Congratulations on reaching the threshold of Third Class Evolution!

Eve stared at the message before a long soft sigh released the tension. The whirling paper storm around her settled down and was placed into her inventory. Eve shifted her Runic Paper Die back into a necklace and reworked her paper clothing into a comfortable non-combat outfit. A glance at her surroundings ensured there was nothing still alive. Felix had filled the entire Boss room with a once-living Troll Legion, and it was this bloody massacre that provided the final boost of experience to reach the Third Class Evolution threshold.

It had taken five entire years for the last two hundred levels. Five years of watching her munchkins turn into slightly taller munchkins. Five years of the village of Glenwood turning into the town of Glenwood.

A great deal had changed in the intervening years. Buildings, businesses, guilds, and more had sprung up like mushrooms after the rain. Contracts kept a decent lid on her existence, but people with eyes could see.

Something kept Glenwood safe. Something ensured the war that had started with the splintered Rothschild Realm never reached here. Sara had handled most of the heavy lifting of dispersing rumors or planting new ones. Sara persuaded tax collectors to look elsewhere for a promotion push. Community business leaders were distracted by wives who understood what kept the bread buttered. Mayors were replaced through shocking scandals. Even the local nobility understood that they wanted to keep enjoying their nightly revelry at Sara’s Gem Shop to be discreet.

That had given Eve the time to focus completely on grinding. She would take trips with the girls every week and once a month with Sara. However, the past five years had forced her to dedicate more and more time to combat slowly. Reflexes developed into a methodology, which turned into hair-trigger responses.

The diamond shield form had been replaced by a shifting suit of paper armor when Eve finally made the right mental leap.

Layering interlocking origami paper created armor that was both flexible and effective. The armor provided her with the strength of plate-mail that also combined the possibility of growth from Eve's own education in mana infusion.

Armor also opened up the possibilities of physical combat, although Eve wasn't sure she wanted to go that route, as ranged combat still felt safer overall.

The added benefit of armor instead of a shield form was that her personal combat art of Kirigami grew alongside it. Eve glanced at her full Status, taking it all in.

Race: Human

Class: Celestial Scholar(*)

Professions: Scribe V(*); Enchanter V(*)

Level: 500

Health: 9,000/9,000 (90 HPs regen)

Mana: 27,000/27,000 (27,000 MPs regen)

Stats: Str 900; Dex; 900; Con 900; Wis 2,700; Int 2,700

Free Stats: 412

S/S Slots: 400

Skills:

Scribe’s Armor V (100%)(*)

Enchanters Library V(100%)(*)

Paperweight V (100%)(*)

Origami Ascension V (100%)(*)

Celestial’s Five Senses (100)(*)

Spells:

Blink V (100%)(*)

Clean V (100%)(*)

Witch’s Effigy V (100%)(*)

Witch’s Hut V (100%)(*)

Witch’s Rune Curses V (100%)(*)

Domain of Celestial Paper I (100%)(*)

Mental Traits:

Kirigami V (100%)(*)

Celestial Mind (100%)(*)

Physical Traits:

Ascendant’s Physique (100%)(*)

Celestial Body (100%)(*)

Using Blink V, Eve moved directly to the personal room set aside in her house, which was now a Witch’s Hut. Learning that her house had become a semi-sentient artifact tied to her had been a shock. She had long suspected it yet had never seen any indication until a new Spell appeared on her Status.

Moving to the bed, Eve lay down and said, “Alright, let’s do this, Wilson!”

The System confirms, the User known as Eve Smith desires to Evolve their Class? Y/N

“Yes.” Eve said before a new series of words appeared before her.

The Third, Fifth, and Seventh Class Evolutions threshold are turning points in a User’s life.

It is at these thresholds that the choices one has made before become a Path leading forward.

Eve Smith, the following options are available for you:

Rank One:

Witch

Green Witch

Green Scribe

Green Enchanter

Rank Two:

Paper Witch

Paper Scribe

Paper Enchanter

Rank Three:

Rune Witch

Rune Scrivener

Rune Enchanter

Rank Four:

Runic Paper Witch

Runic Paper Inscriptionist

Runic Paper Calligraphist

Titled Rank:

Witch of the Library

Eve checked each of the several options, although her eyes lingered on the final rank with a questioning expression.

