Year 129

A moment I long awaited, and I felt it happen quite clearly. The Tree-Over-Mind was shaped like a massive blob of neurons at first, but once it was complete, it shrunk to the size of a small bush. But, anyone who saw it would be able to tell it is no ordinary bush. It was as if a thundercloud was plucked out of the sky and made into a bush.

Lightning jumped from one part to another constantly. Flashes of light happened regularly. If not for various other strange, burning trees, it’ll look very out of place.

“I am awake, Master. I am the [Tree-Over-Mind], and I can now be given a name,”

“Telepatreeck. Patreeck.” I had spent some time thinking of what would be a good name. It was either Telepatreeck or Psychiatreest. But I decided Patreeck would be a more common name.

“Activating local area [Mind Access].” Patreeck said, and my mind was assaulted by the thoughts of almost everyone in Freshka. Freshka was the nearest town to the Valley. A lot of people suddenly jerked when they felt the [Mind Access] happen. It’s like a sudden headache.

Jura was quick to detect it’s presence. “Aeon... did something happen. I felt my mind was suddenly touched.”

The Mind Access felt quite like a version of the memories that the [souls] have. When the dead souls arrive in my [soul realm], and after 3 additional colors to my soul forge, the quality and quantity of memories I can see from the dead has increased over that time.

This was a very similar feeling. I can ‘feel’ little bubbles of thoughts. Not everything, quite surely.

That was when I could feel Jura’s worry. He was wondering whether that feeling was a mental attack. It was the same throughout Freshka. Faris was back in Freshka after a stint at the Six Ports, and he felt it too. Those who are higher level can feel it, something touching their mind. They don’t know what, though.

A deluge of random thoughts. Stupid things.

“Patreeck, can you filter those that are irrelevant?”

“Define irrelevant, master?”

“Uh... anything that doesn’t have to do with me.”

“Everything has to do with you, master. Eventually. Please narrow down your choice.”

“Exclude thoughts about love lives, friendships, and issues of sanitation, food.” What else could I exclude? Or more like, what should I focus on?

Or is it better that I go about this in a machine-learning way?

So, Patreeck spent quite a bit of time with me, as we went through the thoughts of the people around me, grading those thoughts using a not interested vs interested criteria, he would develop a framework of what would be relevant to me. But of course, this required training data, so I was swamped with random, silly thoughts for a long time, because though he had my knowledge, he still needed my decision making to properly assess what would be relevant to me.

Most of the thoughts are mundane. Thoughts about family. About their work. About food. I wasn’t interested in things like that. I wanted things that were a ‘risk’. There was a context to it too. Like, I would be interested in more ‘mundane’ things from Jura, than a random person I don’t know?

“But you do know them, master.” Jasmine added. “We have knowledge about so many people. It is just a thought away.”

Ah. It’s weird.

It’s like one moment you don’t know them, and the next, all this knowledge gets downloaded. It’s uncanny and weird.

So weird. For a human. But so natural for them.

“Trees take forever to get to know a person. For us, interacting with a person for a year is good enough to make us relate to that person, and makes him feel like we’re good friends or sworn enemies. For a Tree, one year’s interaction is probably just a one-liner in the story of their incredibly long life.” Yvon was giving a talk to the new batch of Valthorns. “So, don’t feel discouraged and wonder why Aeon still treats you like he doesn’t know you. I believe this is actually a common feeling across all of us normal mortals, when we interact with ageless creatures.”

There’s actually a segment or class in their curriculum called, ‘Interacting with ancient spirit trees.’ Apparently Gerrard helped them with the syllabus when he was here, and was mainly for those who had a ‘druid’ specialisation.

“Druids must learn how to manage spirit trees. They are the creatures of the land, given power by their age or special events. The theory of how spirit trees came to be is complicated and as druids, it is best not to presume each of their origins. According to one rare ancient script, spirit trees used to be far more common. This, of course, is a highly contentious statement.”

A young boy raised his hand. His name was Eiran, and he’s a 10 year old [Druid]. “Why?”

“The ancient script implies that there was an era before the constant destruction and war. If you believe this, then the theory that many trees surviving and achieving sentience would be true.”

“But do we know whether it’s true?”

“No. Other than one rare ancient script, we have no other descriptions of spirit trees from the old era. Many records were lost to the numerous wars and battles. It could well be that this ancient script is a story of fiction, as this script was incomplete. Or the work of a speculator or troll. Most of the more recent [Great Druids], or [Arch Druid], believe that Spirit Trees are not created by the age of the trees, but more of unique magical circumstances.”

