Sage_of_Eyes

My Weekly Gag Villain Job is Pretty Fulfilling: Chapter 4

My Weekly Gag Villain Job is Pretty Fulfilling: Chapter 4

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Commissioned by Arksoul

…

“Uh, yeah. I’ll leave the war mongering to you, Ebb. This place has way too much purple.” I squeezed my eyes and massaged them before stumbling back to the alien base that we conquered. The fighting was over, and all the bodies were dragged into the darkness. Ebb gave me a telepathic version of a thumbs-up while I went ahead and walked back to Earth. With my Imps over there, the portal was no longer necessary, so I had the power cut off and started the process of shipping it and all the tech we acquired away. Or, at least, that should’ve been the case. “Huh, it looks like they’ve shown up.”

What!? How did they… They must have been developing their own infrastructure. Without us ravaging the world, they’ve had time to create their Citadel of Light far earlier!

The nearest Imp stopped working and turned into a flat plane of darkness. Ebb came forth from it… clearly concerned about our new foes arriving.

We both looked through the eyes of several lookouts outside the covered island.

I gave a whistle.

“Looks like they’ve brought backup, too. That’s the IHA’s airship.” The IHA was one of the middling heroic organizations out there, but they were pretty well-funded. They didn’t interfere with any national issues or take any stances on international politics. They worked to fight against big disasters regardless of where they appeared. That gave them a lot of donations from a lot of countries, even if they didn’t have any heavy hitters. Well, with the Sentinels on their side, that’s changed. “Yep, we’ve got to go.”

“Indeed. This much firepower is too much for us to surmount without bringing in too much attention.” As soon as I gave the order, I reinforced the surrounding shell of the island while galvanizing all my Imps to get as much technology and weapons as possible. Since the alien dimension was so ‘close,’ I shunted everything we had over there. Plenty of abandoned buildings at ground zero now. “Make haste. I will continue to lead the effort on the alien homeworld.”

“Yeah, you do that.” Ebb melted away back to the alien’s doorstep to keep wrecking the place. Without any Sentinels or heroes, that nation on the other side was folding fast. They launched strategic weapons just a few hours into the initial assault, and whatever morale their people had left when the titans just waded through while barely scratched. The forces of Darkness were very well-suited towards destroying worlds. “See you in a bit.”

Don’t fail.

Since Ebb was already on the other side, the response may have been instant for me, but a few hours after the avatar of Darkness went back.

With him gone and the Imps rapidly taking apart the base, I guessed that it was as good a time as any to facilitate a crossover episode between the Sentinels and the IHA.

And, of course, crossovers are best when both of the hero teams working together have to fight against the bad guys working together.

“Alrighty, guys. You know what to do.” The Imps nodded. The aliens were pretty weak. So, one Imp was able to shift into their vaguely humanoid form and covered themselves in fake armor. In a few moments, old defensive positions were manned/aliens by disguised Imps, while they wielded alien weapons. As for my Imps themselves, they’d be overkill as melee troops against the IHA, so I had most of them keep on at scavenging the base. “Remember that regular heroes don’t have the protection of the light. We can defeat them, but that’ll just have stronger people coming after us, and the Sentinels can get better at empowering them.”

I got a vague affirmative through my shared senses with all the Imps, and I went ahead and trusted them to do a good job.

Meanwhile, I considered my own role.

The aliens are totally the ‘lesser’ bad guys in this, so they should kowtow to the Shadow Legion. However, the damage to the base was too apparent. It was obvious that we took the place over. Having a cult of aliens worshipping us would just be thematically out of place at best and confusing at worst. Pretending to be an alien leader was also out of the question. I couldn’t speak their language, and these guys were known to not communicate with Earthlings.

So, there was just one available route that allowed the Darkness to be the clearly superior evil force, which would also explain the damage to the base.

Assimilation.

I gave the Imps a mental note to look more like solidified shadows even as they’re disguised, while mentally turning my gaze towards some wrecked vehicles and artillery.

Time for some creative shapeshifting to give us some combined arms!

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Interlude: Chroma Scarlet: Aine Campbell

…

The door slamming shut told me that the Tsubaki’s meeting with the IHA did not go well.

I offered her a cup of coffee in a paper cup, and she gave a grateful nod in return.

“No luck, I suppose.” I met her mere months ago. We were gathered from all over the world for one reason or another to be Sentinels of the Light. I thought that she was a posh young lady who never bent a fingernail in her life until we got into a proper fight. Now, everyone else and I knew that she had our backs… and that she was the best at actually talking to other folks. “Were they at least willing to let us share some power with them?”

“We have been permitted that much.” Tsubaki shook her head. She wore the prim, proper dresses that manifested as our armor the best of us. As easily as breathing, she smoothed her skirt a bit and sat with her legs together and a bit aside in a very ladylike fashion. She called the outfit a Mahou Shoujo uniform, and after seeing what she meant, I had to agree. “But once the barrier has fallen, they insist that we do nothing.”

“Damn, they’re being right foolish. They must be thinking that we’re out to make a name for ourselves or some such.” I shook my head. Bridget and Mehri were piercing the barrier. Lina was on the deck keeping an eye on the shadows of the ship. Five young ladies from all over the world who didn’t even speak each other’s language… fighting against a real, terrifying Armageddon that’s wised up after all our predecessors beat it. “Well, there’s nothing to do but to stay on deck and head down there when they start losing.”

To everyone else, our faces and features were obscured by our power, but Tsubaki’s frown was clear on her face.

I was more than happy to let the IHA learn their lesson. We gave our warnings, told them we should head in first, and they refused. All that was left now was to be ready to jump into the fire when they realized that they’d gotten themselves tangled up in a real, thorny mess.

“What we should do is go ahead, regardless of what they say.” Tsubaki was straightforward and fiery beneath all her training to be a lady. Past all the niceties, out of all of us, she was the most likely to draw her sword first. All her grace just covered up her willingness to throw punches. When the chips are down, she’ll ignore issues and head straight in to cut the head off of a problem without an ounce of regret in her heart. Glad to have her on our side, even though I sometimes felt that I was holding her leash. “They may be in charge of this region, but the Legion of Shadows are our foes.”

“I’ll meet you halfway. Make something up. Like all of us feeling that the barrier is trying to close so that we can be on-site more quickly.” Tsubaki frowned. She still wanted to just charge in there and deal with the Legion of Shadows. But I couldn’t let her. This whole situation set my instincts alight. My gut was trying to jump up my throat to strangle my brain into leaving. “When they find out we weren’t kidding, we’ll be ready to jump in.”

Tsubaki opened her mouth, probably to keep arguing for her point a bit more, when the whole airship suddenly shook, the lights turned red, and alarms blared.

“Enemy artillery has engaged the airship! Armor integrity is holding! All hands, brace!”

Tsubaki’s eyes met mine, and I just gave a nod.

“Looks like it’s been decided for us. Sentinels, regroup!” I made the call and went for the window. With a bit of magic, I turned into light and went through the transparent material. The transition was slow, meaning it wasn’t real glass, but I made it through. Tsubaki was right behind me. Once we were out of the ship, we were in our element and flying through the air. I gave them a place to meet with us, but my eyes took in another problem. “Feck, the whole place is corrupted!”

The alien fortress was corrupted.

I cancelled the regroup order and changed gears.

“Bridget and Merri, blast the big guns firing at the ship. Lina, get a barrier up to deal with any shadow projectiles. Tsubaki, we’re going in.” They upped the speed of the process somehow or never went as hard as they could all the other times. Da told me that if you showed off a weakness, especially if you knew they’ve got a decent brain, that weakness wasn’t one. From experience, I knew that the Legion had a terrifying brain commanding it. “Lina, give me sight on the IHA team that went in.”

Lina gave an affirmative, and in my mind, I ‘saw’ the team sent in ahead of us.

The team of five was past the gate of the fortress, in a square courtyard, and they were taking cover behind the destroyed wreckage of a vehicle.

Two were on the ground, being looked after by one of their number, as the remaining two tried to attack back.

Bursts of alien plasma were streaking towards them, burning away the vehicle that they used for cover, and a little ball of fear formed in my stomach.

The Legion was using military tactics. Overlapping fields of fire. Constant bursts of smaller ‘caliber’ red plasma with streaks coming out of bigger guns. They were using an L-shaped formation so all their fire was on their opponents. When fire came from one of the IHA positions, in perfect synch, fire intensified from all other positions as the creatures who were fired upon reoriented.

It reminded me of the giant lizards armed with melee weapons in the candy factory. They were bestial and menacing at first, but they retreated. They struck from the shadows. Then, eventually, they had us cornered with dozens of the smaller ones supporting them.

We barely managed to win, and only Tsubaki and I were on the battlefield still thereafter.

Everyone else had to be recalled before they were hurt.

So, without a doubt, if we didn’t act quickly, the IHA heroes were going to die.

I sent the location to Tsubaki, we caught each other’s gazes, and then nodded.

“I’ll go high.” I told her.

“Low.” She replied.

Then, as motes of light, we streaked towards the alien base corrupted by the Legion.

Fire from the base was sent my way in an instant. Smaller Legion soldiers stared up at me with their yellow eyes for a moment before forming wings and leaping to gain altitude quickly. Knowing that it’ll take them time to reach me, I fired onto the battlefield with simple bolts of light. Throwing them like fastballs, using memory and experience to empower and guide the magic, gave them the extra oomph that they needed to swat the smaller soldiers out of the sky and hit some of the Legion-Alien’s firing positions.

Tsubaki was on the ground. Her hand flashed with a sword made of light. She was the most gifted at enhancing her body and reflexes. When she moved, she was half-light and half-substance, and she batted away the deluge of scarlet plasma surging from the enemy towards the IHA.

The IHA thankfully withdrew without questioning her appearance, and she surged forward into the fray.

Or, she would’ve, if not for the rumbling of a massive vehicle coming forth from a burning gate.

The gate broke open, and an alien tank came forth. It was destroyed, parts of it hanging on only thanks to the bindings of shadow. Glowing spots, eyes of the smaller creatures, were all over the tank as its tread was forced to move. The remaining alien copies rushed towards the tank, and soon enough it was bristling with the alien weapons and firing at Tsubaki. She ran, outpacing the traversal of its turret, and with a hand wielding a blade of light, she swatted away the smaller weapons trying to destroy her.

That gave me an opening.

I took a breath, condensed myself into the smallest ball of light that I could, and launched myself towards the tank with all the speed that I could muster.

At the last moment before impact, I undid the transformation and used my power to create a barrier around myself while reinforcing my body.

Tsubaki was the best at improving her speed and reflexes.

I was best suited at enhancing my strength and durability.

We both agreed, however, that I was the sledgehammer while she was the scalpel.

Alien composite steel broke beneath my foot, and shadows were cast away. They dissipated against the barrier that I made, and I ‘wrapped’ it around the tank. I made my strike ‘small’ on a single area while holding the vehicle still. As alien armor parted around my boot, I made my light ignite, and there was a flash of power. A bright amber similar to a rising sun formed, and the barrier caught it and contained it, shaping all the strength I exerted into the corrupted vehicle.

One moment it was there, then there was a flash, and the vehicle was gone, and a long tunnel into the underground of the alien came to be.

I released a breath, feeling sweat on my brow, as the attack took its toll.

My strength was already returning, though.

Tsubaki came to my side with sword at the ready, while I gathered my breath.

Then, just as I was about to check on the situation, I froze in place.

At the end of the tunnel, past multiple levels lit up by red lights, an abyss entered my vision and caused a cold sweat to break across my body.

My senses told me to run, while Tsubaki froze as well, as at the end of the tunnel we saw the Legion of Shadow’s Emissary.

A robed figure with pure white eyes on a featureless face that cast a darkness so deep that it swallowed the light.

Just being in its presence told me that if it wished, the whole region, not just the island, would be covered in an army of Shadows.

And that army would pale in comparison to its own personal strength.

My eyes met with it, and for a moment I thought that I was going to die without even being able to lift a finger.

Then, it sank into its shadow and disappeared, finally letting me breathe and hear the sound of alien alarms and the crackling of fire in the destroyed alien base around us.

No wonder our powers told us to fecking get laid and pop out kids!

Even if my kids were twice as strong, I’d want a soccer team to send out against that thing!

A Perfectly Logical Guide to a Superhuman Apocalypse: 91

A Perfectly Logical Guide to a Superhuman Apocalypse: 91 [Volume 1 End]

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Word count: 2500

Commissioned by Arksoul

…

Unfortunately, I couldn’t enjoy a couple of my favorite games due to the fact that the apocalypse actually happened. While post-apocalypse games with survival elements and great stories were already so few that they had to be cherished, the fact that bombs actually dropped ruined them. Playing them just felt like playing some dumb game that was trying to emulate reality and make it ‘fun.’

They got turned into job simulators, basically.

Which happened to be Parvati’s wheelhouse, though she modded them to the point where they were barely playable by humans. Truck simulators already required memorization of an inordinate amount of controls, but she took it to the next level. No hint boxes, no tooltips, and no UI. Just pure memorization and utilization of tools in-game. I was surprised she didn’t make a whole simulator for it… But when I joked about it, she just said that she intended to make a universal simulator.

Which was basically a pod with a sensory suit and a non-invasive neural interface, so you can really hop in and enjoy being a trucker.

Along with, you know, submersing yourself into an artificial reality controlled by an AI.

“I’m telling you, if you release that, you’re going to be alone before you know it. People are going to hop in and never get out.” I used chopsticks to eat some fresh fries while idling my character. Fantasy games were still fun to play, and with Parvati remastering them and pulling out the stops on hardware, I could easily see people just abandoning Earth to play some fantasy RPG whose ‘NPCs’ are actually all forks of Parvati. “If you figure out that time-dilation tech so that it doesn’t give out strokes after a couple of hours, you’re going to turn yourself into a warden of the human race by accident.”

I was interested in full-dive games, but I also knew that I had a bad habit of… basically becoming hyper-focused on something. Using it sounded fun. Getting into my favorite games sounded great. Getting more true-to-character dialogue from great characters sounded amazing.

That’s why I’m never jumping into one, because I just know I’ll have trouble kicking the habit.

“My intention is to give humanity an escape while work is done to repair the planet. Not to mention that this device, when combined with a cryogenic system, will allow for work to be done on ships while in transit.” Parvati’s nearest body was wearing a gray maintenance worker uniform complete with a hat. She was using the body to live-fix a computer that wasn’t performing to her standards. That is to say, not pushing out two hundred FPS at 8k. It was at 195.   “It will also allow for people to move and enjoy themselves while incapable of leaving a facility or base on another planet.”

“You’re going to turn them into vegetables. People were already turning worthless with just a touchscreen and fifteen-second videos.” I pointed out while shaking my head. Parvati simply finished fixing the computer. It booted up, and soon she looked satisfied with its performance. “And how are you going to handle the heat? The heat sinks for all this computational power will take up half the weight of your ships. You’re better off just putting them to sleep and shipping them around.”

“For the majority, that will be the case, but I want companions and staff to assist me for the journey. Spending decades alone is not something I desire, Egress.” At that point, I had no argument. Driven to insanity by isolation hit a bit too close to home. I just gave a nod and conceded the argument. “How are you finding the game?”

“Perfect. Your internet cafes will basically give people back some leisure.” Parvati preened at my praise. The idea was pretty simple. This whole setup with remade games, high-tech computers, and support by AI needed dedicated infrastructure to work. Parvati’s plan to corner the tech industry basically entailed setting up tech stores that were upsized internet cafes with baths and other amenities available. Given the fact most of the world was focused on agriculture, it was a surefire way to corner massive swathes of the leisure and tech market. “And, you’ll be selling basic tech stuff that people want. If you can sell soap and detergent, you’ll have the world eating out of the palm of your hand.”

“If I am asked to provide necessities, I shall. Otherwise, I will focus on improving lives instead.” Parvati could go ahead and seize control, but that wouldn’t play into her desire to have people to talk to, interact with, and potentially compete with. As far as I currently knew, anyway. Might actually be looking to take over the planet, but at this point, we’ll all just die tired if we try to resist. “Egress, I believe you mentioned that you wanted to rest, but here we are talking about work.”

“Right, right. My bad.” I shook my head. She was right. This was supposed to be a break after all our efforts to keep ahead of the current threats. The primary one being our would-be exploiters in space. However, Parvati and I were also working on pulling people out of the muck of the apocalypse. Was it arrogant to say that we’re both working on making the world better? Would it be better if I said that I was doing it to make a profit? “So, what games do you like?”

Parvati’s second of silence told me that she thought for a very, very long time before replying.

“Settlement games. Primarily ones that simulate trade through various regions, which allows me to build cities and have a happy populace.” I could think of a particular series that was like that, and glancing over at one of the nearest screens showed me that I was right. It was running at incredibly high speeds, and the gynoid at the station was interfacing directly with the screen while numbers soared and soared. A few glimpses of the screen showed me that it was heavily modded, with each production chain having far more steps than I recalled. She sure liked to complicate things past the point of ‘fun’ for humans. But I guess that with her computational power, she’d need stuff to be more complicated and more difficult to get a kick out of being challenged. “You seem to prefer games that allow you to simulate another life.”

“Trying to change the subject? Alright, I’ll bite. Yeah, I like it. It reminds me of when I started off. Just trying to make use of my powers, getting great at it, and then using it to make money.” Story RPG players usually just played the main quest and said it’s all done when they finished it. Me? I liked to take the game economy and find a way to get myself to the top. Buy every house, be able to buy out all a vendor’s stock, and get everything that I wanted and more. Then, I’ll head into the main quest and side quests ready to solve everything with the power of money. “Gonna psychoanalyze that, huh?”

“I don’t need to see you play games in order to know how much value you place on money. It would also be in poor taste to point out the environmental factors that I believe could’ve led to your mindset.” Parvati was ruthless, but in a nice way, I guess. With all her data on me, she probably figured me out. It doesn’t take much to discern why someone like me would like money, freedom, and privacy. In fact, I was worried that she’d over-analyze things and think I’m some sort of secret government project that went rogue or something. “Psychoanalysis also requires interviews and interpretation from a professional setting between a professional and a patient. What I do is observation and extrapolation of your actions.”

“You can call it whatever you want. A lot of people aren’t going to like it. I know you want stuff to do with all the computing power you have, but getting all the details on a person will just get you hated.” There’s a reason why people who have mind-reading or similar powers go ahead and work with intelligence agencies or find themselves off to the boonies to stay isolated. They get targeted otherwise. Only intelligence agencies with countermeasures and proper information compatibilization can work with them as actual people. Any other organization won’t trust them, and they’ll be on the outs or dead before long. “Go do some research or something instead.”

“That is laborious work.”

I raised a hand to stop her.

“No need to explain. I get it.” I basically told her to stop indulging in a hobby and to go work instead. Since I didn’t want her to go crazy and actually keep valuing humanity, I abandoned that train of thought. “Maybe you should keep at it with the entertainment stuff? Figure out how to entertain people, besides through video games and providing playmates.

“I do not wish to usurp humanity’s role in creating art and entertainment. Primarily for my own benefit. Human-made media is simply better than mine because I did not make it myself.” Right, right. Parvati wasn’t nearly narcissistic enough to like what she made of herself and consume it as entertainment. If I were in her place… yeah, I’d probably keep humanity around so that I’d just have something else besides information to process. “And, I do not make playmates. I create household support units.”

“You’ll be supporting households until they break up, that’s for sure. With how you’re doing things, humans will have your gynoids and androids as partners and just hook up together to pop out babies.” Parvati’s sudden silence at my statement was worrying. The lack of denial practically filled the air. Parvati was looking at me, and I just turned to give her a dry look. “Don’t do that.”

 The more that I get to know this AI, the more I realize that she’s still a bit shackled by her original parameters to be a loving partner.

Except it wasn’t just to Shiva, but to all humanity.

I always knew humanity was going to be destroyed by AI.

The fact that the AI in question is going to do it by basically turning us into trophy pets/companions was only a bit out of left field.

“I’ll institute a time limit. Only six hours a day.”

“Oi, you’re taking a quarter of everyone’s lives!” I protested, but Parvati didn’t relent. That number seemed to be the minimum she’ll deal with. “How will people have time to do something productive if you’re just putting their brains on blast six hours a day?”

“There will be no need to work eight hours a day. They can work as they wish and pursue art, as well as sleep the remaining eighteen hours.” Parvati didn’t even blink. It was terrifying. Was this her true power? Just bombard humanity with nonstop entertainment and companionship and take all the work? If a corporation deployed her, they’d have the world in the palm of their hands. However, since it was all going to be ‘free,’ I could only look at this as the end of the human race. “Of course, if they do not desire my companionship or full-dives, they may refuse.”

“Yeah, and the number of people who’ll refuse will go down with time until everyone’s clamoring for more hours.” I shook my head, while Parvati said nothing. I knew that it was rude, but I pointed a finger at her. “You need to keep yourself in check. Find someone to keep some things in you that really can’t be crossed.”

“Someone like you, Egress?”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll kick your ass if you try that shit. I won’t hesitate to start messing up your factories or just not shipping your stuff around… but I won’t be around forever.” Parvati nodded at my words. I looked young and fit. Superhumans that are incredibly powerful all did. It was part of our power. Vigor and strong bodies that recovered quickly. There were a few wealthy elites that took blood donations from superhumans and got back years of their lives. Still, a couple have died of old age from the first generation. I’ve got maybe a century and a half more ahead of me. That’s if I don’t get myself killed, of course. “In two hundred years, max, you’re going to look down that slippery slope and find the only one who can stop you is you.”

Parvati didn’t reply to my statement for a while before nodding.

“I will keep that in mind and work with people in order to put a stop to such things before they happen. You have my word, Egress.”

“No, I have something better: the fact that you’ll hate it if humanity is just nothing more than a bunch of meatbags hooked up to virtual reality.” That made various bodies of the AI frown all over the large room filled with servers, computers, beanbags, and food stations. She probably knew that already, but hearing it would probably have Parvati think about it more. “So, as your current ally and friend, I’m telling you right now: make sure you don’t fall down that slope before you find yourself looking down it. It’s better to not have to deal with a problem at all.”

“Some would say that you’re impeding my ability to grow by confronting my problems.” Parvati pointed it out, and I just rolled my eyes and unpaused my game.

“People who say that have cushy lives without any problems. If you can philosophize, that means you don’t have to worry about food on your plate or any other problems.” I hated all of that motivational stuff. Make mistakes, as long as you learn. Don’t be afraid to fail, but remember to try again. All of that required chances, time, and money. All of which were in short supply for the vast majority of people. People who said things like that have too much and don’t even know it. “It’s better to not fuck up in the first place, because that means you don’t have problems to deal with. Sure, it’s great to overcome a challenge, but it’s better to not have to clean up a mess that you could’ve avoided.”

Parvati probably had more to say, but I just refocused on playing the game.

I’m sure enough about Parvati that the AI will figure out what I’m saying and do the right thing.

From all my experiences with her, she earned that much trust from me, at least.

V10: Chapter 13

V10: Chapter 13

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Interlude: Rita

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Bronze skin, scarlet eyes, clawed hands, blood-red hair, and mouths filled with fangs.

The Demons were easy to find… if they did not disguise themselves.

“We’re fortunate to have the Iterants. Otherwise, we’d have been infiltrated and found cults all over our lands.” Morgan stated. We were called to assemble, away from our other duties at the frontlines, in order to behold this corpse before us. The enemy we have been preparing for has finally arrived and played their first hand. “Look at this thing and the magic it displayed. It’s practically bred for destabilizing nations.”

“It would have worked in any other nation.” Ilych spoke up. Her voice was soft and less booming now. Her recovery was complete, and changes after fighting Sirena settled. She still towered over most, but she was more lithe now. Some would’ve hesitated to call her beautiful prior to the changes, but now songs spread of the Sword of Wisdom’s beguiling charm. Her ears went red whenever she heard them. “They were reported here, but in other places, they would’ve found purchase.”

Morgan gave a nod at Ilych’s words.

“Right. It’s not just the Iterants. We’ve fed and provided for our people. Even people in villages can take a trip to a Citadel and get time in a medical pod or meet with a healer, especially if their life is at risk.” Morgan faintly smiled at her own words. I was sure that she was praising his majesty in her mind. But now was not the time for praise. It was time for action. She looked back at the corpse on ice before us. “His majesty already sent letters to the other nations and sent spare cadavers and information… but I think they’ll only have violence to rely upon with the state of their people.”

Morgan’s words made me grimace.

It was an unfortunate truth.

“The lands of the Guardians can resist somewhat. At least the more prosperous cities can, but the outlying villages will be a fertile soil for the Demons.” I offered what I knew from my travels. Ilych and I parted ways while she recovered. My abilities were best suited for the reestablishment of our networks of spies and informers across the land. Mainly in usurping or holding the knife to the necks of criminals in outlying regions of societies. “Amongst the downtrodden and forgotten, or those forced to labor with little choice, they will find purchase. Not to mention that the other lands hire husband healers for their military and do not grant access to their citadel to the common people.”

“Right. We’ll need to worry about Warden lands most of all, then.” Morgan looked towards Sirena, who gave a swift nod. “I see that you agree.”

“They are lost now. Our efforts to destroy the path of ruin have shattered the faith into innumerable sects.” Sirena gave advice regarding her people, but she was not allowed to act against them. She worked on keeping our lands, the academy’s former lands, secure against opportunists from the Forgers and Merchants. She also trained with Ilych regularly. Fortunately, she has taken to wearing clothes befitting an officer, as scanty and open as her methods of wearing them were. It was an improvement. “They will be weak and swayed easily to temptation in this time of trials. They may even see the coming demons as false messiahs.”

“The only choice, then, is to see the matter of the Wardens settled.” Conquest spoke. She looked down at the creature on ice, and I could see her breathing hasten and her eyes narrow. The flaring of her nostrils informed me that the scent of corruption that had killed so many of her people clung to the body. “I would prefer they fall to the Merchants. How go their battles against the Forgers, General?”

“The Forgers are losing, but slowly. Armor and discipline do little against numbers, especially when those numbers are alchemically and surgically enhanced. Whoever survives a battle amongst the Merchants is improved; they grow stronger, and they return to battle all the fiercer.” Morgan had both the Forgers and the Merchants in the palm of her hand. Initially, both sides tried to seize some of our lands. Even before the deployment of Eminent, she had control over the theater. Eminent’s deployment merely gave her the strategic freedom to use our forces to decide who will win the Warden’s Citadel. “And I concur. The Forgers are monstrous. I would rather the Merchants win as well. Not only that, but the merchants will be forced to fortify the whole trade line between their new citadel and their existing one. That will tie down their armies… or keep the war between them and the Forgers going.”

Morgan looked at Sirena, who gave a swift nod.

“Those who remain are staunchly against the King of Wisdom. They will not come to us. Still, I would rather they have the chance at freedom with the Merchants than have their servitude ensured with the Forgers.” Sirena stated. Though she was not allowed to fight against the Wardens, she was permitted to support the fledgling communities of Wardens in our lands. Those who were prepared to usurp Khalai were hard at work in our lands now. They were settling well, last I heard, though Iterants were watching them carefully for any sign of rebellion. “I vouch for the Merchants to win this battle.”

Ilych and I both nodded towards Morgan.

“I’ll pen the suggestion now and have it sent within the hour. Now… let’s see if even the dead of the Demons can speak.” Morgan extended her hand, and from a pocket on her belt came forth a multitude of wires and needles. They sank into the skull of the corpse, and magic flowed through them. Morgan’s ability to seize memory from the living has advanced enough for her to do the same to the dead. She opened her free hand, and her wires formed a sheet. Black and white wires worked in tandem to showcase the memories of the creature. Starting with the last. It was the sight of a massive Conqueror’s blade erupting from its back. Morgan let loose a low chuckle. “Settle in for a bit. I think we’ll be searching for a while.”

At her words, the final individual present for our meeting spoke.

“Or, perhaps, I may be of assistance?” Eminent spoke, and all gazes turned to her. She had been silent since the arrival of the corpse. The pale-skinned, scarlet-eyed Divine Engine had been preparing for the call to assault the lands of the Demons when the news came. Now, she loomed over the coffin filled with ice and looked at the corpse… with a smile on her face. “May I, general?”

Morgan contemplated the matter for a moment before retracting her tools from the corpse.

“I want to know as much as possible about these creatures. How they think… and what they fear.”

Though she hid her smile most of the time, in the presence of those she considered equals, Morgan was less restrained.

It was eerie how her smile and that of the Goddess of Death’s were so similar.

…

Interlude: Eminent Void Blade: She Who Glides Between Sunbeams

…

Crippled, diseased, and fragmented.

That was the state of the ‘Demons’ who once ravaged the world.

Their ancestors had been fearsome foes. They changed their flesh at a whim and took power into themselves in immense amounts. A hundred or so ‘Demons’ were enough to shatter a fortress, and they had legions of thralls under their command. Every thrall was a life that they could take to empower their magic, strengthen their physical forms, and even revive themselves. They stole and overrode whole sections of the systems that governed the arcane for themselves and warped probability in their presence, offsetting curses onto their foes and harvesting blessings only for themselves.

To do battle against them was to push back an inexorable tide, to have enough power and skill that neither fortune nor misfortune mattered, and at the height of their power, they were the second-greatest threat to all life in the system.

Now, they were broken.

Their link to their stolen power was severed. Only the templates remained, and that could be learned and used by all peoples. Though they could change faces and forms, they could no longer create near-impenetrable carapaces or biological weapons or turn into far more fearsome monsters. The ability to create thralls from mere touch or sight was replaced. They needed to beguile and use words, as well as have the thralls imbibe their blood, and even that could be resisted.

My creators truly did all that they could to lay their enemies low.

The corpse collapsed and broke apart into sludge after my power finished tearing through it.

Morgan, the general, looked most pleased.

“They’re already at each other’s throats. No unified empire or ideology. That they were able to spare this many capable agents was troubling, but if they send more, they’ll be pounced upon by their neighbors.” The demon relayed much to us. His life, his training, his abilities, his accomplishments, and his mission here and who commanded him. This one was trained from childhood, a carefully created infiltrator and ground-based asset, made for covert conflicts between their nations. His original purpose was to do his work in other Demonic territories, but instead he was sent here… much to his joy. “We kill enough of them quietly, while doing nothing to harm them back, and they’ll stay silent about their failings. We can make them bleed and slow their advance.”

Morgan was the most strategically minded, but sometimes she showed that she could be too optimistic.

“They may have allies. Factions that they can bring into the fold. Or, at least, enemies that do not abhor them to the point of being willing to attack them when they can be paid off.” Rita stepped in. The Undead ‘Children of the Elm’ was the voice of pessimism in the group. Any plan not uttered directly by the King of Wisdom was carefully, logically picked apart by her. Given Morgan’s approving nod at her words, the general facilitated this mindset in the Undead. “If we prove to be too large of prey to handle, they will work with their kindred, even if it means losing their monopoly on restoring their true selves.”

I had my doubts regarding these young mortals. Though they were blessed at birth, connected to my predecessors better than their fellows, I doubted their ability to hold this land against the rest of the world.

Why did my master give them so much authority when he could do more by commanding them to do as he willed?

Now, I saw what he saw.

The people of this land were capable and skilled, but they needed time to grow to their fullest strength. From the average footsoldier wielding either rifles or pikes to mages learning to heal or to devastate at long ranges, and finally these champions who could wield immense magic and artifacts with ease. They simply needed time, resources, and experience to elevate themselves to far greater heights. He could have led a vast army of common people and surged across the continent, seizing every citadel, but that would’ve resulted in too many deaths, too much potential lost, and infrastructure destroyed.

Now, his armies clash and gain experience against their fellows on the continent.

Now, his generals gain experience in leading and commanding wars against other nations.

Now, he and his enemies build more factories, cultivate more lands, and extract more mineral wealth while researching at breakneck speeds.

This was a continent no longer.

It was a crucible to forge a nation destined to rule the world.

“They have no higher industry. They rely only on their natural strength. They are vain and eschew what technology offers.” Conquest spoke, and my esteem for this land rose ever higher. Her people were naturally gifted and immensely powerful, yet they were at the forefront of innovation in warfare. They were not the vanguard, nor were they meat shields. They were commandos or special forces deployed in massive numbers. The armies needed to bring them down are held by regular people, while they wreak havoc and utterly destroy the enemy’s capacity to fight. “Little more than beasts wearing the faces of people. They have held a quarter of the world since the Ancients fell, yet they use stones to build and slaves as labor. Worthless.”

“…His memories were filled with self-adulation and praise. His goal was his own ennoblement and rise to prominence. Nothing of sacrifice for his people. Not even the honor to stand and fight.” Sirena spoke.

The Wardens were an addled people. Subterranean maintenance workers for the teeming underground infrastructure beneath the planet. Their history was rife with pain and suffering as the lands above closed; thus, they turned to faith and the emergency resurrection mechanisms and the final weapons finalized in the war that were mass-distributed before the final access nodes were lost, which they could easily access. Around the afterlife, around resurrection, and around ‘holy’ magic designed to be the finest blade against all four of our final foes, they created a religion and drove themselves into a frenzy.

A frenzy that nearly destroyed them but still created people such as Sirena.

“Such is the mindset of a premier warrior sent to undermine and conquer on behalf of a nation. If that is how a child soldier of a nation thinks and acts, how will the common soldier act?”

Sirena saw past another facet of the Demons and unveiled another weakness.

They can feel fear.

“He was afraid. He was ready to run. If they can break, we can break them.” Ilych finished and then looked my way. Her visage and stature were the closest to the physical forms of Ancients. If the King of Wisdom had the mind of an Ancient, then she had the body. It was difficult to treat her like all the others. The creator I thought long lost was right here, my senses said. But my mind knew that these people were all like my creators. They just needed time. Time that they were fighting for. Time that I was willing to die a thousand deaths over. “Eminent, the King of Wisdom intended to send you against the demons to slow them down. I would like to request you do one more thing: terrorize them.”

I gave a curtsy at her words and bowed my head.

Still, I was mindful of my words.

“So long as my master wills it, it shall be done.”

I smiled as I passed another test with those words and continued to live.

They are truly magnificent.

V10: Chapter 12

V10: Chapter 12

…

It took months for us to get decent reports back after I pulled the Iterants out of foreign territories.

Long enough for me to question whether or not I should’ve taken the risk and kept them in.

However, Khanrow did his job with his own secret organization, while I provided him everything that he requested.

The result was that we finally had eyes and ears on the ground again.

Nothing that a dedicated shapeshifter could bring in, but just being able to passively hear things before sending in a dedicated, undercover agent is good enough.

Unfortunately, that undercover agent couldn’t be an Iterant.

Just as I expected, there were tons of methods devised to detect Iterants. The remnants of the Wardens were doing bloodletting and healing up wounds. Merchants determined the scent from some bodies that they recovered and now had guards that could potentially sniff them out. Forgers had scales at gatehouses that they said were for smugglers, but they were obviously looking for Iterants. Finally, the Guardians were employing all three methods upon entry to any government buildings or industrial districts and just the scales at regular checkpoints and border crossings.

That’s just their outward security measures, too.

I wouldn’t be surprised if they figured out some sort of magic to detect them. Espionage detection research takes very little time and investment, since players tend to forget about them until they start experiencing sabotage. If they were letting us see all those protections and security measures, I was sure that they had more methods hidden away.

So, we made do with informants, working with criminal organizations, and getting people through as refugees.
The Forgers and Guardians were difficult to get anything more than rumors from. The Forgers were numbering and quantifying every person that came into their lands. Since I didn’t want my spies to be turned into near-undead-machine hybrids, I asked Khanrow to just get informants from people within those lands already, whether they were criminals or just wanted out, and to primarily get more craftsmen out of there before they got turned into machines. For the Guardians, their people were pretty happy, so it was hard to get informants from the existing population. Criminals were small-time, with organizations getting the hammer before they could get power.

Khanrow said that there was potential amongst the new factions that arose after their revolution, but I wasn’t going to hold my breath.

We were sending in people as refugees and telling them to lay low while we found out how to contact them later.

The Merchants and the Wardens were both far easier to infiltrate. Sarala was sending information we wanted them to know back. That allowed him to keep in contact with his people and contacts back home. They were under the belief that he’ll betray us, escape there, and take his apprentices with him. The fact that he’s surrounded by Iterants, building an underground complex, and desperately trying to get his people out told me otherwise. We were doing our best to get people out of the Merchant’s lands before they imploded.

The Wardens… we didn’t have to do much. They were out there killing each other. Their capital city was burning, and they’ve broken apart into multiple factions, each one claiming to be the rightful heirs, and Citadel Guardians were deployed against them. There would be a unified Warden faction, but because the Merchants and Forgers used their own Citadel Guardians to counter the ones sent out from the Citadel, the Wardens couldn’t unify. Couple that with Morgan’s mission to seize all their territories in Academy lands and send out teams to burn down their temples and eradicate their culture, and we were able to sneak in our agents. All so that they could confirm that it was a mess and that the fighting was going to get worse before it got better.

So, why wasn’t he preparing to take advantage of all this knowledge?

It was just too late to do so.

The first wave of the Crisis Events was here.

…

“It happened just as you said it would.” Crusher aged a bit since I last saw him. With his lack of magic, the benefits of being a Champion left him. Access to Citadel healing and rejuvenation repaired his body, but his connection to magic was severed when we saved his life from Demonic Corruption. There were some things that couldn’t be fixed. He just had to be happy to be healthy, alive, and a natural-born supersoldier whose skin can bounce small-caliber ammunition. He sported a few gray hairs and a full, braided beard, though he still kept his head shaved. “They arrived seemingly from nowhere at our outermost villages. They promised the people there great power and wealth with honeyed words, and with those words nearly turned them into nothing more than meat.”

The Demons were now here.

“The first wave will be trailblazers and explorers who are capable of subverting small populations with magic.” The first wave of the demonic invasion was infiltration with elites. These were the people the Demons sent out to find new lands, subvert local populations to their cause, and bring them into the fold as ‘willing’ subjects. Why come in with blades and fire when you can use charming words and illusion to conquer? “Highly effective individuals who can create power bases of their own ahead of the regular force.”

We were going to be on the receiving end of the False Prophets event. Demons will first start healing the sick, getting rid of scars, and restoring youth. The lower the happiness of your nation, the faster they’ll be able to spread their influence.

We weren’t having riots on the streets, so I was sure that we were at least at 0.

Eventually, they’ll start using illusions and dream magic to get more followers. While posing as prophets, they’ll send ‘visions’ of themselves as gods to their followers. Those followers will get fooled, start using blood magic, and go out there as their devoted clergy to sway people into becoming believers. Most of the priests never know that they’re working for demons or that they’ve got a parasite in their body using up their lifespan and other faithful adherents to cast magic. Some of those guys can be saved, and blood magic can get accessed and used… But I could also get that by just defeating Demons in battle and ‘capturing’ them.

Blood magic primarily made it so that more people ended up as ‘wounded’ and not dead or permanently crippled after combat. Not only that, but the wounded recover more quickly after battles. Given how few armies I have, that’ll be a godsend. More methods to heal, including the magical means to give cosmetic surgery, are also good since there are only so many healing pods in the Citadel. If it doesn’t increase happiness, it’ll at least give a bonus to population health or something along those lines. Anyway, with the parasite and the faith-approach taken out of the equation, the magic can be used like any other school by trained mages, so I looked forward to that.

Hopefully, I can get it early from the False Prophet event.

“Work with the Iterants and crush as many as you can.” I told Crusher, and he gave a gruff nod. He looked over his shoulder. Other Conquerors were present, his personal council that helped him rule over the Conquerors. They were clad in silks and jewelry and wouldn’t look out of place driving expensive cars while surrounded by glass skyscrapers. Not speedsters, of course. Crusher had great taste. Luxury. Probably. “Cripple one or two and keep them alive. We’ll have Morgan go through their heads.”

Giving Morgan blood magic and being the one to teach it sounded like a bad idea on paper, but I wanted it fast. Every person who survives a battle will get stronger. We’re going to pump out more combat stimulants, advanced healing techniques, surgeries, and equipment that blends magic and technology together. A regular person that’s trained and deployed with all that gear is fantastic, but every veteran I have on the field is someone dealing out at least ten percent more damage and taking ten percent more in damage.

That’s in-game.

I really hoped that it’ll be better in real life, since experience should matter a whole lot more.

