Chapter 190: Aced it

Sorry for the delay. As said on discord, I wanted the ending to be perfect. 

Next chapter: tomorrow.

*

"Ready."

Kazuki lunged forward, his new onyx spear in hand. Raising his weapon, he brought it down as if he were chopping wood. The ground beneath Priam's feet compressed as he blocked. Enhanced by Micro II, the hoplite's strength was formidable.

Trapped between the ground and the enemy's spear, Priam grimaced as he saw the hoplite prepare a knee strike. Turning his own spear clockwise, Priam guided the enemy's away and blocked the knee with the shaft of Promesse. The force propelled him backward, and his feet dug trenches to absorb the kinetic energy. Even before he looked up, his Domain warned him that Kazuki was coming back for an attack. Dodging the charge with a hoplite-inspired footwork, Priam struck. [Hoplite Slash].

Lvl Up: [Hoplite Slash] lvl 4
STR +3

Kazuki blocked, a knowing smile on his lips. "Feels like I've seen that move before."

"It's yours," replied Priam, taking the initiative with a combo.

A piercing thrust was deflected and transformed by a pirouette into an oblique slash. Kazuki stepped back, and the grass exploded as Promesse hit the ground. The cloud of dust and dirt obstructed all vision, but his Domain warned him: a rock was hurtling toward him. Priam tilted his head, avoiding the projectile before leaping. His overclocked muscles shattered the ground beneath his feet as he reached Kazuki. Anchored firmly, the hoplite endured a second [Hoplite Slash].

The clash of weapons echoed in the clearing, bringing smiles to the fighters' faces. With a quick wrist movement demonstrating great dexterity, Kazuki coiled his spear around Priam's and ripped it away with a twist. Promesse flew behind the hoplite Champion and planted itself in the ground.

"Losing your weapon is losing your life," warned Kazuki before counterattacking.

Priam grimaced before evading a series of rapid attacks. While retreating, he sought a way to retrieve his spear, but Kazuki was everywhere. Using his superior technique, the hoplite created openings in Priam's retreat. In a deadly dance, both fighters gave their all, one attacking, the other evading.

Lvl Up: [Battle Flow] lvl 19
PERC +1
DEXT +2

Aware of the threat, the Homo Elysian activated Micro at full throttle. Awakening his limitless endurance, Priam decided to leverage his physical advantage. Overclocking a dozen muscles, he waited for the enemy's spear to be slightly offset by an attack before advancing.

Lvl Up: [Battle Footwork] lvl 10
AGI +2
DEXT +1

Kazuki instantly raised his weapon, but the hoplite had underestimated Priam's speed. The onyx spear bit into his thigh, failing to penetrate the tough muscle before Priam entered the hoplite's guard. His thick blood quickly coagulated, refusing to nourish the grass.

In close quarters, Priam punched the hoplite in the chest. Kazuki absorbed the blow by jumping backward, landing twenty meters away. The hoplite's anatomy was more protected than a human's, and his rival merely spat out a bit of blood. Priam wasn't fooled— with Micro II, Kazuki's directed vitality would soon repair the damage.

The crucial thing was that he had repelled his opponent. Priam advanced, retrieved Promesse, and assumed a fighting stance.

Kazuki gave him a smile before leaping. The two spears clashed, resonating in the clearing. With a fluid movement, Priam feinted, diverting Kazuki's attention, then delivered a kick. Kazuki chose to absorb it and return an elbow strike.

The two combatants briefly separated, catching their breath. Priam wiped the blood from his jaw, smiling. He had less technique, but his attributes were superior. His constitution was so high that it was less dangerous to hit a concrete block than one of his bones. Judging by Kazuki's grimace, his elbow hadn't enjoyed the experience.

The hoplite raised his onyx spear, and Priam growled. His rival wouldn't make the same mistake again. The two opponents silently charged at each other. Neither was foolish enough to waste oxygen by shouting.

The exchanges between the two rivals intensified as their destructive blows created cascades of sparks, illuminating the duel zone. Kazuki focused on grappling, demonstrating the subtleties of the spear technique. The shaft was a formidable weapon when wielded with agility and dexterity. Focused, Priam and his system learned. The match was, above all, a lesson.