Witch

Qualification reached for Class Evolution: Witch. No current Skills, Spells, or Stats will be lost, be aware that other Class Evolutions may become impossible.

One who has used the power of a Curse.

One who has built a Hut.

One who allies with Flora.

One who allies with Fauna.

One who is Female.

One who has reached the Third Threshold.

The Witch is a powerful caster bent on using the mystical arts for experimentation, profit, and malice. A vindictive vicious example that terrifies small villages, towns, cities, kings, and emperors alike. They are often hunted, learning to harness their power in places rich in the world’s might.

Green Witch

Qualification reached for Class Evolution: Green Witch. No current Skills, Spells, or Stats will be lost, be aware that other Class Evolutions may become impossible.

One who has used the power of a Curse.

One who has built a Hut.

One who allies with Flora.

One who allies with Fauna.

One who is Female.

One who has reached the Third Threshold.

One who rose to power in the Green.

The Green Witch is a powerful caster bent on using the mystical arts for experimentation, profit, and growth. A vindictive vicious example that terrifies small villages, towns, cities, kings, and emperors alike. They are often hunted, learning to harness their power in places rich in the mana of life.

Green Scribe

Qualification reached for Class Evolution: Green Scribe. No current Skills, Spells, or Stats will be lost, be aware that other Class Evolutions may become impossible.

One who has reached the Third Threshold.

One who rose to power in the Green.

One who has the Profession: Scribe.

The Green Scribe is a powerful magical inscription crafter bent on using the mystical arts for experimentation, profit, and growth. A powerful force of nature given time to learn the secrets of life and write them down. They are often hunted, learning to harness their power in places where the inks and fibers of nature inspire new Art.

Green Enchanter

Qualification reached for Class Evolution: Green Enchanter. No current Skills, Spells, or Stats will be lost, be aware that other Class Evolutions may become impossible.

One who has reached the Third Threshold.

One who rose to power in the Green.

One who has the Profession: Enchanter

The Green Enchanter is a powerful magical inscription crafter bent on using the mystical arts for experimentation, profit, and growth. A powerful force of nature given time to learn the secrets of life. They are often hunted, learning to harness their power in places where nature's rules are strictest.

Paper Witch

Qualification reached for Class Evolution: Paper Witch. No current Skills, Spells, or Stats will be lost, be aware that other Class Evolutions may become impossible.

One who has used the power of a Curse.

One who has built a Hut.

One who allies with Flora.

One who allies with Fauna.

One who is Female.

One who has reached the Third Threshold.

One who rose to power using Paper.

The Paper Witch is a powerful caster bent on using the mystical arts for experimentation, knowledge, and record-keeping. A kindly matron that keeps records often hiding as accountants, lore-keepers, librarians, and scholars. They are often peaceful unless threatened, learning to harness their power surrounded by books and loved by parchments.

Paper Scribe

Qualification reached for Class Evolution: Paper Scribe. No current Skills, Spells, or Stats will be lost, be aware that other Class Evolutions may become impossible.

One who has reached the Third Threshold.

One who has the Profession: Scribe.

One who rose to power using Paper.

The Paper Scribe is a powerful magical inscription crafter bent on using the mystical arts to hoard knowledge. A powerful scholar in their own right, the information network of such a person, is unparalleled. They are often sought to unveil secrets lost to the sands of time.

Paper Enchanter

Qualification reached for Class Evolution: Paper Enchanter. No current Skills, Spells, or Stats will be lost, be aware that other Class Evolutions may become impossible.

One who has reached the Third Threshold.

One who has the Profession: Enchanter

One who rose to power using Paper.

The Paper Enchanter is a powerful magical inscription crafter bent on using ink and parchment to alter the world. A powerful force that can create enchanted scrolls of stunning power. They can turn the tide of battles with a single well-written sentence.

Rune Witch

Qualification reached for Class Evolution: Rune Witch. No current Skills, Spells, or Stats will be lost, be aware that other Class Evolutions may become impossible.

One who has used the power of a Curse.

One who has used the power of a Rune.

One who has built a Hut.

One who allies with Flora.

One who allies with Fauna.

One who is Female.

One who has reached the Third Threshold.

