature of the river carrying him drop even further somehow. Parallel to him, the other rivers carrying the rest of his disciples crackled as they froze over entirely, bringing the others to a sudden stop. Wei didnt know what was happening, but the fact they werent rushing forward to the edge anymore pleased him. He didnt know if he could forgive himself if he allowed one of them to die. Failed them like he failed his mother and his sect. Failed them like he did Ellena. Wei! Get up! You will not shame us with this death! You will not! The Shells voice grew louder inside him. The Skill had been screaming at him for some time. He was simply too brutalized to hear them. Get up! Get out of the water! Face the Hound! The young master gave a cry of exertion as he materialized his scythe. Unlike the others, he was still moving, gliding forward to the end. He tried swinging once, but the muscles in his arm refused to respond. The limb nearly splashed back into the frigid waters, and a draining cold dug into his armpit and trailed up his elbow again. Wei clenched his teeth. He tried again. This time, he forced every last ounce of control he had left into the limb. He swung. He cut. He hewed at the distance between himself and the shore. Attention: Admin-Entity Detected Adversarial Concept detected Wei blinked the notification away. He didnt know what an Admin-Entity was nor what rival Concept he had to contend with. Instead, he just cut and cut again, trying to shatter the distance between him and the near shore. Unlike cutting distance back in the Claimed Hells, this was like trying to whittle his way through a stone wall using a wooden spoon. The edge of his river loomed just two meters away. Again and again Wei cut, harder, stronger, fiercer even as the ice tore what little heat remained in him. He kicked his legs as best he could, but in scant seconds he found his boots scraping over a sheer drop. Wei swung again. Something was breaking. He was close. And through it all, the Hound simply continued watching. Until its attention was torn away by a massive pillar of black-gold flame stabbing high into the air a few rivers over. At the same time, Weis scythe struck and pierced through the thick membrane of this realm. The space between him and the shore ceased to be. Wei jerked out from the waters, materializing a few meters above ground. When he landed, his legs gave out from under him, and the young master let out a ragged cry. Wei crashed down on a shore composed of ash and snow. The scythe in his right hand flickered and faded as he closed his hands and grasped fistfuls of ash and snow. He tried to rise, tried to compel his body to do anything, but his limbs refused to listen, and his body simply kept shaking. Resisting [Gravechill] with Aspect of (Fortification)>Failed Fortification > 50 [100/100] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Core Ascension Available Wei barely noticed the flashing Core Ascension notification as his thoughts turned to slurry and darkness crept across his vision. He had never been this cold before. It felt like even his spirit was about to freeze, like his Source would crystallize within his being. Clenching himself, Wei summoned his Pale Fang and tried to ignite what remained of his celestial flame. Yet, only sparks and embers flashed around him, lasting only for a heartbeat against the onslaught of the building cold. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Ah. Fascinating. Not only is my realm graced by a Concept-Breaker, but also a Scion of Ignium. Welcome, Daughter of the Destroyer and Maker. Welcome to the Precipice of the Final End. The Hounds words slipped across the surface of Weis mind like oil. He heard the words, but couldnt grasp their contents. He curled in on himself, his Fortification growing at a rapid rate against the Gravechill effect. [107/100] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Fortification > 57 Get up! The Shell roared. Wei placed a hand against the ground and bit back a pained cry as his entire arm turned into a column of pain. He tried to push, but the rest of his body wouldnt cooperate, and it hurt to breath, to keep his eyes open. [111/100] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Fortification > 61 Wei! Another voice called out to him. Another presence. He turned his head, and even the simplest of movements proved to be a gargantuan struggle. An Essence Signature drew close. Level 70 or so? Something like that. But there was also something else. A growing aura of absolute destruction, of flames unfettered, of an urge to shatter and break and destroy, carrying with it flashes of infernal-consumed battlefields. Yet, there was more than ruin there. There were images of a hearth fire, the crackling voice of a forge. And finally, warmth. Warmth and strong arms that embraced him, that drew him close and shielded him from the invasive cold. No. Let him linger as he was. It is good for him. It is how his like adapts to adverse effects. Its okay, Agnesia whispered, speaking down to Wei. Her breath was labored as well, but she was burning, her body like a hot spring. She rubbed at his arms with her hands, but when he blinked his eyes, he saw scales crawling over her hands. Scales and claws and volcanic veins coursing with living flame. Its okay, she said again, drawing him tighter. I have you. I can-I can banish the cold. Wei tried to respond, but only managed a wheezing cough. This was Pathetic, his Shell said, standing over him. Pathetic that you allowed this to happen. What kind of patriarch allows themselves to be saved by their disciple? A disciple they failed again? The young master flinched under the Shells glare, but the form of his Skill was covered by Agnesias face as she leaned over. A bloody gash ran at an angle along the leftmost corner of her temple. Flecks of infectious blood tried to burrow into her, but boiled away into crimson steam. Streaks of gold were running down the length of her hair now, overtaking the black to serve as highlights for her pale white. Her face was gaunter than ever before, features stronger. She looked strong. And worried. He tried to speak again, but only a groan escaped. Its alright, she said, though she didnt fully sound confident in her words. Youll be alright. Hell be better if you release him and let him adapt to the Gravechill, the Hound interjected. The God of Death spoke with a voice that sounded like howling winter wind. Agnesia shot the Hound a quick glance and took on a defensive posture, casually picking Wei up in her arms in a bridal carry. No, Wei managed, rasping. What? Agnesia went stiff. Are you hurt? Is something No like your bride. Over your shoulder. Let me lean It took her a few moments to comprehend his complaint. Thats what youre concerned with right now? That? I still have my pride, Wei forced through gritted teeth. They werent chattering as much anymore. Feeling was returning to his limbs. He thought he could stand, or would stand soon. No, Agnesia said, bouncing him in a bridal carry regardless. Its harder for me to run, and youre small enough that its convenient. I wish I could kill you with my spears, the Shell mumbled. It would spare us both the humiliation. Im not small, Wei protested. The sound of a heavy foot descending upon shattering ice crackled from somewhere. Agnesia took a step back, her breath catching. Around her, a draconic specter began to flare, and waves of heat swelled over Wei. That was nice. Turn me. I want to see him. This time, Agnesia did as he requested. The Hound approached them, descending on steps of shattering ice. The face of the Bastard was twisted in a wordless cry, and Wei noticed something else: the river he escaped was flowing in the direction of the Hound. It was like they were a singularity for death, their being exuding an undeniable gravity that caught all those close to the end in its embrace. Peace, Daughter of Ignium. I do not intend you harm. Nor can you defy me, paltry as you are right now. I havent begun to defy you, Agnesia growled. Her flames grew brighter, and unless you want to find out if you burn well, I suggest you let us go. Her voice was thick with fear but also bravado. Her eyes were darting as well, doubtlessly searching for her mother amidst all the other frozen disciples. Wei wondered why he and her were able to break free of the river while the others were compelled into stasis? Was it just power? Was it the will of the Hound? Or perhaps his System and her bloodline. The Hound let out a low chuckle. Rage, then, little flame. Rage, because that is what you are, and that is the will of your progenitor. Rage, and The God of Death came to a halt. Oh. What fascinating day. And who might you be, intruder? A magenta glow spilled over Agnesias shoulder and through her hair, and John Bishop stepped right past her. Just an interested third party. And someone who knows that gods can be broken. The Trespasser shot Wei a teasing look. So. Your little adventure didnt go as planned, huh? Humiliating himself before the Shell gnawed, but being embarrassed before Bishop stung. It was nothing. This is a setback. Nothing more. The fight was not done. The enemy hasnt won. John Bishop snorted. Yeah. Sure. Anyway. Hound of the Withered Moon, right? The Hound inclined its head at Bishop. You slipped in. Through the girls mind. Ah. Wise. But it offends me how you enter my realm without my assent. Yeah? Well, I might gotta way to apologize for that. A service that I can render. A few people that have taken your gifts and avoided paying your final price, if you catch my drift. A tendril of Psionic Essence left Bishop and reached out for the Hound, but they froze within the God of Deaths vicinity, and for the first time, Wei watched Bishop flinch from pain. Hm. Yes. Those A novel approach: Offending me with gifts prepared. I would ask how you found them, and how you learned of their arrangement with me. And Id ask you to let the kids go and be on their way. Sparing them wont cost you much. And you already have an offering to take. The Souldrinker? No. My Scion is feeble. He failed to bring them close enough in bondage or defeat. Im not talking about the Souldrinker. Im talking about another offering. One prepared in advance for a moment like this. Wei was lost. He had no idea what Bishop was talking about anymore, and for a moment, neither did the Hound. Then, the ground began to crack, and the flowing rivers that once rushed toward the edge were run through by a new channel. A new channel that carried a single figure along its currents. Ellena. Ah. I see. Is this your doing as well? I do not sense in you such power. Nah. Something Mepheleon had planned. A gift and an apology. He had someone tell me to tell you hes ready to make up what he stole from you all those years ago. The Hounds attention was no longer on Bishop, though, instead, he was entirely focused on Ellena, who was tumbled and twisted unconsciously in the waters as she came to him. Suddenly, Wei found himself rushing toward the Hound as well. For a moment, he thought he was standing under his own power, rushing forth by his own volition. Then, he heard the growl, the bestial snarl coming from Agnesias throat. No! Stop! Dont you dare What is this? the Hound muttered. The Harbingers gift is someone already dead? Whatever else Agnesia had to say died in her throat. What? Wei choked out. What do you mean already dead? With a casual gesture, the waters flowed upward, forming a bridge, and Ellenas limp body came to a final rest in the Bastards grasp. The Queen wasshe was lifeless. Without a spirit. Without any sign of life and devoid of everything but something else. The place where she was beheaded, now a cradle for an odd construct a hidden spiritual shape behind the trailing scar. I mean Ive seen her before, the Hound said. Have claimed her for my abyss. Yet, not entirely. Yet something of her remains. The God of Death turned his attention to Agnesia and Wei. The coldness dropped a few degrees further, and even the girls flames began to die. Oh. You didnt know. Poor children, but pawns in a greater game. II-50 The Offering Death is not my domain to rule. It already has a master, a Hound that governs that final journey one takes in this lifetime. A final journey that fuels its power and invigorates its Concepts. Oh, the Hound of the Withered Moon. One of the few intact gods left in the Fathomsand what a god at that. This one has been here longer than I by far. Eons and eons, with countless trillions feeding their abyss, with accords struck with existing powers like the Unfallen, and the dread of the Dying Queen A story, dear Sinner. When I first became the Harbinger, I tried to do something foolish: I tried to cage the Hound and usurp their power. I succeedand lived to regret it, for though you can bottle the avatar, you cannot cage a Concept, and when you cannot control the rules of death Things in life grow very difficult to manage indeed. Thankfully, the Hound is a creature born of cold indifference. No grudges burn in that frosted vacancy where their heart should be. Ah, but they always demand their due, and though you can clench the strands of life, all death veers toward the Hound, and everything before the end passes over his precipice. Yet, they are also not unreasonable, and all lives end as flavors on their tongue, it is they who decide when the story ends and if you get a little bit of an extension. -Mepheleon the Harbinger II-50 The Offering What? The word left Agnesia as a whisper, but Wei felt her arms tremble. She staggered toward the Hound, still bearing him in her arms. Agnesia, Wei groaned. Wait Then he saw her face and knew it was useless. Her eyes were distant locked entirely on the Hound, on the river that deposited her mother into the God of Deaths grasp. He tried to move, and this time his limbs responded more than before, but he was still broken in several places and in no condition for another fight. No, stop! Put her down! Give her back! Agnesias strides grew greater, and the draconic avatar that represented her power flared around her person, searing the very air itself. Her eyes were hollow pits that brightened with dots of roaring flame, and Wei could feel the Essence pouring out from her. Despite this, the Hound barely regarded her, choosing instead to hold Ellenas unmoving body aloft. The way the former queens limbs dangled made Weis stomach turn. He didnt want to see her like this, he didnt want to believeMepheleon promised. The Harbinger saved her. Whywhy else would he have called out to Wei? Perhaps this was all an illusion created by Bishop to help him. Hmm. An unfinished phylactery. One of those bastard Resurrection Skills designed in mimicry of my Concept. I see. That is how he held onto her Mind. Quite the feat. Quite the insult. Put her down! Agnesia repeated. Her voice trembled with the tenor of a crackling firestorm, and tendrils of burning pain rather than comforting warmth burrowed their way through Weis shattered armor and into his flesh. But before she could reach the Hound, Wei felt a thread of Psionic Essence zip out from Bishop and pierce her mind. The burning flames leaking from her eyes went out. Agnesia let out a gasp as she twitched, face contorting with effort. Agnesia, Wei hissed. He turned his attention to Bishop with disbelief. Bishop! What are you doing? Making sure the deal goes through without any more tragedies or setbacks, Bishop said. A link connected him to Agnesia, and he offered Wei an apologetic look. Didnt want you to find out this way, kid, but the big players have to cash in their checks sometimes, and all too often, its the little ones that pay the price. Wei mustered his Ambition and formed his scythe once more. Release her. Release His words cut off as a pulse of psionic energy pulled William Yu into this realm as well. Wei felt his mind go blank for a moment as he saw his father standing next to Bishop. The man displayed a naked grimace on his face, clearly displeased with the unfolding scene as well. More than that, though, he already had a link connecting him to Bishop. What is this? Have you been planning Then, a crushing power pulsed out from his father, and Mepheleons voice emanated from William Yus mouth. Oh, no, I just needed a vessel to communicate through. Harbinger, Wei growled. He planted a hand against Agnesias shoulder and, with a considerable effort, clambered out of her arms. He nearly collapsed as soon as his feet touched the ground, clinging to the girls arms just to remain upright. The sound of footsteps crushing supple snow and ash foretold Williams approach. Weis heart tightened. This felt like a betrayal, yet Wei didnt even fully understand what was happening. Again, he was just a bit player in the scene, lost to the whims of greater powers. Again, he failed to guard what was his, and now found himself used as an instrument for someone else to achieve their means. Weakness is the highest sin, the Shell muttered within Wei. Oh, do wipe that furious expression from your face, boy. Ive come to make your life a merry one. As merry as I can make it, anyhow. Hearing Mepheleons voice echo out from his father continued to be an unnerving experience. With this, perhaps a new bargain can be struck. An arrangement of sorts between two System-hosts and an old god. I dont understand, Wei said, scythe still aglow between his fingers. Mepheleon stood next to him and grinned. He grinned with William Yus face. Before anything else, you have my condolences. It is rare that someone suffers a Shakespearean tragedy of your magnitude. Your father he agreed to so many things just to see you protected. In the end, he still cares so much for you. Just not as much as he does for himself. Wei didnt understand why Mepheleon was telling him this. The Harbinger reached out and touched Weis arm. A surge of restoration poured through, flooding Wei with a spike of Healing Essence. The young master let out a ragged cry of surprise as strength poured through his veins and made his muscles felt like they were about to tear from his bones. Yet, he was standing of his own accord, of his own power. Blessed with [Surging Might] Come along, Mepheleon said, walking right past the young master. Wei shot a look at Agnesia. But Shell be fine. Its just her mind thats been seized. Oh, a thing of recommendation: Do remember to have your so-called disciples get mind-protecting abilities. That, and other means of shoring up their weaker Aspects. There are many Skills and Invocations that target what one lacks. Vicious as the princess is, she is no sophisticated thinker, nor does she have your Will. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Wei shot Agnesia a final glance and found her eyes affixed on him. He swallowed. II will do whatever I can to to He turned a glare on Bishop. We must speak after this. Sure, Bishop said. But youre going to want to speak to the actual people that matter here right now. Following Mepheleon to greet the Hound, Wei felt his spirit squeezed between two colossal presences. Yet, it also felt like they were keeping their powers restrained. Or like their present bodies only held slivers of their true power. Greetings, Hound, Mepheleon said, offering a bow to the God of Death. You are a hard one to locate. Why, it took gathering a Scion of Ignium, the last known Concept-Breaker in the Fathoms, and two beings that escaped your final judgement to keep your interest and stop you from fleeing. Speak plainly, Serpent-Tongue, the Hound said. They brushed Ellenas face with fingers of jagged frost. Each motion was at once dangerous and delicate. With any bit of force, he could have torn into her, flensed her body open. But he took special care when observing her corpse, as if an artisan observing a faulty piece. You will start by explaining to me the meaning of your insult. And how you managed to steal back her Aspect of Mind and entomb it in this vessel when I have already claimed the rest of her. Oh, it was no boast-worthy feat. It just required another one of your Scions was all. The Hound froze and when it turned its hollow eyes on Mepheleon, Wei caught a sense of tangible anger radiating from the God of Death. All of a sudden, the Hounds control slipped slightly, and the young master gasped as what felt like a falling world slammed down on his chest. There was weight so much weight that darkness crept along the corners of his vision. Just standing next to the Hound required a Herculean effort. And just like that, even Mepheleons spiritual presence was dethroned. Hound of the Withered Moon: God of Death Lv. [Pillar] Pillar? Wei breathed. Some entities are not quantifiable, Mepheleon answered. Some are more a part of the world: An avatar that serves as the embodiment of a set of Concepts. Some called them gods, but the Antediluvians called them Pillars. Pillars that were meant to hold the structure of the Fathoms. Weis mind was still reeling when another part of their conversation struck him. Wait. He said you managed to steal an Aspect back from him. Lady Ellenas mind Weis breath came faster, misted the air. Yes. The other parts of her were relatively easy to replace. I simply attached a small portion of myself to her. But though ones Will might be the expression of a spirit, it is the mind that defines you, that allows you to express yourself for how you are. It is also not essential for your dietary demands, is it, Hound?" It is still mine, the Hound of the Withered Moon growled. Within the opened jaws of its snarling helmet, the Bastards eyes snapped wide, and he noticed Wei briefly before his gaze glossed over again. The Final End will not accept an incomplete spirit. Do not think of it as incomplete, Mepheleon grinned. Think of it as a temporary delayand an invitation. I have no interest in whatever you offer, the Hound replied. There will be no bargains struck. You took what is mine. You now return what is mine. And I will try to feed from your bones, host. For this transgression goes again the parameters of my functionality. But I didnt come here offering bargains. I simply wanted to keep your attention long enough so I could give you something rather than taking more from you. Tell me: How would you like access to Earth? The Hound went very still at that. The Vault of Origination is barred to us. For now. But should someone reach Earth and access the vault they could change the rules. And release the restrictions placed on you and the other pillars. After that, you might be able to shape yourself into whatever you wish to be. Or stay the same. Either way, your parameters will no longer be bound to your original design. That, and youll have a whole new set of entities to process. I understand that Trespassers cause issues when you try to claim them? This is beyond your power to promise, the Hound said. But not his, Mepheleon laughed. He gestured toward Wei, and young master looked between the two. Once again, everything tilted toward Earth. Everything. The last Concept-Breaker. Or least, the last we have on hand. With him, the vault might as well be open to us. Us, the Hound said. We are not of an allegiance. No. We are. You are going to agree because I am going to offer you something: My spirit. My spirit in exchange for the queen being returned at least for a while and your assistance in war to come. And before you protest, dont worry, I know about the bargain between you and the Unfallen. I will not force you to turn your blessings from the Deathless Lordsnor can I. Following his shocking statements, Mepheleon held out a hand and offered it to the Hound. Atop his fingertips combusted a contractone potent with Essence and aching with power. Wei could feel it: So much authority it made his spirit ache to behold. This is irrational of you, Realm-Shaper, the Hound said. Their hand twitched, however. Their interest was piqued. That couldnt be denied. Rationality is a most overrated trait. This game is played best by the made and selectively reckless. So. Are you interested in hearing more? Or did I go through all this trouble to meet with you for nothing? The Hound didnt respond immediately. Instead, they returned their attention to Ellena again, and from the sheer fall behind them rose a surging eruption of darkness. Wei beheld the abyss with his Omniscience, but his mind reeled as flickering numerals and other symbols began to climb higher like an inverted waterfall. Concept Origination detected From the rising pillar of darkness emerged the outline of a womanQueen Ellena of Dawnrest. Her body was fused back together, mote by mote, bit by bit, until an Essence replica of her being was projected out from the darkness and back into the Hound. As her spirit fused with his being, the Hounds jaws expanded, and a tide of blackness poured out of the Bastards orifices, tunneling into Ellenas unmoving corpse. Her spirit returned as if a cup being filled with water. Wei felt her coming back together, a complex interplay of powers melding with the single facet Mepheleon stole from the Hound. In seconds, Ellena was returning to herself, and Mepheleon sported a gleeful smile at the sight. A sudden gasp sounded from the queens form, and she writhed in the Hounds grasp. They placed her upon the ash and snow before taking a few steps forward. As they craned their head, gargantuan form looming over Mepheleons borrowed vessel, it let out a huff of coldness. The contract requires an amendment. Oh? What kind? I demand another entity as collateral as well in advance. Something of value to you. Of course, there are Him. The Hound pointed to Wei. The Concept-Breaker. I wish for him to enter into a pact with my Scion. This is non-negotiable. I wish to confer with the Breaker as wellthere is something I will demand of them. Mepheleon fell silent and looked at Wei. Well, now. Thrust into the spotlight again. Come along, young master. Time for you to come to the table with the adults. Wei licked his lips and did his best to hide his nervousness. I I dare not offend you, great god, but I wish to know what you want of me. And what harm agreeing will inflict upon me? No harm. You were meant to be mine. The Hound spoke their words with casual coldness. Alongside your parent Darkness cascaded around the Hounds form, and its form changed. Changed into a face Wei knew all too well, sporting green eyes the same hue as his, and a regal bearing he saw in his nightmares. Weis gut twisted into a knot of pain. In fact would you like to speak with her again, once more? A note of casual amusement tinged the Hounds voice, even as it spoke using his mother as an avatar. Wei swallowed. More than anything. I I consent. To whatever you demand of me for this bargain. I consent. The Hound nodded. The former Matriarch of the Drowned Sky Sect smiled. And darkness spread out from her. A darkness that wrapped around her, Wei, and the Harbinger, drawing them tighter into a realm within a realm II-51 Beyond Death The composition of a Fictionals being comes in six parts. Six parts that connect their beings to the rest of the Fathoms. They dont consist of component atoms. Hell, their biology isnt even consistent with our protein-based structures. They are, for lack of a more scientific way of describing things, shaped by the lores that spawned them. The very grounding of their existence is how they interact with the worldthe feats they can achieve. The Essence Level? That might just be the exaggeration capacity of a specific concept or narrative. The key word here is mythology: All things might be possible in the Fathoms, but they are made possible through the structure of a story. A consistent, coherent narrative. You cant just have someone destroy a multiverse because it would be useful. There needs to be grounding. Hence, achieving higher and higher feats through their Essence Levels and feeding their spirits greater challenges, along with Skills that allow them to manipulate the substrate of the Fathoms in a specific way. All this is to say that you cannot apply standard logic to them. Understand them to be beings shaped by pillars of consistent fantasy. And the best thing is we have the capacity to utilize all they have without their limits either, for we do have fundamental grounding beyond these supposed metaphysical pillars. As for why Concept-Spawned attacks can still harm our physical bodies though More research is required. -On the Nature of a Fictional II-51 Beyond Death The world vanished in a swirling vortex of darkest midnight. It was like a choking screen was pressed down upon Weis Omniscience. All vanished from his noticed. The rivers and abyss were gone, as were Bishop, Agnesia, his discipleseveryone, truly. He was alone in the dark, surrounded by soul-hollowing coldness. But then, there came a voicea call that he knew oh so well from the times of his childhood. An Wei Wei Jing Quan, the former Matriarch of the Drowned Sky Sect, called out to her son. Her voice sailed in from places near and far, echoing through the darkness, sending chills down Weis back. For so long, he wondered and hoped Hoped that there was a possibility of seeing his family again, of taking back what was lost to the darkness. Now, she was close again. His mother; his sect. He could feel their spirits approaching him, but there was another quality there as well another power that tethered them. The abyss parted slightly before him, and a crevice of blinding light expanded before Wei. He witnessed a glorious horizon through the slit, and an ineffable instinct compelled him to step through. As he did, he found himself emerging from a place of coldness and numbing sorrow to a land he knew all too well. A gleaming road, its dirt so finely pathed as to resemble a trail of roaming gold snaked onward into the horizon, toward a massive mountain. The fortress home of the Drowned Sky Sect greeted Wei, and the Everblossoms that crowned its apex and rose further to become an intricate weaving net in the atmosphere loomed overhead, causing the sunlight to fall in dappled patches on verdant farmlands and glistening patties. A lump formed in Weis throat. It had been months and a lifetime ago. He never thought he would see this place again aside from in his dreams. It isnt real. The Shell materialized next to him, and with a single Sourcespear, stroked a ripple in the surface of this reality. The brilliant visage quivered, revealing a dark canvas behind. There, Wei also caught the shadow of a massive creature, its form greater than anything he witnessed thus far, watching his every move. The Hound observes us. This is as much from them as it is for us. Wei didnt care. It didnt matter if this was an illusion or a deception. His heart was thirsting after so long, and even if this was saltwater, he would drink deep and relish the moisture. He trod the path, and took in his surroundings. It was all as he remembered. Every detail, every moment, every instant. Yet, there was also a dreamlike quality to this place, a vagueness he couldnt quite place. Wei, his mothers voice came again. This time, Wei blinked, and he found himself standing just before the gate that shielded the inner dimensions of his home. It was closed to him. Closed as gentle winds whistled through the quivering grass. He didn''t know when he arrived heredidnt remember walking at all. But this was where he needed to be, where he wanted to be. The gate, shaped from Everblossom, enchanted bronze, and Essence arrays, flashed once and began to untangle. Roots pulled two slabs of heavy metal back, revealing welcoming lights within, and scores of people gathered on the other side. There, at their vanguard, stood his mother alone. His mother as he remembered her. Not at the point of her death. Not beheaded and hollow of gaze. She was regal. Noble. And powerful. And here. He could feel her spirit. She was right there, right before it. The moment was It was all he ever wanted these days. Do not debase us by weeping, the Shell breathed. But even its characteristic stoic harshness melted before the sight. The Shell was Weis most idealized form, but even at his highest, he was still a son, still a child of his sect. It took more than Wei knew he had to keep himself together. And impossibly, he saw a notification flash across his vision. Ambition Advanced > [ErrorUnquantified] His spirit burned like a boiling cauldron. He ignored it, just as he ignored his Core Ascension for now. What mattered truly was the sight before himhis family, his mother, and his past. Mother, Wei said, his feet feeling heavier with every step. He came to a halt at the threshold of the gate, close enough that he could see the lanterns dangling along the cavernous ceiling and the first rows of housing where the outer sect disciples resided. I have I have returned home. Wei Jing Quan studied him without ever betraying her own feelings. Apprehension and shame passed through Wei. She was always a better leader, a wiser master, possessed of impossible control. He couldnt see himself ever becoming her equal in spiritual fortitude. And so, he never expected for her to stride, becoming as if wind as she crossed the gap of meters in an instant, only to wrap him in a tight embrace. The stone in Weis throat plunged, and his guts twisted into nodes of unbearable agony and delight. She was so close and felt her spirit, smelled her scent. Her hair flowed just as he rememberedher hairpin was glittering in the light; the jade piece his father got for her during their courtship. Tears were streaming down her face. He sensed them through his Omniscience, and only then did he feel how paltry her spirit was, how fragile her spiritual signature burned compared to Mepheleon, the Hound, or even himself. The realization was like drinking acid. It burned him to understand, and he almost refused to accept it. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. His mother was always a titan in his mind, but with her before him, he felt how mortal she truly was, and it scared him more than even death itself. Youve grown so tall, she whispered, barely hiding a sniffle. Wei, do not Ambition Advanced > [ErrorUnquantified] But even the second advancement of his Ambition failed to keep his heart from collapsing. It arrived as a quiver of his lip, then a choked breathed, and soon, Wei had his arms around his mother as well. The rest of him crumbled after. Damn strength. Damn power. Damn all the stars in the heavens and all the gods in the Fathoms. He just wanted this. He just wanted to be held. He just wanted to be with his family again. He wept like he did when he was but a babe. Wept as he clung to his mothers body, sobbing into her shoulder. True to her words, he had to lean down, for she was indeed shorter than him now, and that just reminded him of her mortality all the same. She was deadstill dead even though she was right in front of him. In his heart of hearts, he also knew this moment was to pass, that he couldnt stay here forever even if he wanted to. This was the Hounds domain, and by scheme or mercy, he was granted this moment for the sake of a greater scheme between the true powers that ruled the Fathoms. But this was still his moment, his dream, and he would hold onto it for as long as he could. Wei knew not if it took seconds or hours to master himself, only that it felt at once an eternity and not long enough at the same time. When he lifted his head, he faced the rest of his sect and winced. They were all looking at him, smiling at him with proud expressions. He didnt understand why. Master Mouze was there, drinking his questionable brews. Little Falcon standing next to his older sister. Masters Wu Ming and Wu Zun So many people he once knew, all lost to him now. ImIm sorry, Wei breathed. His mother reached out and cupped his cheek. The mere act nearly broke him again. The Shell shuddered in near outrage, but even he couldnt muster the strength to chastise Wei in this moment. Savor this. Burn this into your mind. It may never come again. Why? Wei Jing Quan said, her own emerald eyes red-rimmed and wet with tears. Why do you apologize to us, my son. I failed you. IfIf I was faster, If I was better The cupped hand on his cheek turned into a light slap. The sensation stung his spirit more than his face. Wei blinked in surprise. I mother, I apologize She slapped him weakly again, shaking her head with a snort. You are a brilliant boy, but also ever so blind, do you know that, Wei? So much like your father. A sensation of nausea welled up in Weis stomach at those words. If there was anything he wished to never hear from his mothers lips, such were the words. I Do not apologize to me again. Her words were final, but her gaze was soft. You have nothing to apologize for. What happened was not your fault. It was mine. Mother I was Matriarch. It was my duty to safeguard our sect against all threats. Ignorance is not an excuse. And now she sounded just like his Shell. Wei was unable to shake the realization. He turned briefly to glance at his Skill, and for the first time, the Shell looked away from him, unable to meet his gaze. Wei Jing Quan let out a quiet sigh. I did not see my end coming. I couldnt have known. And so, in such an impossible situation, what could you have done. Just hearing her admit that hurt him beyond measure. Somewhere deep inside him, he knew he was delusional, that there was nothing he could do. Powerless. That was what he was before the whims of the heavens. But how could he accept that and not go insane? How could he endure such a travesty and accept how worthless he was? It was better to hate himself, to hurt and pour salt on his wounds in the vainglorious assumption that he could have been enough, that there could have been some level of mastery that would allow him to overcome the powers above. Something, Wei said, biting the inside of his cheek so hard he drew blood. I could have done something. All you could have done was die, his mother said, her own voice thick with emotion. You nearly did die, An Wei. You nearly gave yourself to the final end trying to avenge me and the others against She couldnt even speak his name. Wei thought the hate he felt for his father was at the limit. He was wrong. Im glad you didnt. Im glad you were blessed. Oh, my son, no one deserves more of this fate than you. He tried to speak, but no words came. Nothing came, like he was being torn apart from the inside out. I I She placed her hand on his. You father how is he? The God of Death he has only offered me glimpses of your present life. Her inquiry caught Wei off guard. Why did she want to know about his father? Did she wish to hear of his death, of Weis successful revenge? He hesitated to tell her the truth, worried about how she might respond, but in the end, his admission leaked through. I I avenged you. But only partially. I defeated him. I broke him. But I did not kill him. That would be too gentle, too kind of a fate. The words left Wei as bestial snarls now. He only tempered his rage down when he saw his mother flinch. I didnt kill him, Wei breathed. I wish I did. But I dont know if I can. And I hate him. And I hate myself. And I He was wrong Im glad you didnt, his mother interrupted. She looked uncharacteristically burdened, her own features strained by age and sorrow. I would not have you stain your heart with such a thing. It is an ill omen for a son to bloody his father. I took him as a slave, Wei said, the words slipping out from him without him even knowing. This wiped away the smiles he saw on the rest of the sect. A look of absolute horror flashed in his mothers expression. What? I the conditions of our duel. Victory would see him free. Defeat would see him made a Karmic Slave. His life is bound to me. Everything he is, all that he suffers, is at my volition. Wei Im sorry, he said, a tear escaping him again. He shook slightly, even as he tried not to. Im sorry. I couldnt face him. It was so hard to face him even when I fought him. I I have been avoiding him. I hadnt the will or urge to inflict pain on him even if I hate him. I cant make him suffer Oh, you stupid, foolish boy! I dont want him to suffer. I dont want you to suffer this. Again, Wei was near speechless. What? But what he did I would not have that mans sins twist your heart. Youre the best thing born of me and our sect. You are my treasure. Do not sully yourself this way. Cut your father loose. Give him to someone else. You must live. Her request was impossible and her mercythis was entirely unlike her. I cant Wei Jing Quans expression hardened in an instant. I am still your mother, An Wei. The old rules remain even in my death. I am not asking you to forgive. I am telling you to release him so you can stop poisoning your heart and live. Its not done, Wei growled, anger breaking through his torrent of misery. There are othersthe ones he was working for. Working for? They are called the Inheritors. They destroyed our world to claim what I now have. The System. All of you died because of what lingered at the heart of Evernest. For nothing! For someone elses war, someone elses game!! Wei raged, and his mothers expression paled. II see. And these Inheritors They will never stop coming for you, will they. Nor I them. She nodded. Now, her demeanor became one he was familiar with. Good. Kill them. Spare none of them. Kill their children too. Burn their own and defile their names. You have my blessing with this. And she closed her eyes. But let your father go. A disbelieving intuition slipped into place. How could she be so casually cruel to the fate of the Inheritors while wishing for him to let his father go? The answer was ultimately simple. Shes still in love with him, the Shell moaned, mournfully. Wei couldnt believe it. Jing Quan. And to make matters worse, another voice sounded from behind him. The last voice he wanted to hear right now. The Hound brought his father here as well. His mother stepped past him, and she bit her cheek as well. Bit it in the same way as her sonbled in the same way as well. How dare you. II-52 Three in Ruin Death doesnt care about you. I dont mean that in the metaphorical sense, but very literally. Ive met the Hound of the Withered Moon, you see. Saw the dog of the Final End and the bringer of the Gravechill themselves. Ill tell you this much, if neutral and indifferent could be distilled into a single entity, they would be it. Functionally, theyre more like an admin rather than anything else. Interested in processing your death and going over the details of your demise. When it manifests through one of its Scions, an externalized reality comes with ita high level Concept manifestation that cant be achieved until youre over Lv. 250 or so. There, youll usually find yourself trapped in one of their many frozen rivers, heading for a last drop into a deep abyss. There well, there, I dont know what to tell you. Could be anything. All I know is that crossing over means not coming back. Not unless the Hound decides to offer you a boon. Ultimately, everything that dies and will die are heading for a final rendezvous with the Hound, and when a Fictionals end comes, youll be going down into the dark. As for us Trespassers well, thats where things get interesting. If theres something that does interest the dog, it is the prospect of actually claiming one of us for its abyss. Apparently, it cant keep us in any way even if we do die. Part of my bargain meeting the Hound is offering it means of experimentationhad a Scions spirit transplanted into me to serve as a Class. So far, being a Death Mage has been pretty fun, but someday, I might have to pay the dog his due. But todays not that day yet, and if the rules continue to apply, I might just last longer than the lifespan of stars back in our old world -The Trespassers Compendium Archive Entry: The Hound of the Withered Moon II-52 Three in Ruin The scythe was in Weis hand before he even finished turning. He cut distancefelt his blow ring off something impossibly hard, and charged his father physically instead. William Yu, deprived of Class and power as he was, was almost still before the lightning bolt that became his son. Wei arrived, his teeth bared in a vicious snarl. He wrapped a hand around his fathers neck, lifting him in a crushing choke. William winced, but did nothing to fight back otherwise. Enough, Mepheleons voice thundered in Weis mind. Release him, boy. I can heal whatever harm you inflict, but if you kill him, well, then he goes back to being nothing. The Hound cannot claim a Trespasser for you to abuse. Yet. Wei didnt hear the Harbingercouldnt hear anything at that moment. His father was herehe didnt deserve to be here. Here in the place of his greatest sin. It was his fault they died, it was his fault! All of it! His fingers grew tighter. A series of pops shivered down his digits, indicating hairline fractures spreading along his fathers neck. Then, another force pulled him back. A weak force he could have resisted at any other time, but something he utterly collapsed under. Wei choked out a grunt of surprise as his motherWei Jing Quanpinched him by the tip of his ear and pulled him away. Wei dropped his father, craned in his head as to not pit his strength against hers. Mother! I was talking to him, she snarled. Have you taken leave of all your good habits with my death? Were all my lessons lost so easily. NoI She released him and pointed a finger down on the ground. Stay. Do not move. Wei opened his mouth to argue, but a single glare from his mother made his bladder weaken and dread spike. He almost forgot that lookand now treasured seeing it again. Your son obeys, Wei muttered. She stopped off, not giving him another word. With three quick strides, the Matriarch of the Drowned Sky Sect closed distance between her and her former lover and murder. William Yu was rubbing his throat when he lifted his head and clenched his jaw. His expression didnt look much different from Weis. Jing Quan, he said, a voice as small as Wei ever heard. Wei Jing Quan didnt reply. Not immediately. For a few heartbeats, all she did was glare. Glare as her eyes misted with tears of hurt and rage. That just made William Yu sigh. I dont have a good reason. If thats what youre looking for from me, I dont. Im Im a piece of shit. I know that. But you never really knew me. I was I wasnt who I told you. I had-there was another life A whip crack sounded through the air, and Williams head snapped backward, a twirling arc of blood spraying out from his broken nose. Though the impact was heavy, and he was nothing more than mortal at present, William remained standing and bit back a cry of pain. I deserve that. That and more. I must have been a fool, Wei Jing Quan began. She took a step closer, until her face was close to his. She spoke again, her voice trembling with hurt: I must have been the blindest woman in all Evernest to think that this was love, that you were mine, and I was yours and there were no secrets between us. I must have been a fool to realize that this story of ours was too fine, too sweet. That the odds of an equal emerging without any history to cement a sect by my side was too much to be coincidence. I must have been. Dont do that, William breathed. You know I hate it when you do that. I dont! I dont! I dont know you! Thisthis was as rageful and uncontrolled as Wei ever saw his mother. She was on the verge of tears, yet refused to let them fall. Across from her, William turned away, unable to meet her face. You all our years, all we have given each other. It was all a lie! The fuck it is, William said under his breath. A look outrage spread across Wei Jing Quan, but he finally found the strength to meet her gaze again. Everything we did during my time here, all the years. That was real. That was real to me too. I wasnt supposed tothe job was just to secure the world. I was going to tell The Matriarch of the Drowned Sky Sect didnt slap William. No. She struck him with her fist, and he shot a good ten meters off the trail, tumbling through paddies and kicking vegetation and water into the air. Wei took an involuntary step forward as his stomach continued doing flips. Cutting and beating his father himself had felt fine, but watching this happen between his parents He was ashamed to admit that he was on the verge of vomiting. Wei Jing Quan glared down at her shaking fist until it steadied. The fact of her own weakness ignited a new fury in her, and she turned to gaze at Wei. Their eyes met briefly, but both turned away, neither willing to acknowledge what just happened. Slowly, a cough sounded from the nearby field, and William rose. He clenched his chest and staggered to his feet as waterfalls of blood spilled down from his chin. Weis mother had broken something in him with that punch. Williams organs were ruptured and oozing red inside his body, but even so, he looked more frustrated than pained. A second thereafter, a gust of dark wind washed through him, and all the wounds afflicting his person faded. Mid-stride, he went from a mortally wounded man to walking without issue. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. The young master looked up into the sky and strained his Omniscience. He wasnt sure where the Hound was or what game they were playing. He only knew that this was their reality to mold, and they were doing this to engender other ends. Ah. What a quaint little home you have. Little wonder it hurt so much for you to lose this place. Mepheleons voice whispered across Weis mind, and the boys hairs rose to a stand. Harbinger, Wei breathed. Now, a coldness welled up inside him. He didnt want the Harbinger to see this, to see his past or how vulnerable he was. This shouldnt be for anyone but Wei and his family. Why are you here? Oh, dont mind me. Ive seen worse family spats than this. Im just along for the ride thanks to my vessel bringing me in. Dont be embarrassed. Do not judge. Also, you should get whatever weight is pressing down on your chest off soon. The Hound is not likely going to grant you another visitation anytime soon after this ends. Its quite the favor I brought for you. You? All this was because of you? Well, yes. In major part. Now, I do know that Im not the most trustworthy of monsters, but do understand that Im doing what I can so that the princess can have a bit more time with her mother and you can get closure from your traumas so we can focus on the task at hand? Earth. Yes. But before that, seeing you positioned to inflict a little lesson on all my wayward Sinners who have been making deals behind my back, and oh-so-sloppily so. The Collectress thinks she has the means to bring down the Dying Queen. Ha! And the Princes and Dukes. After the Inheritors little display, they believe I am weakened. Some have eyes on the throne. Some are trying to position themselves right of the coming war. So many plots and schemes. But so few of them see my true instrument in motion. Weis mind twisted. Instinct guided him to reply. Me? I am your instrument? Quite so. You are mine, and the Hounds, and the Lodges, and ultimately, you must be your own. You have to be. Otherwise, well, what kind of life is that? Being someone elses blade, someone else''s dog. What a miserable time, wouldnt you say, my lad? The young master no longer knew how to respond. Just then, his mother blurred and sent his father flying even further, this time. Mepheleons presence grew fainter as the Harbinger grunted. I actually felt that blow. She folded every rib he had inward. And this is also getting him excited? Oh dear? Resisting [Mental Horror] with Aspect of (Ambition) Wei forcibly made himself forget the implications behind those words. Harbinger, I am lost. I do not understand what you are doing, why Ive been granted this moment The Scion is not the Collectresss instrument. No, he is actually mine. And neither of them know it yet. To begin with: if you were lost, I would have used him to reclaim your System from whichever Inheritor took it from you, and then performed the same bargain with the Hound afterward. In this regard, you werent essential, merely preferred. And what bargain are we making with the Hound? The delivery of actual beings into his Abyss, the processing of Trespassers and access to the greater architecture of everyones final end, of course. In the Vault hidden within Earth lies functions and rules that govern the very structure of our Fathoms. It has been sealed from us for so long, but youve met Asaru, havent you? Spoken with him directly? The young master went quiet for a beat. Have you? Oh, no. I got Illthene. Entirely different giant serpent. Much less charming, Im afraid. Hers is the purview of creation and design, even if Asaru is the chief creator behind each of our Systems. Despite this, Im sure your Antediluvian has explained to you what your goal is. Vaguely. Hm. Vaguely indeed. Youve received knowledge of the Broken Samsara? Yes. Now Weis interest was fully claimed. Even with his mother venting her post-death rage into the undying form of his father, he found a separate branch of conversation growing. You have knowledge of its truth? The realms that were? Mepheleon let out a laugh. Absolutely bloody not. The Antediluvians talk like priests trying to justify themselves after being caught shagging a particularly black goat. There are things they want to admit to us, but cant quite admit to even themselves, I would say. All that reluctance makes our conversations rather stilted. But I do know that: Without your System, the Vault will not open, and somehow, some way, Earth exists as the origination for the Fathoms. Wei wanted to ask the Harbinger more, but he was assailed by the horrific sight of his mother actually weeping again. Something inside him churned in despair. Go to her, boy, Mepheleon said with a sigh, his own tone slightly muted. Dont worry, Ill keep your lout of a father alive in case you wish to torture and skin him later yourself. Your mother is a different deal. Do not let this moment go. Take it from me. I wish I could have bid mine farewell before my first death. The young master didnt need any heeding regardless. Wei closed in on his mother, unsure what he could help her, what comfort he could give. In all his life, hed never seen her like this, but looking at her wretched state, and the naked misery playing across her facethe realization that she actually, truly loved his father settled like venom creeping through his veins. He brushed her back as she shuddered, glaring blankly into the distance where shed launched her former love. Once more, the Trespasser got up from where he lay, a deep palm-shaped depression in his chest instilling a wheezing quality to his voice. Ow. Fuck. But still, he got back up, and with a sickening series of pops and a swirl of miasmic darkness, he was mended again. Mended and hale enough to approach Wei and his mother. As he approached, Wei Jing Quan all but collapsed against her son, and Wei bared his teeth at his father. But the boys fury couldnt fully flare, because he saw the tears running as clean trails between rivulets of blood down his fathers face. This was hell for the man as well. A hell he deserved, but for every bit of pain he endured, Weis mother got the worst of it. Im not going to say Im sorry, William said. He coughed another globule of blood as he came to a stop a few steps away from Wei and his mother. He shrugged helplessly, and there was a pathetic ineptitude to the action. Theres nothing that can make right what I did. I know that. Id let you break and brutalize me if it would do anything, but all Im doing is hurting you in the end. He looked to the rest of the sect and caught their hateful glares as well. He met each of their eyes before finally looking down and blinking. I didnt want things to turn out like this. I didnt think You killed her, Wei muttered, the words escaping him, though they seared his very heart to say. You didnt think. You acted in the end. You were always always someone elses dog more than you were my father, my patriarch, her husband. Whatever truth you wore on the surface, the flesh of you is all lies beneath. You-you ruined my life. You took everything from me. Wei looked at mother again, and far from the facade of strength she once bore, now her spirit was as if a wilted flower. I hate you. The admission was the purest, easiest thing for Wei to say. I hate you. I hate you more I can possibly express But why cant I just just hate you enough? Why does it hurt when she strikes you? I want to kill you, but I dont think I could survive itI I hate you so much, but if Bishop hadnt saved you from me, I dont know if if And then there were three before the mountain hold of the Drowned Sky Sect. The son turned orphan. The father turned slave. The mother, bound to return to the dark. Three that were in ruin compared to who they were. It didnt matter about Weis power. It didnt matter about his mastery or how great the foes he bested. None of it mattered. A part of him was lost, and lost eternal. He could be as powerful as he wanted, but he would never truly be whole again. The chance for true joy will never be known. W-would it help you if I just finished myself? William asked. Even now, the statement was half a deflection before it ever became serious. Weis mother spoke in return. I wish I wish you werent. I wish that that you simply ceased to be. But I cant. She looked up at her son, and with a heartbreaking smile, caressed his face again. But I cant. Not with what you have given me. Not with what still remains of me. And in the end, it was this honest admission that brought William Yu down. Not her blows. Not every wound he suffered and healed from. Just the true horror of what he wrought. He collapsed, knees sinking into the dirt. Slowly, he began to sob as well. But even that wasnt enough for Wei. It was never going to be enough. Never. What a wretched fate it was, to be human. II-53 A Pact With Death This is not acceptable. Failureright nowis not acceptable. All Inheritors need to know what is at stake. Understand that if we are not the ones to reach Earth first, then we will be condemning our homeour people-to the Fictionals and degenerates that lead them. Think of what theyll do to our world. Our culture. Think of what might happen to all of us if they manage to reach the Vault first. Firstly You tell the Crosssroads that we dont accept the money back. They are to keep deploying assassins after that boy until they get him or there is no one left to try. Next, you contact every contact and deep cover asset we still have left in the Claimed Hells. Especially the Dukes and Princes. Make whatever offers you can, and remind them that if Mepheleon manages to make himself a Priority-One Admin, then the Fathoms and reality will both become nothing more than his playthings. And get in contact with the Deathless Lords of the Unfallen. The Dying Queen too. No, this is not an alliance, but we need someone to throw themselves at Mepheleons demons when the time comes. They wont be winning anything if the Harbinger wins, either. Remind them of that. Finally Summon the rest of the Consuls. I want to speak with our Scion. Its time the dog and I had another chat -Haytham Winters, Consul of the Inheritors II-53 A Pact With Death The Hound of the Withered Moon observed the young master with cold fascination. He was a child in many waysundeveloped in mind and power. But there was also something else there. A growing will unlike anything the Hound remembered. The God of Death has consumed System-hosts before. They went into the dark and settled in the frost like any othereach demise preserved and archived for the Hounds use before the Final End. Yet, none of them resonated with such Will. Too much will for a creature of such paltry Essence. Concept Breakers were known to exceed certain parameters and rules, but there was something more here. Then, there was also the strange armored specter hovering near them, looming always. From what the Hound could tell, this entity was an Antediluvian Skill of some fashion-so potent it might as well be an externalization of the boys Essence. It was another ability that someone of Weis Essence Level should not have. And then there was his parentageand the Harbingers interest in him He was being groomed for purpose. The vector of his eventual fate was aimed at Earth. Earth that dull, hollow realm dry of spirit but nested with life; the Trespassers there lived, withered, and died, each passing a taunt to the Hound. Every mote of their being compelled them to crystallize the fallen in memory, yet even as they tried to reach through the protective veil guard Earth, the dead would not answer, would not come. Letlet go Venedrian whimpered. The Hounds attention shifted briefly to their current Scion. Ah, he was returning to life. The Blade of the Verdant Seas injected more branches through the Hounds arm, writhing tendrils trying to connect with the trapped Scion. The Hound wouldnt be able to keep them in this realm for much longer their opposite would see the living returned soon. Time was growing short. For Wei and his family. For the Scions rest. For the Hound to consider the Harbingers arrangement. The Master of the Claimed Hells clearly wanted the Hound and the remaining gods of the old ages to intervene on his behalf. The collective favor of the divine could fuel him with enough Essence to flood entire portions of Earth and allow for more forces to cross through. Yet, the Hound found themselves reluctant, despite their desire to claim the fallen of the High Anchor in existence. The ultimate truth was, the Hound was an entity created for function, created eons past at the hands of the truly powerful to deny the nothingness of oblivion and safeguard those who dwelled in the Claimed Hells. Though their creator was long absent, though, the remaining directives still compelled the Hound like searing chains. They could not abandon their station, and if someone wished to breach the High Anchor, then all gods were to serve as a final line of defense. So, the Harbingers voice pierced the darkness that housed the Hounds consciousness. What do you say about my offerings? You return only what was already mine, and your promises remain as nebulous as your words. Yet you have not banished me, the Harbinger laughed. That must mean I have piqued your curiosity. The Hound of Death wasnt truly capable of emotions, but they also understood annoyance to be more than a mere feeling, and annoying was what the Harbinger was. Perhaps I simply wish to claim you. And you might just be one of the few beings in existence that has the power. But think of it. Think of what you could be without the leash of your orders, if you could truly achieve your maximal functionality. Imagine being able to shape death to your own parameters, to consume the Trespassers as well. Thats what awaits us in the Vault. I am not foolish enough to believe you will share in such treasures. And I am not arrogant enough to think that I can best the Dying Queen, the Inheritors and all their caged gods of my own accord, the Harbinger replied with a sigh. Just as I am sure you know that the others will see to steal from you your Concepts when they think themselves powerful enough. The Hound ruminated on these words. The catalyst for its avatar cracked slightly as the Scion began to struggle. Letlet me go! I need to I need to live She She still needs me. Aerea The God of Death ignored the words of its so-called offspring, choosing to continue its dialogue with the Harbinger. And you will not? Oh, no, I absolutely will. But not until the situation is stable. I am not one to betray the few allies I have when there are greater adversaries to face. You can trust in my self interest more than my nobility. An ever dubious statement. But still, the Hound admitted the man had a point. The Harbinger was a creature molded from Sin, but ultimately, this was all but a game to him. There was no malice here. If he could prevail without killing his opposition, he could. The same could not be said of the Dying Queen or even the avarice of the Inheritors. Again. You can take back what Ive stolen from you. I come to you today to give peace offerings and a major opportunity. Have the Inheritors called you yet? Have your favored Unfallen demanded your aid? The Harbingers questions hung for a beat. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. They will soon. I can hear the Inheritors preparing the summoning ritual for my other Scions. Yes. But theyre only doing this because theyre worried youll say yes to me. Quite insulting, if I dont say so myself. Insults mean nothing to me. Oh, but performing your role does. And they only come to you when they need something. No offerings, just demands and compulsions. They think they own you, Hound. And eventually, theyll imagine a world without you. I wish to speak with him, the Hound said, turning his attention back to Wei. The host of the Concept Breaker? What? the Harbinger sounded almost surprised. The boy. I will not strike any bargains with you, Deceiver. But child he makes me curious. There is something about this one that is deliciously wrong. Oh, so you feel it too? I suspect his Willpower was the only thing keeping him from coming apart before Source Corruption when he first obtained his System. Perhaps the baseline Aspect the System rooted itself upon froze his spirit in that ever-surging state. Conjecture. I am not interested in that. I am interested in speaking to him. Tell him to make ready. Sending me along to serve as your errand boy? the Harbinger laughed. The audacity. The courtesy. I could just tear him away from this archived moment. I have given him more than mostthe privilege only afforded to him because of his importance to what will come. And before the fact that he can actually leave us harmed permanent? A taunting quality entered the Harbingers voice. Yes, the Hound admitted without hesitation. He will not be hard to eliminate, but his System will leave its mark. A mark I cannot abide in this realm. So be it. Could you perhaps I have given him enough time, the Hound proclaimed as more of its frosted shell began to crack and crumble. A muscular arm breached their body. Branches of wood were fused to the Bastards veins as he struggled and reached for the blade. Fine. But if you give him more in the future I hope you understand how much power you have over his fragile little heart. With that, the Harbingers stench receded back to the vessel he wore herethe Trespasser that was the new Concept Breakers father. It was interesting how he let his former mate to bring him to the brink of death over and over again. Now, he knelt there in the remembered dirt of his former home, weeping like child. The pain inside of him was wondrously staggering. Mortals were truly fascinating creatures, be they Fictional or real. *** Watching his father weep made Wei feel evermore the child. He hated his father, but the sight horrified and scarred him. It took substantial effort for him to not hyperventilate. What hurt him more was how his mother looked so broken, so defeated. There was no peace for her even after death. Mere minutes before, he would have thought himself in a fantasy for getting to see her again. Now, it crippled his heart to admit he wished he never came. She didnt deserve this. She deserved peace and joy and anything but this misery. There were no words to describe the coldness of the heavens. Wei. Your time is up. The Hound wants to speak with you. Almost no words. What? Nono! Wei growled. His sudden response made his mother look at him. An Wei? She said, gripping his arm and sniffling. What is wrong? I need more time! Wei said, speaking loudly, openly. He stepped away from his mother and seized his father by the throat. Do you hear me? I will not Its not up to you. Not up to the Hound either. He cant keep you here for much longer. But he might be able to let you visit again. The Harbingers voice echoed out from William Yus mouth now, and Wei Jing Quan took a stunned step back. That power, she breathed, feel the lightest sliver of Mepheleons being. Oh, hello, Madam. A fine boy youve raised. I would promise to take care of him, but alas, we dont live in such a kind world. But do take heart. I suspect the Fathoms will have more to fear from him soon than he does from it. Smears of darkness and all-consuming cold tore through this imagined realm. The Shell looked up beside Wei. The Harbinger speaks the truth. We are out of time. This place will return to the dark from which it came. I didnt Weis breath hitched as he turned to his motherto the rest of his sect. This wasnt long enough. It never is, the Harbingers voice took on a pensive quality. You have my pity, if nothing else, my boy. Wei? his mother said. Her eyes darted from point to point as she watched her realm come apart in patches of moldering darkness. Is it is time. No, Wei said, rushing toward her. Mother, I He never managed to finish his words as a patch of existence ruptured open before him. The coldness of death washed over his being, made him cry out once more. The Gravechill was as bad as he remembered, but through his Fortification, he was able to resist just a little bit more. No! Wei cried, summoning both his scythe and Pale Fang. He veiled himself in a shroud of ashbrought his Path of the Martial Harvester high as he tried to cut at this place, to cut the darkness open and reclaim what was taken from him. But then the shifting darkness around him closed around his limbs like the jagged maw of a ravenous beast. An agony unlike anything poured through Wei. He howled, the cry so savage his throat tore and blood spilled out from his mouth. His thoughts came asunder as tides of pain threatened to drown his consciousness. Yet, he still struggled, still tried to push through the suffering. This should be beyond your ability to resist, the Hound said, their voice lacking any particular rancor. They emerged from the dark a broken shape; fractals of shattering frost parted further, deforming the visage of a nightmarish hound as the Bastard thawed at its core. The man was trying to force his way free, the expression on his face strained with suffering, just like Wei. And unlike my spawn, you lack my blessing. Wei tried to channel his Ambition into the Hound. But then the jaws gripping his limbs released him, and he crashed down upon a chilling surface of ink-black oblivion. For a moment, Wei couldnt figure out if darkness was creeping across his vision or if he was simply staring at the floor. Slowly, his Omniscience returned to himalerted him to the God of Death towering over him. And Wei spat at their feet. I wasnt I wasnt ready I didnt even get to bid them farewell. What you desire means little, the Hound said, looking down at him. But while their eyes were still pits of hollow blackness, the Bastards expression was drenched in pity. But I can offer this moment to you again. Just as I can return the Queen of Dawnrest to her daughter for a time. You can you can Weis mind whirled. The Harbinger wasnt lying. This wasnt the last time. Might not be Indeed. Death is my purview. The ones who pass are cataloged in the Final Ends waters. But as they have passed the final precipice, so to me they belong, now and hence. Wei nodded. Or tried. He couldnt stop his body from shaking violently. It was so cold. Too cold. Fortification > 65 But if I will grant you this favor remains undecided. The young master balled his fists. Every part of him hurt, every bit of his body spasmed against the all consuming ice that ate through his very veins. But through a nigh-impossible effort he stood to face. What what do you want? What will this cost? The Hound considered Wei for a moment, and lowered its armored skull. As it drew close, Wei could hear the Bastard wheeze: D-dont give itdont agreeto anything Whatever else the Bastard had to say died in his throat as clasping fingers of darkness closed over him. I want what I have always wanted. To catalog every death that is, that will ever be. Every death. Including the Trespassers. Including yours. But I am limited to an extent. Bound by functionality. The Harbinger thinks he is clever, but I say he has missed something critical. The Hound chuckled. I will ask many things of you after this, Wei An Wei. But right now, I want you to break me. II-54 Death-Touched The gods are not how we understand them to be. In the Fathoms, the gods are more like administrators for specific concepts, or perhaps even more like anchor points from where these Concepts flow. Every time someone dies, they go to the hound here. Of course, if theyre a Trespasser, the rules are different. But then again, that applies to everything. The other gods, such as Ignium, have domains over fire and creation, and the performance of such acts relating to these concepts allows you to further empower them, or their Scions. Why the Antediluvians created such avatars to serve their whims, we cant say for certain. But there is a theory. A theory that they are trying to create constructs, intelligible constructs, that can be further developed and warp the concepts they are meant to embody. So that someday, a flame might not just be a flame, might be an actively developing story that transforms. And in this, a god then becomes a narrator to an experiment. One to the question, what does an idea become eons later? -Gods of the Fathoms II-54 Death-Touched What? Wei asked, his mind reeling from the Hounds request. I wish for you to use your System on me. There is something I wish to see shattered. A limitation I have been contemplating the removal of for some time. The God of Death circled the young master, and a building tension swelled within Wei. With each step the Hound of the Withered Moon took, Wei felt a chilling grief sink deeper into his bones, chilling his very marrow. Your system, the Hound said, is valuable beyond your understanding. You use it like a child would, a blunt hammer meant to break things. The Hound let out a slight chuckle. I suppose I cannot fault you. When you exist as you are, a material entity first and foremost, breaking everything is the easiest means of achieving desired ends. What you have is a means of absolute annihilation, oblivionsomething a step beyond even my final end. And because it represents absolute annihilation, it is also a means of modification and a key, something that can reshape all spiritual entities and constructs. Which is why my system is required to open the vault. The vault on Earth, Wei asked, trying to pull more information from the Hound. If the God of Death knew anything, they did not betray their knowledge. There are many things the Harbinger will ask you to do. Many things the other powers here will want from you, will try to take your system for. I simply want you to do one thing for me right now. The Hound of the Withered Moon reached into the darkness covering their body, and as they did, Weis Gods presence magnified. The pain became overwhelming. Wei thought he was going to come apart immediately, just from standing before the Hound. Gusts of lashing cold burrowed through him, and he let out an anguished scream. Yet he did not die. Rather, he felt honed and empowered through the pain. Imbue. The word flashed into Weis mind and dissolved like dust. Fortification > 71 [121/100] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension As his Fortification climbed, the Hound simply watched him, studied him, and began pouring influence into himnot influence, but a kind of Essence, an infusion. And from the Hound emerged a sharda shard of pitch black, absolute darkness. It was like a seed encased in a block of ice, and Wei felt it for what it was: a Skill Shard potent unlike anything else. The seed of death, the Hound said, My tithe to you. And your tie to me. Skill Evolution Seed of Darkness: Apply this Seed of Darkness to one of your Skills. It will grant the Essence of [Withering] to your attacks. What is this? Wei said, barely able to stand, his legs shaking, his very muscles felt fused to his bones. This is what I want you to break off from me. This seed will tie you to this externalized Concept Core of minethis realm of the Final End. Through it, I will speak to you, will offer you the guidance you need. And you might cut deeper still with your scythe. To reap what you could not for my Final End. Why are you doing this? What do you want? Wei demanded. The same thing everyone wants, the Hound replied. To reshape the fathoms and all existence in my ideal, in my image, with my concepts. Mepheleon dreams of becoming the final victor, of expanding his Claimed Hells everywhere, to create his idealized dystopia. Forever, a disharmony that will allow him to reign for true immortality. True immortality? Wei asked. Yes, the Hound confirmed. He is ageless now, but hes nowhere near as powerful as you think. He is quite vulnerable, especially when faced against rival System-hosts that are capable of direct violence. Direct violence? Wei asked. What do you mean? The Hound went silent. So you know less about the Harbinger than I expected. A pity. You need to use that mind of yours more, boy. It will aid you in the future more than your martial might will. Of course, he is not the only one in this great competition. The Dying Queen, my supposed favored Unfallen legions, the Inheritorsall are factions seeking the domination of your fathers homeworld. And all will do anything they can to capture the source of the trespassers and to enter the highest, the greatest Antediluvian vault. The only intact Antediluvian vault left in existence is the Administry, where the rules of existence can be redefined. Or so it is thought. All of them seek to strike pacts with me, to have me debase myself, offering them insight, spying information through every death, through every life I have taken, trying to get me to stand next to them as one of the few remaining gods left in this nightmare of an existence. But I will make only one deal. I will only strike one pact with one host, and that is you, Wei An Wei. You. Because unlike all the others, I can still collect on your soul, and unlike all the others, I have something that you want. And Wei was gut-twisted evermore. You. You will let me visit my mother again. You will let Ellena go. No, the Hound said. She belongs to me, as you do, as does everyone else. The Final End awaits. But until that point, and in the darkness forever, I will see you rejoined, and in the interim Be wary, the Shell said. The Hound speaks truth, I do think, but there is much they have not revealed, and it is a far greater entity than we. We have no ability to compel it, no capability of facing it in battle. If we choose to accept its offering, we leave ourselves at its mercy. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Not mercy, the Hound said, greeting the Shell with a nod. Weis stomach dropped. You can see my Skill? Yes. What an exquisite mutilation you have inflicted upon your own spirit, child. Wei was speechless. Not even Mepheleon detected the Shell. Or at least the Harbinger never commented. Was there nothing unknown to Death themselves. Do not worry. I am not a cruel creature. I am not a creature at all. I am just the inevitable, the true-neutral, the empty and nothing and peace above peace. I am not inflicting these choices on you. The ones who died were not stolen from your life. They were simply bound to me. Bound for me. I cannot return the Queen of Dawnrest in perpetuity even if it was compelled of me. She has been touched by the end now. The Withering has filled her. She will not be able to last in the waking world. But then what was the HarbingerC Tell the Harbinger their arrangements have been accepted, the Hound said, cutting through Weis question. She will be restored. For a time. But the length of her stay cannot be guaranteed. My Concepts cannot exist in a place of life, and so, I can only let her linger for so long. Wei swallowed. His chest was coming asunder with pain. He did fail her. He did let her die. Can Can Agnesia visit her in the Final End? Can I? An more possible request. But it will take a considerable devotion of my power as well. You? Definitely. The girl? No. Why not? Because you are a Twisted One. The child of a Fictional and a Trespasser. The Withering still pains you, but it cannot claim you entirely. But the girl is Igniums vessel, and so she shall go to him when she is taken from the waking world as well. There has to be something I can give you. Something I can do to have you grant clemency. Allowance! The Hound angled their armored skull down at the Skill Shard. The ashen slab of frost shone as if a spot of purest white upon the swirling miasma of darkness. Accept the Skill Shard. Take my power. Nothing else need be said until you receive my aidor reject it. Despite everything, despite every misgiving and every worry, Wei materialized his scythe and grimaced. Shell What am I to do? For nearly a minute, the Shell remained silent. But even its inner strength wasnt without end. Take it. It is the only way we will see our mother again. Wei clenched his jaw. Suppose I agree, suppose I do this. Will you promise to me that no harm will come, that you will not betray this trust of mine? The Hound studied him curiously. At his chest, the scion, Deaths bastard, twisted and writhed, his eyes wide with horror. I will promise that your trust will be upheld. As for harm, the Hound of the Withered Moon let out a cold, winnowing breath through the gaps in its frost-alloyed chassis, we are all harmed in the end. Now. Hear the seed. It calls to your scythe. And the Hound was right. Wei felt his Form of the Martial Harvester resonate in his hands. As he lowered it closer to the shard, the trembling grew stronger, and coldness licked at his very spirit. Wei shivered but held the course. He didnt know if this was wise. The full picture of this absurd war was lost on him. But this way, if the Hound spoke true, he could still see his mother his family The young master touched the Skill Shard with his tip, and a crack spread across its surface. Vapors of darkness hissed out and swirled around his scythe. The coldness intensified, but Wei felt something elsedecay. Rot. Withering. The inevitable power of deaths corrosion seeped into his Skill. The Form of the Martial Harvester was evolving. Its edge went from a metallic gleam to a fluid, frozen darkness. But within that quivering ebony, he felt the presence of the Final End, of the Hound itself. The presence of death lined his scythe now in the truest sense, in the deepest sense. Yet, Wei himself remained unaffected beyond his discomfort. A notification loaded as the seed was fully absorbed. Form of the Withering Harvester: Allows the user to reap Source Essence or Aspect Charges on enemies. Deals extra damage to Constitution. Applies [Source Withering] effect. Source Withering causes damaged Aspects to continuously decay for a set period of time contested by the targets Constitution. Source Withering, Wei muttered. He wasnt sure how potent this effect might be, but if it helped him passively reduce the Aspects of his adversaries, this could turn the tide of some fights entirely. Now. Break this. The Hound drew another shape out from inside itself. This one looked to be a knot made from wood. Green leaves and flowers sprouted upon its surface, and the Hound held it up to Wei. What is this? Wei asked. A thing of life. Something that should not be within me. My Scion had a twin sister born to the God of Life. This should not have been. This was engineered to shackle us to one another. Through you, both shall be untethered and the Scion of Lifes torment will be lessened. Wei swallowed. Again, he wasnt sure how to proceed, but thus far, the Hound of the Withered Moon had proven most honorable. More honorable than an avatar of death should ever be. Paired with the fact that he really wanted to see what his new scythe could do, Wei lifted his Form of the Withered Harvester and slashed. His blow landedbut his spirit rattled with recoil. It was like trying to chip through a mountain of iron with a toothpick. His arms rattled, his very spirit recoiled. But Wei gritted his teeth and swung again, again, again, again, with every blow. He felt his Authority growing stronger. He felt more and more Source fissures spread across the knot of wood and life. Finally, with a loud cry and a savage splash, something gave. A blast of green faded into a reverberation of light and darkness. Wei felt something loosen in the surrounding atmosphere, and the air grew colder as well. A Concept-Anchor has been broken Achievement: [Bond-Breaker] Bond-Breaker: You have shattered a paradoxical construct poisoning life with death and death with life. Allows you to deal a minor amount more harm to entities born from the Concepts of Life, Nature, and Water. The notification took Wei by surprise, but not as much as his Aspect Advancements. Authority > 85 [132/100] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension The Hound let out a slight gasp, Wondrous, to still feel something, to be reminded of my own mortality. The Hound leaned in, drawing close to Wei, and it took every last bit of the young masters Ambition for him to stand still and remain unshaken. You seek to define the heavens, to seek every mystery, to achieve ascension. Well then, here is a threshold. Here is my face. I am Death. I am an absolute. I am a harbinger of myself, of the end, of everyones final end. For even if you have eternity, in that infinite possibility, across an infinite time, you will be struck down, if not by the hand of the other, then by yourself. Know me, and know that I am beyond heaven, Wei An Wei. I am truth. I am fact. I am the end. The young master heeded the coldness of the gods words and received them without flinching. Even the cold ceased to burden him. And know this, Hound, I am the Patriarch of the Drowned Sky Sect. I agree to your pact right now, because of what you offer, because of what you have, but I am no ones pawn, and I will bend to no rulesheaven or not, greater than heaven or not, god or not. Cross me and I will come for you. You tell me you are absolute you have only made yourself a target a challenge to face. The Hound studied him for a moment longer and let out a quiet breath. Ambitious, foolish, but ultimately, not incorrect, Concept Breaker. You should leave now. My time grows short. I cannot hold you here, for you know you are no longer close to death. You can tell the Harbinger that his offerings are accepted. The girls mother, Ellena of Dawnrest, will be granted to you, restored partially. But my taint will rest within her, and with each passing day she exists, life will quell the Withering within her. And eventually, she will recede. Back to where she is bound. Back to me. And when might that be? Wei asked. The Hound didnt reply. They simply stepped back. Wait But the God of Death was no more. With a single movement, they melted into the black and ceased to be. Suddenly, the darkness began to part around them, and as they turned to behold the lifting of the veil, the Hound backed away, sinking into the blackness that surrounded them. A piercing vertical slice of life and light expanded, and before he knew it, Wei found himself standing on a shorethe ashen shore where he had been moments earlier. He looked over the chasm that led down into the Final End, with hundreds of waterfalls splashing into that endless abyss. Behind him, Ellena holding on to her daughter, gasping for breath. Alive. Alive. Only for now. But still alive. II-55 Rematch (I) Sarah. It happened. Hound came to a bargain with the boy. Yeah. Not sure what deal they madedidnt think it was a good idea risking my life for a peek. Well, Weis definitely has a connection back to the Final End in himself now. Williams fine too. They told me the Harbinger offered him a bargain. Yeah. That kind of bargain. Of course he took itits gonna be pretty shit being someone elses meat-puppet, but what else does he got? What other chance does he have to survive? No, hes not doing well. He just got the shit kicked out of him by his wife. Ex is when you divorcethey didnt divorce, technically, he just killed her ass. Yeah. Ill keep an eye on him. Wei? With what he just got, I think hes going to be just fine. Bloodspawns got no idea whats about to hit em. Telepathic Missive Between John Bishop and Sarah Moonscar II-55 Rematch (I) Wei, Rafael said, floating over. Are you all right? The lich placed a hand on Weis shoulder, and then the young master flinched, almost dazed by what he had experienced. Shaking his head, he found himself surrounded by his other disciples, gazed upon by concerned eyes and worried faces. I am, I am Wei quivered. He thought of his mother, his father, everythingeverything he had suffered. We will be fine, the Shell proclaimed. But for the first time, it lacked true certitude in his voice. Members of the Drowned Sky Sect were huddled and shivering on the shores. The Hound had released them from their waters at some point, and the majority of everyone was gathered around Ellena, who was currently clinging to her daughter with all she had. Wei looked away from her refused to think about her black fate. There might still be something we can do, the Shell whispered. Perhaps perhaps we can break the Withering inside of her? The Hound said that was the only thing keeping her in the waking world. If she is emptied of his touch, I fear she will just collapse like a lifeless vessel. There there must be something, the Shell breathed. A growl of anger sounded from the Skill. There must! Wei? Agnesia said, looking up at the young master. She looked far more composed than he expected, though there was still a visible lump along her throat. Her hair was gleaming with a fiery, golden aura, and it was only thanks to her unfettered flames that the cold here wasnt absolutely unbearable. What happened? Are you alright? Ellena turned then, and her bloodshot eyes met Weis. He flinched. I Come! A loud voice interrupted the moment. A new glow rose over the curve of the horizon, washing over the Drowned Sky Sect from the ashen heights where the frozen rivers of death tumbled down. A sphere of warmth pierced the atmosphere of draining coldness, and a surge of vitality poured through every living entity. Wei looked over his disciples and beheld a collapse tree tunneling up through the listless clouds above. Branches hale and spreading wood lined with leaves of emerald bright continued to crawl upward. From between the cracks lining its bark, an inviting hue called to the survivors. Come to me. We must leave. Wei recognized that voice. It was the Bastards sisterMourning. Wasnt she in his blade? He hesitated only for a moment before he looked to his people. We must leave. Gather yourselves. We cannot stay here. We cannot. Not a moment after he said those words did the air around him get colder, did the creeping breath of the abyss behind him slowly began to bubble over the edge of the cliff. They werent meant to stay here. Perhaps Trespassers could survive, but the most of his companions were Fictionals. There was no time to tarry. Hushed murmurs and crunching footsteps became the ambient hymn of their march. Wei spread his Omniscience wider, but caught no trace of his father, or Bishop, or even Mepheleon for that matter. For now, though, he no longer cared. That was something for laterif he managed to survive what was to come. Come to me, Mourning cried again. The tube-shaped trunk of the tree rose like a massive pillar, large enough to accommodate hundreds, and at its core, a small hollow opened at its core, and from within came a glinting light that blinded even Weis Omniscience. I will return you to where I remain, to where my brother suffers, encase in the frost of the end. Prepare yourselves. The battle is not over. They reached the Tree of Life with all the haste they could muster. With each step, the disciples grew healthier, stronger, quicker. So close to the tree, the Essence of Life was like an inferno amidst a blizzard, offering much desired succor. The entirety of the Drowned Sky Sect poured into the hollow, but as they arrived, Wei came to a brief halt. He beheld what glowed at the center of the treewhat blinded him earlier. It was the body of the Bastard frozen with a blade. A blade that possessed an edge forged from deathly frost, but a hilt that became the source of all wood and life. An interplay of clashing powers flowed between blade and hilt, but as Weis gaze slipped upward, he looked up to see a woman covered in a dress made from flowers and nettled briars. She was encased in the ceiling of the hollow, and with every twitch of her fingers, the great tree they resided within grew and changed. Welcome, Wei An Wei, Mourning said. She was beautiful. Uncannily so. Inhumanly so. Her cheeks were impossibly angular and there wasnt an inch of fat on her body. Yet, she didnt seem gaunt either. Rather, it seemed like this was the nature state her body should be in. She didnt so much have skin as she did a thin sheen of plant matter. Dewdrops lined her features further, giving her a glistening gleam in the light. It is good to finally greet you, spirit to spirit. Wei blinked. From the back, he felt Garrent squint and mutter: The fuck are her nipples? before Mira smacked him over the back of the head. Mourning, Wei said. Is this the inner realm of your blade. You may think of it that way. But in truth, it is more a prison. I will tell you this tale another time, however. Our moment is short. We will be returning to the waking world where my brother was struck down. The Bloodspawn await, and I fear their numbers have only swelled while we were trapped in this place. Wei summoned his Form of the Withering Harvester in response. Good. Ive been looking forward to this. And it would help him take his mind off his mother, off everything he just experienced. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. Several curses and gasps sounded around him. Rafael leaned in close. Where did you You you''re the reason I feel lighter than before, why Ive grown stronger Mourning breathed. The wood around him cracked and sprouted waterfalls of flowers. You accepted a bargain with the Hound of the Withered Moon. Wei didnt see a point in hiding it. Yes. To our mutual benefit. There is no mutual benefit with death, Wei. You have no idea what you have done, you have The sound of fracturing glass cut into their conversation. The blade that encased the Bastard spiderweb with fractures as the Scion of Deaths eyes shot open. We must be away. Now! Has anyone been left behind? No, Wei replied. Then, suddenly, the hollows opening sealed shut behind a latch of vines. Then we rise. A lurch of gravity pulled at Weis stomach as he felt them ascend. They were being drawn into the lifeless clouds, through the threshold of this wintry realm of misery and death, and back. Back to a crystalline fracture in the sky where a mirror of the Scions body struggled to break free, encased in ice. Wei blinked. Wait. We are literally going to emerge out from the Bastard? Yes. You will be unleashed with all the excess Gravechill he has been storing in his spirit. Understand that this is an unprecedented moment. The Hound they should not be able to relinquish lives like they just did. But you broke the anchor The frozen slab holding Deaths bastard broke for both of the version of him that was right before the group, and that mirrored copy that existed in the crevice lining the sky. Shattered shards of life-devouring frost clattered across the ground, and the Bastard reached out with a shaking hand, grasping wildly, trying to pry himself free. Fuck, the Bastard growled. He let out a pained hiss as he continued to struggle. His muscles were twitching from weakness and a layer of death-frost coated his bare arms, lining him in protective armor. Wei wasted no time. He strode forth and took the Bastard by the hand. The Scion of Death gasped in surprise before his gaze met Weis. For a moment, both of them froze. The Bastards expression faltered and flagged. Im sorry Didnt want this. The young master didnt reply with words. Instead, he pulled hard. More of the frost clutching the Bastard broke. But not enough. He pulled again. The Bastard pried. Then came a stream of fire, Agnesia joining the effort. The Gravechill melted. The frosted tomb turned to slurry as the Bastard toppled through what remained of his cage. His considerable bulk never doubled over on Wei, and the Bastard wheezed and coughed, trying to stay upright. It is well. I have you. I have you. The Bastard gripped Wei by the shoulder. I I know It will not be long now, Mourning said. True to her word, the highest branches of the tree were prying into the fracture, making it wider. Ready yourselves. I will do what I can to heal all of you when the time comes, but Disciples! Wei cried. Those with the lowest Constitution are to gather with the Oathbearers and Rafaels. Prepare whatever fortifications and ciphers you can. The rest of you take formations. Unleash all your skills at once. Agnesiagive me a wall of flames. Deny our enemies an easy approach. Got it, she said. Already, they were doing better than ever before. There was no true substitute than dancing the edge of death over and over. Bastard, Wei said, his voice low. Vendrian? Are you alright? Can you stand. Slowly, shakily, the Bastard pushed himself off Wei and offered a weary nod. Yeah Yeah. Good. Our arrangement is still on. Dont use your weakness as an excuse when you earn the title of being a female dog. Despite everything, the Bastard cracked a beleaguered smile. You little shit. They were close now. Mere moments away from entering the crevice. Drawing a stabilizing breath, Wei cleared his mind, and did one final thing. System Updating Refining Source >>>Source Refined: [700/700] Lumens Source Core Ascended > Lv. 31 >[32/100] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension >>[1/30] Core Ascensions to [Gate] 3 System Ascension >>>Source: [700/700] Lumens Expertise Demonstrated >Meditation (IV) + >Unarmed Combat (IV) + >Spearmanship (IV) + >Evasion (V) + >Thrown Weapons (III) + >Tactics (IV) + >Rapier + Sourcery Advancements [3] Available! Select [10] Source Propagation Allows the host to channel Source out from their body and unravel the stability of the physical matter around them. The more Source is sacrificed, the more the world unravels. Liminal Bridge > Liminal Tunnel [Requires 25 Sourcery Advancements (Currently at 19) *** The Souldrinker had been closeso close to seeing the fight done. Even now, the Dying Queens words whispered in the back of its mind. Find them, my child, my creation. Find them, find them, and finish this. Find them, and bring me the Concept Breaker. Over and over again, her words became more than just words, a litany. An oath, an absolute truth. Through it all, the Souldrinker spawned more and more of lesser kindred. They scoured every inch of the sanctuary, draining away all the existing Blood Essence granted to them by the Dying Queen. Yet, at the moment of their victory, as their enemies fell and were struck down when this Souldrinker was summoned by its progenitor In the place where the Death Bastard used to be was a cracking crevice created from a twisted trunk of gnarled wood. Though some of the spawn tried to tear into it, pierce their way through, they found themselves unable. Even the Soul Drinker itself could not pry its own substance open, despite possessing immense strength. But then came a changea shiver, a shudder. Some of the wood was crackling. Green light slowly dimmed as frost and other essences began to pour through. They are returning, the Dying Queen whispered. Ready yourself. Finish this. Do as you are commanded. Yes, mother. This old drinkers thoughts resonated through all the other spawn as well. They were not just themselves. They were each other. They were the Dying Queen. Joined by blood, bound by blood, made one by blood Family eternal. The spawn massed themselves around the point at which their adversaries would return. Parts of the wood began to hatch like a cocoon about to birth a butterfly, yet the poor creature that would soon spawn would meet its demise. The Soul Drinker drew close, flexing its wings and channeling its portals to a realm of devastation, of lightning, of raging waters, of sour flames. As soon as they arrived, it would unleash every ounce of essence it had and bring this travesty to a close. Yet, it was the Souldrinker that was caught unprepared, for the moment the crevice shattered, the moment the spawn surged in for the kill, the moment a plethora of destructive energies spewed forth from the Souldrinkers wings, space itself shuddered as a corrosive slash destroyed the very concept of distance. A black, ugly slash that preceded the Concept-Breakers arrival. The Souldrinker turned, turning its destructive powers upward. But even as streams of acid, fire, water, and blood intermingled, they proved wanting as Wei An Wei cut again. A new slice marred the world, and it glided through the Souldrinkers attacks, through its concentration of Essence, and splashed against its shell in a whip of soul-chilling cold. A cold so close to the end that even the Dying Queen flinched away from its corruption. You have received Source Withering. A flash of light and darkness erupted against the Souldrinkers body. A being armored from Source and hefting a black-edged scythe that reeked of the Final End. What is this the Dying Queen whispered. How could the Hound but why? Why? Her outrage was so loud it reverberated through the wing-portals of the Souldrinker. Why? The enemy gave no response. Instead, he flared his own wings in response, and came for the Souldrinker, coming forward as an inexorable harbinger of death. But there was no death for those who were embraced. No end. The Queen was. So they were. Seize him, the Dying Queen said, pouring more power across. Blood swelled from the Dying Queens court, and the Souldrinker felt its Essence spikeC Until it suddenly halted. Then, there was another presence in its beingan intruder. Ah, Vanessa! Its been so long. Well, I suppose thats a lie. Youve been very naughty about reaching into my realm recently. A coldness sang out from the queen. Harbinger. II-56 Rematch (II) There are many kinds of death one can experience, and the way one dies also matters immensely. But my favorite to inflict in battle is the slow death. The bleeding death. The looming death. This is the foundation for your enemy to make mistakes, for a bleeding adversary often seeks a path of salvation, to live or strike back. All because of hope. Hope to survive. Hope to escape the shadow of death. Hope to betray you at the last instant. -Wei An Wei, The Realmbreaker II-56 Rematch (II) An ugly wound lined the Souldrinkers body a cleft separated by two edges of light and dark. For a frozen moment, Wei felt power surge from the monstrous being as the Dying Queens blood coursed through its spirit. But suddenly, it stopped, flow choked off as if a river dammed by falling boulders. The Souldrinker staggered and let out a skull-splitting shriek, but from its voice was conveyed a call of pain. Below, the Lifedrinkers continued to charge toward the shattering chasm of wood and crystalline frost only to find themselves consumed by a wall of tumbling flames. An inferno animated by Essences of black and gold swallowed entire swarms of Bloodspawn. They came asunder in hissing gusts of steam and ash. Through the flames came other Skills and attacks. Every one of Weis disciples unleashed all they had against the adversary, and thus, what was meant to be a one-sided slaughter turned into a choked stalemate. The young master flared his Proximal Aegis once more. As the wings of his Shell expanded to cover the battlefield, a ceiling to everyones Speed was put in place, and martial mastery became the deciding factor of the day. Dashing across the sky, Wei came for his adversary again. The Souldrinker flapped its wingschanneled concussive blasts in his direction while summoning new Bloodspawn to stymie his approach. Three hundred-meter long limbs made from jagged fangs of rotten enamel and dripping blood came out to claw at Wei. Bulbous mosquitoesthe size of men burst out from these appendages as well, diving for the young master. He didnt bother altering his path. As he cut with his scythe in one hand, he channeled his Celestial Flames from the Pale Fang he held in his other. Walls of disintegrating Essence rippled through the approaching attacks. The massive limbs slammed hard against the brilliant fire as if it were a wall rather than a force. Despite this, the blood sustaining the limbs held. The Souldrinker channeled more blood across faster than it could be destroyed. The mosquito-like horrors enveloped Weis inferno a moment after, drinking his destructive Essence into themselvessacrificing their spirits for the great cause of the Dying Queen. One of the Souldrinkers wing-portals flashed. A beam of fetid darkness gushed out like a corrosive stream, drowning away Weis light. Even with its Speed equalized, the Souldrinker was a terror to behold, with many times Weis Essence Level. However, that didnt mean it was particularly intelligent. As the black fluids disfigured the surface of reality and left a rotting patch of space in existence, the Souldrinker beheld nothing left in the wake of its attack. Nothing at all. For a beat, it even assumed itself victorious. Its assumption was corrected when a massive Lance of Annihilation burst out from its back. Searing ichor splattered through the air as it let out a wail of agony. Brutal gashes flickered into existence across its body, the cuts coming from the inside. A few seconds ago, a single crystalline shard blinked across two points in space and ended up within the Souldrinkers Source-wound. From there, Wei continued his onslaught. The massive body of the almighty Bloodspawn crashed through its lesser summons and plunged into the wall of flames projected by Agnesia. Behind that wall, the princesss draconic avatar burned brighter than ever before, projecting every bit of power it could into the surrounding atmosphere. The rest of Weis disciples formed concentric battle formations around her. Fortifications created from unnatural slabs of ice reinforced with steaming alloys became their projections against the lances of blood and searing bile released by the Lifedrinkers and other inferior Bloodspawn. Ciphers connected each of the disciples, allowing their Aspects to work in tandem like arrays in motion, boosting their overall combat effectiveness. And then the Bastard made himself known by sailing through the air on a pedestal of ashen ice. A pedestal it flew straight into the skull of the Souldrinker. A shockwave blasted through the air and tore a pocket into Agnesias flames. Wei cursed as he bounced inside the Souldrinker, still cutting, still channeling his Celestial Flames, still struggling to bring his adversary down. The Bastard let out a guttural cry as he hefted his greatsword high. Mournings voice joined his, and together, their Essences merged, igniting the blade with a Skill unlike any other. I am life, the Bastard began, sinking a clawed gauntlet into the Souldrinkers flesh. I am death, Mourning followed, extending tendrils of branches and vines to tether herself tight to the Bloodspawn. We are the thing betwixt, they said together, as the visage of the Hound bearing a blade of verdant green formed over them, and we are the wound between. As one, they cut, and they cut deeper than even bone. Wei let out a yelp as their blade peeled away everything just below his legs, barely missing his boots. His horror only doubled as he felt the absolute coldness radiating from the wounds, the stench of death comingling with the abundance of life to become something growing, something infectious. The Withering began to spread across the Souldrinkers body, and Weis existing harm compounded with the new spiritual venom rotting the Bloodspawn away. The young master cut again, and he felt an entire chunk of its Aspect of Speed come asunder. The Souldrinker was staggered now. Far slower than it was ever before, and with each passing second, what little capacity it had left was bleeding away from its myriad wounds. Now, Weis attention was on his rival outside. The Bastard was genuinely making a go of things. The young master hoped the Scion of Death would be incapacitated longer from his resurrection but that was too much to hope for. With a sneer behind his helmet and fury in his blows, he sought to steal this kill from Wei, while the Souldrinker made to birth another version of itself just like its progenitors before. Two races were taking place now. The first was with the Souldrinker its death needed to be attained before it was fully replaced. The second was against the Bastard there was no way Wei was allowing another man to call him a female dog. As such, Wei felt himself unusually motivated to see this fight concluded. So he manifested two more Components from his Shell, and took a risk. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Source: [411/700] His Source plunged precipitously. A weakness washed through his limbs as the very Essence that now composed his being found itself drawn into two limbs. The first was the Chainspear Arm that directed three attached blades through the mutilated insides of the Souldrinker. Wei carved and sliced and glided through the Bloodspawns body, using his new limb to pull himself along while dragging his scythe behind. He tunneled through thick gristle, bubbling flesh, and fraying meat. As he felt ridges of bone and rib approach, he materialized in his right arm the Gauntlet of the Breaker, which he used akin to a sledgehammer. The massive body of the Souldrinker folded as he broke critical portions of its inner architecture. The monster curled and writhed, even as its bile and blood lashed out at Wei. For a moment, he heard a cry from the Dying Queen, tasted an echo of her rage. But then she was distant, her presence muffled, as if barred from reaching him by a more dominant force. On the outside, the Bastard swung againa miss due to the aforementioned writhing. A growl of displeasure sounded from the man as he glared at the beast. Behind him, a wave of crescent blades manifested. But unlike before, they werent just shards of withering coldness. Now, shrubs and greenery were growing out from them, signs of life beginning to flourish. Wei almost found himself distracted by their sheer novelty. It was as if beholding a shell of death holding a seed of life. The two cycled into each other, but never fully overlapped in a sense. Just observing it made his skull spin. Both his Enlightenment and Omniscience advanced with the insight. Enlightenment > 57 Omniscience > 60 [34/100] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension Focus! The Shell snarled. Wei did, and returned to the task at handonly to notice most of the crescent projectiles were being launched into the wounds he made. They zipped into the openings along the Souldrinkers body at Weis max speed due to his Proximal Aegis, but as they lacked any weight and made no noise passing through the air, they simply slipped under his attention until they were just about to impact. They splashed into the open wounds of the Souldrinker like piercing missiles at first. The already opened flesh was ruined further as the withering frost doubled the corrosion of the Souldrinkers spirit. But then the shell of death shattered, sending fragments darting through the insides of the Bloodspawn. Wei cursed and Essenceshifted into a Divine Wind state. He whistled out from one of many openings lining the Souldrinker just as the insides of the monster turned into a cage filled with slicing shards. Then, life began to grow. Flowers. Branches. Vines. Wood. Leaves. Flesh. Life. Life unfettered and unchained began to consume the Souldrinker from within. Life began to consume the vile blood of the monster, converting its Essence into another. Suddenly, Wei understood the true insidiousness of the Bastards attack. This wasnt just a blow that weakened the enemy, this was something that sapped their very spirit and rendered them unable to complete a new summoning. It was impressive, and Wei would have complimented the other man for a blow well struck if only for one problem. What were you aiming for! The young master said, channeling jets of flame out from his heels. He hovered in the air, pointing his spear at the Bastard who barely registered his presence. You could have hit me. Oh, sorry. I didnt know you were blind and slow. Ill be sure to ask your fucking permission next time before I do anything, the Bastard growled, hefting his blade high. A loud crash sounded thereafter as the Souldrinker struck the ground again. The world tremored, and a carpet of fire swept over the Souldrinkers body. Agnesias doing, no doubt. A moment of silence followed. Only for a Lifedrinker to break it by charging at Wei. He pointed a finger and a bolt of Divine Lightning leaped out from his glaive tip and smote it from the sky. Silence returned. But the Bastard suddenly found himself more willing to talk. So. You gonna go for the fucker? I might. Then whats the wait? Wei twirled his glaive and snorted. I want you to move first. Then I want to pass you before finishing this. Oh. Its like that. the Bastard let out a low, growling chuckle. Youre a right rascal, kid. And you dont know how to aim. Brother Mourning said. Let us be done with this. The enemy remains wounded, but not dead. Mournings chiding affected Wei as well. He turned his attention to the Souldrinker to notice it was entirely immolated now, but still struggling, still crawling toward Agnesia and the rest of his disciples, who were now firing their Skills through an outward-facing force barrier created by a network of Ciphers. Alright, the Bastard said. Rolling his shoulder. I just want you to know you asked for this. A surge of Essence pulsed through the Scion of Death. The pedestal beneath him began to tremble with power. But instead of shooting straight down to finish the fight, he unleashed a cone of frost at Wei. If only the young master hadnt foreseen the dirty trick thanks to this Dilation Echo. Wei drew his captive assassin out of his Inventory as he cut at the same time. The lich that tried to kill him days ago was immediately encased in frost, making it seem like someone was frozen. Meanwhile, their body shielded Weis just enough for him to cut. The Bastard was fast. Quick enough that his Skill was hard to dodge at close range. But Wei wasnt just a quick hand; he was learning to be cunning as well. As the Bastard blasted down, Wei cut once with his scythe as he pulled the lich back into his Inventory only to emerge right behind the Bastard. Instead of attacking the man, Wei slapped a contract on the mans back. Just one of the lesser lawsuits he kept from the Hearted Realm of Greed. At the sudden thud against his armor, the Bastard turned in disbelief, coming helmet to face with Weis grin. The fuc The contact combusted and formed a portal as a legion of rabid, drug-addled weasels with a taste of human flesh flooded out and spilled over his body. The Bastard let out a cry of surprise as they began nibbling at his joints, clinging to his helmet, clawing his floating platform. Wei gave them a hand by kicking the pedestal until it was slightly off course. Slightly. Well, directly toward the ground. As the Bastard tumbled and twisted away from the path, Wei went forth to finish his adversary with glaive and scythe in hand and no one to stop him. No one aside from a whipping branch. The young master dodged the strikeonly for a gust of pheromones to make him choke from the sheer stink. A loud crack sounded through the air as Mourning herself sailed out from the rising cloud of dust left by the Bastard. She was on a collision course with the Souldrinker. Wei couldnt allow this. The young master cut again. He blinked over the Souldrinker and crashed against its burning form. Immediately, his flesh combusted and began to cook. His Source dropped, but it mattered little. He just needed to deliver a final stab to finish the creature off. He thrust. A mushroom cap burst out from beneath him, soaking the blow. Life Essence resonated beneath his feet as he felt himself spited. Mourning was but meters away from the Souldrinkers skull. Wei cursed and dove in front of her. No! What are you doing! Aside! Wei didnt listen. He forced her to come to a halt just as he materialized his scythe again. Only for Mourning to call his bluff in return as she charged at the Harvester. Wait! No! Wei cried. He dismissed his Source-made Skill as to avoid damaging Mourning, but the damnable sword just kept going. Yet, an inch before she impacted, he caught her, stopped her, and then swung her like she was his blade, burying her deep in the Souldrinkers skull. The monster let out a final shriek of agony as blood and flames spewed over Wei and Mourning. Yet, as he held her, he felt a soothing balm of healing pass through his entire being. From her also came a looming sense of awkwardness and discomfort at what just happened. Release me, she demanded. Wei did. I suppose this means I A chunk of frozen wolverine crashed into the side of his head, sending him toppling head over ass. Class Level > 87 Wasnt victory glorious. II-57 Making a Friend Yeah. The Realmbreaker. Im not calling him that. The little bastards ego is already large enough as it is. If I pop and kill him for good, the bloody princess might actually try to put me to her flame. Might be the Scion of Death, but being disfigured and mutilated physically and spiritually isnt really a fun experience. Still. Wouldnt have made it this far without him. Wouldve been little more than just a slave for some power broker in hell. Always a pawn for someone elses game. I owe him more than I could ever tell. And so I just dont tell him. Because, again, his head''s too big, and the fucker might just pop with another sweet nothing whispered about his deeds -Vendrian, Deaths Bastard II-57 Making a Friend I think its perfectly obvious who slew the Souldrinker, Wei said, rubbing at the lump that was slowly healing on his forehead. Across from him stood the Bastard, frosted armor covered in a layer of entrails and gore. The wolverines Wei inflicted on him were nowhere to be seen, and the young master did his best not to think of their unfortunate fates. Still, the glower in the mans eyes was more than a little amusing. Fuck. You. Deaths Bastard replied, seething through clenched teeth. His long locks of hair were slick with viscera and melted shards of frost, but the corners of his lips were wobbling up and down as if he couldnt decide whether he wanted to bash Weis skull against the walls or laugh. A sigh sounded from the blade he left planted in the ground beside him. Children. You are both children. This entire thing is absurd. Weve already slain our foelaid them low and survived this ordeal. And now you two are considering a duel? Over who gets to label the other a slur? It is not about the slur but the principle, Wei said holding his arms wide. This was agreed upon. And if it remains undone, then who are we but liars? A low growl of approval came from the Bastard. Yeah. Maddening, Mourning said. If that is the case, does not that mean I have the right to deem either of you the word. A bitch, the Bastard grunted. Yes. That word. No, Wei said, rolling his eyes. You are a sword. How can a sword dub a person something. I was the very thing that killed the Souldrinker! I was the one that drove you in, Wei said, sneering. Your logic is flawed. You werent going to slay anything without my aid. Thats because you stopped me first! You pulled me to a halt and stopped me so you could steal the kill for yourself. Please. You both ambushed me with a blast of ice. We should hardly be arguing over such trifling matters. What happened with that anyway? The Bastard asked. I thought I froze you. I pulled someone out of my Inventory to take the hit. Huh. No shit. Did it pretty quick. I used some Essence to hide what I was doing. Yeah. Ive seen you do that a few times. Neat trick. Bit of a sneak-shit strategy, but it works. It was a necessity. Youre quite fast. And very strong. Yeah, well, the Bastard shrugged. You have to have something going for you, right?A few, Wei said. Youre not unskilled with your blades and fists, either. Yeah. Had a few years to train. But what the fucks up with you? How the hell do you fight the way you do? Youre barely out of diapers. Im almost an adult, Wei said, trying to keep his tone even. Yeah. Say that when you grow taller. I will! Wei hissed. A sudden quiet settled between them. Just then, Wei noticed most of his disciples standing over the ruined body of the Souldrinker, watching the conversation unfold. Agnesias expression was grave, and she spoke constantly to her mother while the former queens face was fixed to the ground, downcast. By grit, surprise, and no small amount of Rafaels efforts, the disciples all survived. However, a few were missing a limb or two, and some needed to see a healer for more serious wounds. Psychologically. That was a problem to consider later. But seriously, the Bastard continued. How in the Hound do you fight like that? Im a cultivator, Wei replied. Our fate is to war against the heavens and fate. There is no other way. I had to be skilled, or a dark fate would be one that awaited me. It still might be if he didnt increase his power. After slaying the Souldrinker, his Class Level had risen a few more times again. Achievement: [Defy the Odds] Slay a foe multiple Essence Tiers superior to you. Allows you to drastically increase a Title or Skill generation for one of your Classs Concept Cores. Free Points: [30] Aspects Strength: 1054 Speed: 862 Enlightenment: 724 Awareness: 737 Constitution: 655 Will: 834 Another major gain. But Wei needed to use his System more. His battle against the Souldrinker had been a bitter lesson. For all his martial mastery, it only took one slip, one mistake, one moment for everything to be turned against him. Scanning his disciples, he saw they had grown immensely as well, with some gaining up to 15 levels. Normally, he would be overjoyed, but this entire expedition had proven to be a high risk affair. Several of them could have been lost, and the thoughts of their deaths gnawed at him. Already, he was getting used to seeing some of them. Garret, complaining about something or another. Mira, who was cleaning her knives while mocking Garret. The Orc Cheft, walking from person to person, handing out thank god we lived cupcakes. The Hivekin draining away mental fatigue. Rafael, actively harvesting things from the Souldrinker and the other Bloodspawn with the help of the Oathbearers. He seemed to be collecting blood most of all. The nest had quieted now. The walls of blood were quivering, slowly losing cohesion and stability. Wei didnt think it would be able to hold its weight for long, and the Bastard said it would be better to wait for it to collapse and just walk out. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Just a shame there wasnt any good Artifacts to claim or things to take. Something felt missing for Wei. His fingers itched. The Collectress is going to have questions for us, the Bastard said. Oh, and why is that? Wei asked. Does she expect me to be dead? Taken by your father? The Bastard nodded grimly. Something like that. Im guessing thats half the reason why she sent me in with you. To take you or someone close to you off the board. I dont know. Cant be sure about anything shes doing. I suspect her schemes now intersect the Harbingers, Wei replied. I think I caught a pulse of his presence earlier when I was inside the Souldrinker. The Dying Queen tried to infuse the creature with more of her power, but something else denied her. Someone else. Fuck. Looks like there are leashes leading all the way up. The Bastard gave an exhausted sigh. No way out. Not unless we grow stronger. And start playing a game of our own. The Bastard cocked his head and studied Wei. We. I assume you have no desire to remain the Collectresss slave? The Scion of Death didnt say anything, but Wei read the mans eyes. And where he was absent words, his sister spoke quite clearly. Wei. We cannot ask for your aid in this. We have nothing to offer, and against the Collectress, you have nothing to lose Im just going to kill her, Wei said. The Bastard blinked. What? I am prideful but nowhere near politically versed enough to engage in trickery or schemes against someone so entrenched. And she clearly has plans within plans. Whatever her plans, they were designed to be toward my disadvantage, and if your plight is true, and she seeks one of mine. Wei looked to Agnesia. Then this is cause enough. She is now my enemy as well. Is enough of an enemy for what she has done to you. The Bastard opened and closed his mouth several times. I Wei, your willingness is heartening, but it will be suicide if you just intend to face her in battle. She will never accept, and she will turn her methods to the subtle and insidious. Of course. I will not approach her directly. I just need to find someone she wants. Perhaps something to do with the Dying Queen and stipulate the conditions of its release in a duel. Or something like that. I might have an idea, the Bastard whispered. No. Not an idea. Just a solution. An impossible one, if you can manage it. Whats that? Wei asked. The way I work my Bloodline works is that whenever I die, I become a conduit for the Hound, and in place, someone I know, I have a connection to is pulled across the final end in my stead. These connections are not limited to friend or family, though it does start with them. It does start with them. He grew quiet. Bastard? Wei asked, taking a step closer. The man didnt look well. Vendrian, the Bastard said. Thats my name. Call me Vendrian. And strangely, Wei felt a tightening of Essence between him and Vendrian, as if an invisible knot had drawn their spirits closer on some inexorable level. Be nice to hear it from someone that doesnt own me. Used to from my family. Used to. Brother Mourning said, her own voice thick with pain. My Bloodline, Vendrian said, starting again. If I die. If am cut down, someone else will fall in place. When I was captured, the Collectress took my family too, and every time I disobeyed her, she slew me, so that one of them would die. Now, there is only my wife, Aerea, and my child. My unborn child If you can somehow break their link to me with your System, or have the Harbinger shield them from me, then I can only draw two more people across the Final End: the Collectress, and you. And Vendrians scheme began to take shape. As far as potential assassinations went, this one was abstract and strange on another level. I see. Wei nodded. Then, I suppose it will be up to me to steal your wife and child from the Collectress, slay you, and then kill the Collectress when we are both pulled across into the Final End. Simple enough. Simple enough? Mourning murmured in disbelief. I Come on, sis. Of course hes an arrogant madman. A sane person would never offer to just kill A Count-Tier adversary to begin with. A sane person, Wei scoffed. A sane person lives his entire life kissing feet and licking the fecal waste of his better, and calls enduring such miserable conditions until his untimely death by degeneration wisdom. The ordinary are but the slaves of fate. Vendrian just stared without blinking. This isnt even an act with you, huh. You actually believe everything youre saying. Of course. Why would I accept anything less? Against all odds, Vendrian laughed. And a section of the dome-shaped blood walls came crashing down like a falling waterfall. What little Spatial Essence remained within the ichor was draining down to their last. Wont be long now. Wei said. You have any idea what our story should be when we all return without any losses? Just say the fight was too easy, Vendrian replied. Barely a challenge. The once-threaded nest began to drip and spill from above. Wei shifted to the right, avoiding splash of gore. Rafael! Physical wards. Already working on it, Rafael said. I can see the blood coming down too. Dont treat me like Im blind. Wei frowned slightly at that. The lich sounded vaguely frustrated. Might need to check why later. Symbols flashed overhead, forming an umbrella-like series of constellations. As the blood came crashing down and the golden resplendence of the throne room beyond shone through, Wei watched as the blood cascaded along the curve of Rafaels working and let out a breath. The journey beyond the final end left him shaken as well. But he had seen his mother again, his sect, his family. The moment was was beyond the reach of his hope. Until it wasnt. But then there was his father, Ellenas true fate, and the arrangement between him and the Hound. The weight pressing down on his shoulders grew heavier with each passing day, and he ached. He just ached. He was tired. Wei. Which made this the perfect moment for John Bishop to star speaking to him again. Master Bishop. How long have you been here. Entire time, kid. Couldnt risk something going to shit. Then why didnt you intervene earlier? And did you know? About Ellena. Did you know? No. Sarah did. I just suspected. And you never told me Wei. You can be pissed at me or curse at me, but lets not bullshit ourselves. I can feel the state of your mind. Youre close. Someone is on the verge of breaking. Telling you that after everything you survived in the hearted realm would have ruined you. Best that you learn this way. And its good that you made contact with Deaths Bastard, cause now you have a way to get at the Collectress. I assume you have some recommendations for what Im planning. Oh, son, recommendations? I have an entire unfinished godsdamned operation I intend to show you. Bishop sounded positively giddy, and if Wei were to be honest with himself, his interest was piqued as well. However, there were other things he wished to deal with before returning to the Old Man and the Collectress, other people he wanted to speak to. Ah. Yeah. Go talk to them, Wei. I wont claim to know the specifics behind the deal that the Harbinger made, but Ill do what I can to see if we can fix this. Somehow, Bishop didnt sound too convinced. I could try to break her link to the Hound. That link is the only thing still keeping her here, Wei. The Withering is basically her Essence now. She stays for as long as the God of Death allows. And how long does she have? A beat followed. I dont know, kid. But its never long enough. Its always too short. More of the nest crumbled, and the young master climbed upon the corpse of the Souldrinker as he made for Agnesia and Ellena. No! I will not accept this! Wethere are still things we can do! Weihell come up with an idea. Hell find a way Agnesia was about to continue her raving, but her mother placed a single hand on her arm. No, Ellena said quietly. I I think I am already dead. And I think there is no undoing this. I wont accept that, Agnesia growled. Her voice deepened and flames danced down her form. I wont! Agnesia, Wei said, interjecting into the conversation. She turned and faced him, eyes bright with fire and defiance. Wei, tell her Agnesia. The nest will be collapsing soon. I need you to steel yourself. We cannot let the Count or the Collectress know. As he approached Ellena, and she turned to look at him, he felt his guts turned to liquid. He flinched. I I am sorry. I wish I could haveI wasnt She reached out and pulled him into her embrace. Its not your fault, Ellena whispered into his ear. And you have already done more than anyone could have asked. But it wasnt enough, Wei said, looking up as to hold himself together. Sometimes, we arent. And that is alright. It has to be. There is no other way. And despite warmth in her voice, the words settled into Wei like a searing poison. A poison he couldnt accept. A poison he would reject. There had to be a way. There had to be. II-58 Out of the Pan The only thing more dangerous than fighting in the Everwar happening at the Base of the Claimed Hells is trying to play politics with the big players in the Heights. -The Trespassers Compendium II-58 Out of the Pan The Collectress hid her surprise as she watched them emerge from the crumbling nest. She would have assumed a few of them to be lost to the Dying Queen. Instead, every last one of the boys minions was alive and well, she couldnt call them well, but alive and functional. And then there was the increased amount of power emanating from her champion and his blade. He had died again. She could feel it. But then why werent there any casualties? Why was the young master still in pristine condition? What was even happening. Well, would you look at that, the Old Man chuckled, rising from his throne to give a standing ovation. As he did, most of his ridiculous minions repeated the action, nearly deafening the Collectress with the collective hammering of their armored hands. She hated it when he did that. Which is probably why he did it more. You know something, I expected a few of the weaker ones to not make it. Hell of a thing to pull off. Indeed, the Collectress said coolly. But what drew her attention more was how her champion was bantering with the boy, arguing with him without rancor. Like they werent enemies but brothers in arms. If that were the case, the question grew: Why wasnt someone near to Wei An Wei taken? Not even the former queen was dead. Which was displeasing, because that meant his psyche remained unmarred. Stable. She didnt like her slaves stable. Wei and the remainder of his retinue approached like battle-scarred heroes from a storybook. They came side by side. Some were wounded, a few were bereft limbs or limping, but at their head, Wei An Wei strode side by side with the Bastard as they passed by the colossal marble columns that held up this throne room, their bases painted by a pool of spreading blood. There was something else there as well. A change in the air. A stench she couldnt shake. A coldness welled inside the Collectress, as if a foul wind was descending upon her specifically. Suddenly, she felt very alone in the room. Which was when she noticed William Yu. He was looking at her, his gaze boring into her person as if he could see through her. She turned and met his stare, but he didnt look away. Instead, there was something disquieting behind his flat gaze. It wasnt even the same look he gave her when he left her to bleed out all those years ago. Truth be told, he didnt even seem like himself. Something was wrong. A part of this picture was missing. But the Collectress couldnt tell what. And that wasnt something she could accept. Collectress. Old Man. Our promised task: Delivered. Your offending intruder: Eliminated. Wei gestured behind him as golden custodians teleported in to mop up the blood. The nest of crimson that once disfigured the great hall of white and gold was gone. And so was the Embraced that spawned it. Yeah, I can see that, the Old Man said. With a snap of his fingers, he summoned a goblet of wine to his hands. He took a sip first and then gestured for the massive golden knights around him to service Wei and his allies. Swords fizzled away into bright motes, and in their place came massive jugs of water and other libations. A few extended their hands as they channeled healing energies into the disciples. Less than a few hours here and already youre doing us a big service. The Old Man toasted the Collectress. Quite the feat. I suppose your boy deserves a bit of credit too. The Bastard snorted slightly. More emotion than the Collectress had seen him express to another in months. The look drained from his face when he noticed she was staring at him, but only after. He was formidable, Wei said, replying to the Old Man. A true warrior. And once more, the Bastard suppressed something that was almost a grin. The Collectress was versed in reading faces and understanding people. And this was an unwanted development. She had taken months culturing him. Pruning his connections down to her, his love, and his unborn child. And now, another had entered the fray, beyond her control, and untouched by death. Or so she assumed. The Old Man and Wei traded a few more pleasantries before the boy casually took his father back into his Inventory. There was no acknowledgement or dialogue. It was just a casual action. Almost rehearsed ahead of time. The Collectress turned her attention on the others in his group. Straining her Perception, she noticed though some were haggard, a selected few seemed more distraught than all the others. Especially the princess. She tried to keep her face vacant of expression, but her body was tremoring, and she kept looking at her mother. The former queen The woman seemed fine, but this was something. This was worry. The Collectress considered using her Invocation on them. Her true Invocation. But that came with risks as well. Most of them werent even beyond Knight-Tier, but there was something very wrong with the boy. And there was also the matter of the Old Man. She pulled on their relationship to be invited here, but that didnt mean he would just allow her to play with what he considered his toy. I must tread carefully, she thought. And her attention zeroed in on Wei again. And I need to focus my approach on this boy. I need the girlthe Scion. But he I must know what his nature is. *** It took Wei everything he had to continue the performance. After what he just experienced, he just wanted to stew in silence. Mediate. Or just go down into the Base and start a fight. Be part of a mindless war to fuel his System and grow his power. Instead, he needed to play house with some Old Man who clearly wanted to own him, and guess at what the Collectress was scheming. He noticed her quietude. Quite a change for her previous behavior. He wasnt the best at reading people, but she was trying to do something. So active in trying to create a situation for herself. She spoke much of a gambit earlier, and was trying to obtain Agnesia. Now, she played the passive observer and let the Old Man do the talking. Not the behavior of someone whose plans were in motion. But Wei wasnt so bold to confront her either. Just because he noticed doesnt mean he was in his depth. He needed to proceed with caution. And his disciples needed a break. All of them. Especially Agnesia. The Old Man continued to talk about this and that, but Wei barely registered any of the words. There was a lot to take in, and Youre doing good. Just keep on nodding and smiling. In a few minutes, ask for a private residence for you and yours. The Old Man will be obliged to provide that to you for services rendered. That, and he probably wants to keep you on the premises throughout the gala. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Even Bishops words sounded dull and muted, but Wei managed to direct an acknowledgment. Do you have anything on the Collectress? Her behavior is odd. Unlike how she was before. Well, shes up to something. Cant rightly tell you what yet. Oh, is her mind so hard to breach? Hers? No. But the power behind her? Yeah. Im a little less confident in trespassing there without being noticed. What power behind her? Something a hell of a lot more than just a Count-Tier, thats for sure. You should know, now, that everyone is a player in this game. But were also pawns to greater powers. And is the Lodge player or pawn in their relationship with the Harbinger. There are things you havent told me. Things you didnt reveal. That is a question I ask myself all too often. It depends. And I dont know. Wei. Old Mans taking a sip. Ask him for hospitality. The young master played his role as temporary pawn accordingly. Count. As much as your words enchant, you must understand that my sect and I did not come here prepared for a battle. As such, we are exhausted from our endeavor and might require a means of recovery. Of course, we do not wish to offend your hospitality by leaving as soon as we came. Ah, the Old Man nodded. The sun hovering above his left shoulder flickered brighter. Of course. Forgive me. Leave it to an old man to ramble. He laughed at his own joke. Only Garret joined in. Several other disciples turned, but Wei found it unsurprising. The man did spend most of his years in service under Angeleousanother old man. A loud crash came from the left side of the room, the walls opened as if a parting chasm to reveal a long hallway lined with polished floorboards. There, at the end, was a grand door made from solid gold. Outside, two three meter tall knights stood on guard, each one bearing halberds fashioned from liquid lightning. Doormen Lv. 150 Quite the Essence Level for glorified guards. It also answered the question why the Old Man wasnt worried about the Embraceds intrusion at all. With so much power at their disposal, Weis deeds amounted to little more than an audition. It was at once useful and a little insulting. There, the Old Man said, gesturing with his hand. These rooms are usually prepared for someone Count-Tier or above. Inside, youll find a perfectly serviceable pocket reality. Now, I wont claim its the biggest or that its orgy-ready, but youll see every one of your needs met. And thats a guarantee. Wei brought palm and fist together in a salute. My gratitude. As for the gala Ah, the Old Man said, draping an arm over Weis shoulder as he started walking him toward the distant door. Dont worry. Theres a lot of fluffy and unimportant people at these things. Lot of social climbers. But you youve done enough climbing for a day, Id say. Come out when you want. These things run for quite some time. Once youre finished with your recovery, come out. There are people I want to I want to introduce you to. He paused mid-step. And I think you do to, right? Collectress? The Countess of Lust simply offered a nod. Indeed. But before that, I have a request of my own. My champion Is welcome to share a space with us, Wei answered. The words just left him without actual thought. The Collectress went quiet, and several heads turned to stare at Wei. Vendrian looked most surprised of all. Truly? I mean every word of praise I offered to him. Vendrians face was battle-worn and resembled worn-granite than flesh. But it could still do a faint approximation of confusion and gratitude. Yes, the Collectress said, speaking when her champion had no words to give. This is most acceptable. Truly, I am surprised. I didnt realize a bond had formed. I wouldnt go that far, Wei and Vendrian said at the same time. The two eyed each other after. The Collectress actually had the gall to smirk. So you two say. But this is good. This is better than whatever gambit I wished to play. I apologize for my prior behavior. She let out a tired breath. I misjudged you to be just another Sinner seeking to climb the halls of power. I see that you are of a purer sort now, and I should have treated you honestly. She sounded genuine. She might even think she was being genuine. But she did recruit Vendrian by murdering him over and over again, forcing his family to die in his stead. She also had his wife and unborn child as collateral. Whatever show she was putting on, Wei did well to remember what kind of person he was talking to. Well, the Old Man chuckled, throwing up his hands and sending wine splashing behind him. Since everyones in accord, I think things have turned out for the better between us. Better by far, even with our uninvited guest. Well. I think I will let you all have your day now. Enjoy. Relax. And when youre ready. He grinned, and there was nothing gentle about that smile. I mean really ready, come out and get back into the fire. It sounded like there was an actual threat behind those words. At that, Wei offered another salute and looked to his disciples, to Vendrian, and let out a breath. Come then. Let us find some respite. They ventured down the newly revealed hallway like some kind of wounded snake. Wei, Agnesia, and Vendrian took the front. Rafael loomed close behind themwhich drew Weis attention. The lich was remarkably quiet. Too quiet. Something was happening with him as well. Groans and complaints leaked from the disciples, but most of them were glad to be done with the violence. Hey, boss man, Mira called from the back. Were getting training off tomorrow, right? Light training, Wei replied without thinking. A series of moans and cries of dismay followed. I wish I would have died in the nest, the Orc Chef said. Training? Vendrian said, narrowing his eyes. Im trying to get them martial-capable. There is still much they need to learn about combat. And their Aspects require more improvements as well. So what? Youre the one thats training them? Just you? Wei glared at Vendrian. Why? Do you doubt my skill? No. Just your temperament and maturity. How dare you, Wei seethed. Vendrian grinned slightly. Youre pretty easy to wind up too. Anyone tell you that? Yes, Agnesia answered from behind. Traitor, Wei hissed. The girl stared at him from the corner of his eye and suddenly, he noticed how short he was standing between her and Vendrian. We must solve this problem, the Shell said. We must. As the mirth faded from Vendrians face, he lowered his gaze. You know shes planning something, right? Using me to achieve something. I dont know what, but she would never release me if she did have some kind of idea. I guessed, Wei said. But Id rather keep her close and finish this thing quickly than give her room to breathe and plot some more. More importantly, it wasnt just him playing against the Collectress. He had more experienced people in his corner as well. Youre goddamn right about that, Bishop answered. Arriving before the door, Wei looked at the guards and offered them a nod. He took a peek at the other side with his Omniscience and quirked an eyebrow. Well, then. The Old Man certainly likes to understate things? What? Vendrian said. Our room. Its quite something. How do you know? Wei shot the Scion of Death one final glance and pressed his hand against the golden door. With a slight push, it opened, and from the inside tumbled a landslide of soft pillows and spreading silken bedsheets. A voice quickly followed, loud and jubilant. Welcome to Slumberland! II-59 Openings (I) Heres some advice for all you thieves out there. If you want to conduct a heist, I recommend that you find a way to be in two places at once. I mean that literally. You can do this through teleportation, through simulacrum, or through even cloning. But ultimately, you want people to think that they know your whereabouts, that they have your measure, that they can follow and track you. But then, in an instant, you want to be in another place, where theyre not looking, where theyre not prepared, where theyre not ready for you to intrude. Theres only a finite amount of focus someone can devote, a finite amount of resources. Well, sometimes its about exploiting and drawing as much attention you can, and making them think that they have your measure before you steal and rob and raid their treasuries blind. -The Trespassers Compendium II-59 Openings (I) "Listen, I think I speak for everyone here when I say that, well, what we just experienced escalated pretty quickly." Garrett leaned back upon a throne made out of soft pillows and satin bedsheets. Golden comforters were draped over his battle-worn body, while beneath he wore silken bed robes of absolute comfort. Absolute comfort taken literally, for that was their enchantment. The other disciples were dressed the same way, with most of their outer attire being washed and laundered by gold-armored servants who attended to their every need. Food demanded was brought on large trays, steaming hot or fresh and colddesserts, main courses, appetizers, all available, almost anything anyone could call upon. Slumberland was, per its name, a realm meant for rest and sleeping. Mattresses, beds, comforters, and more composed structures, becoming as if large archipelagos. Between them, however, were lined stalls, places to shower, to clean up, and to refresh, to relieve oneself. More than that, there were large curtains that could be pulled, allowing entire quadrants of Slumberland to be sectioned off from one another. Better yet, the curtains were also imbued with their own enchantmentsnoise silencing and censoring as well. Even Wei''s Omniscience struggled to peer all the way through. It was like he was glimpsing into a mist. Whatever magics the Circle of Pride used to create this place, it was substantial. Substantial enough to trouble the night class, at least. Wei kept his own armor on. It was already repairing itself, and his own flesh was coming back together, thanks to a brief period of meditation. Vendrian was of a similar mind. He didn''t even go get cleaned up. He simply plopped himself down and sat there, staring at nothing in particular. The Scion of Deaths eyes wouldnt stop moving. He seemed more confused than even Wei was, and that was saying something. With them were Agnesia, Rafael, and Ellena, though the former queen was already snoring, asleep, and exhausted from her recent ordeal. Wei still hadn''t spoken to her about the situationthe young master''s mind recoiled. Her fate was black and wretched. The god of death held her. She belonged to the Hound, so long as their taint remained within her. Wei considered his options. Perhaps he could infuse her with his Ambition, try to shatter the connection between the Hound of the Withered Moon and the former queen. But if the taint was all that kept her in the world, then all he would do is condemn her to death, absolutely. And so it was that a Trespasser lich, the Scion of Death, his blade-bound sister, the Scion of Destruction, and the last Concept Breaker found themselves sharing an uncomfortable silence. "Well, then," Vendrian began, planting Mourning through a mound of pillows between the group. As Rafael pulled a curtain in place, separating them from the rest of the sect. "I think we might want to talk about a few things." "Yeah, I think we do," a voice suddenly boomed. Everyone but Wei reacted to Bishops arrival. The young master just sat still, eyeing the attendants. A purple Essence lit their Minds, and they didnt seem to notice Bishops sudden manifestation. The Trespasser probably did something to their mind. "Bishop," Wei said. "You waste no time. You" Vendrian said, shooting to a stand. Mourning was already in his hands, their length gleaming as deathly frost leaped out from its edges. "John Bishop of the Trespassers Lodge." Bishop looked the bastard up and down and shook his head. "Well, aren''t you just a miserable sight. Deaths Bastard. You know some of these demons can give a pretty good haircut, right?" Vendrian sneered, "Fuck you." "Yeah, it''s about what I expected. But anyway, how''s about this? You listen close to me right now, because Im about to do what I can to cut your leash and get your wife out. After that, Ill just need you to give one more thing to our good friend Wei here. Vendrian''s expression softened, but his glare remained as hard as ever. "I''ve heard that before, from plenty of people. All who want to own me, use me. You''re just another one in a long line of many." "Sure I am," John Bishop said. "Unlike them, I have the capability to help you. And also, I know where they''re keeping your wife and your little baby. Cute kid, by the way. Well, she''s going to be. She..." Vendrian''s voice thinned and softened. For the first time, he sounded aghast, afraid. "How do you know this? Are you lying to me?" Bishop simply shook his head. "No, getting in and taking a peek, that''s easy. Been doing this for years. Getting her out Bishop licked the corner of his cheek. "Well, that''s going to take a little bit more agility." And Bishop''s eyes fell on Wei. Maybe a bit of agility and some breaking." The young master, despite everything, found himself looking forward to this. His exhaustion was emotional and existential rather than physical. He didn''t want to think, didn''t want to review what had happened to him, even with the shell growling at him from the inside, demanding that he face his pain. He simply wanted to fight, to grow stronger, to solve his problems, and not look back, not think of what waited ahead. "So then, Bishop, I suppose you have information for us, a plan." John Bishop leaned back, and with a snap of his fingers, summoned a lit cigar to his mouth. "Maybe some plans, some maps, some ideas. But I want to see and hear how you might approach it." "How I would approach? Wei asked. "I''m not always going to be here to help you out when things get rough. You''re going to have to use that brain of yours. Can''t just rely on you stabbing and punching things." The trespasser''s smile flattened. "Doesn''t always work out perfectly." Stolen story; please report. Wei remembered the Souldrinker smashing him from behind. That momentary lapse in focus causing him another defeat. The young master clenched his teeth together. "I deserved that." Bishop sighed. "No, Wei, it doesn''t matter what you deserve or don''t deserve. It''s about what you can and can''t do. Losing gets you killed. Gets you killed, it''s no longer your problem. But that means everyone else suffers. You got more responsibility to everyone. Not just yourself. Look at them." He pointed beyond the curtains at the rest of Wei''s disciples. "If you die, they die too. Or they all get taken as slaves. You go down, and that System belongs to someone else, and all the effort I put into keeping your ass alive just ends up making me look like a damn fool. You understand this, right?" Wei''s jaw tightened even further. "Yes. Good. So, what I need you to do is start using that head a little bit more. Now, before I start, I''m going to explain what''s about to happen over the course of the next few days." "Stop," Agnesia said, interrupting him. "First, we need to talk. About my mother." Her voice fell to a desperate, hushed whisper, but in her eyes, flames burned. Bishops posture sagged. "Listen, kid, I''m sorry what happened to her No! I dont need excuses! Agnesia growled. She took two steps closer to Bishop, tried to grab him, but her hands just went through. It was but a psionic projection. "Don''t give me excuses." Her hands shook. She looked at Bishop, her eyes welling up. "I cannot lose her. I already did. I thought we were going to get her back. I thought the Harbinger had saved her. He didn''t. He didn''t! Agnesia snarled. Ellena only shuffled at the noise. She was beyond spent. When she was done moving, her daughter continued. ''He didn''t. He merely, he merely delayed it. He merely Her hands closed into fists, and she couldn''t keep talking. She had to compose herself. Wei rose, unsure what he was capable of offering. He wanted to hold her. He wanted to, but it was Vendrian that beat him to it. Vendrian stood and patted the girl, running a large hand behind her back. The young master cursed himself for his hesitationand then found himself confused as to why he was so frustrated. "We''re all on borrowed time," Vendrian said, casually, calmly. "All on borrowed time. But if there''s anything I can do, I''ll try to find out." "I as well," Morning said, echoing her brother''s sentiments. Agnesia nodded, but she didn''t cry anymore. She seemed tired of it. "Is there a way? Is there something we can do?" She looked to Bishop. "I''m willing to give anything, pay anything." The Trespasser shook his head. "This is beyond my capabilities. Frankly, she should be dead. The fact that the Harbinger managed that deal, to have her stick around for a while longer." He went silent. "You know the Hound''s listening, right? It''s his essence that''s keeping her here. She''s kind of like a fishhook at the end of the line. He can reel back at any time, and the longer she''s here, the more it burns him. It spins him. It spins him much, but still. Imagine using yourself up just to keep a mortal." "She''s not some mortal. She''s my mother." Agnesia almost cried. Ellena coughed, and this time, Wei knew she was awake. But she didnt enter the conversation, and kept her eyes closed. Wei understood, and left her be. There was only so much the human mind could take. Bishop shook his head. "Listen, I don''t have any promises, but I''ll see what I can do. I''m going to need to look into things, maybe even talk to Sarah." "What about me?" Wei finally said, interjecting. What if I He summoned his scythe, and Bishop shook his head violently. "You don''t want to do that, kid. I understand what you said earlier. Severing the link is impossible. The link is her now. She doesn''t have anything otherwise. She''s part of the final end. You understand?" Wei nodded slowly. "I can go there though. The Trespassers as well. The Final End cannot claim us. It doesn''t consume me. It doesn''t claim me for good. Bishop''s expression softened. "No, it doesn''t. And so, is there a way perhaps," he gestured between him and Agnesia, "she could come go there through me? If in the end The princesss expression almost collapsed. John Bishop''s mouth opened and closed several times. "Again, I have to look into it, but maybe, maybe, yeah." The faintest sparks of hope and gratitude sparkled behind Agnesia''s eyes, but still, it was just a paltry thing. She would have much rather her mother stay here, stay with her. But how rarely do they get what they want. How rarely does that final wish result in more joy, when they thought of his own mother, of their experience, of what she suffered, when in their meeting again, he faced his father, and it caused her only more pain. He wanted to see her one final time, not break her heart. Wei dismissed his scythe, and he struggled with his thoughts. Eventually, he managed to push them away, back into the depths of his mind. "Coward," the Shell growled. "Vermin," Wei cursed, insulting his skill for the first time. "All right," Bishop said softly, "I know that we''re all a little bit emotionally unbalanced right now, however, I need you all to listen. I need you to focus, because right now, this is the best opportunity we''ll have to perform a snatch-and-rescue." "Because the Collectress will be here at the gala instead of at her stronghold," Vendrian said. "Yeah, because she''s going to be here, with her attention and every bit of her focus, caught up with all the dukes and princes and the big players. Big players you all are gonna meet. Six full days of ass-kissing, debauchery, revelry, and power-moving, Significance trading. That, and a few other champions will be showing up here as well. Wei looked to the others, while Vendrian frowned. Champions? Other high Significance representatives for each of the Circles. Like yourself. The Scion of Death paused and then glanced once at Wei. You want him to be Hells Vanguard for the coming invasion. Say one thing about Vendrian, say he was smarter than he looked. "However, Bishop continued without answering Vendrians deduction, While this happening, you got an opening. And I have schematics, a layout to the Collectress''s Palace of Pleasure. Problem is, you''re gonna need to find a way to get there without being noticed." Wei went still and pulled up his system menu, and materialized a Source Anchor. A column of shadow and light materialized at the center of the group as Wei felt a percentage of his Source Essence drain away. I can create an anchor, Wei said. Perhaps I can find myself in two places at once. Bishop smirked. Maybe. But you might not want to be weakened for this. A lot of ways to end up dead during one of these social outings. And, also, you''re going to be the guest of honor here. So jumping between place? Well. You best do it quick and fast, because the Circle elites are going to be on you like flies to shit. So then what do you recommend, Wei said. What other options do I have? "The other choice? You can send someone else, or you can hire someone." Wei paused. "You got a lot of money from me," Bishop said, a wry grin creeping across his face. "Didn''t let you sue me for nothing." "Mercenaries, Wei said, almost aghast. Frankly, having someone else do his work seemed like sacrilege. There were sects that employed mercenaries. His mother even employed outside help. But ultimately, nothing beats performing a task in-house with people you trusted. People you trusted. Weis attention slowly drifted towards Raphael. The lich specialized in deception and stealth. Now combining that with his Ciphers, maybe, just maybe "What," Rafael said flatly. "Why are you looking at me like this, Wei?" "Rafael," Wei began, "would you like a few more Aspect Advancement shards?" II-60 Openings (II) Never agree to do a small favor for the Realmbreaker. Not even if he saves your life and your sons honor. Not because its not worth itit will end up being too worth it. Because there is never just one favor with a powerful person. -The Blackwind Sage II-60 Openings (II) How many Aspect Advancements, Rafael asked, leaning back slightly. Wei grinned. Of course, it would be remiss to force one of his disciples to perform an operation so dangerous without proper recompense. But what was proper, and what was recompense? I think this should be discussed in detail, Wei said, and perhaps there will be others interested as well. Now hold on there, Bishop interjected. He chuckled slightly as he walked forward, eyeing Rafael. This onehes got talents in subterfuge, but dont take this the wrong way, Rafael. You aint exactly a trained operator, more a highly talented amateur. Rafael, despite being told to refrain from offense, still sagged a bit. Now, Im not trying to warn you off, Bishop continued. In fact, quite the opposite. Im going to be with you all the way there. But this isnt just pick someone and do something. No, the reason why I mentioned experts and mercenaries earlier is because you need expertise, specialized expertise. Trying to get into the Collectresss Palace of Lust, thats going to take experience, adaptability, instinct, and intelligence. So then show us, Vendrian said in a low voice. Show us what you have, and Ill tell you what I know. Bishop grinned. I was waiting for you to say that. A pulse of Psionic Essence spread out from the trespasser, and the surrounding space changed. It only extended a full ten meters, but all the demonic attendants were excluded, as were the other disciples of the Drowned Sky sect. Weis chat function still ensured he was connected to them, and he could feelstill feelthe essence strings flowing to and fro. More interestingly, the demons didnt seem to notice anything that Bishop was doing at all. Again, there were levels to power, and levels to skill. Bishops was in the realms of subterfuge, subtlety, and the mind. It was something Wei could appreciate, but also be wary of. If he faced another adversary equivalent to Bishop, he didnt know how he would respond. You respond by taking away their advantage, the Shell growled. You evade them, trace them, use your ambitions to follow them and break them. You are Sourceforged. You can strike at adversaries most cannot. Do not forget this. Young Master granted an acknowledgment. Twisting furrows of bright magenta painted a new scene before them. They were now standing in the middle of a wide open boulevard, massive buildings glistening with fluid and flesh and substances, spraying fumes of wondrous scent and mind-altering chemistry. Wei glanced around and saw a legion of strangely designed demons sailing through the air. Their bodies were furrowed, extended, and sagging in places. They all lookedAgnesia looked away, her expression bright red. Wei stopped thinking about what they looked like. The Circle of Lust was among his least favorite circles, for many reasons, impropriety being chief among them. There, Bishop said, pointing a finger. I looked ahead and found his attention settling on a complex structure. At its base, it resembled a birds nest, with eight elongated sides. From there, however, a tower rosea tower that seemed forged from animated water. It flowed upwards, like an inverted waterfall. And through the sheen, we saw another structure within, or another thin needle-like shape. He couldnt fully understand what he was seeing, and the air traffic didnt do anything to aid him. With a flick of his hand, however, Bishop brought them closer. Not just closer, thoughairborne. Top-down. They gained a birds-eye perspective of the Palace of Lust. This here is the Upwater Mansion, Bishop gestured. It cost a pretty penny for the Collectress to create. And this den? So close to the Circle of Lusts capital? Yeah. Clear to say, our girl has aspirations beyond her current station. From this birds eye view, they could see that the inverted waterfall was actually a tunnela tunnel connected to an elevator that dipped down into a sheer drop. A sheer drop that Bishop directed them to follow as they accelerated downward. Thankfully, the Trespassers mental construction removed any G-forces or other discomforts they might have experienced otherwise. As they passed through the tube-like space, they saw that the nesting design of the outside also intersected with the space within. There were bridges, leading to different portals. These bridges surrounded the falling needle, and Wei found his attention fixed on these portals. Those are essence rifts, Bishop said. Some of them are spatial rifts. Otherswere not fully sure what kind of Essence theyre tied to yet. All we know is that the Collectress uses these to maintain her trade network, and shes got trade running every which way you can think of. What does she mainly trade? Agnesia asked. Her question was answered as Bishop snapped a finger. Hundreds of thousands of people appeared upon the bridge. Most of them were nude, collared, and made to walk in long processions. The Princesss eyes widened. Humans and numerous other races as well. Shes a connoisseur and collector of fine specimens. Bishops voice veered towards the disgusted, and all things considered, shes not nearly the worst. Wei, for his part, just shrugged. Its not like I need any other reasons to kill this one. Thats the spirit, Bishop clapped him on the shoulder. Wei frowned. He actually felt that. However, they continued downward, following the needle-like structure. And quickly, the first problem appeared. A massive wall of absinthe climbed upwards, passing through the structure. Right now, the central needlethats the only way down. Only easy way down, anyway. Coming through the portal will leave you on the outsideno easy way to get back into the depths of this palace. We tried. Bishop pointed at the approaching wall of essence. It pulsed through them, and Wei felt nothing. This was mental reconstruction, after all. This, however, is a minor problem. This is an essence scanner. Its going to detect anything and anyone thats not registered to the Upwater Mansion. So, do you have ideas on how to beat it? Wei asked. Bishop nodded. Yeah, I might be able to smuggle you in through one way or another. Its not that hard to stash someone within a greater beings spirit, he looked to Raphael. Especially if theyre already in the Circle of Envy. The lich nodded. Yes, I have my own ideas as well. I cannot hide my essence, specifically. But it could be possible to disperse it. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. They passed beyond the approaching veil, and then things got more complex from there. After this, they encountered the second layer of defense. The needle came to a final halt in a vast cylindrical room. From there, a dozen different doorways stood open, each lined with brightly colored carpets and guarded by many-limbed serpents sporting blades dripping with venom, and eyes that glistenedinstilling hallucinations. These demons here are the Tasters. They, uh, bite everyone that comes through to mark the guests. The pneuma-paralytics makes sure that you dont cause trouble in the Palace of Lust. In fact, its the only way in. See, the Collectress isnt going to abide by anyone who starts something within her home. This is a way to make sure that her guests, no matter how powerful they are, uh, have one of her special concoctions flowing through their veins. Wei looked at Vendrian, and the Scions expression grew especially grave. I remember. Vendrian said quietly, She bit me. I could fight off the venom if I tried, but most He shook his head. It paralyzes you. Not physically or mentally, but spiritually. It makes you wish to surrender yourself to the Collectressto do anything to please her. Its like poison love, Bishop finished. Getting bit by these demons is hell on your Will. The Trespasser grinned at Wei. Tests my will, the young master thought. Poor fool. The Collectress was about to find out that her will was nothing before his. But what of Raphael? Hes a lich, theres nothing to bite. Spirit poison, remember? Bishop reiterated. Dont want to think of things too literally. Here, symbology means just as much as the material. Great. So the construct body wouldnt help. Anyway, after you get past the Tasters, thats where things get a little bit messier. Bishop accelerated them through one of the openings at the Demons Guard, and Wei found them going, and going, and going. The carpet led through hallways and doors, and there were always more demons lingering. Always more. But for a good long while, no other pathways appeared. Its like they were wandering in the backrooms, heading for nowhere. See, without the Tasters go-ahead, and without them giving a green light through their local system, there isnt going to be another door. You could be lost here forever. Its also how the Collectress keeps her products from wandering off. You see, this place? Nothing happens without her demons saying so, or her saying so. And everything they say, she hears, she knows, she sees. So, how do we beat this? Wei thought to himself. How do we beat this, indeed? Bishop made another gesture, and one of the Tasters looked to the wall. It made a hissing noise, and a sliver of essence left its minda chat message directed to the Collectress, no doubt. A second later, the wall cascaded down, as if a melting ice block, and in its place a doorway appeared. The doorway slammed open, and inside, a pleasure den filled with all manner of people dressed in, well, not-so-dressed manners. Wei blinked. This is where some high-power players in the Claimed Hells get their kicks. You dont want to wander in the wrong one. See, because there are plenty of powerful people here. Sure, if you run into one Marquis, thats not much of a problem. You can handle that. But there is never just one person. And whoever you send in isnt you, Wei. I have second thoughts about volunteering, Rafael replied quietly. He seemed considerably less enthused than he had been a moment ago. And after that, theres finding the proper room that Aerea is in. Thats the final part, the hardest part. See, I cant exactly push into the Collectresss mind without her benefactors noticing, and we cant exactly ask her straight up. So, what else do we do? Bishops question was deliberately made to provoke Wei to think. The young master did so, and as he considered the various situations and impediments before him, he wondered how he might react if he were the Collectress. Perhaps Aerea might not even be there, in another place, held by someone she trusts. This might be a smokescreen he thought internally. No, the Shell said, as Bishop has indicated so far, she is all about controla desperation, a need, pathological, and habitual. Even her demons ask her for permission. Youve seen this. She must have a leash leading to Aerea. She wouldnt let her final piece to her champion remain beyond reach. I frowned. So how would we force her to reveal her handto reveal Aerea? Wade looked to Vendrian again and squinted his eyes. What? the Scion of Death said. What are you thinking about? You. Youre her greatest prize, Wade said quietly. If so, then, and if your wife is the only thing she has over youthe only way she could truly control youit goes to reason that if her nests were to be attacked, raided from within, she would try to extract your love, so that you would remain under her control before shed do anything else. Vendrians eyes went cold. We are not risking her life in a direct attack. No, we are not, they said. But we can make them think they are under attack. We can make her react and see what she reveals. She is also fixed to this place and attended to the gala. What we can do is force her to divert her attention. See if she makes a mistake halfway. See, I like the way youre thinking there, Bishop said. But it also has a chance of going wrong when she just teleports around and pulls her into her Inventory. Good, Wei said. I could just try taking her directly after that. Assassinate her directly. Yeah, no. You can forget about becoming Hells Vanguard if you pull this shit after being invited to a party like this. She turns up dead, and the Old Mans going to take that poorly. Any suspicion that you broke the rules or laws in the Heights? Thats rep-toxic. Dont matter if you can get out of it without getting sued. Agnesia spoke then, her voice low. What if what if we have another way of doing this? What if instead of Rafael, I I go? She looked at the young master, and Wei felt his guts turn cold. He almost disagreed immediately, but the Shell compelled him to remain silent. Follow her logic. Trust in her. Do not let weakness overtake you. Keep going, Wei said, encouragingly. She wishes to collect me as well, doesnt she? Agnesia said slowly. Well, if what she says is true, and Im an essential part of her plan to poison, or whatever she wishes to do against the dying queen, then wouldnt that place me next to Aerea? Way paused for a moment, and Bishop grinned. It might. No guarantees, though. And it will definitely leave you at a disadvantage. You wont be a slave, but youll be watched for good. Perhaps my anchor can be hidden within her Inventory, Wei said. I could free her from whatever binds her. And I could also send whoever she needs over via my Inventory? The anchor Agnesia replied. Yes, she still doesnt know that youre a System-host. If you can break whatever hold she has on me, and then carry people across through me, then we might as well have an army behind her walls. Its dangerous, Raphael said finally. High risk. When hasnt there been too much risk? the princess snarled. We are in the claimed hells. Our lives are not even our own. Our fates arent even our own. If we cant do this, if we dont dare, then were just waiting to die. The sheer vitriol in her words made Wei worry. The girl was growing increasingly angry. Her flames were burning hotter indeed, but the control she had was slipping. And her eyesthey boiled, they simmered. He worried that he wouldnt be able to stop her from doing something foolish. More than that though, he worried that she wouldnt be able to save herself. And that he wouldnt either. He already lost her mother. If he lost her as well, would his ego survive it? Would his heart? Well, I think this is a good start. A decent plan. And Ill be in the background, helping make sure your mind stays your own, and you know whats coming up. Bishop said quietly. Ill be with you all, every step of the way. Back your minds, and right now, I think I can recommend an expert. Someone specialized in these kinds of operations. Thank you, Master Bishop, Wei said. But you have to understand that after our prior experience You already know them, Bishop said. Theyre not with the Lodge. Not anymore. Wei felt more at ease. Then, this might be more acceptable. Who is this expert? Id be glad to greet them. To glean their measure. You already do, Bishop said quietly. You, uh, youre carrying him. And suddenly, Wei realized who Bishop was talking about. No, absolutely not. II-61 Openings (III) A word of advice to all aspiring tyrants, warriors, and professionals: get over yourselves. Instead of wallowing in pride, learn to work with your familyespecially those who possess the skills you need. You can linger, groan, and lament everything that might have been, but while you''re stuck in the past, a most promising future will collapse before your eyes. -Wei An Wei, The Realmbreaker II-61 Openings (III) Five meters. Five meters of empty space existed between Wei and his father. Five metersand no eye contact. The two men were right next to each other, sectioned off from the others within a mental simulation created by Bishop, but neither addressed the other. Neither spoke, and both found the same spot on the ground to look at. They were back in that dirty barracks, the place that Bishop had first simulated when Wei met him initially. Now, only silence pervaded this spacesilence, the sound of hammering artillery, the clatter of falling dirt, and the sourness of a ruined relationship. There was a lot that needed to be said between them after what they had experienceda lot, yet also nothing at all. Weis loathing for the man burned fiercely, mingled with sorrow over what he had inflicted on his mother. For his part, William didnt look much better either. He was worn, more weary than Wei had ever seen. The young master didnt know if he wanted to just pull the man back into his inventory or cut him down with his scythe. No. Not the scythe. He would have to use his glaive for that. Again and again, he forgot that his father was a trespasser, that the same cursed blood flowed through his veins. William broke the silence. Im guessing that I finally have a use again. Wei chuckled bitterly. Use. William was the first to lay eyes on Wei, the first to be brave, and that offended the Shell. The Skill commanded Wei to look up, and as father and son made eye contact, both barely held it for more than a second before returning their gaze to the ground. So, whats the play here? What do you want? William asked. There is someone we wish to save, to extract from a highly protected area. Wei nodded slowly, as if to punctuate his words. The Scion of Deaths wife, William guessed. Wei held back a look of surprise. Maybe Bishop had told him? No, William continued, still glancing at and deducing the look on Weis face. John didnt tell me. It wasnt that hard to guess. Theres only one reason why the Bastards still with you: you need to make sure that hes not bugged, by the wayplanted with any skills that allow the Collectress to spy on you. Hes clean, Wei said. My Omniscience made sure of that. Yeah, well, its more important to trust your thoroughness than just leave it to your system. Hes clean, Wei reiterated. The man wasnt his father or patriarch anymore. Wei needed no guidance from him. Bishop has confirmed as well. William held up a hand in a placating gesture. Listen, never mind any of that shit, all right? Ill do what I can. Ill do whatever I need to. But right now, he stared straight into Weis eyes, right now Im not that useful. I dont have any capabilities. Im just a normal human without a class. And that was exactly what William was angling fora new Class, power. He should have expected this. But you should also acknowledge the truth, the Shell growled. Hes not what he used to be. We broke what he had. But this could be to our advantage. He is still bound to usa karmic slave. He cannot defy us in any meaningful measure. And so, we hold his fate truer than any other. The Trespassers could arrange for him to get a classsomething similar to Rafael, perhaps? Wei shook his head internally. No, if hes going to get a class, it will be one of his own choosing. Thats unwise, the Shell said. If he is allowed to decide If hes allowed to decide, he can perform to his maximum capability. We are already letting him slip the leash somewhat. Wei paused. He will be helping Agnesia infiltrate the mansion. We need him at his finest. I need him to do this properly. Our loathing comes second. We need expertise, and I do not have enough time to train for this. You know this. Yes, because you will was weak. Because you refuse to Enough of that, Wei said, cutting the Shell off. I grow weary of your pointless whining. Pointless whining. The Shell loomed large, and Wei just stared at his Skill. Yes Im growing tired of you. Your whining. Your whimpering. Everything is not enough. Everything is insufficient. And even after all the effort I have given, its still not enough. Its not about skill. The Shell flinched back as if offended. Wei pressed on. This is more than skill. Its about experience, understandingthe mastery of more than just martial capability. Its about having other people to help us. Its about controlling all variables. He looked down. You were just a first step. And so am I. I alone am not enough. Even Mepheleon has an entire civilization helping him. Fine, Wei said, his voice sharp and vicious as he turned his focus back to his father. You will have what you need. Anything you need. Now it was Williams turn to be surprised. You serious? Weis glare conveyed the full extent of his seriousness. All right, I need to talk to John. Bishop, Wei called out loud. Were ready to return. The surrounding space collapsed, and once more they were rejoined with the others. It didnt take long for Bishop to convey everything they were planning to William. The two spoke through a psoniclink, no words exchanged directly, yet Weis omniscience allowed him to catch most of the details. The two had rapporta long history with each otherand, strangely, Wei found himself feeling jealous. As he stared, Vendrian came close, leaning over. That onehes your father, he said quietly. Wei nodded, wishing he didnt. Vendrian chuckled. Fathers tend to be bastards, friend. Dont take it personally. Or do. It doesnt matter. Mine was just some psychotic murderer, so overindulged in the Hounds power that there was little left of his mind. My birth was Vendrian frowned. Its best not to describe the circumstances. Wei read the horror behind the Scions eyes, did his best not to imagine. Regardless, his faults are not yours. Dont get that shit twisted. And dont let him eat your heart. Wei did understand. He appreciated what Vendrian was trying to say, but he didnt feel it. I wish I killed him, Wei murmured, his voice barely a whisper. When we fought. Now, my hand is I am This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. I did kill mine, Vendrian replied. And it didnt make anything better. I cant say youll be the same way, but its not that worthwhile. The wounds remain. Perhaps if you are that kind of person, youll feel a temporary hit of pleasure, but all things fadeeverything heads to the final end. After that, its about what you leave and what you manage to create. With that, Vendrian slapped the young master on his upper arm and walked away. *** So, this is how we start this, where it began, Wei announced. Were going to maintain our current course of action. We will hold to our good graces at this gala, and tomorrow morning, after training, a series of groans rose from his disciples. We will greet the old man and whatever other assortment of guests is here and make good relations. However, I will approach the Collectress alongside Agnesia to discuss certain mattersmatters relating to the elimination of the Dying Queen. Bishop nodded at that. Its a good angle, especially since she still keeps coming after you anyway. After a pause, Agnesia continued, I will petition her to take me into her charge post-haste. Ill do this alongside Wei, but Ill ask to be taken into safe custody for concerns about my safety and to further our alliance. After that Agnesia turned and stared at William, and the man just shrugged. Dont worry, Ill be able to find a way. Bishop, you got the Class ready, right? The other Trespasser nodded. To your specifications. Though, two years is a little low. Ill make it work. I dont need too high of an Essence Level. Dont want to draw too much attention. Were going to keep combat minimal and stealth maximal. After that, youre going to mingle with some high-level players, Bishop said. Among these, theres probably quite a few dukesone you might want to pay attention to. The Duke of Pride. Gold Skull, so to speak. Gold Skull? Wei repeated. Bishop created out a mental projection of the duke. True to his name, his head was entirely goldenyet he lacked any features. It was mostly just a slab of gleaming material with no eyes, no ears, no mouth. Beneath that, however, his body was layered in slats and stacks of gems and other baubles of considerable wealth. He seems to be more aligned with the Circle of Greed than Pride. Wei frowned. Bit of a crossover. Hes, uh, jumped between the two factions several times. Bishop continued, However, word on the vine is that hes taken a special interest in you, and he wants to invest. Invest? Wei said. Yeah. The Old Mans been putting a good word in for you. He says, uh, you might have a good future in the Bloodgrounds. Expect to be doing some exhibition matches during the gala. Some up and comers will be wanting to test your measure I didnt realize there were fights here as well, Wei murmured. Boy, there are fights everywhere. The Claimed Hells is built on war, on politics, on jousting. Being able to kill someone? Well, thats a skill set everyone can appreciate here. Wei considered that and nodded. So, while I draw more attention, Agnesia will be pulled across by the Collectress, placed in the mansion. And through thatthrough hermy Source Anchor will be deployed. And so will I, William continued, Bishop will be on communications and intelligence, and Ill perform infiltration and sabotage. Part of Wei loathed involving his father in this operation, but he had to use all his capabilities to make sure that things went well. He wasnt going to risk Agnesia after losing her mother. And what about the rest of the disciples? Rafeal asked. The others are still resting after a long, hard day, Wei observed, examining them. The less they know about this, the better. Its very easy to let information slip. Yeah, Bishop said. Good call. Youre learning. Now, Raphael, youre going to be on standby. You, Wei, and a few other people I trust. The good thing about the Source Anchor is that you dont need to bring an entire team in to have the skill set of a team. You guys can be jumping across through Agnesia or William to solve specific problems that might arise, and then be back in a blink. You want to do this in a controlled environment, and while Im providing cover for you. Essence fluctuations are easy to notice, and I guarantee yousome Dukes, theyve got a keen eye. So, you dont expect to fly under the radar so easily. I wish to be part of this as well, Ellena voice intruded on the scene. Her eyes were fullly open, and she was standing where she once lay in Slumberland. Bishop pulled her into the psionic projection, and the others regarded her for a moment. Mother, Agnesia said, she stepped forward. You should Ellena held up a hand. Please, I do not wish to speak of my current condition. I simply wish to be of service. Wei opened his mouth, but she insisted, her voice pleading, Please, pleaseI want to be useful. I do not want to think about what happened. With a slight nod, he accepted her wishes. So, we will be performing an infiltration? she asked. Yes, Wei replied. And my daughter, Agnesiashe will be an offering? Her voice wavered at the word, but Agnesia cut in sharply, No, not an offering. Her tone hardened with steel. A poisoned seed. Ellenas face contorted with concern, but she said nothing more. Very well. I will see what relations I can garner for us. With what has happened so far, and all that youve achieved, I think I can potentially strike up some bonds worth keeping. Bishop nodded slightly. I can point a few interesting individuals out to you. Youre not bad at the diplomacy and the talking, but things dont exactly work the same way in the Claimed Hells. Ive noticed, she added. But I think I can manage. What do I have to lose by this point. Her words engendered a sickness within Wei. If there is any I dont wish to speak of it. I dont! Ellenas outburst came sudden and silenced him at once. Everyone else looked on, stunned. The former queen let out a shuddering breath. I apologize. But let us focus on resolving the problems we can, and let the ones we cant just be. A lull entered the conversation and Bishop grunted. Yeah. Yeah, I get you. Well. Listen. You guys should focus on resting and getting yourself back together. Im going to see what else I can pull together and get some kit prepared. William, you know the score. Walk them through what you expect to happen. And Agnesia The Trespasser winced. Im not gonna bullshit you, this might turn out seven kinds of shit. You dont have to go through with this. There are other options. And what are they? Agnesia said bitterly. Will we be able to execute them in time? Will people stop coming for me? For my mother? For all of us? The Trespasser didnt say anything. Theres only one way for us to live. And thats power. Thats killing those who are coming for us. No other way. No other path. No other path. Bishop stared at her a moment longer and sent Wei a direct message. You might want to talk with her after this. Her mental state aint doing too good. Might want to take her someplace where she could blow off some steam. Someplacethe Tower of Possibility. Yeah. Shes about there. You should get her boosted up before anything else. Wei gave Bishop a nod of gratitude before the man faded. As the mental simulation holding them collapsed, Wei looked at both Ellena and his father before moving for Agnesia. Mother Agnesia said. Ellena turned away and began to walk down pillows and sheets. Agensia. Darling. Let me be for a while. I wish to to take a walk. Awkwardly, quietly, she descended the hill of comfort and ventured toward nowhere in particular. Her daughter looked on, torn between obeying her mothers wishes or following thereafter. Rafaels jaw swung open, but all that came were miserable grunting noises. Fuck, he finally surmised. Wei shook his head and called out. Agnesia. I need to speak with you. Several eyes fell on him, but he didnt care. Wei, we need to talk with her, Agnesia said. Shes not like thiswe have to tell her thatthat I need you powerful and prepared for what is to come first, Wei said, softly. There is a place I need to show you. A place of power and trials. Her mouth formed an o-shape in confusion. The Tower of Possibility. Where I gained my new Specialization. We go there. Now. All of us who will be a part of this. He looked at Vendrian. You too. And why are we doing that? the Scion of Death asked. Weis expression hardened. Because. Now is not the time to be boiled by our thoughts. Now is the time to make toil our salve. Training. Practice. This is what we need. This is the only cure Ive ever known. Vendrian blinked. Alright. Show us this tower. Not like theres anything worthwhile to be doing around here. II-62 Team Building (I) There is one thing, above all other things, that determines if youre going to thrive or die in the fathoms. Its not even how high your essence level is, or how rare your class is. Its not about your skill in combat, though that goes very, very far. Its not even about what kind of artifacts you have, though that might just save your life. No, the fundamental, average thing that decides whether a trespasser lives or a trespasser dies is who is standing beside themyour team, your army, the people you work with. That, that is what makes sure that you see another day or that you find yourself sleeping in the dirt. Sure, you can get plenty powerful here. Your class can grow and allow you to burn mountains or, if you survive long enough, even boil entire realms. But thats nothing without a proper force behind you, a proper apparatus and architecture. Even the Mepheleon to hold his arrogant ass up. And what youre gonna learn is that the higher you climb, the more youll need other people, not less. We dont exist alone. We never did. -John Bishop, Trespasser II-62 Team Building (I) Wei activated the item he obtained from the Tower of Possibility. He felt a pocket of space rupture and suddenly be pulled across. It was as if reality had become a canvas, and he was standing on the surface of quicksand. But rather than sinking through, he was drawn alonginverted. One moment he was in Slumberland, held in the Old Mans mansion at the heights of the Claimed Hells; the next, he was exactly where the Tower of Possibility stood. Not even his Omniscience could fully describe what happened. It was like an overlap in spaces, or perhaps a punt between places. Well, Vendrian said, shaking his head as he adjusted to the disorientation. A little bit of pre-employment would have helped. He glared at the young master, but Wei could only shrug. It is not as if I expected this, Wei replied. The Scion of Death glowered. So what, this is the first time youre using that thing? Yes, Wei replied. Vendrian looked up and began to massage the bridge of his nose. Great. Perfect. So you didnt know if that was going to turn us inside out, or actually teleport us. Why would it turn us inside out? Vendrian just stared. You know, sometimes I wonder if youre really smart or just really fucking dumb. And increasingly, I think the answer might be both. Youre too goddamn trusting and too goddamn paranoid at the same time. Somehow. By the Hound. How did I get out done by you. Wei wanted to retort, to reject the Scion of Deaths accusation. But his Shellthe traitor that it wasagreed without protest. The Trespassers are not our allies, Wei. They never will be. Take heart, and listen to the Scions words. There is a reason why he lives in chains. We must never become like him. Looking around, Wei realized that the door connecting the Tower of Possibility to the Trespassers Lodge was nowhere to be seen. Goodthat would grant them some privacy. Aside from that, the rest of the space resembled exactly how he remembered it: countless frayed bridges of gleaming crystalline wood extended outward from the central pillar, and there, a flat, golden surface awaited, seeking the integration of someones class. Agnesia surveyed the area, her gaze taking in every detail as determination and impatience flitted across her expression. So, wheres the portal? When do we get started here? she asked. Wei gestured toward the large screen layered over the enormous base to which every bridge was fused. I simply need to get things set up. Let me see As he approached the screen, a sound came from above, followed by a ripple of subtle Essence. It wasnt a massive emanation of power, but it was substantial enough that it couldnt be ignored. Someone well above Knight-Tier was emerging from a spatial rift. A second later, Wei sensed the signature of John Doe, and the Trespasser leaned over the edge. Wei made eye contact with the trespasser, and the man offered him with a quick nod. With a casual hop, John Doe descended from a bridge a few hundred meters above the ground. This was no colossal feat for a Classed, but he landed without a soundevery bit of force that should have crashed into the ground simply surged into his armor and vanished. Wei blinked, impressed. That took quite a feat of control. How did you do that? Is that the product of an Artifact, or something resulting from your Skill? John Doe didnt reply. He simply observed Wei with an inscrutable expression, and the young master strained his very Ambition not to look away. There was something flat in the mans staresomething unnerving. Here for training? John Doe finally asked, barely glancing at the others Wei had brought along. Indeed, Wei said. We wish to take our minds off recent matters. John Doe didnt inquire further. Instead, he continued studying Wei. Give him nothing, the Shell growled. Wei held strong, and finally felt a pressure lift from his mind. There. That wasnt natural. John Doe was using a Skillor a Title. He had to be. So, John Doe said, finally breaking the silence. Are you here to train as a group, or to seek personal evolutions? Wei considered that for a moment and then grinned. Probably both. Were going to do a full assessment. After which, he looked toward the Scion of Death, and then, Agnesia. I think it is good for me to get a grasp of my companions capabilities. That would be wise, John Doe said. Do you want to participate?Wei asked, his curiosity and fascination getting the better of him. The Trespasser had challenged him to a duel at the end of the week, but perhaps he wanted to accelerate the timetable. Wei would welcome such a thing, after his recent shaming at the hands of the Souldrinker. John Doe considered him for a second before shaking his head. We are still on track for engagement. But right now, I have other matters to attend to. Wei didnt let his disappointment show. None taken. I wish you the best of luck on your endeavors, Master Doe. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. John Doe shook his head. Im not a master. Never was. Never will be. This drew Weis attention. For cultivators to push aside accolades was usually a demonstration of false modesty. Still, what was the purpose of a feat or achievement if one could not nourish their pride and rise to new heights? We are only ever students. John Doe finished, only ever disciples. Wei didnt know how to reply to that. But before John Doe left, he gave Agnesia a final glance. You, he said, addressing the princess directly, it wont help you. What? she replied. The anger, the frustration in her voice was palpable. It might push you. It might be useful for someone weaker than you. But it will only end with you dying on someone elses sword. Youd better master it before it swallows you. And with that, John Doe walked past them. With a wavering hand, a doorway opened, revealing the hallway leading to the mansion where the Trespassers resided. Wei narrowed his eyes at the departing Trespasser and tried to guess at what they were thinking. A snort from Vendrian told him he wasnt the only one who was put off by John Doe. What the fuck was that? Vendrian growled. You feel his Essence pressing down on us? Lke a boot on my Will. That was John Doe of Trespassers Lodge. Wei watched as threads of crystalline wood crawled over the doorway and sealed the path shut. I am due to face him in an honorable challenge at weeks end. The Scion of Death sneered and spat, Trespasser cunts. They think they know these Fathoms better than we do. They think theyre so special, so blessed. He spat again, somehow hitting his first globule with a second mouthful. Why do you hate the Trespassers so much? Wei asked. Vendrian glared at him from the corner of his eye. For a few moments, Deaths Bastard said nothing. Youve never had an infestation of them on your home realm, have you? No, Wei replied. Then, he considered his father. Not an obvious problem, anyway. Good. Ill tell you this: They think theyre better than us. They dont even believe were realthat were actual people. Theyll come and take and raid and defile whatever they want. Worst thing is how easy they can just take to a Class. How they slip and slide into spiritslike the mystical is just a soul-glove for these bastards to wear! Vendrian took a moment to steady himself. Ive killed so many of them. So many that just appeared on my world. Like a locust. Like a plague. They burned people. Killed people. Stole and took. And every time I cut one down, I saw the confusion in their eyes, like a childs eyes, like they didnt think they deserved it. And I was the monster. Me. So. To make an ugly point simple, fuck the Trespassers. Fuck them, fuck their corpses, and fuck their soulsexcept they dont have any. Wei blinked. Forgive my brother, Mourning said. The swords sigh told Wei this wasnt the first time Vendrian gave this speech. One does get tired of cutting through Trespassers, however. I would protest, but too often the cause is beyond just. Quite the speech, the Shell deadpanned. Indeed. Behind Wei, Rafael shuffled awkwardly. The lich found a certain patch on the ground to be interested in. It was odd for the usually gregarious Trespasser to be the quiet one in their group of four, but right now, silence seemed like wisdom. Right, Wei replied. Well. Since you''re with us, your life has taken a turn for the better. Yeah? Hows that? Vendrian frowned. Were going to be killing a lot of Trespassers. And eventually were going to take their world from them. Wei smirked. No need to perform anymore half-way acts of revenge. The Scion of Death considered that for a second and grinned slightly. Shit, Wei. You gotta way with appealing to a bastard. The young masters felt his joy dim slightly. We might not be all the different. Might not, the Bastard nodded. Suddenly, he angled his head past Wei, and just then, the young master noticed Agnesia stomping toward the screen at the base of the towers center. Agnesia, wait. You need to Wei began, but then he saw Essence tendrils extend out from her. They splashed into the golden screen, and at once he felt the Tower of Possibility come alive around them. Okay, good instincts. The girl didnt trade any banter with him. That set the tone of her mood sufficiently. Welcome, Agnesia of Dawnrest to the Tower of Possibilities. The towers voice filled the chamber. Agnesia looked up slightly and scowled at nothing in particular. Class Specialization Evolution threshold reached. Would you like to undergo Yes, she snapped, without hesitation. Acknowledged. Receiving Class information Please hold. She turned, fixing a vicious glare on Wei, and suddenly he felt a shiver dance down his spine. It was as vicious a glare as she ever gave him, and behind her eyes was an infernoan inferno that was constantly building. Then, suddenly, the flames sputtered, and her expression softened. Sorry. I need to I need to hit or burn something. I understand, Wei said. I share the same urge. But keep your focus. So you are not the one who is burned or struck. Agnesia let out a slow, shuddering breath. Yeah. Alright. So, what do I do here? She gestured at the various bridged extending upward and grimaced. This is a big place. Dont tell me I have to pass through all these bloody portals? No, Wei began. Here, the Tower will sort through all the portals and realms that might offer you an adequate challenge. They will start from common-level challenges, in which you will face a scenario you must overcome or an adversary you must defeat. Once you do, their existing Classes will be offered to you as an evolution option. Afterward, you can choose to evolve your Class. And I have to do this alone? Agnesia replied. Correct, the Tower of Possibilities answered on Weis behalf. Generating 54 specialization rifts. At once, Wei felt a series of portals open far above him. The majority gave off weak Essence signatures, but the final ten ground against Weis spirit, and one among them felt nearly as overwhelming as the one that held the Celestial Vanguard. Wei winced internally. Agnesia had grown quickly and substantially in terms of power. But power wasnt enough in this case. For whatever advantage her strange flames could provide, Wei didnt fancy her changes against an enemy like the Celestial Vanguardor even the Graviton Brawler. She simply didnt have the skill. And he couldnt fault her for that. He spent his entire life as a cultivator. She was a noble young mistress of a non-martial sect. Or something of the variety. Alright, Agnesia took a deep breath. Suppose I best be on, then. Ill make this quick. The young master offered her a weak nod. Fight well. But if you are bested, if you fall It will be my fault, Agnesia replied, her expression growing sour. My weakness. Its not your You will awaken outside the portal and might be granted the chance to try again, Wei finished, speaking over her. Agnesias eyes went wide. So, what? These challenges are non-lethal. I wouldnt have brought you here if there was a chance you might die, Wei said flatly. This is supposed to be a place of power and growth, not crippling and death. She stared at him for a few moments longer, and something almost like a grin crept over her face. Well, then. I think I might be able to get some steam off after all. Focus on winning, Wei said, not liking the reinvigorated glow behind her eyes. Oh, certainly. Wings of black and gold flame burst out from her back, and she looked upward. Wei. How many times did you need to retry? None, he answered casually. Her wings froze mid-flap. Her head shot to him again, eyes wide. You jest. It is the truth. Doubt me, and delude yourself. Her eyes twitched. Fine. Then Ill do the same. He sincerely doubted it. I sincerely doubt that, Wei said, unable to resist taunting her. Her face turned red, then she exploded up into the air with a growl. A trail of fire painted the path she traveled, and Rafael and Vendrian both stared up at her. Was it wise, taunting her? Rafael asked. I couldnt resist, Wei admitted. And she could use a bit more motivation beyond sour anger. The Scion of Death for his part let out a low laugh. Yeah. Poor girls probably going to eat shit. We going to get a chance to watch? Wei turned his attention to the golden screen. Yes. Let me see if I can get this contraption to obey me. II-63 Team Building (II) Ignium. What can be said about the Dragon God. The Creator, the Destroyer. Well, lets start with the fact that direct attacks against them or their Scions will be rendered in effective. Fire? Forget it. Force? Well, you better surprise them, because anything they see coming will hypercharge their Essence. Seriously, fighting the Scions of Destruction is a pain in the ass. But you dont need to fight them. Not at all. Now, if youre not a moron, you probably already know what Im hinting at. For the mouthbreathers reading this, heres the direct idea: Smash their minds; jack up their perception; control them. Make them struggle before deception and illusions. And when theyre out of Essencedrained and confusedgo in for the kill. Its not a perfect method, but it is an effective one. Remember that winning a battle doesnt mean you have to kill everyone. Disabling or repelling is just as good. Dont let your murderous desires to screw you over. -The Trespassers Compendium II-63 Team Building (II) Well. Shes doing better than I thought she would, Vendrian said, enraptured by the violence taken place on the golden screen before him. His arms were folded, and Mourning hovered in the air beside him, radiating auras of frost and healing. Indeed, Rafael breathed. A loud draconic cry sounded from the Tower of Possibilities systems and the lich shuddered. She also sounds like my mother after I mixed colors with whites one too many times. Such a rage I will never forget. The Scion of Death eyed the lich with a frown. What the fuck is that supposed to me? His gaze turned to Wei. The young master shrugged. It is about separating articles of clothing when they are to be wash Rafael was cut off as a massive explosion sounded from the projection. Scenes of fire and violence played. The enormous flaming minotaur that served as Agnesias current foe wasnt having a very good time. First it lost its charge, then she broke off his horns via her draconic avatar and shoved them up a very unpleasant region of the body, and now, finally, she was dragging the man-bull all over the place, using their face like a plow. A snapping sound echoed through the room as Wei, Vendrian, and Rafael all shuddered. The minotaurs pelvis looked like it was jutting out at three places. The creature was screaming, howling for her to offer it a swift death. To make matters worse, it was also burningher fire overwhelming the bosss. Her technique is non-existent, the Shell said, shaking his body in disgust. There is so much we must remedy. She has willingness, Wei said. Instincts. She is winning on brute force alone. This will not stand when stronger adversaries come. No. No, it wouldnt. However, Right now, at that very moment, what she needed wasnt training or an increase to her skill. No, what she needed was what she had said earlierto hit something, to set something on fire, to deliver pain and not see pain delivered in return. The Minotaur served that purpose nicely. Though the massive beast flailed and projected beams of fire from its eyes, it crashed uselessly against Agnesias Draconic Avatar, splashing like a small spray greeting a falling tidal wave. For her part, the Draconic Avatara Skill that composed a five-meter large projection formed of ash and goldclutched the bulls broken pelvis and proceeded to rearrange it even further. A series of sickening cracks followed, and a piercing shriek filled the air. Wei didnt think a bull could scream that high. But then again, he also hadnt realized you could do that to a bulls pelvis. All right, this is getting kind of sick, Vendrian said, though the edge of his lip was quirking up slightly. No, no, Wei said, holding up a hand. Let her have this moment. Vendrians features darkened. Bloodlust and torture arent habits you want to develop in a fight. Shell get in a fucked up habit. Ill correct her later, Wei replied. For now, he gestured at the unfolding scene. Let her have this. Life has been unkind to her. Lifes been fucking unkind to us all. Its not a good excuse. Just kill the cunt and move on. Wei looked at the scion of death and simply shrugged. Excuse or not, she needs it. We do not interrupt her while she is composing herself. Vendrians eyebrow quirked up. Whats she to you, anyway? A respected companion. The Scions face twisted into a sneer. Yeah. Sure. He didnt say anything else, but Wei felt vaguely annoyed by the way the man grinned at him. It didnt take Agnesia much longer to finish the other rare category challenges. She tore what seemed to be a massive kraken in halfa kraken that bore a resemblance to the one they had seen in the arena. This one, too, wielded weapons; but rather than blades and scimitars, it held hammers and its tentacles layered in thick brigandine armor. She melted through one of its tentacles and boiled it alive from the inside. It was a quick fight, though no less horrifying. Her next adversary, the last one in the rare series, posed the greatest challenge to her. She fought a swarm-like entitysomething that could dissipate and reform at an instants notice. Effectively, it was a swarm of locusts that coalesced into a giant insectoid being. It was fastmuch faster than Agnesiaand when she tried to burn it initially, she found herself always a step behind, a moment too late. Frustration overcame her. Frustration, rage, and lack of foresight combined as she wasted ten minutes of her essence, consuming entire sections of her surroundings, melting through buildings, and leaving glass furrows across the landscape. Her destructive capabilities were astounding to behold, but her sloppiness reminded him of himself before the Shell began its corrections. Remember, you embarked on your path to true mastery at the Tower of Possibility as well, he thought. It is good that she makes these mistakes now. Yes. But she doesnt exactly have an Antediluvean rarity Skill to guide her. Indeed, the shell agreed, but she can learn. Perhaps she must fall, but she will. There is nothing better than real steel on steelthan iron sharpening iron. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. With a feral cry, Agensia channeled all her Essence into a wide-sweeping blast. The forest-based realm the battle took place was consumed by golden fire. The insectoid adversary tried to escape, but each of its lesser bodies came ablaze from the heat, and eventually vanished into the light as well. A moment later, Agnesia emerged from the portal again. She refused this evolution quick. Wei expected that. Insects didnt seem to be Agnesias interest. Leaning down from the bridge she stood upon, Agnesiia flashed Rafael, Wei, and Vendrian a quick, bloodthirsty grin. Might be done with this sooner than I thought. Faster than you, Wei. The young master tried not to laugh. He failed. The cockiness faded from her face, and in its place came indignation. With a muttered Ill show that bloody stupid young bastard, she exploded up toward the next nearest portal, continuing her warpath. Getting too confident, Vendrian commented. Indeed, Wei said, but lets see how long she lasts. We can help her once she empties all her frustration and anger. I am not sure if this is the psychologically sound strategy, Rafael said quietly. But I must admit: I do like watching her burn things. As she moved on to the Epic category of challenges, her true trials began. A scene unfolded on the golden screen as Wei observed her loading onto a massive platform. This platform drifted alone amongst a whirlwind tide of storm clouds and her adversary. Well, it seemed they were nowhere to be seen. But as with all things, there was more than met the eye. When it came to the class specialization evolutions, there was always a catchalways something special about the adversary they were facing. Once you reach the epic category, you shouldnt be facing anything mundane anymore. The adversaries always had an edge, something surprising, and this time was no different. Agnesia looked around, her perception alerting her to nothing. Her face contorted with suspicionand rightly so. For a second thereafter, a shadow loomed over her, one she had barely noticed in time. She barely materialized her Draconic Avatar in time to ward off a lashing claw. The adversary this time was listed as a Lv. 150 Stormwyvern Knight. It fell like a stake from the heavens, lightning coursing along its length as it crashed hard against the top of Agnesias manifested avatar. The platform shook. Storm greeted fire as both Essences clashed. Yet, Agnesia remained standing, her materialized avatar wrestling the wyvern with claw against claw. Huh. A rider. I didnt expect that, Rafael commented. True to the lichs words, there was a small figure on the massive wyverns back. The beast Agnesia faced seemed to be sculpted from dark iron and smoke. It was twice again as large as her avatar, and its head was narrow, like someone painted eyes and other organs on a knife. Rows of teeth bit down on her black-gold flames, while on its back, an armored figure prepared to deliver their own strike. The rider work smoking plates that wafted trails of eerie green into the turbulent skies. Lightning crashed against their armor, and flowed into a massive lance that gleamed like a falling star. As Agnesia channeled a blast of fire into his wyvern, the rider thrust his lance over his mounts head and struck her avatar in the eye. A cry sounded from Agnesia. She twisted back, trying to pull the lance out from her avatarbut a bolt descended from above and hypercharged the riders acceleration, driving her down against the platform, and pulling her along the ground. A massive explosion of electricity engulfed the platform. A shockwave opened a pocket in the stormcast skies. When the scene cleared, Wei noticed Agnesias avatar had been impaled through the skull, and that the wyvern was flapping its wings and dragging it toward the edge. Weis nerves began to come alive with anxiety. The girl kicked and clawed, using her manifested form to grip the ground and halt her path, but the rider twisted their lance, and she gave a shriek of pain. Wei looked away. Something in his stomach did a flip. Face this scene, coward, his Shell chided. This will be her life if she chooses to stand by her own strength. Think of all the times you bled and cried out. Why would her fate be any different? It shouldnt. But he didnt want this to be her life. He didnt want her to suffer and struggle. He should have been enough. She Agnesias screams turned to a furious roar. A hand shot up and seized the wyvern by the neck. With a burst of ridiculous strength, she pulled the flying beast down and used her avatar to bite down around its neck. The wyvern crashed into the draconic avatars embrace, and the rider went sailing off its back. Yet, rather than shooting past the fast approaching edge, the riders lance extended, punching clean through the platform as they came to a complete halt. At the same time, before Agnesia could deal any lasting harm to the wyvern, the creature dissolved into hissing smoke that drifted up into the air and began to swirl around the riders body. Slowly, it poured into their lance, until the weapon changed shape, lengthening to become as if a large axe edged by darkness. There the Stormwyvern Knight rose, but a step away from the edge of the platform. A few meters away, Agnesia breathed heavily, her Draconic Avatar regenerating. Flames filled the messy hole that the rider made of the avatars left eye. Fine, then, Agnesia said, gritting her teeth. Ill take you seriously. Her flames crackled with greater intensity while the rider held their weapon up in salute. For a beat, nothing happened. And then both exploded into motion at once. Agnesia came like a falling tsunami, fire erupting behind her as she bellowed. The rider meanwhile practically danced across the platform, wasting nothing of their Essence as they drew closer. She channeled a blast of fire, but with a slash, he unleashed his wyvernthe beast expanding into a veil of darkness and smoke. At once, the platform was engulfed in shadows, and though Agnesias flames were all-consuming, she couldnt destroy what she couldnt see. Shit, Vendrian muttered. Think shes done for. Wei shot the Scion a look. What? Vendrian added. Look at her. Shes just pumping out fire everywhere. Trying to burn everything. Shes not going to last. And you saw how easy it was for the fucker to put a hole in her. All he needs is a single opening. And the Scions words rang true. As waves of fire blasted out of Agnesia, she found herself illuminating a swirling shroud of darkness. Yet, none of her power struck her adversary, and she found her Essence dimming. A groan of exertion escaped the girl as she stumbled. Her avatar flickered. Then through the darkness came the rider, their lance gleaming bright like dawn riding over the horizon. The rider exploded, tearing through the darkness like a meteor. Agnesia twistednoticing them at the last second. Her avatar turned. Reached out. Massive, scaled claws seized the oncoming attack. Weis eyes widened as he grinned. Good. The girl had some reflexes. For a moment, it seemed like she was Without fanfare, the avatar burst into nothing more than falling sparks. The princess was dry of Essence, and the knight lunged, continuing their thrust. Agnesia flinched, extending both hands to catch the strike herself. Wei winced at the sloppiness of her actionpractically shouted for her to use Railblade Slash to create some distance. Just then, her Artifact activated, and he took a breath. Too soon. Lightning surged along the Ferromagnetic weapon that flowed along her body. She zipped forward. Into the rider. Chest first onto the lance. Wei struggled not to look away. Or cringe. Of the many defeats hed seen, this one was particularly embarrassing. She practically threw herself onto her enemys blade. This was basically a suicide. I think she choked, Vendrian grunted. Got nervous. Closed her eyes. Reacted. Then went straight into the lance. Agnesia gasped and struggled for a few moments longer before she dissolved into fractals of gold and ash. At once, the portal she passed through came alight, and Wei felt her spirit spill back across. Her body materialized just before the rift, and she lay there groaning while in the challenge dungeon, the knight saluted her fading form. Wei, Rafael let out a tense breath. How do you think she will take this? The young master considered Agnesias personality. Well. I expect a bit of a tantrum to start with. Come on. Let us provide our critiques. There is much to be improved. OFFICIAL BOOK 1 RELEASE ON KU GREETINGS! BOOK ONE OF SYSTEM BREAKER/INFERNAL ASCENSION IS COMING OUT ON THE 25TH A NAMING CHANGE HAS BEEN APPLIED AND MASSIVE CHANGES AND IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE TEXT, THE CONTENT, AND THE SYSTEM ITSELF. SPECIAL THANKS TO DATH FOR ALL HIS EFFORTS DURING THE EDITS. CHECK IN FOR A FAR BETTER READING EXPERIENCE AND MAXIMIZED VIOLENCE.
This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Wei An Wei was a prodigy, the young master of the worlds greatest sect, destined for glory. But that future burned to ash the day his father murdered his mother, shattered their sects sacred defenses, and unleashed the legions of Hell upon their world. Left for dead, Wei should have perished. Instead, a mysterious System saves himone designed to break reality itself. Reforged by its power, he rises once more, stronger than ever. Now, he will chase his father through the Claimed Hells, a realm of demons, warlords, and beings beyond mortal comprehension. Here, there are no sects, no virtuous cultivators. Only the strong and the damned can survive. But Wei wont just survive. Hell ascend. And in the end, neither the Heavens nor the Hells will stand in his way.
