Chapter 16: Digesting Gains

We journeyed back to the city arriving to a hero’s welcome. The city was growing and had taken a different atmosphere than Aurora my first city. Most of the people in the city were under the age of 30 and that did unique things to the population and culture. Already a few of the civilian women under my employment were pregnant and relationships were popping up in every direction.

Pregnancy was one thing I would not have to worry about with my troops fortunately. Not only could the alchemist under my employ create contraceptives that could be drank by both males and females we had priest from the Church of Arva the Goddess of Fertility here. Her followers could easily make you more susceptible to getting pregnant or doing the opposite.

So, a heroes welcomed we returned too. Messages had already been sent of our win and the various cooks and servants had long since began a feast that would last well into the night. I wasn’t worried about our food storage either. The farmers had long since begun to cultivate the land in this hidden valley. Now I was curious as to why the people of the Last Kingdom hadn’t explored this range and settled this land.

An hour later my soldiers were settled in, and the feast was ready to begin. As the Young Lord it was only right that I gave out a speech before we made merry.

I climbed up to the balcony that overlooked the city from my manor. Amaya was already present wearing a black floral dress with golden flowers that glowed in the nightlight. This was her victory as much as it was mine.

“General,” I greeted playfully only to receive a punch in the arm.

“Are you ready Young Lord,” her reply was just as playful.

Together we stepped out into the roaring crowd.

I raised my hand and the thousands that filled the space grew quiet.

“My people we have been victorious! I am not one for long speeches however, recognition is due when deserved.

Alex of the Swordshield squad step forward. Rouge of the War Maidens step forward.”

I already made sure these two would be close to the front of the crowd, so it wasn’t long until they were right below me. Already on our return I had discussed this with Amaya

“You have held off against overwhelming odds and did not retreat nor cower against a threat stronger than you. You have shown yourself to be champions, heroes, and shall be rewarded.”

The earth rose beneath the two and soon they were standing at the same height as us.

Murnia appeared behind me with a ceremonial sword. The two looked at my small group in confusion.

“Kneel,” Amaya said while hopping from the balcony to the raised earth.

Both Alex and Amaya knelt immediately. Amaya gently picked up the ceremonial sword and moved to stand in front of Rouge. She slowly, gently, tapped the sword to her head, the left and right shoulder before repeating the process for Alex.

“You have knelt as soldiers; you may now rise as Knights of the Crimson Army.”

A thunderous cheer erupted as the two rose Alex with a look of confusion while Rouge held herself together expression keeping stable but eyes glistening. I was surprised at how well they kept it together after all they were just promoted to nobility even if it was extremely minor. They would need to have crest of their owns and could even own a village in the dukedom to collect taxes from.

I appeared in front of the two next giving each a deed. If anything was plenty in the dukedom it was land. This time even Rouge broke, and tears began to fall from her eyes as the cheers became almost overwhelming.

Gently they were returned to the ground, and I would finish the rest of my speech.

“As you can see, I am not one for long speeches. We came to the battlefield and claimed victory. So, when you feast tonight know that you feast as champions and heroes. When you march on the battlefield know that we are watching and rewarding those who go beyond their station. When you return to this city know that you shall forever return as heroes! So tonight, drink, eat, make merry! Tonight, we are the victors!”

As I finished magic was cast into the sky and exploded like fireworks. Reds, greens, golds, and blues the celebration had begun yet I had other ideas on my mind. My aspects had been in full cultivation during that battle and in doing so room for my third active perk had become available.

‘Aspects.’

Aspect: Starlit Harbinger

(35%)

(New Perks Available.)

Effect: Increase in all stats which include but is not limited to endurance, vitality, speed, magic, and strength. When under starlight gain a 20% greater increase. Gain the skill Perfect Recall, allowing you to recall special moments with perfect clarity. Increase combat damage output by 15%. When calling upon your bloodline all powers and effects are concentrated and strengthen within a range of 20ft.

Perks:

Ashes Fall [Beyond] (Tier 2): Summon ashes from [Beyond] which will drain vitality/mana and sap mental endurance (Minor). Only affects living objects.

Starlit Eyes (Tier 2): See in the dark without light interference. Can see through illusions (Minor).

Dragon’s Health (Passive) (Tier 2): Passively regenerate vitality and mana (Average). Increase mental endurance (Average).

Aspect: Adventurer

(35%)

(New Perks Available.)

Effect: Fortification of all stats which include but is not limited to endurance, vitality, speed, magic, and strength. This allows user to draw more upon their physical body without using as much resources as before.

Perks:

Adventurer’s Insight (Tier 2): When activated allows the user insight on all viewable items within sight. Providing detail information based on the knowledge user already has and making structural weaknesses more obvious.

Adventurer’s Grit (Tier 2): When activated fortify and turn your physical body into steel. Damage taken during this period will be negated by 15%.

Survivability (Passive) (Tier 2): Increase regeneration of physical and mental state.

One thing I began to realize is that at after getting your aspect to 25% room for your third perk becomes available. I kept strict watch and control over my soldiers’ aspects and all who developed their aspect unlocked the third active at 25%.

‘Show me the list of available perks.”

Aspect: Starlit Harbinger

Harbinger’s Wrath: When activated grants the user double the physical strength at the cost of mental stamina and mana. Grants the skill [Heron Beak] giving user greater piercing damage.