One who rose to power using a Rune.

The Rune Witch is a mistress of the sigil’s power. They can create permanent effects given enough time and study of the language of mana. A perfectionist of practice that keeps searching for the next new Rune. They are often extremely inattentive to things outside their obsessions. Each known Rune Witch can be found learning to harness their power, surrounded by the world’s mana's language.

Rune Scrivener

Qualification reached for Class Evolution: Rune Scrivener. No current Skills, Spells, or Stats will be lost, be aware that other Class Evolutions may become impossible.

One who has reached the Third Threshold.

One who has the Profession: Scribe.

One who rose to power using a Rune.

The Rune Scrivener has learned to combine the written word and runic symbols for terrifying effects. A powerful author of the most well-known Grimoire, they are often sought further to help other caster Class Evolutions upon the Path.

Rune Enchanter

Qualification reached for Class Evolution: Rune Enchanter. No current Skills, Spells, or Stats will be lost, be aware that other Class Evolutions may become impossible.

One who has reached the Third Threshold.

One who has the Profession: Enchanter

One who rose to power using a Rune.

The Rune Enchanter has learned to combine the written word and runic symbols for terrifying effects. A powerful engraver of the most well-known Grimoire, they are often sought further to help other caster Class Evolutions upon the Path.

Runic Paper Witch

Qualification reached for Class Evolution: Runic Paper Witch. No current Skills, Spells, or Stats will be lost, be aware that other Class Evolutions may become impossible.

One who has used the power of a Curse.

One who has used the power of a Rune.

One who has built a Hut.

One who allies with Flora.

One who allies with Fauna.

One who is Female.

One who has reached the Third Threshold.

One who rose to power using Paper.

One who rose to power using a Rune.

One who is a Celestial Class.

The Runic Paper Witch is secretly known to few. They are spoken of among the circles of power; that Living Grimoire exists only with their intervention. Little is known to their existence, except this, all true Runes lead on a Path to them given time.

Runic Paper Inscriptionist

Qualification reached for Class Evolution: Runic Paper Inscriptionist. No current Skills, Spells, or Stats will be lost, be aware that other Class Evolutions may become impossible.

One who has used the power of a Rune.

One who has reached the Third Threshold.

One who has the Profession: Scribe.

One who rose to power using Paper.

One who rose to power using a Rune.

One who is a Celestial Class.

The Runic Paper Inscriptionist is secretly known to few. They are spoken of among the circles of power: that Living Grimoire exists only with their intervention. Little is known to their existence, except this, all true Runes lead on a Path to them given time.

Runic Paper Calligraphist

Qualification reached for Class Evolution: Runic Paper Calligraphist. No current Skills, Spells, or Stats will be lost, be aware that other Class Evolutions may become impossible.

One who has used the power of a Rune.

One who has reached the Third Threshold.

One who has the Profession: Enchanter.

One who rose to power using Paper.

One who rose to power using a Rune.

One who is a Celestial Class.

The Runic Paper Calligraphist is secretly known to few. They are spoken of among the circles of power: that Living Grimoire exists only with their intervention. Little is known to their existence, except this, all true Runes lead on a Path to them given time.

Witch of the Library

Qualification reached for Class Evolution: Witch of the Library. Titled. No current Skills, Spells, or Stats will be lost, be aware that other Class Evolutions may become impossible.

One who has used the power of a Curse.

One who has used the power of a Rune.

One who has built a Hut.

One who allies with Flora.

One who allies with Fauna.

One who is Female.

One who has reached the Third Threshold.

One who rose to power using Paper.

One who rose to power using a Rune.

One who is a Celestial Class.

One who reads voraciously.

The greatest Libraries have the greatest Witches. The greatest Witches have the greatest Libraries.

There was a long moment as Eve read the absolutely atrociously vague final choice offered.

Should I gamble? Eve wondered, her breath catching. Some of the last information I got from my brother in the past five years mentioned the Titled Classes' concept. However, it is so damn vague!

She needed power more than ever before. Reaching this threshold had shown her that those who had come before were nothing like the mortal men and woman she knew. Taking a deep breath, Eve made her choice.

“Witch of the Library!” Eve shouted, hoping the last bit of knowledge from before her brother’s notes faded over the last five years would steer her correctly.