That would be fair, like me. I am not an ‘old’ tree, just unique.

“For example, records about Aeon did not exist prior to 50 to 60 years ago, when Freeka was founded.” Yvon said. “Where was Aeon before that, we did not know.”

So close.

“Perhaps, he was just asleep.” Yvon obviously didn’t think so, but she didn’t know the answer. I vaguely sensed she’s still trying to unravel this mystery, and I discovered that it’s been something she has been wondering for some time. It’s just that no one knew the answer, and all Jura told her was that I was brought here by some druids.

“Maybe it’s just magic, made real.” Another boy said. He believes in magic, that it is possible for magic to take the form of things. It’s a remarkably pure view of magic. And I felt embarrassed when I felt the part of that boy’s thoughts, that I’m a magical existence. It was... weird and jarring to encounter these kinds of emotions. It’s like being on the receiving end of a confession. Weird.

It’s not all positive. Many do view me as a tyrant, a benevolent dictator. These thoughts were common among the visitors to Freshka. Merchants or travelling nobles. Many mixed views about me, most, a grudging respect. On a day to day though, most of them don’t really think about me that much. Their focus is mostly on their immediate issues. Food. Trade. Jobs. Safety. Relationships. Mundane stuff that I mostly filter out.

For those who are used to Freshka, or have lived here for a long time, their issues relate mostly to jobs, studies, relationships, happiness, progression and justice. Safety wasn’t much of a big deal, because Freshka’s extremely well fortified. We have built many, many walls, and the Valthorns’ tremendous presence meant safety was not something they thought about.

Naturally, I’ve used my new mind-reading, though it’s not pure mind reading. It’s like I’m able to access little thought bubbles that leak out of their minds. It’s a bit like Sims, where there’s little blobs over their head indicating their thoughts.

“I’ve looked through the memories and I believe this display would be most consistent with the present layout.” Patreeck said. “Do you want me to present their thoughts in other forms? I can also arrange them as a ticker-style display, or a live-thread.”

“This is fine. Can you color code it for the type of thoughts? Mundane ones as a pale grey. War or combat related as red.”

Patreeck instantly revised my interface and most of the speech bubbles changed into pale grey. Little grey speech bubbles.

This is entirely possible because these companions of mind are able to intervene and connect to my mind directly. It’s pretty much live editing similar to how TV channels add the banners and overlays for live sport events.

On top of that, I now have the ability to transmit thoughts and dreams into any one person. I can project emotions, feelings, and ideas into them, these powers are strongest right here, in Freshka. Honestly, these sort of psychic attacks feel like a big step towards outright mind control.

Am I becoming a hive mind that mind-controls all the citizens in my valley?

I’m quite sure I’ve long past the point where I can say this is too much power for one person to handle. I’ve had various powers that already qualify for that ‘too much power’ thing. Like [subsidiary trees] and [soul forge].

“Master?” Patreeck and the rest of my artificial minds were concerned. I think they detected my emotional state.

“Ah... just... having some thoughts about my new powers.”

-

I summoned a few individuals to the valley. It’s the same place where the Valthorns, or the representatives visited. This time, Jura and a few Valthorns escorted them, and I reduced the effects of my [haunted forests] along the path.

“Master Jura, did we do something wrong?” One of the merchants asked as he walked carefully behind Jura. He was one of the few merchants who actively traded with us, and with my new found powers, viewed me rather favorably.

“No.” I responded to them telepathically, I tried to control the strength of my projection. Jura had recently said that my telepathic messages had become rather overwhelming, even though the messages were simple. I honestly had not considered how my [telepathic communication] scaled with my levels, even if it made all the sense in the world. Patreeck’s presence too, of course. “It’s actually a happy occasion.”

The five individuals were two merchants, a carpenter, a herbalist and a healer.

“The five of you must feel like an odd bunch.”

The herbalist mustered all of his strength to respond. “It is an honor.” I could see his thoughts. He was worried sick, and he wondered what would happen to his family if he didn’t go home today. The others were thinking how to run. The merchant’s leg was wobbly. I had the Valthorns serve them some calming, relaxing tea.

“But I promise you you’ll return home today.”

The tea worked swiftly, and calmed their nerves. Then I got to the point.

“I’ve heard of your efforts to use local goods and promote local trade, and I’m here to reward you.”