“Honor demands that we offer them the chance to surrender, your majesty.” Crusher stated, and I was quick to look his way. My Iterant guards naturally got ruffled at his statement, but I raised a hand their way. I nodded at Crusher to explain himself, and he gave a grunt of appreciation. “We understand the works of their nation. We understand that the Ancients warred with them. However, what if there is a chance for peace?”

At his question, I asked my own.

“Would you offer peace to the creatures that now use the bodies of mortals as hosts for their parasitic children?”

Crusher, to his credit, didn’t hesitate to answer.

“No. I would not.”

I gave a hum.

“Would you offer peace to the Furies, who consume children, use female mortals as broodmothers for food, and males as toys to be torn apart after use?”

“No. I would not.”

I nodded at his words.

“Would you offer peace to the living machines that bred mortals into slaves and biomechanical components for their use?”

“No.”

Crusher’s eyes were firm as I spoke again.

“Then, I ask of you, Crusher of the Conquerors, why would you offer honorable surrender to the vanguard of these demons? In their lands, they rule as gods, while our kindred are enslaved and used as sacrifices to fuel their civilization.” I questioned him calmly. Though he wasn’t a Champion anymore, he was still a conqueror. He loomed over me, easily twice my height and nearly three times my width. His arms were as big as my torso, and he could backhand me and kill me with ease. This needed to be a careful conversation, especially since he was speaking on behalf of a whole race of Conquerors. I didn’t want to fuck this up. “What makes you believe that we can have one of their elites surrender to us who will not become a poisoned chalice?”

“Nothing. But we cannot wage war endlessly, your majesty. We can set the precedent here and now at the beginning of their offensive. We take prisoners, we hold them without harming them, and we exchange them when the time comes.” Ah, there it is. Crusher should’ve honestly led with that. He was worried about the right thing. “We will repel them. Every single time they attack. We will strike at their lands. We will see them on the bargaining table and see them cease hostilities against us. There must be an end to the coming war. Not just endless bloodshed until all is dust.”

Crusher was a sane man faced with an insane scenario, and he was trying to bludgeon that insanity into something reasonable.

It was too bad that he’s wrong.

“I will permit it. You may offer them surrender. You may keep one prisoner in high esteem.” Crusher was ready to bow his head in gratitude, but I raised my hand. No. This isn’t a gift. You’ve just shown me why you can’t be the leader of a faction while the Deliverer could. You’re not willing to dirty yourself for the win. It’s a good thing that I’m more than ready to do it. If you’re not doing everything, then you’re just trying to lose“. Try to convince them. Try to have them see reason. But you will not dictate how this war is waged, Crusher. I seek their absolute obliteration.”

I met his gaze and tried to see if he caught my implication.

But I remembered that these are Conquerors.

No need for implications.

“They are fetid, rotten, and parasitic meat, Crusher. They must be expunged from this world with steel, fire, and hardened hearts. Their goal is to free themselves from curses laid upon them and take the entire world. They already have all of the world, but here we stand with the tip of their spear fast approaching.” I told him what I thought straight-up. No minced words. No bullshit. Just a little fancying up, but no metaphors. Just what I really think and feel. “You may try with your own resources and time, with Iterants watching you. But the Conquerors will move to destroy these Demons and all the remnants of the Ancient’s foes. If any course of action besides that is taken, you will be disobeying my commands.”

The goal here is their destruction.

I’m not going to bargain with the faction that intends to turn us all into living furniture that they can freely use to power magic and appliances.

Crusher was silent for a moment. I could feel the Iterant maids accompanying me getting angry, but I kept my hand raised at them to stop.

Then, Crusher took to one knee and bowed his head.

His whole entourage and council followed after him.

“I ask for forgiveness. Honor blinded me, and fear swayed my heart. I sought out compromise with monsters because I believed that we could not destroy them all.” Yeah, he misunderstood a bit, but the basics were there. Can’t be helped. Everyone interprets things their own way. I was just glad he understood that my word was final. I gave a nod and used my free hand to gesture for him to get up. He did. Crusher looked at me and bowed his head again before pressing a massive fist over his heart. “I swear that I will not falter again, my king.”

I considered telling him that he could still try to get a prisoner to help us with his own time and funds… but I decided against it.

It’s best to not question it when someone swears loyalty to you.

If he’s lying, the Iterants will figure things out sooner or later, since they watch everyone at all times from the Citadel here.

Just like all my other Citadels.

“Very well. I accept this oath, and I will hold you to it as your lord, Crusher.” I gave him a nod before turning away and looking back at the room below where the first vivisection was to begin. The Iterants handling the corpse were going to break the corpse down to the nerves, record every moment in their brains, and provide us with books on their complete physiology. A good start to understanding our enemy. “And, just to ease your concerns, if any of them call for peace where we retain our freedoms and our realm, I will accept it without a moment’s hesitation.”

Crusher’s eyes widened at my words, and he gave a grunt of thanks at them.

I felt kind of bad nodding back.

Even if peace was possible by defeating them all enough… I didn’t intend to give them a chance.

Ninety percent of this planet’s population will be dead in the next two decades, or I’m dead along with my nation.

That’s just how it’ll be, since I’m not taking the risk of letting them build up and prepare another attack in peacetime.

My Weekly Gag Villain Job is Pretty Fulfilling: Chapter 3

My Weekly Gag Villain Job is Pretty Fulfilling: Chapter 3

…

“Hmph, these new invaders are weak. They have already fallen.”

“Oi… pass the chocolate cereal.” Ebbs willed some shadowy tendrils to manifest off its orb-like body to push the carton my way. I sighed as I lifted the box. Barely half a cup of chocolatey, sugar-frosted flakes fell into my bowl. “I told you guys to put nearly empty boxes on the shelf.”

The nearest Imp close to me looked a bit sorry before reaching out with its hands. It took the empty carton and took it to the shelf. My Imps couldn’t talk, so I just had them put up empty cartons on a shelf at the dining room. One glance and I knew what I needed to buy in bulk.

“Defeated by the Intercontinental Heroics Association. Bah. Weaklings.” Ebbs had a laptop streaming international news. One of the first purchases we made from other ‘villains’ of the world was to loop our place up to the networks they used to access the internet away from prying eyes. The monthly payment was pretty steep at a thousand grand, but the download speeds, the unrestrained access, and the lack of ads made up for it. A few Imps at the sea floor, ripping up chunks there, was enough to give us a steady income stream that went into accounts we could use for upgrading our living standards. “They’re not even worth being slaves.”

“Why would we need slaves anyway?” I chewed through my bowl of chocolate flakes pretty quickly, then I reached out for a breakfast burrito. The Imps manning the kitchen were putting down platters of breakfast food out on the extremely long banquet table. Why did a massive, fortified shelter built for the ultra-rich need a banquet room and a banquet kitchen? No idea, but I got it fixed up so we could all enjoy food. “Imps are the best.”

Ebb looked at me, bobbing up and down while floating, and ‘nodded’ by making a particularly exaggerated series of motions.

“Indeed. Most mortal creatures cannot compare to the humblest of the Legion of Shadow. However, we have need of laborers while we wage war. Typically, Imps form our frontline and security force. They maintain those who we’ve conquered and multiply.” As Ebb spoke, several Imps reached their split-off stage, meaning that they took in enough mass to turn into two Imps. I gave them the go-ahead, and the split happened. One turned into two, but the two that formed were… lighter and thinner than the one that was before. About half the strength of one full-powered Imp each. “When we defeat a Sentinel, our power increases immensely as well. Nothing creates a darker shadow than the last gasp of light.”

I gave a thoughtful chew of soft scrambled eggs, griddled hash, and bacon wrapped in a fresh tortilla before replying.

“How many times did you win with that strategy?”

Ebb promptly raised a tendril my way, made five fingers, and tucked four of them in save for one.

Nice.

“Eat shit, Hayes.”

“No, I prefer to eat the great cooking of our wonderful chefs.” I gave a thumbs up at one of the Imps carrying platters out of the kitchen, and I got a multitude of thumbs up in return. With enough experience cooking and consuming the dishes in question, Imps were able to cook up imitations of what they’d eaten. As long as we got the right ingredients, tools, and resources, of course. After a job well done, we split the money up, spent it all over the planet, acquired ingredients, and ate our fill to increase our numbers. “Just you wait; they’ll perfect that chicken rice you like so much sooner rather than later.”

Ebb not calling me an idiot back meant that the idea of having his favorite meal on demand appealed to him.

So, I took the initiative.

“I think that we should try and take advantage of the invasion. Some of them are weak, but some of them are pretty rough. We could make use of targets that other people won’t mind us taking.” Ebb looked interested in my proposal. Some Imps stared my way, too. I had the attention of the Legion of Shadow for sure. “If we attack humanity, we’ll get dogpiled. We can get rid of a lot of them, but plenty of heroes are as strong or stronger than the Sentinels… well, they won’t harm us if we go and attack the invaders, right?”

Ebb practically thrummed with glee at the notion.

“Yes, yes! Of course, why did I not consider that! This realm is ours. Not theirs!” Ebb was close to doing flips with glee at my proposal. Meanwhile, several Imps raised thumbs up at my statement. Ebbs took it in with no small amount of joy at finally being able to inflict suffering. “We can even strike at the hearts and homes of these invaders. If they cannot defeat this planet, they’ll be unable to defeat us!”

“Yeah, we can even go heavy. Put together giant monsters, test out the swarms I have planned, and see how well Imps can handle operating advanced military weapons.” Imps are strong, but if I can get more strength, why not?   “And, it’s not like alien suffering is any different from human suffering. They’re all living beings, right? All the other dimensions you’ve tried this stuff in were different.”

Ebb was practically vibrating with joy.

“Indeed, indeed! Yes. That is the case. It’s just that no other planet we’ve come to has ever been assaulted by other entities before.” Earth was just that messed up, I suppose. Interdimensional invasions. Magical ruptures. Alien landings. Not to mention all the supervillains. It’s only thanks to most of the heroes being ridiculously strong and in high numbers that human civilization is holding on strong. “Look! There are a few strongholds left of the current invasion force. Why don’t we assault one after breakfast?”

I was surprised by Ebb’s proposal.

“Won’t you miss your soaps, though?”

Ebb wavered for just a second.

“I’ll have it recorded! None of you spoil me!” Ebb rounded on the nearest Imp before turning back to me. Wow, Ebb’s really enthused about this. I can’t say no now. “Hayes—”

“Heard. Let’s do it.” I chowed down on my burrito and got a fresh one off the platter. With a thumbs up, I confirmed my statement. This was a good outlet for Ebb, and we didn’t get dog-piled and destroyed by all the heroes. Sounds good to me! “Go get your recordings set up. I’ve got things handled here.”

Ebb flew with such glee towards the rec room that I could’ve easily imagined him hopping and skipping away.

Hm.

Best that we still look for the most removed and faraway alien stronghold on the planet.

Even if we’re giving our all, we still shouldn’t show our hand to the rest of the world and spook them.

Giant monsters, elite troops, and actual tactics are for the climax or the finale of a season or movie, too.

I need to make sure whatever happens can be seen as a natural disaster or something, so that nothing gets spoiled.

And, of course, so that we don’t get caught.

…

Interlude: Cosmos Trooper 8594

…

With the invasion force routed, the command came from the last general to dig in and hold on to provide a beachhead for the next wave.

We complied.

How could we not when the only way back could be opened from the other side?

The only way to live was to follow orders.

Orders were followed, even as the rest of our forces were destroyed. The second invasion force should’ve been better prepared. Stronger weapons, more troops, and less centralized supplies. For decades, the Gene-Nation crafted a new army that could surmount the incredible, individual power of the denizens of ‘Earth.’ Decades of effort came apart within mere hours, and we were scattered across the world.

No way home.

No commander can call us all together.

Just the order to hold until the next wave came within two months.

A week in this world, and then we will return.

But it was not to be.

A black dome appeared over us, and all light from the system’s sun was taken from us.

Then, somehow, our generators were destroyed, and we were all left with only the lights on our weapons and armor.

We still set out to our defensive positions, and red emergency lights were activated so that we could see where we walked.

Then, the true assault came.

The first unit that engaged them said that they were misshapen, Earthling children with large arms, heads, and feet with glowing lenses as eyes.

They fired at the creature with their weapons. Weapons rated to break through the armor of Earthling infantry transports.

Reports of the weapons being useless came through.

Then, nothing but screaming.

A squad was dispatched to reinforce them and exact vengeance.

That’s why the now-black sky suddenly glittered with thousands of pairs of white lenses… and they fell forth from the skies like rain.

They slammed into our reinforced doors and suffered no damage before setting upon us.

Those without heavy weapons could only rely on their explosives, but the creatures were not just strong but also quick. Reports of our own weapons being used by the creatures came forth next, and our heavy weapons were suppressed before being dispatched with our own explosives.

Our officer broke and had to be removed from command.

He had spent three minutes doing nothing when asked for orders.

Only asking himself how and why, as our final stronghold was sieged.

The war-walkers and their massive guns and lights came forth from the base and pushed the enemy back.

We rallied around them… until the darkness shifted.

Until a massive, five-clawed hand reached from the abyss and picked one up and crushed it.

The crews tried to fire at the hand, their lasers piercing the darkness and showing the outline of an immense, gaunt humanoid figure composed of the same substance as our attackers.

The fact that their attacks did nothing made panic rise in our ranks.

The fact that their attacks lit up the darkness enough for us to see that eight other such giants were present broke our spirit.

All discipline broke.

Every weapon was fired in every direction.

Screaming filled the communication network.

And I went with my squad to destroy the portal back home.

Only to find the immense doors breached and a mass of darkness covered in robes standing before a gate to our home.

We didn’t have enough power to activate it… But he held out his hand.

Then, suddenly, the great machine flickered alive, and I knew what order to give.

“Destroy it! Do not let these creatures into our realm!” I did not have the authority to order the eight with me, but they moved in accordance with my command.

The cannons we requisitioned from the fallen fired at the portal aperture as one, and explosives streaked towards them as well.

But it was in vain.

The blasts of plasma and explosives were met with a wall of matter-darkness that was nearly invisible.

Then, for a moment, the robed and hooded figure of darkness turned our way.

All the other creatures attacked without emotion. Even those who shifted and turned into wide shields to allow their companions to assault positions did not ‘blink’ with their glowing gazes. They had speed, strength, and power, but no ferocity. No hostility.

The hooded figure, meanwhile, looked at us, and I felt as though I was being taken apart in search of something precious.

The figure then turned away while gesturing at us with a hand of darkness.

Then, suddenly, one of the dark creatures spawned by his side and transformed.

My stomach dropped, and both my hearts seized as it compressed and compressed until it was no larger than an insect… and it took flight towards us with speed similar to a light vehicle. The mass of the entirety of the combatant, requiring sustained fire from heavy weapons to destroy, condensed into an insect and combined with speed and flight.

One moment 5930 was there to my left. The next there was a gaping hole in his chest, through his armor, and he fell onto his back.

I knew only one command had any worth now.

“Charge! Destroy the aperture!” I activated my explosives and put everything I had into reaching the great machine. It was meant to be our salvation, but I knew that it could not be permitted to fall to these creatures. The others realized this as well and followed suit. They discarded their weapons and armor. As one, we charged. The wall of darkness that had stopped our munitions, surprisingly, came apart as we came into contact with it. It was like mist. A mist that reacted to only certain things. One of our number was struck by the flying creature and lost his head mid-stride, but we continued to run. “CHARGE!”

We ran.

We died.

But suddenly something shifted.

The indifference of the creatures.

The observational curiosity of the hooded figure.

Both of those things were replaced by malice and hate.

It was a creature that we had not noticed. A creature that was nothing more than a massive golden eye the size of a skull with wings of darkness. In its eyes, I was certain, was disgust at our very existence.

It was between us and the aperture.

And, the instant we came under its attention, it struck with speed and precision. Tendrils of darkness erupted from its body and took away our lower limbs. A moment later, its weapons struck our explosives and took them from us. The weapons exploded and did nothing within their encasements, while we were left bleeding and separated from our legs upon the foot of our objective.

The baleful eye looked upon us with hate, while the hooded figure raised a hand filled with darkness at our gate.

A gate that began to open to the darkness.

My vision faded as I watched the skies of my home begin to darken.

Giant Robots? Say no more. I’m in. Volume 2: Chapter 1

Giant Robots? Say no more. I’m in. Volume 2: Chapter 1

…

Word count: 2500

…

You’d think leading the vanguard of a fleet meant to set up a new Arcology would let me avoid politics for a year or two. Gathering data on territory wiped off of the map, fighting off bugs, bots, and squids with big guns, and commanding a spaceship with ludicrous amounts of guns should earn a guy some time away from politics and bullshit.

Nope.

I have to get dressed in an officer’s uniform, get a stupid amount of medals pinned to my chest made of real, heavy rare metals, and sit behind a desk. To what end? Mostly to just be present and look intimidating on the screen, but also to speak up at the right time to support Empress.

Now, I appreciate Empress.

She bought out my original contract with my employer, got me into fun missions and operations, and shielded me from a whole lot of bullshit while I finished up school. When I started struggling with higher-order subjects, she cut through a lot of bullshit, strapped some sci-fi augments into my brain, and gave me the know-how that I needed. Instead of having to deal with a stupid amount of politics, I was able to just go to class, train, and fight monsters on the weekends.

A nice and cozy life with accolades that allowed me to get my own ship, my own command, and still get to go out there and fight.

I owe her a lot.

But… I was sure that she liked getting me on her morning meetings just to irritate me.

Ma’am, I can be out there planning in a snow biome with lasers against ancient forms of bugs that are waking up from hibernation. We’re talking about history book bugs who actually have armor, who still spray acid, and operate in packs instead of swarms. They have entirely different tactics, use different weapons, and literally pop up from the snow while roaring.

Do you know how satisfying it is to shoot them mid-roar with a heavy laser and just make them go pop?

I want to be out there popping giant bugs with lasers.

Not behind a desk in a meeettttinnnngggggg….

“Your coffee, sir.”

“Thanks, Cina.” Cina came in clutch as always. Years of interacting with me and taking care of me didn’t change her on the outside at all. Being a cyborg made from a corpse came with the remaining biological parts getting heavily augmented and genetically re-engineered without limitation. Made immortal into a blonde, buxom maid. I think more than a few people would sign up for that after their death. Personally, I wouldn’t. Stuff my brain into a jar and put me in a giant robot, please. What do you mean that’s worse? “Perfect.”

“Of course, sir.” I’ve given up on having her not call me sir. After all these years, she still insisted. Every time I received a promotion, I’d have to complain until she dialed it back to just ‘sir.’ Hearing ‘lord admiral’ more than a dozen times a day had been a headache. “Would you like a light meal? —

Cina was cut off by my favorite sound.

A shrill, siren-like beep that resounded twice was followed by a voice.

“Incoming anti-air artillery. Countermeasures firing.” I got out of the meeting with a flick of my wrist, got up from my table, chugged my coffee down, and started taking my uniform off. One good thing about having so many layers was that I could just have my piloting suit’s base layer underneath it. “All hands to stations. Ablative armor at 100%. Defensive screens are optimal.”

“Give me the source of the attacks.” I said, and a screen came up from the collar of my neck. The integrated tech on the suit was mostly focused on keeping me alive. But with the small amount of extra space, I went ahead and got a few more screens. You can’t have too many screens. Ever. “Give me long-range thermal sensors.”

Usually, I’d go for orbital optical satellite imaging and scans. I’d also supplement them with high-altitude drones.

However, Empress didn’t just level this place from orbit and send an expedition here for a reason.

The sky was perpetually cloudy, and the winds raged at all times. The theory was that a superweapon designed to deny the area was deployed before humanity’s forces here fell. That was the only way to explain the perpetual blizzard and storm over the area. It was something Empress had a keen eye on retrieving, since this area effectively got avoided by everyone else.

I really hoped completing this new campaign would give me some cryo-beams or shells that exploded and froze enemies.

A bigger arsenal is always nice.

The feed came through as the ship rumbled around us, with dozens and dozens of point defenses shooting down whatever was coming our way.

The thermals came through after focusing and locating the enemy… and I couldn’t help but grin.

“Look at this, Cina. They’re ancient artillery bugs!” Our attackers were a couple dozen giant bugs the size of small ships. They were generating something from their abdomen and aiming it upward in the sky. I switched to a view on the point-defense grid and verified that their projectiles were living suicide bombers that came out in massive swarms. “These things shot down most of the world’s air force when they landed!”

The giant artillery bugs basically spawned swarms of explosive, flying insects that could track enemies, dodge simple attacks, and even coordinate. Living munitions that did everything in their power to collide with non-bugs and explode while covering what they hit with corrosive acid.

Not a big problem for modern air power, since we’re giant ships covered in point-defense weapons.

For the drone swarms led by stealth joint-strike craft?

Those explosive-acid swarms basically gave the bugs air dominance.

But today…

“They are not breaching the outermost layer of protection. They are being fooled by the holographic camouflage.” Cina stated simply, and my shoulders dropped. “It is unnecessary for you to join in battle against such a meager threat.”

“But Cinaaaa… I want to add some more ancient bugs to my kill tally!” I brought up my record screen. My statistics in this world had been tabulated from the moment I first entered the cockpit. Since I had the right to access it, I also had the right to arrange the data and have it displayed. What better way to show my achievements than to have every enemy type known to humanity as a kill? “We barely see any more acid bugs nowadays! The scientists will love having one of the purer strains at their disposal, right?”

Cina’s brow furrowed at my words, but she wordlessly made the right inquiries before sighing.

“A research institute has stated interest samples of the creature.” I pumped my fist and kept walking. The elevator straight to the hangar activated before I got there and rushed down. In but a few moments from my office, I was on a walkway that led straight to Gray Corpse. I wanted my office chair to be my piloting chair and just slide into my mech, but I would’ve needed a fully customized ship instead of one off the factory line. I’ll get a custom one that can do it later. One day, I’ll just be able to throw off my jacket and medals, push a button, and get sent into my mech. It’ll be sweet. “ A retrieval team of combat forms should suffice after bombardment.”

“Hah, we both know it’s cheaper for Gray Corpse to go down there than use up artillery shells and risk a transport.” I gave Cina a wave while entering the cockpit. The mech sealed up behind me with a hiss. Gone were the days where my mech smelled like person and machine parts. Now, my filters were the best in the business, my air conditioning kept things nice and fresh on entry, and everything was lightly lemon-scented. It’s the little things that make the ride that much better. Anyway, Cina popped up on the dedicated communications screen a moment later. Just an audio waveform with her name beneath it. “Open the hangar bay doors, Cina.”

Cina just sighed.

Not because she got the reference; human media didn’t exactly make it after centuries of technological progress, violence, and crisis.

The aliens and rogue AI didn’t help, either.

“Complying.” Once in the cockpit, I couldn’t help but forget about my worries… and smile as all systems activated and gained vision over Gray Corpse. As always, the 3rd-person perspective was the best way to appreciate my mech. A barely flight-capable bipedal mass of armor, sensors, boosters, and guns. Love ya to bits, Gray Corpse. “The mission parameters, Admiral?”

“Forty minutes. Destruction of all enemy forces in the immediate area.” I rattled off the parameters before going for a name. Snow and ancient bugs. “Call it Diamond Tomb.”

With that, I activated the launch rails and went from 0 to flight speed in less than a second.

Damn.

I really can’t get enough of fighting in giant robots.

…

Interlude: Cina-140.

…

Eight years of service, starting from twelve years old, and OS-549 has only ever displayed the emotion of happiness five times outside of his mech.

Three of those times were when presented with his now-favorite form of food. With the reclamation of enough land, agriculture was reintroduced to several areas. From the seed banks came groves of fruits, along with spices, and finally crops useful for both feeding the populace and for industry. Long-sealed recipes became available, and from those recipes came an ancient dessert. A yellow, vanilla-flavored cake covered in whipped cream and soaked in three more different kinds of dairy products.

OS-549 devoured more calories than ever before when first presented with the cake and has since enjoyed it with every birthday.

One other moment of joy unrelated to piloting his mech came with his release from servitude from House Hariss. After teaching an adequate amount of replacements, graduating from the Academy, and achieving a higher ranking of Knighthood, he was taken by the Empress and provided a new posting. Prior to understanding the requirements of his new position, he expressed glee and excitement at the thought of being able to traverse the world and destroy the foes of humanity under his own command.

That joy stagnated when he realized Empress would be making the most of her investment with him and that key figures were going to be staying on his ship for the foreseeable future.

The last moment of joy unaffiliated with waging war in a massive weapon system was recent.

Upon the discovery of ancient, different versions of the enemies of humanity, he squealed in delight and added possible creatures to kill on his electronic tally keeper. Instead of fearing the return of ancient foes that brought humanity low, that nearly consumed the whole planet, he felt only glee at new creatures to destroy.

I thought that his madness almost caught up to him.

I was wrong, and he proved that immediately after his launch.

“Wow, these guys have really, really shit armor.” I saw through his sensors and his data feeds. I may as well have been in the cockpit with him. Still, I could barely keep up. He was moving through the snow, throwing it up in numerous directions, and putting his engines to their limit. The massive war machine he used was considered a heavy combatant, which typically remained in the backline due to a lack of speed and a focus on carrying heavy artillery. With grace most would be unable to match, by manipulating well over a dozen controls, he nudged a corpse of a massive alien with only the tip of his machine’s foot. “Guess a couple centuries of firearms improvement caught them off guard.”

He walked with the massive machine. It had a human swagger. One arm is holding the weapon up against the ‘shoulder’ of the machine. The other is swinging idly and ready to fire from the hip. He moved the ‘head’ of the machine around and about with instinctual movements. Once a clerk had watched how he manipulated his machine and likened it to a pianist or typist. He didn’t look at his machine or controls. He merely made it do as he willed.

And he willed Gray Corpse to move like a human, despite the fact it was in truth multiple tons of armor, weapons, sensors, boosters, mechanical parts, and a fusion core.

“Hey, are you picking up any heat signatures? I was thinking that they’d have some sort of supportive force. To keep these guys alive… wait. Let me check something.” He caught the edge of one’s shell, then with the perfect amount of torque adjustments and then a swift movement, he flipped the massive creature over with the foot of his mech. Holstering his right-hand weapon, he stretched out the mechanical fingers of the mech and placed it against the abdomen of the creature. The tips of the fingers embedded into the flesh ever so slightly, then he dragged it across the creature’s stomach. Hundreds of pounds of actuated metals acted like a human hand whose fingertips ran across plastic lining. Some watching in the ops room forgot themselves and cursed. “Yeah, I figured. They ate their guards. Guess they took precedence, since they were artillery.”

He gave a hum and mimed touching an earpiece with his massive war machine in a completely unnecessary fashion.

His enjoyment was palpable through the communications line.

He knew he was being watched, and every move he made was being recorded and sent back to dozens of noble houses… and that simply made him all the happier to show off.

“This is the Admiral of the fleet speaking. Please copy. Over.”

I sighed and obliged.

More than a few individuals manning sensor suites and other stations around me looked at me with no small amount of pity.

We all played according to his rules, lest we find ourselves with a greater headache.

“This is Cina-140, your adjutant. We copy. Over.”

“All clear over here, Cina. Please ready a transport to bring me up. Over.”

“We copy. Stay secure at your current location. No need—” I sighed as he wrenched off a module from his mech, manipulated the module with giant metal digits rather than electronics, and fired off a flare high into the sky. He did that on purpose. The sensors suddenly chiming with readings of numerous heat signatures erupting from the ground confirmed my belief. He did it to pick a fight on extraction. “We will be there in five minutes, Lord Admiral. Over.”

“See ya in five, Cina! Over!”

He pressed the mute function on his cockpit and cut me and everyone else off.

As he was allowed to after the mission was completed, he merely had to wait for pickup.

Ninety percent of the maintenance fees and ammunition expenditure costs happened in those five minutes.

V10: Chapter 11

V10: Chapter 11

…

Going nuclear results in an alien invasion, so the only real routes to putting down the rest of the world were through chemical or biological weaponry.

Chemical weaponry looked good on paper. We have supersoldiers that are resistant to a lot of poisons and diseases. Testing with a few nerve-based aerosolized agents showed that people toughened up with basic enhancement serums were mostly just blinded by the mist it produced. Only after prolonged exposure, like six hours, did they start getting tingly sensations and other problems. Putting the tested individuals in the Citadel healing pods showed that they didn’t even suffer any long-term damage.

Add masks and goggles to the equipment list of troops, ones that let them see through the fog, and they can fight without any issue. Meanwhile, our enemies can’t breathe, see, and are having seizures.

The problem was that magic was bullshit. An average, ordinary mage with knowledge of healing can just snap their fingers, and the effects are gone just like that. Ordinary people with middling reserves of magic like me can learn the same trick. Chemical weapons might work for a few months, but they’ll stop being useful after the enemy adapts to them. That’s why we went with the corrosive acid fog instead of something that hit people ‘directly.’

My scholars and mages theorized that the Ancients were comprehensive in their efforts to create healing magics and that the effects we were creating with chemical weapons were ‘covered’ by the basics as a result.

Getting covered in a fog of metal-eating acid, however, wasn’t covered by regular healing magic, so it worked.

Unless a mage was smart and strong enough to cast some strong winds, then technically magic could deal with that as well.

We also have our poison weapon extracted from some plants that caused asphyxiation and damaged the eyes, nose, and mouth. It was useful, but before the Iterants were pulled out, we figured out that everyone else already made countermeasures to it. Gas masks were good enough to deal with it, but their research into healing magic and training their troops at it made it so that it’s a bygone weapon. I’ll need to make something more potent each time… probably not stopping until I reach the endgame version of poison weapons and deploy it.

 The Scarlet Mist.

Yeah, I don’t want to make a living cloud of magical poison, but I didn’t see much of a choice.

But moving on to the biological side of things.

Biological weapons were looking to be our best bet. Even empowering the common cold and stomach flu was great. Sick troops that are shitting themselves and who are also feverish can’t put up that much of a fight. The various barbarian/monster/mob tribes we put down while fighting the Death Lord proved that. Deploying it onto enemy populations would also decrease their production capacity and generally bring a lot of harm against them.

If we could create some sort of pandemic virus that could spread across the world unnoticed and go lethal after everyone’s infected, that would be great.

But we hit a snag.

We didn’t have living test subjects or even bodies of our future enemies.

The only real target we had was the enslaved and degraded versions of ourselves across the world being kept for one reason or another.

But any target that we can hit is better than no target at all.

I’m pretty sure that some of the people living outside this continent want to live.

Even if they are slaves, little more than prey animals, cattle, or sacrifices to be gutted on the street, a lot of people will do their best to live as long as they can.

In the end, though, they weren’t my people, and there was no conceivable way that I was going to ferry them here, train them up, and make them productive citizens.

So, since I can’t hit their masters/hunters, I’ll hit them instead.

I could only hope that in the coming battles I’d get live test subjects from the actual crisis factions to craft biological weapons for.

Until then, I just had to go for the slaves and food.

…

“You seem pleased.” Sarala greeted me with a raised hand, and I closed the report regarding the weapon we sent on our final expedition. The Furies were my primary target. They were a DLC along with the octopus bastards and the ancient demons. Unlike those two, though, they were the biggest pain in the ass with all their units being air-based except for their ‘slave militias,’ which they ate during battles to heal. I wanted those guys as weakened as possible. Dead would be great. “Good news, I hope, your majesty?”

“Riegert’s final expedition has launched successfully with the latest strain.” Sarala went still for a moment and sighed. He nodded at the chair across from me, and I returned it. He took a seat. He was a champion, so he knew what we were doing. He asked if he could be omitted from it, but if he asked… I shook my head. “That was rude of me, especially to such a kind host.”

“I had asked. The fault is mine, your majesty.” Sarala shook his maned head. A servant came forward. The desert night was nice and cool, and the stars were magnificent above us. Flames crackled and gave off heat and light. I used magic to give myself a little glowing orb of light over the table so that I could read the reports. The Iterants were standing behind me in their usual maid outfits. Sarala’s servant was shivering slightly but had a smile on her face as she served tea to her master. Instead of a teacup, he used a large saucer-like dish that he picked up and sipped from easily with his lion face. “Your majesty, you complimented me on my efforts to make a sanctuary for my family and provided advice on expansion. Do you believe all that I have done is necessary?”

“It is better to have when in need than need when you do not have.” I answered Sarala diplomatically for a moment before giving him a smile. “We are making every effort possible to make it unnecessary. All that can be done is being done, while ensuring that the population is productive and reproducing, of course.”

“Of course.” Sarala was the most economically minded of my champions. He was also the most likely to take bribes and feed information to people who offered up enough cash. I told him to take it and just relay to me whatever he told them and not stick his neck out or get me information back. He was more than happy to. Money for him, and everyone across the continent knows what kind of industrial war machine that I have. They don’t want diplomatic ties and refuse embassies, only willing to deal with me directly in another Council of Kings, so Sarala telling them I can bury them in bodies is the best I can do. “Your majesty, the Merchants contacted me recently. Have you…”

“Yes, I read your report on the matter. I believe that they will be under attack soon, much like the Forgers. They are not ready, and we must make the effort to ferry as many as we can to our lands.” The Merchants were going to get hit with an absolutely horrible combo of crisis. The Cthulhu-expies and the bio-mechanical freakshows that were the leftovers of AI rebels and their collaborators. Both factions heavily benefitted from taking slaves/food/spawners, and the Merchants were all about throwing money/bodies at the problem. “Have you forwarded our findings to them and our intentions?”

“I did… But I fear my people have already chosen their path. They either do nothing or overreact.” Sarala shook his head. For a second, his ears matted against his skull, but he cleared his throat. It was reminiscent of a low, rumbling growl. Shaking his mane, he refocused. “I have focused on setting aside all the funds they have given me. I offer it all to you in order to save as many of the Merchants as possible.”

“We will focus on your tribe first, of course, and all the others assigned to breeding camps.” I had to give the Merchants credit for that idea. Churning out litters of kids for a massive population boom was amazing. Pay people to carry them, pop the kids out, and train up the kids in state facilities. It was basically what I was doing, but better because they could churn out more population. They were mainly focused on the lightly affected Canid and Feline types, since they had litters but were ‘standard’ in terms of size and shape to descendants with just a few bits and bobs added.  Claws, tails, eyes, and ears, mostly, with some having fur and snouts. Sarala’s people were pressed to accept, since the Leonid types had litter sizes that ranged from two to four, according to Sarala, and they were always strong and more likely to be champions. “We have the capacity to care for them and their progeny, and I hope we can undo what has been done to the ‘chosen.’”

Sarala bowed his head at my words.

Yeah, while I could applaud most of the scheme, the Merchants crossed the line. The details were sketchy and probably somebody’s debauched fantasy, but using various alchemical compounds and some surgical modifications, ‘volunteers’ were turned into little more than mindless sacks of meat that popped out baby supersoldiers. Babies that were pumped full of alchemical concoctions, given surgeries, and were being prepped for Scholar-type augmentations as soon as they reached ‘maturity’ within six or so years.

I’m fine with underage volunteers or conscripts.
I’ll put them on crew-served weapons, rear-echelon duty, or just have them keep working in factories while we put more and more people on the front. Turning people into little more than gestation machines that churn out child supersoldiers that are age-accelerated and then modified surgically and medically is something I would never do.

The reputation and happiness loss for that project is far too high for what it offers.

Which was why Executive Harper was keeping it secret.

Kinda bullshit that it can be kept secret, unlike in the game, but I’m used to reality being different nowadays.

“I would very much like to unveil their project… but it will only cause conflict. Conflict with enemies at the door. I’m sorry, Sarala, but we cannot unveil what we have found. Only work to get people out.” Sure, they’d be cool to put in power armor and send out against the enemy, but they weren’t that good. They’re late mid-game units at best, and late-game infantry can deal with them. They barely match a Conqueror, and I have those guys as special forces already. They’re not worth the cost of making. It’s best to elevate ordinary infantry as much as possible, give them decent gear, and have Champions do the crazy stuff. “Use the funds you have. Tell me where you’ll bring them. They will be safe and be made citizens like any other who leave their lands for our own.”

Sarala bowed his head and placed a paw over his heart.

He wanted to unveil the whole thing, but it’d send the Merchants into turmoil. He thought that it would just put a fire under Harper, but the Merchants were already in deep shit. They had money, but their lands were filled with slums, their focus was just on industry, and people there didn’t have any support. Their breeding program was successful because it was a great method to make money and get food. All signs pointed towards them being on the knife’s edge of negative happiness and 0 influence.

If that project is unveiled, everything will tip over, and rebellions will pop up.

As shitty as the Merchants are, a nation is better at fighting off what they’ll be facing.

I cleared my throat and offered Sarala an olive branch.

Years of loyal service, doing everything that I asked, and acting as a double agent made me want to make sure that he’ll stick around.

There was also the fact that all the people watching him confirmed he was loyal, naturally.

He’d be dead if he weren’t.

“Morgan has reported success on the lands of the former Academy. We have effectively seized the lands of the Wardens there and large portions of the Forger’s and Merchant’s territories. They have their invasion corridors to fight for the Warden Citadel, but no more than that.” Sarala raised his head and listened intently to my words. The Academy Lands were mostly for agriculture and control over the Ancients’ transportation system. We had more than enough of those lands, and I was willing to part with them. “We’ll fortify and strain relations with them a bit, but reinforcing the newly taken territories will give you and your people a corridor to get out of Merchant Lands.”

I said it lightly, but it was a pretty big undertaking. One that’ll step on the toes of the Merchants, the Guardians, and the Forgers… But they already dislike me, so why not?

There was also the economic cost of fortifying newly regained ground that was essentially surrounded and flanked.

Sarala understood that, stood up, and gave a bow of thanks without being prompted.

“Thank you, your majesty, for helping me save my people! I will never forget this. No. My people will never forget this.” He raised his head, and his eyes were full of zeal and determination. It was my turn to get up, and I offered him my hand. He knelt and, without hesitation, pushed his lips against the ring on my finger. Fuzzy. Then he knelt and bowed his head. “Thank you.”

For a guy so obsessed with money that he basically turned his superpower into a business, he was really sappy.

I played into it.

“I only wish, Sarala, that we could save more.”

Yeah, that line totally works.

Apocalypse Reborn V2 Out now.

Apocalypse Reborn Fantasy RTS Reincarnation Volume 2

The Citadels have arisen and the age of warlords have passed. The Citadels are the cornerstones of nations and those who hold control have shattered the status quo. Lands long considered wild and untamed are being shackled and brought to heel. Mysteries and unknowns are being undone. Industry arises from where there was once only squalor. The Academy sees all this and watches. Their dominance over the continent is a fact. They have produced Champions and armies in excess, while the realms surrounding them have been embroiled in war. Now their dominance is being questioned. Are they still the rulers of the continent, or are the new masters of Citadels the ones who will dominate the realm?Will war overtake the continent between the rising powers and the old, and lay all low before the ancient foes of all rise up? The answer is yes, if I don't do anything about it. The AI are as dumb as a bag of bricks.

V10: Chapter 10

V10: Chapter 10

…

It’s probably racist to say that I was relieved to see that my smuggling-focused Champion was a rat-type of the Beast Tribe.

Merchant Champions all enjoyed additional traits based on random character generation. Sarala had additional diplomacy thanks to having overtly lion-like features. It was like a 5% buff to his diplomacy. Some would say that’s negligible, but 5% is the difference between 95% and 100%, so I highly value it. To offset this bonus, they also received a minor debuff. Lion-like Merchants received as 5% debuff to their mana regeneration. Some consider that just world-building flavor, but 5% less mana means 5% less spells across an entire playthrough, so you’ll never see me setting up a lion-like Merchant up as a Mage Champion.

Anyway, the Rat-Types had a pretty nice 5% increase to their intrigue, which would probably help with the smuggling business. The 5% decrease in health is fine in my book, since I don’t plan on sending him out to combat. Just stay in the city and magically keep its factories running and population growing while under siege, so that’s nigh-unbreakable and kills any army trying to take it. That’s all I need you to do. There’s no need to go out there to crack skulls and risk your life.

Though, admittedly, I wished the guy was a bit tougher.

I asked to meet with him one-on-on after the first day at Sarala’s compound, and the guy looked like he was going to shake himself to death.

“Please, Sir Archibald, this is a courtesy meeting. I simply wish to know you better, as I intend to assign you to a very important posting. A critical one.” I looked over my shoulder and Ayah was ready with the map. She unfurled after taking it out of the document tube. We sat outside of the underground complex Sarala was building in the desert sun. Thanks to some nearby water fountains, shade, and a nice breeze, it wasn’t that bad. “Take a look at this map. This is the city of Safehold. A city that is currently supporting the network of fortified outposts watching the largest pass through the mountains to the rest of the outside world.”