Suddenly, like so many years ago, reality paused to take a deep breath when she first arrived in this world.

You have chosen: Witch of the Library (Y/N)

“Yes.” Eve decided before her eyes rolled back in her head as pleasure from having her body reshaped by ambient mana took hold.

Almost a full day later, Eve woke to a string of new notifications.

You have gained the Class: Witch of the Library.

Your Race is now: Witch.

You have lost the Scribe Profession.

You have lost the Enchanter Profession.

Your Profession is now: Talismanic Librarian.

You will now gain +9 Wis, Int per Level!

Librarians are the elite of the world of scholars!

You will now gain +3 Str, Dex, Con per Level!

Librarians lift the weight of history!

You have unlocked the Charisma Stat!

You will now gain +2 Charisma per Level!

Librarians reflect the Library!

You will now gain +10 Free Stat Points per Level!

Librarians teach freedom of choice!

You have lost Celestial Mind.

You have lost Celestial Body.

You have lost Ascendant’s Physique.

You have lost Domain of Celestial Paper.

You have lost Scribe’s Armor.

You have lost Enchanter’s Library.

You have lost Witch’s Effigy.

You have lost Witch’s Rune Curses.

You have lost Witch’s Hut.

You have lost Clean.

You have lost Blink.

You have lost Celestial’s Five Senses.

You have lost Origami Ascension.

You have lost Paperweight.

A Librarian loses nothing as long as the Library exists!

Eve looked at her Status to see the massive changes that occurred.

Race: Witch

Class: Witch of the Library

Profession: Talismanic Librarian

Level: 500

Health: 9,000/9,000 (900 HPs regen)

Mana: 27,000/27,000 (27,000 MPs regen)

Stats: Str 900; Dex; 900; Con 900; Wis 2,700; Int 2,700; Charm 0

Free Stats: 412

S/S Slots: 400

Skills:

Aura of the Library I (0%)

Spells:

Domain of the Library I (0%)

Mental Traits:

Bibliotheca Mind (0%)

Physical Traits:

Bibliotheca Body (0%)

Success! Eve thought in glee. Suddenly her nose informed Eve that the Class Evolution covered her body with a horrific amount of black goop, which caused her to sprint to the shower. Shifting her clothing to drop down on the tile floor, Eve leaped into her personal techno-magic shower. Five years had brought a great many inventions to her former house turned Witch’s Hut. Turning the shower on a high-pressure blast, she moved the temperature setting to boil. Anything to remove the scent of a thousand dead skunks!

As her new body relaxed into the stream of liquid heaven that would boil a normal human into paste Eve read the rest of the notifications.

You have gained the Class List of a Librarian.

Class Skills and Spells now cost a variable number of Skill Slots and a variable portion of Free Stats to purchase.

Enrich your Library, enrich the World!

Interesting. Eve thought.

Now that she had reached a new plateau of power, it was time to revisit her long-term plans. The System had made it clear that several paths were leading to higher levels. Each method of gaining power carried its own forms of risk. As the steam rose around her body, melting the black gunk into the drain, Eve considered each option.

The first and simplest was hunting the Deeps. Second, there were Dungeon expeditions. Third, there was entering the territory of a dangerous predator species, such as Wyverns, attempting extermination quests. Fourth, grinding the long path of mastering a Profession worked extremely well for long-lived species. Fifth and final, the hunting and murder of those who had System-wide bounties on their head for acts against the world at large.

While the temptation of the Deeps was high, Eve reluctantly decided to continue with the second option. However, doing so would require some sacrifices to be made. Relocation from the current layer of the forest to a deeper one was an absolute must. Felix would require a massive increase in the ambient mana to provide her with higher-level opponents to climb further on the level ladder. She would also need to collect various plants, animals, and books to pay Felix for the investment of his time.

Eve was rather certain the Dungeon Core's increasing demands resulted from him realizing that she considered him family.

As such, Felix understood that Eve would never do unspeakable things.

It has made him a rather annoying sentient rock, though. Eve thought, sighing. I remember the good old days…wait…am I turning into my mother?! Eve shuddered at the thought, quickly denying it. No, no. I’m just adapting to the circumstances. Yes, that’s it—nothing to worry about.