Minutes passed, and Priam gained confidence. Kazuki was an intelligent teacher who knew how to instill confidence in his students. The blows became more violent, promising an imminent resolution. Without making any glaring mistakes, the hoplite left a few openings for Priam.

Suddenly, the long-awaited moment arrived. In the midst of a brutal exchange, Kazuki swung his spear like an axe. Priam blocked the attack, advancing while Kazuki retreated. As Promesse was perpendicular to the enemy's spear, Priam slid it forward. The tip of Kazuki's weapon rose as Promesse approached the hoplite.

With a quick movement, Priam turned his spear, bringing the tip downward. Kazuki leaned backward to protect his neck and avoid being slashed. That wasn't Priam's goal. Promesse continued its circular arc, its shaft still holding the enemy's spear. As its tip approached the ground, Priam shifted it with a shoulder twist. The weapon slipped between the hoplite's legs and pressed under his left knee.

Priam only needed to lift his spear like a lever. Pushed upward by Promesse, Kazuki's leg rose. Priam pressed on the chest of his off-balance opponent to make him fall. Clearing the enemy spear, Priam pointed Promesse at his rival.

You have gained the skill: [Spear Grappling - Rare].

[Spear Grappling] - A spear is a polearm typically designed for thrusting. But you can't solve all your problems with the sharp end. In close-quarters combat, the shaft allows for grappling maneuvers that will send your opponent to the ground.
When you're this close to your opponent, your breath should be enough to defeat them. A month without brushing your teeth, aren't you ashamed?
STR +1
AGI +2

"You got it," guessed Kazuki.

"Thanks to you," smiled Priam, swinging his weapon aside and leaning forward. Extending his hand, he helped Kazuki to his feet. Priam harbored no illusions. The hoplite had seen through his act and had only allowed the charade so that he would gain the skill.

"Well executed. You have all the ingredients to unlock Mastery now. What you need is to gather them in a fluid style. You'll train with my soldiers; it'll do them good to face someone like you."

"Okay."

Kazuki nodded before hesitating. Looking around, he quickly contracted certain muscles under his skin. Priam's Domain spotted the movements, and his system translated the coded language.

"Rose and Myuri are starting to ask questions about Sphinx. She's been missing for too long."

Priam clenched his fists before nodding imperceptibly. It was time to accelerate things.

*

Rose meticulously sketched the final rune using the invisible ink acquired from the Auctions. The liquid embedded itself in the wood like a transparent tattoo. Only a special lantern could reveal the ink, preventing any spy from decoding the circuit reinforcing the barricade.

Stepping back from her creation, Rose cracked a tired yet satisfied smile. The past hours had been dedicated to designing and replicating the same geometric pattern on the wooden barricade. Myuri and Alain had assisted her, significantly reducing the time required for the task.

They could be proud; the rampart cut a fine figure.

Rose's runes created relatively simple enchantments. The majority absorbed the ambient aether, filtering it before guiding it to other enchantments. One strengthened the wall's structure, dispersing the kinetic energy of an attack over a wide area. Another created a barrier between the wall and the air, requiring any assault on the fortification to first breach this layer.

Yet, what made Rose most proud was the vitality rune. Basic corrupted beings lacked consciousness, possessing only instinct. The Necro Concept aimed to convert the still uncorrupted living beings. That explained why the revenants didn't attack the trees—already corrupted—but lunged at the defenders.

Rose had had the idea to create pockets of vitality within the rampart, diverting the attention of the corrupted and guiding them towards the bio-traps or automated turrets.

One of these vitality pockets was just above her, and Rose climbed to the top of the wall using a ladder before checking her creation. The defensive artillery dominated the forest, ready to fire at the corrupted as soon as the hoplites reopened the barrier.

The turret resembled a levitating, perforated wooden sphere above a disc connected to Log-a-rhythm. Its omnidirectional aim was an asset, and its aether projectiles could obliterate a corrupted being. With a firing speed of twelve rounds per minute—one shot every five seconds—there was room for improvement, but the material couldn't support a higher rate.