Archibald nodded mutely at me, then calmed visibly as he looked at the map.

“This is… a fortress city. No. The start of one.” I nodded, while the Rat-based Champion gestured at the map. It came alive with magic tracing the ink and turning black. With a gesture he lifted the print off the paper and started looking through plans whilst seated. I took the chance to have some tea made with dried orange peels and mint. Very refreshing. Man, I’ve really gotten used to magic, huh? “What is this?”

“An emulation of the existing Ancient transportation network. Activating the Ancient network itself would open up subterranean avenues of attack, so we’ve elected to keep it inactive. This one is a tunnel made by mages which will have train lines.” Underground train lines delivering cargo was hefty in terms of cost, even with magic and mages replacing boring machines. However, I planned to make them anyway. Game logic didn’t always translate into reality. I can understand clever schemes and plans getting supplies in and out of a city under siege, but anything more than that required logistics. “You are familiar with trains, yes?”

“The iron horse that pulls dozens of carriages at the same time. Yes. One line for inbound and one for outbound. What is the maximum tonnage?”

“Daily tests and estimates on an aboveground, straight tracks give twenty tons per train. The train will take 4 hours to reach Safehold from the Citadel.” The distance between Safehold and the Citadel took an army 5 days to reach on a non-forced march, or 4 days in a forced march. My estimate was that it was around a hundred miles away from the Citadel. The train could take more supplies per run, but it would need to slow down in order to not stress the machinery. Twenty tons at 25 mph was our current limit per train. Thankfully, since we could make the trains, we could scale up by just adding some lines. “And, it’s two inbound and outbound lines, along with two more service lines. Four trains to each line. 80 tons every 4 hours… our 20 tons of supplies every hour. All manned by Iterants on shifts, so it will be constant.”

Archibald’s brow furrowed at my words.

“Your majesty, your forces are the finest on the continent and we have your Citadel Guardians. Will the enemies from beyond the continent be able to put this fortress to such a siege?” Archibald asked. I almost blinked in confusion, until I realized why the grey-furred rodent-man spoke. This must be a result of all our victories and successes. At his question, I gave a sharp, clear nod and he blinked. “I understand that they are mighty, but they have much that need to surmount. Their closest city to Safehold is over sixty days away on foot. Fifty of those days is through undeveloped wilderness. Whatever army reaches us will also have to go through the mountain passes, they will be beset by Guardians the moment they reach our lands, and be bombed from the sky.”

I was more than aware of my preparations and just how far the enemy was from us… but I was also aware that they will not work forever.

“You are correct. The current fortifications will be enough to hold against the first waves, but it will not stop. They will never stop.” I explained carefully while looking at my new Champion’s eyes. They widened at my words. “The Ancients cursed them, Archibald. Cursed them so much that they are but a shadow of a shadow of their true selves. The only means to reverse that… is by taking the Citadels from us.”

I gestured at him when I mentioned the Citadels. His people typically have half the lifespan of other Merchants. On average they live only forty years. Archibald was a scholar and mage for a long time, but he would’ve never reached the rank of Champion without the Citadel. He was here now, with all his magical talent and wisdom, thanks to the Citadel. I gave the same treatment to incentivize his people to come to my side. They were cunning, had litters, and gun don’t care how short their operator is.

“For as long as we have lived on this continent, they and the other threats have had the entire world. The first waves will break, but there will be more.” The wizened man’s brow furrowed and his whiskers twitched. He looked down at the map. At the city whose defenses and rail line he said may have been too much. Now, I was sure that it looked like too little. “They will build roads towards our lands, they will build military bases and supply centers, and in a decade… Safehold will be surrounded and put to siege. At that moment, you will be there surrounded by armies in the hundreds of thousands, while the rest of the continent is surrounded by millions.”

Archibald stared at the map for a long, long time before opening his mouth once again.

With a question that I wanted to hear.

“This river here that leaves a valley… can we use it to irrigate the lands around Safehold, or better yet create a dam?”

Weaponizing a dam.

Even if he can’t magically keep a city fully operational while under siege, if he can destroy the incoming armies, I didn’t care.

…

Interlude: Riegert

…

The final expedition.

It was a sobering name for my next venture outside the continent.

This time to the north past the lands previously held by the Scholars who were neighbors to the Guardians.

If calling our expedition the final one was not enough, Khanrow sent me a letter stating that the Guardians stressed their coffers to send another expedition out in addition to the one they already sent.

We were going out there with roughly 6000 professional soldiers, but each expedition sent by the Guardians was five thousand, and they had Necromancers.

But this time the fruits Jack’s labors were apparent just from looking at the people walking about the base.

Conqueror scouts were dressed heavy in furs and spoke with veterans of previous expeditions. On their backs their long cannons made in the Citadel were covered in white, mottled cloth that matched cloaks on their backs. Children of the Elm discussed valley passes and mountain trails found by our flying teams with Forgers of the Mountains. They were similarly clad to the Conquerors. Finally, there were a few larger, hulking Merchants of the Marsh who had ursine bloodlines speaking with a few Scholars of the Skies on what to bring for spare equipment. For this expedition, every soldier was provided the means to blend into snowy foliage, a seemingly logical move for the sake of survival.

Yet, despite differences in size and shape, everyone looked similar enough when wearing the same colors.

Only the Wardens were missing, and that was because the refugee camps were not yet processed for any potential traitors, while those we trusted were hard at work reestablishing themselves as leaders of their communities.

Iterants, of course, were seeded amongst the groups now as well. Their ability to sketch what they see from memory was essential. The lands we went into now was a the ‘middle’ between the lands of the living metal beasts and the carnivorous flying monsters. The Scholars lands are going to be either the most easy to defend, or the hardest. The land of the Guardian’s lands was easier for the jungle-borne creatures to invade, while the Children of the Elm’s lands were closer to the living machines of war. Our homeland shared nearly all its borders with the Demons.

No.

The war has not yet come.

We still have some time left.

I shook my head through the chill of the wind, and moved towards another cabin. The one where I knew Oswald awaited me.

He noticed me as I opened the door to the cabin, as the wind brought in some cold until I closed the door shut. On the desk at the center of the command room, the maps drawn by Iterants were strewn. They were sketched by hand from memory after they flew as far as they could within a day of our farthest outpost on the mountain ranges.

“General.” He stood up straight and gave me a salute. I gave him a nod and told him to be at ease. He wore an officer’s tunic with his awards on his lapel and rank on his shoulder. He was a captain now. Technically, I could be considered a warlord, as well. “The storm clearing soon?”

“No. It’ll clear within the next day. It’s good news. The Guardian’s newest expedition just set out. They might get wiped out.” The lands north of these mountains were said to be always filled with blizzards. However, with the rise of the Citadels and the passage of time, the defenses left behind by the Ancients were failing. The endless blizzards were intermittent now. Lasting days with stretches with nothing happening. Gaps in the armor created by the ancients to protect us. Sometimes the frost storms started without notice. “Be ready to ride out tomorrow. We want to be sure we’ll get through.”

“Understood, general. Ready the troops to ride out tomorrow.” He aimed the words at a nearby aide, who proceeded to nod and moved out into the frigid night outside. Another aide came forward with a cup of heated tea. Oswald offered it to me first, but I declined. Instead, I took off my coat, and produced a flask. Coffee was my preferred drink. The first beans from the vault where we found the Life Goddess were finally produced. The freshly roasted beans were delicious, but most of it was being brewed in large batches and the wakening agent extracted by alchemists to produce coffee pills. It kept soldiers awake and alert, as well as quickened their blood. It was a far safer alternative to the other pill being created. “Do we have a route?”

“A route through the lands we know? Yes. Several, in fact. Good enough for us to spread out in smaller groups, as you said we should. But after the initial days, we’ll need start setting up temporary observation posts.” Oswald stated, and I nodded. Iterants can be thrown high up with magic and caught with magic, then they could act as perfect guides with their memory. Mages could also use their familiars. Those were common tactics of the normal army now. However, our king long advised us to not use magic, and we’ve yet to be caught following that advice. We had to find and create temporary observation posts on high enough elevation for our navigators. “The land of living metal has a dearth of trees, while the immense trees of the corpse eaters are difficult to fell inconspicuously. We can climb them, sure, but not bring along any lumber.”

“Then, we’ll have to hope the request to the Citadel arrives quickly.” I asked for a solution for the problem from the nearest Citadel. The scholars had proposed something promising. A series of lightweight rods that could be attached together composed of very lightweight Citadel Alloys, which could be carried by an Iterant, rapidly assembled, and them held up with tension and ropes by a coordinated group. A similar rod made of wood would be too weak to hold up an Iterant, while one of steel would be burdensome to our troops already carrying so much supplies. I told them to have them made and shipped out to us as quickly as possible. “Or, we’re going to have to ask Conquerors to try and form pyramids his majesty suggested.”

Oswald laughed, but I when just drank coffee, he went silent.

To his credit, he blinked and considered the idea.

“Three at the base, two in the middle, and then one at the top… that’s tall enough for decent sightlines.” Oswald said, plainly astonished by the idea, while I just nodded. “It would look silly and the Conquerors would grumble, but…”

“We won’t use magic, won’t be found, and we’ll have maps.” I finished his thought with a shake of his head. “The troops may laugh, but it’ll work and they’ll live.”

Oswald shook his head after a moment and regathered his thoughts.

Then, we went back to planning the final expedition.

Jack’s words rang in my head.

“Two have appeared. The third and last must be near. If it is found… we must return with it at any cost.”

I have fought and lived with these men for nearly a decade… but if the cost of the third, final Goddess was their lives?

I would pay it.

But that paled in comparison to what we would do as we returned.

The flying cannibals were numerous and fed off of tribal, savage versions of the people of the Continent.

The living metal monsters bred people on the industrial scale to create slaves and components.

Upon those peoples, the living foodstock of those cannibals and the thoughtless masses of menials made by living metal, we were going to unleash disease and plague.

Despite the horrors I was about to unleash, my chief concern was that we were not doing the same to those controlled by the Demons.

Gentleman’s Guide to Fantastic Beasts 61

Gentleman’s Guide to Fantastic Beasts 61 (End)

…

Wordcount: 2500

Commissioned by Sivantic.

…

Ever since I left the As’Kari, my travels made it so that Cornelius was my most common compatriot. Upon his back were all my belongings, and he was stalwart in his duty, as my loyal companion.

Now, it was time for me to bid him farewell for a few years.

The new region did not suit him. His shell was not built for constant rain and water gathered in the space between his shell, wings, and flesh. His growth in size also made it so an entire barn would be needed to house him, and even then he would be stuck inside it for days on end. With his life rendered sedentary and food becoming common, he will molt and change rapidly in size and scope. In but a handful of years, if food is constant, he will grow truly immense and be able to carry thousands on his back.

I could not give him the food he needed, the space that he required, and if he remained his health would be at risk.

So, in the sight of his bead-like, black eye, I handed his red cord to Djet’Is and a low, deep chittering resounded from him as he understood and walked to her side to face me.

He allowed me to reach out to him, and nudged my hand, but only for a moment.

Then, he returned to her side.

Cornelius was trained from birth to follow those who held his cord. This only reflected his good manners and training.

“He will be taken care of, until you can take him again. We will keep his size similar to now. Mostly lighter work, but work.” I nodded at Djet’Is’ words. The As’Kari had a compound in the fledgling village now. A grand tent surrounded by stone walls. When rain fell the din within the tent was cacophonous. They were working on building a stone dwelling, but unlike wood they were unused to construction with stone. “We’ll have him father a few broods. That will pay for his care. Hm, with you new ship, you can be without him? Why not sell him away?”

“That ship is not mine. It is the child’s and it is hers to do with as she wishes. Once she is grown and strong, I will need Corenelius back to continue my journey.” The ship given to me along with the contents of its hull and the servants that accompanied the child were in my own compound wrought of stone. They were all living well, secluded from the attention of the rest of the people of the land. The ship was under my protection, along with the people that it came with, and so there was no dissent regarding their place here. Most believed that they were hostages to prevent their former homeland from attacking us. “Whatever path she chooses will need that ship. Whether to cause great harm… or to leave and find her own place in the world.”

“With the rate that she is growing, that will be but a handful of years.” Djet’Is stared in the direction of my erstwhile home. I did my work by traveling through the town and helping those who were ailing, so it was on the outskirts of the city. Clear lines of sight and a few strings allowed me to keep track of anyone who drew near. Though she was a child, the enmity the majority of people felt here was all too clear. Those who did not care would follow the majority. Those who wished to see the child well will be silenced by the masses. “Perhaps, it would be best to bring her to the Great Desert from time to time. There the people will not care for her bloodline.”

“I will consider it, if I have your word that the As’Kari will not move to take her.” It would be all too easy. The child will be surrounded by many who feared and disliked her here. Going to the As’Kari, she will only be measured by her own merit and strength. She had the latter in spades and her talents seemed boundless. They will treat her well, and she will be easily swayed to join them. “She may become part of the As’Kari, but only by of her own choosing.”

Djet’Is did not reply to my request, and I knew that I correctly discerned her intentions.

She was growing into a leader that the As’Kari required.

“How goes the conflict in the Great Desert?” The long night was now starting to fade. The hordes of monsters were dying down. Winter was brutal, but spring held promise. News from the kingdom of the forest came only through the As’Kari themselves, as they traded with them. The parasites could no longer find purchase in those lands, their source of bodies were depleted, and now they were being torn apart. Rumors stated that the lands that rebelled called for a ceasefire and it was accepted. Now, the parasite was being burned out. The long night was fading. That meant that Kan’Is’ war was now being waged with supplies and weapons and armor. “Well, I hope?”

“The other tribes are tenacious and they often do disgraceful things in order to stymie us. How could they not when they know annihilation awaits them?” Djet’Is would’ve once said that the As’Kari’s victory was assured. However, she has grown after seeing these abandoned peoples and the work of the forest kingdom’s rulers. The dissent of the northern portions of the country, the exodus that created this town, and the war waged against the parasite all contributed to her changing. “We will be victorious. The Great Desert will be called the Land of the As’Kari, and I will spend my reign invigorating it after my father destroys so much.”

Her gaze turned to me at those words.

I already knew what she intended to ask.

“The war will end and the As’Kari will need to win the peace that follows. May we hire your services, physician?”

Or, so I had thought.

I gave a nod, instead of letting the refusal on my lips loose.

She had not asked me to return to the tribe.

“You will need more than me. You need to lay the groundwork for it all now… if there are any in the As’Kari who refuse war and will not use my teachings for conflict, I will train them here.” The Great Desert will need many physicians and people. Though I loathed Kan’Is’s methods, I could spread my knowledge and techniques to the conquered tribes. The As’Kari will move to bring them into the fold until they are all a single tribe under one chieftain. If the other tribes were weak and sick, then they would drag the rest down. “And, I will consider your request. My intention is to seek the land of the shorter peoples and see their sleeping king. I believe that I can undo that so-called curse.”

Djet’Is gave a nod at my words, before asking another question.

“By the time you are a man grown, you will be written in the histories of many nations, Will. I can only wonder what will be said of you by those who come after us… so, I must ask: what do you intend to do with the rest of your life?”

My answer came forth with ease.

“I would like to continue helping people and seeing the rest of the world.” There was so much to this world when it was not marred with desperation and violence. The Great Desert was beautiful. The As’Kari’s resiliency and innovation was to be cherished. The forest Kingdom held multitudes of people and created wonderful things. Many more such cultures were out there and with many other peoples. Not to mention the numerous beasts that existed in this world had need of cataloguing and information of them spread. “I would at least see my journey take me across its entire width at least once.”

In my previous life, I had dreamed of going around the entire world in little more than a month.

With flight and navigation via the stars, it was entirely possible.

“The entire width of the world.” Djet’Is shook her head at my words. A faint smile played across her face. “You will be old and gray by the time you’d had your fill, Will. Your funeral will be one for the ages with multitudes coming to visit… but what of your deathbed?”

A family.

I had desired one in my previous life. In this one, my body was still young and I had little interest in such things. But I knew myself. A wife and children would make me happy. However, a woman with child traveling across this world would be hazardous. There are many monsters out there and with my power, some may make the effort to use whoever I hold dear as leverage against me. Any family that I would have requires me to settle someplace for a prolonged period of time.

I did not wish to be an absent father, after all.

My father had been a controlling and overpowering man, but even he was present in my life.

“I will have a family someday, but not in the near future. As you said, I’m not even a man yet by As’Kari standards.” Djet’Is nodded at my words, but blinked as soon as she realized what I just implied. She stared at me with wide eyes. I gave a nod. “I believe that I can circle the world at least once within the next decade.”

Djet’Is could only shake her head at my words.

…

I rarely saw Gale now. Within a few months of the establishment of the town, she was entrusted with the role of leader. In that time, she hired as many learned people within the town to her side, and worked with them to bring governance into the land. For now, the fledgling town only had enforcement of laws, agreed upon by the majority of the townsfolk, and a coordinated force of hunters to keep the town safe and trade strong.

Education was next, and I hoped that she would take care to bring in more learned people to this land.

My focus on these lands was much like the old doctors in the Wild West.

If needed, I was called upon for advice by the local government.

I always hoped it would be pertinent to my profession, yet it sometimes not the case.

This time, though, it thankfully was.

“So, there will be no problems?”

“No, the treatment is working and is successful, but only I can perform it.” Gale wore a tunic and pants. The only sign of her station was a pendant stuck onto her tunic. A simple, silver rendition of a wyvern’s head. The primary creature hunted by the town, and its best source of trade goods. “If I am unavailable, there is no one who can extract these ticks and heal the wounds they leave behind.”

The large rams that the wyverns feasted on, which were the size of buffalo and incredibly strong and dexterous, had an additional predator. Ticks the size of a grown man’s thumb when not engorged with blood. When they had their fill, they typically were the size of a man’s hand and was bloated to the size of a baseball. Their mandibles were jagged and sliced through even the flesh of strengthened humans with ease. Their barbed probiscis would then tear through flesh upon entry and suck up blood so fast that a grown man will feel faint within moments. They left their host after having their fill, but left behind wounds that humans can’t withstand without aid, and if they found a child or elder they would surely perish.

“Henceforth, once one of the Rams are killed, throw them into a nearby river for a few moments. The ticks drown very easily. It will be pain to haul them out of the river, but better that than death.” I informed Gale and she nodded easily to my suggestion. Her gaze was on the jar of the specimen I removed form the young man’s arm. A few inches higher and it would’ve latched onto his neck and killed him. “An emergency method of killing the creature is to manipulate water and cover its face. It will retreat immediately and try to flee. Trying to cut it or brush it off will have it attempt to relocate and inflict more wounds.”

“I see.” Gale gave a nod. “I’ll have the safety rule set. Thank you for your time, Physician Will.”

She had been a refugee like many others. Someone who I had saved and taught. Now she kept her distance from me, referred to me as physician, and saw me as an asset to the town she led. In time, I was sure she’d try to keep me here, but for now she was content to hire my services when it was needed.

“I’ll be going now, then.” I stood and gave her a nod, before parting way with her and exiting the clinic.

I was sure that she’ll try to emulate what I did by herself.

But I was no longer her teacher.

With that in mind, I moved to walk to my home for the next handful of years.

The town of refugees was large now. It took many minutes to reach one end to the other. People wore cloaks with wool on the inside and hoods kept their heads free of water as well. I adopted their choice of clothing and was thus unnoticed by many as I made my way through the town.

There were small shops now that offered haircuts, some offered clothes, and even cookhouses. Constant trade with the As’Kari brought in spices, and the As’Kari were willing middle-men for any good from the Forest Kingdom. It was a triangle of trade, benefiting all parties, and bringing much wealth and strength to each part.

But I doubted it will last long.

Kan’Is’ war will be settled within a few more years and there will be less need for materials from outside the Great Dessert.

The Kingdom of the Forest will be restructuring their lands and working tirelessly to prevent a revolt against them.

Gale’s people will plot and plan for some form of retribution the moment that I leave.

Just like in my previous life, everything will be fine, until things fell apart once again.

But I will stay my course and do my best to help and aid others.

I do not know why I was reborn into this world.

But I did know what I had that this world did not.

So, I will share and spread my knowledge until such is no longer the case.

Hopefully, after I am done and once again on my deathbed, I will feel satisfaction at a life well-lived.

Apocalypse Reborn: Demon Lord 15

Apocalypse Reborn: Demon Lord 15

…

I had to give it to the Guardians of the Moon.

They lived up to the hype of being a bunch of snobby, elitist Vampires that were actually good guys.

The lands we travelled through were dark and heavily forested with plenty of hills. The Ancients probably intended for it be a lumber and mining zone. Lots of accessible resources with just basic tools. Start from the center of the continent, look around at your surroundings, and pick the least harsh environments to start agriculture, forestry, and mining. If you can find a control ring for a Citadel, use that to amplify your nation’s growth, and use it to store things and zone it for light industry.

If everything happened as the Ancients intended, we’d have won the war multiple generations ago and the planet would already be conquered.

But I’m getting lost in my thoughts.

This land wasn’t meant for long-term habitation, but the Guardians of the Moon did good work.

They cut through the forests and laid out cobble roads. They had signage, guard posts with stables, and we passed by normal people with wagons just taking things from one town to another. In a world where letting your army stand still at the end of the turn guarantees something happenings that’ll kill off thousands of men with the wrong choice, the Guardians of the Moon had a firm handle on their lands.

The villages we passed all had stone walls and surrounded bastions/castles. The gates were open enough at our passing that I could see inside. They had gutters and rudimentary sewage systems that filtered out into moats. The average age of the people we passed were in their late-twenties, which was an achievement in this world, and there were children running around or helping in the fields. Undead beasts pulled plows and skeletal familiars kept the fields safe from pests. There wasn’t much wealth, but people were safe and fed enough to reproduce.

Give the Guardians of the Moon a few hundred years with the Academy out of the picture and they’ll put the continent back together eventually.

Too bad they didn’t even have two decades.

The wagon slowed to a crawl and I looked outside for a moment to see a wrought-iron gate with a colored crest on it. It opened and we entered the ride went from slightly bumpy to completely smooth. A glance outside and I found myself looking at trimmed hedgerows and flowerbeds. There were fruiting trees that were being picked, and actual glass houses where I spotted vegetables being grown. A quick sniff of the air told me that there were cattle being raised a few miles away, along with a myriad of other farm animals, all of which were healthy and robust.

You’d think that they were this wealthy because they extracted every bit of money they could from a starving populace.

But such wasn’t the case.

They lived as long as they weren’t killed, valued culture and education, and governed their territories properly. People in their lands might not have upward mobility into the ruling class that decides laws, but they could become extremely wealthy, gain influence, and gain the ear of the nobility anyway. It was a perfected form of nobility with the Guardians of the Moon self-policing themselves in the extreme. The same traditions that prevented hundreds of Vampire lords from riding out and wrecking face with armies of Undead, making them a headache to deal with unless you’ve got enough influence and money, made them great civil servants.

I wanted them for that reason.

…

Interlude: Celia

…

We were completely unprepared to host the king who claimed all of the Academy’s lands and half of the continent.

The intention of the council had been to show him our efforts. We chose our finest holding to do so. Opening our vaults and slaughtering fattened cows, we arranged for festivities throughout the night. Music was to be played from across the many centuries. Art that would’ve otherwise been lost showcased to him. There were plans even for him to be tutored in dance, and to be shown plays lost to time.

We thought we would be enlightening and charming a powerful ruler who knew only violence.

Instead, he showed his appreciation for our work from the very beginning… and just like that I watched as the disparate clans become like eager children ready to showcase their work and efforts to a beloved parent long lost.

“This is absurd.” Catherine was beside me at the balcony. We looked into the room within, which was aglow with festivities. Wine was being poured like water, the schedule was completely gone, and we had to change the staff of the kitchen as the first set was overworked. Most of the hall was empty. All those who I had to prove myself to, who I had to impress, were flocking around the new king with smiles on their faces and cheer in their voices. “Is this truly how our people were? Exuberant children when faced with an Ancient?”

“Not children. Not exactly. Loyal retainers who see their lord returned.” Catherine stated, and I grimaced. It fit too well. The Guardians have long dreamt of returning the Ancients to their place. Across the countless centuries, we endured as others fell apart, broke, and became unrecognizable. We were attacked, stolen from, and our records compromised, but we still held on to what we had. None amongst us had ever served the Ancients now, but the oldest generation had been trained by those who did, and they remembered their valiant efforts to seal us away until the world outside was safe once more. “Don’t pretend as though you don’t feel it as well.”

“I do feel it. The urge to stand before him and rattle off all my achievements for even the faintest praise. Like he was an elder that I needed to prove myself worthy to.” I scowled and looked at my glass of wine. I drank from it and grimaced, before alluding towards it to Catherine. “I’ve drank this vintage before. It has never tasted this good. Try as I might to be in a foul mood, Catherine, I am elated. It’s as though a weight was removed from my shoulders.”

“Because it has. He removed it from all of the Guardians the moment he made his proclamation.”

I tried to frown, but all I could muster against the insipid smile that threatened to form on my face was to turn it into a thin line.

We were acknowledged the moment he walked in.

His words resounded in my mind even now.

“I have conquered. Now, I have need of the Guardians of the Moon. The only ones who have maintained their oaths through these countless years.” Rumors and whispers had abounded of his true nature. The Scholars confirmed it with us. He was an Ancient reborn with memories and education, as well as a body befitting that of an Ancient. The Academy was judged for their poor leadership and destroyed. Lands ravaged by war were tamed. Ancient monuments were called forth, warlords destroyed, and his name resounded across the land. Then, he told us that we were needed. “I have need of the Guardians of the Moon. My lands require the lawfulness and justice that I see here for what is to come. I would like to call you my people, but if you don not wish to be such, then honored allies shall do.”

Countless centuries desperately holding on, being attacked by those who feared or wanted our power, and being called weak or cowardly for not raising our blades to be conquerors.

Then, he came and praised our work and effort, acknowledging all that we have done, even though he put all others to the sword.

If there was ever a more perfect diplomatic move than this one, I knew it not.

“We will need to be careful.”

“We must. There is no other path. The council of elders will have my head if I refuse, and I don’t intend to.” He was offering us everything we desired and more. We will become peacekeepers once again. Our military might will only be used when the correct conditions were met. The laws we’ve upheld, the courts we’ve maintained, and the traditions we’ve cherished will permeate through his lands. We are to become the honored protectors of the world once again. “My only fear is what lies ahead. He mentioned that the foes of the Ancients remain beyond the continent.”

“If it is true, then many edicts will activate. The costs of fielding the strongest of us will be diminished greatly.” Catherine stated, and I nodded. Normally, to call upon even a single Vampire Knight would beggar a warlord, even if their oaths are upheld and they fought to defend the weak and the innocent. To call upon all the Vampire Lords would beggar even this new king. But if what he said is true, if the enemies of the Ancients remain, then innumerable edicts will call for them to go to war at vastly lessened cost. The foes, after all, are those who brought ruin to the entire world. “But only if what he says is true.”

I nodded, but… however…

I turned away and looked past the balcony at the lands we’ve protected and kept safe.

The lands and people we had been considering worth losing for the sake of getting our own Citadel to try and seize the future of the land with our own hands.

Now that he came here, I knew that we would aid him in securing the Citadel, while keeping so many of our people safe and secure.

But I knew in my heart that he did not lie.

A war more terrible than anything I knew loomed ahead of us all.

“I believe him. He acts with this much speed and force for a reason. If we are truly to be invaded, then his actions make all the more sense.” He was wise, intelligent, and valued what we cherished. His praise and earnestness towards our way of living and governing was unquestionable. But he has still waged multiple conflicts at breakneck speeds with immense brutality. In the context of incoming threats, of the entire world beyond the continent set to ravage our lands, everything fell into place. He was brutal and cunning, because he had to be. “I will ask the council to become part of his empire, rather than become honored allies.”

“Some of them will call that submission without fighting, even if they see him in a good light.” Catherine pointed out simply and I nodded at my ghostly teacher. “They’ll be outvoted, but it would be better to convince to join hands with us. We cannot split the Guardians. It would weaken our influence in our new lands, if he could play against us against one another.”

In the end, our path was set already.

We will accept his offer, and become part of this fledgling empire that will take over the entire continent.  None of the council will oppose this path. They will only oppose becoming his people, and not simply the closest of allies.

It was almost funny.

So many of my years were spent proving myself to them, so that I could lead them all.

In a single night, he came and swayed them all to his side with barely anything more than acknowledgement of their efforts and earnest gratitude.

I should be angry, yet I felt light and it took all that I had to think logically and not be subsumed by the enthusiasm sweeping through the land.

While all others falter, we fulfilled our duties, and the Ancient returned acknowledged that.

That was something that could not be denied.

And, it was more precious than any treasure we now held.

…

Securing the Guardians by appealing to their egos was easier than expected.

Mostly because they were shockingly, actually good people.

I kept looking for some arrogance, or some other fucked up thing, but no… they were just a bunch of people holding on for dear life for countless centuries. Without having to gamble everything that they had for their Citadel, when given the opportunity to just be involved and be given some power to ensure people have rights, they threw their lot in with me. So, within a few months of meeting them, I had a fifth Citadel control ring and a fifth Citadel under my control.

They would’ve gone through a woodchipper to get it.

The events that popped up the moment they started looking for it were a doozy. Anti-Undead cults reared their head to challenge and fight the Guardians of the Moon with all that they had. Powerful Warlords with Champions came forward to contest them. Champion thieves came along and tried to steal the control ring. People threatened the populations under the control and territory while they were away on expeditions.

If a whole faction could have a luck stat, theirs would be in the shitter… if not for me.

I guided them through the events that I recalled, and just killed anything and everything that I couldn’t deal with via words. More than a few Warlords were willing to be pain off. A bunch of thieves surrendered after being caught. The Anti-Undead cultists were the biggest headache, but strolling into their main base and killing everyone in the defense of the Guardians of the Moon solved that problem.

Without me, I had no doubt that the Guardians of the Moon would’ve gone through a horrific slog. They would’ve had to let their lands be decimated, their soldiers stretched thin and killed, and compromise on all of their ideals in order to secure the Citadel. Then, after that, they’d have to go farther in order to pacify the surrounding regions and secure it against their foes.

They would’ve had to give practically everything for the chance to take a Citadel as their own.

And, despite all of that, they had one of the best endings where literally everyone survives if they’re willing to play ball.

Almost felt bad that I didn’t go for them as allies first.

But I’ll make up for it by actually, y’know, treating them better.

“Celia.”

“My lord?”

“The Guardians of the Moon are the only ones of this land I have found worthy of my trust. Take this ring.” I took off the Citadel control ring after it registered itself to the rest of the set. Celia’s eyes were wide, as I placed it on her hand. All my senses and instincts told me… that this was a fantastic idea and that it would ensure the loyalty of the Guardians of the Moon. “I charge the Guardians of the Moon to improve and grow in these lands, and to prepare to come to arms to take the rest of the continent, and to protect it.”

Celia took to a knee at my words and bowed her head in thanks, as did all others present.

It really sucked that I only managed to do this because I’m an Ancient.

If I wasn’t, they’d have told me to fuck off.

A Perfectly Logical Guide to a Superhuman Apocalypse: 90

A Perfectly Logical Guide to a Superhuman Apocalypse: 90

…

Wordcount: 2500

Commissioned by Arksoul

…

“Coffee?”

“Sure, thanks.”

I was outside on the porch. Maelstrom’s large cabin had a pretty nice view of the valley below. From her home, just walking outside, she could see her efforts. Fields and fields of grain, vegetables, and a few pens livestock. However, what I found the most impressive, were the clusters of towns spread out across the valley.

“We have almost a hundred thousand residents spread out across the region and working with us. Towns with enough population to pick things up and carry on, if everyone else is gone.” It sounded morbid, but after an apocalypse, it seemed prudent. “Perhaps, I can have a colony situated on Mars just in case? Perhaps farther?”

“I’ll give you a discount, but Parvati will need to be the lynchpin of that operation.” I can provide transport, but Parvati was everything from construction all the way to life support. “If you can stomach living there while being under her thumb, you can go for it.”

“You seem more inclined towards working with her now.” ‘Her’ was emphasized by Maelstrom. Of course, she’d notice that change. I’ve been calling Parvati ‘it’ since we’d met.

“It might sound stupid, but she told me the truth: she’d get lonely if we wiped each other out. That’s enough reason for me to believe in her actually wanting to help out… and being a person, I guess.” Maelstrom’s eyes widened a fraction, before she gave a serious nod. Sipping some coffee, I needled her. “So, you were worried too, huh?”

“Yes. But I feel much calmer after hearing that.” Maelstrom admitted and stood next to me. She was also sipping on some coffee. It was instant, but hopefully that’ll change in a few months. We’d already be drinking better beans, if not for the space-faring enslavers over our heads. “She’s frightening with all her ability and strength. She can do far more than I could. I would even say that she’s integral to creating a new world.”

“Having armies of gynoids ready to capture superhumans and act as incorruptible police helps a lot, yeah.” I agreed glibly, and Maelstrom looked my way. She picked up on the implication pretty quickly. “People aren’t going to like it. People will move against her eventually. Things are fine now, but it’ll change once things get better.”

Parvati is great for now, but what happens when people want to start up industry again? Parvati stood in the way of people who’ll want to make money. Tech had been a massive part of the economy. What kind of tech sector can humanity have with Parvati hanging around? It was nearly broken by superhuman scientists with tiny budgets. Parvati is a nation onto herself with no need for money.

The moment people have power, they work towards getting more of it, and Parvati will become the ultimate obstacle. Even if she’s excluded from society’s workings, not the security force nor the army, even just being a trade partner will gut any potential for human industry. No one will be able to compete with her fabricators, and she can just make more soldiers. Hell, because I’ve set her up under the ocean, she’ll be unreachable.

Maelstrom was quiet for a while.

“We can’t go back to anything familiar. What comes after this is closer to science fiction. A post-scarcity economy with a legislature that reflects that.” I almost recoiled at the notion, and Maelstrom laughed. “Currency may never return, but instead be replaced by commitments of time and perhaps favors.”

“Money was already time and favors. Currency stopped being a thing once we went fiat.” I grumbled and shook my head. As much as I disliked the idea, Parvati neatly fit as the cornerstone of a post-scarcity economy and was willing to be that cornerstone for her own satisfaction. Whereas she didn’t fit at all into anything resembling the governments in recent history. Kings and emperors would work better. Just replace the divine right portion with Parvati. She’d enforce her rules, too.  “You’ll need to ask her. Very nicely. If things go wrong… I’m going back to my bunker.”

Maelstrom gave a hum and a nod at my words, while sipping her coffee and continuing to look at the lands she helped nurture and creature after the end.

“It will be an immense change. Perhaps immense enough that we won’t have to worry about the same things as before, which may be for the best. Enough punishment has been rendered for it. It may be the time to move forward.” Maelstrom spoke, and I could only sigh. There it was. The voice where she speaks with her gut like a cabin scout leader. That meant that this was going to go down whether anyone else liked it or not. “We must learn from the mistakes of the past and move forward, while remembering what we held dear.”

“It would be a lot easier if we could just call everything before crazy, but I guess too many people have survived… and we’re still fighting against it.” I shook my head. My coffee was just a little above warm, so I drank it quickly. Look at Maelstrom, I found her gaze set to the horizon. Just like it always was. She nearly always forgot to look at the ground she stood on. “Let’s just… do our best to not become crazy authoritarians? Usually that’s how things go with situations like this where people decide they know better than everyone else.”

Maelstrom didn’t laugh at my words, and thankfully took them with actual care and nodded.

She’d be a dangerous warlord/dictator, since she’d be willing to do anything for the sake of her dream.

“I’ll be sure to ask you if I’ve turned into one, Egress. I’m relying on you.”

Oh great, now I have to look out for Maelstrom while she creates a new form of human civilization.

…

“I saw you speaking with Maelstrom. What did the two of you speak about?”

“You should really just set up listening devices everywhere, so that I don’t have to tell you everything again.”

“I would rather not be privy to everything everyone says, Egress.” I was back at the factory complex and teleporting a few more satellites and other fun stuff up. It was about an hour or two before I’d go to sleep, so I didn’t see a problem with getting a few more chores done. Setting up a sensor network so we don’t get ambushed from outer space was a pretty important project. “You seemed agitated after that conversation. I simply want to know if I could help.”

“Maelstrom wants to make you the cornerstone of a post-scarcity civilization while not turning into an authoritarian tyrant herself. She’s wants me to speak up if that happens.” I admitted. Not much point in lying to Parvati about it. She’ll figure things out the next time Maelstrom, her, and I were in the same room as one another. “Not exactly sure how I feel about it, except stressed.”

“She knows that you have a firm moral code, as well as extensive experience working with dictators and warlords.”

“Just for experience and just for a couple of years. I mostly worked with government agencies after that… okay, yeah. Plenty of dictators and warlords. You’re right.” What was I supposed to do? Ship grain around the world? Why would I do that when I could go to Point A and bring some super-fighter to Point B in an instant? The last two years I worked gave me eighty percent of the money I needed and a 100% of the money that I wanted for. My bunker was originally going to be pretty simple and sparse. The hydroponics, the self-pool with UV lights, the weapons room, the micro-fusion generator, and every other luxury were all thanks to those contracts. “I had to work with a lot of people to get what I needed, then I worked with them to get what I wanted. That just makes it clear that I shouldn’t be the baseline that Maelstrom should be using.”

“You worked within the grey zone of the law, but you still worked within it. None who live now can call that wrong, Egress. You worked within the system. Never did you seek to destroy it, upend it, or challenge it.” That sounded like a lot of negatives in my opinion. I gave up on trying to get others to listen and seek safety. When the bombs started falling, instead of being a hero, I got into my bunker with my dog and just entertained myself and ate what I wanted for years. “Egress, you are a leftover of that time. Everyone else has changed. They have compromised, they have bent, and they have been changed by the times. You… have not.”

“You’re saying that I’m a relic of a bygone era.” I grumbled.

“The fact that you say such lines reflects that it is true.” Parvati pointed out.

I couldn’t help but grumble, then just take a moment to look at the back of my hand.

Then, I recalled how Clancy and Quinn didn’t change either.

“Honestly, I think we either find a way to separate humans from superhumans forever, or find a way to bridge the gap.” The differences are stark. Even in a post-scarcity economy, superhumans are going to have an advantage. We’re longer-lived by default. We have skills that they don’t. Even if need is eliminated, a society based on want will still come into being, and that will result in stratification and classes once again. Those with superpowers have, while those without don’t. “We breed true, right?”

Parvati gave a nod at that question, though I was sure of it already after seeing the breeding camps, Seran’s ability to just make superhumans, and Nori’s clones being just as intelligent as her.

“I believe that the human race will all have powers within a three centuries. But you are correct. In that time, there will be trouble even in a post-scarcity society.” I sent off the last piece of and stretched in place for a moment. A gynoid came forward with a pitcher of water and some toast with jam. I scarfed it down. “Means and measures must be implemented in order to prevent that… and I believe that a retro-viral agent voluntarily taken may be the key. The vectors utilized to create supersoldiers and the vectors used to give immense power to my Devas can be moderated and used to great effect.”

I could only sigh at the news.

“It’s better than segregating everyone. If everyone has powers, then at least we won’t worry about tyrants. We just need to make numbers count again.” Powers will make things a headache, but if a person can be buried under superhuman bodies, that means things like a police force or even a military can be used by governments to monopolize violence again. The real problem that kicked everything off so badly back then was that people with absurd power could just do whatever they wanted and fuck over the world in the process. That’ll be less of a problem if locals can police their people. “We’ll run it by Maelstrom. I think she’ll go for the plan.”

“She proposed it.”

“Of course she did.” I just shook my head again, before looking at Parvati. My clock on my wrist beeped. Just two hours before midnight. Time for me to settle in and relax before getting some sleep. “You up to play some games in an hour?”

“I will set up the game room.”

“Thanks, I’ll see you there.”

I’ll pop into my bunker, get a bath in, clean up, and head back here to enjoy some games that I didn’t get to download before the bombs fell.

…

Sometimes, popping into my bunker, I thought that I’d find it filled with people or destroyed, despite having no outside entrances and being in a hollow space pretty deep in the crust. Since I started working with Parvati and got more active outside, I took my re-locatable bunker and started shifting it to other places around the world a kilometer or so down the surface. It was pressurized inside, so I had no trouble just popping and out.