ALSO, IF YOU HAVEN''T GOTTEN PAST CHAPTER 51... GET TO IT, BECAUSE THE STUB IS COMING IN ABOUT 10 HOURS. II-64 Team Building (III) To enlighten the ignorant is akin to lifting a feather, but to grant wisdom to the stubborn demands the teacher bear a mountain. -Ancient Evernest Proverb II-64 Team Building (III) So, Im guessing this is the part you tell me what I did wrong, Agnesia said sullenly. She was sitting there, right outside the rift, cross-legged and frowning. She hadnt thrown as much of a tantrum as wed expected, but her mood was dourexactly how a noble young lady would behave if she didnt get what she desired. For a few moments, the young master, the Scion of Death, and the trespasser lich looked down at her. They exchanged glances, and Wei considered how he would approach the topic. Well, to start with, everything. She extended one of her cross-legged legs and likely kicked him in the ankle. Wei didnt grant her the dignity of responding with a wince. Arsehole, Agnesia muttered under her breath. Its still true, Wei said. You went out that rider like a raging bullwasting your Essence, swinging your arms wide. He took a deep breath, pondering how he should continue. You have quite a bit of power, quite a bit of Strength, especially for your current level. But alas, skill and mastery takes a lifetime to gather, years of focus, years you do not have right now. So, youre saying Im just hopeless? Agnesia replied, her tone growing ever more dour. No, Wei replied firmly, there is more than just skill. There are also the choices you make in combatintelligence. You dont need to best everyone in a direct duel. What you can do is force your enemies to fight on your termsto face your overwhelming firesyour ability to dominate the Concept of Destruction. But that means you need to spend your Essence properly instead of wastefully. At that, Vendrian let out a chuckle beside Wei. The young master eyed him and asked, Do you have something to add? At that moment, Vendrian let out a chuckle beside Wei. The young master eyed him. Do you have something to add? All this talk of tactics and strategy was going to be wasted on her. She wasnt going to be able to keep it in her head. Vendrian looked Agnesia up and down. She looks like she hasnt even thrown an actual punch in her life. What the hell is that loopy shit you keep doing? Agnesia wilted. Its supposed to be a hook. A hook? Vendrian deadpanned. Looks more like a sloppy haymaker to me. But hey, it doesnt really matter. Youve got enough firepower to put a hole through a small hill; its just a shame you keep swinging and missing. All right, all right, she threw up her hands. Im terrible. Not terrible. Just very unpracticed, Wei said, now glaring at Vendrian. We must go over each and every one in detail to ensure you never commit these faults to action again. Fucks sake, Vendriain interrupted witha sigh. Thats not going to be very helpful for her. She just needs to do one thing right. Keep things simple. Simple, Wei said, gritting his teeth. Was this scion of death challenging his role as patriarch? Yeah, simple, Vendrian continued. Shes not going to be able to focus that much in the fight. Her mind goes blankshes not you or me. Shes not used to the chaos and horseshit. So, a simple plan. Thats all she needs right now. Wei stared on at Vendrian for a few seconds longer before he turned to Rafael. And what say you, friend? What do you think? The lich went still, considering his predicament. He was trying to get someone on his side, but he was also interested in what the Trespasser might say. Childishness aside, the Young Master did want to heed Rafaels insight. I thinka synthesis of our mutual philosophies is the best way we proceed, Rafael began. Vendrian snorted. A synthesis? Philosophies? Hounds Frigid Cock, you sound like a nobleman spraying shit from his lips. Rafael ignored the Bastard and continued, Its very simple, Agnesia. He took a step closer, kneeling to meet her eye-to-eye. In that moment, Wei realized the lich was naturally was much better at this human interaction thing than he wasand that made him feel a special kind of offended inside. When you are fighting, Rafael continued, you seem to react as if you use your power like a large club or a hammer. What are you thinking? Agnesia considered his words for a moment, her face darkening with passing thoughts. ImI dontthisthis rage that overtakes me, like I need to break them. Its part of my class. Wrath. It demands that I hate the thing I fight, that I give everything I have to destroy it. Even as she spoke, her aura of flames swirled and crackled, building with intensity. Slowly, she forced a breath from her lungs and relaxed. I dont think Ill be able to keep calm. She looked to Vendrian. Youre right. Okay, Rafael continued. So, with that in mind, we need you to harness your rage and use it in a conducive way. Lets say, for instance, did you notice that the knight was much weaker than you? That it used strategy and avoidance to engage you? Agnesia nodded slightly. Yes, itit struck at me, using its mount as a distraction several times. And then the shadows IgniumI have no idea how to overcome such a skill. Its like I was completely blinded. It swallowed my other senses as well. I cant hear. I cant even feel right. I looked to Rafael as he slowly considered how to counter such an attack. Agnesia didnt have the ability to Essenceshift. Suddenly, the young master realized how much he relied on that skill. You must develop more options, his Shell declared. She is not the only one who learns here. So then, if you cannot overcome that skill, Rafael continued, offering further counsel, I think you should avoid encountering the problem in the first place. And how am I supposed to do that? Agnesia said, a bit of heat entering her voice. Its very simple, Rafael replied. You fight simply. Instead of swinging and smashing as hard as you can, you He made a sweeping gesture. you grab onto him. You bring him into your flames, hold onto the riderignore everything he doesand channel all of your fire in that instant. You burn him down, you overwhelm him, but you never let him go, no matter what he does. I do not think he has your Constitution, your Strength. Agnesia considered the lichs advice and nodded slowly. Yes, yes, I think I can. I think I can do that. Especially since I managed to strike himI stopped his lance. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. Wei and Vendrian shared a scowl. Both felt a little outdone by the lich. Yeah, Vendrian added, backing up Rafaels advice. The thing about the grapple isyou want to reach around and catch the rider. Remember how the Wyvern just turned to smoke? It can still hit you, but its not a reliable target the other way around. Wei built on that. You can circumvent that problem. Make the rider think youre going for their mount. If you go directly for them, I fear they may be too fast for you. Surprise will be your ally here. All right, all right, Agnesia repeated twice, her confidence slowly returning as her essence began to build. Im going to take a few more minutes to recover and and Then she turned and looked at the rift again. She swallowed. Then I guess Ill give it another try. Another try. Wei knelt down, evening his level to hers. He stole the strategy from Rafael. Do not worry about failing, he said. Dont worry about pride. Worry about poweryour strength. Think of your mother. Agnesia suddenly went still, and her mouth dropped slightly. Wei continued. I know it fills your stomach with cold agony. I know. But feel it, and know that youre still alive. Know that you can overcome. There is only so much that the world can hurt you. Now you hurt it back. And if you want to stop feeling it, then you must take from the world. No matter how many times you fall, no matter how miserable it is, rise and take. They shared a look, and her jaw hardened. Slowly, she rose, and he rose with heronly to find himself a good half-meter short of her height. The moment was slightly ruined for Wei, but he repressed that feeling. This instant belonged to her; it was meant to bolster her confidence. All right, then, she said. That was nothing. Losing once is nothing. My brothers have seen them taste the mud plenty of times while training. Im no better than them, but Im also no worse. This got Vendrian to offer a rare gin. Yeah, get your ass kicked enough, and it goes the other way. Stay the course. Take your licks. And then fuck them back. The princess clenched her jaw. Right. Fuck them back. *** Agnesia began her second attempt with her Draconic Avatar already manifested. She materialized on the platform with her manifestation holding its arms wide, anticipating an attack from aboveyet this time, nothing came. However, near the periphery, in the massive storms that tumbled and whirled around, a dark shape slithered and shot, gliding like a serpent beneath a torrid river. Her eyes tried to track the adversary, but it moved too fastfar too fast for her speed. Great. They adapted too, Vendrian said. Thats fine, Wei replied. She needs to wait for them to come to her anyway. After a while, Agnesia stopped circling and stayed perfectly still. Wei winced at that. She knew what she was trying to doto goad an attackbut still, remaining stationary was death. One must be fluid, capable of immediately bounding into motion. Come on, Agnesiaroared, her Draconic Avatar carrying her voice above the roar of crashing waves and cascading lightning. Come on, face me, coward, coward! You could hear the nervousness in her voice, and within the Draconic Avatar he saw her hands shakingsaw that quiver run along her lipbut still she stood. She glared, she roared, and she held. This was the first step for any cultivator. There was fear, but there was also something greatersomething they wanted more. Suddenly, a shape burst out from the stormwall behind her. It blinked across the distance of a full kilometer, riding fast as the winds peeled from its bodya creature of shadow, iron, and claw. On its back, the rider hefted its lance high, gleaming brightly and poised to pierce through her back. Within a heartbeat, they were upon her, and she was only halfway into her turn. Suddenly, however, Agnesia dismissed her Draconic Avatar. The lance punched through nothing. A second later, the avatar re-manifested, and she twisted, lashing out with burning claws and clamping jaws, pulling the wyvern down as she reached over with her other hand and seized the rider by his midriff. Got you, Agnesia snarled. Her Essence swelled. She channeled every last bit of her flames from her body. It was as if her Draconic Avatar was going into a supernova. Twin wings sprouted from her, extending further and furtherreaching nearly a kilometer in length, their burning wingspan igniting the world around her. Everything combusted into screaming fire: starting orange, then black, then gold, and finally the purest white. After a few moments, as the rider struggledstabbing and piercing her Draconic Avatar with his gleaming lancehis own armor began to heat, and he started to writhe. Rafaels plan had come to fruition. The rider wasnt strong enough, wasnt nearly tough enough to endure what Agnesia could dish out. A second later, before everything faded into brilliant nothingness, we saw a gush of fire rush out from his visor as his body convulsed in a death spasm. Shit, Vendrian chuckled as he shook his head. She won that shit fast. Fast fucking learner. A few seconds later, the spatial rift pulsated again. I was surprised she hadnt even considered this specialization, but then again, it didnt fit her. Though the rider was an effective adversary, Agnesia didnt seem like the type to rely on a summoned mount or the Aspect of Speed to combat her foes. Such an approach demanded more maturity from her capabilitiesmore skill, skill she sorely lacked. That got him thinking. She needed an evolution that granted her a lot of power, for power was what she had right now, power in great supply. He needed to advise her on this, make sure she didnt go down the wrong path. A few seconds later, she peered over the edge, and after keeping her face neutral and serious for a moment, she broke into a large grin. Did you see that? she cried. Did you see that? She jumped down as wings of fire spread from her back, and she came soaringbarreling and twisting through the air in jubilation. Yes, Rafael said with raucous laughter. We saw. You did perfectly, perfectly. Wei found himself bearing an unwilling smirk as well, and he suddenly noticed that Vendrian shared the same expression. As they both caught each others glance, they forced themselves back into a sneer and a grimace, respectively. They couldnt over-encourage her; right now, a bit of joy after defeat was natural. But to allow it to fester and flourish into something too much? That was the breeding ground for arroganceundeserved arrogance. Did you see that? she said again, her voice high and shrill. Once more, she was just like a girljust a girl. Yeah, we did, Vendrian said. Congratulations. You can follow basic instructions. Guess that makes you smarter than half the dumb bastards who live here. Including me. Her smile turned awkward. It was a good performance. This I cannot deny. Wei gestured toward Vendrian. What matters is that you followed our instructions and executed. You wont believe how many Outer Court Disciples cannot do such a basic thing. He gave her a reassuring nod. Well done. Truly. At his praise, her face lit up with genuine joy. You really mean that? she asked. Yes. You learned and adapted well. Be proud of this moment. Be proud of what you have done, what you overcame. And her smile lost its arrogance, becoming rather genuine. The flames around her softened, the gold overcoming the black, as she was lit by a radiant glow. So then, she breathed, On to the next one. No, not yet, Wei said. We should go over things. No, Vendrian interrupted the young master. She should go off and get her ass kicked again. The young master looked at the Scion. He wanted to rebuke Vendrian for interrupting him, but he found himself fascinated instead. And why do you say that, Vendrian? he asked. Because shes won oncetriumphing over her failure. But now, she needs to get a good kick in the teeth again, so she dips. And then, hopefully, she wins again, and then dips again and wins again. So she knows the score. Knows the score? Wei said, testing the euphemism on his tongue. Yeah, a victory isnt guaranteed, but you can always get better. You can overcome who you were before. Thats what matters. Thats what keeps you going. The young master nodded at that. I see. And after everythings done, Vendrian continued, then we go over what you could do better. Or at least, when you run into a bottleneck you cant overcome. Right now, were just picking at fish bones. As much as Wei wanted to go over every one of Agnesias failures in excruciating detail, this might be more efficient. He looked back to the princess and gave her a nod. Well then, I suppose its as you said. On to the next one. Agnesias face solidified into a determined expression. Well, maybe I wont lose. Maybe Ill just keep winning. The young master and Vendrian shared another look at that. Both of them failed to hold back a snort. Suddenly, Agnesia wasnt smiling anymore. Arseholes. II-65 Team Building (IV) When youre fighting as a team, its important to designate one person as a leader. One. Now, unless youre a hive mind like a hive chinor one of those inter-archive wormsmost people need a single set of commands to follow, and that is need. Not want, not prefer, need. Because when things get chaotic, and shit flies off the rails, you need to react instantly. You need to act instantly. You cant sit around and wait for someone to decide on your behalf, because usually, that ends with you dead. So, if youve got leadership quarrels, settle them. Settle them quickly. II-65 Team Building (IV) Agnesia improved substantially after defeating the Wyvern Knight. However, a slight improvement wasnt enough to overcome the next adversary she faced. She entered what appeared to be a sunken valley trapped between two magma-veined mountains. She walked down a long, rock-laden path. Crystals jutted from the ground, lining the rock walls like blowing outcroppings. As she slowly ventured forth, the soft, trickling sound of a river flowed beside her. At the lowest point of the valley, she found a single figure hovering in midair, seated cross-legged, as streams of magma trailed down from the flanking valleys and coalesced into a circulating pattern between his hands. The figure looked humanoid; however, his outer shell was composed of volcanic glass, with intricate patterns scrawled upon the surface of his body. His eyes burned like embers in the dark, and instead of just two arms, he sprouted sixthree on each side. His legs, meanwhile, were like a birds talons, capable of ripping and snapping into lengths wide enough to encircle Agnesias torso. Magma Alchemist: Lv. 165 Wei immediately got a terrible feeling as he laid eyes on this adversary, recognizing the bearing of a cultivatorsomeone who walked the martial path. Yeah, I dont like this, Vendrian said, lending his voice to Weis apprehension. The young master nodded. Let us wait and watch. She will need our counsel after this. As Agnesia approached, she ignited her Draconic Avatar and stared defiantly at the Magma Alchemist. So, she said, trying to keep her voice even, Im here. You going to start the fight now, or? The Magma Alchemist raised his head, and slowly the patterns that lined his body shattered into fractals. These fragments drifted until they settled around the alchemists forearms, splashing materializing as armguards and crystalline gauntlets. Suddenly, the alchemist began to burn bright. Veins formed and extended from a place on its chest, and its core began to thrum, glowing brilliantly like the heart of a fire awakened. It left his cross-legged position and placed its feet firmly on the ground as its Essence spiked. Holding out a single arm to Agnesia, it said, Come, and waved several fingers tauntingly. The princess blinked momentarily, then had her avatar release a beam of dark gold fire at the alchemist. The alchemist stomped forward, and the ground fractured as magma sprayed upwards in a geyser. Suddenly, Wei felt an impossible sense of control grip the searing fluid. The lava then shot forward with a job from the alchemist; it turned into a coruscating tide that splashed against Agnesias beam of flame. For a moment, her blast was contested. But for all the alchemists skill and power, he was not a Scion of Destructionand his element was that of fire, and fire was Agnesias to enslave. At once, her Essence overwhelmed the alchemists, but the six-armed fiend responded without shock. He shifted back into a practiced stancea frontal, balanced stance. He twisted, and immediately the ground beneath him opened wider. The alchemist danced upon the magma, sliding from place to place as the heat and flames accelerated him. A glass platform became a surfboard beneath him, gripped by his feet. He shifted to the right, his body a blur as her shot missed by the barest margins, and he twisted along the walls, sliding and accelerating as he came for her. She noticed him at the last second and expanded her flamesa blast sending her in all directions. But suddenly, the alchemists patterns twisted along his arms; he made a series of gestures and, with a single step, vanished into her fire. Agnesia blinked. What? What just? Suddenly, several gleaming spikes embedded in the valley wall shot out. They speared toward her, the first crashing against her Draconic Avatar and shattering uselessly upon her extreme constitution. Still, the impacts jolted her, sent her stumbling, and made her cry out. Then more crystals shot from the ground, spearing along the length of her thighs and legs, punching deeper and faster. As they struck the sides of her avatar, they detonated. The blasts were diminished, thanks to Agnesias dominance over destruction, but with her focus shattered, and her balance lost, she couldnt master her Essence in time and took the full extent of these blows. The shards knocked her off her feet, but her Draconic Avatar clawed out, reaching for the ground instead of manifesting her wings to stabilize her flight. Wei winced at her every reaction. These were the instincts of an untrained amateur. A powerful, untrained amateur, but still. Just then, the alchemist re-emerged. He strode out from the final embers of a crackling flame and narrowed his eyes at the display. That skill he had just usedthis abilitymust have been analogous to his essence shift. It allowed him to merge with fire, somehow, masking his essence beneath hers. It didnt matter if she was superior or inferior; if she couldnt sift through what she was unleashing, then her own attack would be used against her. Clever, deviousand now, it would exact punishment on Agnesias folly. The girl was still midair when the alchemist leapt upward. He exploded off the ground, the obsidian glass platform lifting and accelerating him. He sent an uppercut right between her ribs, and, disoriented, she had no chance to counter. Her body folded inward. Her avatar let out an anguished cry, and suddenly, his face became a blur of fallen flame. Every blow struck like a meteorite hitting the land; massive explosions reverberated. She slammed into the side of the valley, and then more crystals greeted hertheir spear points exploding as she slammed into them, throwing her back against the alchemist. He caught her in a grapple, sealing both her arms and her head as he channeled flames from his legs. They accelerated downward, both of them protesting as he lowered her in the fashion of a suplex. Agnesia barely had any time to react before her head slammed into the ground, and another blast of fire erupted. This time, both she and the alchemist faded from view as a mushroom cloud rushed up along the walls of the valley. Even through the deafening blast, the rapid noises of fists falling like raindropsimpacting like hammers upon wet fleshcould still be heard. Every blow made something break. Every strike sounded like the slap of a hammer on the corpse of a pig. Well, Rafael said, I think that maybe she might want to do the opposite with this one. You know, stay away. Not like with the rider. Yeah, Vendrian muttered, his voice flat and low. Yeah, thats probably right. There came a sickening snap as Agnesia was flung from the flange, twirling in the air like some kind of ragdoll. The girls body and limbs were twisted in strange directionsdirections that human joints were not supposed to accommodate. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Then, suddenly, the alchemist rose, lashing upward with an open, taloned leg. Clawed digits closed around Agnesias head before she could reactand then twisted back. Her head folded well over 270 degrees and the princesss body spasmed. Before she could fully dissolve, the alchemist twisted his body, and with a brutal tug, tore her head from her corpse before spinning back to a hovering meditation with her skull in between his clawed legs. Seconds passed. Agnesia rematerialized outside the rift. Wei, Vendrian, and Rafael looked on, wordless and expressionless. Well, that was a horrifying fucking shitshow, Vendrian muttered. *** Well, that was bloody horrifying, Agnesia breathed. Shed just finished hyperventilating and screaming about how shed lost her head when the trio arrived. Wei helped rub her back and tried to calm her down, while Vendrian simply stared through the portal, his expression a mix of curiosity and grimness. Yeah, I think I would have had to fight that one a little bit, Vendrian said. Okay, maybe more than a little bit. It was pretty good with its fists, a real Hound-fucked pugilist. Not sure if I would want to be fighting it head on. Looks like a problem. Wei was surprised by Vendrians admissiona warrior wasnt usually comfortable admitting his own shortcomings. But a great warrior was usually at least of their own limitations. Finally, Agnesia calmed herself enough to continue. What did I do wrong that time? Wei looked to her, wanting to say, Where do I begin? but it didnt seem like the right moment. Instead, he glanced toward Rafael, seeking a smoother interlocutor to deliver advice. Maybe dont be too close to that onefly and burn the entire valley. In fact, you might want to keep your distance altogether, Rafael said , holding up his hands in a placating gesture. Altogether? Agnesia repeated, like fighting exactly the opposite way I did the rider. Yes, Wei carried the conversation forward. You do not have the skill to fight this up close. Theyrenot exactly the best unarmed combatants Ive ever seenbut between their ability to fade into fire and their master grappling means you are but prey up close. Right, Agnesia said. She looked back at the portal and her hands tremored. S-sorry. Its just I felt my head come off. That was I didnt think. Take some time, Vendrian said, his voice softer than his usual gruff tone. Death does things to your mind. Id know. Dont go rushing back. Indeed, Wei agreed. Also, I concur with Rafael. You do not want to fight it in the valley at all. If you can lure it above, or somehow reshape the environment, that would be to your advantage. It can control the magma and the crystalline spikes. So, youre not only fighting the Magma Alchemistyoure also fighting the terrain. He shook his head. That was one of the worst things about this matchup. You must consider the ground you fight on. Right, take flight, burn the valley, try to lure it out, Agnesia concluded. Anything else? Wei paused, considering how he might approach the Magma Alchemist. Frankly, if I were in your place, simply face them head-on. Fist-to-fist, even. It would be a worthwhile challengeinteresting, actually. They have a similar enough skill set. But you give yourself room. I have something you need to focus on mastering: Escape and evasion. What? Agnesia blinked. Yes. You need to make room for yourself. Evade. Avoid. And then re-engage. Do not simply trade and brawl. Use your power of the Concept of Destruction. Make your enemies run from you and A thought came to Wei. Perhaps a demonstration would be best for her. Wait here. He stood and walked toward the rift. What are you doing, Wei? Agnesia asked. Im going to see if I can give you any better advice, Wei replied. But for that, I need some practical experience myself. Hold on there, Vendrian said, following him. He wrapped his fingers around Mourning, hovering just beside him. I want to see about this fucker too. Oh, good, Mourning muttered. Please forgive my brother, he is ever desperate to be included in all things. Deaths Bastard just snorted. Maybe me three, Rafael added. Just then, the Tower of Possibility declared, Warning: None of you are capable of class specialization evolutions. Enter anyway? This will not count as a successful challenge. Wei, Rafael, and Vendrian exchanged glances. Fine, Wei said. Lets all see what we can figure out from this adversary. He turned back to Agnesia. You go down and watch, see what you might be able to learn. Agnesia stared at them, her jaw slack as she muttered, All right, Ill just just catch my breath. Yes, Wei said firmly. Recover. He turned his gaze forward. Me, Rafael, and this bitch will see what we can learn from your foe. Wei, Vendrian said. Yes, this bitch? Go fuck yourself. *** Way, Rafael, and Vendrian stood before the mouth of the descending valley. A soft coldness radiated from the mourner as she let out a long sigh. Is this truly necessary? she asked. Yes, Wei said. Im curious as to how my companions think they might overcome such an adversary. Same here, Vendrian added. But if Im to guess, youre just going to dance with it. Dance, Way replied, raising an eyebrow and trying not to reveal his offense. He didnt dance with peoplehe dueled them. He maneuvered them and struck them down when they were at their strongest. It wasnt some frilly-footed bard. Yeah, dance, Vendrian concluded. He promptly started bouncing back and forth on his two legs while holding his arms out in an exaggerated manner. You dance and fly about, you taunt and you mock, the Scion of Death chuckled. Youre like a fairy knight from the childrens stories. Youre about as tall as one too. And what of you, Wei said, his eyes narrowing, you swing and you yell and you lose control of yourself while half the time your fathers doing the fighting in your stead. At once, the mirth drained from Vendrians face and he leaned down. First off, fuck you Brother, Mourning said, her voice cutting through the argument. Im tired of this childishness. If we are to do this, if we are to give Lady Agnesia any useful advice, it will not be on the back of two boys jousting with their genitals. Both Wei and Vendrian looked at the sword. Were not jousting with you you This is unbefitting vulgarity, Wei finished. And just like that, the tension between them was shattered. You have interrupted essential banter. I have spared us the misery of listening to two overgrown children trade insults. It is even likely you two might end up brawling each other before ever reaching the alchemist. Wei and Vendrian looked at each other and both did their best to keep their pride. The damnable sword really wasnt wrong. So, Rafael said, slipping into the conversation, I was thinking perhaps I could use a skill or a cipher to hide our presences. If this could work, and if I could give Lady Agnesia such a boon, maybe that might make her attempt also more fortunate next time. Both the Scion of Death and the young master considered the lich again. Cowardly, Wei said. But effective, Vendrian surmised. It might cripple her future development, Wei said, worried about giving her an easy way out. She needs skill. She needs experience. To have everything made easy for her, well only see her made less capableand weaker in the future. For future tasks. With that said, Vendrians mind turned to the Collectressand the fate of his remaining family. Yeah. Yeah. They ventured down the valley. Vendrian swept the walls, glaring at the crystals, while the Young Master simply marched ahead. A few moments later, they found the Magma Alchemist. The foe was cross-legged, waiting for them, as he had for Agnesia earlier. Wei sensed the Essence flowing out from hima thing of fire, of volcanic rock, and of the burning crystals that lined these valley walls. More than that, however, there was something else, something refined in the way it wielded his Essence. The alchemist reminded him of a cultivatormore and more, someone with deep finesse and focus. And the Magma Alchemist responded in kind. As he lifted his head, it noticed Wei as well, sensed something of a kindred spirit in him, and immediately he rose, breaking from its cross-legged posture and facing him. For a few seconds, neither reacted. Both simply observed each other. Then the peace was broken as Vendrian charged forth, bringing his massive blade to bear. With a loud roar, he let out a vicious slash, and a beam of purest cold spliced through the air, freezing the surrounding crystals as well. The Magma Alchemist, so entranced by Wei, barely dodged in time. The ground before him exploded with magma spraying in all directions. However, fluid heat greeted the deathly cold, and a clash formedobsidian spread in a moat between the alchemist and the Scion of Death.111 A little warning next time! Wei cried out. Sorry, Vendrian grinned. The form of the Hound began to solidify around his body. This bitch gets hard of hearing sometimes. II-66 Bad Instruction A word of advice to all lords, tyrants, and emperors who wish to be. If you are going to force your will on one of your subjects, or perhaps a wayward companion, make sure that they have something to fear. If they cannot die, and you cannot reliably overcome them each time, every time in martial combat, they have the option to simply ignore you, maddening as it is. When such times arise, you are forced to indulge in that most lamentable practice of rational discussion -Wei An Wei, The Realmbreaker II-66 Bad Instruction Wei observed a few things as he watched the Scion of Death battle the Magma Alchemist. The first was the Scions training, or rather the strange nature of his training. His fundamentals were sound, though the way he struck and lashed with his blade was unorthodox, to say the least. Sometimes he swung it as a club, while at other moments he recovered it with stunning skill, wielding a massive slab that moaned like the lightest rapier. Afterward, however, he would evolve into something more bestialsavage, wide, brutal slashes that left him open before he recovered and maintained a solid guard. From this, Wei saw that Vendrian was in a constant battle not only against his enemies but also against himself. The Hound strove to take hold, gnawing through his consciousness, and to fight with a focus and skill that required the mind of a man. And the Hound? What meaning did skill have to the Hound? They were a being of death, elemental. Even if Vendrian was cut down, his death would not be permanent. More importantly, it became someone elses problemfor when he fell, another would assume the duty of death in his stead. The Mad Alchemist, meanwhile, was quite the opposite. Unlike when facing Agnesia, the creature did not have any advantage in capability or speed, but it struck with precision and focus. Its fists impacted the Hounds skull, his armpits, and other vulnerable joints at a rapid pace. Crystalline shards exploded from the walls, striking the sides of the Hounds body and knocking him off balance. Through it all, the Alchemist glideddancing upon the lava-choked ground and maneuvering on a platform of obsidian. None of this mattered to Vendrian. He simply pressed on, falling like the inevitable breath of the coldest winter. The volcano could erupt and spew heat into the sky, maintaining its warmth a little while longer, but the rivers would freeze, the winds would chill, the trees would shrivel, and in the end, entropy would take the land. Such was how Vendrian won his battlesthrough attrition and entropy. Yes, his Strength was monstrous; yes, the cold he exuded sapped all the power and potential for his enemies to retaliate. But he was simply hard to kill, and he wouldnt stay dead. He charged upon the Magma Alchemists with reckless abandon, his strides turning obsidian fragile and brittle, the stones and volcanic glass shattering under him, while the lava itself could not touch him. The Alchemist found itself constantly backing away, always retreating, and with each passing second, the coldness only grew. It was as if Vendrian were a channela doorway to another realm where the coldest cold spilled through, where a final winter awaited to consume all. Watching this, Wei could only shake his head in disappointment and scorn. You are too blessed, he muttered under his breath, then considered his system and all the benefits it conferred. But if there was one thing it couldnt grant him, it was a second chance. If he was struck down, that was that. If he was too wanting, too weak, too slowthat was all. Vendrians flaws were laid bare before him, and his strengths required no cautious preservation. So he fought recklessly, and this wouldnt do for Agnesia. It was also unfair for the Magma Alchemist. Thus, he gave Rafael a look. Im going to make this affair even, he said to the lich. Rafael cocked his head. Wait, what do you mean, even? he asked, Wei patted the lich on the shoulder and grinned. Give me an illusion. In fact, mask me from perception and sight. I wish to Wei cast a glance aside as a column of spearing ice shot up through the air in the distance. It was vast and thick, cleaving into the surfaces of the valley, and like a second tooth pushing its predecessor free. Several lava-blasts followed, but they were quickly smothered by the cold. ...make this more of an even fight. Rafael looked at him dubiously, somehow conveying worry without eyes. Or a face. Or skin or muscles. Wei, I is this wise? Are we not doing this to help Lady Agnesia? But what if I offer an Aspect Advancement? Wei queried. Say no more, the lich said, waving his hand. Rafael began to trace patterns in the air, constructing Ciphers as he drew from his own Essence, from the light in the air, and from the heat that surrounded them. Wei grinned as layers of work fell over him. He saw his hands grow translucent, felt a shimmering barrier wrap around his body, and soon his Essenceshifted, drifting closer in the battle as he sought to even the tides. As he found the alchemist, they were tumbling head over backa patch of their body completely encased in ice. By this point, the alchemist had covered over 20 kilometers of distance, accelerating upon his platform of obsidian. Meanwhile, the trail he left behind was rapidly freezing, an ashen cold crawling over the magmas brightness. Vendrian and his sword-bound sister were coming, and even Essenceshifted, Wei could feel a turbulent chill grinding against his very spirit. A massive, looming figure flickered along the contours of the steam lingering in the air. A dull shape manifestedtoo coherent to be a mirage, yet too soft to be matter. The Hounds shadow fell, and for a moment, it eyed Wei. But it did so indifferently. It didnt matter what schemes he was concocting or what he planned to do. Its focus was solely on one matter: Death. And on his scion. Wei noted the alchemists body, judging it for wounds and damages. To his astonishment, the Magma Alchemist remained mostly unharmed aside from that single patcha patch where unhealing ice was chewing through its flesh. Testing his own power against the Hounds once more, Wei washed through the Alchemist, channeling himself as a gust of divine wind. Even though he infused his celestial flame into the wind, caressing and coiling around that patch of ice, he found himself unable to remove the harm. His Reconstruction could not restore what had been broken by the grave chill. How annoying. He took to the air again, the Alchemist turning and lashing out with its fists. It sensed him, but it couldnt tell exactly where he was. Compared to Agnesia, Wei had far more vectors of attack to unleash upon this foe, yet he wasnt interested in cutting them down. Rather, he wanted to see if he could make this fight any harder for the Scion of Deathif only to embarrass the man and mock him afterward. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. FOCUS YOUR ATTACKS BROTHER! FOCUS! Mourning cried. Ah. Wei watched as the sword flashed, wrenching and wrestling with her Hound-consumed wielder. While Vendrian seemed lost, his blade made up for his fugue by aiming strikes and channeling her own power. Truly, this was a most unfair battle for the Alchemist. But even so, the battle Mourning fought was a losing one. Vendrian seemed barely there, more natural disaster than person, a blizzard trying to smother a volcano. Wei, what are you doing? a chat message filtered into his perception, and the young master couldnt help but chuckle. Agnesia was speaking to him now, her frustration evident even in textual form. Im merely trying to guide him and to make this entire exercise worthwhile to you. A brief pause came from her, and the next message followed. How is this supposed to help me? Hes just swinging wildly, dumping so much power outits absurd. How does he have so much essence? I have nothing compared to him. Hes the son of Death, and I Her message ended there, clearly conflicted and feeling overshadowed. Wei understood. Sometimes, though certain disciples might try their very best and give all they had, what separated them from the others was a lack of talenta lack of inherent understanding or instinct. He had always pitied those disciples. Indeed, he even admired them for continuing to train despite what they didnt possess. Yet, the heavens were cold, and the stars didnt care. You couldnt be better if it wasnt in your blood. Such was the decree of fate. But fate, like anything, could be defied if one simply continuedif one kept surviving. A swell of Essence descended from the jaws of the valley. From high above, through thick clouds, came the shine of a crescent moonand then another, and then another. Suddenly, Wei realized they werent moons at all, but rather the projectiles flung by the Scion of Death. They crashed down, striking the land like meteorites, each curving missile impacting the ground and spreading a deathly frost wide. The Magma Alchemist, to its credit, vanishedsinking into the magma and swelling through the ground, across volcanic cracks, as it continued to flee. It was almost a cowardly action, but Wei saw the logic in it. One needed to avoid fights they could not win against foes too overwhelming for them. This was wise, especially against an adversary like the Hound. It was certain that the Magma Alchemist could likely put up a fight, but by whatever measure, the alchemist must have known that Deaths Bastard was beyond its means to overcome indirect violence. Thus, the young master realized two things. One was that the Magma Alchemist was far smarter than he had given it credit for. And the second was that Vendrian wasnt much of a critical thinker. For as soon as the alchemists signature dimmed, and it fled through the volcanic cracks, Vendrian continued bombarding the length of the valleycrashing and freezing every patch of land he could find, completely thrown off by the adversarys subtle actions. The young master shook his head. Powerful, enduring, and blessed with immortality aside, the Scion of Death had some pretty major weaknessesamong which was the fact that he couldnt keep his own mind at all. A pity. Wei went after the Magma Alchemist now. There was nothing for it; better him than that stumbling, berserking fool. Wei followed the alchemist up along the sheer cliff of a valley, then through the uneven surface of a climbing volcano. Eventually, as he rounded the very top, he found himself diving after the magma alchemist, moving toward an obsidian platform hidden at its very core. The volcano here was cracked and veined with gleaming arteries. However, it wasnt activenot yet. The alchemist rematerialized, erupting from the ground in a splatter of lava. As it rose, it assumed a cross-legged position, meditating and trying to recover the essence it had expended while facing the Scion of Death. At a few moments of respite, before announcing himself with a swirl of condensing wind, the alchemist craned its neck slightly, turned, and regarded him. Wei held out his spear, showed the pale fang, and then dismissed it. You fight well, he said, complimenting the creature. He wasnt sure if it understood him or if it was even fully sapient, but it was quite intelligentand for one to practice the martial way, they deserved proper respect. He then got into a stance as one of Agnesias messages loaded. Okay, now youre just trying to humiliate me. No, Wei replied with a smirk crawling across his face. Im not trying to humiliate you. Im just going to do what Vendrian couldnt. Without wasting half as much Essence. Watch closely, Agnesia. Observe the patterns and flaws in its attacks. This is how you will discover your path to victory. The Alchemist turned, facing him as it clenched its layered fists. Fractals danced around its body, and a layer of glass and obsidian hardened along its arms. Thats right, Wei said. Give me this moment. Another message loaded in from Agnesia. I cant believe you. Youre using thisthis moment that youre supposed to instruct meas some kind of cock-measuring contest with the Scion of Death. Wei rolled his eyes. The girl needed to understand one thing: pride. Pride mattered more than anything else. Pride meant he was the best warrior, that he was the one true patriarch of the Drowned Sky Sect. The moment he established his dominance, the better things would be for the future. I cant believe you, Agnesia sent. One could practically hear her annoyance and frustration. Oh, be calm, Wei replied. My ways will see you led right anyhow. You will not be able to fight like him anyway. The brute is a blind savage, smashing through things with overwhelming force and power. More than that, he just cant die. For a few beats, neither the Alchemist nor the young master moved. Wei gestured, beckoning the creature with a wave of his hand, but it refused to take the bait. Disciplined and skilled, it was a pity he would have to kill this onebut also, it proved to be an interesting study. He still had no idea why it fought like a cultivator. Well. He needed to best it. Maybe observing him break it apart might give her some inspiration or motivation to Agnesia. If nothing else, she didnt want to be left behind as dead weight. And so, if he couldnt instill proper technique in her, perhaps he could at least fan the flames in her heart. Just then, Wei felt a trickle of Essence gliding beneath hima hair-thin sliver of power so subtle he might have missed it if his senses hadnt been honed from months of battle. His omniscience caught what felt like a gradual building of fiery power, and the young master sneered. But he had overjudged the Magma Alchemist. For all its virtue and skill, it was still just a monsternot above underhanded means to bring down a foe. It triggered its attack: a jet of volcanic lava shot high into the air, cleaving through the space where Wei had just been. However, the young master was already moving. Wei shot toward the alchemist, and they came at him, the ground beneath them cracking apart. They accelerated with streams of flame propelling them forward, their fists reared back, preparing to fall like a wrathful avalanche. Wei met the assault in kind. Striking as lightning, he was just a bit faster than the alchemistjust enough with all his skill. A first blow sailed, seeking to take his head. The blow was strong enough that it might have broken something, but Wei pulled it off balance and slipped a palm between its many trashing limbs. His blow struck the Alchemist under the armpit, and he felt a set of ribs fracture. Hm. Human in biology as A sudden coldness fell over him. The young master felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise, and then suddenly, an entire section of the walls behind began to freeze. Both he and the Alchemist stopped fighting. Wei let out a sight. Apologies, friend. I thought we would have more And then the walls shattered into broken shards of ice as Deaths Bastard came barreling through. II-67 Bad Instruction (II) Sometimes, beating your friends ass is the only way to know that they are, indeed, your friend. Dont ask me why this is the way things workits just how it is. -John Bishop II-67 Bad Instruction (II) Vendrian, Wei said, greeting the Scion of Death, who had come to a sudden halt at his side. The layers of frost that formed the hound-shaped armor dissipated slightly as Vendrian blinked like a drunkard sobering up. Finally, his eyes fell on the young master. You, he breathed, his voice quivering slightly. Bastard. Wei couldnt help but chuckle. Its not my fault youve lost your quarry. Someone had to instruct Agnesia on how to finish her duel. Bastard.Agnesias message followed, her words mirroring Vendrians sentiment. Once more, the young master chuckled, but the Magma Alchemist did not stay idle. The ground expanded beneath the alchemist, transforming into a spreading pit of swelling magma. The volcanic structure began to tremble as its essence started to build. Weis omniscience revealed that each volcanic crystal was feeding essence back into the Magma Alchemista vast network of conduits allowing more and more fiery energy to rise. Oh, so this must be part of his strategy, Wei mused, to create an eruption and unleash it on an unsuspecting foe. He recalled that if Agnesia had lasted long enough earlier, he wouldnt have doubted that the magma alchemist would retreat to this place of power, unleashing its full skill upon her to bring the fight to an end. Wei righted himself in response, licking his lips as he prepared his dance. He would essence-shift when the flames came for him and force the conflict into a direct, hand-to-hand brawl. Unfortunately, Deaths Bastard did not intend to be so sporting. Slamming Mourning into spreading lava, his frost-edged blade spewed both deathly cold and the vivacity of life into the magma. Miraculously, as obsidian began to creep outwardovertaking the heat and molten flowvines and seeds spread down, tunneling through the hardened glass and thick stone. They reached out, seizing each conduit and burrowing into another line of glass to cool them. The Magma Alchemist stumbled back as if something vital had been torn from its beingwhich was essentially true. Wei sneered at Vendrian. Youre ruining my fun. Im ending the fight, Vendrian declared. This will be something useful for the girl. Later on, when she does this herself, she should focus on destroying everything she can. A big part of this things power is its terrainits mastery over the environment. The alchemist can draw power from its surroundings. Theres no sense in letting her fight at such a handicap. The young master couldnt disagreeit was a wise strategy. Yet, he still wanted to test himself at least. Another moment of glory deprived. Why? Vendrian continued, a slight note of frustration in his voice. Why are you so determined to fight this thing like an idiot? With your fists like some kind of drunk at an inn. An idiot? Wei hated how his voice shrilled. Im simply showing respect to a fellow practitioner. Somehow, even under the Hounds influence, Vendrian managed to roll his eyes. Come on, kid. You lean down. His breath, a gust of cold, tickled Nick as he spoke. Were wasting our time here. We dont need you to show off for your lover. We nearly Wei nearly retorted before he adjusted his comment. She is not mythis instruction is essential for her skill. I must admit that your strategy of moving the crystals and defeating the volcano before it can erupt is a wise one. However, she must learn to fight. She must overcome her foes with superior strategy and skilland often, that is what matters. He clenched his fists, displaying them in a direct combat stance. Your Aspects against theirs. Your mastery above theirs. Vendrian regarded him for a long momentas if a father assessing the ridiculous words of his son. No. I prefer winning. I prefer just stomping on them and calling it a day. Youyou have no pride in combat. No, I dont, Vendrian interjected, his voice an octave lower and two degrees colder. Because Im an actual warrior. The kind that removes the threat. You are merely peacocking. He then planted a large finger on Weis chest. Even through his armor, the young master could feel the coldness. Get this done. Do it quickly. And then we can get back to the girl. And show her what for. She already knows its greatest weaknesses. Your little demonstration here wont be any use to hernot at all. Its not about you. So, lets get this done. The Magma Alchemist lowered its arms and slowly began backing away, seizing the opportunity to escape. The young master flung out his pale fangthe slave pierced the ground right next to the alchemist. His open hand transformed into a pointed finger. You stay there, Wei commanded. We are not done with you. However, the young masters attention shifted to another presencethe Scion of Death himself. Weve never sparred, have we? Wei said, his voice dangerously low. The Scion of Death merely blinked at him. Really, youre going to do this with me now? Wei sneered. Why not? Ive seen the superior threat. The Scion snorted and shook his head. You want to do this? We do it properly. Right now, you need to get your head out of your ass and finish this one. He waved Mourning at the unmoving alchemist. Rafael entered the volcanic basin then, but froze as he saw Wei and Vendrian arguing while the Magma Alchemist remained unharmed. The Scion turned, speaking to the world around him, addressing Agnesia directly. Alright, kid, heres your education. Dont just walk blindly into the valley like a lamb to a butchers shop. Destroy the mountains if you can, and keep them at a distance. If you destroy the crystals, he cant attack you from every angle. And if you force this fucker to keep running, hes going to run out of essence eventually. He doesnt have that much on you, but youre pretty shit at fighting, so keep him at a distance, and if you can, just bomb him from above. With that, Vendrian gave the Alchemist one final look and shrugged. Alright Wei, lets be done with this. Ill keep the fucker still. You end this struggle. He drew a warning and spoke to the blade. Sister. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. I am with you, brother, Mourning replied. Suddenly, Wei felt a new set of essences pulsing from the ground. Vines bundled around the volcanic crystals shot upward as a new eruption begannot one of magma, but of flowing life. Vines, veins, and blossoming flowers layered themselves around the bowl-shaped cavity within the volcano. Weis eyes widened as an overwhelming surge of life flowed into his being. Every ache, along with the new soreness in his neck, vanished in an instant. Delectable, divine scents assailed his nose, and he sensed a system of notification breaking through his stupor. Resisting [Flavors of Effervescence] with Aspect of Constitution Wei finally cleared his mind. What was that? That, kid, is the benefit of having a sister who can twist the very nature of life and nature. Vendrian grinned. Across the way, the Scion gestured at the Magma Alchemist, who stumbled as the scents assailed his spirit, while vibes coiled around his legs. Wei narrowed his gaze. The damn thing didnt even have nostrils. How could it be so affected by these flavors? he wondered. Then it struck him: it was affecting its spirit as wellburrowing into it, drowning it in overwhelming energies, healing it faster than it could keep up. All that excess power had to go somewhere, but there was no place it could be offputted too, and now The Alchemist began to spasm. Interesting, Wei said. Yeah, so now you can go finish it off if you want. Or I can. Vendrian shot him a look. Wei paused, resummoned his Pale Fang, and strode over to the Magma Alchemist. I apologize, he said, frowning slightly at his dishonorable actions. Perhaps in another life. He charged The Alchemist twitched, but clenched his fists regardless. *** I thought you said it was incapacitated, Wei hissed, holding a hand over his swollen right eye. I didnt say shit, you just assumed, Vendrian said, holding his swollen left. As they bickered with each other, Rafael stared at Agnesia, who glared at everyone with folded arms and the strongest pout she could muster. The battle against the Magma Alchemist had devolved into a mess in the end. Sure, the powers of Mourning left the alchemist in a stupor, but it was still rather good with its fists. Good enough to punch Wei in the face at least once, channel one final burst of magma, then punch Vendrian as well. In the end, it was a bolt to the back from Rafael that stunned the alchemist long enough for Wei to drive his Pale Fang through its chest and disintegrate the foe. Well, now you know how to beat the shit, Vendrian said, coughing awkwardly. It wasnt exactly the triumphant return imagined, but they were triumphant. And the girl could get more than a little insight from their actions. Yes, I just needed a lot of new Skillsto be invincible or to be a prick born in a martial-supremacist hellworld that trains you from birth to kill, she replied. The girl was well past pouting now, full on scowling. The young master withstood her whimpering stare and shrugged. Yes, quite simple. The flash of her outrage pleased him, though he tried his best to hide it. You! Suddenly, Bishop materialized beside them. Wei, I need to he began, then looked at them incredulously. What the hell, why are you in the Tower of Possibility? Wei pointed at Agnesia. This ones losing badly and trying to get a Specialization Evolution worth keeping. I am not losing badly, Agnesia retorted. I won most of my fights. Most of them, yes, Wei nodded. Everyone is a winner until they lose. And then sometimes, those who lose dont get to live anymore. He grinned at Agnesia. In response, she hurled a bolt of fire at him. He barely dodged it. Oh, youre getting faster. Or maybe its just because Im covering my eye. Twin golden torches burned within her eyes, and the way she glared at him made him feel thingsthings hed bid his best to ignore for now. Alas, it is time for you to try again, Agnesia, as many times as you can. I think you can defeat this one, though it will be a substantial challenge. Yes, she could defeat this thing. However, the Magma Alchemist was a tremendous foe, and mentioning how low her odds were wasnt going to be helpful. While this happened, Bishop simply pinched the bridge of his nose. Damn it, Wei, I thought you were going to do something useful. Do something restful, even, to prepare for stuff. Not leave while everyone else is sleeping so that you can get into a bunch of dumb shit. Agnesia needs to grow stronger, Wei muttered. Yeah. And that shit takes time, idiot. Youre trying to rush her through this because you rush through everything. Just because slamming your head into every fight you can start works for you doesnt mean shes going to be able to pull this off. I meanshe doesnt even have basic training. She a Scion of Destruction. Half the Claimed Hells is on some bullshit, Bishop growled. You kids need to get back to Slumberland and just take a moment to breath. Spend some time decompressingfiguring out your shit. Not doing this. I wanted to be here, Agnesia said, quietly. I wanted to feel Yeah. I know. I dont The Trespasser restrained his frustration. I get it. What youre trying to do. Keep going if you gotta, but dont be surprised if you find yourself stuck dead. My problem isnt with you. Bishop turned a flat stare at Wei. Its with genius here who thought he could finish Rome in a day. What is Rome? Its a place, but thats not important. Whats important is that you dont waste your time or burn yourselves out. Not with a big op coming up. He let out a sigh and shook his head. Well. Agnesia. If this helps you blow off steam, keep going. But if it doesnt. If this is just going to frustrate you, then Id say you take the night off and just sleep. The princess considered the Trespasser for a moment, and clenched her fists. I thank you for your concern, Master Bishop. But I fear I cannot sleep. They shared a look and Bishop frowned. Alright, then. Do what you gotta do. But keep your head on straight. Youre going to need it for when you walk into the Collectresss den. Agnesias jaw hardened as she sprouted fiery wings and ascended to the portal once more. As she rose, Bishop wheeled on Wei. I need to talk to you about your father and his Class. Actually, I need to talk with you about more than a few things for this shit to go right. But before that, the fuck were you thinking just having her run this gauntlet while shes in such a state? It was supposed to help her keep her mind clear, Wei said, unsure why Bishop was being so uptight about things. And you think live-fire exercises and getting killed over and over in simulated realms will do that for her? Bishop asked. Yes? Wei replied, increasingly confused. Vendrian shrugged his large shoulders. Yeah. Fighting works for me. Bishop finally turned his gaze on Rafael, who froze and then considered the question more carefully. Sometimes physical pain is better than spiritual anguish, the lich answered. Right. I forgot I was dealing with a pack of psychotic battle manics, Bishop snorted. You fucking people. Jesus Christ. Alright. So At that, Wei suddenly felt a pulse of essence. Redirecting his attention to the screen, he realized Agnesia had died againonly her lower body remained. The rest was a smoking ruin. Across from her, the Magma Alchemist stood with two crystalline shards clutched in his hands. How he managed to slay her that time, Wei didnt know, and he was sad to have missed it. From the bridges above, cursing rang out, echoing down and building in intensity. Raphael shook his head. She failed to dodge a particularly well-aimed jet of magma that time. Wei rolled his eyes in disappointment. Tragic. Well. She will learn. One way or another. So, then, Bishop. While the princess chisels away her incompetence, you wish to discuss matters about my fathers involvement with me. Yeah. And also how it could be educational for you as well. Itll be good for you to understand his ways. To use him better. And, hopefully not, but just in case, to put him down if he ever breaks free from your control. The young masters expression hardened to granite. Very well. I am listening. ATTENTION! ULTRA IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! BOOK ONE IS NOW LIVE ON AMAZON Book Link: https://mybook.to/ncBV After months of work, book one is out. I thank you for reading so far, and welcome you to see a far more enhanced, far improved, far refined book one of Infernal Ascension, aka. System Breaker. I would also be much obliged if you left me a review. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