The request to add to the Dungeon’s ecology was a long-standing one that Felix had negotiated over the last five years. With the utter surety of a Core, the floating crystal pointed out the simple fact that Eve got less experience the longer she fought the same opponents. That had resulted in a long negotiation where Felix convinced Eve to find new flora, fauna, and knowledge for him to work with.

I guess a few samples here, and there wouldn’t go amiss. Eve thought. After fighting the same opponents for several years, it might be nice to fight something different.

Exiting the shower, after removing the last of the black gunk from her body Eve surveyed the trail leading from her bed to the shower. Quick activation of her knew Domain of the Library I allowed the blank gunk to be unceremoniously stripped and thrown into her inventory. While she didn’t know what it was, Eve bet she could get some good money from Kudzu for it.

Her instinctive use of the Domain caused her to look at the new Skill, Spell, and Traits.

Aura of the Library I (0%)

Where the Librarian exists, so is the Library.

Skills that were used during Class Evolution by Eve Smith to make this Aura still apply.

Skill Penalties that were used during Class Evolution by Eve Smith to make this Aura still apply.

A Librarian knows what occurs in the Library.

The more books in the Library, the greater the range.

The fewer books in the Library, the more knowledge gleaned.

Knowledge is power unconstrained by mortal minds!

Domain of the Library I (0%

Where the Library exists, so does the Librarian’s Domain.

Skills that were used during Class Evolution by Eve Smith to make this Domain still apply.

Skill Penalties that were used during Class Evolution by Eve Smith to make this Aura still apply.

A Librarian rules their Domain uncontested.

The more books in the Library, the greater the range.

The fewer books in the Library, the more precise force flows.

Knowledge is power unconstrained by mortal bonds!

Bibliotheca Mind (0%)

A Librarian’s Mind is Sacrosanct.

Your mind is sharpened by knowledge.

Your mind is sealed from corruption.

Your mind is blessed in capacity.

Knowledge is a sword and shield in one!

Bibliotheca Body (0%)

A Librarian’s Body is Sacrosanct.

Your body is sharpened by knowledge.

Your body is sealed from corruption.

Your body is blessed in capacity.

Knowledge is a blessing of might!

Eve rolled her eyes. Vague as always. At least I have sort of figured out that vague equates to powerful. Mostly.

A short thought of the latest romantic book she had been reading resulted in a book appearing out of thin air and dropping to the floor of her bedroom. She gaped at the sudden appearance of the leather-bound book.

No way… Eve thought excitedly. Can it?

A book on mechanical engineering that she had sold the system appeared out of thin air before Eve caught it. Tears formed briefly in Eve’s eyes before she wiped them away with one hand. Constant experimentation over a few minutes showed there were limits that her Class could not break. She could only pull three basic mechanical engineering books from her past. She could pull any book she currently owned and put it away into the Library, separate from her inventory. Her brother’s notes remained completely unable to be salvaged in any way, which considering how much effort the System put in to erase them, made sense.

The Aura seemed to be a square cube with Eve at the center, much like the Cube of Perception V, which preceded it. The amount of distance covered by the Aura was equal to a multiplier of the number of books in the Library: the more books inside, the less precise the knowledge inside the Aura. Eve found the most efficient to be thirty books, creating a zone of three hundred cubic meters. Within this cubic zone of space, Eve could see the hairs on a fly in the garden.

The Domain seemed to be based on similar principles to the Aura—the more books inside the Library, the less precise Eve’s control of the paper. Eve found the most efficient thirty books, creating a zone of absolute control for three hundred cubic meters. Within this cubic zone of space, Eve felt akin to a paper deity given fleshly form.

A true Librarian, who everyone knew were secret masters of the universe!

The books within the Library also provided strange bonuses in combination with Bibliotheca Mind and Body. For example, if she stacked all romance books, Eve’s Charm stat shot up to the point where she spent almost three straight seconds staring at herself in the mirror, even with Bibliotheca Mind.

Three thousand Charm was terrifying.

Eve resolved that she would need to explore the appropriate books to keep in her Library carefully. There was no doubt in her mind that if she stacked romance novels, she would likely be unable to get any peace or quiet. While someone like Sara could use Charm effectively, to Eve, it was just another glaring annoyance.