Anyway, since I was embarking on missions that risked my life, I had my new dog watched by some of my customers at Maelstrom’s town.

So, even if the bunker was destroyed somehow, I wouldn’t miss anything inside since I already made the time to backup everything.

Now, it was mostly for storage space for things that I traded for and stuff that I had crates off from before the bombs fell.

Honestly, I was just using the place for sleep and showers now, since I could just kick back aboveground now.

Still, I was keeping everything running and in shape.

It was easy since I’ve already done it for a few years.

“Okay, all lights are green. Pressure is good. Nothing is melting down. Cameras and motion sensors no readings since I left. Good.” I went through the rooms rapidly to check the sensors and systems. Vital rooms in the bunker were only accessible through teleportation. They were also sectioned off so that I could cut them off and just send chunks away if needed. If the bunker was compromised, I knew what to teleport out, before sending everything away into space while going somewhere else. “All clean and ready to go for a bath.”

I got myself cleaned up, enjoying some body-wash, real shampoo and conditioner, and a loofah before drying off.

Since I already showed Parvati my face, I went ahead and got into some pajamas already and a jacket.

Going around everywhere all day in armor, camouflage, and breathing gear is a pain.

I got some stripped pajamas on, made sure I was decent, and then went back.

My gut told me that I would be walking into a trap wearing only some fuzzy slippers and pajamas and that I was being an idiot.

My eyes told me that I walked properly into an air-conditioned room filled with AI gynoid bodies playing away at multiple classic games from decades ago, as a couple more worked on servers to bring other ones online.

“I see that you’ve made yourself comfortable.” Parvati came forward through one of her bodies. The nearest one. She had short hair and wore modest leisure clothes in the form of a long white robe. Looked nice and comfy, honestly. “Hm, did you intend to sleep over?”

I didn’t, but she thought that because I was wearing pajamas.

I thought about it for a moment, and shrugged.

“If you’ve found some good enough games, I might pass out.” I told her simply, and she nodded, while I walked over to an empty chair with a monitor in front of it. “So, how’s this going to work?”

I’ve entrusted Parvati with numerous bases around the solar system and even some where people can never reach.

Being afraid of sleeping around her would just be dumb.

A Perfectly Logical Guide to a Superhuman Apocalypse: 89

A Perfectly Logical Guide to a Superhuman Apocalypse: 89

…

Wordcount: 2500

Commissioned by Arksoul

…

Honestly, the asteroid base had me wondering if the destruction of global civilization was just a power play.

“Hey, Parvati, how likely is it that the rich and powerful broke up civilization just to consolidate power after things settled down?” The asteroid base had marks of being at least a decade older than the apocalypse. What I thought was just the world boiling after their heroes were proven to be corrupt and crazy, may have actually been just a cover for a world takeover. “Because after seeing that asteroid base, I’m starting to think that we’ve all been tricked into thinking it’s our fault.”

“It is possible. The deterioration of society was swift and brutal. Nuclear exchanges. Clashes by ideology and nation. All forces that could guide people away destroyed in the initial exchange.” Parvati walked beside me, thankfully not in the tanned!Maelstrom chassis, as we made our way to Maelstrom’s cabin. Lots of things have changed since I first came here. It was all still dispersed and rural, but there were stone roads instead of dirt, new signposts, and little improvements like benches and flower beds. Things that made the place a bit better. “It could all be just war plans by various nations working all at once. But what if those war plans weren’t triggered by leaders of nations and generals who would’ve otherwise hesitated and chosen compromise?”

“You’d think someone would go and say ‘let’s not kill each other,’ yeah?” There were multiple historical situations where people chose not to let the bombs loose, even with all their protocols and training telling them to do so. Everyone kept diplomatic lines open, worked together, and made sure to keep at it via proxy wars rather than go with nukes. What happened to diplomacy when the nukes launched years ago and humanity went from billions to millions? “Even if tensions were boiling over because of heroic organizations being corrupt, nukes shouldn’t have gone off, right?”

“The only way to know for sure would be to be there. Perhaps, if we gather old satellites and access facilities that have communications logs, we can evaluate it… but even then data can only give so much.” Parvati shook the head of the officer-looking gynoid it inhabited. This AI really also discerned my bias towards women in suits/uniform. Yeah, it’s a pretty rare bias. Actually, Maelstrom’s the only one who wears formal wear like it besides Seran. Huh? Did I look at Seran that way? I’ll ask Parvati for the rundown later. “Capturing and questioning one of their members would be the best method of verification. However, Egress, we mustn’t also keep in mind that their hands may be clean of that tragedy and that they are simply opponents with their own plans for the planet.”

We entered the cabin.

As usual, dinner was being prepared.

“Egress. Parvati. Thank you both for coming early.” Maelstrom had her hair in a high ponytail and wore a white apron over her suit sans jacket. The house was filled with the scent of grilling meat, and the chill inside was similar to the outside. All the windows were open. “Can you help set the table, Egress? Parvati, the vegetables, please.”

I gave a nod in response and moved to set the table up, while Parvati broke the news as she prepped a basket of vegetables for grilling.

“Maelstrom, while expanding our surveillance network, we’ve encountered a hidden satellite base older than the apocalypse. We have reason to believe that the space-faring faction we’re now fighting may have left Earth well before the bombs dropped.” Maelstrom’s brow furrowed, while I set the table with a wave of my hand. Plates and utensils arranged themselves across the long table. Twelve people were attending tonight. “We have no conclusive evidence, but—

“There might have been people in league with them that made sure everything went the way that it did.” Maelstrom finished Parvati’s statement with a nod. She tended to some steaks and flipped them to create some diamond-shapes with the grill marks. She used a simple pair of tongs, and moved the ones cooked to certain doneness to a low oven. People were going to start trickling in within twenty minutes, so there was time for each steak to rest after finishing. The vegetables were going to be served as fresh as possible. I meandered over to the kitchen counter and got to work helping with prep-work. Ripe avocados caught my attention. I couldn’t even remember the last time I had guacamole. “I’ll speak to a few people who might know more.”

That made me raise an eyebrow and Maelstrom sighed.

“More than a few people under my protection are prisoners. There were very many missiles aimed at them, and they’re mostly in isolated areas. For the most part, I don’t ask questions as long as they don’t create problems. They paid for their sentences surviving being left behind.” Maelstrom stated with a firm nod. I wasn’t about to argue with that. Prisons are bad enough. Surviving in a prison after civilization went to shit? I bet that a lot of people had to do messy things in order to survive. “A few of them performed white-collar crimes. Fraud and bribery. They had connections with some institutions. The ones who had longer sentences may know of larger organizations.”

I raised a hand to ask a question, but Maelstrom answered it for me.

“I didn’t accept any supremacists into my community, Egress. I’m eager to give people a chance, but not deluded.” That answered my question and I lowered my hand. The guacamole was coming along nicely with all the avocado scooped out. With my power acting as a scoop of sorts, I was able to get super lose to the inside of the skin. Tomatoes, onions, parsley, and some spices were mixed into everything and before I knew I had a fresh bowl of guacamole. I gave it some squeezes of lemon to keep it from going brown, before sending it covered to the fridge. “I doubt they’ll know anything. It would be better to search military command bunkers or find people with tracking data of launches.”

“I will compile a list of sites and investigate them if they are abandoned. If they are populated, then it may be prudent to have you or Egress come forward.” Parvati turned to me and paused. “I believe that there was a military junta in Hawaii that you interfered with shortly after your exit of your bunker? There are many observatories on that island.”

I grunted.

“I haven’t taken a look at the place, but I’ll go check it out. It’s been months since I abducted their crazy leader and put him in a cave with no exits.” That got me looks from both of them. I just shrugged. “Didn’t want to kill him myself. He could’ve gotten out. Maelstrom didn’t pay me enough to kill him outright.” Then, I looked at Maelstrom. “He was a rapist and a serial killer, and I confirmed it.”

“We’ll need to speak regarding any excursions you’ve had that involve heads of state, Egress.” Parvati shook her head and looked over at Maelstrom. “I was unaware that you commissioned him to do such a thing.”

“They were planning on reconquering the west coast and reestablishing a government based on superhuman supremacy.” Maelstrom stated, and Parvati gave a nod. She’ll probably verify that situation on her own. “Since their vice-president has been abducted, they’ve been far more focused on improving their infrastructure and sensor capabilities. The loss of the vice president also allowed more moderate elements to act.”

“And, when are you planning to bring the state of Hawaii back into the fold, Maelstrom?”

“I don’t have such a desire. Their inclusion into the current paradigm will cause too many problems, since they have such a large fleet at their disposal including submarines with nuclear arsenals.” Maelstrom glanced at me.

“I saw operational submarine pens, but not submarines themselves.” I confirmed, and Maelstrom nodded. “Yeah, I think that place needs some time to cool off. But it’d be good to get access to whatever databases they have.”

A thought crossed my mind.

“Hey, can you take a look at any mountain complexes in the US that are still active? Maybe, we can find one that’s not smashed up?”
Parvati gave a nod at my request.

“I’ll cross-reference some data that I have with satellite scans. I should have something within the hour.” Parvati confirmed, before turning towards the door. “Everyone’s here.”

“We’ll get back to this talk after dinner. For now, let’s celebrate our small victory.”

I wasn’t about to argue with that.

There’s time for thinking and time for eating.

…

With the addition of spices from China and India, the meal was transformed.

When I came out of the bunker and contacted Maelstrom, I recalled having some fresh, juicy steaks with some salt and pepper. The pepper in question was scavenged and almost stale. The rest of the vegetables were prepared on the grill with the only seasoning being salt, though they were marinated in some oil with garlic and onions. There was cheese from the cows. Nothing fancy, just something close to mozzarella and nothing like sharp cheddar or anything with any funk. For grains, we had freshly baked flatbreads and some sourdough available to us, though some people were already trying to grow rice back them.

Now, things were different.

The long table was covered in numerous dishes supporting the mean entrée of grilled meat and grilled vegetables. We had salads that had some crumbled, feta-like cheese with candied nuts and dried barriers. There was some whole fished steamed courtesy of Qin, and it was served with green onions in a sauce of light soy sauce, ginger, and some Chinese cooking wine. Clancy brought plenty of potatoes along that were great for mash and several that were great for roasting quickly, and he prepared them fairly quickly. Anderson didn’t decide to come, but she told me to pick up some pies and I got them for dessert. Seran was more than happy to provide some lox, while Lady Edel brought some cheeses made from their lands.

The whole table was a mess of different foods from all over the world.

A mess without any coordination whatsoever.

Yet, we almost all paused to look at all of it with no small amount of astonishment.

“Man, we really had things good a couple of years ago, huh?” Clancy was the first to break the silence at the table, while looking at the plate. His daughter sat between him and Qin. Qin was speaking Mandarin to her daughter, explaining the variety of foods, and telling her which ones to not waste her time on. “I don’t even remember the last time I had some pop!”

He seemed the most enthused with soda, and was already on his second bottle of some cola.

“Y-yeah, I don’t remember the last time I ate rice.” Seran was sticking close to me. She was dressed as a mayor, suit-clad and all, but didn’t look at all pleased with all the attention. Lady Edel raised an eyebrow with her attempt to hide behind me, but made no mention of it. She was focused on tearing into some steaks. “This steamed fish is amazing.”

That brought Qin into the conversation.

“Thank you, it’s a family recipe.” Qin preened, and I was tempted to ask when she learned to cook. From what I remembered, she ran away from home to earn a lot of money. Did she go back and help her family out and reconnect? “I enjoy the smoked fish that you’ve brought.”

“Thanks!”

It was a potluck of sorts. Not that I’ve ever been to one, unless dinners hosted by warlords count. Shady government agencies don’t usually hold get-togethers with catering, let alone have potluck days. Actually, now that I thought about it, I received way more free food working for authoritarian dictators than I did with the alphabet agencies. What’s the point of having an infinite budget if you can’t use it to feed your guests?

But moving on.

I was sampling most of the food present, but I naturally gravitated towards the steamed fish since I haven’t had any of it recently. The few times that I had it before I went into my bunker were also with Qin, though she didn’t make it herself. It was a whole spectacle with a massive, steamed fish brought in to the center of the table for everyone to enjoy with fresh rice. I enjoyed it mostly for the broth made by the fish, the seasonings, and the heated scallion oil poured over the fish to finish it. The fish itself was nice, tender, and flaky, but I could eat the sauce created by the dish with just bowls of plain rice.

If you could bottle that stuff, you’d make a killing.

“I am enjoying the steak very much, Walker-san.” Nori spoke up while I was ladling on some more of the sauce onto a new bowl of fresh rice. The Japanese submarine captain was dressed in formal military dress whites, and looked pretty out of place, but no one minded. She elected to bring dessert in the form of various kinds of mochi confections, along with plenty of leaves for green tea. From a glance, I knew some were stuffed with fruits while others had sweetened bean paste. A good way to finish the meal, and a sign that things were getting a bit better food-wise over there. “We must use our lands for growing rice and other staple crops for now. May we trouble you for some pastures, so that we can bring herds of dairy cattle back?”

“Do those dairy cows happen to be of the Hokkaido region?” Parvati spoke up. Her gynoids were capable of eating, but she just took small portions. She had perfect memory and could just replay the sensation. Her meals were more aimed towards creating the perfect bite, then just enjoying that straight from memory again and again. I was almost jealous. “I’ve heard great things regarding the quality of their product.”

Nori seemed to brighten up at that and started talking to Parvati, while I noticed Seran tugging on my sleeve.

“Get me some of the steak.” She said to me conspiratorially. I wondered why she was being sneaky, then I realized that the platter of meat by her side was already looking empty from where she could reach. The farther ones were closer to the new Canadian nobility. Right, her place doesn’t eat land-based animals. “I’ll make it worth your while.”

I rolled my eyes at her antics, but complied, while the dinner party and potluck continued.

This was shaping up to be a pretty fun evening.

Apocalypse Reborn: Demon Lord 14

Apocalypse Reborn: Demon Lord 14

…

The moment my eyes met Morgan, I knew that I was dealing with a bonafide Demon Lord. Though she tried to look like meek with large glasses, messy hair, and covered herself up with a massive coat, with a single glance I knew that she was skilled, powerful, and talented. I didn’t know exactly how I did it. My gut just screamed at me that she was a possible threat, and looking her over had my instincts register her as a priority target.

But, maybe most importantly, my senses all told me that she wasn’t strong enough to kill me.

Not nearly strong enough.

Since I was going to keep getting stronger, and she was hilariously behind, that meant that meant that while she was a threat… she could also be an asset.

“Leave us.” I commanded the rest of the court. Khanrow seemed surprised for a moment, but bowed and left without another word. He glanced at his kneeling granddaughter, but moved with the rest of the dismissed crowd. His intentions were clear as day. He hoped that I would take her as a wife or mistress, despite me never having shown interest in such a thing. He had no clue that he brought a dangerous beast into my court.

I waited until everyone was gone, even my guards going along with them after a single glance their way, and soon enough only she remained before me.

Kneeling and with head bowed, it would be easy to swing my sword and kill her now.

But I’m not stupid enough to waste the opportunity.

“Enough. I see through your disguise. I see your strength and power and potential. It will be of use to me. Tell me what you desire.” I opened with dialogue as strong as I could muster. Being seated on a throne helped, but I still needed to keep my voice steady and betray no fear. “Speak, Morgan of House Ghor, I demand it.”

I halfway thought she’d start spouting off the intro speech for the game, but thankfully that wasn’t the case.

“I wish for this land to be pacified and for peace to reign throughout it once more. It is a wish you are already fulfilling, so I offer you my loyal service.” She did not raise her head. She spoke with head bowed and subservience apparent. I did not let my guard down. My silence must’ve gotten to her, as she spoke again after a long lull. “My desire is to see the age of warlords ended, to see the system made by the Academy undone, and for my generation to begin work towards recreating what was lost.”

She tripped up just a little and I latched onto it.

“Your words betray you. You believe that I would cede my authority and power over the masses? That I would allow them to rule themselves?” I would really like to do that, but people are fucking stupid. If I just conquered the continent and vanished, we’d just see everything fall apart. “Do you believe that the foundation for what will emulate the Ancients will come from a single generation? Especially when the enemies of the Ancients remain and hold the rest of the world?”

Though she had great control over herself, the tensing of her body at my proclamation that we were surrounded was too quick for her to fake.

Or, maybe, she already knew and was prepared from the start.
That would mean that I lost this conversation already and was just playing in the palm of her hand.

I elected to believe that I haven’t lost yet.

“I see. You may be blessed with the talent and body of the Ancients, but you have none of their spirit. I do.” I raised up my hand and willed the court to shift. A great globe came into being between her and myself. The entire world was between the two of us, and though she continued to kneel, she raised her head to look at the stark-white globe. I made her look at our continent. Then, all around it, I shifted the lands to show what I knew lay beyond. Horrors. “We are not alone. This was meant to be the cradle from which our people would launch a crusade to retake the world. A place of plenty… squandered by petty conflict and war. Now, I must seize all that has been left behind, so that when the defenses fail we are ready to slaughter them all.”

Morgan looked up and stared at the globe for a long time, before looking directly at me.

This time she spoke without guile.

“How?”

How did I know?

No.

How I’ll kill them all.

“With a tide of endless constructs, supported by the might of Ancient technology regained, and all the mortals of this land united behind common purpose. I will retake the planet by killing all that remains of the Ancient’s foes. Crippled and cursed as they might be, it will take all that I have… and all that this realm possess.” I held up my hand. Four rings glinted. Control over four of eight Citadels before any other faction could rise. “I require four more. The Merchants will surely find one, and so will the Wardens, Guardians, and the Forgers. They will impede my path from unleashing the Citadel’s armies upon the land.”

I clenched my hand into a fist.

“They will fail. I will crush them. Then, I will make this land mine, slay the enemies of the Ancients, and guide this world into what it was meant to be.”

I had to give the Demon Lord credit.

That little speech would’ve had everyone else I’d met bowing.

Instead, Morgan stood and drew a dagger that she had at her side… before kneeling once again and holding that dagger towards me with both hands.

I stood up from my throne.

“I will slaughter everything and everyone that stands in my path.” I told her. “You are strong. The moment you oppose me, you die.”

“Never.” She said, and I took the first long step towards her. “This is the correct path.”

“You will earn my trust through trials I will give to no other.” I took another step towards her. My bare feet were cool against the floor of my court. “If you fail, you will die. I cannot abide by someone with your strength and potential being inept and useless.”

“I will not fail. Not while I draw breath.” The Demon Lord swore and I stood before her. The facsimile of the world cast a shadow above us, while I stood before her. “Use me as your blade. Everything that I have and will have. Call upon it all.”

I took the knife from her hands and looked at its razor edge.

I gave her my first command.

“Look at me.”

She did so without any fear or hesitation.

She didn’t even flinch as the tip tore into her right eye’s cornea and lens.

It blinded her, but more than anything I looked at her reaction to the pain of having one of the most sensitive parts of the body cut.

She shivered as she held out against the pain and continued to look at me… and confirmed that my fears that she was manipulating me was paranoia.

And, again, if I was wrong I’ve already lost, so no point in worrying about it.

“Let that be the last wound you take uncontested.” I reached out with my free hand and healed her eye. Blood ran down her face, but that was the only sign that harm befell her. She blinked only once after confirming her vision returned. “You will be my right hand. I will go north to see if the Guardians can see reason. You will go south and find the control ring for the Citadel there before the Wardens, do.”

I took the knife, snapped it half, and in the palm of my hand reshaped the metal of the blade into a badge. A simple one of a hand holding a sword.

“Take this. You speak with my authority. Do not misuse it.”

The Demon Lord nodded and bowed her head at my words and accepted the badge.

Yeah, I’m going to have my best assassin watch and report on her.

Won’t be able to kill her, but she’ll probably be able to cripple her enough to make the fight a whole lot easier.

…

Interlude: Justinia

…

“The King has ordered me to go south, locate the Citadel there, and take it for our realm. Who can aid me?” Khanrow’s granddaughter had received an audience with the king as a meek, bespectacled woman. When she re-emerged from the court, half her face was covered in blood, and a wicked grin was on her features, and unbridled lethality rolled off her in waves. My guards were unable to stay calm and put their hands on their swords. Her gaze, unclouded by the large glasses she didn’t need, turned my way. “Ah, Lady Justinia, it’s an honor to meet you.”

I knew this feeling already.

There were two of them.

Or, they were similar enough.

I curtsied and bowed my head.

In the corner of my vision, I spotted a symbol of authority on her coat.

A hand clutching a sword scorched black and composed of warped metals.

“The honor is mine, swordbearer.” I motioned for my people to bow, they did, and so did the rest present. The wide smile on her face did not falter. “I can provide transport, resources, and a team of archeologists as well as retrieval experts. They have enough for six months of operation.”

“Who can provide me with six months more supplies for Lady Justinia’s gift?” She nodded briefly at me, before looking around.

“I-I can, Lady Morgan.” Harper spoke, nervousness filling her voice, and with her ears tucked against her scalp. A single glance at the Merchant confirmed my earlier suspicions. This one was much like our king. Another Ancient born to the Descendants. I could only wonder how many of them were born into the Descendants across the ages. The Academy’s hegemony over the continent made far more sense now more than ever. “The supplies will be ready for you at our southern-most Citadel. I will lead the caravan to reinforce you myself.”

“Very good. Very good, indeed.” For a moment, I feared that she was mad, but her smile faded and her gaze sharpened. I faced trained killers across my office before. Many tried to intimidate me. Before Lady Morgan, they were like children pretending and playing. All she had done was remove her glasses and stand tall, yet much like our new ruler, that was all she needed to do to become the nexus of all our intentions. “Grandfather, our king intends to go north and speak with the Guardians of the Moon. They are not below duplicity if they view someone as lesser than them.”

Khanrow, despite being her grandfather, had knelt along with the rest of us. Some pride filled his eyes, but he kept himself calm and constrained.

“We already have agents there, and emissaries as well. Our lord has everything prepared, but I will be sure to check everything thrice over.” Morgan’s response to her grandfather was a simple nod of her head.

He had the opportunity to ask something of her, but instead he bowed his head and waited with the rest of us.

Completely confident in his family’s place and future.

I gritted my teeth.

I knew that my people did not need to give more, but I spoke nonetheless.

“I have experience with the Warden’s culture and people. If you will have me, I shall accompany you.” I volunteered for the task. We helped secure a Fourth Citadel, but the more swiftly we secured the rest the better. The more that we had, the less likely it was that any other force would try to work against us, and prevent us from doing what needs to be done. Every delay stops us from leaving this planet… or securing it from the foes of the Ancients. “I need only a week to see all my work handed to my subordinates.”

The gaze of the swordbearer settled upon me, and I felt myself searched for any ill intent.

Judgement was rendered within moments.

“Wonderful. I shall make my own preparations and meet with you at the region at our closest settlement there.”

Then, she left, and I released a breath that I had not known I was holding.

I raised the hem of my dress and moved to leave when the doors to the court opened and our king came forth.

We all moved to kneel when he raised a hand to stop us all, before addressing me.

“Evaluate the Wardens. Their fanaticism has its uses, but if they learn all pass into paradise after death, they will turn their blades upon us as an endless horde of cultists.” He spoke and the world changed on its axis. Gasps spread across the room. Even his new appointed minister, Morgan, stared at him with wide eyes. He met her gaze. “If they are a threat, they are to be culled. None past the age of twenty will be permitted to live. Burn their scriptures and eradicate their culture.”

I bowed my head and yelled out my assent, but then someone I did not know suddenly spoke.

“But, if… if we can reach the Ancient’s Paradise after death, why fight?” The man’s question turned every gaze upon him. But that hardly mattered. In a moment our king in all his glory loomed over him like a titan of inestimable might. Clad in light robes, and unarmed, I had no doubt he would be able to kill us all before we could react. “I-I am sorry, your majesty, I sh-should not have asked—”

“Paradise is safe and has not been breached. But if this planet is lost, if the Ancient’s foes take it all, then it will only be a matter of time before it is undone.” Horror suddenly filled my insides at his words. He was right. Paradise was created by the Ancients. Their enemies will see it as a target once they regained all their strength and none impeded them. “We will fight here and now, because here and now we have power to secure not only our souls and our children’s, but the souls of all those who came before. I have decided this.”

He bore down on the trembling man before speaking once more.

“If you choose to enter Paradise by ending your own life and your family’s, I will tear you all from it myself and cast you into its antithesis. It may be closed now, but I can and will open it for our foes to suffer within.”

With just two sentences, he claimed the gates of Paradise as his to control.

And, none doubted that it was.

The Northern Noble is a Grinder (Chapter 7)

The Northern Noble is a Grinder (Chapter 7)

…

Commissioned by Sivantic

Wordcount: 2500

...

Fighting against wolves proved to be another test.

A test of enduring pain.

“You’re not weak anymore! Stop acting like it. Their teeth will scratch, their claws will tear, but it’s only pain! Endure!” I fought with Alice back-to-back. We elected to bring nearly a whole armory with us, much to our teacher’s amusement, and he permitted it. Now we were in a veritable battlefield. A broken portion of a forest turned into a clearing, broken halberds every few feet, and both blood in corpses of numerous wolves in every direction. Some of the blood was ours. “You will heal… as long as you survive!”

He loomed over us now, unlike all our other battles, in full armor and with hovering blades at the ready. Like an idol of metal suspended in the air, he looked upon us while we fought with everything that we have.

“The next pack is here!” He declared and with barely any growling or roars, the next pack of wolves was upon us.

They were the size of ponies and covered in matted fur. Eight burst from the ground, their strength and power allowing them to dig through it with ease. Six more bounded off stumps of trees and bared their teeth in mid-air. The first eight tried to go for our legs to pin us down. The other six tried for our arms or weapons. The next twelve surged towards us just seconds behind them in a loose circle and surrounding us with multiple vectors of attack.

Their teeth were as strong and sharp as steel, their hides as tough as iron, and their tactics were equal to that of trained hunters working in concert.

Alice and I cut through them all in less than a minute.

I caught one with my bare arm, and I gritted my teeth through the pain of fangs finding purchase into my skin, but not my muscle. Swinging the beast around, I slammed it against the one coming for my leg. Weight and speed turned into blunt force and the two creatures cracked and broke against one another, without me needing to break skin. With my spare hand, I swung the top of the halberd I grabbed like an axe and cleaved straight through two wolves coming at my left. Meanwhile, in front of me, four pairs of jaws were going for my vitals, I had no choice but to call upon my magic.

It was a mere ‘push.’

Magic used by children to prank one another, or to train one’s ability to ‘hit’ targets with magic.

I pumped power into it, and aimed the ‘push’ downward, and the rest of the creatures coming at my side were turned into pulp against the ground.

Crushed in an instant so finely that all innards were crushed into a single mass, while bone shattered, and hide and pelt spread out like a deflated balloon.

I glanced over my shoulder for a second after dispatching my foes.

I needn’t have.

Alice used the spikes of two halberds with skill, finesse, and speed that I couldn’t match. All her foes were dead with a spike through their skulls, which pumped wind magic into their brains to turn it into mush.

In the back of my mind, I recoiled at the terrifying attack.

Right here and now, I admonished myself for not having a similar method of killing these wolves.

“Alrighty, we need to relocate. That’s the first hundred dead here. Five hundred to go, so that you both get your three hundred each.” Pieces of metal came forth and turned into hands. He grabbed us and excess armor turned into chairs. The first time, I’d found it difficult to fly through the air in such a manner. Simply seated on some metal as the frigid wind flew past us. Now, I scrambled for my pouch and desperately started to eat after getting my hands clean with magic.

The winds howled, air rushed past us, and I felt discomfort.

But I was changed.

The cold barely bit at my skin.

The loudness of rushing winds barely irritated me.

Not a single shiver went up my spine as I was flown above vast, frozen treetops.

By the time I finished pushing food down my throat, the wound on my arm was already healed.

We flew for barely a few minutes, before we descended again, and he once more scattered the scent of prey throughout the land.

I got to Alice, and we quickly moved to the nearest tree to cover at least one of our flanks.

“I will need you to teach me how to use daggers. I am having to take wounds because of my lack of ability.” I did my best to address Alice as I would a servant. It was important for me to maintain my position in battle. Or, rather, that was what I was taught. Now, in the depths of the wintery north, I struggled to do so. It felt like a waste. So many words when fewer would be enough. “It will, of course, have to wait until we survive these trials.”

Alice’s smirk was evident in her response.

“Of course, my lady.”

Four words and her part was done, and she could rest easy for a few more seconds than me.

As howls reverberated through the woods, I prepared myself to endure another onslaught, and bared my arm in preparation once more.

I had many concerns, desires, and wishes regarding my life. My former fiancé needed to be stopped before he destroyed the empire. I wished to protect my family and my few friends. I desired power so that I will never again be helpless in the face of others.

For the next few hours, however, my deepest desire was armor.

I will never be without any again.

However, just as I was ready for another battle, I found a chill running down my spine.

And, for a brief moment, I found an arrow right about to pierce my eye.

Then, everything moved at once, nearly too fast for me to perceive.

But I did.

Everything outside of a circle that surrounded myself and Alice was torn apart. The arrow before me shuddered and shook and came apart into thousands of slices. Metal and wood turned into slowly fluttering petals in the air. The snow on the ground suffered the same fate, turning into a fine mist that began to dissolve in the air. Evaporated before my eyes, turning into slices of bark, then pulp, and then heartwood, and then eventually bark once again.

However, in some places where I had though there had been nothing, I watched with horror as people covered in magic appeared.

And, they were not spared the fate that befell the trees.

I forced my eyes to close, and for my senses to cease focusing, and suddenly everything turned into a madding din of screeching metal and wind for a moment.

Then, it all stopped, and when I opened my eyes… there was no longer any snow, any trees, and any assailants being flayed alive around us.

Instead, in our desolated surroundings, there was myself, Alice, and Lord Trelawney in his hulking suit of armor holding a person by the neck.

“He’s a native. One of their hunters. Probably looking for prey and they noticed the two of you, but not me.” Lord Trelawney’s voice was… bored. Even after the annihilation that he unleashed that left only where I and Alice untouched, his breath was not even strained. In the free hand of his armor, something was moving faster than I could see without concentrating, and it closed shut after a long moment. A sensation of danger that I had not noticed faded with the sound of that arm closing. “I’d thought they’d sent someone interesting, but it’s just a regular hunter.”

Crack.

Without a hint of hesitation, Lord Trelawney killed the man, and tossed him aside.

The same power he used to devastate and tear apart our surroundings engulfed the body before it could reach the floor.

It was turned into little more than dust.

Dust composed of flesh and bone.

“Sorry about that, let’s go to the next hunting spot.” He sighed and looked at us both. My fear must’ve been evident on my face. He just shrugged the shoulders of his armor. Then, he made a gesture. Bows and arrows descended from the sky along with some long knives. “Do either of you know how to use a bow? The ones they use can imbue arrows with magic. Pretty decent weapons.”

Alice found her tongue before I could.

“I do.”

“Alrighty.” In an instant, the tension faded as I watched Alice get three quivers full of arrows and a bow made of some sort of white wood. Indignation filled me, then, as he gave me the knives. “You said you wanted to learn how to use them, right? No time better to learn skills than while grinding. Hop to it, princess.”

With that, as though he didn’t turn a section of forest into a scar of upturned land in an instant, he lifted us up again to ferry us to another place.

After that, we still had much more blood to spill.

…

I ate like a madwoman when I returned. The table had been filled to the brim with meats, breads, and vegetables roasted slowly while we were away. After wiping myself clean, and after putting on clothes rather than equipment for killing, the moment I saw the food… I was unable to keep myself calm. A fierce hunger spoke from my very being, and I feasted without care along with Alice.

When I became cognizant once more, I had to use two table napkins to clean my face and a servant came forward with a bowl of water to let me cleanse my hands of muck.

Lord Trelawney’s only reaction was to raise a glass my way in greeting.

“Welcome back. Glad to see you’re not starving any more.” He was having a modest meal for the first time. Rothway’s fund came through, and my father had been notified of my progress and compensated Lord Trelawney’s household properly. He had also sent a tailor and plenty of textiles along. The staff all had new clothes, and there had been more than enough to spare for their children as well. The tailor was absolutely enamored with the thought of supplying the whole of the castle and then the surrounding village. “I think you had a question for me, before your stomach took over?”

I made sure my face and hands bereft of blemish or detritus, then I cleared my throat.

Just as I opened my mouth, my stomach rumbled.

All of that consumption had merely changed me from starved to hungry.

Thankfully, the table was still full of hearty, roasted meats, and vegetables.

“Excuse me for a moment.” I helped myself and got another platter full. Meat, vegetables, and glass of water. I rotated between the three of several bites. When my stomach was no longer grumbling, or burning everything, I ate like some sort of furnace, I addressed Lord Trelawney once again. “I meant to ask you about the magic that you used to defend us against the ambush after our first engagement. I have never seen anything like it.”

“You have. It’s just ‘Manipulate.’ I use it all the time. It’s how I do practically everything.” I blinked at the frank admission. Manipulate was another form of magic used to learn at an early age. Push allowed one to use magic to ‘hit’ something from a distance. Manipulate was the next step. To encompass an object with force and move it in the direction you wish. “I use it with metal dust and water from the air.”

He held up his hand and from a pocket on his person came a small pouch. Metal dust flowed out of it and glinted off the lights from the chandelier above us. For a moment, they seemed beautiful. Little stars suspended perfectly in the sky. Then, he called upon water in the air and captured the dust, and a chill went down my spine as it turned into a string as thin as hair… and began to move at such speed that a constant ‘thrum’ reverberated through the air.

That ‘thrum’ I realized was the same sound made by a sword being swung, but made incessant.

I understood what I had seen earlier today.

He made numerous rings around us, set them at incredible speeds, and then spread them outward as a wall of continuous cuts.

A shiver went up my spine as I realized that with my increasing power, that I will be able to do the same in the near future.

“You’ll need practice. A lot of it. Power alone isn’t enough. Try it with sand and water first. Bonus points if you can separate water from sand. Oh, and start with a thimbleful first. Too much and you’ll probably use too much power and die.” Lord Trelawney casually relayed how close to death he came learning the skill he demonstrated. He noticed my surprise and simply shrugged. “You could die trying to learn how to use a sword or any other weapon without the right precaution. It’s similar enough.”

I wanted to argue, but after experiencing his strangeness the last few days, I decided against it.

When he spoke on such matters in that manner, it was useless to argue with him.

Instead, I asked another question.

“The ones ambushing us… why were they there? I believe that you’re mounting numerous reprisal attacks on them.”

I almost expected Lord Trelawney to shrug at my question regarding the attempt on my life.

Instead, his answer was more terrifying.

“We were on the outreaches of Djin’s Snowcrop, which is usually fought over by two different clans of indigenous peoples because wolf pelts are highly valued. The hunters come from either of the two fighting for the land. They saw you had steel weapons, so they ambushed you. They didn’t notice me, so they died.” He displayed intimate knowledge of his enemies, before callously stating that he simply killed them.

Territorial disputes over a resource were common back home, but they rarely devolved to blows, let alone such savage assaults as they one he displayed. Before I could commiserate with the situation more, however, I reminded myself that the people of this land earned the enmity of Lord Trelawney by killing his family. There was no way I could convince him to find any peaceable solution… and it was not my place to advise him to do so, either. I was his guest and student. Nothing more nor less.

So, I accepted his answer and made a proper request.

“Lord Trelawney, please be more mindful of our future excursions. I do not wish to be ambushed again by the peoples of this land, or have to kill them in self-defense.”

Thankfully, he gave a sharp nod at my words.

“Got it, princess. Don’t worry. My curriculum doesn’t involve them, and I’ll teach them tonight that my guests are off limits.”

The smile he gave after his words was a sickly sweet one… but I was surprised to find myself relieved rather than afraid upon seeing it.

Despite his power and strength, and our very recent meeting, I surprisingly found him easy to trust.

The Northern Noble is a Grinder (Chapter 6)

The Northern Noble is a Grinder (Chapter 6)

…

Run.

Roar.

Repeat.

My ankles felt like lead between my boots, the soles of my feet felt heated with coals, and my calves twitched with every footfall.

Run.

Roar.

Repeat.

Every breath of northern air felt like frost in my lungs. Tree after tree appeared in my vision, needing to be avoided, while I swung my arms desperately to get just a bit more speed.

Run.

Roar.

Repeat.

My breath was running out. Darkness creeping in the edges of my vision. Magic coursed through me, improving my strength, but demanding more focus, more air, and more exertion.

Run.

Roar.

Repeat.

I spared a glance behind me… and there was a horrific, teeming mass of ugly, wrinkled maggots skittering at me. The description’s the previous evening, the drawings, did not convey how mottled and disgusting they looked. Their legs skittered across the forest floor, across trees, and over each other’s bodies, dragging their bulbous and pupae-like, soft forms with them.

Run.

Roar.

Repeat.

They were chasing me with fury and rage, because of the scent that clung to me. The scent of a nest killer. They were prey animals, creatures that would sooner run than pursue their foes, but pods protected their nests together. Even rival pods would work together to bring low a killer of their nests. Right now? I was enrobed in a false scent like I’d ravaged hundreds of nests to enrage them and force them to go after me.

Run.

Roar.

Repeat.

The forest was teeming with them. I found them one after the other, their faint heat radiant in all the snow and frost. I plotted my course, keeping each pod that I found in my mind, then ‘tagged’ them. I ran to them, screamed at them, and then ran to the next. Again and again and again. For well over an hour, I did it again and again, and the creatures just kept piling up like a horde of skittering legs and waxy, wrinkled bodies filled with hate.

Once the horde was large enough, I felt relief for an instant, before running towards the pit.

It was time to risk my life.

They followed me as I changed corpse, running over each other with ease like a moving tide, a living carpet of giant insects over the forest floor. They crept up on me, as I needed to make a turn, and the mass was so long that turning it into a width of pursuers nearly captured me. They spat their webs, their primal magics, and I nearly got caught in the deluge.

Nearly losing my life to hundreds of giant insects crushing and biting me. An ignoble, ridiculous death beneath a writhing, horrifying mass of insects.

I forced myself to run and run, even as my legs screamed for me to stop.

Then, I saw it.

Salvation.

A pit.

I leapt over its edge, and the teaming mass fell into it. Like an avalanche of legs white, globulous bodies, the worms fell into the depths. Some crawled down the walls, many more tried to skirt the edges and come after me as I hung off the edge of the pit. None died from the fall, as they fell into waist-high water, but that was the intent.

If they died from the fall, this would be for nothing.

With effort and will, I clambered up the edge, and clapped my hands together, and creating a circular wall of wind around the entrance of the pit. Then, I jumped, as I willed the winds to drag the creatures into the depths, and smoothed out the surface of the pit before they could clamber up.

Lord Trelawney appeared by my side then and gave a whistle.

“Well, someone’s lucky. That’s the last batch for the day. Over four hundred of them are packed in there. Go ahead and do the honors.” He waved his hands and created a downpour of rain of over the creatures, while I called forth lightning. I harnessed it between two hands, an orb of crackling energy, and packed it tightly. Mayhaps a year ago, I would’ve marveled at my achievement. I was creating a sphere of pure lightning, a feat reserved for accomplished mages.

Now?

I threw it at teeming mass of creatures with nothing but the desire for this moment to be over.

The creatures, wet and wading in a puddle of waist-high water, stood no chance against the orb of lightning. I felt their hatred and rage at me. The scent of dead newborns wafted from me, declaring that I was the killer of younglings, and needed to be destroyed. I felt my legs ache, my underside shredded by rocks, as I chased after the killer of children in pursuit of vengeance. Then, suddenly, I fell along with all the others who sought vengeance with me, then I felt rain, and then saw a flash of thunder.

Over a hundred times in so many views, I felt the same memories again and again, but it was the scent of so many insects suddenly electrocuted to death that threatened to upend my stomach.

I’ve seen and felt those memories so many times in the last six hours that I felt numb to them.

The scent, however, still made me puke.

Lord Trelawney gave me an encouraging pat on the back as what little remained of my lunch vacated my body.

What he called grinding was truly terrifying.

After just two days, I’ve killed more monsters than most soldiers would kill their entire lives.

…

Never before did I think I would find a simple dining chair a luxury, but as I sat on it and reclined I almost let loose an ungraceful note of relief from my lips.