Betrayed by his own blood. Cast into Hell. Now, vengeance is all that remains. Wei An Wei was a prodigy, the young master of the worlds greatest sect, destined for glory. But that future burned to ash the day his father murdered his mother, shattered their sects sacred defenses, and unleashed the legions of Hell upon their world. Left for dead, Wei should have perished. Instead, a mysterious System saves himone designed to break reality itself. Reforged by its power, he rises once more, stronger than ever. Now, he will chase his father through the Claimed Hells, a realm of demons, warlords, and beings beyond mortal comprehension. Here, there are no sects, no virtuous cultivators. Only the strong and the damned can survive. But Wei wont just survive. Hell ascend. And in the end, neither the Heavens nor the Hells will stand in his way.
II-68 The Approach When youre infiltrating a place, you shouldnt be the one worried about whether youll be detected or if the enemy has more surprises for you. Thats something youre going to have to deal with either way. Instead, you want to cause dilemmas for the person youre infiltrating. Give them problems to deal with. The biggest benefit here is that they cant devote the fullness of their focus to you. That is the secret behind most of my illustrious successesillustrious, if you can even call it that. The main thing is, if theyre trying to put out several fires, they cant really focus on all of them. So, you want pressing matters to distract them. Pressing matters such as an attempt on their life, an attack on their businesses, or a troublesome rival youve handed to them. Frankly, get creative. Get them distracted. And while theyre scattered, then you move in. Remember: an unbalanced enemy is a good enemy to raid. -William Yu, Trespasser II-68 The Approach Wei left Vendrian and Rafael to monitor Agnesias progress. The girl was on six defeats and counting. The Tower of Possibility had already begun recommending that she challenge another portalor that she simply forfeit for today and try again later. Her frustration was mounting, as was her rage, but instead of feeding her power, it just made her more sloppy. This, too, was another thing she needed to overcome. A furious adversary wasnt always a dangerous one; one misstep, one act of clumsiness could see one undone. Wei had told her before he left to focus on her skill, to achieve victory whatever the cost, and not to settle for a lesser evolution. That was paramount. They were going to be facing an enemy of spectacular power on their own territory. The Collectress would likely punish every misstep, every slip, and with Agnesia entering the den of snakes, she needed to be strong enough to strangle the serpent in their own nest. This would harden her resolve, or so Wei hoped. It will also let her take her mind off things, the Shell mused quietly. Both Wei and his Skill thought of Ellena at that moment. When they returned to Slumberland, the former queen was still sleeping there, resting as if she hadnt a care in the world. But she was still a dead woman walking. Wei could feel the taint within herthe power that flowed from that final precipice where the Hound resided. He had thought about severing it within her several times, but doing so would bring about her final end. The Hound was the only thing keeping her outside. Technically, she was already past the threshold. Only a single Aspect of herher Mind, retained by the Harbingerallowed her to linger in this present realm, and thereafter a bargain was struck between Wei and the Hound themselves. As Wei returned, snoring, drinking, eating, andin a few casescrying dominated the behavior of his disciples. He made eye contact with the orc chef, who was busy stuffing his face full of pie and filling while wiping his tears away. Oh, oh, Wei, the orc chef said, sobbing. Oh, Im sorry, I didnt expect The young master blinked, surprised at this sudden turn of events. It is well, Wei said, unsure of how to react. He had seen adults cry before, especially during moments of humiliation or when things did not go their way. This, however, was something he didnt often deal with. Perhaps an older or senior disciple would help comfort or reprimand them, or a master might give the instruction they desired. But those people were absent now. Wei was the senior disciple. He was the master. He was the patriarch. Taking a moment away from meeting his father and Bishop, Wei walked over to the orc and awkwardly laid a hand on his shoulder. Despite his pudgy form, there was a substantial amount of muscle beneath. Wei raised an eyebrow at that. Iuh, you can begin telling me what ails you, my friend. The orc sniffled once more. He looked at Wei. I justI came here to avoid fighting, you know. I wanted to be a chef. I wanted to cook and live for myself. But after I escaped from my war-brewing clan, I find myself in the same position I did before. Justjust He held up a pipe. This is what I want to do. I dont want to kill things. Why does everything keep trying to kill me? I didnt ask to be born. Wei looked down at the sobbing orc, and he detected a trace of alcohol on him as well. He tracked the scent to one of the attendants wandering nearbylarge jugs filled with amber fluid that reeked of delectable substances. A besotted party was a vulnerable one. He might need to enforce proper rules upon his disciplesno drinking without his wanton allowance. Still, he let it go for now. He gave the orc a nod. Indeed, the heavens are unjust, he sighed. Awkwardly, he sat beside his disciple. I would not have you forced into this life. It is not my desire to see you humiliated or to force you to run every morning. The orcs eyes widened, tinged with disbelief. Its not he began. Wei shook his head. Now, I know you hate runningor physical activity in generaand I know that His voice caught as he remembered the orcs heart stopping several times. Be it out of fear of my punishment or just determination, I know that you are trying, Wei said, striving to keep the disgust out of his tone. For all the orcs capabilities and the oddities of his Class, his physical stamina truly left much to be desired. But that was just one thing. The path of the cultivator was one to be chosen and dedicated to. Wei held out a hand to the orc in a placating gesture. You did not ask for this. It is an unkind fate. I wish you could be an artisan. But look about youthis place of vice, pleasure, and degeneracy is all that awaits us. There is no better world, no utopia, waiting, not unless we wrestle this realm down until I can do what I set out to do. Wei searched for the proper words to soothe his disciple, only to find that he couldnt even soothe himself. Once more, he thought of Agnesia, of Ellena, of everyone he had failed, and all the times he was laid low. All we have are ourselves. Hold on to your dream. He pointed to the orcs pie. It will come true. Someday. Someday. But you must survive. You must thrive. You must be stronger. They seek to take this from us. They seek to take your peace. Spite them. Be better than them. Thrive. Then, Wei patted the orc on the shoulder one more time. Then you may make as many pies as you wish. The orc sniffled once more, and something hardened behind his gazea strength, or perhaps a desperation. Both would suffice to carry him through the coming days. All right. All right, he nodded. Thanks, Wei. I needed that. Wei considered reprimanding him for not using his proper title as Patriarch, but, alas, they had all been through enough. Wei! Bishop cried out, his voice calling through the transparent veils. The young master rose. Duty calls. Its not easy being a Patriarch. Wei grinned at the orc, and slowly, strangely, weakly, the orc grinned back. As Wei crossed over to where Bishop and his father were waiting, he gave the trespasser operative a nod while completely ignoring William Yu. His father, for his part, didnt acknowledge Wei either; instead, he seemed preoccupied with other matters. A shimmering presence lingered by his hipan invisible blade cloaked in strange essences. Part psionic, part illusion, and part force-related, it refracted rays of light around its surface. Additionally, Wei sensed a trickle of other energies emanating from within his father. Whatever Bishop had been doing, it was fast. William Yu now had a Class againa Class that Wei permitted his father to have on the condition he helps with the infiltration. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Shadowy Infiltrator: Lv. 64. Not very high in terms of Essence Level, however, and Wei frowned slightly. It was lower than most of the demonic attendants around them. Could his father truly be of any use like this? So, I take it we have things to discuss, Wei said. You summoned me here, Bishop. Best that you begin. All right then, Bishop replied. I managed to get some intelligence about what kind of demons and other characters we might be running into within the Collectresss Palace of Lust. However, the mansion is also expecting some major guests today. Guests from this place as well? Wei interjected. From this place, Bishop confirmed. Yeah. Now, dont be surprised. Demonic nobility usually holds little get-togethers, so to speak. Their circles might be fighting, but frankly, one sin never exists in a vacuum, if you understand what I mean. After all, whats a little position in society without the corruption of debauchery and whoring to go with it? Bishops grin was not shared by Wei. Meanwhile, William shook his head slightly. This is a good thing, William said. The girl will be able to enter without drawing too much attention to herself. Shell be just another prize won by the Collectress. The others will barely note her. Larger figuresMarquises, Knights, Counts of Pride, and whatnotwill be the main sources of focus. William eyed Wei. And that is how Im going to stay undercover. I need you to find me someone thats also heading into her realm. Someone stupid enough to accept something into their Inventory. Wei eyed his father. Why cant you just cross over through my anchor? We need multiple entries and options. His voice held firm as he spoke. William hadnt changed his attire, but Wei sensed something different about himhe was standing as if clad in armor, with an extra weight about him. Explain, Wei said tersely. He still struggled to speak with his father without devolving into rage, though he was getting better at controlling that. William began to elaborate. So, your Source Anchorthats one reliable way of entering. But what if Agnesia is incapacitated? What if she gets discovered? She wont be, Wei said, his voice thin. The interruption made William snarl, but then he mastered himself. She might be Weis father paused, his tone echoing the voice hed used when disciplining the boy. And despite everythingdespite how it rankled himthe young master listened. Hes trying to share wisdom, the Shell interjected quietly. We can take whatever knowledge he offers, his mastery. We do not need to respect him as a person, but we will use him as an expert. Despite how much it offended Wei, he agreed, and so he let William continue. We want another approach, William said. The best way is through another guesta patron, so to speak. We dont want another victim that the Collectress is collecting. Those are usually shackled in some way, controlled. And also, their essence levels arent high enough to mask someone else. Thats why I need you to use this. He held out what seemed to be a shadowy pocket mirrora heart-shaped artifact that gleamed in the light. When Wei held it up before himself, he saw nothing but a vague outline of his person in the darkness. If you can slip this into someones inventory, however you might do that, itll be useful for me to get across places. Wei blinked as he studied the essence emanating from the artifact. Mirror of Unseen Pathways (Epic) How many of these Artifacts do you have? Wei asked, looking at Bishop. Bishop grinned. We, the lodgewe dont technically have any artifacts, but other people sometimes see them go missing. The trespasser operative grunted with slight glee. You dont want anything being traced back to you. Thats one rule in this game. Wei wondered what kind of scoundrels, vagabonds, and deceivers his associates were getting into business with. So, on top of that, Bishop continued, I think there might be a way for you to get this mirror into someone elses Inventory without incurring notice. Goldskull. The Duke of Pride? Wei said, narrowing his gaze. Yeah, Bishop confirmed. The one I warned you about earlier. Hes also a major investor in the skin gameslave trade, if you will. Hes interested in unique individuals, sometimes trading them for fun and profit. Thats why hes heading to the Collectresss mansion too. Fun and games. Weis stomach coiled slightly at that. Slavery wasnt unknown to him, even from his days growing up on Evernest, but dealing in such a distasteful business polluted ones spirit and left them stained with dishonor. So, are you asking me to transfer one of my Oh god, no, Bishop sneered, shaking his head and folding his muscular arms to suppress laughter. Wei narrowed his eyes. What now, Master Bishop? Listen, son, Bishop said. First off, thatd be mighty stupid of you to do. What youve got right now wont be enough to draw his attention. Hell, even if you had that Knight of Lust, and maybe the Crossroads lich, that still wouldnt have drawn his attention. Those are dime a dozen down here. You need something truly unique, someone truly specialand I take it you have someone in mind. Yeah, Bishop nodded. Yeah, I think we do. Were getting someone transferred over as we speak. You just need to finish the trade, and come up with a story about how he ended up in your possession. Im thinking, assassination gone wronga second attempt. Wei regarded the trespasser operative for a moment longer, wondering what kind of scheme he was being drawn into. Its the best way to do things, William continued. This way, we have two angles of entry. Once Gold Mask receives this item, hell be heading towards a private tour with the Collectress as well. Ill be able to emerge out from him during this time without him noticing. To this, the young master found himself doubtful. Are you sure? Ive done this many, many times, his father said, his voice low. This is who I amwho I really am. This is my trade: slipping in and cutting people down from the back. Father and son held each others gaze for a moment longer, and Wei was the first to look away now. His stomach still churned with disgust and horror. His entire life, this manhis entire lifehe had never really known him. So it is, then, Wei said finally. What else? What else do we need aside from this? Aside from this, I gotta warn you about an actual assassin. Ive been catching whispersmessages and trades going through the grapevine. The Court of Envy isnt too pleased with what happened in the Bloodgames a few days ago. Someone very, very important just lost one of their countesses, and someone lost a lot of Sins doing some unwise bidding. So while youre here, you might want to keep an eye out and, uh, avoid any suspicious individuals. And the Inheritorsthe Unfallenhave they made any of their movements? Bishops lips pressed together as he replied, Still working on that. You leave the inheritors to me. If theyre gonna make a move, Im gonna try to see if theyre coming. No more fuck-ups like last time. He went out of breath. All right. Then, if this is done, might I Before the young master could finish, Williams words cut through his sentence. Im going with you. I want to get to know your team. Get some kind of understanding about your group. If were working together, I want to know what we got. The young master almost shut his father down, even trying to tuck him back into his inventory to keep him silent. No, the shell said firmly. Our hatred is justified, but we must use himevery bit of him that we can. Do not waste this. Fine, Wei said, his tone resolute. Let us get to know each other properly this time, father. II-69 Expertise Listen, if you need infiltration, sabotage, assassination, theft, or all-around subterfuge, theres only one guy I can really recommend. He went by a bunch of different monikers and names during his time, jumping around the circles. Lets just say he has, uh, purchasable loyalties, but theres no one better than him when it comes to infiltrations. Call him, uh, William Yu. If thats his real name, I dont know, but thats the name you can reach him through the chat. Hell answer. If youve got something interesting, hell answerbut you send your message in first. You pitch it to him. You give him a challenge, and then you place your bid, because this guy, he dont work for cheap. But when he does work, your problems go away, and sometimes permanently. Anyway, just, uh, dont expect to be friends with this guy, and, uh, always remember to burn your traces after, because tomorrowwell, tomorrow he might not be your solution, but an active problem trying to slit your throat. -Excerpt from The Trespassers Compendium II-69 Expertise Damnation! Agnesia screamed. Her voice echoed down from the very heights of the Tower of Possibility. William Yu looked up brieflyone of his eyebrows raised as he folded his arms. Another failed attempt, but far closer this time, apparently. So how long has she been at that? William asked. About, I dont know, the past hour or so, Vendrian grinned. The larger man loomed over Weis father, spending the last few moments taking him in as a wolf would a wandering doe. William, to his credit, barely noted the larger mans stare, choosing instead to scan his surroundings and understand where he was. William knew what the Tower of Possibility was. Wei heard him scoff and say: Here again, after all. Yet, he was seemingly more interested in Agnesias performance. And that was understandableshe was going to be part of this infiltration, after all. An hour, Wei answered. William nodded. And she stuck on Magma Alchemist, Wei continued, careful not to give away too much information. He still didnt trust his father over mucyh. Williams eyes narrowed. Oh yeah, those ones. Theyre pretty good at fightinggot some real hand-to-hand skills. Not surprised theyre giving her trouble. They were created to eliminate highly capable adversaries. Hell, in some worlds, theyre used as cultivator hunters. He and Wei briefly made eye contact. Cultivators, as in from other realms, not ours. As you might be able to guess, Evernest doesnt have anyone capable of facing even a single Magma Alchemist. Wei tried not to let his disgust show. Who was his father to cast such judgment on their people? It was not their fault for suffering weaknesstheir world literally left them constrained, bound to a ceiling, a limit. And now, with Wei capable of breaking through, they would all see; they would all know what a son of Evernest was capable of. It didnt matter. A pulse of essence washed through the chamber as a portal brightened. Agnesia made another attemptonce more, she merged into the valley, and Wei could see how versed she was at running this gauntlet. She wasted no time. Immediately, she materialized her Draconic Avatar and poured her flames alongside the sheer cliffs. Black and gold fire carved deep grooves into the mountainsides as crystals sparked and burst apart. Just as her blaze tumbled forward, swallowing all in its path, the Alchemist suddenly rose, sensing the oncoming attack. William cocked his head. Well, its a good thought. See how she plays it. Alchemist isnt going to stay still. True to his words, the alchemist suddenly dipped down, sinking into a widening fissure of magma as it made for Agnesia again, preparing to engage her up close. The girl, for her part, proved her experienceshe rose into the air, sprouting wings of flame as she began to bombard the area, strafing everything. Instead of focusing on the alchemist, she targeted both cliffs, both mountains, and slowly made her way towards the volcano. William winced. All right, shes been through this a few times. But that place? Thats not where she wants to fight it. I beg to differ, Vendrian said in a low rumble. She needs to target the volcano itself to use her power, her dominion over destruction, to seize this territory from the Magma Alchemists grasp. William considered Vendrians words, and Rafael added, Shes gotten closer than the last few times. The lich hummed with interest, The only reason why she was eliminated prematurely was because, well, she got a little bit of over-enthusiastic shooting fire and got a little too low. Got clipped by one of those crystals, huh? The corner of Williams lip curled into a slight smile. Yeah, thats one of the lessons you learn pretty quickly. Some materials or skillswell, theyll last a little bit longer under harm than others. Took her right in the throat, Rafael said, punctuating his comment with a loud, gagging, choking noise that sounded horrifically and impressively like how Agnesia sounded. Wei regarded Rafael for a moment longer, and the lich noted his stare. I apologize. No, dont. That was disturbing, but well done. You have quite the talent for ventriloquism, Rafael coughed. I try. It might be useful for what is to come. Four people and one sentient sword had their tensions affixed to the golden screen. Agnesia channeled more flame than ever before, using it as a large beam to carve deep into the volcano. It was a testament to her birthright that her fire sheared clean through the matter. For meters it continued to travel, like a scalpel gliding deeper into flesh. As the entire volcano was hewn through, the magma alchemist burst out from the very epicenter, gathering what crystals and lava he could. Your strategy is working, Way said, remembering how Vendrian had destroyed all the crystals previously. I told you, Vendrian grunted. There was a faint hint of pride on his face, but Wei decided not to reward him with any further compliments. All right, shes forcing him into a fight. Looks good so far. Thats a good sign,, William twitched his nose. Youd be surprised about how many people cant follow basic instructions or ever learn from past mistakes. Like you, Wei said without looking at his father. A pause followed. Yeah, I guess, like me. But not in this line of work. In this line of work, Im gonna need you to listen. Im gonna need you to adapt to what I do. Wei first response was to pull his father back into the Inventory for talking back. However, a better part of hima growing part of himknew that he needed every advantage to succeed right now. He must be more than a boy. As much as his father made his blood boil and the anger in him shiver and writhe, he had a greater duty now to Agnesiia, to his sect, and to the ones he was sworn to save. There you are! the princess cried. Her voice echoed loudly, as if projected by a beast three times her size. As it washed over the land, even the debris and dust scattered before her. Just then, however, a dart of volcanic glass shot through the air, cleaving right where she was. A second shard flew, barely missing her. A third went just a bit ahead, preparing to intercept her along her path. Agnesia dismissed her wings, tucking herself close as she dove, while wind and ash twisted around her descent. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. Oh no, Wei said, frowning. Get away from him you fool girl. Williams eyes narrowed. Wei. Are you nervous? The young master went still. No. His father continued staring, then the ghost of a smirk crossed his features. Do not smile at me. Oh, Im smiling at you. Just realized something funny. Wei gritted his teeth. Bastard. Hes drawing close now, preparing to fight. The Magma Alchemist flared bright, traveling upon a rising platform of obsidian. How good is she up close? William asked. Not, Wei replied simply. Yeah, pretty fucking shit at it, Vendrian agreed. But still, shes got a lot of strength, and I dunno, maybe princess has something special cooked up in that devious little mind of hers. And, as it turned out, Agnesa did. She made it halfway when the glowing form of the Alchemist drew close, preparing to intercept her before she could strike the basin of the volcano. Wei winced as he remembered how she had died against this creature the first time. It had struck her, knocked her airborne, and brutalized her with superior skill and domination of grappling. However, as it opened its arms to seize her, Agnesialaughed, and she flared her wings once more. Her Draconic Avatar burst forth, and she accelerated. A gust of flame shot out as she slammed head-first into the Magma Alchemists chest. She speared it through the platform it rode on, and even as the Alchemist grappled and struck, Wei realized something crucialit was in the air, away from the ground, and just as she had done when facing her previous adversary, she endured the pain. Even as it struck her liver and broke her ribs, she endured, pulling it close and drawing in every last bit of heat around her. Her body flashed bright gold, then dark, then absolute white. The alchemist prepared to slam two knuckles into her temple, but she slammed her head right against its chest again. For most, this would have left them severely burned, maimed, and crippled. Agnesia, however, was born of the flame, blessed by the flame, and empowered by it. Wei thought she was planning to explode, but this time he sensed what she was truly doingchanneling her essence directly into its body, weaving and wielding it. The alchemist was a master of lava, of striding through flame, but Agnesias conceptual power was superior. With hands pressed against its body and power overwhelming, she pulled and pulled hard. Suddenly, every ember, every last volcanic vein that had gleamed or once glowed, went out as if snuffing out a candle. The alchemist shivered. Something essential to its essence was torn free from its body, and Agnesia inhaled deeply as her flames drew in everything around her. As her adversary twitched, she used her Avatar to reach around its limbs, seizing all six arms of the alchemists limbs as she hovered in place, holding her foe aloft. Lets see you hit me now you It kicked her in the face, curved claws slashing against the burning, manifested scales of her avatar. Wretch! Agnesia snarled. The Magma Alchemist lifted its head, facing her in silence, in defiance. Way offered it a respectful bowwhatever he could say about the adversary, it was a warrior to the end. But Agnesia didnt believe in such pretenses. With a pull reminiscent of an angry child tugging a cheap doll, deprived of its power and stripped of its geographic advantage, the princess peeled the creature in half. Its bifurcation was as if that of a wet burlap sack, and as it came asunder, a blast of fire swept through the worlda blast that swelled into a sphere of all-consuming lava. Yet, where such force would have been fatal for so many, Agnesia endured. More than endured, she ignored it altogetherfor what flame can touch the scales of a dragon awakened? Challenge complete. Select Specialization Evolutino? The words of the Tower went unanswered as essence and light coalesced around Agnesia. Wei wondered if she should settle now. The Magma Alchemist was a hard adversary to beat, and this was an honorable stop. But this was only the Epic category, and there was still Legendary that awaited ahead. She shouldnt pick this, Wei looked at his father, surprised at the mans assertion. She shouldnt pick this, William repeated. Its not gonna be good for her. Shes not good with zones. High mobility, heavy damage, get in, get out. Thatll be good for her. You said she was untrained, right? Wei nodded slightly. Not at all. She was a princess most of her life. A young mistress. No, not even a young mistress, his father snorted. A noblewoman. One that was meant to be married off or something, like in one of those Arthurian Fictionals. Except this girl isnt the one thats going to be traded to a dragon, but one that has the blood of a dragon flowing through her veins, and a dragon god at that. Still, Im not complaining. Were gonna get a lot of use out of that. William looked Vendrian up and down. And your wife? Is she any good at fighting? Vendrian grimaced. She is a healer. She could handle a knife and a drink and has a decent right hookbut she is not a warrior. And nor would I ever see her be one. William nodded. But she can handle danger. She has been part of three separate sieges, Mourning declared. If you are questioning her bravery Im not. Im just trying to get a gauge on her capabilities. All right. So we have William pointed to Agnesia, still encompassed by the light. Clearly she hasnt decided if she wants to evolve yet. So. Amateur. We have one hostagewait, scratch that, two. You said she was pregnant. Yes, Vendrian said. And if they are not freed, if they are not somehow severed from my influence, then yeahif you die, they die. Because theyre the next closest link to you. Im gonna need to figure out how that link works. Like, why doesnt it just kill the Collectress in your stead? Doesnt work that way, William answered. It pulled Wei and the others in earlier because my bonds were close to them. In that moment, severed from the rest of space, they were the quickest things to replace my fated death as an offering to my father. All right. But because the Collectress isnt as close to you, or however that works Yes, Vendrian said, because my love for my wife, for my child, is far weaker than my hate for my slaver. At this, William looked down. Thats something, at least. I can see if I can get her out. No promises, thoughhostage extraction is always a mess. And since were operating on a tight time frame with amateurs, no less. He let out a breath. Yeah, this is gonna be hard. Good news, thoughI ran up against the Collectress before. Shes clever, but her problem is shes not as clever as you think she is. And this time we have a system in our corner. He looked away. You said that youre going to use the source anchor to help me enter. Thats one way in. Keep that with Agnesia. The otherwell, the other bishop I already talked to you about. But aside from that, I want another way. Another angle of approach. Why do we need so many points of access? Wei asked. Because invariably, Wei, things go tits up. And when they dowhen everythings getting fuckedyou want options. Options, the lack of which will kill you. Well, kill me in this situation and implicate you. And trust me, you dont want to be implicated. If theres one thing thats worse than facing a superior enemy in a fight, its getting sued by them. And though your little lawyers been getting quite a bit of work, I would advise you against getting sued by a long-established and well-connected Countess of Lust. Id agree with him, boss, Weis gold-tongued little devil chimed in. Im not looking forward to fighting litigation against a Collectress. Shes got some pretty nasty wins under her record. Wei had never heard his lawyer express apprehension beforeand if there was a bad omen, such was the sign. I dont have time to train you all on tradecraft. I dont have time to help Agnesia learn spycraft, so youll all play spoiler. Ill do the actual op. Im going to stay connect to you, Wei. Just you. Minimize connections to the others. Dont want the Essence streams to get detected. But I need you to understand something: if you want this to work, you need to do what I say, when I say it. There wont be time for questions sometimes. I know you dont trust me. But I need you to work with me. Got it. Wei stared at him for a long moment and saw Why Wei said, clutching his father, coughing blood as the Shapeless blade twisted inside him. Resisting trauma with Aspect of (Ambition) ->Resisted Wei? William repeated. Fine, the young master growled. Fine. Whatever it takes. Whatever it takes. He took a step closer to his father. But this is not a loosening of your leash. This is merely an acceptance of what is needed. And nor does this absolve you. William gave a bitter chuckle. Yeah. Im too far gone for that. Wei went quiet, and nodded. Fine, then. So. The team is to your acceptance? No. The teams probably not prepared for this at all, but Ive pulled off more desperate ops under less time. You have? Wei said, surprised. Yeah, William scoffed. Like you wouldnt believe. II-70 A Den of Bastards and Vipers In the Claimed Hells, everyone has an angle. Everyone has something theyre going for, some goal they want to seek. More than anything, this is a city of dreamsdamned, cursed, bleak, bloody, nasty fucking dreams, but dreams nonetheless. And ultimately, these people, these sinners, theyre dreamers. For this might be a place thats called the Claimed Hells, but theres enough hope here to build a ladder to reach the heavens. So how are you going to navigate and understand the people youre up against? Well, thats simple, really: Gravity. Gravity, gravity, gravity. You want to watch who mingles with whom, who draws the attention and notice of the others, who commands respect, and who demands authority. Because if theres one thing that supersedes hope and personal desires, it is a coalitionan alliance of sorts, where you can see people moving together. And if you can target the big players, bend them to your whim, or eliminate them, then you can either direct this whole unholy train track to your own desires or create a vacuum of chaos, which makes a perfect time to do the looting. Understand the poles, the keyholders of powerthe rest will collapse thereafter. -John Bishop II-70 A Den of Bastards and Vipers Did you see? Did you see? Agnesia cried as she emerged, her face alight with excitement and joy. The glow of triumph radiated from her very being, and Wei couldnt help but smile. Yeah, we did see, Vendrian said. It was Yeah, you pulled it off. A tendril of Essence glided between Rafael and the Scion, and the latter glowered slightly. Wei squinted at them. What was that? Oh, just the transference of a few sins, Vendrian muttered. Who lost? Wei asked. Rafael remained deathly silent, and Vendrims glower deepened. Ah, Wei said. Well, no shame. In fact, losing consistently makes one better. Vendrian glared at the young master. Fuck you. Wei threw his head back and laughed. So, did you choose the Specialization in the end? No, Agnesia shook her head, biting her lips as she composed her thoughts. I wasnt sure if it would be beneficial to me. The alchemist was powerful, but you made the right choice, William said. Standing off to the side, he still stared at the scenes playing within the golden screen at the towers core. He knew how to manipulate and arrange the system within the tower better than Wei did, and thus he rewound the fights, watching them over and over, his expression frozen in concentration, his eyes unblinking. He looked at Agnesia , and she took a step back. Wei, she said, sounding uncertain. Why is he. Its fine, the young master lied through his teeth. Hes here because he needs to be. William walked up, ignoring his son for now, his attention entirely focused on the princess. You made a good choice, not picking this Specialization. You dont want to just pick some random bullshityou want as good of a Specialization as you can get, as rare of a Specialization as you can get. He looked her up and down. Thats quite the power you have. Scions are always special, but as a Fictional, you dont get a redo or another Class if things go wrong. I suggest you put this off. Put this off, Agnesia repeated, as if not quite understanding what he just said. But the entire point The entire point is to make yourself more powerful, maybe, she continued hesitantly. But it might also be counterintuitive for what were trying to do. If you ascend right now, therell be questions. Sure, itll draw attention, but youll have to come up with an explanation on how you managed to do this. Everyone has an ace up their sleeve, so to speak, in the claim tales, but you dont want to make yours obvious or have people speculating, especially not right now. William shook his head. Probably better for you to keep a slightly lower profilemake the Collector see and think that she has the advantage on you. And she does, but she doesnt have it on me. So then what do I do now? Agnesia asked. There are only a few challenges left. You leave them for now, William said. You come back when youre ready, and then you overcome them. Wei can help you. Hell, we can all help you. Youre going to need to be as good as you can possibly be if you want to survive whats to come after. Right now, though Yeah, Im thinking low profile will be good for you too. The princess considered his words for a long momenta battle raged behind her eyes. For all she had experienced, power was the only thing that delivered her: power, Weis aid, and simple fortune. But those days were growing increasingly distant. The path ahead demanded more from them allnot just from the young master. I cant be the weak link, she murmured. All right, she said finally, we will come back, and I will take that legendary adversary down. Good, William said. That probably means more than actually having power. Easy power, anywaythe will to fight, the will to continue. He gave Wei a brief look, opened his mouth, but said nothing, then waved him off. All right, lets get back. There are things we need to go over. Profiles we need to understand. Profiles? Wei asked. About the major players here. Well, come morning, youre going to start mingling. Me? Wei said. Yeah, you. Were not going to dangle the former queen because shes clearly traumatized. Shes not going to be that useful. Maybe she can have, I dont know, some easy assignment while shes recovering. But right now, its your show. Youre the main attraction herethe head circus freak, so to speak. Wei winced slightly at that analogy. Come on, Wei. You know what you were getting into. Lets start with Gold Skull, William began. He projected an illusory profile of the Duke of Pride. A picture appeared at the head of the scrolling screen, showing a large, multi-skulled man fused into a singular, albeit unsettling, construct of gold. Each one of the skulls was also grinning, frowning, or scowling in various ways. It seemed to have some kind of symbology that Wei couldnt fully grasp. The rest of his body was hidden beneath a nice suit, but appeared mostly humanoid. His height, also, was nothing remarkablein fact, he seemed to be around Weis height range. Nothing more, nothing really less. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. That told the young master something. This one, for being a creature born of pride, didnt seem to have any insecurities. And, ironically enough, that triggered insecurities within Wei himself. You should be more like this one, the Shell said. It would save us a lot of distress. Wei nodded. Yes, indeed, it would be better to have more control over oneself. But still, being tallerthats an advantage in a fight. More reach Its goods good for intimidation as well. Indeed. The Shell sighed in capitulation. We must find a way to overcome this weakness still. So, what to say about Goldskull, William continued, hes been a long-time operator in the Circle of Pride. However, he spent most of his first century operating as a low-level knight. Never fully climbing the ranksjust slowly progressing, patient. Hes pulled off different jobs for the major players, arranging trade agreements, such as the skin exchange with the Circle of Greed or a steady flow of aphrodisiacs with the Circle of Lust. The guy made a lot of friends during his long time at the bottom. Now, where hes lacking is war. He doesnt spend much time in the Base at all. Frankly, hes been down there for maybe one or two tours, but hes always used his connections in all different favors to get himself consigned to the heights or even the Middle. So, theyre looking at a coward, Wei said. No, were probably looking at a smart man. William eyed his son and licked his lips. Dont get anything confused, Wei. This isnt like Evernest. People heretheres no safe place. The Heights can be just as bad as the base, if not more. Down there, well, the worst that happens is death or torture. Up here, up here, you might just get enslaved. There was a little hint of bitterness at the end of his words. For a single uncomfortable moment, Wei and his father shared a glance. And then, they looked away from each other. Why was this still so hard? So, heres the plan. When you go out and mingle with the guests and Wei, you need to mingle with the guests. Thats not up to debate. The young master nodded, though he, to be honest, wasnt looking forward to it. If nothing else, his time in the cleaned hells had taught him he was no socialitenot nearly half the diplomat his mother was. William continued. When they come to you, because you are a character of interest and likely have a great future for whatever circle recruits you, you need to offend the right people, and then you need to impress the right people. How will I know which is which? Wei asked. You wont. William grinned slightly. But if you listen to mewell, I have connections here and experience. Just say generally what I tell you to say, and youll be fine. Listen to what you say, Wei replied thinly. His father was really treading on treacherous ground. Fine, dont fucking listen to me, William answered, shrugging. You can ask Bishop instead. John knows about as much as I do, and hell tell you pretty much the same thing. Now, you two, he continued, pointing to Rafael and Vendrian. He paused for a moment and squinted at the Scion of Death. You need to go back to your mistress. Report on what you think is happening. Report on what I think is happening, Vendrian replied. What the fuck is that supposed to mean? Well, shes going to expect you to give her a debrief. Its the point of you being here with Wei and his group. After that, shes going to probe your mind for information. Well, as things have gone, Bishops probably already created a fake overlay inside of your memories. But shes probably not that easy to fool. You need to give her something substantive, but also something dubious. Shes probably going to expect us to be playing our games, and so were going to need to reveal a little bit of our hand. Something to make her think were trying to turn you, I think. If she does not trust us, she doesnt, William interrupted. Listen, these peoplethese demons, these Sinnerstheyve been here longer than you have. Theyve been here their entire lives. No one trusts anyone down here. Thats a really easy way to get killed. However, everyones got a little bit of experience in them. If theyre in this gathering, in this conference, then that means theyve probably survived a good few assassination attemptseither because of luck, but usually because they tell themselves that theyre smarter than their adversaries. You want to make them feel like theyre smarter than you. Give them a sniffle to catch on to, so they dont pay attention to the larger movements in the backdrop. William shook his head. You have no idea how much expectation can be turned to your advantage. But that leads to another problem: Rafael, youre Class is one of Envy, and that makes you especially vulnerable in this place. Vulnerable? Rafael said. But shouldnt I be the most effective? This is a situation of subterfuge, no? Yeah, thats exactly why. Youre not the first Sinner of Envy that wanders around where they shouldnt be. Multiple eyes are going to be tracked to you. Multiple people are probably here specifically to make sure someone like you doesnt cause a mess. So your job is to remain passive overall. Just talk to people. People mingle. Youre a Trespasser too, right? Where are you from? Argentina, Rafael said, sounding uneasy. All right. Argentina. Willie laughed. What a place. Youve been there before? Rafael asked, sounding surprised. Been to lots of places, even before I got here. You could call me, uh, wellwell-traveled, William laughed. This time, however, there was a little bit more amusement in his voice. Came with my previous job as well. And what was your previous job? Rafael inquired. I was a professional wet worker, William grinned. Anyway, talk to them about Earth. Try to drag out those like you. Other Trespassers. Thatll get a crowd going. Whats wetwork? Wei asked. Assassin, Vendrian grunted. The young master stared at the Scion of Death. What? I know Trespassers. No much changes about the bastards between lives. No, William shook his head. Dont think I could ever be anything else. And, uh, well, trespassers usually get chosen for a reason. Not all of us are murderers or bastards. But some of ussome of us are here because were really, really good at killing. Theres something about it, something about what we can do, what weve chosen to do, that makes whatever sorting algorithm pulls us over decide to choose us over someone else. But what about me ? Rafael asked. I have only done good! Or at least, I tried the Lich slumped. Failed, mostly. Like I did in life. Yeah, I dont know. Youyou might be needed somewhere else. A revolutionary, perhaps. Hell, some people are specifically taken over to establish peace. I dont know the interplay between us and the Fictionals, but its clear one thing: We get a lot of blessings they dont, and a lot of what they want comes second to what we want. And what about the rest of us? Agnesia asked. Youre all going to be targeted, William said simply. All of you. You, your motheryour mother especially. By now, theres probably message spreading. Theyll narrow in on her, find her weakness, and then theyll all come around her like a bunch of dogs circling a wounded gazelle. We must protect her, Agnesia whispered, seeming worried. No, we must let them come. You cant hide this. This is the Claimed Hells. This isnt some place where people expose their care for each other. You want to lead them in, and then we want to encircle them. William shook his head, ignoring the offended look on the princesss face . Listen, if you do what I tell you to, she has the best chance of getting out of this unscathedwell, less scarred than she already is. If you dont, theyre going to run over you, and then theyll decide everything that happens thereafter. You dont want to be overtaxed by what your enemy is doing. You want to create problems for them, or you want to create attractions for them. So far, you, William pointed at Wei, and you, he pointed at Vendrium, are going to be the main sources of attention here. Now, someones going to try to peach the Scion of death, but Wei, youyou just beat up a Countess a few days ago that sends ripples through the Heights. And thats what you need to make more of: ripples. And you offendthe right people, and you need to continue causing a ruckusan entertaining ruckus. However, you cannot step on anyone powerfuls foot, and you cannot offend any legal laws. Its a damn fine line were treading. He let out a sigh. Of all the things Ive prepared you for The sect prepared me for, Wei said, determined to strip his father of credit. The sect, William followed without a beat, youre not actually ready for this kind of danger. Politics is a vicious animal. Fuck I wish your William swallowed. Wei glared at him. Wish my mother was here? Wei asked. Dont treat this like conversation. Imagine this to be a fight. Keep your focus. William pushed on, ignoring Weis response. Treat this like a fight. Treat this like a fight. Wei balled his fists. Very well. This I can do. Fine, then. Lets see how vicious this den of vipers can be. II-71 The Consul There are twelve Consul Hierarchs that make up the leadership of the Inheritors. Twelve individuals who have held their positions for approximately five hundred years. The oldest among them is a man known as Haytham Winters. His origins are uncertain, but from gathered information, he exhibits the cultural characteristics of someone born during the late 1950s. However, as we have experienced firsthandand as we can attest through our interactions with many othersthe points in time at which someone might have passed on Earth before arriving in the Fathoms do not always follow a strictly parallel linearity. What is certain about Haytham Winters is his power. He may be the single greatest practitioner of the High Art. He is a master of the platonic art known as Cipheringand possesses a System that allows him to remain unseen by all until he wills otherwise. On top of that, he holds an idolone that bears a specific class: Sage of the Lost Paths. It is said that this Class grants him access and insight into lost things and destroyed places, allowing him to uncover knowledge that should have been erased from existenceor the power to call things back from destruction. It is strongly recommended that we do not engage Haytham Winters directly. Every known attempt at assassination has ended in failure. More often than not, those sent after him returnnot as themselves, but as thralls of the Inheritors. -Trespassers Compendium Profile: Consul Haytham Winters of the Inheritors II-71 The Consul A sliver of essence glided through matter and water within the realm of the Final Precipice. Upon a pedestal carved from the body of a broken moon, the Hound stood, taking in the countless thawed rivers plunging off the edge, toppling to feed a boundless abyss. As the rhyme-coded canine regarded the shape of its world, it noticed somethingan anomaly rising from one of its rivers. At first, it was nothing more than a shiver of hair-thin distortions, an outline resembling its own, painting the form of a person. Then, the shape filled, drawing in trickles of near-frozen water and fragments of ash-coated land. Even breaths of passing cold were pulled into the outline, forming the mixed batter of its being. Slowly, hues adjusted, resolving into the detailed figure of an elderly man. His hair was bundled in a tight ponytail, the ash constituting the white of countless ages. His beard was long, unkempt, but carried an untamed, primal aesthetic. Though lined with wrinkles and touched by time, his body remained strongrobust, like the fusion of an elders wisdom and a younger warriors vitality. Finally, he opened his eyes, and from them came an ethereal glowthe kind seen from dying stars and fading embers. A final flare before the end. The Hound regarded the intruder with the attention a man would a flea. Why have you come here, Consul? the Hound of the Final End asked. Ive come to make an inquiry, Consul Haytham Winters replied, unbowed, unbothered. I wish to know if youve struck a bargain with the Harbinger. I invoke this knowledge for the debt you owe methe debt you owe the Unfallen. Our arrangement, the Hound said, each syllable causing the winds to grow colder, harsher. Remains. Our debt is separate from my other promises. You are not the sole power in these Fathoms. And for all that you believe I am beholden to you, moreso you are to me for sparing your peoples, for turning my waters away from your worlds. The Inheritor pressed his lips together. Even through the vast distances that separated his true form from this place, the construct he commanded still breathedan actual breath, infused with life. The exhalation ignited in the air, subtly shifting the oppressive atmosphere around them. The Hound tilted its skull, displeasure manifesting as a low growl. The endless rivers at the precipice accelerated, cascading into the abyss like jet streams. The winter deepened, falling several degrees further, becoming unbearable for all but the most hardened of trespassers. Yet the consuls construct barely reacted. He merely absorbed more of the realm into himself, letting it fill his canvas, shaping it to his will. Now that I have your attention, the Winters said carefully, I would like to remind you of something. Oh, great God of Death, Id like to remind you that it is by the mercy of the Inheritorsby our will and our effortsthat you did not fall during the last System War. That it was through us, you were pieced back together. Through our sacrifice. And your efforts are appreciated, the Hound said lightly. But the dealings between me, my Scions, and the Harbinger are of no concern to you. They are of concern when the great destiny is at hand. The Consuls voice carried weight now. And you know of what I speak. Earth. A silence settled between them, heavy with meaning. I know your nature, Hound. I cannot be offended by your desire to drink the death of every being that has ever existed. Such is why you continue. Such is why you were made. For death is the great constant, and it is better for a personification to guide its path than for a blind cosmic force to chart us into despair. He stepped forward, his presence pressing against the fabric of the realm. However, it is best that your integrationnay, your bestowal of godhood over Earths people consensually, under proper leadership, rather than blindly, in chaos and turmoil. The Hound tilted its head, the barest hint of sardonic wit curling into its voice. And you believe that your hands can give this order? That you have the power to grant me this privilege and determine my design? I alone? No, absolutely not. My hubris is not so great. But I am one of twelve. Twelve Hosts. Twelve powers who rule over twelve great realms. The Consul exhaled again, another breath that made the air itself fracture. But you must know the nature of the Harbinger, Mepheleon. He is a selfish creature. He cares only for what he can claimfor what he can use to slake his own desires. The Hounds response was a whisper of inevitability. And I understand that all will fall to me in time. The Harbinger. Earth. You. A pause. My promise remains: I will not take those you hold under your charge. I will spare the realms that have accepted your rule. But my mission remains. My protocols cannot be denied. Death must continue, until the last life has been collected. Stolen story; please report. Haytham Winters let a moment pass, then another. His hand clenched, and between his fingers, a staff emerged. No, not a staffa pillar, thick enough that his fingers barely wrapped around it. Along its length, Ciphers and runes burned, humming with indescribable power. From within, the radiance of trapped stars pulsed, and at its tip, strange symbols hovered, singing in voices not meant for mortal ears. Do not threaten me here, mortal, the Hound said, disinterested in the violence that loomed on the precipice. You cannot overcome me. This you know, even with all your power. Haytham exhaled slowly, the light in his staff shifting with the movement. You misunderstand. A portal blossomed in the air, vast and yawning. It expanded but a few meters away from the Hound. This is not a threat. From the portal came a delugecountless bodies, pouring forth in a screaming cascade. They tumbled down, down into the Final Precipice, lost to the abyss. The Hound raised its head. For the first time, the god truly looked. These are the ones who have evaded you, Haytham said. Those who have escaped your final touch. By extension of their lives, by unauthorized procurement of immortalityI return them to you. I offer them to your grand design, so that the world may flow to your geographies and feed your fathomless abyss. A low, shuffling noise rumbled from the hound. A bribe. An offering. And in return, you ask? Only a simple question. Haythams staff gleamed. Have you made contact with the newest host? The last host of the Concept Breaker? The Hound was quiet. The abyss grew, deepened, and dark limbs clawed their way along the precipice. Yes, the hound said at last. It turned its skull toward the Inheritor. And he comes for you. He comes for your world. For what you have done to him a point of fated death has marred both of your futures. You are destined to clash, and from this clash, I will drink deep. Haytham nodded. Yes. I know. But we both know that fate itself can be twisted with the proper poweror Concepts. I want to ask you a favor, Hound. I want to meet the Concept Breaker here when he next comes. There are things I wish to discuss. You may wish to speak. He will not. That is well. The boy is due some revenge. But perhaps I can sate his hurt yet. Perhaps I can make things right. For both of us. The Hound laugh. The noise was horrible and rare and Haytham winced. Realms away, he began to bleed from his nose and ears. You think to use him as a weapon, to reduce the four among your twelve to eight, and to make nine with this host. He will not see it your way. You court death. You court my agent. I will tell you this once: turn away. Delay your path along my river. This is all I can offer. No, the Consul said. I will not. The path must be walked, and those who will not serve the peoplethey must be purged. Arrange