The quality of the books in the Library also felt like it might affect. Also, it was a strange sense Bibliotheca Mind imparted to her. Eve didn’t have any forgotten grimoires of ancient archmagi on hand to test the idea out, though, yet. Perhaps she might plunder them somewhere in the future?

The necklace of Runic Paper Die still operated the same when Eve checked. Two others had joined the Runes of Isa, Inguz, and Laguz. Kennaz and Hagalaz had completed the Elder Futhark Runes attached to her weapon. Kennaz represented a Torch. It symbolized Vision, Creativity, Inspiration, Improvement, and Vitality. Hagalaz represented Hail. It symbolized Nature, Wrath, Being Tested, Overcoming Obstacles.

Eve had chosen each additional Rune personally after careful consideration. Eve was almost dead certain that Kennaz had assisted her in the mental arena. Hagalaz allowed for creating a massively effective blizzard area of effect type Spell when used in conjunction with Isa and Laguz.

The Runic Paper Die had gained twelve other Curses in the past few years. The Curses of Weakness, Slow, and Soul Burning had been joined by quite a few others. Twelve separate additions had rounded out the final slots on Eve’s Runic Paper Die.

Each of the new Curses had come from a tactical error she made fighting in the Dungeon. Suffice to say; they were all gained through brutal mistakes paid in blood and suffering. Eve breathed a sigh of relief that the weapon she was most familiar with still functioned the same. A glance at her necklace showed a unique weapon.

Runic Paper Die (Unique)

Cursed Weapon.

Runic Weapon.

Afflict the Curses of Weakness, Slow, Soul Burning, Blood, Disease, Madness, Aging, Shatter, Blind, Truth, Confusion, Laughter, Rot, Thirst, and Feebleness to targets.

Grants the benefits of Isa, Inguz, Laguz, Kennaz, and Hagalaz to the Witch of the Library: Eve

This weapon is soul-bound.

This weapon cannot be stolen.

This weapon cannot be lost.

This weapon cannot be dropped.

Damage: Variable Physical. Variable Magical.

Are you feeling lucky, punk?

Eve blinked. She didn’t remember some of those lines being there the last time she checked her Runic Paper Die. Shrugging to herself, Eve moved her attention to the more important act of creating new clothing. One of the few downsides to reaching the Third Class Evolution threshold was the de-aging effect that occurred. Even if she wanted to appear as an ancient crone, no reasonable person able to pick up clues on her power would believe it. The oldest face that Eve could wear now looked like a kindly matron in middle age.

No matter how much she manipulated the paper that layered her face like a second skin, the mask refused to change. Throwing her hands up in the air, Eve gave up. It was fine if she shifted her age back a bit from elderly granny to something younger. The distinct aura of power that flavored her mana now would be impossible to hide in the short term until she got it back under control.

Eve worked to tailor her new appearance from kindly Serpent grandmother into more of a middle-aged mask. A tail, light scales, and pointed nails completed the effect she aimed to achieve. Once she was done, Eve’s appearance in the mirror now resembled a kindly elderly mother. As long as said elderly kind mother also happened to be a supermodel.

Whatever I can wear hooded robes, and I guess—full ninja sorceress of mystery or something. Eve thought with a mental bit of grumbling. At least my current level of power should dissuade most minor problems.

Shifting her location with the Domain was effortless as spatial manipulation within the cube was smoother than Blink V. Eve moved about the space in her room before crafting new paper clothing to disguise her new form fully. Instead of an elderly grandmother's previous look, she now took the form of a mature middle age magic-user.

A pointy hat, a close-fitting ninja outfit, a belt with multiple pouches, and a long staff topped by a fake crystal orb completed Eve’s new appearances. She made sure to color the blue outfit, announcing her affinity as water to complete the disguise. As per normal, the Runic Paper Die was worn as a necklace and two bracelets. She allowed the dice to rotate gently while simultaneously pushing enough mana into a string linking the weapons to prevent casual identification skills. Another string of mana linked to the fake crystal orb on her staff, causing it to appear as a powerful water affinity focus.

Taking a look at herself in the full-length mirror Eve was impressed. It was a new look from the unobtrusive elderly granny, which was rather fun. A small twist to the hat ensured her face was always in the shadow made the entire outfit have a mildly mysterious vibe.