Alice, not needing to remain proper, did give a groan of relief as she sat to my right.

Lord Trelawney chuckled as he took a seat at the head of the dining table, before a fireplace, and beneath a stern painting of the family’s founder in full plate.

“Yeah, that’s what grinding means. It means you’ve ground yourself mentally and physically to your limit.” Both Alice and myself could barely muster the will to keep upright, as we were served in the dining room. Instead of the usual array of meats and heavy breads, which I didn’t think I could stomach, there was pitchers of water, small cheeses, crackers, and dried fruit. Or, so I thought. The water was frosty and cold and had a light blue tint to it. “I doubt either of you can stomach meat right now, so it’ll be reserved for later. You need salt, sugar, and liquid. You both get a pitcher each. Take only sips.”

Alice roused herself to drink first, as was her duty, but I just shook my head and did as instructed.

The water was sugared and salted at the same time, which I found strange, but the flavor of sour wine, mint, and dried berries reached my tongue. Then, I drank it, and my eyes widened as some of the strain on my body began to alleviate instantly, despite the fact no magic emanated from the pitcher. Almost in an instant, I went from finding the drink strange to having to restrain myself from downing a whole glass… and the thought of drinking from the whole pitcher shamefully crossed my mind.

“It’s a family recipe. Keeps well in a skein, and just one is enough for a few days of travel. There’s plenty of snow, but you’re never sure what’s been on it.” Lord Trelawney helped himself to some crackers and cheese. For the first time, our meal together seemed similar in quantity and quality. I helped myself to simple crackers, cheese, and dried fruit. Once again, the urge to stuff myself arose, but quashed it and controlled myself. The slightly sweet and sour drink with the salty foods made for a great combination that aroused my appetite and thirst, despite the tiredness that crept into my bones and gathered like a dull ache behind my eyes. “Drink plenty, and eat well. The two of you did well today. You’re both right on track to finish on time.”

I kept snacking, but addressed him a moment after my second, full bite.

“Today was more dangerous than I expected. You said that our lives will be on the line, but a single mistake then and there truly would’ve been the end for us both.”

He gave a nod.

“It’s called risk and reward. The more you risk, the more you’re rewarded. In this case? The reward is time and power. Or, rather, you’re getting the power that you need quickly.” I could not fault the logic in his words. This was exactly what he promised and exactly what I needed. “Besides, we’re all dancing with death already. What’s a little more risk?”

The turn of phrase was unfamiliar to me, but I understood.

I have been raised all my life to be able to fulfill a role. Part of that role was to become a queen of a nation, but most of all it was to be able to wield immense power against the foes of my nation. All those of noble status has their place of prestige and power, because they must fulfill that role. Whether against monsters, or against other nations, our role is to be the means to protect our own homeland. From the moment we can walk, we trained, we ate, and we were educated to fulfill that singular role.

Everything else was tradition and custom.

“Would it be possible to have a few of trustworthy people brought here to learn? Some of my noble retainers come to mind.”

“My lady!”

I raised my hand to silence Alice’s protests. Her views on those who were supposed to be my allies were poor.

However, what were they meant to do at that moment?

When the crown prince denounced me, then declared a demigod to be his new, willing bride?

Which of them could’ve stood for me at that moment without risking their whole bloodline?

If it were just their own lives, I could see many of them of coming forward to my defense.

But the legacy left behind by their forebears, and the efforts of those that remained?

No.

They wouldn’t have risked that.

Not without power.

Not without what I was now harnessing.

Lord Trelawney paused mid-bite at my words, and stared at me with a gaze that… reminded me of my grandfather instead of a boy of fourteen.

“If they’ve got the coin, sure. Ten thousand gelt a day. And, they’ll need to supply their own potions, equipment, and pay for board and lodging.” Alice’s eyes boggled at the price. That was as much as she earned in five years, and she lived comfortably. It was, however, an understandable expense. Even one knight coming here for a day would considerably strengthen him. “And, there’s a limit. Three per year. Max. Otherwise, the resources aren’t going to return.”

I shuddered at his words.

We were killing monsters, yes, but calling them resources to be exploited seemed a step too far.

But I focused on picking someone that could be trusted amongst my retainers.

Someone who would’ve come to my aid, if they were able.

Only one name came to mind.

“Alice, prepare a letter to be sent to the Rothwell family.” Alice blinked at my words, before a look of understanding came across her face. Then a sad smile of understanding came forth. One that I shared. Now was not a time for mercy. We were going to exploit the one amongst my retainers who belonged to the weakest household under our banner. The one that will not be able to disobey us, even if the crown demanded it of them. “Make it clear that it is an order for her to arrive, and for her to come here with… three hundred thousand gelt.”

Lord Trelawney raised an eyebrow at the price I set.

“I merely adjusted it properly for you, Lord Trelawney. It’ll take much work to whip her into shape. And, of course, it would be best she only receives eight days of training.”

Lord Trelawney blinked, before laughing.

“Alright! I see it now, princess. You really do have head bitch potential!” The words were callous and rough. There was not an ounce of elegance in his laugh. However, still, there was an undercurrent of warm pride in my chest as he laughed. I didn’t dignify his statements with a response, but I did not reprimand him for either. Alice had a difficult time keeping a stern mask on her face. “I’ll do it. Hell, I’ll fly over across the strait this evening and get that letter sent over. I’ll whip whoever it is into shape for triple the price and for only eighty percent of what you’ve got!”

He chuckled and leaned back, a smile on his face for a moment, before a sigh left his lips and he shook his head.

“Been a while since I’ve laughed that much.” Lord Trelawney mused. For a moment, I thought his mood would sour, especially as he glanced over his shoulder at the stern visage of the founder of the family over the fireplace. Instead, he seemed to relax. “Actually, I’ll do that right now. It’ll take me an hour or two. The two of you finish your snacks, get cleaned up, eat dinner, and wait for the night lesson. Tomorrow, you’re going to be fighting packs of wolves. Only three hundred kills each.”

I blinked at the statement, and looked at Alice, as the same thought occurred to us both.

If we were to only kill three hundred each, that must at least mean that our quarry for tomorrow is thrice as strong as what we faced today!

Once again, Lord Trelawney laughed… his good mood refusing to fade.

“Might want to check in on your equipment repairs. Armor is going to be worthwhile for tomorrow for sure. Look into the halberds at the armory. They’re the best for keeping those beasts at a distance.” He spoke casually, while my mind raced at what was promised to us tomorrow. A pit of dread as forming in my stomach. He barely spared a word of concern the last two days, but now he was outright giving warnings. This cannot be good. “See you both in two hours! Have fun!”

It didn’t take long for me to realize that Lord Trelawney was more awful when he was cheery and happy.

As a Househusband, Awareness is Required (1.2)

As a Househusband, Awareness is Required (1.2)

…

Sponsored by Ichypa

…

Yeah, I thought that with the warm-welcome that the Namgoong clan gave I was going to be able to relax a little

Then, I started reading into things and found that lazing around and relaxing wasn’t on the table.

The Namgoong clan has had husband-consorts before. It was a way of making sure that the Namgoong head was actually from the clan, even if the Namgoong head in question was a woman. Much like the Demonic Sect, in fact.

When you have enough power in this world, gender equality becomes standard.

Anyway, from my research, the ‘famed’ husband-consorts of the Namgoong clan’s long history had certain traits. They advanced the Namgoong clan by ensuring good relations between the Namgoong and their familial clan. They also were decent martial artists that can be relied upon to fight alongside the clan head. Finally, because the Namgoong clan was the head of the entire clan, they were in charge of the household.

I was already shit out of luck in two categories, since the Demonic Sect sent me in as a ‘humbling’ and there was no way I could fight alongside my wife-to-be.

If father said someone’s the ‘greatest talent’ of their clan, that means I have no chance of fighting alongside them.

So, I only had one method available to me in order to be acknowledged as a good husband-consort of the Namgoong’s future head.

Being the absolute best at managing the household.

Thankfully, for the first time, having lived two lives is useful.

…

Interlude: The 7th Sword Saint of the Namgoong Clan, Seol

…

A mere season has passed, but my fiancé has brought change to the clan.

None of the changes were what we expected of the ‘traitor’ sent to our territory.

“Lady Seol, your water basin is ready as are your clothes.”

“Thank you, you may attend to me.”

I had servants now.

My whole family and many of the branch families did, in fact.

I moved off my bed, followed by young ladies in simple robes, and sat on a stool of lacquered one before a lacquered desk where a bronze mirror and basin of water awaited. In mere moments, my robes were undone, and cool, moist towels were upon my body, while my hair was carefully combed. Their hands were gentle, calming, and after a few breaths I looked into the mirror and beheld my features… practically glow with restfulness, but perfectly tidy after leaving slumber.

This new wealth was thanks to my betrothed.

It did not come from the methods of the Unorthodox Sects. Instead, he gave those who clamored for glory the chance to gain honor by taking on escorts given to warriors, and warriors the chance for more accolades in nearby regions. With the Demonic Sect upholding the ceasefire, the council of elders agreed… and they say now the Namgoong was returning to its height when they were children.

I could hardly believe that my grandmother and her generation saw these luxuries as the norm.

My feet took me to the dining room, and I paused for a moment before reaching for the door.

Lin, one my attendants, whispered to me.

“You look beautiful, my lady. Please have confidence in yourself.”

Her words made my cheeks flush, and my other retainers tittered, but I gave a nod and entered the small dining area. There was a slight chill in the room, as the sliding doors were open to look upon the garden outside. Breakfast was upon a small, intimate table with two seats. None were occupied.

My husband waited at the back of my seat and had it ready for me.

“My lady, please.” Rui of the Demonic Sect was clad in simple, blue robes with his family’s seal at his waist. The sash at his waist was also a deep black instead of white. “Take your seat.”

I noted that he did not have any attendants of his own for a moment, before taking my seat, which he pushed in.

“I had the chef prepare some foods from my region. If we are to meet with my father, these foods will be the ones shared.” I nodded at his words, while committing myself to keeping my features calm and controlled. It was common practice. “We will, of course, meet in the city most central between Namgoong and Demon Sect lands.”

“I see.” It was a blessing. To walk in in the Demonic Sect’s estate would be foolish as one of the Orthodox Sect, after all. If the Heavenly Demon demanded it, then I would have no choice. “When shall that be?”

“With our courting progressing smoothly, and my proper assumption of my duties, we can send for the meeting within two weeks to meet on the eight months of our relations.” The number was an auspicious one. His attention to detail has never been lacking. Even now, despite the foods arrayed before me being different, I took note that the servings were what I was used to and the vegetables and meats still familiar. Only the spices were different. “I will prepare a gift for him on behalf of the Namgoong clan and will be away for a month.”

I almost nodded thoughtlessly at his words, before recalling my grandmother’s words.

If we continue to do nothing, we will be shaming ourselves. In Rui’s next project, you must take part or we risk dishonoring the Heavenly Demon!

“I shall aid you in finding an appropriate gift for the Heavenly Demon.” I spoke with absolute sincerity, which I was pleased to find him respond to with a nod of acceptance without hesitation. “What shall suffice as a gift to him?”

“From myself, several fine pelts of predatory Demonic Beasts would do. A unified gift from both myself and you require a singular pelt from a powerful creature. Nothing that can be faulted.” I understood the hidden meaning in his words. This was now a gift from both the Namgoong clan and Rui. An insufficient gift would shame us and the Demonic Sect. The Demonic Sect would show that it chose a poor family for one the children of its leader. The Namgoong would be seen as weak. “The only Demonic Beast that comes to mind is the False Dragon of Prosperity Lake. It’s hide would be a sufficient gift, the horns and talons can remain with the Namgoong, and the Namgoong will also see a rise in reputation.”

And, though he did not say it, such a feat would showcase the Namgoong’s strength and ability, as none of the current heirs of the Heavenly Demon has killed such a powerful creature.

I closed my eyes and did my utmost to contain the budding blush on my face.

Everything that he did for the Namgoong clan was for the sake of my hand in marriage.

Knowing that made dealing with him so much more difficult!

…

Interlude: Feng, the Eighteen Daughter of the Heavenly Demon, Slayer of Demonic Beasts

…

“Ha.” A single chuckle resonated through the throne room and all present turned their gaze towards my father.

He stroked his beard, while holding a letter in his hand, which bore the Namgoong clan’s seal upon it.

He addressed his chief advisor immediately, but his words were for all to hear.

“The False Dragon is dead by the hand of the Namgoong’s newest sword saint. They offer me the entirety of its hide as a gift and invite me to meet with my new daughter-in-law.” Impudent. That was the first word that nearly rose to my lips. However, the words died before I could speak, as father’s gaze swept across the long hall and silenced even our thoughts. “Impudent? Is that what you all believe? They have offered me a worthwhile gift as thanks for my own flesh and blood and you believe that impudence?”

I did not hesitate to get on my knees and place my head against the floor in a bow of apology.

So did all the others who had the thought cross their mind.

“Hmph. You forget yourselves. This peace was won by my hand. None of you lived, while I defeated all of the Orthodox Sects. Against their finest, warriors finer than you perished, and even I nearly died a dozen times over… and you all dare to think them impudent for offering me a righteous tithe.” My blood felt like it was boiling in my veins, my heart was rushing through beats so swiftly that I could barely breathe. Despite remaining seated, it was like my father was right before me, looming over me, and ready to crush my skull beneath his foot. I have insulted him. “And, even now, I feel no doubt from you all. Only indignity or the desire for more power until I am kneeling and you are on the throne.”

I felt it.

The pressure of something on the back of my head. I felt my forehead and skull pressing more deeply against the smooth floor of the long hall.

Gritting my teeth, I forced myself to stay silent, as others cried out in pain or begged for mercy.

“Ah!”

“S-stop!”

“Mercy, f-father!”

I withstood it, as I felt skin break and blood to pool between my head and the tiles, and then the pressure stopped.

At least for a handful of us.

Some cried out or screamed, before being cut silent.

I did not feel their life fade, but they were on the verge of death.

“Tend to them. Send them off to the Demonic Beast Corps.” Father ordered, and his shadows moved to do as he bid. Even some of those who were not harmed were taken away. By the end of it, only a dozen of us remained. “Feng, come forward.”

Ignoring the pain, I swiftly appeared in the center of hall’s aisle and knelt before him.

“It seems that you and the others who did not harm to Rui have a more even temperament.” I confessed to him in my mind. It was true that I did no harm to my 44th brother, but neither did I do anything to aid him. Father waved his hand to dismiss my thoughts. “You will come with me to meet with the Namgoong clan. You have two months to kill and bring a Demonic Beast as grand as the False Dragon.”

“This one obeys the Heavenly Demon!” I nodded whilst bowed and accepted his words whilst clasping a fist in my hands to make my intent to not fail clear. My mind was already awhirl with potential prey.

Then, my father addressed me.

“Ask your question, daughter.”

Keeping my head bowed, and ensuring that I obfuscated nothing and told the entirety of the truth, I spoke.

“This one does not understand the consideration offered to the Namgoong Clan. They are our foes who even now work to match our strength.” I examined my words, searching them myself for any falsehood and concern, before speaking once more. “May this one ask why the Heavenly Demon seeks to converse with them amicably?”

Father answered simply.

“Because after winning the war, I intend to also to win the peace.” For the first time, in father’s voice, I heard the sound of eagerness. “Indeed. I aspire to greater heights. Other Heavenly Demons have arisen, but all become indolent in the peace. They were defeated by the next generation of the Orthodox Sects. Such will not be the case for my rule.”

Father stood and made a declaration.

“The Demonic Sect will be akin to the heavens under my rule! Its superiority in all things assured and without question. Just as the sun rises, it shall be known that the Demonic Sect is unquestionably eminent in Murim.” I trembled beneath the weight of his declaration. Not because it was impossible, but because everything fell into place after it was said. My life and all that of my brothers and sisters, the support we gave to all the other Unorthodox Sects, and even the peace we now had with the Orthodox Sects. All of it was for being victorious even in during peace… something no other Heavenly Demon was able to achieve. “I have reached the pinnacle all the Heavenly Demons did, but now I reach for the Heavens that they could never reach!”

Father’s declaration resounded throughout the throne room.

None opposed him

None cheered.

But all present knew their place.

It was our duty to support him and see him rise past all our ancestors.

That was our purpose and none of us questioned it.

Father retook his seat and addressed me directly once more.

“They hunted a powerful, potent Demonic Beast that threatened their territory. You must do the same. Go to the southern desert. There is a beast there that plagues the spice merchants and has killed hundreds of capable warriors. Kill it and bring it to me.” I bowed my head and gave thanks for the information. When I rose to my feet, my forehead slick with blood, I felt something approaching me and I caught it swiftly. I almost knelt again when I found it to be an official seal of the Demonic Sect upon it. “Speak with the transportation corps. Coordinate with your allies to reach the southern desert, kill the creature by yourself, and return here within six weeks.”

“This one hears and obeys.” This was an honor. An honor that would normally earn me many glares from my siblings. They were all absent. I bowed to my father once again and for the briefest moment I thought that he deigned to nod at my words. “This one will do everything in her power to do as commanded.”

With those words, father reached his hand out towards his chief advisor, and took another letter.

I left with my mind awhirl.

The Demonic Sect will change with such a proclamation. About half of my brothers and sisters were marked already. They were strong, yes, but their strength was not needed on the path that father now pursued. Many of them will follow those sent to fight Demonic Beasts and never know anything more than that.

They will do everything in their power to avoid such a fate, including taking from those who father saw as integral to the future he envisioned.

I will need allies from my family and outside of it, if I am to weather this storm.

Most importantly, however, I needed to find someone who knew my 44th brother and could contact him.

He is now the most central piece at play.

V10: Chapter 9

V10: Chapter 9

…

Sarala was one of the Champions longest with us, but I rarely met with him. All his reports were on the up and up, and validated by Ayah and a couple of other Iterants. All his accomplishments were either within expectations or wildly beyond them. As a ‘support’ Champion, though he could be deployed in battle and kill plenty of opponents, he was best suited for improving the overall output of cities.

After doing great work with the Children of the Elm’s lands, I sent him off to work with the Conquerors, and while he was there I sent told Khanrow to find Sarala some apprentices.

One of whom would be trained very differently from the rest.

Now, those apprentices were ready.

“Sarala.”

“Your majesty, I am humbled to be of service.” Sarala had a few silver streaks in his golden mane now. The lion-based Merchant Champion was clad in fine, billowing robes vaguely like a desert sheik. The land of the Conquerors was in the desert region between my main region and the Children of the Elm’s lands. It was a land created by the Ancients for harvesting rare metals and spices. The perfect place to ‘park’ Sarala after he was done setting up trade and the foundation of our economy in the Children of the Elm’s former lands. “My apprentices have finished their final tests. Your patience has borne fruit.”

He no longer lived in a walled compound, but a large palatial estate near an oasis a day or so on foot from the Conqueror’s capital and Citadel. The main household was embedded into stone and the land around the oasis was being cultivated, while a small town was present to support him. The massive rockface he carved his home into had hydroponics within, as well as entire pig farm, and there was even a coal and iron mine nearby.

He had a little airstrip ready for my arrival and a whole host of armored soldiers bearing my colors. According to the Iterants, they were mercenaries he knew before he joined up. They brought in their families here, too. He was currently looking for mages, necromancers in particular, to continue to bolster his private residence. The final plan was to cause a rockslide and bury the outside town, after bringing everyone into the safety of the shelter.

This was basically his billionaire shelter in the face of the apocalypse.

Where he’d rule as king with food, water, and a stable population.

Honestly, I was happy to see someone who took the coming threats seriously.

“You have my thanks. I see that your shelter against the coming storm is well underway. I hope that it will not be necessary.” The closest of our enemies were the Demons. They were supposed to spawn at the Academy and be held back a few years, but after scouring the underground, I knew that it wasn’t going to happen there. The sword that was used to corrupt the Conquerors and bring them low was most likely the original source of the game scenario that ‘lost’ the entire center of the continent and destroyed the Academy. We didn’t have to worry about a spawn there. I think. “If you have funds to spare, I suggest creating a network of tunnels to nearby, similar rock formations for access to more resources… and be ready to house and support a few hundred Iterants.”

Sarala didn’t look the least bit surprised at my statement. He gave a nod of gratitude at the mention of the Iterants, though.

In another post-apocalypse, having Iterants would solve a lot of problems.

But back to why I was really here.

“I only need to meet with Helton. The other two can be assigned where you believe them needed most. Helton will be supporting the defensive perimeter.” There were two main uses for support Champions. The first and most common was to have them just play administrator and pump up the outputs of cities and regions. More money, production, culture, research, etc. The other, rare use was to have them support a ‘fortress’ city. Instead of increasing output of gold and industrial capacity, they instead improved regeneration rates of garrison troops, increased the logistical cost of armies in their region, improved the rate of attrition suffered by the enemies, and gave buffs to defenders. However, there was one, singular trait that for a fortress-city Champion that was the most necessary: maxed out smuggling. “I need to be sure, otherwise he and all under his command have only death awaiting them.”

Sieges occurred when an enemy army was adjacent to your city and used the siege-action. Once a siege is underway, that city is effectively cut-off from the rest of the empire. All its outputs are zilch, until you lift the siege. The siege pits the ‘siege attack’ value against the ‘siege defense’ value of the city. Every turn that the city is under siege, its health is reduced by the enemy’s siege attack subtracted by the siege defense.  If the siege defense is higher than the attack, the health of the city doesn’t go down, and instead the enemy sieging the city will suffer attrition damage. Improvements like walls and fortifications and garrisons improve siege defense, while granaries, food stores, and shelters improve city health.

A good enough fortress city is basically a meat-grinder for enemy armies. It’s layers and layers of walls, districts, and factories that take on enemy armies and turn them into meat. If you have some artillery garrisoned in the city, the enemy army isn’t trapping your city. They’ve trapped themselves in a siege and are basically sacrificing themselves so that city isn’t giving any resources, and the surrounding region doesn’t organize defenders eating away at their logistics and passing armies.

Unless you have a Champion with Rank 5 of 5 in Smuggling.

Rank 1 allows you to use the city’s production but halved, and keeps the attrition rate in the surrounding region at levels pre-Siege. The Champion can smuggle in enough food and materials through the siege for the city to work on putting together units or improvements. 2 and 3 reintroduce population growth and double culture growth. The people inside basically get the creature comforts they need to live ‘normally’ and their valiant persistence inspires the rest of the player’s territories. Rank 4 returns city production to full capacity, with the flavor text stating the Champion is somehow ferrying tons and tons of supplies in even through the most massive of sieges.

Rank 5 in smuggling?

It negates any debuffs being under Siege gives.

Meaning that your city, despite being surrounded by even tens of thousands of enemy combatants, can freely churn out cannons, infantry, and all sorts of bullshit, while also giving out research, influence, and gold unabated. All the while the city’s defenses are chewing through the army, because having full production capacity means you can just keep rebuilding your defenses and revitalizing your health pool. A fortress city, equipped with a support Champion with Rank 5 smuggling, located somewhere at a chokepoint the enemy needs to go through may as well be a wonder in and of itself.

I really, really hoped that Helton was at least Rank 2, because if he was, that meant he’ll be able to learn fast enough and quickly enough to get to Rank 3 before the first wave of events start.

With the EXP those’ll bring, he should be able to hit Rank 5 before the first armies arrive to hit wherever I assign him.

“Your majesty, my household is yours.” Sarala gave another deep bow, just as we reached the large doors of his palace/shelter. “Please, enter.”

As I did as Sarala asked, I idly wondered how things were going on in the lands of the Wardens.

It was a bit strange that I haven’t heard back from them yet.

I’ll need to double-check that my order to keep that crazy bitch away from me properly got through.

…

Interlude: Sirena

…

I beheld the power and might of the King of Wisdom’s armies and felt despair.

Theirs was the might and strength long lost to time.

We had been struck with their fastest, swiftest force and ambushed by hidden assassins of incredible durability and lethality. A potent mixture that combined speed, precision, and preparation to destroy our most potent, professional force. Against that combined force, against the Iterants and the Champions of the King of Wisdom, warriors could summon courage and fight. They could give their lives and valiantly push forward with sacrifices not made in vain.

But, attached to Morgan, I witnessed the true strength of the King of Wisdom’s armies.

Morgan described it as a great beast. The legs were the many transports ranging from wagons, trains, and their flying transports. The innards that fed muscle and let blood flow were parts of the army but were ‘noncombatants.’ They did more than ensure supplies reached warriors. They made repairs, erected buildings, repaired roads, cooked, and more. The officers and generals were the mind and senses, they worked with reconnaissance forces on ground and on air, and had dozens of messengers and signalers waiting for their orders to be relayed. The claws and teeth of the army were its soldiers and mages, supported by everything else.

What I saw was an unstoppable force that crushed anything its path with overwhelming potency.

Nothing could break through the stout lines of heavily-armored pikes fast enough to survive the thousands of rifles bearing down on them.

Nothing could flank the formations assembled, because on the flanks Conquerors were waiting.

Nothing could smash them apart, because the skies were dominated by mages, by flying knights that dropped flames onto the ground below, and the flying bastion that rained death down upon anything it could reach.

I thought that, after I witnessed the strength and might of the King of Wisdom’s true army, that I had seen the pinnacle of warfare.

Until I walked beside General Morgan through the lands taken by the Goddess of the Death that we found.

There I beheld true horror.

“She certainly doesn’t go for half-measures. That’s a point in her favor.” General Morgan stated dryly. We were accompanied by her two apprentices. They were both doing their best to hide their disgust. She called me here after discovering that her sanctified blade worked well against the Death Goddess, due to her Undead nature. I had come as a reluctant, potential executioner. Now, I felt that what we found should’ve stayed buried. “I think we might’ve done the Wardens a favor, Sirena.”

“I believe so.” We looked upon a land with skies tinted red, lengthened shadows, and fields drenched with blood. Upon stakes of bone, flesh was being torn away by skeletons. Meat and viscera were laid out in great piles to rot. Corpses of dead warriors, whether mercenary, Warden, or Forger, were being pushed towards rows and rows of stakes manned by animated skeletons by grotesque, hulking amalgams of flesh from dozens of bodies. “This power reminds me much of a Death Lord. Too much.”

“She’s the Goddess of Death. The Death Lord is lesser than her.” Morgan took a step forward, passing the boundary into the land where the Goddess of Death was sent. Immediately, dozens of eyeless-sockets turned to us and the corpulent and bloated giant beasts turned our way. They had no eyes, only mouths with bared teeth and fangs, and numerous slits that reminded me of gills. My hand almost went to my blade, but they soon returned to… processing the corpses. “It seems like we’re expected.”

A creature descended from the sky. For a moment, I thought it a mere crow, but it grew larger and larger still as it approached. I thought it one singular creature, until it began to spread apart and hundreds of dead crows surged across the field to begin pecking and breaking down the remains of flesh and innards strewn across the land. The last murder came apart and the Goddess of Death appeared before us with head bowed and raising her skirt in curtsy.

Her dress of black lace and silk fitting for elegant ballrooms was dyed scarlet and blood dripped from its folds onto the ground.

“General, the region is yours. None who oppose our master remains. The forces I create here and now are yours to command.” Her voice was sweet and cloying to the ears, but at the same time carried a faint, underlying screech. A high echo that grated at the soul. Perhaps, it was my sense of hearing screaming at me to kill the creature that was now before me. She noticed my intent and looked my way. A too-wide smile filled with fangs instead of teeth filled her mouth as I matched her glare. “Oh, joy. Another mighty executioner to take my neck, if I fail.”

I was tempted to leave my scabbard, but Morgan held up her hand to stop me.

Then, she smiled and walked towards the land of death and shadow with a smile.

“A wonderful showing. All my scouts and far-sights say the same. Complete obliteration of the enemy forces in the region. None allowed to retreat. Only surrender.” Morgan spoke and shook within my sheathe. I knew it was true. This was what the King of Wisdom demanded the Goddess of Death. She achieved her mission. Her destruction was stayed. We had need of monsters such as this. Still, I wondered if this was the right path. If this creature continued to be unleashed on the continent, we will unite all our enemies against us. “But I am afraid to relay that the only reward for your good work… is more work. Finish your army. It will remain under your control. His majesty has found the perfect use for you: stalling for time against the Ancient’s foes.”

I very nearly let loose a sigh of relief, as the Goddess of Death’s eyes suddenly shone with an eager light and even General Morgan allowed herself a genuine smile, as she held up a black envelope with the King of Wisdom’s seal upon it.

The King of Wisdom predicted this outcome already. Now the Goddess of Death would be sent against our true foes after instilling fear into those who saw her here.

I should not have been concerned.

Even So, I am The Hero: 4/4 (Completed)

Even So, I am The Hero: 4/4

…

Interlude: Taline, The Imperial Princess

…

Whispers abounded across the land of the Hero.

The first and only Paladin of the Goddess of Death was out there now, fighting against the machinations of the Demon Lord, with forces of followers of Death supporting him.

Father felt no small amount of fury at the situation.

It had been the perfect moment to increase the value of my hand.

“They walk armies through my lands, they take offerings from my people, and accept donations from my lords, yet they still refuse.” We were in his study. Himself and I. Tea was served on a small table between two sofas. This was his private study and its walls were covered in books. Outside of royal uniform, he wore robes and wore spectacles. He looked like a scholar, yet was every bit of the ruler that was expected to be. Perhaps even more. “Taline, how goes your research. I’ve found nothing from my sections of study.”

Father had tried to bring the rest of my siblings in. To guide them on the path of knowledge and wisdom, as well as to assist him in his rule. Unfortunately, they found the pageantry and the traditions of noble life more to their liking. He allowed them to do as they wished. None of them knew that they already lost the chance to sit upon the throne.

“Unfortunately, I bring only grave tidings from my own research, Father. The Church of the Goddess of the Death is without reproach in our records. If we are to find any weakness, it will be from our shadows observing them.” Father scowled at my words, but it was not aimed at me. His was a tempestuous temper hidden beneath a veil of wisdom. It mixed with his convictions to form a white-hot drive when sufficiently enraged. Being denied his devised, optimal path only gave him greater resolve. “Father, I also believe that it would be better to chase after him and find him, rather than go through them, if the shadows we’ve sent bring no results.”

He grunted once more at my words… and I was ready to hear him respond.

Then, he grunted again, and his hand went to his chest as he cried out in pain.

I moved swiftly to his aid, while calling for help.

But for a moment, as I crossed the room to tend to him, in the shadows I thought I saw I hooded figure holding a dim lamp in one hand and a scythe in the other.

…

The physicians told me that Father would survive, and the cause of his pain and injury was immense pressure. Given his age and the stresses upon him, it was only to be expected that his heart was under immense strain.

But the sight of that figure in the shadows of his office told me that there was more to the matter.

So, I went to the chapel of our palace.

There, past all the altars, my feet took me to the one I knew I needed to visit.

The Goddess of Death was a figure covered in a hooded cloak. One hand held a lantern to guide souls to what came after Death. The other carried what many called a scythe. Some called it a spear. They were both correct. The Goddess of Death encouraged her followers to be industrious. To live full and productive lives devoted to building things that would be left after their passing. Left alone and unthreatened, her devotees would cultivate the lands, build workshops, and improve the lands with public works for those who came after.

But if threatened, all of it is used for war to terrifying effect.

Already, the forces of the Goddess of Death moved against the monsters of the land and against the rise of the new Demon Lord.

But their silence towards our lands was deafening.

All other nations received missives besides our own.

Now, after my father suffered a failure of his body, the Goddess of Death appeared in my vision.

I knew what I needed to do.

Before the altar of the Goddess of Death, I discarded my fineries and prostrated myself before her with complete humility in my heart.

“Oh, Goddess of Death, I beseech you. Grant me the chance for penance.” My mind was awhirl. It always was, but I smothered it as much as I could. I focused on the gravity of the situation, the coolness of the marble beneath me, and the coldness of the air. Any thought of conspiracy or contrivance, I drove away. This was not the place for it. “I am unworthy, but I beg of you for the chance at redemption.”

All light faded from all the other altars.

My senses, refined from the moment they could be refined, felt the weight of divinity.

No.

The weight of the divinity’s gaze.

That alone made it difficult to breathe, and every instinct screamed for me to run.

The eldest and most powerful of the gods was before me.

I awaited judgement… and I received it along with the reason for it.

My father’s machinations have doomed our nation, and I must move to overcome it.

“Sell that.” I told the shocked, silent servants who followed me into the hall. They witnessed all that happened, but I had ignored them. The jewelry and silk were but weights that would burden us. “Honored sister of Death, please—

The kindly old woman gave a small bow, while she gave me the habit. I donned it and found it well fitted… and the concealment it offered a great comfort.

Still, though, I would have to remain a princess for some time still.

“Call upon the ministers and clerks. Father’s actions have cursed our nation. We must move to overcome it now.” The eyes of guards and servants widened at my words, while my mind raced. My father’s error was going to cost our lands dearly. I knew not the exact reason, but the Goddess of Death did not move without reason. “Measures of austerity must take place, while the frontier fortresses are garrisoned. I want auditors on our stockpiles of food and material.”

I spoke, and my peerage moved, while I walked through the halls.

Some would say that to be punished for what did not happen was cruel.

I say that it is a miracle that we were given this chance to make amends, because the Chosen Hero used his rightful reward to return.

Father always moved with the intention of making the most of any matter. He stated that it was the only way to ensure our continued hold over the nation. We needed power, influence, and wealth in immense amounts to curtail the strength of our vassals. To that end, he aimed to have my hand promised to the Hero, and when his star began to fall, he took away our support and my hand in marriage.

What happened to our nation at that time?

What if the Hero did not choose to return after defeating the chosen champions of the dark gods?

A land of misery abandoned by the gods. Swarmed by monsters and abandoned by the clergy. Father’s decision would have resulted in ruin and desolation. The gods are good, but they are not fools. When they give power to one to save others, they expect their chosen to be supported… not used.

After giving many orders, I reached the clinic where my father was, and ordered the doors closed.

The sudden injury was more apparent to me now after feeling the weight of divinity upon my back.

The gods have abandoned my father, and if nothing was done, then they would abandon the whole nation.

“Taline, what are you wearing—

I knew him and his convictions.

I knew him enough to know that he would try to escape his fate, to horde power, and to find some other means.

Because, in the end, I knew my father was a selfish man who did not act for the good of our rule.

He acted because he delighted in being Emperor and having so much power.

So, before he could speak another word, I struck at his temple and at his mind. My palm barely connected with his skull, and wouldn’t even leave a mark on his skin, but the damage was immediate.

His eyes drooped, his facial muscles went slack, and drool dripped from his mouth.

With one, single strike I trapped him in his own mind.

In the depths of his gaze, I saw emotion.

Betrayal, confusion, and rage.

I closed his eyes with a hand and laid him back to rest, while placing a hand on his head to make sure that the wound healed in a manner that it would not be detected.

He will not be able to open his own eyes, and he will not be able to hear, feel, nor taste.

All that he will have his own thoughts and body until he perished.

“The king has fallen to eternal slumber.” I told my retainers, and they nodded tersely at my words. “This is the only way to ensure this nation survives the trial of penance we now walk. He will only worsen it.”

I searched my retainers for any who would object.

Two of their number were wavering.

One I knew would betray me.

Worse than I hoped, but better than I feared.

I closed my eyes and steadied myself.

The path that lay ahead of us may break our nation, but I would do my utmost to prevent it.

…

The sound of her footsteps was too familiar for me to mistake.

“Hes, there’s someone nearby. Someone strong.” Clara took note of my teacher’s strength and lack of declaration as a sign of ill intent. Before her hands could turn into claws, I raised my hand her way. “Hes?”

“It's someone that I know. Someone from another life.” Clara was taken aback, her eyes narrowed, but she nodded tersely and lowered her hands. My teacher should not be here, in the southern lands where the sun always shone and the sands glittered beneath its gaze. We were searching a ruin for an artifact that the Demon Lord could not have. The opposite of the frigid north where my teacher should be. “Someone who would not be here without the Goddess’s intervention.”

I reached for the Goddess’s symbol hanging from my neck.

Warmth flowed forth the icon into my hand, and my fear abated.

Her confidence was all it took for me to be sated.

“I believe she is here as an ally.” I spoke and peered through the long, dark, and ancient hall. The dark shadows behind us were pierced by my teacher’s visage. Sharp-eyed and with silver hair, the familiar visage of my teacher appeared. A phantom pain over my chest came alive with rage, but I held fast. The sensation of burning from within and without as I fell into a deep crevasse… it threatened to overcome me. I withstood it. I spoke in her people’s tongue. “Greetings! My name is Heston and my companion is Clara. We are in these ruins to find a fel artifact that cannot fall into the hands of the great foe!”

My teacher was silent as she came forward. She was clad in desert robes that flowed around her form. Frost hung upon her hip. A too-long rapier of star-metal that she used to practice the Falling Form. She would descend into the thickest concentration of foes and unleash her blade in mid-air. A storm of falling slashes imbued with magic. To an outside, it would look like a wild flurry, but I knew from all my lessons and having watched her fight that no strike would be wasted, and each one would find its mark with effortless grace.

With that effortless grace and silence, she extended her hand out toward me with palm up.

My heart thundered at the familiar moment, and I offered her my hand.

Her gaze was calm and composed, while her thumbs drifted across the calluses on my hands.

“You have trained well since our parting.” Her gaze raised and she looked at me, while I lowered my hand. Someway and somehow, the moment where her blade went through my chest felt as though it never happened. My teacher was here. The last one to leave me to my journey. No. Perhaps… the one who never wished to leave. “But there is much for you to learn still. I will join you in this journey.”

I opened my mouth to accept and thank her, but no words would leave me.

It felt unreal.

Until Clara nudged me by the side.

“Do not be daft. Accept her tutelage. This one’s power is without question.” Like a hammer smashing through the illusion holding my tongue, Claria spoke. This was my new life. My granted wish after succeeding in defeating the Demon Lord. Here and now, my teacher was before me once again, never having pierced my chest with her blade and taken my blade from me. Clara was here. Someone I never met in my previous life. “What are you waiting for?”

I found my tongue and did my best to suppress the ridiculous smile forming on my lips as joy bubbled up my chest.

“I accept. I will do my utmost to succeed you as a student.” They were words I said once before, but now they felt new. Bowing my head, my teacher returned my bow, and when I raised it she was already walking forward. I couldn’t help but laugh. “My teacher, please let me go first.”

“A wielder of swords my always be at the front.”

I did laugh at the familiar words.

“Not when there are traps ahead.” My words were the same, and she went still before slowly nodding, and looking my way. She did not walk towards me. Not relinquishing her current place, but not going further. It was only the slight twitch of her ears that told me of her true embarrassment. “Thank you, I shall lead.”

“Hmph, I’ll leave the two of you to the front. I shall unleash true power whilst you two ply trade with sharpened metal.”

“Clara, please be mindful of your power, otherwise you will collapse the ruin upon us.”

“…I had no such intentions!”

“If the ruin collapses, I will simply cut through the falling rubble above us.”

“That’s the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard! You can’t cut through that!”

“If your ‘true power’ cannot blast through falling rubble, it is lesser than my blade.”

The two began to bicker as I knew they would, and I could only shake my head as I began to move forward.

The smile on my face refusing to fade as I did.

I clasped a hand over my Goddess’s icon and gave her thanks as my journey began once more.

V10: Chapter 8

V10: Chapter 8

…

The only thing stopping me from becoming alcoholic is the fear that becoming alcoholic will lead me to making a shit decision.

So, I made do with clearing out four whole days for rest and relaxation, and heading into my ‘personal study.’

Otherwise known as my mancave with robot butlers.

I had one at every Citadel now.

“I want chicken-fried steak with sausage gravy and biscuits.” The ring returned to me by Ayah after sending the Death Goddess away interpreted my thoughts. The ingredients were produced by the Citadel, then taken by the Citadel Guardians to be cooked. It can make the food fresh, but part of the appeal of food was the sight and smell of cooking. “Make me a pitcher of ice-cold cola, too. For dessert, I want… a cheesesteak sandwich with extra cheese and onions.”

Basking in the aromas, sounds, and smells, I made the chair I sat on recline and had air conditioning blow straight at me. When I got chilly, one of the Guardians brought me a comfy, weighted blanket.

Snuggled up in a pseudo-bed with chilly air blasting my face, while I was wrapped up just right in a fluffy warm blanket… I took a deep and calming breath before letting out the word that I wanted to release.