Star Touched: When activated the user body becomes Star Touched. Become bigger and brighter than your opponent. A beacon to all who follow you and a curse to all who oppose you. Enemies in range when Star Touched in activated are sapped of mental strength.

[Beyond] Gaze: She has noticed you and thus shall reward you. This is a permanently activated ability. Allows user to see into the Beyond glimpsing events that will happen shortly.

Harbinger’s Standard: When activated summon 10 constructs that will have half of your total strength. These constructs have limited intelligence and are able to perform basic commands.

Truth of Eon: Eon has taken notice of you! When activated grants the user total control of the surrounding earth.

Aspect: Adventurer

Adventurer’s Luck: When activated increase the user’s probability.

Seed of Hope: When activated grants the user a Seed of Hope. Plant an idea within yourself or a single target. Then allow the Seed of Hope to blossom.

Master of None: When activated allows the basic understanding and use of nonconventional weapons.

I let out a long breath and sat silently for a few minutes. This was a lot to take in.

‘Who is Eon?’

Eon is a System Administrator.

‘And pray tell what exactly is a System Administrator and who is this Eon. I can guess a bit from the name itself but if you would clarify.’

Eon is one of the Primordial Dragons birth to the realm planet Alcove. Further information is restricted until you move along in your aspect path. A System Administrator is one responsible for making sure System runs smoothly.

I sighed knowing I wouldn’t be getting more than this. A primordial dragon huh I was already dealing with gods what’s a primordial dragon to the mix. My mind drifted back to that faithful day. The last day I was Terrence Brown from Earth.

‘Beyond was a dragon… is she also a primordial?’

Further information is restricted.

I began to pace in my office my mind completely away from the thought of choosing a new aspect. Eon, [Beyond], so much to process. Complex feelings worked their way through my mind. A mix of anger, frustration, curiosity, and a feeling that I quickly disregarded. The feeling to give up, to let it all go. I took out my journal and began to write in English. Things I would plan to accomplish once I reached a significant level of power. Once I fulfil my duties to my family and began to explore the rest of Nia and eventually the entire world of Gaia.

Just as I was about to dive back into my aspect page a knock came to my door.

“Enter.”

Murnia entered the room bringing a tray of refreshments and snacks.

“Young Lord Lady Amaya requests your presence. She said, ‘It’s time for celebration and not work’ and a messenger from Princess Moriah has arrived. The Princess request a meeting and is already in the hosting room. I’ve alerted Lady Amaya and she is already entertaining the Princess.

A message from your cousin Prince Makanui has also arrived he wishes to meet with you at your earliest convenience.”

‘Well shit.’

Nothing is ever easy or simple for me especially when it came to this princess. Now my cousin also came calling. Was this the life of a leader? I took in a deep breath as a green glow came from my wrist and held it for a few seconds before releasing and repeating the process several more times and the glow faded.

“Alert Amaya and Princess Moriah that I will arrive shortly.”

Murnia bowed and took her leave.

***

Amaya gave out a soft chuckle as she discussed various topics with the Princess when Aegis walked into the room.

He appeared to be in pristine condition, but Amaya knew that her cousin was far from that. Small ticks, the way he walked, the slight dim in his eyes (yes, she could tell even if his eyes looked like the night sky), and even his speaking manner would change when he had too much to handle. Which is why she showed up to help when the princess came for a night visit. Far from the normal hours such an event would be allowed back home but this was not home.

Moriah appeared in a golden baby doll dress that matched her eye color while several accessories decorated her neck, wrist, hands, and ankle. Amaya thought she looked amazing and was already planning to commission a few pieces once she got back home. Her attention returned to Aegis. Her cousin was tired, but he gave a polite greeting before sitting down. His eyes flicking to hers for a moment and she winked while the princess attention was drawn to him.

She watched the way Princess Moriah looked at Aegis. There was a hunger and other emotions within her eyes. Moriah may have thought she hid it but having been around Aegis, his mother, and the twins all her life Amaya had long since gotten used to reading people through their eyes.

“Moriah what brings you to my humble abode on this late night?”

Amaya grimaced. Her cousin had lost his tact and it quickly showed. She would have to step up for him.

“We were just discussing home as well as the unique resources we’ve discovered on this planet. Why don’t you have some tea cousin.”

Amaya quickly grabbed the set and poured her cousin a cup. Handing it to him while maintaining eye contact.

He took a long sip and the moment he set his cup down Moriah began to speak.

“I will be frank.”

Amaya grimaced once again and an awkward smile plastering itself on her face.

“Princess…,” she began.

“Call me Moriah. All my close friends and allies do.

I do not mean to be direct however the circumstances have forced my hand.

I’ve read the initial report sent to all invested parties of this expedition and as I said I will be frank. I do not care.”

Amaya looked over at Moriah in confusion. Before glancing at Aegis. He had his eyes closed but Amaya could see that he was paying close attention. Moriah began to continue.

“I do not care for what methods you are using to enhance your troops but if it is something the Empire has deemed illegal once I find out their will be consequences. I do not care for these Nox that has been spoken off.

I’ve come for this world for one reason and one reason alone.

To fight!

To be CHALLENGED!

I will be attending this meeting with you along with Alexa once you make your way to this Last Kingdom’s leadership and I will be testing how sharp their blades are.”