Grinning, Eve used her Domain of the Library to move through space, instantly appearing next to Sara casually. The store had only a few customers, so Eve enjoyed the dead fish eyes and gaping mouth of her favorite servant.

“Third?” Sara asked after recovering from the shock.

“Mmhm!” Eve replied with a half-grin.

“Are you going to take care of the recent collection of problems now as a show of force?” Sara asked, curious.

“Indeed. We will be moving to the next layer, and I want to ensure the Wild Hunt, Blood Snakes, and the Flock smooth the way. As such, taking care of a few major and several minor problems will pay dividends. That was what you argued, right?” Eve smirked, her tone teasing.

“Have you given thought to negotiate an extension?” Sara asked, switching the subject quickly.

Eve took a sidelong look at Sara as she gave a once-over to the few customers in Sara’s Serum with her Aura. The young woman had matured nicely into a rather fetching woman, showing Sara’s mother was no slouch in the looks department. As the main liaison between the various businesses that Eve had acquired, Sara had pushed her Charm extremely high to capitalize on her Class, Death’s Courtesan. It was a move that played to her Skills and Spells' main strength while also granting the powerfully charismatic social appeal.

No small number of rival shops, competitive business people, and nobility had fallen to Sara’s schemes.

Bah! Sara makes life easier for me, and she draws attention better than a pop idol’s synchronized dance team. Eve thought. Besides, the mice would revolt if their favorite snack distributor vanished.

“What type of extension are you thinking?” Eve asked, already deciding to move ahead on agreeing.

There was a pause before Sara took a deep breath, put on a serious look, and said, “Lifelong.”

Eve blinked.

A century had been expected; perhaps two might work out too. However, a lifelong commitment would mean that Sara would abandon her House to be a permanent part of Eve’s life until death.

“Do you not wish to return home?” Eve asked, turning her full attention to the younger woman. “You know that while the Contract will prevent many things, you could still help your House rise up. Taking control of the Rothschild Realms would not be out of possibility. Do you have no desire to move that direction?”

Sara shook her head in a firm negative, “I have already informed my mother that I have an opportunity to grow more powerful than Emperor Rothschild. Due to the bloodline, I cannot lie, and thus she knows it is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. A month ago, the shackles tying me to my mother disintegrated. It is all the answer I will ever receive from her.”

“Interesting.” Eve said, turning her attention to a customer that appeared to be attempting to burglarize one of the rarer items from the Dungeon. Eve threw most of the stuff that dropped from monsters created by Felix into the store to dispose of it easily. Since the items were essentially untraceable, it was practically free money in Eve’s book.

That said, it wasn’t like she would let someone attempt theft from her shop, directly to her face. Eve turned to Sara and said, “Accepted. We will discuss specifics after the move. Break the news to the munchkins, and ensure a smooth path to the next layer. Ensure we are in a more populated area, preferably with a Dungeon, Deeps entrance, or hazardous species nearby. I want to keep my options open if Felix cannot immediately keep the grind going.”

Sara bowed slightly and said, “I will ensure it is done, mistress.”

Eve sighed, “Congratulations, you won. I’ve managed to hold you off using that moniker for five years straight. Unfortunately, I walked right into that one.”

Sara gave a ghost of a smile before waiting calmly.

“What happened to all those you took care of quietly as I extended my claws into Glenwood?” Eve asked. It was a delicate question that she had let lie for many years, yet it still troubled her thoughts sometimes.

“Some I killed. Others I turned. In acknowledgment of your own views, I have always tried to turn a problem into a solution before removing it permanently.” Sara said, her voice calm.

Eve sighed, sometimes ignorance was a blessing, “What about the first problem we ever had all those years ago? A tax collector or something?”

“The mercenary accompanying him turned out to be loyal to money. The tax collector had an unfortunate stroke while exerting himself to the utmost.” Sara said with a devastating grin.

Rolling her eyes, Eve waved the younger woman off to her task. Sara departed with a flounce in her step that hadn’t been there lately. Eve turned her attention to the would-be thief as she flexed her new Domain.

“Time to perform some further testing.” Eve said, her grin evil and the cold silver of her eyes sparkling.