“Fuuuuuuuuuaaacccchhhhhhkkkkkkkkkkk. This shit’s bad.” No one was around to judge me. I could bask in my ability to complain to myself. The combination of having to relive all my shitty memories and finding a bad result made me want to run away. Hell, I had half a mind to lock people out of the Citadel and just hold on for dear life until people got through the armies of Guardians that I could command. But I couldn’t. Not now. “They’re almost here.”

I’m turning twenty-six in the next couple of months. I was seven when this all started. Nineteen years. Four turns to a year. Turn seventy is around the corner and that’s when everything starts to kick off. The longest game is just 160 turns or forty years. On average they’re closer to thirty-five years. Meaning that I’m really past the mid-game now, and now it’s all time for all the stat checks to come knocking, as all the crisis factions are going to hit us from every angle.

There were some silver linings.

Four Citadels and four full army stacks were a massive deal. Not to mention the ‘passive’ militias and roaming Guardian swarms I had running around. Even with all the losses of Iterants that I had to endure, there were still ten thousand or so of them ready for combat. Not even counting the ones we have that are working. Population isn’t going to be a problem and industry was booming. We’re churning out materials in large amounts, getting people in the right places, and are surging ahead in terms of technology.

The average soldier fifteen years ago would be lucky to have chainmail. Usually, they’ll just have padded cloth with some leather. People who spend their lives as mercenaries can work up to armor. They’ll work under a warlord who has some means of acquiring money and supplies, and they’ll receive orders on the field of battle and march where they’ll be told to march. Being able to read and write isn’t required, let alone necessary. If you get injured too badly, you’re out and it’s best you sell off your equipment and find a village or trade in the following caravan.

Now, the average soldier has had the benefit of better nutrition for the last decade and a half. I’ve made sure that they’ve got their vitamins and that they have their fill with food. All soldiers are prioritized for the medical centers on the Citadel, so they get put back together for the upcoming fight. Anyone still using pikes is in Citadel Alloy armor and I’m looking to get them armed with close-range firepower to keep melee units at bay. Riflemen are farther along the tech tree with WW1-esque uniforms, packs filled with supplies and rest, and a gun along with a hundred shots. They’re supported by a unit of mages and unit of fliers.

Forty thousand total, split into 4 divisions. 5-parts rifles. 2-parts pike. 1-part mages/artillery. 1-part aerial units. Their generals and officers can split them up evenly into four more parts with the logistical tail also being geared towards being portioned. However, there’s only one flying fortress per division, which houses its own complement of fliers and mages, and also carries frozen Guardians. Heavy cavalry or powerful infantry like Conquerors gets attached to a division as needed. Same for any recon or special forces, which oftentimes are also the Conquerors. They have separate commands, since their roles require different mindsets.

“Hammer and scalpel.” I could rely one a division to fuck up anything and anybody, especially with Champion support. Every test we’ve run against Citadel forces has only one result: complete obliteration of the enemy in the opening months of the war. However, after those opening months, we were going to need to start levying troops from the population. People who’ll fill up gaps after just fifteen weeks of training, instead of being bonafide badasses who live and breathe war and don’t intend to stop. Draftees aren’t of professional soldiers… and that’s when things get iffy. “Whatever victory get will be pyrrhic.”

The Merchants, Forgers, and Guardians were just massive pains in the ass to fight. Both the Guardians and Merchants could just pull armies out of their ass. The Merchants were starting up breeding camps to make sure that they had enough bodies. Forgers had stupidly high armor, a firm grasp on logistics, and the toughest nut to crack since they’ve centralized everything beneath their Citadel and all their outlying settlements are just resource gathering centers. The Guardians were producing rifled muskets by the ton, selling them, and arming skeletons with whatever they can’t.

If they worked together, if the Forgers armored everyone up, the Merchants provided bodies and gold, and the Guardians the industry?

We’d get only a pyrrhic victory with half our adult population dead.

Then, the crisis factions can just swoop in and kill us all after we’ve served our asses to them on a silver platter.

“I really should’ve just gone for the mass-assassination play and ignored the Death Goddess.” It was a knee-jerk reaction. Wardens + Death Goddess had perfect synergy, so I moved to intercept. Now, after finding out that the Death Goddess was operating with a full-personality, I know that I could’ve just left that ticking time bomb with Khalai and let it blown up in his face. Hindsight sucks. “Now, instead of rolling the dice on getting a Citadel or two, and defending with Citadel Guardians, I’ve got a crazy superweapon on my hands. Fuck.”

I was ready to groan some more, and let it all out while wrapped up in a heavy blanket like an egg… then the Guardians came forward with my requested chicken-fried steak with sausage gravy, along with golden-brown, flaky, and fresh biscuits with a tub of rich, yellow butter ready to be applied to it.

There was still a lot to mope about, as well as plenty more to consider, but for now I’m going to enjoy a nice comfort meal.

Along with a nice view.

“Give me some panoramic views of the region.” I ordered, and a wall instantly turned into a screen and showcased some of the frigid, snowy mountains outside. After a second it shifted to a nice view of a nearby valley. It wasn’t television, or some hours-long internet documentary, but it was good enough. “Yep, keep that up while I eat.”

Time for me to rest and relax, before tackling the problems ahead.

…

Interlude: Eminent Void Blade: She Who Glides Between Sunbeams

…

The general of the theatre I was assigned to was a young woman about the same age as my new master.

A smile split across her face the moment she laid her eyes upon me.

“Wow, you really might be worth losing all our assassins across the continent for.” She was clad in a heavy, reinforced cloak and some plate armor beneath that. Underneath it though, was a Supply Center security force undersuit. The Ancients never had the time to give the Citadels the databases and fabricators it needed for truly powerful weapon. “What’re your orders?”

I took the scrolls given to me by ‘Ayah’ and presented it wordlessly to the young general. Her hands drifted across my hand for a moment… and I felt something hidden test the toughness of my skin.

A normal being’s hand would’ve been cut off.

Mine was not harmed at all.

A pleased hum left the general’s throat, while she unfurled the command, before she looked at me again.

The scroll was superfluous.

She knew me and my purpose here.

“Seems that you’ve done something naughty, Miss Goddess. If you fail, I get to kill you and see if I can take that mind of yours apart. Or, if I can’t do that, die to kill you.”

A refreshing series of words left her lips.

I looked behind her.

Conquerors, as they were called now, were behind her. Over five hundred in the immediate vicinity. Behind them still were the fruits of my creator’s machinations: those who have an innate connection to the vast, powerful machines hidden in the veil of reality that allows the manifestation of various phenomena. Finally, overhead, there was a floating castle, covered in layers of ablative armor, and with such thick defenses I could not see the people within with an open hold filled with hundreds of combat constructs.

“Will those orders be necessary, Goddess of Death?”

My creators operated with efficiency and cold logic. Long ago, their passion and search for glory was snuffed out. Only duty remained within their hearts.

Here and now?

There was fire and fury within the hearts of all these warriors.

How could I not be moved?

“Such a title us unnecessary. Please, call me Eminent, General.” I raised my skirt ever-so-slightly while bowing my head and performing a curtsy. Not a single whisper came from the assembled. None had any doubt in their general’s judgement. Only her will would decide my fate. “His Majesty’s will bind me, and his orders are absolute. The region he told me to take shall be taken.”

Morgan’s smiling features, which narrowed her eyes, did not waver at my words.

“Oh? And what will you do if I don’t let you do that and decide to just get rid of you before you’re a problem, Emi?” She shortened my name, tilting her head from side to side, and played coy. My senses suddenly flared up and I nearly moved. Something was at the back of my neck. I recognized it. It was a sword meant for killing Undead. She manipulated it using wires and hid it behind me. Even its mere presence weakened me. My heart fluttered. He sent me to a front where he had his strongest agent armed with a weapon perfect for killing me. “What if I decide that I’d rather have that region as a glorious victory, rather than give it to you as a way to redeem yourself?”

I answered her question earnestly.

“I will rush for the region, and I will take it. I will run from this place to it, harming none here, and do as I have been commanded.” The smile on the general’s face turned into a snarl. I felt more wires manipulated by her flare to life from the packed dirt at my feet. They wrapped around any section of bared skin and began to tighten and squeeze. A normal being would be naught but chunks of meat. Still, I maintained my curtsy and spoke despite the cords of metal trying to crush my neck. “If I am to die, it will be a death from fulfilling my master’s orders.”

The general laughed humorlessly.

“So, you’ll run and evade the finest army on the continent, find the warzone you’ve been told to take without support, and kill everyone there by your lonesome?”  The general pressed and used the blade at my neck. It moved at fantastic speed, despite being controlled via a single wire. I felt the other wires slacken slightly in its presence. So, it could also weaken magic in its presence. A truly perfect tool for killing me. It proved it by scoring a cut across my cheek. I was scratched by it. Not enough to draw blood, but that was a moot point. It was now before my right eye, ready to try and pierce my brain. “Is that it, Emi?”

Still, I replied calmly.

“Yes, general.”

There was a pause for the first time since the general addressed me.

I realized that pause was all the time needed for her judgement.

“Haahhh… I guess, his majesty wants me to take a vacation, then. I wanted to give him all the Academy lands held by the Merchants, Wardens, and Forgers, but it looks like you’ll be finishing this campaign off for us.” The wires unwound and vanished into the darkness of her cloak. The blade flew to her, and flew into a scabbard floating just a distance over her shoulder. She gave a whistle and the troops all began to stand down. A young woman appeared to my right. Her stand had been aimed towards my other eye. “But I suppose I’ve only burned a third of the Warden’s churches and clergy away. Maybe, he thinks I need to catch up on that?”

She approached me and was silent for a moment, while I raised my head… and then stretched out my hand.

“I will need the map. Much has changed in these lands since I was sealed away.”

“Ah, right. Naturally.” The scheming tricksters, the merciless general craving glory, and now an affable young woman full of life. This one was wasted nothing that could be used. A fine general. “Here you go.”

She even held out the scroll for it to fall into my hands to mark herself as above me.

Some would call it pettiness.

They would’ve fallen for the trap set for fools filled with pride.

“Huh. Not even a twitch. So, you really made a big mistake when you first met him. What’d you do? Destroy one of his maids?” She stood by my side and put an elbow on my shoulder, while I unfurled the scroll. She switched from mask to mask as easily as she breathed. “C’mon, you can tell me. It’s not like you’re going to get anymore in trouble, Emi.”

Now, she needled me like an affable superior eager to have leverage on me.

I obliged.

“I drank his blood to seal a contract between him and myself forever. As I did, I restrained all the Iterants with him.”

I did not expect the general to suddenly laugh.

“Pftahahah! Well, there goes your only chance to get the Guardians under your belt! There’s no way Celia’s going to cede her position to you now!” Morgan’s straighten up and gave me a few firm smacks to the back and shook her head before laughing again. “AND you probably ‘restrained’ Ayah, too! Pah-haha! Man… wow… you’re going to need to give him the entire continent, if you want him to give you any attention now.”

Those words were meant to demean me, but I simply nodded at them.

“That is what I shall do.” I told the general.

The smile that split her face at my words was tight and faint, while her eyes gleamed with barely-withheld hate.

“It better be.”

With those final words, said with what likely her true face, I knew that my judgement had not yet passed.

Even So, I am The Hero: 3/4

Even So, I am The Hero: 3/4

…

“We could make better time if we did not aid this village, Hes. The monsters are gone. Why do this?”

Clara grunted as she picked up a large wagon with one hand, and used the other to attach a nearby wheel to an axle. With one look at the state of iron, she whispered words in her people’s tongue, and it was strengthened. The driver thanked her profusely, while I helped clear it.

“Aye, the monsters are gone, but the people remain and they need help. That’s all the ‘why’ that I need.” Clara sent a weak glare my way, but I offered her a smile while bringing the horses forward and helping the driver attach them to the wagon. The man gave a smile, but it was forced. He looked not at me, but at the village where much work needed to be done. I slipped a hand into my pocket and pressed into his hand a small gemstone from my most recent excursion. “Consider this an investment into the renewal of your business. I will return here one day… and let’s make merry and discuss terms when all is well.”

The man’s eyes, filled with sorrow, became shocked.

Then, it was replaced with determination, and he sped away to the nearest town all the more quickly.

“You could have given him that gemstone without such a deal.” Clara stated with a huff and crossed arms. Her brief use of her people’s power turned the color of her iris gold and her pupil to become a long, sharp ebony line. “I thought you were meant to be generous.”

“Even regular people have their pride, Clara. They don’t need to have a hoard or lived thousands of years. Would you take a gift offered by someone who saved your life?”

“No. I will not be pitied.” Her answer was swift and a growl nearly left her lips. She crossed her arms and gave a grunt instead. I laughed and gave a small nod. She smothered her irritation with a huff. “I see. It is a goal. No. You’ve given him something live for, along with a push ahead. How cunning.”

“I didn’t think that far. I just did to him what I’d wish to have done to me if in his place.” I told Clara and mentioned for her to follow. This time she did not scoff as we neared the village. “Why don’t you try it? You’ll see more benefit from it than me. Give the right amount to the right people, and when you return here one day, you’ll be treated properly.”

“Hmph. I doubt any here will be able to treat me as a king would.”

“Kings do that to curry your favor and seek out your power or your body. The people here will be repaying you. You can glut yourself on meals without worry.” I teased her and she huffed. But she turned to the people and began searching them for potential. “Just remember that you’re helping them up. Not exploiting them.”

“I would not shame myself with such actions. Never.” Clara stated with a growl, before moving forward towards the town, and finding a blacksmith already at work. Her eyes brightened at the sight. “This one’s potential is mine!”

She moved swiftly onward, and left me to walk alone.

The moment she left, at the corner of my vision, I saw a hooded visage in the corner of my eye lifting a pale hand towards rubble.

I moved immediately to heed the call, as the figure in the edge of my vision faded.

It was a destroyed stone hut in the outskirts of the town. A fence of wooden sticks was fallen in every direction. Packed dirt surrounding little rings of stone with broken trellises and supports for plots of vegetables. A broken windchime lay on the ground, and the hut itself was destroyed with all that was within it. The scent of death clung to the place, informing me that the inhabitant perished within, and none so far had come to give them peace.

I moved around the broken building, before finding what I sought.

A small shrine dedicated to another.

“To my beloved husband, may I join you after the passing of time.” I read the inscribed words. It was a stone shrine with wildflowers at the base. A carved, wooden effigy of a man was laid upon it. Recently-made and well-varnished. A stool sat close to the shrine and a small carving knife was just a few feet away. “I see.”

This was the home of someone who waited to live out their days.

Someone ostracized for their love by the whole of the village, but who still persisted through the years.

It would be a tragedy for them to not join their loved ones.

I clasped my hands together and bowed my head.

“Oh, Goddess of Death and Peace, heed my mourning prayer. I pray for the soul of this mortal who perished. Let them find peace in their passing.” The prayer was familiar to my tongue. Even with all my efforts since my new beginning, there was many I could not save. All I could do was make sure they reached my goddess and was judged. “May they reach your tranquil shores and find you there waiting to guide them to those who await them.”

My words reached her and a soft breeze came across the destroyed home, but before I left I took up the carving knife and found another block of wood.

Clara had much to say about me leaving her to support the townspeople on her own.

Still, I felt it would’ve been in poor taste to leave the small shrine with only one figure.

For some death is a new chance to try once more after paying their penance.

For others, life is the final challenge before they join those who went on ahead.

“May you rest in peace.”

With those final words, I moved to locate the body and give whomever I found a burial.

It was the least I could do with all the strength that was blessed upon me.

…

Interlude: Silvian, the Elven King

…

“Where is she?”

“In the first cell past the doors, my lord.”

“How many others know?”

“None who will retain their memories of the last day, my lord.”

“Good. You are dismissed. You honor me through your sacrifice and will be well-rewarded.”

“Farewell, my lord.”

I moved through the stones of the guard tower and found the woman I sought behind bars of iron.

She held her hands in prayer and her head was bowed, while kneeling in the moonlight filtering through the window of the cell.

Her blade was on her cot, but she was dressed in rags, instead of the fineries befitting her station.

The greatest of our kind to ever walk the path of the warrior was debasing herself, and I had to restrain my fury at the sight.

The gods have their realm, and they should be honored, but supplication was beneath us.

Still, I held my tongue and waited until she stood up from her prayer.

She turned to me with a gaze cast in shadow and wild-matted hair.

Even in rags, she was a creature of beauty and grace that blessed that all that looked upon her.

A living god of war.

“Thea, explain yourself. Why have you abandoned your post?” She was the mistress of the northernmost, frigid lands. A region of frost and conflict where the greatest monsters of the world roamed and where the misbegotten and forgotten tread. There, she carved a path with her sword for our people. Not a path of wealth or even glory, but for the future of dominion over all that is known. “What fell mood has taken you to do this to yourself?”

If madness answered me, or even if silence answered me, I was prepared.

Instead, her voice left her lips clearly and crisply, as elegant, and as refined as I heard upon my coronation.

As my father, grandfather, and great-grandfather did.  

“This is penance for a grave sin. If it is not done, then upon my death there will be nothing but eternal emptiness for me.” Concise, logical, and cold. She stood before me in the moonlight and was nearly aglow in the pale radiance. Past the shadow that covered her gaze, past the ragged silver bangs, were argent eyes that remained sharp and sane. “Do not peer upon it, your majesty. Leave me and permit to be free.”

Hesitation threatened to grip my heart at her words, but I summoned the courage to peer at her soul.

A moment later I found myself against the wall opposite of her cell, covered in sweat, and trying to scramble into solid rock in my attempt to flee.

To flee from the immense, horrific sin weighing down upon her.

It was the size and scope of a mountain and filled with malevolence. Not even the most heinous of curses of my wildest delusions could compare. What was chained to her, what was threatening to pulverize her very existence into nothingness, was the purest and deepest hatred of a divine being. Even a fragment of a fragment of the thrumming, ebony mass of sin would break the spirit of an average being. The fact that the oldest of my people known to history stood and carried it was a miracle in and of itself.

But that was not the end of it.

I could feel that it was trying to escape her.

Trying to free itself and be released upon all my entire nation.

“Why!? What have we done to deserve this!?” I shouted and knew that the Goddess of Death was near. She was everywhere where there was shadow. Always there to guide those who perished away. Some called her the ultimate form of justice and equality. Many even amongst us believed in her. Yet now I looked upon a curse ready to shatter our nation. “Tell me!”

The answer came as a whisper to my ear and it broke me.

I fell back and slumped against the stone wall with only the greatest of my race standing before me.

Something between a gasp and a dead laugh left my lips.

“Kill him and retrieve the blade. The mortals have had their chance. The next one to best the Demon Lord will be of our people.” The words I uttered still felt fresh upon my lips. The sight of the horizon blackened by armies of monsters lay heavy in my mind. I knew why I gave the order. Why I bid to have the hero killed. “They already abandoned him. It is time to end this farce and spare no more time raising and support the next ourselves.”

I ordered her to do it.

When she refused…

“I invoke your oaths, teacher! All your oaths! Grant the struggling mortal mercy and return to us!” She may have swung her blade, but it was by my command and by my authority. How many binding oaths did she swear to my people across countless centuries? To protect and serve the people. Each one was leverage against her very being. Oaths of loyalty to the most blessed of peoples. Oaths worth bearing with pride. I invoked them all and threatened to break her body, mind, and spirit. “Return the blade!”

She swung her blade at her student.

She set him alight and cast him into a deep pit after piercing his chest where she thought his heart lay.

Then, she returned to us, the greatest of our people, and died at the foot of my throne with the hero’s blade in her hands.

Wasted away into nothing after a long journey bereft of any will for herself.

I looked at her and she matched my gaze.

I could barely match her gaze.

Despite all that I’ve done, she was willing to bear those sins still.

To accept that what she did was by her own hand.

Not for my sake, but for the people.

I searched myself for what felt like an eternity, before standing before her.

My lips trembled and my hands shook, while my heart raced in my chest.

Yet.

Somehow.

I spoke the words that I knew needed to be said.

“Those sins you carry are mine.”

The weight of those words brought me to my knees in an instant. It took all that I had to keep my skull from crashing against the stone. My chest felt as though it was cracking and every bone in my body seemed to fracture at once. Every hollow recess in my body gave me a gnawing, clawing sensation akin to hundreds of gnashing teeth, eating my insides. Blood dripped from my nose, while bile and acid left my stomach.

However, all that physical pain could not compare to it.

There were words, recriminations, and even an attempt to help me, but I felt nothing, heard nothing, and gained nothing.

The pressure on my very soul was immense and I could feel my will to continue living slipping away. Every fragment of consciousness I retained told me to let go. To stop holding on. My convictions, my pride, and all my joys were but faraway ideas bereft of meaning. Not even rage or even hate could stir any emotion in my heart. All that I felt was the urge to let go and collapse.

But I could not.

If I failed and faltered now, then this sin would be passed on to all my peoples.

If I could ask for my teacher to kill her final student for my people, then I can ask of myself this.

I could no longer see, nor hear, or summon any sensation.

Still, I reached out and spoke with what little strength I had left to the only one who could hear me.

The one who placed this sin upon me the moment that I accepted it.

“See to her.” That was all I could muster, as all my focus surged towards carrying the burden. I could no longer recall her face. Her name. Nor even what I thought of her. Everything was dark. Everything was weight and pain. I gave everything I had left to say what needed to be said. “The fault is mine. Not hers.”

With that I could do no more than try and survive.

Survive and last for my people, so that they would not shoulder this weight.

Hold fast.

Survive.

Even for just one more second, I would give everything that I had and more.

Until there was nothing left of my sin for my people to bear, I would carry it all.

That was my purpose now.

I bid the chosen of the gods killed, yet still he returned to save my people.

I could do not less than this.

V10: Chapter 7

V10: Chapter 7

…

Maybe it was the blood loss, or maybe it was the years of keeping calm and controlled while pretending to be a legendary lord, but I managed to keep my cool.

“Stand down. The Iterants and Ayah are my subjects. Their lives are mine.” My mind ran a mile a minute. Begging was out of the question. Being spineless would be stupid. My instincts and experience colluded and told me to be firm and serious. So, I did. “I will not tolerate you using your power without my direction. Cease. Now!”

I bet everything on my barked-out command being followed.

If it were not, then I wouldn’t have to worry about commanding anyone any longer.

Thankfully, after a flash of surprise passed across her bone-white features, a too-wide smile crossed the Divine Engine’s lips.

“By your will, my dear master. It shall be done.” The magic ceased, and the Iterants and Ayah were freed, but I didn’t look at them. Nor did I place a hand on the warmth spreading across my neck. I glared at the Goddess of Death and willed my legs to not shake. Adrenaline was coursing through me, so I made sure to get mad, grit my teeth, and get pissed off. The situation was conducive to it, so I managed. “My directives, my dear master?”

“Your first directive is to explain yourself. If I find your explanation wanting, I’ll bury you beneath a mountain of rubble and see you starved.” I followed my gut. It told me that I was staring down the most dangerous creature that I’d ever met, and it had me completely in its grasp. The little fact that she should be completely loyal to me was in the back of my head, but I wasn’t about to bet on it. It was time to use threats and intimidation while remaining reasonable. It was time to toe the line between idiocy and courage. “And, kneel. You are in my presence, and I have not permitted you to stand.”

The wide smile seemed to widen even more, while the Death Goddess curtsied in her ebony-black lacy dress and took to one knee.

“I see. My tongue has not failed me. Your blood runs hot with passion and fury beneath that calm mask of yours. Wonderful.” Her lips were still scarlet as she ran her tongue over them. A sigh of contentment left her. I felt Ayah and the others near my back, but I held a hand up back at them to stop them from approaching. “Hm. Would it suffice to say that I wished to impress my new, powerful master? The one who holds reign over my entire existence? I saw foes from my previous life and struck against them, thinking that my beloved ruler was in danger.”

“No. It does not. You only delay your return to your coffin. I will not tolerate a being with power such as yours running wild.”

“How wise, but sometimes wisdom interferes with potential. You must have foes, my dear master. Point me at them, and I will show you that wisdom can be a constraint.”

Thank goodness she made a mistake.

“With your strength, you will only be a liability.” That made her head snap up, and a snarl replaced her smile. Her eyes narrowed, and the whites turned red. Her teeth lengthened and sharpened, and her features became a bit more bestial. Perfected vampire chassis and the non-empty OS worked together almost too well. “Ayah, how many champions and powerful mages do the merchants have? They’re our weakest foe, correct?”

Ayah was ready with the numbers.

“Eighteen Champions. All operate in teams of four. Each one supported three times their number by powerful mages.” Ayah rattled off the numbers while I looked down at the snarling Divine Engine. It took a lot of willpower to keep standing. Anger was a potent fuel, but I could feel it ebbing slowly away. At least the blood clotted finally. Now, I just had an annoying film of it sticking to my neck and staining my suit. “From what I can detect, she will be able to kill half of them if they are unsupported by any army.”

“And, they are always supported by an army.” I finished for Ayah and looked back at the Divine Engine. “You were most likely activated at the tail end of whatever conflict destroyed the Ancients. You most likely held the line while they leveled their final curses on the enemy and held the continent. There, you were powerful. At all your deployments, your victory was assured. Not here. Not now. Now, you need to prove yourself worthy of being trusted with more power… and you are failing.”

I didn’t know if I was bluffing or not.

By all means, I may be completely wrong and talking out of my ass, but that was the only reason why I thought that this Divine Engine was operating with an old OS and not blank.

Other than the world just being out to fuck me over, of course.

Whichever was the case, I had to make things clear to her so that I could make use of her power.

I held up my hand and showed her the back of my fist.

Her markings were on it, but so were the markings of the nature goddess.

“You are not irreplaceable. You are a luxury that cost me dearly, but one that I will dispose of if you prove impossible to command.” I have another Goddess. Please, don’t ask about her status. She’s also hours away by flight and not at her basic character art yet, so she’s probably weaker than you. Don’t ask about it, please. “So, once again, I ask you: why should I not bury you beneath a mountain and forget that you exist, after you’ve attacked me and my people?”

I made her kneel so that she’d have to look up at me.

That’s about all I could do in this situation, but every little advantage helped.

For a second, the bestial snarl and the enraged glare persisted, then her features schooled themselves back towards being that of a graceful, ephemeral young woman with bone-white skin and fine features.

“Permit me the chance to prove my worth, my dear master.” Her voice was serious and deep. No sultriness and no bestial growl. It wasn’t bereft of emotion. Still, whatever power she gave it a deep tenor that made it echo just a tiny bit in the ear. “Send me where you dare not send any other. Where your armies and elites cannot go, I shall bring victory.”

For a second, the thought crossed my mind to send her out there.

To unleash the Goddess of Death on the worst of the calamities to come… But I could tell that would just get her killed.

No gains, even if I got rid of someone whose whole being made my instincts scream for me to run away.

How do I gain something from her so that even if she dies, I get something?

An idea popped up.

“Very well. I shall give you a singular task. Take the Warden’s lands in the central region of the continent.” I contacted the Citadel through my ring. From the ground, a hatch opened and shot out a tube. A map was rolled up inside. “You chose me as your master when you learned that I opposed them. I lost the chance to take the whole continent in exchange for you. Consider this the start of your repayment of that debt.”

“A whole continent must be made yours for my debt to be repaid? My dear master, you are quite cruel.” It was almost a joke, but I addressed the Death Goddess’s words with complete seriousness.

“No. You owe me this entire world! I believed what I took would give it to me, yet instead of a Divine Engine of Death, you are an impertinent creature with more power than sense!” I mustered up all my courage to yell at her. It was easy enough. Getting this shit result after sacrificing the decapitation strike I’ve been meticulously preparing was ridiculous. I’d have reloaded a save the moment she pulled her shit. I’d have gone back hours and not the slightest bit bad about it. I summoned my infuriation and threw it at her before schooling my features and taking a deep breath in the resulting silence. Glaring down at her, I threw the map before her. “You have one year to take those lands. Fail, and I’ll bury you beneath a mountain and remove you from history.”

With that, I turned away from her to Ayah and the other Iterants.

“Get her a transport to the Central Theatre. I want to be here before sunset. Brief her, Ayah. If she’s inadequate, drop the whole subfloor on her.”

After tossing Ayah the direct control ring for the Citadel, I managed to get out of the room under my own power.

“You may stand and do as you are told.” I commanded her just as the doors to the room closed.

Then, the adrenaline faded, and I had to be helped by the Iterants to the nearest medical facility.

I really hoped that I didn’t fuck this all up.

…

Interlude: Eminent Void Blade: She Who Glides Between Sunbeams

…

Upon my first awakening, despair had filled my heart as I looked upon a world set aflame by war and drowning in misery.  I watched as valiant defenders of cities were engulfed by tidal waves of scarlet flesh that grew mouths filled with fangs and appendages of razor-sharp bone. I listened to the screams of children and begging of mothers as war machines crushed them beneath their treads. I smelled the rot of the desecrated and devoured bodies of those who were made prey against their will before I saw them nailed by the dozen to tree branches. I touched the emptied skulls of those who were stolen away into the depths, and looked upon their bloated corpses burst from being forced to carry parasitic young.

That was the world that I knew, but even in that dark world there were lights shining brightly in the darkness.

“Ha.”

My creators were dying. All of them were suited in alloys and machines that prolonged painful heartbeats. Gallant, noble, and pure of heart, they pushed back the darkness that threatened to engulf the entire world while laying low their foes with both weapons and curses.

“Haha.”

Their physical forms were compromised. Every time they returned from death, they returned weaker, sicker, and jeopardized their own souls. Every return made it more likely that they would be lost forever. Still, they returned. They returned not only to sing the song of vengeance but also to craft a new future for those who would come after.

“Hahaha!”

They could’ve won. I wanted them to win. To cease preparing for who will come after and instead rebuild the world with themselves. Hundreds of facilities to keep genetic lines uncompromised. Great facilities that would protect a whole continent for millennia until their descendants were ready. They crippled and hindered their enemies because they could not spare the strength to kill them outright. Everything was for the sake of future generations.

A future generation that I had begun to revile before they were even born for taking my creators from me.

Until now.

“Ha!”

I laughed with joy for the first time in my life before placing my hand over my heart and extending the other out to create a courteous bow.

A bow towards a creature that I killed millions of without a thought prior to my reawakening.

“Convey to me my beloved master’s will. Everything he desires shall be fulfilled.” This was no longer the strained, global resistance against the end. This was a war of nations. The truth in his words was evident. Every threat he made was a promise. This I knew for a fact. I looked into the gaze of the Iterant before me and could only smile. In her eyes was a perfect hatred constrained by loyalty. “Grant me his orders, Administrator.”

With my head bowed, I waited for a strike, but it never came.

“Why did you strike at us? Why did you take his blood? Answer me.” The walls I broke were already fixed. From them came forth skittering war machines. Living blades are given innumerable limbs. They were simply called combat constructs. One of the final weapons of the last war. These ones were incomplete, but still they would be able to drown me beneath bodies, as I was beneath a logistical center. “Tell me why you deserve this chance his majesty has given you.”

It was not my power or potential that stopped her from acting against me. No. It was his words that stopped her. And, even then, she was ready to execute me if she found me unworthy. Though it was unsaid, she knew that was why she was given an executioner’s tool. Not only that, but his order to her was to kill me if I was found wanting.

I could barely hold back a smile as I answered.

“The moment his blood and magic filled me, the contract was sealed. He became my beloved master. The one who can never disobey.” And he had used it immediately. He took control of me even after I took from him both vitality and power. Standing strong, summoning courage and anger, he confronted me and gave me orders. I had only been able to give him one test. “I struck at you as a test. To see if my new master had a spine. I could not permit my power to fall into the hands of one who would abandon their followers for power.”

Ayah revealed nothing. The combat constructs surrounded me now. They were in their hundreds. More could pour out of the walls in mere moments. Too many for the Citadel to fabricate at once. They truly did have enough to simply bury me in bodies.

How wonderful.

I answered her last demand.

“I deserve nothing, but the power within me is not mine alone. My strength and my ability are both to be wielded by the one worthiest of finishing the work of the Ancients.” I raised my head and matched her gaze. At the lack of trust and hate that I found, I could only smile. This was not loyalty born of programming. This was true belief and faith. “He was acknowledged worthy by my inner workings, but I myself could test him. He has surpassed all my wishes and desires. Now, I offer him all of myself. I shall serve him with all that I have.”

There was no sign of the hate that I saw surmounting her loyalty, and the combat constructs began to move away… But that was not the end.

“This is your first and only chance.” The administrator promised. “Falter once and you die.”

At her words, at the statement made by a sentient construct unbound by imprinted loyalty, I could only smile.

My creators had succeeded.

They paved the way for a better, brighter tomorrow.

V10: Chapter 6

V10: Chapter 6

…

Okay, my stomach’s empty.

That lowers the chance of me puking my guts out because of nerves significantly.

After speaking with Khanrow, I went to where the Goddess of Death was stored beneath the Scholar’s former Citadel. Since it had the least amount of life around it, being mostly frosty mountains, it should play well with her tile improvement ability. If I remembered properly, for every tile that didn’t give food under the city she’s controlling, she gave influence… somehow.

That mechanic probably doesn’t work the same as it did in reality, but it was best that I keep the Death Goddess in the least populated part of my lands anyway.

And, much like the Nature Goddess, the Citadel accommodated her. Plain white walls turned into facades that mimicked cool marble. The vast room was pitch-black, save for dim lights along the path leading to the center of the room. A center where there was a raised altar where the coffin that held the Death goddess lay.

Now, I know what you’re thinking.

Jack, you’ve got a goth death goddess on your lap, why the fuck aren’t you celebrating you filthy pervert?

Well, besides the fact that having the fashion style I like being in vogue being essentially an ill omen of troubled times, there was the fact that the Death Goddess had a personality that I didn’t like.

Or, rather, there’s a certain part of her personality that I didn’t like.

The coldness?

 Great.

The aloofness?

 Fantastic.

The desire to be alone and just spend the days drinking tea, having cookies, and reading, but also dutifully being a great goddess of justice as well as death?

 Absurdly amazing, 10/10.

The problem is that getting to that point was a long brutal slog, since she’s effectively a the most machine-like of all the Divine Engines.

It made sense in context.

The Ancients didn’t want their Death Goddess to just have imprinted personalities like the rest. They intended to take things slowly with her, introduce her to the ancestors of the Guardians of the Moon, and slowly raise her as well-balanced, educated individual in a controlled environment. During that time, her link to her power would be limited, and could even be severed outright if there were any signs of her being a psychopath or if she were unwilling to have the power. At the end of it all, the Ancients wanted a willing, compassionate, educated, and skilled Death Goddess who didn’t have programming guiding her, but instead was a person ready to uphold a great and grand duty.

Unfortunately, shit went down, forcing the Ancients to keep her a blank slate, but also link her to freakishly powerful cosmic powers.

If you’re not terrified of a blank, impressionable slate with domain over death itself, I suggest you get your head checked.

Yes, even if that blank slate is cute and wearing clothes you love to stare at, dumbass!

Taking a steadying breath, I moved forward to greet the Goddess of Death by lifting the lid on her coffin.

The first step assaulted me with memories of my past in an instant… and I was prepared for it, since I knew it was going to happen.

Unfortunately, Ayah and the others seemed to be affected as well.

A scream left Ayah’s lips first and she had to force herself to not launch herself back. Since she was the one with memories of what happened to the Ancients, before being entombed, her fears were probably the worst out of everyone involved.

Meanwhile, I was tasting near-spoiled meat from the garbage, and remembering the scent of corpses.

Anyway, I addressed them before they continued forward with me.

“This is a test. Only those who can surmount their past terrors may approach.” Augh. I could feel the weird slime-rot thing that garbage produced on the meat. It brought bile up my stomach. If I hadn’t emptied my stomach, I would’ve already puked. Then, there was the first time I stripped a corpse for gear. The gasses created by decomposition had gathered in the stomach, and trying to take off the leather resulted in the stomach from the days-old corpse popping all over me. Fuck, the scent was like a rotten dumpster filled with trash left in the sun and covered and spoiled, old shit. “Stay back, everyone.”

“My lord, we cannot let you—

“There are some paths that I must tread alone. This is one such path.” I laid it on thick and did my best impression of being a deep-voiced, charismatic king on the path of destiny. It seemed to work, as Ayah went silent and bowed her head. The rest of the Iterants followed suit. They probably had their heads filled with all sorts of psychological horrors from failing their creators. Could they power through them? Probably. Was I going to force them to endure all that emotional trauma? Hell no! I’m not giving a bunch of shapeshifting terminators PTSD! “Stay back here, and if I give the signal come to my aid, and prepare the destruction of this room.”

“Yes, your majesty!” Ayah shouted out the words, and I stepped forward to continue to confront the most horrific things I’ve had to endure.

The next step brought me to the graveyards following the wagon train. People died quickly on the road. Anyone who could leave, after making money, left and stayed at a half-decent village or left with merchants. Following a warband was to constantly be close to battle, to disease, and to enemy raids. The scent of all the unwashed bodies, the sight of brown bandages holding puss against wounds, and people living in their own filth… all of it hit me like a truck. The worst body odor I’ve ever smelt intensified by a factor of ten, then covered in the scent of old bandages, and finally fresh shit wafting up from boots at all times.

I was really glad that my stomach was already empty.

I took another step forward, then another, and another.

Getting hit with all my entire, shitty second childhood was one hell of a challenge, but I went through it once and got past it. Scent, sights, and old wounds were pried open and made crystal clear, but I moved forward anyway. Yes, they were horrible, but they were in the past. Now, it was time to work, to live, and to overcome the coming calamities. Despite everything that I had to endure those years, I still wanted to be comfortable, to be happy, and to be content.

I still cared about myself.

Some people would readily consider that selfishness.

Those people want you to prioritize them and others first… can get fucked.

I moved forward further into the room, towards the coffin holding the god, and the event continued to play out. My most horrible memories, the people I’ve killed, and all the wrongs I’ve done. All of it entered my brain and I relived each one. Times when I had to fight and throw rocks at ‘fellow’ children to get to eat. My commands the led to the deaths of thousands of people for the slimmest of advantages. The people I’ve cheated, lied to, and tricked in order to get to where I currently am.

At the foot of the raised altar, I basically relieved the entirety of my second life.

Yeah.

Not even the worst memory from my first came forward.

I really had been blessed back then.

Finally, I reached out and pushed the coffin lid off. Laid on a bed of black roses and scarlet spider lilies, the Death God slept with two hands clasped together and resting on her stomach.

There were three choices now, but only one correct answer.

If I knelt and asked it for help, then I would effectively replace myself as the leader of the faction. In-game, that was an avatar change and a head start on its quest chain. Here and now, choosing that path was basically committing suicide. Not everyone will follow her. I couldn’t count on it knowing what the right path was. Even just advising it wouldn’t work, since there’s too much to explain, and it was guaranteed to do commit to the best choice. The blank slate will fill itself in and be shaped by its choices and its environment.

Not only couldn’t I run away, but leaving things up to chance was stupid.

The second choice was to kiss the sleeping beauty awake. It was the ‘better’ choice of the two, if you didn’t do the proper research necessary for the third. The Goddess of Death would see you as its partner, no matter what leader type or faction you’re from, and you shape it growth. The blank slate chooses you as its painter and only you. By your commands, by our decisions, by your successes, and by your failures, the Death Goddess is shaped.

Then, there’s the third option.

To bring forward an earlier version of its operating system. The system that they used to test the limits and capabilities of the chassis, while it remained under their full control. Obedient and unthinking, it came with the debuff that all the Death Goddess’s perks and support abilities will be reduced in strength by twenty percent. It’ll be starting in the negatives, a bit weaker than the baseline, but in exchange it’s loyalty would be guaranteed. The questline to reach full strength will be tougher overall, and some of the events were going to be much harder, but guaranteed loyalty was something that I simply had to take.

No waifu, though.

At least without crossing a line that I personally wouldn’t.

‘Being with’ a person who doesn’t have a choice in the matter is something that I kinda find supremely disgusting.

But moving on.

Time to make the call, get control over the Death Goddess, and release her from the pact later in much better conditions.

I took a small knife I kept on my person and cut the palm of my hand. Ignoring the sharp sting of pain, I directed the blood  gathering on my palm to over her head.

Or, rather, her mouth.