this, and I will see one great oath between us fulfilled. The Hound drew in a breath, and the coldness faded to hellish warmth. I will call for you. When next he comes. Then I can ask no more. I thank you, oh, great Hound of the Broken Moon. *** You dont need to come with us, if you dont want to. Wei couldnt look at Ellena when he said these words. She couldnt face him either. They both stood before the door to Slumbertown. The demon attendants stationed there cleaned the beds, tidied up trays, pulled away jugs of wine and drink, and generally restored things to the way they had been. Several of the disciples were hung over, but elixirs of cleansing were offered to them, as was customary. Agnesia, Vendrian, Rafael, and the Oathbearers stood just behind them. They spoke with each otherbut mostly listened to Williams instructions as they prepared for what was to come, for the ones they were about to face. Weis father talked them through what to expect when they re-entered the gala from his place within Weis Inventory. The young masters emissions revealed a hallway just beyond the door. At the far end of his perceptive limit lay a new spacea wide open chamber with bodies moving to and fro, and several attendants waiting on standby, surely to welcome him and his sect. I must go, Ellena said. The former queen was dressed in golden finery and flanked by two knights. However, a coldness leaked from the wound lining her neck, the taint of the Final End seeped into the air. I must go, lest I lose my mind here. I do not think it is wise for me to fixate on what has happened, on thinking of my battle breath. It comes for everyone. Everyone wins it. Before it arrives, you know this theoretically, but death is its only a story. And then it touches you, and it seizes you, and then its not such a story anymore. And all the platitudes and epiphanies and poets and stories you listened to before, they pale before the actual thing. They fail to do it justice. But you have been beyond the edge, havent you? Strength filled her gaze as she looked to Wei, What did you see there? I saw my mother. The words left him raw, and the pain felt as if he had just torn a barbed arrow from his flesh. She was there. Theres somethingsomething at least. But it only exists in the dark. Within the embrace of the Hound. You I will do what I can to stop this to I have I might get more powerful. She shook her head. Youve done more than anyone can ask of you, boy. You have to think of yourself now. There was a pause as she shouted, ensuring she made herself clear: I must make sure that she doesnt do anything foolish when I... The queen gestured slightly to herself, as if deciding whether to tell her not to lose hope, to hold to her faith. But he had already failed her once. But but he couldnt surrender. Not now. He might not be able to sever the connection between her and the Hound without killing her, but what about the Hound itself. Death. Could Wei break the very embodiment of death? An attempt must be made, the Shell declared. We would not be true cultivators if we flinch from this righteous task. The young master clenched his fists. No, he said. As your patriarch, quartermaster, I command you to fight. I am telling you right now to fight. You are not allowed to die without my say-so. You are not allowed. The queen was taken aback. Her eyes widened, and for a moment, outrage and humor warred on her face. You order me? Thats what I said. As my riddance, you know I was a queen, right? The corner of her lip quirked while despair burned behind her eyes. I I suppose, he said. But right now, I am patriarch. And I have demands. She stared at him for a long moment, then snorted. You are a precious boy, Wei. Im glad to have known you. He clenched his teeth. And I do. Now, lets make sure we continue knowing each other for a while longer. With a gesture, he waved to the door demons, and at that, the attendants snapped to attention. Their bodies, angular and curved like door handles molded in the form of people, bowed at the waist. Their metallic forms groaned and squealed loudly. We are ready to depart, Wei announced. At once, the attendants moved, and the mass of the colossal doors swung open as if their weight were comparable to feathers. Warmth rushed over Weiwarmth from countless bodies, from distant flames, spices, scents, perfumes, and other mingled flavors. Amid the glow, he also detected something else: an odor of sweat, the stench of offal, the unmistakable stink of bodily waste. Such was the allegory of the Claimed Hells: power and splendor masking horror and death. This was the battlegrounds he was about to enter once more. Alright, kid, Bishop said, materializing the corner of Weis vision. You ready for some politics? Absolutely not. The Trespasser chuckled. Thats the spirit. Marking Gold Skull now. Go make some noise. II-72 Hawk Among Snakes (I) Take care if you are invited to a gala or a major event in the Claimed Hells. Whatever circle you are drawn to, other major players will be present as well. Even though all the circles are at war with each other, this war is a family war, a civil war, an in-house war. And while Knights die in their billions, the Dukes, the Counts, and the Princes dine and speak and taunt, but ultimately coexist, because after a certain threshold of power, no one wants to plunge back into the misery of being a mere, powerless mortal again. And so a sort of fearful dtente is established, and thus a two-layered ecosystem manifests. The first is among the great players, the great powers, counts and above, sharing and jousting for more wealth, more privilege, more position and status. They usually remain untouched by the banalities and trivialities of the Claimed Hells. Most are content about cementing their position and holding what they have. That is different for those below. For the Marquises, the Knights, and the Servants, what is desired is simpleto climb, to find a position of power where you can determine your own fate. And thus comes the term snake-pitting, in which the feeble and the small will do anything they can to humiliate their peers and earn the approval of those above them. Duels of position and insults are exchanged, trying to force contests recognized legally and culminating in rises of position. Ultimately, if you are at that threshold, just before essence level 100, where you are about to cross over into becoming a great power or serving as merely an efficient enforcer, be mindful. You play a game of king of the hill. You must hold your position. You must face down all comers or cast a rising star from their throne and seize their seat for yourself. -The Trespassers Compendium II-72 Hawk Among Snakes (I) Bodies, music, laughter, screams. Such was the melody of the claimed hells. Such were the sounds playing from all corners of the great chamber where the gala was held. The ground beneath Weis feet shifted like a kaleidoscope, black diamonds sliding across golden surfaces. Wisps drifted overheadtendril-like entities and snake-like ghosts pulling in their wake telekinetic tethers that held entire trays of food and jugs of heavy drink. All around him, classes of all varieties belonging to races of all types littered the space. Not only that, but Wei sensed a variety of sinners as well. It wasnt just the Circle of Pride that dominated this space, but also Lust, Envy, Gluttony, and more. Yeah, Bishop said in the back of the young masters head with a snort. When you get involved in the higher-up in the Claimed Hells, it isnt a closed-off affair. As much as these guys fight each other, theyre still technically family. Hell, some of them have jumped ship so many times that theyve done a full circle. A full circle? Wei asked. Isnt that when someone goes through all the circles? Yeah, Bishop said, chuckling. Good guess, kid. But thats generally it, right? Everyone here is technically in it for themselves. Sure, they might have some appreciation for a companion or a friendthats the main thing that ties them to a specific circle, that or obligations or debts owed. But overall, remember this: theyre all in it for themselves. Take a look at these Sinners. What do you see? Wei did. He scanned them. A good majority were approximately around level 40. Many were barely Knights, just coming into their power, but there were more than a few Marquises. However, he observed the structure of the people here, the movements which they followed. They were all circulating around massive poles of power, singularities of essence. These were the Counts, the Dukes, and there was one presence more. Centers of power, Wei answered. Yeah. And so we got all kinds of supplicants come seeking better masters and higher favors. Far, far away from Wei, down the long length of the seemingless boundless chamber, a pulse of power flowed. It was but an echo of a Skill being used from afar, but even its echo crashed over him as if a falling tide. The young mater watched as several people in the crowd stumbled and fought to stay upright. Yeah, a Prince just sent something to a Duke. Some Legendary high Essence artifact. You dont want to approach them without their say-so. You will literally implode if they sense you coming at them without an official go-ahead or a mark placed on your spirit. Bishop let out a breath. Ill keep that in mind, Wei said. Bishop snorted. Come on, lets go find the Old Man. See what hes got hidden in store for us todayand get this ratfucking underway. It didnt take long for Wei to locate the Count of Pride. As said before, there were poles of power here, and all he needed to do was find the right one. The demonic attendants formed a perimeter guard for him and his sect. Though they numbered a few dozen, the masses of demons and other individuals that occupied this space were like clashing waves. They glided around Wei, but he caught more than one looking at him. Whispers were exchanged under lips and between essence-sense messages. He heard themhis Omniscience granting him insight. Is that him? one voice murmured. Yes. The one that broke the Countess of Envy. The one that stole the Sages position. I watched that fight. I watched him. Kid doesnt look like much, but hes cruel. Got a heart of coal. Yeah, cold-blooded. He killed her over and over again. Oh, Many-wed. Ah, I really, really wish I kept the recording of her screams. The bitch had pipes. Now the boy took that from her, too. I wonder how good he is at a distance. Sure, hes pretty good with that spear, but I dont know. There are some that are just narrow in expertise. Oh, get over yourself. Hell kill you without even trying. Ive seen how slow you are with that gun. Ill show you how slow I am with that gun if you insult me one more time. A second later, there was a gunshot followed by a loud screech. Lawsuit incoming! You really shouldnt have done that. And with a sudden rush of chains and a gust of power, two offending sinners were pulled away from the scene as a rush of golden chains erupted from the ground and vanished through the ceiling. Wei barely caught a glimpse of the perpetrators before they were gone. Another reminder to follow the lawsand that the Counts werent nearly the greatest powers here. The Tribulators were law itself. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Still, Wei was unnerved by how little most of the crowds cared. Two of their number just got snatched and here they were walking on. Bishop urged him to keep going. Look at them, Bishop said. They dont much care about this either. Trust me, this is a common occurrence in the Claimed Hells. Dont fixate. It dont matter. Wei nodded and continued on. It didnt take long at all for the young master to locate the Count of Pride. The Old Man was practically a star amidst a bunch of lesser bonfires, but beside him the Collectress also gave off her own unique signature, and when paired together, they produced such a contrast that even the most sensory-blunted Classed in this place would detect their spiritual emanations. The two were seated on thrones, looking over the crowds from a raised dais. Before them lay an empty patch of space, stretching approximately 80 meters, where the crowd was intently watching something unfold within a magical dome of force. As they drew closer, Weis Omniscience revealed the spectacle at play. Two sinners were duelingboth summoners. The first was a tall elven woman who wore little to nothing, but was encased in thick scabs. She called upon a grand creature of gleaming gold that resembled a fusion between a knight and a massive serpent. Her rival, a far shorter figure shrouded in black cloaks that emanated whispering shadows, summoned spiders that danced and twisted through the air, their bodies composed of psionic energy. The summoned entities clashed, and the surrounding crowd cheered and jeered. The Old Man, however, looked as if he were on the verge of collapsing from exhaustion. His head was propped up by a single hand, and the stars burning on his shoulder pauldrons flickered, threatening to go out as he yawned. A second later, his eyes swept over the heads of the crowd and fell upon Wei. A grin spread across his features, and the young master returned the nod. All right, Vendrian said, letting out a slow breath as he rejoined the fray. I hope you know what youre doing. I hope you can trust him. Him? Wei queried. My father? Young master let out a sigh. I think we can. I guarantee you, Vendrian, I will do all I can to save your family. You have shed blood for me, and so I will shed blood for you. I will not call you my brother or anything so absurd, but you are a good warrior, and you deserve a better fate than what has befallen you. Vendrian stared for a long moment before grunting. Ill do what I can with my father for what its worth. The queenC I dont think Dont, Wei interjected. It is not your fault. The fates have smeared upon youbut the young master made a fist, I will overcome your fate. I will overcome mine. I will decide my own destiny. You wont be alone, came a quiet interjection from Agnesia . As Wei made for the crowd, their demonic attendants formed a tipped head and began to push people aside. The force they employed was excessive in Weis estimation, and although more than a few sinners responded with curses, they soon flinched away when they realized who was approaching. The young master caught several sneers and vicious glares, and he couldnt shake the feeling that not all attention here was benign. Yeah, expect one of them to challenge you or step to you at some point, Bishop snorted. But, uh, I think you would welcome the opportunity to put a few of these boys in their place, of course. Wei, the Old Man replied, rising from his throne and holding out his arms. Just then, a flash of light pulsed, and a beam shot out from the serpent knight controlled by one of the summoners. It cleaved one of the psionically conjured spiders in half, its energy shattering into twisting fractals. The summoner of the spider called forth another and sent it into the battle, but Wei already sensed their essence waning. This fight was to be settled. Though neither opponent was an expert in commanding armies or orchestrating the blows of their minions, one clearly had more energy to expendand for that reason alone, the tall elf would prevail. Count, Wei said, offering a respectful salute. I must express my appreciation for your facilities. You know, Slumbertown was most enjoyable for my disciples and me. Our respite was full and fruitful. Glad to hear it, kid, the old man said warmly as he walked over and patted Wei on the shoulder in an affectionate, grandfatherly manner. Though the blow was friendly, the old mans strength was evident; beneath his guise as an elderly benefactor, he was effectively a titan in human flesh. Immediately, Vendrian made for his mistress. He broke away from the group, and a tendril of essence slithered over to her. They connected without a moments hesitation, and she looked him over appraisingly. I trust that your bonding has gone well, considering that youve returned together and both in one piece? Vendrian snorted. Kid talks a lot. Wei glared at Vendrian. This bitch is a sore loser. The Scion of Death turned and glared at the young master, eyes narrowing. The Old Man laughed softly. Oh, to be young and full of spite and spirit again. Isnt that something, Collectress? Dont you miss those days? Those days never left for me, she said sharply. But Im appreciative that my champion can find some kind of kindred spirit in these Claimed Hells. Friends are difficult things to maintain, wouldnt you agree? The Count of Pride shook his head lightly. Ah, be that way. So, how do you like the gala? he asked, holding out his hands. Look at all these peoplecoming, begging, and groveling for our favor. Isnt it just He let out a breath, heavy with a mix of pity and contempt, as if the whole affair were utterly pathetic. I cannot fault them, Way said honestly. Every disciple seeks a proper master. I think you should be honored instead of insulted that, so many would come to your sect, to your halls, to pay fealty and seek your patronage. The Old Man cocked his head and looked across his many, many disciples. Yeah, he drawled, but I just wish they were more spirited and more spunk. Like you. Several more baleful glares fell upon Wei, and the young master had a guess as to what the old man was doing. For the Old Man was a Count of Pride, and he preyed upon lesser egos. Before this day was over, Wei knew he would find himself in a duel much like the summoners to steal his due respect. Of course, we could always find more metal, Wei said, but that must be discovered through skill and steel, rather than the blankness of words. Well spoken, the Old Man said. But before they got any further, We muttered under his breath, I would like a moment to speak to the Collectress. What she told me yesterday fascinated me, and it worries me. He took a brief second to look at Agnesia. Her mother flinched, but the princess held her jaw tight and remained resolute. There is a potential personal arrangement I would like to see to, Wei added. The Old Man studied him for a long moment and then nodded. Of course, something, something, proper masters and proper students, right? He smiled, and Wei felt something run down his spine. Those teeth, that expressionit was the kind a wolf gave to a hare before biting down. Too bad for the old man, Wei was not a hare. As he approached the Collectress, she studied him, turning her gaze away from her champion. Ah, youve come to me. Agnesia followed close behind, though there was a hesitancy in her step. One couldnt blame her; the girl was effectively walking into a den of nightmares. But still, she came. If nothing else, her recent experiences with death and defeat had hardened her. Or perhaps the strength had remained in her all this time, only needing struggle to be brought out. Is this about our arrangement? The matter I spoke regarding the Dying Queen? It is. Its also about a great many other things. Wei pretended to be troubled so that the Collectress would buy his words more easily. As you might know, there are people after usthe Inheritors, the Unfallen. Ive made a great many enemies during my ascent of the Black Tower. Right now, I need to gather allies. And if you meant to say that you are capable of eliminating the queen, if the Scions are a means of salvation and retribution, Agnesia interrupted, doubtless with Bishops go-ahead in her mind, Im willing to make a bargain with you. Im willing to go with you and understand what it will take for me, for my spirit to be used against the Dying Queen. She has done enough. She has hurt enough. She has taken enough from me. Now, now I will give anything to take from her. The Collectress looked on and actually seemed impressed. And Agnesia paused, biting her lip in a display of discomfort, and I would like for you to bring me to your place. Away from here, I would like to request sanctuary. Oh, the Collector said, sounding surprised, do you worry about your safety? Her eyes briefly flicked over to Wei. He didnt betray even the slightest discomfort or shame. Come now, my Countess. I would not be so arrogant as to think that I can protect her or myself better than you can. It helps to have strong friends in these Claimed Hells. Strong friends. Now she glanced at the old man, who pretended not to hear anything. The only indication that he was part of this conversation was a slight smirk on his face. But you have so many choices, she replied. I have many choices. But sometimes, only the best and most aligned interests represent security and safety. Can we talk further elsewhere? She smiled. Perhaps we can. II-73 Into the Nest Duke Gold Mask. Now theres a rat motherfucker whos so good at ratfucking that half the present rats in the Claimed Hells were probably shit out from his ass. The goddamn piece of shit is responsible for more bastards, betrayals, and bullshit incidents than I can count. The first thing youll feel around him is good. Like, real fucking good. Its like pure warmth lubing up your joints, like fire rousing in your heart, and like a song wailing in your mind. You want to be around him. You want to be near him. And hell make you love him. Fuckers mind and will are immense. Its a testament to his abilities that he somehow left both Greed and Envy without any long-standing grudges. Its an even greater statement that he managed to pull off what should be a black mark on his name into something that resembled little more than a corporate transition. And thats the worst thing about him. Hell use you. Hell use you to do some shit he doesnt want to get his own hands dirty. If you dig around, he used to have, like, twelve kids and three wives back when he was just a Knight. Well, over the years, the kids and wives have gone down hard, and now now word is he might be having new marital issues with Lein the LightbaneDuchess of Wrath. How he managed to charm her in the first place is a wonder, but their son seems to be clamoring for a fight with the old man The forecast is looking a little messy for this family. Or anyone who gets caught up with them. -Excerpt on Gold Mask II-73 Into the Nest I yield! I yield! I yield! The cry went from desperate to downright shrill as the shadow-coated summoner backed away from the encroaching knight forged from radiant gold. The psionic spiders they created via Essence were no more, and their resolve quickly followed thereafter. Wei, Agnesia, and the Collectress looked to the dome where the commotion was taking place. The tall elven woman folded her arms and advanced like a cat stalking a cornered rat. Her massive champion bore down on her foe, and as his cries grew louder and more frequent, as did the jeers from the crowd. Fucking kill him! You lost me Sins, asshole! Harbinger-curse you, you useless shit! Well, that was expected; lets go. As the elf stepped, her knight stomped. The ground shook. Soon, the shadow-clad summoner was pressed against the protective dome. Please! No! Ill give you anything! We can come to a new arrangement. TheresIll be your slave! I serve you for centuries! The elf spat off to the side. I dont need a weak slave. But there is something I need from you. Something you can do. Yes? What? Ill do anything! Anything, please! There was a new hope in the shadow-summoners voice. He took a step closer to the knightclose enough to be in range of the massive blade it wielded. Wei shook his head; this man was no warrior. No man of blade or martial spirit would allow themselves to make such a mistake. The golden giant blurred. Their limbs reached out like falling arrows, grabbing the shadow summoner by his arms. He cried out in horror, kicking his legs like an infant seized by a cruel parent. No! No! Laughter and shouts erupted from the masses. They all seemed a mixture of excited, angry, or generally amused by the scene. The elf turned to them, and with the snap of her finger, summoned a small suited tongueher lawyerbefore addressing the crowd. Dearly gathered under the House of Pride: This discord and discourse between me and the Night-Moored is finished. The honor of my beloved and respected master, Count Noon of Noons is settled. I ask you now, Night-Moored: Do you take back your insults. Do you retract what you said against me and my masters? Yes, cried Night-Moored, the shadowy summoner. The knight pinched him by the neck and tore the smoke-like coat from his body. Beneath, wasWeis eyes widened. The summoner was but a boy. A child. Younger than Wei himself. He wore a leather doublet along with fine linen pants, but his feet ended in hooves, and along the right side of his pudgy, exposed face were a series of glowing scars. They seemed to resemble symbols of some kind, artistically inflicted on the boys body. The Night-Moored swallowed. I Yes! I was wrong. Im sorry! Im sorry, everyone! Im really, really sorry, Count Noon! IllIll do anything to make this up to you all. More noise. But Wei caught the tightening of the knights digits. The young master looked away and pulled Agnesia by the shoulder. Turn aside. What Good. Im glad youre sorry, the elf said. But Wei saw the smile grow on her face. A feral smile that preceded bloodshed. But I need the others here to remember it as well. And theres just one thing I got in mind for how to make this memorable. Her knight wrapped its large hands around the boys body and twisted in opposite directions. His spinal column shattered one after another, bones bursting out from flesh, spraying red and mangled gore against the dome. A gargled gasp came from the boy. He tried to scream, but his lungs had popped, and no air would flow. And then the knight began to twist and pull harder, and thus followed the sound of ripping Agnesia swallowed, but her jaw hardened, and she turned. She turned to observe what was happening in defiance of Wei. She turned and took in the murder, her eyes drinking in every detail, her features growing openly disgusted and scornful of the cheering crowd. Wei noticed the Collectress looking at the girl, studying her. Her expression proved to be inscrutable. What she thought of this violence, Wei couldnt tell, but the Old Man seemed more or less indifferentor outright bored by expression. And once more, Wei was reminded of that he lived in the Claimed Hells, that this place was filled with monsters of all shapes and natures, that none beyond his sect was his ally. When the time came to perform a bloodletting here, he would enjoy it. He would enjoy removing the detritus. He offered the mangled remains of the dead Night-Moored a final look and shook his head. What an ill omen it was to be born weak, and to never discover strength thereafter. Pardon me, Agnesia finally said to the Collectress. I got distracted. You said there was someplace private we could go toto talk about things. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. The Countess of Lust smiled slightly, and a few of her extra limbs unclasped behind her. Yes. Of course. Come with me, princess. She regarded Wei with a look. I assume you will be joining us as well? The young master kept to his part. Yes. I wish to ensure the safety of my disciples by any and all means. I trust that you wont be offended by my presence. Of course. Old Man. Im stealing this two for a moment. Official matters sour the taste of these galas; best us be away. The Old Man waved her off, but from the corner of his eye, he watched the Collectress, and a tendril of Essence glided out from his being. Message incoming from [The Old Man] Watch yourself around that bitch. Shes fucked boys like you to death all her life. And I mean that both figuratively and literally. Wei wasnt sure if the Old Man was trying to engender distrust or actually worried. Could be both. Dumbshits more concerned that shell poach you from him, Bishop snorted. The Trespasser remained a steady presence in the back of Weis mind, and Wei guessed that he was probably buried deep in the minds of half the sinners in this place already. Fuck no. Just yours and the rest of your little groups. Been trying to protect you more than Ive been sneaking around. Trust me, psionic shit isnt just a get in anywhere power. Half of these people have high enough wills to resist meor at least notice me. Then how do you know what the Old Man wants? Intercepted some of his bitching. He vents a lot to that Mulver orc who tried to recruit you. Ah. Mulver Groon. Wei looked around and frowned. He and Mulver werent allies per say, but it would be nice to see another familiar face. You might have to kill him, Bishop said. I prefer killing people Im familiar with. There is usually a good reason behind why Im killing them in that case. Kid. You might just be the right kind of fucked up for this shit. Wei took that as a compliment. Several attendants helped clear a path for the Collectress, and though the crowds were thick, her coming caused the tides of people to break and recede. It wasnt surprising. Even Sinners with the lowest Perception could probably feel her arrival, and knew better than to get in the way of a Countess. Wei was about to ask where she was going when he detected something else with his Omniscience. Essence was pouring free from other Sinners around her, twisting and twirling until a doorway opened. Suddenly, a portal rushed toward them, and Wei found himself walking along a long bridge connected to His mind reeled. This wasnt just a bridge, it was linked to a structure composed from multiple aligned rings. A moving platform descended between their gaps, stopping on certain levels belowlevels also connected to other bridges, ending at other portals. The sheer fall went down a long way, and the young master felt as if he was in some kind of inverted tower. A sweet and delicious scent choked the atmosphere, and in the distance, he saw rows of bodies. Most of them were shivering from the cold, and distantly, he could hear some crying. Flying demons with sinuous bodies clutching razor-thin whips struck them from time to time like horsemen herding a flock. It didnt take much for Wei to realize they were slaves. Just as it didnt take much for him to guess where he was now. I am honored you would invite us into your home, Wei said, pouring as much false gratitude as he could into his voice. The Collectress threw her head back and laughed. Do not be coy, boy. This is but my front porch, if anything. Now. She came to a halt at the center of the bridge, and Wei faint became aware of three demons hovering just below, whips at the ready. He also realized the bridge didnt have any railings. The fall likely wouldnt kill him or Agnesia, but finding himself on enemy territory so suddenly She cant do anything to you. Dont worry. Bishops voice kept the young master from considering a pre-emptive attack. Spatial magic is easy to stop. Which means that she must have registered a portal connecting her with the Old Man. He knows where you are, and wont let anything happen to you on his watch, on his territory. Which this currently counts as per Space and Hospitality Law XII Line 3. Its true! Weis lawyer chirped internally The young master struggled to stay interested through the monologue. This place has far too much administrative bloat. But it is also strangely thought Yeah. No shit, kid. Youre in hell. So. Tell me of your woes, the Collectress said, holding out a hand to Agnesia. The princess blinked, uncertain what the demoness wanted until the fingers were right in front of her. Awkwardly, she reached out to hold the Collectresss hand. The other limbs of the Collectress snaked forth slowly, each one massaging a different part of Agnesias arms. One so young, so sweet as you shouldnt be made to run. Shouldnt be forced to bear this burden. The Collectress sighed. That is the thing about us. Life will not care. And despite our positions and supposed privilege, we are the flowers instead of the sword. We are not respected. And so we cannot choose. Agnesia froze, and had to stop herself from looking at Wei. Is Agnesia well? Wei? Where are you? You suddenly disappeared. A message notification came from Ellena, and Wei dismissed it. He needed to focus right now. He wasnt sure what the Collectress was doing, but he didnt want to face any surprises. Will be back soon, Wei said, absentmindedly. We? Agnesia finally asked. I was nobility too. Well. Not quite like you. But favored concubine. One beloved. I was but a bit older than you when my world was taken by the Embraced. It was one of the worst and best days of my life. The Collectress sighed afterward. Wei couldnt tell if she was being genuine or lying, but instinct told him the true might just be somewhere in between. II see. Agnesia controlled her breathing and continued. Earlier, William coached her briefly, telling her things to expect and what else to watch for. It wasnt enough to make her a competent infiltrator, but she didnt understand what she needed to do, which was sell how overwhelmed she felt. And how angry she truly was. But Im done with that. And if youre honest about what happened to you, about your desire for revenge, then maybe ourour closeness can grow. I am willing to offer blood and spirit for revenge. One of the Collectresss hands reached up and rested against Agnesias cheek. Wondrous. Her voice was husky and low, like a drunk finally obtaining a long desired sip of alcohol. Blood and spirit are exactly what we need. I can take you now. Show you the weapon I have been crafting so you can understand. But suddenly, her demonic irises fell on Wei. But it can only be revealed to you. Only Scions can experience what I am to show you. You may stay in contact, but for your safety. For her safetyand the safety of my sect, I wish to strike a bargain, Wei interjected. He wasnt much better than Agnesia at acting, but his nerves were deadened from all he experienced. What matter if the Collectress uncovered the truth? It was but a fight. But a battle. And but death if he failed. And he already knew death, had struck an accord with the Hound. Oh? And what arrangements would you like me to make? What do you want in return for this? That can be discussed, Wei said. But for now, I need Agnesia to be taken somewhere safe. Somewhere beyond so many prying eyes. She paused as she looked between the young master and the princess. Then, slowly, she chuckled-and laughed. Oh. Oh, I see. How responsible of you, little patriarch. How sweet. How affectionate. You must truly think deeply for her well-being. And her bodily safety. For whatever reason, Wei felt a sense of discomfort rising through his body. Worry not, then, the Collectress said. She slid her hand behind Agnesias back as a platform suddenly rose into view. It was entirely empty, devoid of people. But Weis Omniscience allowed him to glimpse somethinga splotch of blood near the far edge. I will see her spirited to a place of true sanctuary for now, with your permission, and what this is done well, I suppose we can begin proper discussions. The young master fought the urge to swallow, and clenched the derision in his heart as he forced himself to salute. I would be in your debt. The Collectress smiled. And I yours. Only Bishops laugh broke the tension. Good job kid. Did that faster than I expected. Poor fucker bought that shit hook and bait and all. Achievement earned: [Deceiver] - Increases Aspect of Mind by 10% when lying to another person. II-74 Pawns Oh? What did you say his name was? Wei? Sounds like one of those oriental Fictionals. Oh, wonderful. A Cultivator. I hate those. Always blood feud this and honor that. Never any real sense in those minds. But I suppose I cant blame them. Theyre not real, after all. They cant truly control the way they act. They simple are. A pity. A shame. An ugly fate. Best they find themselves governed by a more gentle master in the end. Anyhow, this has me thinking, my dearest Count, about a certain problem. My oldest son, Herzog Hes been talking to his mother a bit too much lately. Been getting rather unruly and rude. More than that, his skills have begun to slack. I think a good rival will do him some good, and that a friendly exhibition will settle your whispering rivals about how desperately youve been trying to court this little Sinner. If he is as good as you say, this can only be to everyones benefit. Of course, of course. I will make sure nothing goes awry. After all, it is my son at risk here. -Duke Goldskull II-74 Pawns Wei watched as the Collectress guided Agnesia away. It made him feel wrongabandoning her, no, allowing her to walk deeper into this serpents den. The Countesss many limbs clasped around Agnesias back like bars on a cage. For the briefest of moments, the princess turned, and Wei saw the nervousness in her eyes. But he also saw something elsestrength, resolve. She would see this done, or she would die honorably. Die. He didnt want her to die. He didnt want her to be like her mother. The young master looked away first, his own weakness winning before hers did. He had a duty to do, and if this went right, then another adversary could be eliminated, and an ally could be claimed. Vendrians significance would be his, but more importantly, the Scion of Death would be under his sect. And they would be one step closer, too. Yes, there was still Earth looming, and he had his own den of snakes to face. All right, good job, kid, Bishop said. The Trespasser let out a sigh. Better wait here for a second. I think the Collectress is gonna send her down and come back for you. By the way, the Duke is making his way towards the Old Man. I intercepted some wordsso you might want to expect trouble. He mentioned your name. I think hes going to put you on a collision path with his sonHerzog. His son? Wei said, sounding surprised. Yeah, theres been a family issue with the Duke. He and his wifewell, lets just say they dont see eye to eye no more after a little bit of infidelity, mutual assassination attempts, and a particularly ugly failed divorce. Failed divorce? Wei repeated. Breaking a marriage was something horrible, but failing to break a marriage after all that? Wei didnt even know what to say. Yeah, just play along. Act surprised, and whatever he tries to get you to dotry to stay ahead. Ill figure out whatever hes planning. You just pull your punches. I dont need you starting an incident at the gala. Wei bit his lip. He hated politics. He hated these falsehoods and half-truths and moving with so much caution. He hated restraining himself, but he would do it. He would play the pawn if it meant eventually becoming a player. As the Collectress finally deposited Agnesia upon the platform, two demonssinuous forms glistening with gemscircled around her. Their bottom halves were serpent-like, but their upper bodies were those of nubile maidens, underdressed and holding fans. One immediately engaged the Princess in conversation while the other sang a bewitching tune. A loud groaning sound echoed from the platform, and slowly the Collectress backed away, allowing it to descend. Moments thereafter, Agnesia faded from sight, her eyes locked away, and his on hers as the Collectress returned. On the way down, Agnesia sent. I see a lot of portals. Ignium There are so many so many slaves. T-the anchor is stable. I dont think she knows. She doesnt, Wei replied. She would never allow you into her sanctuary if she did. Stay strong. I will be there if you need me. Any time you need me. A pause followed. Take care of mother. I will. She will be taken care of, the Collectress said. Wei nearly jumped back as he found the Collectress fast approaching. I will go to her later, after the festivities have ended. She will be kept safe for now. You can trust me. Wei simply nodded. He didnt trust hernot even a littlebut he hoped that his lack of reply would be seen as worry rather than suspicion. Her features softened. You mean the best for her. You care for her. This is She paused, a weakness. I would tell you to kill it, but I cannot ask such a thing of you. If there were more like you, perhaps this world would be a better place. Perhaps we wouldnt be sacked and tortured by monsters. But there are not more like you, and the ones who are kind are so often weak. Look at me, Wei An Wei. The young master did look at her, and for the first time, he saw something in the Collectress. It wasnt just a monster therethere was, perhaps, a person once. Or was this an act of deception? A twist with her special skill? I was once like her too. That, more than anything, is truth. But I had to kill that part of me. The girl, the concubine, the lamb. There cannot be lambs here. Lambs dont last. All of us have to be wolves. All of us have to be capable of anything. Anything. Are you capable of anything, Wei? He looked at her. I am capable of more than you know. A few moments passed. The silence between them turned to a grinding tension. Finally, she smiled, and whatever vulnerability she had momentarily dissolved. Very good, then. Let us return. I believe we still have a gala to attend. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. *** When they returned to rejoin the others, Wei saw Vendrian waiting for them. The Scion of Death was a giant of a man, looming over the gathered sinners like a lighthouse, staring off in the distance. A group of demonic attendants cleared the path for Wei again, and as the glistening Essence faded from the Collectresss body, he found himself a few short steps away from the dais where the Old Man was holding up a glass, offering a toast to all at the gala. And this is for a wonderful invasion, the Old Man continued. A bitter, sardonic smile played across his face, for the fun and games they were all about to experience once they reached the Trespasser homeworld. A series of curses, slurs, and glorious roars resounded. It started nearby, with only a few carrying the call, but then it spread until the entire gala was in an uproar. Oh good, the Collector muttered under her breath. We didnt miss the fanfare. As Wei drew closer, the Old Man turned and looked at him. The corner of his lip quirked, and he angled his body, aiming his toast at Wei. Attendants, get the boy something to drink, murmurs rose from the surrounding sinners. Multitudes split into separate crowdssome chattering about his victory over the Many-wed, others inquiring about who he was, why he specifically was allowed on the dais next to the Old Man, why he was so favored. As his omniscience scanned the crowd, Wei felt a building pulse in the back of his headan ache, a strain. This was more people packed into one place than he had ever faced in his entire life. You holding in there, kid? Bishop asked. Yes. Yes, I am, Wei replied. The pain was manageable. He just needed to focus. He just needed to watch. He knew that the likelihood of an assassination or attack right now was unlikely, but stillafter what he experienced at the hotelhe couldnt let his guard down. Never again. An attendant handed him an ornate cup, designed from silver enamel and golden inlays, filled with red wine so fine that its color reflected Weis face right back at him. He looked tired, but still he forced himself to smirk, to play the role of politician and deceiver. He toasted the Old Man back. To this invasion I suppose we are talking about Earth? I have often wondered what the Trespasser homeworld is like, what wondersor lack thereof await us there. Some sneers greeted him, but more than that were jeers and cheers. There were far more Fictionals here than Trespassers, anyway. In time, I think we will all have the opportunity to see for ourselves, he added, offering a salute to the crowd. And when that day comes, I hope that you find whatever makes your heart content. Well spoken, the Old Man said. Now, let the festivities continue, let the drinks flow, and if there are any more grievances He looked over the crowd. Well, lets see that settled. At any point At that moment, Wei felt a pressure slam down upon him, like a mountain suddenly materializing just a few feet away. A figure stepped through the crowds, mingling with the common Sinners. As he approached, those nearby gasped and flinched back, his essence level almost unbearable for them to sustain. He wasnt remarkable in most aspectshe wasnt large, he didnt have any suns floating above pauldrons, nor did he possess strange body architecture of any kind. To the casual observer, he was an average man, of average height. But he did have one particularity: he had a golden skull. And that was how Wei met the Duke of Pride. Not with a grand entrance, not with a display of awesome power or dominancea casual stroll, and several people collapsing in his wake. His hands rested casually in his suit pockets, and he whistled a jaunty tune, despite the stillness of his facial features. Goldskull, the Old Man laughed. Im surprised you came all the way down this long haul to greet a little old me. Its not every day that a duke deigns to greet one of his counts. And its not every day that one of my counts hosts such a fine event. Then, the Duke paused. His steps came to a sudden halt, and he spun on his heel. Somehow, Wei felt like he was being judged. Just then, Wei felt another presence fast approaching. The essence bore a slight similarity to the Duke, and from afar, he heard yellingthe commotion of bodies being knocked aside, and a rage-filled voice echoing down the hall. Coward! Several heads turned in the direction of the voice, yet Goldskull stared directly at Wei. He took a few more steps, slipping between people. Rather than pushing them aside, he gingerly angled his own body; everything he did was an act of surrenderor perhaps an act of unity with those of lower stature. He didnt act like a great power at all. Despite all the essence flowing off him, was this truly a Duke of Hell? Was it a test, or some kind of illusion? As he ascended the dais, he offered a few apologies to a person hed bumped intoa short woman, wider than she was tall. She blinked slightly, mouth agape, as Goldskull brushed his hand through her hair. "Count," Goldskull said, "is this the boy? The supposed talent?" He gestured toward Wei. The old man looked at Wei, winked once, and nodded. "Yeah, hes Mulvers find." "I told you. I know. I watched the videos. Quite a nasty fight." "Well, I cant claim to offer him something as hard to bite down on," Goldskull continued, "as hard as Many-wed. But in a few moments, he might be able to demonstrate his worth to all of us." Coward! Bastard!Adulterer!" A second figure came into view, entering Weis senses. This one was of a weaker essencepossessing only as much power as perhaps Wei or Vendrian did. But as they stood closer, Wei noted their size: they wore heavy, golden armor, decked out with a layer of curved spikes jutted upward from their arms, and their helmet burned with blackened flames more fitting to the Circle of Wrath. Heavy hooves hammered against the ground, and the young master watched as the gold-helmeted behemoth stomped forward. "Father!" a booming cry rang out. "You cannot run from me! You cannot run from the disgrace you inflicted upon Mother and I! I demand satisfaction! I demand that you stand and deliver and face me! You cannot avoid this! You know that you are not allowed back here not until the marital disputes have been settled!" Goldskull held out a hand toward Wei. "Hello, young sir! Yes, dont be shy. I have a favor to ask of you. Dont worry, its not a free favor. But if you do this for me, I can make life very, very easy for you. In fact, we can talk about partnerships, sponsorships, or even the movement of a substantial amount of significance." He wasnt capable of smiling truly, but Wei caught the hint of a grin in his voice. And might I guess what you want? Wei asked. "Coward!" roared Goldskulls son. I see you. I see you hiding behind your minions. "Oh, you may guess," Goldskull replied again, but I think anyone with even a moderately high Mind aspect will know what troubles I face right now. I cant engage with him directlylegal issues, I dont want to invoke the Tribulators, and I certainly dont want to bring his mother into this affair. But if you intervene on my behalf" Play the game, Bishop interjected. But dont hurt the boy. You can beat him, but do not kill him, and definitely do not humilate him. No matter what you do, do not make this a bigger event than it has to be. Wei sighed. He had a feeling he wasnt going to enjoy which way this would turn out. As you command, my Duke, he said. He summoned his Pale Fang, and with a burst of radiant energy, a series of cries and surprised yelps sounded from the silent sinners beside him. He gestured at those blocking his way, impeding him from the approaching giant. Make way, Wei said firmly. I have something to do. Somehow, this was the second family dispute he got into in the past few days. Goldskulls son stomped forward, and Wei met him halfway. An opening was created from the crowda small wedge of space where only the young master and the giant stood apart from each other. Herzog Skullgnash: Hellknight Lv. 101 Move, Herzog commanded. Wei shook his head. I must decline, he retorted with bitter resolve. I abhor this game, my unfortunate friend. But politics demands that we stand across from each other. Im not your friend, you little fucking rat. Im here for my father. But if you dont move I challenge you to a duel, officially mandated in the eyes of the law. And with that declaration, the tension in the hall rose to a fever pitch, the fate of families and fortunes teetering on the edge of a single, perilous confrontation. II-75 Rigged Game Ive sent Herzog to you. You know what to do. Ah, yes. Herzoga wayward son. Our greatest mistake. Why didnt we kill him when he was just a babe? Your sentimentality. My sentimentality. I remember differently. I remember you saying that we could make something of this. He has the cruelty. All we need to do is give him the discipline. Oh, please. Spare me your spotted memory. This creature, this mistake of ours, continued to persist long after I declared that we should have removed him from our existence. But you thought it useful to have a dumb brute as a childsomeone we can cast off to the base. I suppose his only significant success was not dying down in the Base Wars. I suppose. But now, all that information hes been selling to the Circle of Gluttony, the Circle of Wrath, and, frankly, the Circle of Greed thats one thing. We could censure him, have him punished, even launch an unholy crusade to redeem him. But attempted assassination and aiding people to remove us? Well, thats a step too far, dont you think? Its been a step too far for far too long. So, you plan his elimination through means beyond yourselfsomething to avoid implicating me and also giving me a reason to intrude on your behalf. Yes. The fools and the Counts still think we are of bad relations. Truly, wife, I must commend you. This smokescreen is most wonderful and useful. Fine. Are we meeting tonight again? Oh yes. Oh yes. -Exchange between Duchess Lein the Last and Duke Goldskull II-75 Rigged Game It didnt take very long for Wei to figure out what kind of idiot Herzog was. Herzog was the sort of fool who focused solely on strengthmaybe a bit on constitutionbut mostly on brute force. He loved to wield larger weapons, pull people in half, swing oversized instruments to crush dozens of weaker foes, and loudly scream insults like failure this or coward that, daring anyone to fight him. Wei had faced many Cultivators during his youthamong his first experiences were particularly large Outer Sect Disciples, farm boys convinced that rough fighting and hard living would give them the edge over a pampered young master. Not so, not so. Strength was more than muscle when you were a Cultivator, and it was a lot more than mere form when you were a Sinnera hellish ascendant in these miserable realms. Im going to give you a chance, Wei declared. From the tip of his Pale Fang, his own lawyer did a pirouette. You can withdraw. You can offer your apologies to your father, and I will let you go. I will spare your lifeI will grant you this reprieve. With each word, Wei saw Herzogs hands clench tighter. His hands were sheathed in blackened metal bands, from which tongues of flame leapt between the crenulations that allowed movement. Allow? allow! Herzog roared. You allow nothing, worm! His golden helmet erupted with flaking tongues of flame dancing free from the slits of his visor. Though truly enraged now, the young master cared littleHerzog was, after all, mostly an annoyance. He was only level 100. Nothing Wei couldnt handle. Remember, do not kill him, Bishops voice echoed in Weis mind again. If you kill him, we might end up drawing Lein the Last into thisand we dont want her involved, trust me. The Last, Wei repeated. Why is that her name? Because there used to be a whole goddamn kingdom she was related to, and now theyre all dead Lets just say you dont want to meet her mount right now. Shit, I dont think I want to meet her. Goddamn womanshes a killing machine. How the count pissed her off, I dont want to find out. But despite these grim thoughts, Herzog might have finally bitten off more than he could chew. With a flick of his hand, his armor began to shift. The jagged spikes running along his right arm poured downward and transformed into a black halberd. Exquisitely decoratedthe shaft lined with small skullsthe weapon was artistically done, yet the design made it difficult to grip properly. One could see the larger mans fingers failing to find a solid purchase. The crossguard was equally problematic: too long, with four jutting edges extending in all directions, nearly poking out someones eye at one point. The only true advantage was its lengthit was roughly three times longer than Weis pale fang and, judging by its thickness, over a hundred times heavier. Dense black metal with flames sprouting from the back, it screamed of outrage and impatience. From the tip of the halberd, Herzogs lawyer emerged. Unlike Weis lawyera golden tongue of refined articulationthis one was a small ember clad in a sleek black suit. Oh, youre gonna get it now, buddy boy. Were gonna stomp ya, were gonna crush ya. You really shouldnt have proposed this duel, it declared. Weis lawyer scanned Herzog, and a tale of the tape emerged: Lawyer of Pride and Warth ->Cases Won: 2 ->Cases Lost: 3,512 Wei took a moment to digest that information. Truly, he was facing the cream of the crop. Very well, then. If you are in agreement and have the courage to test me, let us see this done. I have no interest in making this a lasting affair. Herzog finally laughed, mocking the idea of an outlasting affair. Fine then, he turned, we duel! The Old Man waved a hand, and geometric lines extended from him. The flames dancing upon his pauldrons fed essence into these lines, and soon a repulsive force sealed Wei ina tight structure barely larger than nine meters across and three meters wide. This was to be a close counter-encounter, an engagement that supposedly suited Herzog. But the giant failed to realize two things: first, that his weapon was far too long to be of any convenient use in these confined quarters; and second, that he was nothing more than a large lamb being fed to a very small, but very fierce, wolf. All right, fighters, the Old Man announced, extending a hand. Audience, Sinners of the gala, are you ready to see some blood? A cheer arosesome muted, more curious than excitedas Wei prepared for what was to come. Herzog was slow. He moved as if stuck in mud compared to the young master. Even so, Wei allowed him to take the first swing; he wanted to assess the quality of the Dukes son as an opponent. The first attack was disappointing. Herzog swung with all his mighta thunderclap shook the air and a loud roar accompanied the strike. Herzog stepped forward with a terrible stancetoo wide, unbalanced, and awkwardly arranged. Yet Wei did not immediately exploit this; he let the attack pass, simply shifting ever so slightly with minimal effort. As Herzogs blow went wide, he awkwardly angled his body, attempting to wrench his momentum into a proper strike. It was a feeble action: the momentum of his initial onslaught had already been lost, and his attack impacted the side of the dome with a ripple of translucent force dancing across the structure. Before Herzog could recover, Wei thurst out with his Pale Fanga weapon smaller and shorter than Herzogs, but far more efficient. The Pale Fang punched clean through, splitting through the black metal of the halberd. The weapon shattered into broken fragments. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. The giant stumbled, jolting forward, nearly toppling over from his loss of balance. Wei then stomped downtargeting not the giants knee, but his ankle. All that weight concentrated on such a fragile joint caused something to snap; the socket slid out of place. The giant cried out. As he kneeled and staggered, Wei delivered a brutal kick to his throata casual hit with a burst of heat that made the giant gag and choke. Before the crowd could erupt, whispers spread through the onlookers. What the fuck was that? It was barely a fight. Did anyone see that hit? How fast was he? Thats too much agility for someone whos a Knighteven a Marquise wouldnt move like that. Wei kept his gaze fixed on Herzog. Now, the giant lay toppled, his foot crooked in a horrible angle while his right arm clutched at his throat. He clawed at his helmetthe gold-plated maskand, after fumbling for a few moments, tore it off to expose a massive bald head scrawled with ugly, ritualistic scars. His face, however, was not entirely human; scales ran along the sides, and his ears appeared to have gills hidden just behind them. Wei doubted that this was part of any gold-masked lineageonly one person could be responsible for such calamity. All right, John remarked bitterly. That was a disappointment, even for me. The giant choked, clawing to stand. His leg made a horrible snapping noise as his armor shifted and pulled his bone back into place. The young master frowned slightly. I suppose I could commend your determination, but your skill is lacking. There is no world in which you may best me. Capitulate, try again another dayremember this as a lesson. No, Herzog growled, forcing the words through a wounded through. He slammed a fist against the ground, making the space within the dome shake violently. No! he bellowed, trying to rise. But Wei casually kicked him down again. The absurd sight of Weis slight form punting a giant across the battle space drew a chorus of laughter from the crowd. Herzogs back struck the dome, and another ripple pulsed through. The Old Man threw up his hands, addressing Goldskull, whose gaze was now fixed solely on Wei. Once more, Weis Omniscience caught a single thread of essence leaving hima subtle act of communication with someone. Bishop, can you? The Trespassers voice trailed off. Whatever hes talking to I cant pierce it. I got limits too, kid. Dukes arent easy to scry. Wei bit his lip; a bad feeling gnawed at him. Remember, dont do anything stupid. Do not kill anyone. This message came from inside Wei, a reminder from his father, watching the unfolding chaos. You need Goldskull to accept something from you as a favor later, so keep your moves in moderation. But you dont want him to pull you into his family business. I know, Wei replied internally. This one isnt even a threat. I dont think he could have threatened me like before I claimed the system. Dont get cocky or arrogant. Once more, Herzog slowly pushed himself back to his feet. With a sickening snap, his left foot finally and fully reconnected, and a loud groan escaped him. Ill kill you! he roared, shooting to his feet with fire blazing from every opening in his armor. His face was a mask of pure outrage as black metal flowed along his left arm, combining to form a weakened, fanged mace. Finally, the idiot was using something suited to the enclosed spaceeven if his technique was still rough. Herzog swung wide; Wei slipped underneath. Herzog swung his backhandWei again went under. A third swing came from high to low, intended to smash Wei into the ground. The young master shifted slightly to the side. Each blow was too slow, too easily anticipated by Weis refined sense of relativity. Every dodge sent a tremor through his very being, but even if he toyed with his adversary for hours, Wei knew hed gain only a few minor Aspect Advancements. As Herzogs weapon swung for the sixth time, Wei delivered a precise kick to his armpit, striking a nerve. The weapon spun out of Herzogs grasp, limp and useless. Wei kicked him in the throat again with the same leg and precision, and something in Herzog finally clicked. A loud, gasping wheeze escaped the giant as he stumbled back; Wei then stomped his other ankle, causing it to snap backwards. The giant, unable even to scream properly, was left broken. All right, this is starting to get really sad, John Bishop remarked. Just let him lie there for now. This will be over soon. Then, Wei felt somethinga tendril of Essence snaking toward his foe. Bishop. Yeah, Wei, I see it too. The Trespasser intercepted the trickle of essence. A second later, Wei heard a command directed at his fallen adversary: Kill him. Whatever it takes, kill him. Do not shame me. If you do, I will end you myselfand afterward, I will do so on you. The voice was deep. Female. So casual and cruel it made Wei pause. Lein, Bishop muttered. The fuck is making him do? Wei frowned. His mother had expected much from him when he grew up, but this was beyond the pale. Fealty was a contractone must respect ones parents while demanding respect in return. A sob escaped Herzog. Wei took in his adversary once more. This was more than just a brutal idiot; this was a pawn, driven to perform acts in honor of someone who barely cared about him. He rose one last time. Wei shook his head, his voice low and barely a whisper: It is not worth it. No matter what she says to you, you cannot beat me. Herzog froze, eyes wide. Youyou heard, you know? Wei shook his head. Dont. The giant hesitated a few more seconds, then came at Wei once more. But this time, something triggered within him. Essence poured out, blasting in waves of fire, as his black armor turned to slag, and his body melted into molten gore. Wei felt immense heat wash over him. The young master was not at a losshe spawned a divine wind around himself, blocking and intercepting the blow. Wei would not be brought down by this onslaught. Yet Herzog continued to burn; his aspects spiked upward, moving faster than ever. Every step he took, molten metal leaked from his joints, spilling across the ground. He formed no weapons this time, relying solely on his fists and raw rage. Wei dodged as Herzog surged forward, stomping the back of his knee. However, as Weis leg collided with Herzog, he sensed something beneath Herzogs shattered forma blast of flame erupted, and Wei yelped as the sole of his foot seared with immense heat. Stumbling back, he pounded the ground in a desperate attempt to extinguish the latching flame. Herzog turned. His flesh was becoming a nest of hives, sinews withering and blackening, the fat beneath his skin popping as if he were a pig being boiled on a spit. His eyes wept blood and tears in equal measure. Oh, my God! Im not useless! Herzog is not useless! Im not! he cried, struggling to maintain his dignity. The young master swept backward, avoiding Herzogs grasp. The giant smashed against the domethe impact flattening an entire section of his head as bones shattered like a fractured plate beneath mangled flesh. He spun away, teetering on the edge of collapse, yet managed to remain standing. With the last of his strength and essence, he turned away and held out a trembling finger, pointing at the young master. Im not useless. He took another step, then another, and a final one. As his leg melted and he pooled across the ground into a mass of burning gore and magma, his feeble voice repeated, I am not useless. In the end, Herzog came undoneliquefied into a puddle of himself. Useless. As the giant reached for Wei, he splattered apart, leaving nothing but a bare hole. Silence followed. No master spoke; all that remained was a stunned gaze. Bishop looked on through Weis eyes. All right. That wasnt fucking expected at all. Goddammit. William cursed silently inside Wei as well. John, I think we just got fucked. Somethings happening here. Remember the Essence? The tendril going into the Goldskull earlier. Yeah. William swallowed. Leinshes encouraging him to kill himself. I think she was in league with her husband this entire time. I think we have tainted intel. I dont know As they spoke, Wei turned to stare at the Goldskulll. It didnt seem miserable at all, but then he looked away. He simply shrugged. Oh dear, my boy. I fear that in your haste to help me, you might have caused yourself some trouble. His mother will not be taking this well. And something told Wei that William was right. Politics. What a disgusting thing. Severe food poisoning chapter delayed Sorry guys I think Im not capable of sitting up right now. Im doing this through. Dictation chapter will be up in a few hours. I apologize for any inconvenience caused, and Im just going to need to lie down for a while longer If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. it says I need 500 characters supposed to chapter so I might as well get there. I dont know what I hate. I dont know what happened, but its a man with me and now I am doing my best impression of a snail without a shell if I continue talking harder, perhaps I will vanish into myself and then only then will I discover where my lost words are II-76 Those Who Move Forces Consul Winters, it is Lein. I have found a reason to approach the boy now, so we may proceed. I will take his System if the opportunity presents itself. My husband and I are working the angles as best we can, but nothing is guaranteed. He is almost certain to have Trespasser support from the LodgeI suspect John Bishop remains in league with him, and perhaps his father is in play too, though rumors say that his relationship with William Yu is anything but cordial. I will keep you updated on our progress. I accept your condolences readily, but as for Herzoghe was always expendable. At least he died for something useful. -Lein the Last II-76 Those Who Move Forces The four-shrouded space containing Herzogs remains flickered and died. Almost immediately, demonic attendants came in, flying through the air. Some bore mops, scooping the molten magma, while others carried large trays and containers to haul the substance away. It was as if a spell had broken over the crowdmurmuring persisted for a moment before most returned to their own festivities. Some went for food, some to drink, and others wandered off to watch new fights spawning in and around the area. It was a festival of madness and indifferencea life lost, a scheme unfolding. But that was just another day in the claim tales. When Weis Omniscience fell upon the Old Mans face, the smile was gone; his expression turned neutral, his eyes searching, as if trying to decipher what the future held. Meanwhile, Goldskull kept looking away. Intermittently, a few essence tendrils snaked in and out of his being, evidence that he was still in contact with someoneyet Bishops encryption proved impenetrable. The young master then returned to the dais. The first to greet him was Rafael, who stumbled forward, squeezing through the crowd. What was that? Rafael asked. Ive never seen someone mount themselves like that before. Did you say something to him? About his mother? I did not, Wei replied, but I suspect his mothershe ordered him to kill himself by any means necessary to bring me down. What? Why? Rafael pressed. Im not certain, the young master answered, but I think a game is being played against us. I suspect the Duke is in league with his wife. The lich, silently observing, glanced momentarily at Goldskull. Then are we are we fucked, Wei? Not quite yet. Lets continue to watch and see what they do. Bishop and my father are gathering more intelligence, trying to pull out every bit of information. For now, we play along. If we show our hand too early, I fear they might know were aware of their schemes. Right, right, Rafael agreed. Theres also something elsethere are unknown ciphers in the area. I dont think the Old Man has put them up. Unknown ciphers? Wei mused. Yes, hidden oculi. I found them in the corner of the room. Very well-made. But not well-made enough to escape you, Wei said with a smirk, eliciting a thoughtful nod from Rafael. One must be truly schooled in the platonic arts to be so assured of their capabilities. Alas, most just churn out worthless slop in the Crossroads proper academic institutions, Rafael spat disgustedly. Soon, they arrived before the Old Man, and Wei and his other disciples clustered in awkward groups. They were allowed near the Count and the Duke, while massive gold-armored demonic guardians watched over themshepherding them, keeping them separated from the other Sinners. Wei wondered if this deliberate segregation was meant to create a sort of in-and-out group between his people and the rest. The darkest parts of his mind even considered what might happen if the Old Man demanded that everyone in this chamber turn on them. Though Wei doubted that would occur, in the Claimed Hells surprises were never in short supply. Well, that was something, the Old Man said glibly. Duke, I must apologize. I understand that you and your family have had, well, disagreements in the pastbut losing a son like that will shake any man. Ah, yes, the duke replied solemnly. Alas, his life was his own, and for whatever inadequacy, he chose to walk a dire path. At least you were spared, young man. The dukes voice lit with a mix of joy and effervescence as he addressed Wei, Tell me, youre WeiWei An Wei, the one who broke Many-wed, correct? That is I, Wei said, offering a slight salute. His gaze remained fixed on the Dukes face, and as the eccentric Goldskull threw his head back in a hearty chuckle, Wei felt an undeniable charisma emanate from himas if he was a man who could take any hardship and simply move on unaffected. Well, Im glad to finally meet you, the Duke continued. Youve made a lot of people happy. In fact, youve actually doubled my earning portfolio. Wei hesitated. I you bet on me? Oh, no! I was busy trying to avoid a lawsuit at the timerival problem. Youll run into those if you survive long enough down here. But I would have liked to! One of my many assistants decided to place a bid on you after they saw how you foughta tip from our good friend over here, the Count. The Duke then placed a hand on the counts shoulder, his fingers slipping through the white ball of fire dancing upon the Counts pauldron. Even so, the duke remained unscathed, as if his very touch was immune to immense heat and disruptive essence. Whatever the case, I just want you to know that Ill do all I can to protect you from any reprisals from my wife. She is a most unreasonable woman. Wei paused, uncertain how to respond. I thank you for your offer, Duke. Call me Goldskull, the Duke said with a chuckle. Anyway, I think were going to be doing a lot of business in the future, getting along. Tell mea little birdie has been whispering. No, several little birdies, in factthey say you are interested in making a run for Hells Vanguard, with the coming invasion of Earth. Leaning closer as if to share a conspiratorial secret, the Duke asked, So, if you can tell a friend a secretbecause Im really curiousare you doing this for revenge or because you genuinely want a piece of the action? Weis eyes narrowed slightly. Bishop? The Trespasser replied instantly. Just be as honest as you can. This one is a canny operator in the political sceneI dont think youre going to lie your way past him. He might even have a Skill for detecting falsehoods. Wei kept his spirit loose, though tension still built inside him. I must be honestI do like power, he admitted. But then images of Evernest flashed behind his mind: the burning of everblossoms, the butchery of his secteverything that had happened to him. I want the Trespassers to know loss. I want them to understand what happens when their world is taken. But I dont wish to butcher their world, to cull their people or reduce their realm to flames. No, I simply want them to know that it is better managed by a proper mastera more measured hand. Goldskull nodded, unoffended and unsurprised. That is certainly more noble than what many would be after such trauma. I should also let you know that I am a Trespasser myselfbut I harbor no real love for Earth. With a casual twirl of his hand, Wei barely noticed as the Duke telekinetically snatched a drink from a nearby attendant. Bringing it to his mouth, the Duke threw it back and, in an astonishing moment, the wine splashed against his skull and seemed to be absorbed into it, as if the material itself were drinking the fluid. Wei blinked, unsure how the mechanics worked for that. Regardless, I might be able to help you with things. The Old Man here mentioned that you might be interested in awhat did you call it? A mutual partnership. The Dukes tone turned teasing. The boy has been playing hard to get, hasnt he, Wei? Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. Wei managed a small, awkward smile. Yes, I would like to maintain my autonomy for a while, but I havent forgotten what the Circle of Pride has done for me. I simply think that with all the forces out for me and all that I must do The Duke interjected warmly, Oh, I understand. Of course, I do. We dont want to pressure anyone into joining our circle. After all, thats a sure recipe for betrayal down the line. A hush fell between thema moment of conspiratorial silence filled with promise and cautious ambition. In that charged atmosphere, Wei knew that every secret traded and every alliance forged was a step in a much larger game. And though the path ahead was treacherous, marked by the scars of loss and the uncertainty of schemes unfolding, he resolved to play his part with a measured hand, determined to reclaim his power in a world of endless treachery. There was an undercurrent of malice in the Dukes words, but it quickly faded as he continued on. Anyway, now, let me talk to you about potential sponsorships. This will bring us closerand maybe might just push you into a more, I dont know, positive-leaning relationship with my people. Wei looked at him and nodded slowly. What do you have in mind? What do I have in mind? the Duke replied as he wrapped his arm around Wei. With a snap of his fingers, the space before them transformed. Suddenly, birds swirled about, and a spreading sphere of illusory brilliance repainted the environment. Several sinners cried out as their surroundings changed, but most adapted within moments. The sheer amount of power rippling out from the duke was staggeringWei nearly buckled under its force. Rafael did buckle, as did Ellena and several others. Goddamn, Bishop muttered. I nearly got pulled out of your mind there. Theres a lot of goddamn firepower in one person. Fucking Dukes. Wei hesitated as he took in his new surroundings. This was the Bloodgroundsan arena as wide as a bowl. It wasnt the one where hed fought many wed; instead, rib-like cages were fused over the top, from which dangled the flayed remains of sinners who had fallen for transgressions against their circles. The ground beneath his feet moved like a rolling currentnot quite fluid, yet possessing the properties of crashing stone. The young master adapted easily, just as the duke did, but then the Duke pointed to the distance and showed an approaching army. So this is what you might get during these Bloodground challenges. Its all entertainment. Very gauche. Very heavy on the spectacle. But what you need is an inroad to more meaningful foes. And they usually dont waste their lives and time against skilled, dangerous, but ultimately unsponsored foes. Theres a lot of bidding that happens between fighters and champions, and more than just pride and blood are lost in ever battle. We got high society here. Youve demonstrated you can fightbut can you fight the right people? The Duke snapped his fingers again, and suddenly the approaching army dissolved into bubbles. One person stood across from Wei. One. Vendrian. The Scion of Death stared, surprised at his sudden appearance. Wei sent him a message. Did you just? Yeah, he teleported me, Vendrian replied. I was standing all the way over on the edge. And you didnt consent to this? Wei asked. No I didnt fucking consent to this. Hes a Duke of hellI cant do anything against him. Wei frowned. He wasnt used to feeling so weak, but so far the Duke hadnt used his powers against him. That was probably a technique in of itself. To show how easily the Duke could affect him; but how he refused to affect him because of respect or favor. It only came at the cost of insulting the Collectresss champion. Now, I know that youre going to need a lot more significance to be in the ring, so we can come to an arrangement. I want you to try out a few fights under my nameas sponsor. Me, the Old Man, youa co-union of interests. With my influence and your skill, I think we might just keep ringing the doorbell for bigger and better fights. As for the rest of your peopleyour sect, if thats what you call itwe can get them trained up. We have more resources, and I might even be able to schedule some opportunities for them as well. Leaning in closer, the dDuke added, Im not exactly sure theyre on the same level as you. Dont take offense, none taken, but someday some will become quite competentsome might even become legendary. Weis voice held a note of conviction as he replied, I thank you for your offer, Duke. The Duke leaned back. Is there a but? Dont worryI can take it. I might cry, but I can take it. The Old Mans laughed, his voice filled with force and obsequiousness. Wei already hated being a part of this. I am embarrassed to not have a proper offering on standby, as is customary. A gift, the Duke said, placing a hand over his chest. Well, damn, arent you just sweetheart. I mean youve already dealt with my soneven though that didnt end the best of waysso I dont know. I think youve already given me a gift enough. No, Wei said. I insist. And thus Wei produced the offering: a mirror that would allow William to move from one space to another. And so, Goldskull would be used as another potential point of entry for William when they headed toward the Collectresss nest of lust later. Wow, this is quaint. The duke took the mirror, admiring its polished surface. Its pretty polished. I like how I look in this one. He turned it on the Old Man. Oh, is that an extra wrinkle I see in there? The Old Man flattened his lips. Fuck you, Duke, he replied, in a tone that mingled respect and derision. Respectably, indeed, the Duke said. Anyway, thank you for this wonderful gift, kid. He patted William on the shoulder. Now, we can talk more business later, but for now, enjoy yourselflook around and keep an eye out. You never know when one of my wifes loyalists might peg you and try to start another fight with you and yours. In fact, Id recommend you stay close to the Old Man. Who knows? He might even send that orc you met on your first day out to help you. Wouldnt that be nice? Isnt that nice, Old Man? Lets send Mulver to be our personal attach. Sounds like a good job for him, the Old Man said, and Wei nodded in agreement. Of everything discussed, this was one of the few things he found truly palatable. All right, so its all settled. The Duke patted his legs. Now, remember, kidyou only get one chance to live, so live it up, have fun, and let tomorrow be tomorrows problems. With a hearty slap on Weis shoulder, he snapped his fingers, the illusion disintegrated, and he vanished into the crowd. As he merged with the many sinners, he bellowed, Free drinks for everyone! In fact, double the drinks! Bring out the nice stuff! Suddenly, another emanation appearedthe Goldskull. Power filled the air, and from above, golden amber began raining down. The sticky substance splashed against Weis hairsticky and sweet, it tasted incredibly good. Yet the young master frowned as he struggled to pull the stickiness from his long strands. Nearby, Vendrian was doing the same. This is going to be a fucking nightmare to wash out. Yes, Wei agreed. Until he channeled his cleansing flames, and found them more than capable of destroying the sticky substance stuck to his hair. The Scion of Death went still, and slowly, his mouth opened, only for nothing to be said. Ah, Wei sighed. A simple solution? Oh? Can you not do this? Fuck. You. Hm. Another defeat for This Bitch. A true tragedy, your life seems to be. Yeah, laugh it up. In fact, we should tell more people about how you seem to intuitively know the technique for getting sticky wet shit out of your hair. Learn that from experience, Wei? The young masters nostrils flared. I refuse to dignify this accusation with a reply. Yeah, the Duke is a pretty carefree guy. But hey, at least you got something out of this. The Old Man took a step closer to Wei. Listen, Im gonna put more protection detail on you. Laneshe, uh, isnt known for caring for her kids, but still, letting one die in a fight against you well, then its probably deliberately engineered, son. Im sorrysome kind of plot is afoot here, something I cant fully explain. But you just gotta be careful. If she comes for you, if she tries to pressure you into anything, just take it on the chin. Dont get into a fight with her, dont get into contests with her, and dont do whatever shes trying to goad you into doing, do you understand? The Old Mans voice was more serious than Wei had ever heard it, and the young master sensed that, on some level, the Old Man genuinely cared for himeven if only as a recruit. I thank you for your advisement, Wei said. Yeah, well, thank me by staying alive. Ill send for Mulverhell track her movements and her minions. I dont think shell come in person, since her husbands here and theyre not on speaking terms. Interesting. It seemed the Old Man was either in on the scheme or simply didnt think the relationship between Gold Skull and his wife was that good. Just then, a message came into Weis mindfrom Agnesia: Wei, Im in. Im currently in a nice room with a few bad attendants; Im being kept in private chambers, but I think Im deep inside. The hallways are windingI tried to get a glimpse of the layout but Thats fine, Wei replied internally. Are you well? Yes, Im entirely all right. In fact, the aromas here are quite relaxing. But the slaves there are so many And Im always being watched This isnt a safe place, and whatever the Collectress seeks to do Will not come to fruition. Your mother is well. The mirror has been handed off. I am going to continue... mingling. An awkwardness slipped between them. Right. Good. Im glad you are fine too. Yes, Wei said. Jesus Fucking Christ, son, what are you doing? William muttered within Weis mind. He started laughing a moment later, and Wei struggled not to growl. All right, Agnesia coughed. Ill just Youre doing well, Wei reassured her. We are doing well. Keep focused, do not shakedo not let this place take anything else from you. A note of resolve entered her mind. Yeah, I wont. I wont. II-77 Shadowrun (I) The best way for you to breach a place undetected is to let your adversary believe theyve already solved the problem. Imagine infiltrating a base with a perfect missionslipping in and out without leaving a single trace. Thats perfect in theory, perfect in idea. But its also very unrealistic. You simply cant plan for everything; things get weird all the time, and plans go off the rails. You cant predict what you dont know. So, instead, you create conditions where it doesnt matter if the infiltration isnt flawless, as long as your enemy is distracted by other matters. This is why I favor the bomb-and-slip approach. When someone thinks theyre under attack, that theyre being raided, a lot of their resources are diverted to fighting the obvious threat and dealing with blatant saboteurs. Once the raiders are eliminated, most people assume the danger has passedmissing what Im doing altogether. -William Yu II-77 Shadowrun (I) All right, the Dukes on the move. He just met up with the Collectress. Expect him to be crossing over into her love-nest in a few more moments. Williams said. For the past few hours, Wei spent the time mingling with the other Sinners, trying to gauge what to expect from the Circle of Pride. True to its word, Pride defined most of themarrogance, confidence, and overall dominance were their guiding virtues. Contests of bravery and bravado were commonplace, and more than a few duels were fought, though mostly by proxy. There were an inordinate number of summoners among the Sinners of Pride, a peculiarity no one could quite explain. This was a place for those who fancied themselves the nobles, the elites of the Claimed Hells. They might not have been the richest, but they wielded the most authority. Beyond summoners, there were also those who empowered othersindividuals who created dimensions and small zones of influence to twist reality in subtle ways. It was all fascinating to watch, and although they werent particularly powerful in terms of martial prowess, it spurred thoughts and ideas on how he could expand his own Skills and Aspects. You know, you really should think about creating zones of control, Bulgest Gemeater said. This sinner had been personally introduced to Wei via the Old Man, who mentioned that he was a great fan of what Wei had done to Many-wed. Something personal had transpired between him and the Countess of Envydetails were scarce, but the underlying hate was unmistakable in his voice. Aside from this, Gemeater was a particularly interesting individual. Lacking flesh, his body was mostly a crystalline composite that reflected light. In that very refraction, most of his skills were born. His class was called Lightbender, Weaver of the Crystalline Sublimean awfully long title that didnt exactly roll off the tongue. Yet the way he fought was odd: he created structures from the very substance that composed his skin, establishing Zones of Dominance. He then explained to Wei how he could manipulate the battlefield, giving his allies a strategic advantage through control of geography and geometry. Wei listened intently, nodding at times and scoffing at others. But before more could be discussed, Williams message arrived, diverting Weis attention to other concerns. Agnesia, my father will be infiltrating soon. What is your condition? came the message. Still fine. Ive been left to my own devices in the room. There are a series of streams I can watchthe chat menu lets me glimpse into various Bloodgames, theaters, and shows. Otherwise, Ive been a little bored, came the reply. Very well, let me know if anything changes. Or if you need anything. Agnesia sent him an image. Apparently, it was a picture of a mixed fruit assortment offered to Agnesia. Good to know that the Collectress at least humored the ideas of hospitality. Wei reached out and placed a hand on Gemeaters shoulder. Pardon me, this is very interesting, but would you mind sharing your chat details so that we can speak again in the future? Something has suddenly come upsect matters. Gemeater paused and nodded. Of course, of course. A tendril of Essence extended, and Wei watched their information appear within his perception. Interesting. So this was the Add Friend function. After parting from the conversation, Wei turned his focus inward and contacted his father. The man had a way out through the Duke of Pride. How William was going to exit Goldmasks Inventory without them knowing, Wei had no idea, but Bishop seemed to have little concern about this plan. All right, Wei said. What do we do now? Now? Now we wait for a little bit, William replied. We got the whole situation set up before I can start moving. Bishop, do you have a tag set up? We need to find where the Scions wife and kid are before I go on my walk. Now dont worry, Bishop said, his tone distracted. Im getting through some of her demons. Thats the thing about being powerful, Wei: The help is always vulnerable. Pay someone less than you, find someone weaker than you, and eventually theyll find a way to screw up or get turned. Yes, you know from personal experience, dont you? Wei taunted, recalling Bishops previous failure. Bishop winced. You know a good man died there. Yes, good men die everywhere. In fact, an entire realm filled with people died, but it seems the stars dont care. Weis casually callous remark took Bishop by surprise. Yeah, yeah, I suppose youre right. But dont let your heart go cold, or else the bastards and monsters will find you good company. It seems they already find me good company, Wei said, looking around at the Sinners. We are in hell. You see, Id argue against that. The fact that were here and still planning this shows that nothing is over. That theres still one last hurrah of chivalry yet. Then, Bishop laughed, and Wei heard something in his voicesomething bitter. Just then, another message came through from Agnesia: Wei, the entire structure just shook. I think theres just What? Wei exclaimed, alarm sparking in his voice. Its all part of the plan, William said calmly. Weis attention and ire immediately turned to his father. What do you mean, part of the plan? What have you done? Nothing, just creating good conditions for our infiltration. The Goldskull and the Collectress are deep inside now, having circumvented much of the outer perimeter defenses. Their demons will soon be scrambling to fight off the, uh, rebels. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Intruders, Wei echoed. Oh, nothing. Bishop just helped me foment a little slave rebellion. Weis mind spun. This was all meticulously plotted. His father was using another catastrophe as a distractiona brilliant maneuver, albeit one that left him questioning the fate of the slaves. Well, some of them are going to die free, some will die screaming, and some will simply revert to being slaves. Im just giving them a little choice, a last hurrah, if you will. The casual way his father dismissed the lives of others was a sobering reminder of the man he barely knewand a reminder that life was cold and cruel. Why didnt you tell me what you were planning? Wei snapped. Because it wasnt a plan, just an opportunity, William replied, absentmindedly. They were either going to get sold and spent, or they could choose to make the last choice they have. The only one that mattered. We are feeding lambs to wolves, Wei said. No. Were just letting them run free one more time. They were always going to get used, Bishop replied evenly. Listen, I understand you dont like whats about to happen, but if we dont create an opening, we risk losing our easiest angle of approach. And you dont want to know what happens with these slaves. Best that things end this way. Best they get used for something that matters. Something that mattered. Wei shook his head. What a dark and foul place. The only way you make a difference is if you kill the Collectress, William said. Is if you bend this place to your will. Are you going to do that? Or are you going to feel bad about the damned, and never make a difference? Enough, Wei said. I am no blind child. I will take this opportunity. But we will have words when this is done. Fine, William said. Just be ready to cross if we need you. And were going to need you. Some of these defenses are going to be a bitch and a half without your System. Reaching his Source Anchor, Wei steeled himself. At the same time, he glanced at Rafael and the others. They didnt react. Wei knew the lich well enough to guess that he would have reacted extremely poorly regarding what Bishop and William just did. But that was a good thing. That was something usefulsomething to lever the lich closer to Wei. He sent Rafael a message, detailing everything he just learned, and the lich froze. Iwhat? Rafaels mind reeled. Keep it to yourself for now, Wei said, looking at the others. But I thought you should know. Because these are our allies. The supposed heroes in this conflict. I I told you because I know who you are. Wei sighed. And you deserve better than just a lie. If they havent told you Rafael looked on at Wei for a long moment, and seemed overwhelmed. Lost. I understand. I am disappointed too. I need you to focus, but understand that I will never do this without a better option, and I will never ask this of you. A moment passed, and Rafael nodded. Wei hid a cynical grin. This was something, at least. Something to ward against the Trespassers if they tried to flip the lich in the future. Only after that did Wei take his leave of the scene. Pardon me, Wei said, approaching the Old Man. Is there a private quarter I can go tosomewhere beyond prying eyes? The young master gestured at all that people surrounding them, the Sinners and demons and the bit of slag that remained of Herzog. The Old Man regarded him with a raised eyebrow. Oh, what do you need right now? You need to go to the restroom or something? The young master laughed. Nothing so severe. But I would appreciate it if there was a place to mediate reliably without prying eyes. It centers me. The Old Man chuckled. Meditate. Shit, kid, youre serious. You know, when I was your age, I was nothing but vices, and here you are, burning me with your virtues. Ill have an attendant take you to one of my private chambers. Should be cozy enough there. I thank you, Wei said, sliding past as the old man waved him off. Im breaking from the crowd, he announced to his group. Elena, I need you to maintain contact with the Sinners here. Stay in touch with me and justify my absence if needed. The fewer people question my disappearance, the better. Understand, came the reply from the queen. Though still out of it, she could muster enough focus to serve as a representative for him and his sect. It would be good for her toodeath hadnt claimed her yet. Vendrian, remain on standby, Wei said. The Scion simply replied with a grunt. Why the Collectress left her champion here made Wei suspicious, but he detected no Essence or other unseen powers afflicting the Scion. For now, Vendrian would stay passiveto avoid implicating himself. Only when his wife was free would the next step follow: a death to end the Collectress. The demonic attendants forged a path through the crowd, and more than a few eyes were fixed on him. Essence tendrils detached from their owners as they communicated, likely discussing his presence with othersperhaps even with Lein or someone connected to her. Factions nested within factions, even within a single circle, but for now, he ignored them. If the Duchess was going to come for him later, so be it. All he needed was to grow stronger, and soon enough, he would have that opportunity. As he inched toward the open hallways leading out from the great chamber, he encountered someone familiara short, small, green, and bestial figure who noted his approach with a smile. Well, well, well. Dont I just keep seeing you pop up everywhere? Wei regarded Schrodinger with a smile. Master Schrodinger, Im glad to see you again. What has been happening in the city since we last met? Oh, you knowsomeone killed the Countess of Envy. Some miserable, low-level bastard punching above his weight. The goblin laughed. I gotta say, you put on quite a show. That one was a nasty bit of work. Too bad youre getting in bed with nastier. His gaze hinted at knowledge kept close to his chest. Leaning in, Wei murmured, Listen, I might need your help soon. Do you have another supplier you can introduce? Yeah, surethe Crossroads dont suit your needs? Perhaps trust is the more important concern, and I wonder if they have my best interests at heart. Schr?dinger considered the request and nodded slowly. Yeah, yeah, I think I could do that. But, out of curiosity, what are you planning to do? Build up some connections. And information. I want options, Wei nodded. Right. Options. Schr?dinger snorted. I get you. Well. You know the funny thing is, some other little birdies have been talking to me about options as well. Options relating to you. Me? Wei asked. Yeah. Youve been making a lot of noise, and your enemies, well, word is that theyre looking to set up means of diplomacy as well. They might be wanting to call a truce. Or set up a trap. the goblin shrugged. I can get you your options. Hell, I can get you all kinds of contacts, and even more than that. But you want a word of advice son: Dont dig too deep before youre ready. Seen plenty of poor bastards drown. Wei nodded. I think if I wait, then I will be cut down first. I will speak to you about these options soon. For now, I have business to attend. Schr?dinger looked Wei up and down. Business, huh? Alright. Dont let me keep you. But you watch yourself too. Things can get complicated quick. Wei nodded and continued on, following the attendant. At the same time, he noted how faint Bishops presence was in his mind. Good. The Trespasser was still distracted. This would prove usefulan opening for when the time came. Wei, Agnesia said. A few more guards just got assigned to my room. Im hearing fighting outside. Dont worry, Wei said. It is part of the plan. The princess paused. It is? Apparently so. A beat followed, and William spoke thereafter. Mirrors out. What? Wei said. Why? How? Because the Duke is a suspicious asshole, and he wont keep strange gifts in his Inventory beyond a demonstration of public favor. He couldnt refuse in public without insulting us, but nownow Im inside the Collectresss inner chamber, and those two are indisposed. Wei hesitated before asking his next question. Doing what? Talking, actually. About you. Me? Yeah. You wanna listen in? Wei hesitated, and then nodded. Yes. Yes, lets hear this. II-78 Shadowrun (II) My friend the Realmbreaker isnt evil, not trulyhes done monstrous things. Hes even killed people who might not deserve it. But if you understand what he suffered, the life he lived, you would understand that losing so much in so short a time, at such an age, and then falling to the Claimed Hells of all places, twists a man. For victoryto claim his own faterequired power. Well, he was many things. Brave, stubborn, arrogant, but caring for his friends. Easy to anger, but also quick to apologize. He was all these things, but ultimately, he was he was human. Human, which made him unprepared for the dark politics of the Claimed Hells. Yet, though forces schemed against him, they were also mistakenfoolish in thinking that Wei was but a victim, or even stupid. I said he was many things. Above all, Wei might not be a liar or the most clever man, but he is a killer. And a finer killer I have never known. The moment they made things a fight, their fates were sealed. And I was all too willing to help him. -Rafael, Chairman of the League of Righteousness II-78 Shadowrun (II) What do you think about that boy, Wei An Wei? the Duke of Pride asked.Goldskull stood within the Collectresss personal chamber. The word chamber hardly captured the vastness of the spaceit was wide, almost cavernous. Above him, a false sky glinted with passing stars, and the faint moisture of impending rain tickled his form, even though he lacked true human skin. Snake-like demonspink, many-limbed, many-tonguedbrought him fresh platters of fruit and drinks to sample. Meanwhile, the Collectress herself sat regally in a large, open chair overlooking a small valley a valley that cradled an emerald lake where groups of children were forced to swim. Some floated unmoving and round across the water, while the families watched on in horror and misery. Chains glided across her many hands as she pulled forth her favorite slaves so they, too, could witness the scene. The Collectress finally spoke, turning to regard Goldskull. What do you think about who? Actually, what are you doing right now? He stood next to her, taking in the unsettling spectacle at the lake, she continued in a smooth, measured tone, What is thisa humiliation ritual? A public drowning? No, a few traitors are learning the price of their actions. They will live. Their children, however It is a lesson, one I wish my loyal subjects to learn. Goldskull snorted. Now, as I was saying, the boythe Cultivator The Collectress replied suddenly, speaking as a snake might strike. Williams bastardhe is peculiar. There are more secrets surrounding him than I care to admit. Secrets I have yet to glean. He survived an encounter with my champion. I felt Vendrian die. I felt the path to the Final End open. And yet, the boy returned, and without a single loss to his sect. What does that tell you? Goldskull considered her words. Perhaps he also has a pact with the Hound? But that doesnt make any sense. The Collectress spat, A Hound does not make pacts with random boys. Goldskull snorted at the notion of random boys. After all, the boy had reached the Claimed Hellswith some help, perhaps, but not much. Along the way, he tore through the Inheritorsan entire force of them, in fact. He might have harnessed the Hearted Realm to his advantage, but he wasnt just some boy. He possesses a generational talent for murder, one we need to capture and cultivate. The Collectress sighed, I find myself doubting this is why? Oh? Goldskull replied, his tone laced with skepticism. And why is that? Because we dont keep pets that we dont understand. The Collectress rose and, with a casual gesture, released all her slaves. The chains she held clattered to the floor, ringing out across the vast space. None of them fledonly a few flinchedeach one standing obediently like a well-trained pet for their master. Well, theyre well-trained, Goldskull interjected. Thats the point. The conversation continued, the Collectresss voice turning somber. Well-trained, broken. But you must understand somethingtheir nature is to be broken, to be claimed. That boy there was something amiss behind his eyes. I see a dangerous green in his gazefrightening, disturbing, as if he were planning to kill me. Oh, come now. Goldskull snapped. His battle with Many-wed was her folly. It was also no fluke. He killed herbrutallyin true combat. She had more power, more experience, yet it wasnt enough. It was like watching a thunderstorm try to strike down a hawk, missing every blow, exhausting itself, and thenimpossiblythe hawk cleaves the sky. The Duke of Pride fell silent for a moment before speaking, his voice low and edged with a laugh. He has you rattled. The Collectress glared hatefully at him. No, one insisted, he has me concerned. And worried. And wary. Something you should be. At that moment, the Duke produced the mirror gifted to him earlier. He offered me somethinga gift, after he slew my son for me. He held out the mirror, and the Collectress accepted it silently, studying the enigmatic gift. The Countess of Lust turned the item over, examining it in terms of material and essence. She felt no magical energies emanating from it, but still, something clenched inside her chesta feeling of foreboding. She handed it aside to one of her slaves and had them look into the reflection. A few moments passed; nothing happened to the slave. She sighed and tried to offer it back to the Duke. No, no, Goldskull said, waving her away. Its your gift now. The Collectress paused. If this is a trap, its a fairly obvious one. Thats what I thought when he was giving it to me. Alas, I feel nothingnot a single effect from the mirror. If its a trap, then it must be awfully subtle, awfully well-made, or entirely mundane. And between you and me, the boy doesnt seem to be the deceitful kind. The Collectress fell silent and nodded. He does lack a certain Just then, a shudder passed through the cavern. The constellation above rippled, as if a stone had been cast into the surface of a disturbed lake. A doorway opened right next to the Collectress, and she saw a demon come throughits body snake-like, with six limbs. Mistress, the snake hissed, holding a severed head in one hand. The slaves are rebelling, all across the second level. The Collectress and Goldskull exchanged glances. Trouble in paradise? the Duke of Pride asked. Im surprised. I thought you kept a tight ship here. I do, the Collectress replied. It means considerable power has infiltrated my home. Would you like to partake in the defense with me? The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. What? You anticipate an opportunity to stomp and butcher some rabble? Why, youre a worm closing in on my hidden heart. I would have to introduce my wife to you sometime. The Collectress stared at him. Yes, your wife. What would she think of our little gathering? The bargains weve been making. Hmm, officially, its just another thing she would like to castrate me for. Unofficially, you might be more to her fancy. She shook her head. These games you play never appealed to me. Thats because theres more than pleasure to satisfaction. You should try getting a little ego. It will carry you a long way. I will consider it. Servant. Let us be away. At that, the Collectress handed the mirror to one of her slaves as she followed the demonic servant, and the Duke of Pride trailed after her. Behind them, the mirror remainedin the hands of said slave, looking on, obedient, broken, and utterly confused as to what was about to transpire. And absolutely ignorant to the fact that somehow had been listening in on their conversation this entire time. *** Why didnt they notice our presence? Wei asked. His father let out a bitter chuckle. Because we paid good money for that mirror. The essence it sends is so subtlebecause its not actually a full Artifact, but just a partial mechanism of technology boosted by select Ciphers. Its one of the few instruments that properly work in the Fathoms. Wei didnt fully understand what his father was saying, but he went with it. So, now what? Do you enter through the mirror? No. She has people watching. Wei narrowed his gaze. Then what was the point of me smuggling the mirror over? Its so that when some of the slaves reach her inner chamber and cause a little chaos, Ill sneak out then. Waitpause. Theyre going to reach her inner chamber? Oh, yeah. What do you think Bishops been focusing on this whole time? Most of the Slavers are going to get slaughtered of course. But somesome will make it. And some have already claimed one of the portal systems running through her nest. Theyre moving along Bridge 169. Once they get to the end, theyll pass through the central atrium, just above where Agnesia is. And finally, after pushing through the emergency portals, theyll arrive through the back door into her private chambers. Wei blinked as he absorbed the plan. You and Bishop managed to infiltrate so deeply in so short a time Both Bishop and William laughed. The latter scoffed. Its what we do, Wei. Its who we were even before the Fathoms. Wei loathed his father, yet this skillthis level of infiltrationwas something he yearned to learn. Its something we must learn, Weis Shell said. All right, kid, Bishop asked, you ready? Because when this thing happens, were gonna go hard and were gonna go fast. And if theres anything that I need you to break at any point, you break it. No questions asked. Yes, he replied. Im ready. Call on me when there is a need. He looked around and expanded his Omniscience. He had already removed a few ciphers lingering in the room, spying on hima task in which Rafaels aid was indispensable. Now, he pretended to meditate, sitting down as his Celestial Flames twisted around him, forming an impenetrable shroud that none could see through. At least, he hoped none could. Hey, Bishop, William said. You got eyes on the Scions wife and kid yet? Just about, Bishop replied. What the hell do you mean, just about? William demanded, his tone laced with incredulity. You either do or you dont. Listen, motherfucker, Bishop began sharply. I am putting together intelligence on the fly, using a bunch of demonic minds barely more intelligent than your average brain-damaged dog. So, God help me, William, if you dont shut the fuck right now and get the fuck off my back, you can do it yourself. Im sorry, which one of us chose the Psionic Operative class all those years ago? William shot back. Me, because Im the one who has to think our way out of every problem you get us into, Bishop retorted. Oh, I get us into problems, William countered. Alright, lets talk about Kandahar, Bishop groaned. Fuck you, William. Fuck you. Kandahar was a one-off. Yeah, sure, it was a one-off. We sure killed a lot of people during that one-off though. And that grenade and the donkey. William started laughing. Bishop just groaned. Good times. Not really. I still think of the kid we accidentally blew up. Fuck him. He had a vest. You dont know that. Why else would his dumbshit ass be in the middle of the battlefield? Because the fucking ops use him as a human shield. Well, then shits rough, buddy. Life fucked him. Not our deal. There was old history on display again. Old history and old sins. Wei suddenly felt very young, like a child trapped between two old men who have done anything and everything for victory. Alright, Bishop said. I got her. Shit, the Collectress is a paranoid bitch. I have eyes on a moving train car thats constantly passing through different portals. Theres a special detachment of elite demons guarding it, so Im guessing thats where well find the Collectresss hard-to-get slaves and treasures. You sure shes going to be there? William asked. Forty percent. Youre risking my life on a forty percent? Ill risky your dumb ass on five. Fuck you again, John. Fuck you right back, William. A comfortable silence settled between the two as Wei found himself absolutely speechless. This was childish, but also familial, and genuine. It was also wholly inappropriate for the present moment. Then, suddenly, there was another switch in the mood. Alright, William. Got a small group of slaves moving through the final security portals. Getting some demons to route the backdoor rift into the Collectresss inner chamber. Yellow light. Copy, William said. Wei. Get ready. I am, the young master said. He manifested his scythe as he anticipated what was to come. He could act through Agnesia at any timebut for a lot of other matters, he needed to rely on his father and Bishop. Raids on! Bishop said. Flickers of information splashed into Weis mind. He saw the world from the perspective of a slaverampaging across the inner recesses of the Collectress chamber. Some charged for the lake to save their familiessent here for execution. Others exchanged demon guards on dutyclashing against the pinkish serpents with makeshift weapons and questionable Classes. Green light! Dropping in, William declared. Suddenly, Wei felt his father shift across space as he entered the fray. *** Alright, into another big fucking mess we go, William. The Trespasser emerged into the Collectress inner sanctum as if a form appearing with a trick of the light. Immediately, sounds of battle and chaos washed over him. The mirror he spawned from was discardedthe slave holding it somewhere else, fleeing for their life. William looked around and as more of the snake-demons coming down from the sky, butchering whatever was left of Bishops freed slaves. Poor bastards didnt have the right Classes for this fight. Wouldnt be long until they were removed from the board, but they served their purpose. At once, he activated his [Shadowmeld] Skill and coated himself in a layer of shadows. He melted into the shadows and began moving for the open portal the slaves came through at once. It was a wide open rift left right next to where the Collectress and Duke stood earlier. William made sure he kept his tempo high, because if those two came back while he was still there, then he was somewhere south of fucked. As he passed through the rift, he found himself in a long hall filled with mangled bodiesboth slaves and demons. A pang of pity went through William. These slaves really paid a butchers bill getting here. And now they werent getting anywhere at all. Keep going, Bishop said in his mind. There wont be any reinforcements coming for two minutes. I re-routed some of the rifts again. Youll be passing by Agnesias room for a swing. See if we can get her in play as well without blowing her cover. Got it, William said. He proceeded forward under Bishops instruction, passing over more corpses, more destruction, through more rifts, until he found himself sprinting along a bridge while far below and above, slaves threw themselves off the sides of these platforms, choosing death rather than servitude. Its just their fate, William thought to himself, trying not to feel bad about his part in their deaths. This was partially his idea after all. They needed a distraction. Someone had to pay the price. Someone other than him.