One enduring mystery of the Akashic Record is the lack of segregation in its accessibility. All circumstantial evidence points towards the Record being designed by humans and for humans. Why, then, can all known forms of life access it? Indeed, research has found that even mundane plantlife can technically access the Record, despite lacking the mental faculties to actually do so. While it certainly seems odd to grant access to grass, even more confounding is the access granted to the enemies of humanity. Although pre-Record history of the world is hazy in many areas, it is clear that goblins, predatory beasts, and even vermin like rats and cockroaches became much more dangerous after year zero. Why would a human empire ever intentionally empower goblins and rats?

There are, like many subjects regarding the record, conflicting theories. Some believe that the humans of the Ancient Empire were simply generous to the point of self-destruction, but that seems unlikely. A more popular theory is that it was an unintentional result from some blunder in the spellwork. Perhaps the designers of the Grand Art intended to connect all life to the Record in order to spy on them with no intention to grant full access. Or, perhaps the aspect of the spell designed to limit it to only humans was sabotaged by a third party.

If this inexplicable property of the record is indeed the result of a flaw in the spellwork, it may tie into the other enduring mystery of the Ancient Empire. Perhaps that same flaw or third party meddler was responsible for all traces of their civilization vanishing, save for the Record itself? Of course, that is merely speculation built on speculation. If it was true, though, it raises some unsettling questions. What other flaws in the Record have gone yet unnoticed? And who would meddle in such magic, and for what purpose?

-Excerpt from History of the Akashic Record

After Mud sent a direct order to the ego sword, it finally responded. At least, in a sense. Within the golem's soul, a tether formed, binding the weapon to Mud. In contrast to the heavy pressure that bound Mud to the demon Jabrax, this connection felt more delicate and ephemeral. Although Mud had ordered it to do so, this connection had formed because of the sword had chosen to comply and not because it was forced to.

Two very different methods of control became clear to Mud in that moment. To control the unwilling with force, as with the demon. To control the willing with loyalty, as with the sword. With this revelation, the Ideal of Control became more complete.

[Skill Psionics increased to level 4]

[Persuade Spell obtained]

While it was tempting to use the spell on the sword immediately to instill further loyalty, the risk of mental degradation gave Mud pause. Damaging the mind of The Master's possession was not acceptable. Until testing could be done to determine what counts as overuse, casting this spell on the sword or Jabrax would be avoided.

Putting the spell aside, Mud refocused on the sword. While it was now under the golem's control, it was of little practical use at the moment. Perhaps Jabrax would be able to wield it proficiently, but she had never made any request for a weapon. In fact, she seemed to take joy in striking down enemies with her own teeth and claws. If granted this sword, it seemed likely she would underutilize it.

Mud itself had no interest in wielding a sword, as it was too large and cumbersome. It would make stealth difficult, and would get in the way of enveloping strategies. On a deeper level, its soul seemed to cry out against the concept of wielding such an obvious weapon. Becoming a Master Butler had changed Mud's perspective and opinions on some things. While it was rarely an issue since the class preferences closely aligned with Mud's goals, in this situation it made wielding the sword directly a non-option as a long term solution.

"Sword, send me your Akashic Record." Remember its own confusion when it was told to do so by Jabrax, Mud added a moment later to its message. "Simply will it to happen and the Record will be sent."

Immediately after the clarification, a familiar box appeared before Mud. The contents, however, were very different.

Name: none

Level 1 Ego Sword

Class: none

HP

5/5

SP

100/0

MP

0/100

Spells:

Skills(1):

Status Effects:

Although the low level was expected, some aspects of the record immediately struck Mud as odd. It's 'SP' was greatly beyond its maximum value, and it had no mana despite not knowing any spells. Another curiosity was the lack of a unique skill. According to its information from Jabrax, all living things should have a unique skill, a defining aspect of their soul determined shortly after their birth.

"Sword, explain to me why you have so much SP and no unique skill."

Unfortunately, no reply came. Over the tether between their souls, Mud felt a tinge of regret and failure. This was an emotion familiar to Mud, from that dreaded day when the thick human ate a cracker right in front of it. After vibrating in irritation at the memory, the golem forced itself to refocus on the situation at hand. It seems the sword wanted to follow the order, but was unable to. It could not communicate.

That was a problem that could be addressed in the future. If this construct truly did not yet choose its unique skill, this was a rare opportunity to determine its fate. The longer it experienced the world, the more chances it had to gain some useless unique by chance. Even now, its desires may be shaping a skill for communication.

Wasting no time, Mud selected the most useful concept that came immediately to mind.

"Sword, I order you to gain a unique skill which allows you to wield yourself in combat. You will swing yourself and move without aid. Focus your will on that concept until the record announces your new skill."

From their link, Mud felt only a subtle feeling of concentration. Remembering the effort of will when it had formed its own Dictionary, Mud calmly waited. After a few moments, a feeling of elation and success came through the soul bond.

All at once, the weight in Mud's hand seemed to vanish. Slowly, Mud released its grip on the blade handle. As its muddy paw fully left the sword, it did not fall to the ground.

Although it was shakey and unbalanced, and at times bobbed low to the ground before regaining hight, the sword was remaining aloft of its own power. Within its soul, a feeling of pride that comes with a task complete came through to Mud. That too was a feeling that Mud was well familiar with.

In many ways, Mud saw in this sword a reflection of itself. Created by the same person, and similar in many profound ways. Even their ages were similar, although Mud had much more life experience. Beyond the orders of The Master, Mud felt an instinctive desire to protect this sword and keep it close. What was this sword to Mud?