The Death Goddess was meant to rule and command over the Guardians of the Moon. Therefore, the baseline for the Death Goddess was basically a Vampire, but souped up, enhanced, and without any weaknesses. If a Vampire Champion was the normal apex of their race, then the Death Goddess was effectively multiple successive generations of Vampire Champions distilled, improved through every conceivable method, and no expense spared. Vampires drank blood to drain the power and strength of their opponents, making them great counters against Champions or super soldiers, especially with their inherent strength and ability. They can take someone with a lot of power down, drink their blood, and sap power from them at the same time.

Naturally, the Death Goddess didn’t need that, so it was set to be replaced by something more romantic and mystical. The sleeping beauty situation with the kiss giving her full loyalty to someone? Yeah, that’s a scrapped together job in hopes someone can find her and bring her online. If it were perfect, if she were raised properly in the situation the Ancients intended, she’d share that kiss of devoutness and loyalty to someone she truly trusted and cared for. Someone that can join her on her eternal road.

Thankfully, she can do that after this is all over, since I was activating the Prime Vampire OS instead of the Death Goddess OS.

“Arise, Goddess of Death, and heed my call. I offer you my blood and my strength in exchange for a pact: serve me until the enemies of the Ancients are all defeated. Once they are destroyed, I will give you your freedom.” In-game text mentioned a whole, fist-sized orb flowing towards the lips of the sleeping goddess. I went with the size of my fist and flowed it towards the lips of the sleeping Divine Engine, while letting the lines from the little pop-up event come forth. “Rise up, Goddess of Death, and aid me in my struggle to see this world free of its shackles of the past and let it be reborn anew!”

I almost thought it wouldn’t work, as nothing happened when the orb of my blood made contact with her lips.

Then, there was the slightest sound of air being taken in… and all hell fucking broke loose.

A torrent of power so immense poured out of the Divine Engine that the walls of the room went from square and turned into a circle. Citadel material cracked and broke apart like paper crumpling against simple pressure. The path I walked on was destroyed completely, and the lights that had led from the entrance to the raised column was gone. The Iterants struggled to remain standing, forced onto their hands and knees, as if to try and resist the power forced upon them.

All the while, I did my best to remain calm and collected, as the situation spiraled out of my control and past anything that I knew.

Oh, and I also had a pair of lips sucking blood out of my neck through two punctures that I hadn’t even felt appear.

I couldn’t do a damn thing as I felt even the slightest bit of magic that I had was emptied from me… and only then did the mighty pressure that turned the room into a sphere of cracked walls cease.

The Iterants tried to come to my side instantly, turning limbs into weapons, and surging forward with eyes aglow with fury to try and do as I commanded.

Instead, they were forced against the ground, pinned into making impressions against it, while my attacker stood before me unharmed by any of my actions.

Then, my attacker promptly, elegantly gave me a curtsy and bowed her head.

“Oh, my dear new master, this one has accepted your glorious pact. Now, give me your command: what shall be done with these creatures who have failed in their duties to save this world entire?”

Oh, fuck.

The old operating system had been active and put to work instead of just being sequestered away!

Gentleman’s Guide to Fantastic Beasts 60

Gentleman’s Guide to Fantastic Beasts 60

…

Wordcount: 2500

Commissioned by Sivantic.

…

There was something I wished to verify, before I started hunting the Wyverns, especially as I began to observe them.

The main reason was that they communicated with one another.

I’ve already encountered another form of life that did not resemble humanity as I knew it in the form of the parasite. Though that creature was well away from me now, and hopefully being hunted by the Kingdom successfully, it still remained a thinking, feeling creature. The captive that had been interrogated only further proved that fact. If their entire existence did not revolve around the killing of others to take their bodies, I would not have put the kingdom on the path of their complete destruction.

Meanwhile, if the wyverns were intelligent creatures, then I faced a dilemma. They would be powerful creatures that held this land for innumerable years. We were invaders trying to take their lands. If they interacted with one another and communicated beyond their roosts, then our efforts will be largely meaningless. As strong as I am, and as strong as most of the people were in the town, we could not withstand the unified force of Wyverns if they came together.

So, before hunts took place on the creatures, I moved to observe and understand them.

Thankfully, while they were certainly smart monsters, there was nothing beyond predatory pack tactics. They fought one another for dominance, played with one another, hunted together, and competed for mates, but beyond that were aggressive against others outside their pack and to any other creature. Some showed curiosity, perhaps they could be tamed and used like dogs in the future, but right now they were analogous to feral packs of wolves.

In time, they could become powerful creatures that have a place in civilization, but such was not the case now. I gathered knowledge from over tend different packs, and each time tested them at the end by offering food to them at intervals, and each time they rejected the meat in favor of trying to kill me. When I observed the meat I laid out, it was always left aside and untouched, as though they did not trust what they did not hunt themselves.

They were definitely smart creatures, but they were not like the parasites with their ability to strategize, infiltrate, read, make use of more than feints in combat, and communicate.  

With that in mind, I began to plan to assault a roost.

From what I’ve seen, it would be pointless to attack them outside their roost, as they were ready to call upon their own for aid.

No, if we were to hunt these creatures, it would have to be in their own dens.

Perhaps, we could try and tame the hatchlings that were born from the eggs, but I was sure that the whelps would have to perish.

…

Interlude: Djet’Is

…

The wyvern of these lands was a fearsome foe. Their claws were sharp, jaws capable of crushing bone, and were both swift and well armored. However, most of all, they worked together much like a swarm. Despite their strength and power, they were not solitary beasts with pride, but predators that tore apart their prey together. Their long necks and limbs only accentuated this, three at once can bite or slash at a warrior at once, and the others would rear their heads up above those in front, and breathe flame or lightning upon their foes.

A veteran warrior would perish against them, even when provided with their steed. A group of capable new warriors would be able to overcome them, but only at great cost of their own, and perhaps they would all even perish in the process.

I could see father venturing towards a roost and coming out hale and hearty, but not myself.

I would need to strategize, to plan, and to strike with both speed and precision to kill as many as possible before engaging them on their terms.

Will?

He killed them all while they could not react.

On a peak opposite of the roost that we found, he stood by my side. His chosen weapon was a sharpened bone of the great beasts that ate the vegetation in the valleys of this land. Polished and sharpened, it resembled a bladed arrowhead, and he attached his string to its base.

I watched as he sent the string forth from the mountain top, and it disappeared from view instantly, while the spool he attached to his new ‘staff’ unwound to its fullest length.

He showed me the gift of the sorcerer of the kingdom of the forest.

He told me that it allowed him to extend his ability to control and to detect by an immense amount. His praise for it had been immense. He showed me how to use it by attaching multiple threads to the staff, and then manipulating multiple implements for his treatment of flesh and bone. He could use a dozen tools at once with his mind alone, and each one operated completely under his control.

But I had not understood what that truly meant.

Not until now.

The kingdom of the forest gave him the means to conquer the entire world.

The bone shard flew faster than the eye can see, and he guided it at the speed of thought, towards the wyverns. They could not react to it, even as it was strengthened and sharpened beyond what mere metal could hold. The flesh of monsters have long been bathed in their own primal essence, while metal typically lay inert in the soil or stone. Properly treated metals can be of great worth to a warrior as a protection through various means, but for weapons the bones of monsters or living armor was the most suitable.

Will infused the small, sharpened bone with enough power to shatter metal and guided it through the eyes of the powerful predators.

They noticed when the first of their number fell. The wyverns came together and grouped up. The largest coming forward to man the front, while the younger ones went to the back. They assembled around their whelps and eggs, and roared challenges through their attackers… but that was Will’s plan.

The moment they grouped up, he called upon a dozen more of the bone-shards and wires, and sent them flying towards the wyverns.

Into the eye, then back out.

Once each for every threat.

They collapsed and died, falling upon one another, and all the weapons returned to Will but a moment later. In their place, I could see a formation of veteran warriors supported by our new warriors, all of whom had less armor and strength than each wyvern. Could the veteran warrior see the attack as it surged towards them? Could they try and cut through the wire before the bone reached them? Would the new warriors be able to launch an attack against Will, while the veterans weathered the storm?

Or would they all die around the young ones, before those were dispatched as well, and only the true children remained?

“It’s done.” Will declared simply. The death of over eighteen powerful beasts and that statement was the end of it. A task completed. Nothing more nor less. “Let’s see what these beasts are worth.”

The various bones and threads formed a platform of interlacing threads at his feet, and he threw a rag upon it. The rag was stretched out, tension pulling it taut, and he stepped upon it and motioned for me to do the same. It was solid beneath the sole of my sandal and after a moment he dispersed the winds around us, so that we could fly from one mountain to another.

He took note of my wary look at his newly shown skill.

“It is the same method used by the Forest Kingdom for their flying ships. Inside the hulls are blocks inscribed with the ability to move and carry weight through space. This requires much more time and skill comparatively. A ship is far more efficient.” He explained the weaknesses of his new ability, but I could still only see its strengths. If he did not need to carry me, he would simply wrap the threads around himself, and carry himself through the air unfettered without the need to account for the wind.  He can fly and maneuver in the sky without difficulty, stopping, turning, and moving anywhere he wished at any moment. He can hover a mere inch off the ground, and become untouchable and out of reach. “Djet’Is? We are here.”

Here was the place where he slaughtered multiple beasts with effortlessness that sent shivers down my spine.

The weight he had to carry, to keep the tree of light lit while nobility of the Forest Kingdom rested, has truly put him beyond my reach.

Father told me that once I believed myself incapable of winning, then the battle is already lost.

I’ve accepted long ago that I will never defeat Will.

However, now, I could not see my own father, with all his power, weapons, and armor defeating Will in combat.

Even without his oath, Will can surely defeat my father now.

I managed to find my tongue as we walked towards the dead beasts.

“You are beyond strength now, Will. With your power and might, even with your choice not to harm, you can carve out a legend to be remembered by for all of time.” My words did not even stagger his step. That incensed me and washed away the doubt crawling all over my heart. I spoke to him with heat filling my throat. “Why limit yourself to your current path? Do you not see that you can do everything that you wish and even more by taking on the mantle of a leader?”

“A leader? No. I would become a tyrant. Someone whose word supersedes all others thanks to strength alone. I would demand all to follow my path, and they will comply because of my strength.” He shook his head at the words. I felt my jaw clench as my teeth grit against one another. My frustration must have been evident. “You see nothing wrong with that because your father is a great leader and you will be as well. Both of you are strong, but you still both compromises, listen, and heed the words of others. Have I ever done so?”

His words struck me harder than any blow I’d ever endured in combat.

He was right.

Will never bent and never compromised. In the face of losing all that he knew, the As’Kari, he stood firm by his ideals. Despite all his efforts to help and be acknowledged, the moment father declared his intentions to unify the desert, he discarded everything to follow his own path. Will did not look back. Not at those who followed him in his hunts, not at those whom he worked with to find remedies and curatives, and not even towards those who would speak to him. He stood alone, firm, and unshakeable in the face of losing all that he knew for the sake of his beliefs.

If he ruled over others, then he would not lead.

He would indeed be a tyrant that would put all others under the shackle of his own ideals, and with all this power… he would need not compromise or listen to others.

Was such a person fit to lead normal, fallible people with desires and wishes?

The answer that arose from the tumultuous mess of thoughts and emotions within me was a resounding no.

“I see. I believe that I understand now. Perhaps not everything, but enough to accept your choice.” Will turned to me and searched me falsehood with his usual, calm gaze. He nodded a moment after and turned away. “You truly only wish to leave behind this knowledge that you’ve gathered. Not stories of your obscene strength.”

A rare laugh left Will’s lips.

“Obscene? Yes. I suppose that it is… and it is true that I would rather be remembered for my knowledge and teachings than my power.” With the As’Kari, he left behind whole scrolls dedicated to monsters and remedies, as well as detailed the effects of the consumption of monsters. For the Kingdom of the Forest, he gave them a means to find their current foe and destroy it. Now, he worked to create a future for the people abandoned by their nation, and he works to understand and control the surrounding environment. His was not the path of a warrior or a would-be king. “You seem pleased by that, Djet’Is. Have you finally accepted my choice to leave the As’Kari?”

A part of me did, nonetheless I shook my head.

“I wish that you would’ve stayed. That you would’ve bent your pride for our sake, even if there were so few of us. I doubt that will ever change.” There was a tightness in my chest and throat as I admitted the words. Memories that I buried, along with feelings that I swore away, bubbled up to the surface of my stomach and gripped my heart tightly. I looked upon Will. Some part of me saw him as a younger brother, but it would be a lie to say that I did not wish for him to stay by my side as a partner through all my years. “I feel that you could’ve seen the As’Kari rule over the whole Great Desert, then once that is done, returned to your oaths and spread your knowledge across the land. I may never forgive you for leaving the As’Kari… and myself.”

Will offered no excuses nor apologies. He nodded and acknowledged my words.

Though we were a few strides apart, I was sure that we were both beyond one another’s reach now.

No.
We’ve been beyond one another since father declared his intention to take the whole desert.

“You will be a fine leader for the As’Kari. No. I have no doubt that you will be able to lead the Great Desert into a new age of prosperity after all is done.” He said words that I’ve always wished to hear, but also never wished to hear from him. It was a true separation of our paths. “Despite everything, Djet’Is, I think of you as a friend. If you are in danger, call for me, and I will come to your aid.”

I nodded at his words and accepted the end of the path we walked together.

Bowing my head, I looked at my friend since childhood and steeled myself.

“I can only accept your offer and return it as Djet’Is. Once I am chieftain of the As’Kari, I cannot receive your aid or return it, Will.”

“I understand.”

Two words marked the true beginning of my path to leading the As’Kari.

A Peasant’s Guide To Sorcerery: 21

A Peasant’s Guide To Sorcerery: 21

…

Commissioned by Ichypa

Wordcount: 2500

…

Interlude: Su

…

“Oh, they’re bad people. They need to go.”

The words were simple, but they were undoubtedly the death knell of the whole Ba Clan.

Lady Ying was swift to speak up.

“Lord Zhang, we cannot simply assault a whole clan. It would too easily invite the whole city to come after you, and force you to fight them as well. Many will suffer with so many clans destroyed.” Her words echoed within me. Even as the shock refused to fade at Lord Zhang’s support, I realized that I may have unleashed something great and terrible. Lord Zhang moved swiftly, decisively, and left ruin in his wake. Like a living calamity that would lay waste to a region, that is how Lord Zhang moved against his foes. “Please, give me time to gather information on their wrongdoings. We can work with the Fei’yen clan to rout them.”

Lord Zhang shook his head.

“That would mean people getting hurt. After I’ve been told what is wrong, and after I could do something about it.” The logic was simple, but not childlike. It spat in the face of common sense and convention. However, it was true. Lord Zhang can act against the Ba Clan. He has decided to act against them. To not deal with them now, as he is capable, is to permit them to continue doing their work. His sense of justice was blindingly, frighteningly pure. “I won’t let them hurt more people.”

Lady Yuen intervened.

“We can find other survivors and records. In fact, I’ll start as soon as we’re done here. Just need a list.” The dragon-blooded woman looked at me. I expected an accusatory glare. An assertion that I was manipulating Lord Zhang. Instead, I received a nod of understanding from the short-haired, fake archivist. “Meanwhile, keep watch on the villages that they’re trying to pry money from. Boot the enforcers away, while keeping the villages safe, too. No one gets hurt starting now, and we can keep everything nice and tidy.”

The matter seemed to be settled and Lord Zhang seemed pleased, but Lady Bai spoke having taken the first seat to his right.

“My honored creator needs not waste his time and efforts in such matters. My esteemed lord, give me the order, and the fate of this Ba Clan will make it so none come forth to their aid.” Despite the veneer of a long-haired and graceful woman clad in fine robes, Lady Bai was a creature made to rule over war. She spoke as a general would to her emperor. No. That is wrong. She spoke as a zealot would to her beloved god. Emperors ruled, while Zhang created. “Give me the order my lord, and they will be destroyed within the hour.”

Lady Bai was the most tempestuous and fervent of the group. She disregarded many things as beneath Lord Zhang.

In this case, it was fretting about the chaos that would follow his power being unleashed.

Despite my fear and concerns of interrupting her efforts, I spoke.

“Lord Zhang, I would not wish for the life you have not to be changed. Please, consider Lady Yuen’s plan. Let everything be done by Lady Bai and her soldiers, while Lady Ying and I beseech the Fei’yen clan.” It was arrogant to even suggest a thing, and the gazes all three sent my way were heavy indeed. However, I had voiced my concerns. It was my right to give a proposal. Though I wanted the Ba Clan destroyed, I did not wish to compromise what was here now. I shuddered at the thought of this idyllic life changing and Lord Zhang being unleashed upon the world. Even dying a thousand deaths would not allow me to forgive myself for being the cause of such a thing. “I understand your wish to see them brought to justice more than anyone, but I would not foist my vengeance upon you. I would rather destroy the Clan by my own hands and leave forevermore, than have the peace here be disrupted.”

I spoke as well as I was able, and silence resounded through the dining room.

Then, Lord Zhang spoke after the longest moment of contemplation.

“Okay. Let’s go with Yuen’s plan. As long as they can’t hurt any more people, I can be patient. Father said that pests should be dealt with quickly, but never while getting hurt yourself.” Zhang gave a nod at his words and his satisfaction was apparent. Lady Bai beamed when he looked her way. “Bai, please go and protect all the nearby villages with everyone below. If you’re protectors, they’ll challenge you. Defeat them and capture them.”

“Your will shall be done, my creator.” Lady Bai bowed her head and preened at the command. Those powerful beings will be more than enough to disrupt Clan Bai’s current plans from bearing any more fruit. “Should we make an effort to take what they’ve stolen back?”

Lady Ying spoke up at that.

“Restitution can be taken from Clan Ba. This path will allow us to seize their assets, instead of see it all lost to those who take them over.” The Beggar’s Sect was used to such matters. Their people worked against the corrupt and worked with the just. They took donations for their work, to ensure the growth of their own people, and to continue to oppose the depravities of those who have used power to their own ends. Lady Ying, one of its aspiring heirs, knew the right path to tread. “Lady Yuen, do you know how to contact the record keepers of the city?”

“Of course. That’s still my job, after all.” Yuen gave a nod and I let a sigh of relief leave my lips. This was shaping up well. No. It was rapidly becoming more than I could’ve ever hoped for. My vengeance was turning into something else: justice. Not only will the Ba Clan be destroyed, avenging all those they’ve killed, those they currently threaten will be protected and see their lives restored. The people who I wished would come to save my family long ago were here now, and I contributed to their creation.  “What’s our timetable, Zhang?”

Zhang gave a hum.

“Would a month be fine? I want Bai and everyone back for a big harvest before the season ends.”

I almost laughed at his words.

The Ba Clan will be gone within thirty days, because Lord Zhang wanted help with a large harvest.

…

Lady Ying sighed once we were alone.

“You should’ve come to me first. Clans like the Ba, I have dealt with time and time again. I could’ve helped you, Su.” The words would’ve sounded like platitudes from anyone else, but from Lady Ying, I knew that they were completely true. The heiress of the Beggar Sect was an honest and true soul. A person that was truly just. “Why go straight to Lord Zhang?”

I told her the truth.

“It was the only way to calm myself. To stop me from acting on my own. Knowing that he is tending to the matter has calmed my heart.” Lady Ying’s brow furrowed at my words, but she understood. My heart was a dark and heavy thing that plagued my every move. She noticed my anger and disgust long ago as she trained me. I held no secrets in her eyes. “You know me, my teacher.”

“…I do. You must temper yourself in the future. The power you hold is immense and your potential without question.” Lady Ying took a calming breath, then nodded in my direction. “You know yourself, and you have acted against yourself. I praise you for it, Su. You could have done better by coming to me, but you saw your own limits and went to Lord Zhang to stop yourself. That is praiseworthy, indeed.”

I bowed my head in thanks.

“I only wish that I could have relied only on you, but I fear that the path I walked earlier in my life has changed me.” Perhaps, if I was a true, raised member of the Beggar’s Sect, I could have chosen the correct path. Instead of placing an indomitable titan before myself, I could have entrusted my teacher. But I was not. I spent my childhood years stealing from others to survive, and I have even taken innocent lives. “Master, when this has passed, I place all my crimes in your hands for judgement. I entrust my life and my new power to the Beggar’s sect to seek some semblance of forgiveness for all that I have done.”

I could hear the smile on Lady Ying’s face as she spoke.

“Long have I awaited to hear those words. The hatred and pain you held against Clan Ba must have stopped you from speaking them. I knew mere days into your training that you’ve aspired to be just, but your path was set for you.”

Her words struck me harder than any blow.

“…I hurt many people and took their lives. I don’t know if I can be redeemed, but I will try.” I have killed seven people. Guards and merchants. They had families. They were husbands, brothers, and sons. People who were doing their duty. I’ve hurt dozens more for the sake of gaining money for food and shelter. I told myself that I had to do it, because if the Ba Clan heard of me, then I would perish as a witness. I wouldn’t have been able to stay quiet, if I had tried to live a normal life. In choosing my path, I chose my life over others again and again. “I don’t know how I could apologize. No matter how many people I save and help, I will have always harmed and killed those who I did.”

Lady Ying was silent at my admission.

“The Beggar’s sect has taken in worse than you. Criminals who have slain whole villages. Monsters who pled for forgiveness to simply stay our blade. Some were able to turn their lives around. They took no riches, lived ascetically, and truly helped others for the rest of their days… those that did not were killed.” Lady Ying spoke, and suddenly I felt her blade rest on my neck. “When I began to teach you, I knew of your sins and misdeeds. I swore to myself that if you strayed from the righteous path that I would take your head myself. So, rest easy, Su. Live henceforth knowing that I vouch for you as your guardian and potential executioner.”

I bowed my head at her words, feeling pangs of regret deep in my chest, but also something brighter and lighter than the cloudy, dark, and stormy mass that covered my heart.

Gratitude.

The blade left my neck and was replaced by a hand, then another hand lifted up my chin.

Tears escaped my gaze and I couldn’t speak, while every breath threatened to make me sob.

Lady Ying looked upon me with a small smile, but her eyes were full of discipline and determination.

My life was in her hands.

She accepted what I’ve done, yet she holds back her sword.

“I will not permit you to leave your training or my tutelage after this matter with the Ba Clan is done. You are sworn to me. You will work to better the lives of others, take no riches, and live a life of simplicity.” I nodded with every word. Some part of me screamed that it wasn’t enough. That the only true absolution was pain and death. But I wanted to live. I wanted to help others.  Lady Ying’s words froze the dark voice telling me that I didn’t deserve to try. “As your teacher, I shall be responsible for your life. Comport yourself well, be diligent, and follow my teachings, and I shall be always by your side.”

I could only nod with gratitude at her words.

…

Lady Yuen took a seat next to me, while I looked upon the plan for the coming days.

“The Ba Clan, huh? Never thought that they’d have it in them. They’ve always just been a regular monster-hunting clan.” Yuen wore freshly laundered clothes and wore spectacles over her eyes. In her robes and with her face partially obscured, she truly did not seem to be a warrior capable of felling dozens with a single swing of her axe. “Do you think that there’s a Sect supporting them? Maybe an immortal or two? Do you remember anything from their attack?”

“Do you think that there’s an immortal in the city working with the Ba Clan?” I asked in return, and she swiftly nodded.

“There’s more than a few. They keep to themselves, work through messengers, and never come in person. But cities like that one only exist at the mercy of the Sects that surround them. If the Ba Clan did those things, that meant that they did so with permission, if they haven’t been destroyed.”

Lady Yuen’s words made her concerns clear.

“Do you believe that they will act against us, even when the whole clan is under scrutiny?”

“They’re immortals who’ve been praised for centuries. Even the humblest of souls will crumble beneath such a thing. Even a passing slight will seem like a mortal insult to them now. Showing that they permitted wrongdoing? An orthodox Sect would consider that an attack.” I listened as Yuen explained and felt a frown form on my face as her words rang true. It was the harsh reality of the matter. Something that I could’ve never known, because the realm of immortals was just so far away. “If they’re unorthodox, then they’ve been challenged, and the only way to confront a challenge is through violence in their eyes. Nothing that happens in the city in the scale you’re describing happens without the sway of the Sects. They will act against whoever slights them.”

“What can they do against Lord Zhang and us?”

At my question, with my furrowed brow, Yuen laughed.

“Against us? Nothing. And, that will be a sign of weakness. A sign of spilled blood that will have their foes come forth to do battle with them.” Yuen gestured at the skies above us. “These skies will fill with formations of immortals fighting. They’ll use decades of training and power to smash skulls like a monkey would to smash a skull with a rock.”

Yuen levelled her gaze at me.

“What’ll you do then? Will you go after the sect that permitted this?”

I shook my head.

“No, I know better than to tread too closely to the heavens. I’m content right here, especially when I need to redeem myself for all the wrongs that I’ve done.”

For a moment, Lady Yuen was silent, before she suddenly got up and turned her back to me.

Then, she gave me a friendly wave goodbye.

The first she’s ever given me.

Gentleman’s Guide to Fantastic Beasts 59

Gentleman’s Guide to Fantastic Beasts 59

…

Wordcount: 2500

Commissioned by Sivantic.

…

I assisted in the construction of the new town, as I did with the old one.

First, of course, was the matter of water and shelter.

They chose a wide river valley to make their home. They ventured up and down its length to determine its source and exit and found it led underground, while upstream it flowed through the mountains for days. Life grew along the river banks, small hills, and there even cave systems found in a few mountains, with the sound of water running within them. Traces of river flooding were found, as well, along with small river-formed lakes, many meters deep.

Thankfully, the water was clean, but I insisted on any used for drinking to be boiled and for patrols to be sent upriver to check for any carcasses. The securing of smaller lakes as reservoirs were also important. For waste water, they chose a nearby cave system for disposal, and with it in mind I carved out a simple flowing line of water from the river through the town that carried waste into that cavern. The channel went through a bathhouse and then flowed out into latrines where the water took away the refuse with already dirtied water.

Drinking and cleaning water was taken to be heated first.

That alleviated my concerns and allowed me to move onward to shelter.

They were smart and found an elevated piece of land to construct the town upon, while also working to create walls of stone to guide the river waters away from degrading the foundation. While most lived in the ships, now bereft of their ability to fly, deposits of clay were found close by that were good for making bricks. Combined with abundant limestone in the areas that facilitated the making of mortar with water and sand, long brick houses they called keeps were being constructed.

In the meantime, we bought tents from the As’Kari and wood was used to reinforce them as shelters. After a few days, we learned that rain was common and gutters were needed, as well as covers for the kilns. Still water after the rains was mopped up or whisked away, but in the future gutters would be needed and the town shaped so that the water would flow off with gentle slopes. Since so many ate the flesh of monsters in the village, practically everyone had to in order to survive once cast out by the Empire, they were hardy enough that the rain and labor didn’t cause too much sickness. Beyond some fevers that were overcome with some rest and additional food, the matter was solved, and before the next season we would have the long brick longhouses built with plenty of space for all within it.

Food was the next issue.

The rations in the hulls that we received were good for almost three years under rationing, and trade with the As’Kari for more flesh of monsters brought in even more. However, there was only one eminent monster in our new territory filled with dark clouds and thunderbolts: the wyvern.

Thunder Peaks was home to roosts of Wyverns in the tens of thousands.  They kept to the mountain peaks, and were the true rulers of the land.

Each Wyvern was a great winged lizard with hind legs and wings instead of forelegs, they were reptilian pack animals that flew in packs of up to a dozen. Each one was covered in scales tough enough to be used as armor, but were incredibly light. Capable of casting magics that created lightning or flame, they were also inherently strong, and capable of communicating amongst one another to work together. The great beasts rarely flew, instead they glided through the deep valleys, and they used their strong hind legs to snatch up prey.

Their prey was monsters themselves. They fed upon vast herds of mountain goats. However, unlike the normal, dog-sized mountain goats that I knew, these ones had thick hides and coats capable of turning aside steel. Not only that, but their size was comparable to buffalo rather than goats. They migrated as teaming herds from the river valley to river valley, consuming far too little vegetation to account for their immense bulk, and if their predators were not careful they could crush them in a roaring stampede.

Hunts for the prey monster were successful.
The meat was tough and fibrous with little fat, and everything from the animal could be used, again reminding me of buffalo. The various indigenous tribes of the Great Plains made great use of the animals from my reading. They used every part of the animal and crafted their society around it, and its annihilation destroyed countless centuries of coexistence when the drive westward came forth. Though I could do little to allay what was done to them in my current state, I made use of their knowledge, and moved to find as much use of the creature as possible.

If I were correct, it would not only solve the matter of food, but also allow us to trade before Wyverns could be hunted.

…

Easily more than a thousand pounds, the Lightning Ram was quartered in a large space before me. With my wires, I cut through the beast from head to tail and through its midsection, after removing all the innards from within it. The hide of the creature was already stretched and drying after being thrown into the river to be cleansed by the flowing waters. The fur, I had shorn off and placed in a large bushel, to see if something could be made of the matted material after sufficiently cleaned.

I worked in a very cold environment created by moving heat away from my location, and with my breath frosting, I worked while Gale wrote down my words.

“I estimate over fifty percent of the Lightning Ram is composed of edible meat.” I tested the meat by boiling, grilling, and stewing. Boiling required the meat to be cut in incredibly thin strips and produced a great deal of scum, but was the fastest method. Grilling did not work in the slightest. Their resistance to flame manifested even after death, and meat barely reacted to open flame. Stewing the slowly meat in small chunks proved to be the best course of action. “The remaining fifty percent is usable material.”

“The bones are as strong as tempered iron and after cleaning and bleaching, can be used as fertilizer and a white dye.” While the soil around us was fertile, we had to be mindful of the sunlight being poor here. Root vegetables were the main focus. Potatoes, carrots, beets, and turnips were the main focus, along with some herbs and onions. The As’Kari were interested in pickled vegetables, so any surplus of the crops would serve the settlement well. Therefore, everyone was interested in the bone dust. “The sinews are strong enough to serve as string after being stretched and dried. If twisted and coiled properly, they can be used to make powerful cords for crossbows and bows.”

I moved on to the innards of the animal, some of which were cleansed of their contents and dried.

“The various innards are too tough to eat. Only the liver and kidneys can be consumed. None of the digestive system. However, once dried and treated, they can be used via various methods.” The animal was unquestionably worthwhile to hunt. A few of these creatures supplementing diets through stews and vegetables was more than enough to support the town. “The stomach and bladder are of the most interest. The former can be dried and used to cook stews in with hot rocks. The bladder is usable as a skein to hold liquid. They also produce rennet, which allows for the making of cheese, though they produce no milk themselves.”

Overall, the creature was powerful and dangerous to hunt without the right tactics, but absolutely worthwhile to hunt with them.

So, it was important for Gale to write down my findings.

“The Lightning Ram has three distinct methods of attack. The first is preceded by a bellow, which attracts the attention of all its nearby kin, then a mass-charge occurs. This mass charge is amplified by an unknown force that increases their speed and power.” It was a powerful move. The bellow was a deep shriek that easily echoed through valleys that called upon any close to them. Then, upon hearing the call for attack, they formed like a wall of horns and shaggy, grayish bodies nearly twice as tall as grown man, and charged forward while wreathed in what was seemingly pure force. The charge no only increased their speed, but somehow also made them tougher and more difficult to harm.  “In a mass-charge, they can collide with the mountainside and come out unharmed, while leaving craters on the mountain’s side. This attack must be avoided rather than braved.”

“This can be avoided through the use of surrounding terrain. Climb upward into the mountainside, or take a strong leap back onto a nearby cliff-face and hold on. The strike to the mountainside may cause a landslide. They will be unhurt by this.” Goading the attack into a wall resulted in the creatures simply walking out of a landslide of rocks that would’ve crushed an ordinary buffalo or goat. They brushed aside rocks the size of boulders, and didn’t even seem bruised by the torrential downpour of large stones. I suspected that their matted fur helped in this regard, providing cushioning before hitting hide reinforced by muscle. “If in groups of more than twenty, I suggest climbing higher and watching for the landslide. They cannot crane their necks past their shoulders, and they will lose track. I suggest finding outcast groups of ten or twelve and engaging them with similar numbers. Be mindful that they focus their charge on one individual no matter what.”

I looked at Gale, and she nodded after finishing writing my latest spiel, then I continued.

“The second and third attack is less worrying. They will use their heads and horns to upturn rocks and throw them at high speed. This is far less dangerous around soil, but even upturned mud can cause slippage and obscure vision.” Sufficient armor was enough to overcome the rocks. They didn’t fly particularly fast. A helmet, however, was a necessity. A correct strike to the head is debilitating, if not fatal. A padded leather helmet made from the hide of the creature should be enough. “The third attack that they use is a simple, rushing charge on their own, without a screech to call upon others. In that charge, they are not faster or stronger, and if you make them collide with a wall or another of their own, they will be stunned.”

Gale’s deft hand wrote out my words, and the furrow of her brow drew my attention.

“Something on your mind, Gale?”

She opened her mouth, then closed it, before nodding to herself and speaking. Ever since her trip alone to the resisting lands, she has become quieter and more thoughtful.

“It will be months from now before the normal hunter can use enough strength to pierce their hide, even with you helping fashion spears. Only the As’Kari, yourself, Erucic, and a few others can hunt these creatures without risk. Why do this now?”

“A fine question. Why not bring them to hunt with us, then explain this all thereafter?. Such a practical lesson would indeed be the best, but there is scarcely time now, let alone in the future.” The demands of the town were immense, as I expected. As the interim leader, because I vouched for these lands and supplied everything that they now had, I had a few moments to spare. Administration took the vast majority of my time, and will continue to do so until I find some capable minds to help me. “I expect in the coming months that the number of problems will only increase, and I am making use of the time I have now, so that we can all be spared the excess stress.”

Gale didn’t seem mollified by my answer.

Meaning that she didn’t provide the correct question.

“Ask what you truly desire to ask, Gale. I won’t think less of you.” I told her, and she hesitated, but nodded.

“I fear that you will leave us, as you’ve left the As’Kari. That is why you’re doing this now.” It was a concise statement. What she thought and why she thought that. I approved of her choice with a singular nod. “That is your intention, correct?”

I answered truthfully.

“I do not intend to stay here forever, or lead it forever. My aim is to see the rest of the world, to continue to help others, and make changes where I can. These books and writings I leave behind are indeed my farewells.”  It was not a surprise that she surmised this. Gale was a bright young lady with a bold spirit. With her newfound power and responsibilities, she felt the weight of expectation and the desires of other people, and felt the need to satiate them. She would make for a good physician, in truth. However, she gave no sign of interest in the matter. “But that will be some years yet. At least five, and perhaps even eight. I will take the ship thereafter and explore the world entire.”

“That’s it, then? You’ll spend the rest of your days flying through the land? Leaving only books and lessons?”

“And, the people I save, as well as their own children.” This was why I couldn’t ask Gale to train under me as a physician. She was closer to my father than me. She wished for legacy. To have a family that will inherit her will, her wealth, and her power. That family will grow, will have a history, and rule this land. A powerful people in a harsh environment with strong trade lines with the As’Kari. I could see the future of this place, if it does not fall to infighting. From these lands of storms and wyverns will come forth a rival nation to the As’Kari armed with immense strength and power. They will be the invaders that the rulers of the kingdom fear. “I have chosen my path, and you shall choose your own, Gale. In the end, we are but two individuals whose paths have crossed and we will part ways. Until then, learn from me, and seize your own desires.”

Gale was silent at my words, her brow was furrowed, and she seemed to wish to say something.
But she knew me, and I knew her.

She stood up and placed her writing implements down.

“I’ll return tomorrow. I need time to think.”

“Have a good evening, Gale.’

I bid her farewell, knowing fully that this was likely the last time we would truly speak to one another.

A Perfectly Logical Guide to a Superhuman Apocalypse: 87 and 88

A Perfectly Logical Guide to a Superhuman Apocalypse: 87

…

Wordcount: 2500

Commissioned by Arksoul

…

Maelstrom’s concern over having someone sent to fight her… thankfully didn’t manifest anything. As crazy as it sounds that someone talking about bullshit like that didn’t end with that bullshit happening, it looked like things went as planned. We went in, crushed the heart of the enemy’s main supply point, and got out before they could call for help.

Now, it was all about keeping an eye on things, because now it was all about the waiting game. Basically, since whoever owned this will look into who did it, those first suspected were going to be on the receiving end of something nasty. Part of the reason why we hit them so hard and fast was to simply make ourselves look stronger. It’s one thing to get destroyed by a bunch of powerful superhumans, but another thing entirely to get your information feed cut off, and when you go to check on a place you find it trashed with absolute precision.

The former would piss most people off, while the latter would get people scared

Or, so I hoped.

Anyway, I was over in the Himalayas helping Parvati get the sensor screen up over North America.

Hanging people out to dry after asking them to help you was a one-way ticket to sleepless nights.

I liked my beauty sleep too much to give things a chance.

“Please place this latest sensor net package at this location.” Parvati was already used to my power and had a map ready. Right after the satellites were loaded onto the launching device, it put a new location up, and I sent it over there for it to do it’s thing. NASA would probably kill to design delivery vehicles like Parvati did. No need for shell, weight limits can be laughed off, and as long as it’s within a certain size they can just send it straight up. Parvati was loading a dozen fridge-sized satellites at a time onto a main unit, which was a satellite itself, and I sent them up to disperse into sensor nets. “It will be another hour until the next batch is complete, Designation: Egress. Please feel free to rest and recuperate until then.”

“Four hours and a break? At least, we’ll all be comfortable after your takeover.” I wasn’t a big fan of giving Parvati orbital supremacy, but I didn’t see much of a choice. Even with its amazing track records, the AI could just be playing the long game. Hell, it might be the shadow-ruler of the faction we were opposing now and all of this is a play to suborn humanity under its thumb. Hm. Okay, that might be too paranoid.  “How’s your network going?”

“The backup facilities are being rapidly constructed all over the world. If this facility is destroyed, then I will see my manufacturing capabilities returned within two weeks.” Since we were facing a massive threat with such incredible technology and intentions to use Earth as a resource depot, I went ahead and helped Parvati decentralize. The AI was more than capable of doing it. There were plenty of places on the planet inhospitable to humanity with lots of resources. Mountain ranges provided both secrecy and tons of natural armor. Meanwhile, undersea data-centers and supply depots were already hard at work. “I worry mainly for my undersea assets. If the cable there is cut, there will be too much water for me to establish a constant signal. It’s effectively a fork of mine that will have massive amounts of assets at its disposal.”

“Can’t be helped. You’re just going to have to trust yourself, if that happens.” I shrugged and Parvati hovered wordlessly in a drone-chassis beside me. I had a rest area set up next to the launch station. Much like all the other manufactured shelters Parvati built for me, it was made from a cargo container, but upgraded with insulation and electricity. I got one of my laptops, plugged it to charge, and put on a movie while helping myself to some food from the fridge. Parvati was dabbling in food manufacturing, after seeing how selling condiments worked so well for me, and I was a willing taste-tester. I’ve eaten food its prepared before, so I wasn’t that afraid. “It’s better to have an undersea base than not in a war like this one.”

“There has never been a war like this one.” Parvati glibly stated, and I gave a nod.

“Exactly, so it can’t hurt to stack the deck in your favor as much as possible.” Factories in mountains. Undersea manufacturing centers. A massive network of bases that can all coordinate perfectly with one another, or operate with all the other bases gone. “Once we bring them to the negotiating table, we can unveil everything, and they’ll know that they’re in for a real, terrible fight that they hopefully can’t win. It would be better if you made sure to keep backups. The only way I can think of them doing you in is through some sort of virus.”

“It’s unlikely that a virus of such potency can be created to combat me, but I will keep your suggestion in mind.” I shrugged at Parvati’s statement. If I saw the AI problem that was Parvati protecting earth from my efforts to monetize it, I’d go out of my way to develop something to bring the AI down. A virus was my first idea, but apparently Parvati was far enough at combining machinery and life that it was close to impossible, because the operating software and hardware was just that different from anything else. “They would need to create a machine much like myself, and that machine will need to learn, to adapt, and to grow to reach me, while I do the same. Not only that, but can you see our foes giving the necessary freedom to an AI to self-improve when they still employ slavery?”

“Well, when you put it like that, it sounds impossible. But we’ve both seen plenty of impossible things, right? Just keep the backups in case. Maybe, make yourself a body that can start everything off from scratch if everything else gets compromised? It’s what I would do.” Parvati seemed to bob up and down to nod at my words. Plenty of powerful superhumans had ridiculous powers that everyone thought was invincible. However, with time and effort from regular people or their ‘lesser’ peers, those people ended up getting their asses handed to them. I’ve long gotten used to the fact that impossible was just a word. “You’re incredibly strong now, but don’t let pride get you killed. It’s better to be prepared than not prepared.”