Rose pocketed eighty percent of the Sun points earned by the turret. It was a good start, but far from what the runemaster envisioned. For her, the event was an opportunity to become strong enough to resurrect her mother.

"The wood held up," Alain smiled as he approached. The two enchanters had feared that the material would degrade under the impact of aether.

"But we'll need to use Log-a-rhythm wood if we want to upgrade the turret to rank two or three," Rose sighed.

"Producing wood slows its growth. In the long run, it's a miscalculation. For now, it's more economical to create five rank one turrets than one rank two—for comparable performance."

As an elderly person, Alain was accustomed to taking a step back to assess problems.

"But progress is slower," Rose pointed out. "I know we're at war, but we can't just turn Oasis into a fortress. We need to look beyond this event. Surviving our Tribulations won't come from farming the same skills."

Oasis. The new name for the base appealed to Rose. It summarized their situation well.

"... You're right. I'll mention it to Priam," Alain sighed. "Did you check the Shop?"

Seeing Alain's smile, Rose quickly opened the Sun Shop. Selecting the rampart, she let out a cry of joy.

Sun Shop:

Territory:

Rampart III (25 000 points) - Improvement.

The System deemed their rampart efficient enough to be rank two. "We can be proud of ourselves," Alain smiled. "I'll ask Priam to upgrade it to rank three at the end of his training," he said, moving away.

Rose turned to the young man. Agilely, he dodged the attacks of a hoplite at a terrifying speed. Every move of his caused gusts, and his accelerations seemed on the verge of breaking the sound barrier. Since yesterday, he had been training with various soldiers without taking a break. Beyond his formidable vitality, Rose admired his determination and will.

Was he born with this zeal for life and the drive to transcend himself every day? Rose had asked Alain the question. According to his father, Priam had always been eager, but the Tutorial had reignited the embers smoldering in his heart.

The young man had waited for life to offer him a quest that resonated with him. Now he was thriving.

"Do you admire him?"

Rose smiled at Myuri's soft voice.

"I admire his will," Rose confirmed.

"Even though he killed your father?"

Rose shook her head. She found it impressive that Myuri was so brazen with her and so terrified in front of Priam. "My father committed suicide, and Priam was his weapon. I never blamed him because he's not responsible. But I'm surprised that it interests you so much. Were you close to your father?"

Myuri hesitated before answering. "I don't know my father for sure. I think it's the King."

"Wouldn't that make you a princess?"

Myuri grimaced. "Royalty's bastards become royal slaves. We serve in other castles than our mother's to avoid alliances. I don't know my parents, but I was the King’s chamber slave and one of the few he never bedded."

Myuri's words made Rose wince.

"To avoid genetic diseases?" Rose guessed.

Myuri nodded. "They weaken the royal Talent."

A cry made them turn around. Priam had just sent his opponent to the ground. Another one was already presenting himself.

"You should talk to him, you know? He doesn't bite," Rose smiled.

Myuri averted her eyes. "... He terrifies me."

Rose had a compassionate smile. She had never suffered because of a man, but her mother had already warned her. What had happened to Myuri was terrible.

"I can't understand what happened to you," Rose said. "But I know you're strong enough to overcome your fears. I admire you a lot, Myuri."

Seeing the former slave's stunned expression, Rose understood that she had probably never received a compliment.

"Come on, there's still work to be done."

Myuri nodded silently.

*

Lvl Up: [Hoplite Slash] lvl 5, 6, 7
STR +9
Lvl Up: [Unrelenting Thrust] lvl 19
STR +3
Lvl Up: [Battle Footwork] lvl 11, 12
AGI +4
DEXT +2
Lvl Up: [Spear Grappling] lvl 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
STR +5
AGI +10

Priam was in some kind of trance. The fights went on unabated. Each opponent was an expert with a style far more ferocious than the shadows he had dueled during his training. His system had done its best, but the skill hadn't managed to convey the Mastery of the hoplites. The Supremacy was more than just a technique. It was a truth, a path, a unity.

A philosophy.