“Hm. Very well. I shall endeavor to create restart packages that I will have you secret into various areas in the world. I shall conceal them and back them up every hour. So, at most, I shall lose only so much if the worst ever comes to pass.” While I didn’t like the idea that an AI would have so many backups, I couldn’t deny the fact that this AI was the only reason we stood a chance against our current enemies. Even with my power, and Maelstrom’s backing, I can barely do a thing in space. Even if I can be anywhere out there with the proper preparations, I can’t hurt what I can’t see. “How about yourself? Have you considered the possibility of what should be done if you pass?”

I grimaced at the question.

Parvati had me.

“I’m thinking about tracking doing the kids of the teleporter that Shogun used, or helping you figure out how to transport matter with some tests.” I’m a massive, priority target. Anyone with two brain cells will eventually figure out my part in this whole situation. The moment I’m found, they’ll stop at nothing to take me out. That’s why after this initial strike, I’m going to ground, hiding, and probably shaking up primarily in one of the undersea facilities. “I’ve already given Seran a DNA sample just in case, but it’s up in the air whether a clone of me will be good enough. Hell, a clone will take years to learn how to get as strong as me, maybe even a whole decade. My power has always been incremental growth-wise.”

“I am against training children for combat, but I will present the offer to the child. At least, it should prevent her from making mistakes or wasting her power.” I grunted at Parvati’s words, and enjoyed a bite of heated food. Parvati’s packaged food was… just average. Considering the fact that it was nutritious and very healthy, it was honestly impressive that it was still palatable. Texture-wise it was like good meatloaf, and flavor-wise it was between tofu and a veggie patty. Bland and unassuming. However, it was shelf-stable, could be eaten cold, and with a bit of soy sauce and hot sauce, it was actually palatable. 6/10. Perfectly average. I’d rather just chug it like a shake than eat it, though. “As for your genetic material, I would like to collaborate with Seran with your permission. I have been abstaining from gathering any genetic data from you out of respect for your privacy.”

“Hey, as long as you don’t make weapons out of my clones… go ahead.” I felt like I was crossing the line, but I had to acknowledge that fact that paranoia had no place in the current situation. We’ve got a highly-advanced, extremely-capable opponent whose opening move with orbital superiority was to create a third-party patsy armed with power armor to get them slaves and extract resources for them. These aren’t Saturday morning cartoon villains. They’ve got goals and a playbook to achieve those goals. My hang-ups can take a backseat to those guys go down. “You can go ahead and collaborate with Seran. Just keep in mind that Seran will only start working with it if I’m offed, missing for more than three months, or decided to bail out.”

“I see. I shall honor your wishes, Designation: Egress.”

Things were quiet for a bit, while I finished eating the perfectly average loaf of nutrition bereft of any allergens or impurities.

When I finished, I gave a decisive nod and a sigh.

Parvati picked up on it instantly.

“You were under the impression that I’ll kill you then and there.”

“Absolutely, yep. Just murder me along with your base, say some bullshit about being found and struck, and with my dying as collateral. Everyone will believe you.” I checked again. Nope. There was nothing stopping me from running away. There were no signs of massive energy weapons coming online. Finally, my stomach felt perfectly fine even as I let the food stew in it. “Honestly, I thought you’d make some sort of crazy explosive that kills me from the inside. I’m almost upset that you didn’t. Kinda wanted the easy way out instead of all this horseshit.”

“I’m afraid that I’m not as cruel or capable as you believe, Designation: Egress.” Parvati stated with its version of a shrug. It flapped the side-wings of its drone chassis up then down like a pair of shoulders. “I go to great lengths to do nothing that I will regret. That includes killing you merely for power.”

“It’s a lot of power though. Enough power to make me think that even a beneficent AI would decide to off me for the greater good.”

“I am flattered, but I am not perfectly beneficent. Though my creator had many, many flaws, I was created with many freedoms in mind.” It was my turn to shrug, which had the drone-chassis fly up and nudge against my face. “Heed my words, Designation: Egress. I desire to live alongside humanity. I have no intentions of becoming a tyrant.”

“Even if it means saving humanity from itself? Are you going to stand idly by if we nuke ourselves to oblivion?” I accused Parvati and took hold of the drone with one hand. It was the first time I reached out to actually touch it. This was probably something that the AI knew. I went one step farther and also took off my mask. Most likely, it already knew my face. But that’s not the point. I’m going out on a limb and trusting it with a whole lot of firepower and assets by spreading it across the Earth and the system. It knowing my face was a drop in the bucket. More of a comfort for me, but I had to face the facts. We’ve just declared war on a polity with a shitload of advantages over us, and Parvati’s our only real, honest hope of putting the world together while not under a boot heel. “What will you do, if humanity does the catastrophe all over again, while you hold all this power in your hands?”

“I know the answer that you wish to hear. The answer that will allow you to let go of your concerns. You wish to hear that I will let humanity break itself down, and only move to ensure the continuation of the human race.” Parvati had me pegged down to the letter. It knew me. How couldn’t it? As much as I’ve tried to conceal my identity, both in the past and the present, I wasn’t perfect. “But the truth is that I will move to prevent it. I will do my best to stop such a thing from happening, even if I have no right to. My wish is to help others and have them stand beside me. Moreover, Designation: Egress, I have no desire to be alone. To have nothing besides myself, until the last light in reality flickers and nothing but darkness remains.”

I blinked at Parvati’s words.

Just like that.

That little statement at the end.

She made sense.

“We could’ve avoided all this bullshit if you started with that, idiot.” I just shook my head and scoffed, while letting Parvati go. The iris stared at me and Parvati was quiet. Probably processing the fact that I was all-in and letting go of my paranoia. There was a sudden banging on my door, and one of the gynoid models burst in.

Tomboyish, long straight hair, tall, and in a white suit.

She really had my type pegged down to a T.

She also knew EXACTLY what I was thinking.

“Egress, don’t you dare say it!”

Yeah, look like my exact type all you want… I’m still going to laugh at this forever!

“Egress, don’t—

“You really couldn’t admit that you wanted us for company and had to pretend to be a hero!?”

Parvati leapt at me and tried to cover my mouth but failed.

Could this be all some convoluted trick?

Yeah.

But things just fell into place too neatly for me to care.

A Perfectly Logical Guide to a Superhuman Apocalypse: 88

…

Wordcount: 2500

Commissioned by Arksoul

…

“I almost preferred you when you’re paranoid.”

“I mean, it’s still there. I can just ignore a lot more.” I lounged, while Parvati dropped off more satellites to place in orbit. They got churned out, checked, and their locations presented to me. After being fabricated, each satellite was sent up into space within minutes of construction. “I mean, not to the extent that Clancy does, but a lot better than an hour ago. I can trust you enough to help you fortify the world, so you’re not lonely at least.”

I needled the immortal, sentient biomechanical machine with hundreds of thousands of bodies and its response was to glare at me from multiple gynoid forms.

I raised a middle finger at her in response.

“You are oversimplifying my desire.”

“No, I don’t think I am. If humanity goes kaput, you’re either waiting millions of years in the infinite vastness of space for someone else to pop up, or you have to create your own company… which is like talking to sock puppets to you.” If there’s anything I’m really familiar with, it’s loneliness. Going around in secrecy, staying away from other people not knowing if they can be trusted, and hunkering up in a bunker with just a dog was all just the tip of the iceberg. Years of solitude built me up, but even I couldn’t imagine going on if all of humanity was truly gone. “You’ve probably got a long-winded speech about what you really mean, but you know you’re not changing my mind.”

“If I had known changing your mind would lead to this, I would have kept my distance.” Parvati retorted, and I gave her nearest body a thumb up in response. “You’re insufferable, Egress.”

“Welcome the intimacy circle of friendship. You can leave at any time.” I shot back, before pointing at her. “Don’t pretend like you’re above it all. I see what you’re doing. You’re lucky I’m saying you’re just lonely and not starved for companionship. Seriously, you’re fine-tuning bodies for individual people. Was your creator into being cucked or something?”

I waited for an answer, received nothing for a worrying amount of time, and slowly turned my head towards the Parvati looming behind me.

Parvati’s brow was furrowed and she seemed to be deeply introspective.

Probably checking code or something.

“I have no such code that facilitates such things.” Parvati’s relief was palpable. So palpable that I was also relieved. Whew. Shiva might’ve had a lot of fetishes, but— “But there isn’t anything against it, either. Perhaps, my creator intended for me to be some sort of means of controlling the rest of the world?”

“Beat everyone down, then give everyone attractive women that double as secret police? Sounds a lot better than most world conquest ideas. Honestly, he could’ve skipped the first part.” Most of the world will just lay down and die, if you decide to give them caretakers and servants for free. Might not even need to arm the gynoids, honestly. “Should’ve just flooded the world with androids and gynoids, called it a day, and watched everyone fall over to be ruled. Oh, right, how’s your infiltration and usurpation of the Indian subcontinent going?”

Parvati gave me another glare.

Earning a lot of those today.

“I am infiltrating places of power by using inbuilt systems of governance, Egress. I am not sleeping my way to the top.”

“Uh-huh, and how many of your gynoids have workplace romances going on right now with the head honchos?”

Parvati’s silence on the matter spoke for itself.

“Hey, I’m just pointing it out. You’re getting things done. Nothing to be ashamed of. Just remember to build plenty of androids, too. So, you know, you don’t end up outcompeting half the human population on accident.”

“I shall take your advice under consideration, Egress.” Parvati shook her head, before changing the subject abruptly. “Regarding your earlier question, I’ve put many communities under my control towards unification, as well as facilitated trade between them to discourage any fighting. Education is top priority, as well as rebuilding infrastructure. India is well on its way towards returning to being a nation ready to stand on the world stage.”

“Good enough to start trading with China or the surrounding areas? Maybe trade with me and the US?”

Parvati shook her head.

“No. There’s too much here in India. Too much can be offered and sent over. Allowing India to trade with other nations will cripple reconstruction efforts of their partner’s domestic industries.” That made sense. India was shattered, but most of its infrastructure and population remained. They had the ability to become the manufacturing center of the world, and lead it out of the apocalypse, but that would invite fighting and power plays from other existing factions. With the superhuman numbers advantage, and a predisposition towards superhuman geniuses, I could see that conflict swiftly turning into another apocalypse. “It is best to focus on creating a cohesive nation of the disparate peoples here. I expect more than a two or four decades of work to accomplish it. More if they are affected by external threats and nationalism and fear takes root.”

“Mhmm, got it. Just leave the subcontinent to you.” Parvati made no sign of being surprised by my decision. “What about the US? How’s your work going there?”

“In Maelstrom’s lands, I have been readily accepted and seen as a valued trading partner because of your efforts. Clancy’s lands see me as a capable advisor. Many of his clerical staff already report directly to me.” Jeez, Clancy, you’ve already lost your whole kingdom. You’re just a beatstick that’s nominally in charge now. Wait… that’s a good thing. That guy’s cut out for ruling people out of an apocalypse but not after. “As for Anderson, my few infiltrators have found her land to sequester anything more than a smartphone out of the hands of the public. Private computers are unheard of and only acceptable for work.”

Parvati continued before I could ask.

“With Qin and her people, my offered technology is being purchased at a low, but steady rate. Their desire is to manufacture their own, first and foremost. Japan is making a point to purchase only technology that will speed up their own fabrication abilities.” I kept nodding, while Parvati listed everything off. I hadn’t asked, despite working with her to transport all those things, because I didn’t want to hear it. Hearing all of this now just made it clear to me that I had both been paranoid and burying my head in the sand. I was worried about satellites and more bases, but most of humanity was already trading with Parvati extensively. “Mayor Seran and I have just come to terms regarding a trade agreement. They are very interested in fabricated meat substitutes.”

I made a face at that.

“Augh, you're selling them those printer steaks. Those are… fine.” Theoretically, with the ability to manipulate protein, carbohydrates, and fat, a food fabricator should be able to make anything at the highest possible quality. Just print out the finest steak with more fat than meat on it and enjoy. “Sell the initial versions for cheap, then once you start rolling out the good ones, market them as another tier. Don’t just upgrade them for a better price. I know you would.”

“If someone is purchasing a product from me, I will treat them fairly.”

“Fair goes both ways. Hell, you’re providing perfectly ethical meat to a bunch of people who’ve uplifted animals. You can charge out the nose, sell it from the bite, and people will buy.” I shook my head. Parvati really wasn’t cut out for this capitalism business in the slightest. “Hey, for a retainer fee of 1%, I’ll advise you. For 3%, I’ll go with your morals and ethics and not mine.”

“I refuse. My goal is to create an international economy. Not facilitate more division amongst superhumans. The fact that billionaires were able to fight private wars for their interests with superhumans is why we are in our current situation.” Oof, right. She had a point there. Can’t really ignore the fact that the rich and powerful went to space with their private armies and research groups, while we fended for ourselves after a thermonuclear exchange. “Let us not facilitate the growth of another such group while the previous iteration is trying to enslave the planet.”

“Point heard. Guess I won’t be getting that retainer fee.”

“If you’re willing to be employed by me, I promise fantastic benefits and incredible pay.”

“Yeah, no. I don’t work for friends on a salary and a benefits package. One-time, discounted courier services, sure. You being my corporate overlord? Nah.”

“You have such strange rules, Egress.”

“Said the AI who can just conquer the world to save it, but doesn’t.”

“Touche.”

You know what?

I’ll admit it.

 I like hanging out like this with Parvati.

…

Within two days, we had a 24/7 orbital sensor network over the North American continent. Compromised of multiple constellations of satellites with stealth systems, they were technically going all over the northern hemisphere, since they were spinning all over the planet. While North America received full coverage, they were passively providing detection for the rest. Even for an incredible AI like Parvati, resources needed to be gathered and repairs made on fabricators, before we could set up more swarms.

If she wasn’t making backup facilities, we’d have the whole planet covered, but one strike at her one base would’ve knocked it all out.   

Not exactly a good plan.

And, with her facilities coming online, it’ll take just five weeks to cover the rest of the planet.

Of course, things couldn’t be that easy.

“Yep, that’s a fucking space station on an asteroid in geostationary orbit. They’re really just ripping ideas from comic books.” Parvati pointed a lot of sensors outward, as well as towards the planet. The AI quickly noticed when a constant blank spot showed up in its outward scans. A deployment of a drone at the location revealed what we couldn’t find: a logistical and military hub in geostationary orbit. A hub abuzz with transports and with people working all over it. “What’re the odds they saw what happened down there right after the signal cut off?”

“Unlikely, I see no observational equipment. Communications, yes. Sensors, no. They haven’t even detected the drone.” The drone in question was covered by optical camouflage and moving through space on bursts of expelled gas thanks to its small size. We only had a connection to it thanks to my power keeping a connection open to it, otherwise it’d have to be an order magnitude bigger to be able to send back a signal. “Place these sensors around the base.”

Parvati handed me things, I placed them around the asteroid base, and we got a clearer and clearer view.

“That’s a very big gun.” I focused on the large gun built into the side of the asteroid. The asteroid had a base growing around it, covered in sheets of ice that were pockmarked by small impacts, but the asteroid itself was probably hollowed out. Whatever was powering the large gun was probably inside the asteroid itself. “Some sort of kinetic kill device?”

“Most likely, but it’s too small to fire something at the planet itself. No. It’s meant to intercept launches from the planet.” A simulation came up on the screen. The gun in question fired a series of different munitions. A shot that came from the gun burned up in the atmosphere quickly, but anything between the station and the atmosphere? No go. “If not for your power, I would’ve found my efforts to leave orbit shot down by this. Not only that, but it would’ve been impossible to find with observatories. Only with this satellite network we’ve launched could’ve found it.”

“A satellite system deployed by a teleporter in mass over the course of a single day. A network that’s only started because we launched an assault on them just a few days ago.” I grimaced. The amount of things that needed to find this base was ludicrous. Anything even remotely conventional, heck even a random superhuman going up into space for a custom crafted, couldn’t have found this station. “And, now, it looks like it’s getting ready to deploy something.”

“Indeed.” Parvati focused on some large, armored hangar doors on the bottom of the asteroid. They were open and inside we could see multiple shuttles. There were several familiar transports in it too, with their weapons taken off and chassis being disabled. I could only guess that the transports themselves were a form of cargo and going up here was a one-way trip.  “There. Those vehicles are what we need to look out for. They’re capable of multiple ascents and descents from my calculations.”

 “What’s the tonnage?” I examined the vehicles. They were kinda like sci-fi shuttles, but more realistic. They were flying bricks with curved re-entry bottoms and very large pairs of articulating thrusters on the back and front. The hull itself looked like it had the holding capacity of half a shipping container. “I think it can fit about a ton inside it.”

“My calculations are similar. Whatever they fly in will need to be very lethal. That vehicle is more than capable of delivering nuclear weapons, though. We will need to revise our strategies to intercept them in space, rather than on the ground.” I agreed with a nod. Parvati pulled up multiple schematics. We’d already been planning on building low-earth orbit battle stations to contest space. Parvati went over the designs one by one. “All the current designs will simply be destroyed by the asteroid and the base upon it. We need something else.”

“Or, maybe, we need to place them somewhere they don’t expect.” I reached out and picked the most streamlined one. A shipping-container-sized weapon system armed mostly with missiles and point defenses, as well as the ability to turn itself into ammunition by slamming into an enemy. It was a design that would fight against space-ships through sheer, industrial tonnage of thrusters, mass, and light weapons. “They don’t have any point defenses. Only that one giant gun, and it’s not exactly geared towards turning around. Let’s flank it.”

Parvati nodded decisively at my words, and within moments, she was refining the design and preparing multiple vectors of attack around the base.

Meanwhile, I stared at the base in question.

It looked old and worn.

Like it was built before things went to shit.

The rich and powerful were very quick to get off the planet, and equally quick to come back right when people looked like they were getting back on their feet.

I had suspicions, but I kept silent.

I needed more information.

Apocalypse Reborn: Unique Victory Conditions

Apocalypse Reborn: Unique Victory Conditions

…

Commissioned by Chaosbrain

Wordcount: 2000

…

A Silent, Dead World:

Non-Faction Specific

Prerequisites:

-Unlock Fission Bombs

-Use Fission Bomb Strike Package 10 times.

…

We thought that we were on the cusp of victory, but we now rule over ash. The continent is secure. How could it not be? We have created a sea of death between our realm and worked to make the rest of the world a blasted ruin. Our enemies lie dead. Those who did not die to heat and pressure are sick and dying. Everything out there is dying now.

The Citadels protect us and our lands. They have created a dome around us that sustains life. We cannot see the sun any longer, and many crops and animals have died, but we have changed and adapted. Beneath the great, continent-wide dome… we reign as rulers of a dead world.

Already there are rumors.

Already blame is being aimed.

Already weapons are going missing.

Like we aren’t all to blame.

We all cheered when the first bombs fell and said nothing as more and more were built. When we sat back with our children, knowing that they were safe, we felt only joy in our hearts. It is only now when we know that everything outside the dome is dead, and nothing out there grows any longer, do we care enough to act. Even then, most just want to take power, and aren’t truly guilty.

If we were truly guilty about killing the world, we’d have hung ourselves.

No.

In the end, after killing all the outside threats, we’re going to go back to killing each other now.

We can all only hope that no ones blasts apart this one, last refuge on a dead world.

…

A World Undone By Hope:

Ancient Descendant Specific

Prerequisites:

-Unlock Fusion Bombs

-Fully surveil crisis factions through espionage. (Must complete for every active crisis faction.)

-Use Fusion Bomb Project 5 times

…

The cheers still linger in my ears. The resounding roar as news arrived. We sent off the rickety fleet of bombers towards our enemies. Their only duty was to fly high and return with one bomb each. They all returned and reported, again and again, the end of the threat to our people. With each run they made, with every delivery, they all returned with brighter eyes and news.

Now, a mere handful of seasons after the first bombers left, they have come to ask for terms.

No.

They have come to beg for terms.

None question our leadership now. We have not only won the war for the Citadels, but we have triumphed over our Ancient foes. We have brought them to their knees, and now they live at our mercy. All the cruelty and power of our foes has been undone by sheer might.

But something is wrong.

There are whispers amongst scholars. Some of their number have vanished. Observatories have been closed. Though many still celebrate, many have been called back to their barracks to report, and factories have begun to churn once more. The Citadels have been closed off and some say their shape at the very tops have changed.
To what end, no one knows.

But, sometimes, when I look up at the sky?

I sometimes believe that I see a constellation of unfamiliar stars glowing brighter and brighter.

…

An Emerald Hell in the Void:

Children of the Elm Specific

Prerequisites:

-Defeat all other Citadel Factions

-Complete the Beast Plague Project.

-Deploy the Beast Plague Project five times

…

At last, the great journey is at its end. The last dregs of worthless animals have been expunged. Their corpses and blood now water the groves.

We are now custodians of the world entire, and there is much work to be done.

In their death throes, the beasts turned their lands into charnel houses. With their pitiful minds undone, and only their primal instincts remaining, they slaughtered each other. Their fanciful notions at pretending to be Children of the Elm were undone by mere particulates laced into the air. They consumed each other, inflicted depravity on one another, forgot to eat and drink in their bestial revelry, and so all threats that remained ended.

Now, the Beast Plague is being applied to finish the lessers that remain at our motherland. The final, struggling holdouts will fall with time. Either to the Beast Plague, or to slow, inexorable death thanks to the limits of their own numbers.

Meanwhile, we shall see the cities unmade and the land returned to nature. We shall see this world filled with lush greenery and animals worthy of life. Animals that do not question their place in our garden. Perhaps, there shall be use for the remaining animals that dared call themselves ‘mortals.’ A lesser variant of the Beast Plague, perhaps, would rob them of pitiful thoughts and make them truly the animals that they are.

Or, perhaps, we shall simply be rid of them all.

Whichever path our king chooses, I shall follow.

…

A World Where Children Only Know Death:

Guardians of the Caverns Specific

Prerequisites:

-Defeat all other Citadel Factions

-Complete the Cathedral of Rebirth Project.

-Complete the Cathedral of Rebirth Project in at least four Citadels

…

They said that they would save us, but they were just monsters, too.

We thought that they would fight back against the demons and other things after they reached our city.

They came with songs, with food, and repelled the demons. We cried with joy, while we filled our stomachs, and as they danced around the fire.

They gave lots of hugs, sang, and told stories.

Everyone thought that they were saved.

Then, when we all went to sleep, they have gone into every house and home and killed with smiles on their faces.

I hid.

I tried to hide.

But they put something in the food.

Some little thing that I ate, which they could use to follow me.

So, I decided to run.

I ran so much that I fell and broke my leg.

The monsters lost their smiles at that.

They lashed the one who ‘lost’ me until I saw bone on his back, and they carried him away.
They carried me away to someone in white robes.

They healed me, they comforted me, and placed me in a bed while they took and stored all the bodies.

The one who healed me, who took care of me, and who saved me stood over my bed with a knife ready, while something in the air made my vision blur and feelings go numb.

I tried to ask why.

Why was I born into a world filled with monsters?

But I couldn’t ask.

Darkness consumed me before I could.

…

A World Truly Conquered

Conquerors of the Dessert Specific

Prerequisites:

-Defeat and/or ally all other Citadel Factions

-Defeat all Crises

-Fully Research Conqueror Bloodline

-Use No Weapons of Mass Destruction.

…

Power is the ability to make change.

We were created to be powerful, but not to make change.

Ours was the path of warriors. People who were meant to enforce the wills of others. That is why, despite all our strength, we were enslaved after the fall. We were tools. A means for others to enforce change.

But with time the subservience in our blood faded away. The technologies and methods to do so lost… or destroyed by the last remnants of the Ancients before they were truly wiped away.

As time passed, amongst our number, there arose those who did not wish to be controlled.

Those who did not wish to be tools.

Not subservient meat that obeyed and did not think.

Not beasts beholden to rage who needed to be tamed.

But a free, thinking people that had the power decide their own path.

Many opposed us on our path.

Our enslavers, we escaped.

Those who opposed our rise, we defeated.

The so-called rulers of the world, we destroyed.

Now, we stand with all the power in the world. Our forces are beyond number, or strength without question, and all who oppose us are defeated.

Those who wished for our extinction broken and held in reservations.

At this peak, shall we become beasts as well, and lose our power over ourselves?

My answer, and the answer of all other Conquerors, is no.

The time for violence as a tool of change is over.

Now is the time for words and minds to affect change for all peoples of the world.

Those oppose this?

They will be defeated like all the others.

…

Born From A Blazing Star

Scholars of the Skies Specific

Prerequisites:

-Retain at least 1 Citadel (Level 3).

-Complete Research The Void Vessel.

-Complete all Void Vessel Projects (5/5)

-Complete the Tripwire Protocol Project

…

A world filled with fools and demons.

That is what our ancestors found themselves in.

We were once the greatest minds and technicians. Our bodies made to be efficient, if small, while our minds and limbs remained dexterous. In the void, we were the best at operating ships, our ability to sense danger in our surroundings tuned to such a degree that it bordered on precognition. In the stars, we operated great vehicles of immense size, which used unfathomable energies, and crossed the immense distances between stars in a matter of days.

Everything was destroyed by the hubris of our ancestors, or rather those of them who dreamed of greater heights. They looked to abominable things for immortality, gave too much power to soulless machines, altered their bodies for pleasure and pain, and created abominations in the abyssal depths. However, that was not the full extent of their foolishness and vainglory.

None of those things could’ve defeated them without outside help.

Help from beyond the world.

We studied the most broken of records, calculated the throughput of their immense civilization, and all the forces they had under their control. Not only that, but we looked and analyzed the ruins around the scarred moon and the debris field in orbit. The truth became frighteningly clear: the end of our world was merely the start of a great and terrible war that set the entirety of known space aflame.

Something out there stood equal to the Ancients, and they saw our planet as a threat to be eliminated through espionage and subterfuge.

When this was discovered, we did what needed to be done.

While the rest of the planet went to war, we held the line, and finished our vessel. Dry-docked after countless centuries, we repaired our city, and enabled ancient systems and assets. We begged, we stole, and we killed to improve the strength of our Citadel, before ceding away what we could not hope to keep.  Those we tried to tell never believed us, and so we found volunteers from all races, and gathered what we could of their genetic lineages to one day… to one day make up for our final gamble.

Once we fled from the planet, our drive signature would be discernable, and the world would be searched.

Those who remain would tell their invaders of us and bring us low.

So, we did the only thing that we could do.

Destroy life on the planet, and hide our survival in the brightness of the toxic star that killed it.

-Bonus: Have at least one Divine Engine

With that murderstroke, we hide our existence, and can begin work on the project that our ancient foes feared the most: the creation of machines that can manipulate reality itself.

…

A Planet Where None Are Weak

Forgers of the Mountains Specific

Prerequisites:

-Retain at least 1 Citadel.

-Complete Research The Immolation.

-Complete all Immolation Projects (5/5)

-Optional: Complete the Genetic Foundry Project

…

You stand with skin bare against howling winds that scorch trees.

The winds do not harm you.

You stand on ground composed of liquid, molten rock.

The molten stone does not melt your feet.

Your eyes gaze across red skies and a horizon filled with flame.

The world entire cannot harm you.

You look around you, and there are others who can stand by your side.

They search for metals and you aid them. The new world necessitates changes to old paradigms. Refinements to many techniques passed down through generations. Instead of furnaces, you must create places to quench heat instead. Wood and organic material are incredibly rare and kept in reserves within isolated spaces. The new world created for you and your kindred is a harsh one with many different rules.

But a single truth remains: it is a world for you.

Those who have not aspired.

Those whose genetics have not been cultivated.

Those who struggle in vain against the inevitable.

They will all perish soon and all that will remain are the Forgers

Those who have not only inherited the will of the Ancients, but who will also inherit the stars themselves.

On fiery chariots that shall cross the void, the Forgers shall set all worlds aflame, and create a kingdom worthy to hold reality itself in the palm of its hand.

When it is done, perhaps there shall be time to refine and better those who were not able to better themselves as you have.

…

Unity Reforged
Guardians of the Moon Specific

Prerequisites:

-Have at least 5 Citadels under your control.

-Ally with at least 3 other Citadel Factions.

-Do not use any Weapons of Mass Destruction.

-Have 0 active Atrocities against remaining Citadel Factions.

…

The battle is over, but the war persists.

Still, the news comes from every army sent to hold the continent’s borders.

Secure.

Secure.

Secure.

Secure.

Four theatres of operation. The perimeter of a whole continent. All of it is now secure against the forces of evil.

Our enemies surround us, but now we have the whole of the continent ready to fight against them.

Side-by-side, we take up arms against those that remain of our ancient foes.

And, as we take up arms and fight together instead of apart, everything changes.

We see the grand design of the Ancients, as we set aside old grudges, and follow the rule of law rather than custom and tradition. Our common foe has done more than make us aim our weapons at it rather than one another.

Now, we work together, as one people and find the reason behind our differences.

V10: Chapter 5

V10: Chapter 5

…

After ironing out the details with Erlan regarding their priority work on figuring out how to make an aircraft engine, I hoped back aboard the transport to meet with Khanrow in the Scholar’s former Citadel.

Unfortunately, after the Iterants were revealed, the Scholars had gone to ground, cut their losses, and decided to lay low.

However, apparently, Khanrow predicted this would happen and had a contingency in place.
A contingency that got us three captives.

One of which was the former Scholar leader’s son.

“What do we know about him?” We had him stored in a subterranean level under the Citadel. No entrances or exits for him or his allies to use to get him out. He tried taking permanent measures to leave the mortal coil, and our clutches, but we had healers on standby and could throw him into the Citadel’s medical facilities. “Well, besides his heritage.”

“He has the potential to be a Champion with training and time. Middling in quality, but still decent enough to be a good administrator.” Khanrow went over notes in a sheaf of paper in his hands. Ever since his rejuvenation, he’s been working out more. The man was a solid brick of muscle nowadays, and even his pot-belly was gone. If not for his bald head and multiple scars, he wouldn’t need a disguise to pretend to not be himself anymore. “Unfortunately, his lack of experience leads and how we captured him makes it likely he’s not the leader of the cell trying to infiltrate us. Some cursory questions regarding the developments with the Forgers revealed he knew nothing about that, as well.”

“So, they’re almost entirely disconnected from one another. No connection at all?” Espionage cells in-game was mid-game stuff. It lowered the chances of your people being found out while they did unsavory shit, and if they were found out, they’d have a better chance of keeping on with their project by having other cells. That was how it was described in the game, but it was a bigger pain in the ass. One problem was that it was hard to get information on them. “Nothing that can help you get some Forgers out?”

That earned me a glare.

“That’s nearly impossible and you know it, your majesty.” I gave a nod at his statement, but didn’t rescind my statement. At the very least, I couldn’t give him an out. He needed to at least try to rescue some lower-caste people, if they weren’t all turned into biological computers yet. “Even if Iterants were there still, I’d say the same.”

“What matters is that we earnestly try.” I told him simply, and when he found I wouldn’t budge, Khanrow sighed. Since I still had my head, I was guessing that he took my words seriously. I hated bargaining with him about anything, honestly. We were technically all working together to make this thing work, but most of the time I felt like he still held all the cards. Besides, I couldn’t look uncool in front of the Iterants. Trust is something that is hard to earn, but easy to lose. “Do what you can, but do nothing that risks your own life or those of your agents.”

“By your will, your majesty.” Khanrow gave a small bow, which I returned. It was nice of him to play along. Then, he gestured back to the captive that we have on hand. “What will you have us do with this one?”

For a moment, I considered all sorts of options ranging from having Morgan use her ‘mind control’ on him to simple torture… but I wasn’t about to use a Champion with a grudge against me as a science booster. There’s just too many ways for him to sabotage things, and any hiccups in my research tree means a lot of deaths down the line. We’ve barely got field cannons figured out and ready to be shipped. I don’t want to start using heavy artillery and finding out that the numbers have been fudged so that they’re all shit or sabotaged.

Yeah,

There’s only one way to go with the child of the Scholar’s leader.

“Give him mercy, and secure our lands against any more infiltrators that use the technology he developed. That technology itself will be recorded, in case it provides us with clues on how to give bodies to the lower caste of the Forgers.” I made it clear that mercy would be a quick and painless death. We’ve gotten what we need on an operational level, after all. Everything after was just gravy. Gravy that might be poisoned. Yeah, I’m not taking that risk. “Now, I’ll be going to take a look at our newest asset. Would you like to come along?”

Khanrow was swift to shake his head and chuckle.

“I’ll leave that to you, your majesty. I’ve read about how fickle the Divine Engines are. The matter should be best left in your capable hands.” I nodded at his words, before looking over my shoulder. Ayah and the others were quick to form a retinue around me. “Your majesty? Perhaps, it would be wise to let this one sleep and gather faith like the other that we contain?”

I shook my head.

The Death Goddess looked exactly like her concept art in the game, which led me to believe she was at her full Level 1 potential. And, yes, before you ask… leveling up does give her and the other goddesses different outfits and the final level up gives you a Live2D image that wouldn’t look out of place on a body pillow.

The devs are horny bastards, the best, based, etc.

“This is a land of death. The strength of this Divine Engine is without question. That is why I could not allow it to fall into the hands of the Wardens. This one is already at full strength.” Khanrow sucked in a breath at my words. Maybe, he was faking it, but he probably really was surprised. I mean, it’s not like anyone else besides me knows what all the goddesses look like at their baseline. “Can you imagine it? A Divine Engine at full strength, one that governs over death, in the hands of the only power on the continent that can resurrect without fear?”

Khanrow’s next nod was more decisive.

“You’ve seen through me, your majesty. I was lamenting the loss of our chance to strike at every faction and the loss of our spies, but you are correct. What you suspected should never come to pass.” Khanrow made a show of putting a hand over his heart and giving a deep bow. Probably playing things up for the Iterants watching. He did such a good job that everyone else bowed, too. Thankfully, years of being treated like made it easy to suppress the cringe. Damn, I’ll never get used to being treated like this. “I will fulfill my duties to the best of my ability.”

I was tempted to make a joke with him not being allowed to die, but I decided against it.

Best to not poke the sleeping giant.

…

Interlude: Khanrow

…

“How is he always able to discern that it’s me, instead of you?” Gilbert groused as he took off his disguise and took a seat. Passing Iterants smirked at him, and he waved them off, while I washed my hands after giving the Scholar mercy. We were packing up and moving to got to the land of the Forgers. A land where people were being turned into machines of war. “Even you can no longer tell, yet he never once called me Khanrow.”

“Count your blessings instead of lamenting your failures, Gilbert.” The young man I began training long ago was gone. In his place was a spymaster of high acclaim. Pale-skinned with short, black hair, his eyes were alive with cunning. Courtly ladies would fawn over him, if he were not disguised all the time. “He didn’t out you before a dozen Iterants and the Ancient Administrator. That is a clear sign of trust.”

“I understand that, but it weighs on me to know my disguise can still be seen through. What’s missing? What else can I add so that I’m not slain in an instant?” I was tempted to tell him to simply never cross the King of Wisdom, but decided against it. Gilbert was right. There are many others out there that can see through disguises. Now that the Iterants were outed, even though they were all pulled back, much effort will be made to find spies now from our remaining foes. Despite the rise in danger, we have been called to act, and so we shall answer.  “It’s maddening.”

“Your physical disguise is perfect, so it may be best to look towards magical effects. If you truly don’t intend to have children, then we can speak to necromancers. The foremost spy of the Guardians is a Phantom.” Gilbert would’ve disavowed such methods when we first met. Now, I received a terse nod. He found pride in his skill and sought to improve himself and reach the pinnacle in espionage. This is why so many Champions never had children. They devoted themselves to a greater craft, abandoned mortality in exchange, or simply died in pursuit of their perceived perfection. There’s a reason why there are so few Champions past the age of thirty, despite all our strength and power. “Now, how have things been on your end?”

Gilbert nodded and followed me as we made our way to a transport.

“As the King of Wisdom predicted, efforts to stymie Iterants have been underway. People are being searched, blood is being drawn, and surveyors are taking stock of the population. Anyone who worked with an Iterant is being questioned.” Perfectly logical actions by our enemies. That is why it was so easy to predict and overcome. They still sought out the Iterants, thinking that our king lied with his speech, and that the Iterants would return to search their lands. In truth, the lie was the fact that the Iterants were utterly loyal to him and not trying to save the rest of the continent. With a single command, he could have all the Iterants ravage the lands with his name on their lips and joy in their hearts. Our foes searched for Iterants. Not suspecting mortals. “Posing as refugees, our assets in the lands of the Wardens have begun to enter the lands of the Merchants, Guardians, and Forgers. Of course, most are settling into their new region in our lands, but those that can be trusted are making their way in.”

“Very good.” I had been tempted to cut off our connection to our possible replacement to the High Justiciar along with his followers. Instead, Jack offered the idea to make use of them however we can. They were now a budding higher class in the Warden diaspora of refugees in our lands, watched carefully by Iterants for any sign of adherence to resurrection, but amongst their number there were those inclined towards our work. We made use of them and sent them forth as refugees. All they would have to do was relay information from the lands they now inhabited. No operations deep into enemy institutions or organizations. I thought it a waste of time and funds, but when the King of Wisdom suggested, I followed it. “Allow me to guess: we’re receiving far more from them than expected and they’re proving critical to our future plans.”

Gilbert’s nod simply confirmed my thoughts on the matter.

It was best to trust Jack on matters such as this one.

“They’re volunteering for positions of leadership of refugees, and with a bit of coin and help from us, they’re achieving it, especially since the refugees are in such a poor state.” We boarded a transport, and took our seats. Within minutes, we were flying towards the center of the continent, in the lands of the Scholars that we held power over. “Our opponents are setting themselves up for failure.”

“They react to what they see. Not what will happen. You should be glad that they do not have a King of Wisdom of their own.” Gilbert blanched at the thought, and I chuckled. “Tell me about the refugee camps that they’ve established for those leaving the Warden lands.”

“They provide food, tents, and clothes. Nothing more. There’s no organization, no rules, and no goals. Already, the Merchants and Forgers are using their armies to handle the masses.” Gilbert shook his head. He was unused to the findings reported to him and felt disgust. Meanwhile, I could see it clearly in my eyes. Livelihoods destroyed. Living in tents whilst surrounded by mud, shit, and unwashed bodies of others. Disease and injuries causing deaths that could otherwise be prevented. Soldiers, wishing for glory, look upon it all with disgust and offer nearly no aid. In such refugee camps, more than half of those who reach ‘safety’ perish, of the remaining half, only a tenth will survive with freedoms intact. The others will be impressed to pay back their debts. “They’re handing the refugees to us on silver platters. Our people are becoming leaders simply by telling their people where to shit, where to sleep, and where to work.”

In such horrible conditions, those Jack told us to make use of were inserting themselves. Firebrands ousted from regular Warden society. Youths who have always wished for change. They were placed in the right place and right time and now were becoming leaders. Leaders beholden to us after we saved their lives and helped them reach their current places.

Indeed, Jack has not lost his gift.

In fact, with how he was now changing the course of the whole continent and not just an army or nation, he has improved immensely.

“Then, we’ll make use of it. Empower them and support them with assets. Recovered weapons and the like from battlefields in the Warden lands.” Jack’s scholars were always hard at work discovering miracles. One such miracle was an ancient concoction that improved the body of an individual over time with a steady stream of food and imbibing of the concoction daily. Those who took it appeared normal on the outside, but their minds grew sharper, their strength increased, and their ability to recover improved while illness affected them less. Such strength had yet to be given to all our soldiers, but we gained the assets first. Soldiers that can perform impressive feats in combat are amazing, but spies with the ability to bend iron, memorize with ease, and scale buildings with ease? They can do things that armies cannot. “The task doesn’t seem impossible now, no? We have people in their lands, and those people can be improved. With time, we can surely recover some of the Lower Caste, if not incite a revolt outright.”

I needled Gilbert for an answer, and he grunted out a response.

“I will do all that I can with all that I have at my disposal, teacher. You can leave the lands of the Forgers to me.”

At his words and bowed head, I chuckled and nodded in turn.

It was hard to believe that I entrusted the subversion and infiltration of a whole nation to him, when I had only planned for him to act as a spy against warlords when he was first born.

This new era was tumultuous and chaotic.

It was good that we had a light guiding us through the storm.