Promesse was more alive than ever in his hands. Priam advanced, attacked, blocked, parried, dodged, and his spear followed. His spear skills were forged in his body, imprinted in his muscle memory, written in his mind, and engraved in his soul.

Each duel was a crucible that purified Priam's style. Facing masters was an exceptional opportunity as he could witness the connection between warriors and their weapons. The hoplites, in turn, opened up.

The soldiers smiled when Priam violently slammed his first opponent to the ground. Products of a strong martial culture, they appreciated Priam's will, talent, rage, and above all, his strength. A few words of encouragement were murmured at the end of each fight. Quick advice was given. Respect appeared in the soldiers' eyes.

Priam respected them in return and learned from each battle. Under the crimson light of the Necromoon, he refined his art.

Ejecting one of the hoplites from the circle, he turned to the two other spectators. "Who's next?"

"Me."

Priam turned to Louis. The old man seemed diminished, but there was a fire in his eyes. "Are you sure?"

"We both need a good fight."

Priam opened his mouth before closing it. Louis had been affected by Mirscella's death and the Envoy's awakening. Despite that, it was dangerous to underestimate the old man. A life of combat and meditation had forged an iron will.

Priam went on guard. "Whenever you're ready."

Without a word, Louis leaped, covering the distance between them. The palm of his hand parried Promesse as his foot whipped through the air. Priam blocked with his shin. The two opponents exchanged a few blows before stepping back.

"A certain technical level is required to unlock Mastery. You have that level," Louis said. "What you lack is the epiphany. Mastery is a prism through which you see another reality."

Upon hearing Louis's words, the last piece of a puzzle Priam wasn't even aware of appeared in his mind.

A spear was primarily there to advance, thrust, and conquer. It was the world of a spear.

Priam went on guard and closed his eyes. He deactivated Domain to focus on Promesse and their connection.

His perception of the world changed. An alien instinct merged with his, and Priam-Promesse thrust.

When he opened his eyes, a single drop of blood dripped from Promesse's spearhead. The weapon had pierced Louis's enhanced skin.

Congratulations, you've unlocked Mastery - Stage 1.

[Supremacy - Mastery - Spear] - Born human, your soul can now take the form of a spear. In these moments, you observe and evolve in a different reality. Operating in Stages, Mastery is used in every Universe.

Your deep knowledge of Spear Art unlocks the Spear Link - Stage 0.

You have overlaid your will with that of your spear to influence the world - Stage 1.

Current stage: 1 - Mastery Imprinted
Bonus: PERC +20 / DEX +20 / MEM +10 / WILL +10

Achievement - Legendary: The Supremacies’ trilogy, enhanced by a Concept.
In less than a year, you have created a sublime foundation at Tier 0. Face your Tribulations and advance on the Zenith Way.

Message for Wandering Islands & Humanity:
Priam Azura becomes an Ace.

The Seven Concepts congratulate you.

Potential + 5000. Fusion Token - Epic skill. Title [Ace].

Title won!

[Ace - Legendary] - The System acknowledges you as worthy of training. Among the multitude of souls populating this Universe, yours stands out.
Despite this Title, you are not the only one.
VIVA +20%
MEM +20%

Vivacity exceeds 500 points. First milestone reached. Congratulations!

*

Status:

PHYSICAL:
Strength 557 (+32)
Constitution 860
Agility 552 (+27)
Vitality 840
Perception 714 (+25)

MENTAL:
Vivacity 505 (+84)
Dexterity 587 (+25)
Memory 385 (+67)
Willpower 998 (+14)
Charisma 615

META:
Meta-affinity 423
Meta-focus 350
Meta-endurance 299
Meta-perception 204
Meta-chance 230
Meta-authority 33

Potential: 7 004 (+5 030)
Tier 0

Sun points: 56 214 (+8 423)

[He Who Eludes Death] charge: OFF. Reloaded in 3 hours 3 minutes 49 seconds.

[Tribulation]: Three Tribulations pending.
Future Tribulations delayed until:
Time: 165 days 3 hours 37 minutes 2 seconds.

Next thresholds: 6 attributes > 600 / 3 attributes > 900