[Trademaster], [Aeonic Master Carpenter], [Advanced Aeonic Herbalist] and [Advanced Aeonic Healer]. Somehow Trademaster didn’t have an aeonic variant, but then again, maybe that’s because I myself have very little involvement in trade. But from what I understand, certain classes that do gain Aeonic classes either gain some mastery over wood and growth, some variant of my healing powers or anti-demonic properties.

The five were stunned at the fruits, but they all took it. Except one merchant.

“It is a great honor, but I must refuse, Aeon.” The one who rejected said, and I saw the speech bubbles. He doesn’t want to be seen as beholden to me, and I could tell he was extremely conflicted about it. “My independence is something I greatly value as a merchant. My skill [Trustworthy broker] relies on my continuous independence.”

“...I see.” Oh well. But the other four were more than happy to take it. “That is fine. It is a gift, and you are permitted to refuse.”

Eventually they all left the valley, safely. It didn’t take long for the effects of their upgraded classes to show up. Their works were more fine, stronger. I wanted to see what their presence would cause.

The other nations who got wind of their new classes were quick to offer, but I had believed they had enough sense to refuse. At least, for a while.

“I suspect the Trademaster may move to other towns.” Jasmine commented a few weeks after that day. “But the other 3 are still based in the Freshlands.”

I mentally sighed. I guessed that a trademaster must move around to maximise his returns. Setting up a trading base is nothing more than a step to profit.

-

At this moment, I feel my ideas of a cultural victory seemed extremely far fetched. I could definitely assist in ‘forming’ and ‘shaping’ a culture, but ultimately the culture of a place is formed by its’ people, and built over decades and centuries.

It’s also constantly changing. The Freshlands is a newcomer in the world, culturally. There’s no goodwill that’s built up over the decades, unlike the temples that are cultural and political institutions.

I’ve managed to sway a lot of the local nobles to at least give lip service, a word of ‘faith’ and ‘loyalty’ to the Freshlands. But many of them conflate the ‘faith’ and the ‘authority’ together. I am both God and Emperor, a religious and an administrative authority. The temples are a ‘religious’ figure, even if they lack administrative clout.

The temples are gathering their forces.

There are already Kings who opposed the crusade, not because of the cause, but because they are too weak. My victory had scared many of them, certainly, I was not the ‘easy prey’ they believed I were.

On the central continent, most of them view me quite favourably, and so, one of the projects I had this year was to cut a path across the Rottedlands.

Right now, if we take the Rottedlands as a one big pizza, I’ve taken a large slice out. Same for the remnants of Harris’s Empire. What I want to do now, is to cut across, and make a ‘highway’ to the surviving kingdoms on the other side.

After analysing the maps, I decided to do it the politician and capitalist’s way. To the highest bidder.

“We’re going to launch a bid.” I told Kavio and the council. “I intend to use my powers to clear a pathway through and across the Rottedlands, and so, I want to invite the kingdoms who are interested in an alliance with me, to participate. This means a trade route, protected by my trees and beetles. We can also set up new towns and cities along the path.”

A new silk road. A new... Tree Road. A Countree road.

The entire representative council was excited by what that meant. A pathway that crossed the Rottedlands would open up so many new economic opportunities for trade! It could massively reinvigorate the inland nations that bordered the Rottedlands.

“So, invite the kingdoms to bid. What they are willing to offer for a connecting path? We’re also willing to offer a conditional defensive pact, should a nation feel ever threatened by their neighbours.”

“Is this capitalism?”

“No. This is just me sending my roots to wherever that’s juicy. We’ll open multiple paths eventually.”

This task will involve me cutting across where the demon’s corruption is densest, but lately, I’m feeling confident. I think it’s partly because of Patreeck. These Titans, they generate massive amounts of mana, and his psychic powers meant that he could help to offset the corrupting influence.

I can now dream of The Transcontinental Treeway.

The announcement was met with chaos. Even more than I had expected.

‘Does this mean Aeon is able to extend his reach as far as the entire continent?’ That was pretty much the number one political and military question on everyone’s mind. Because if that answer was a yes, they had to quickly revise my ability to project power anywhere on the continent.

‘Clearly the answer is a yes. Why else would the Freshlands put out an auction for a safe pathway across the Rottedlands? They must be able to do it.’

‘No country on the continent is safe if this is true. If The Freshland’s beetles are able to pop up on the other side of the continent, are we not sharing this continent with a monster? How is our throne and kingdom safe?’

‘I think you mean, how are we still supporting the temples? This declaration is clearly a thinly veiled invitation to the rest of the kingdoms to switch sides.’

The temples were quick to attack the plan as some kind of tree-imperialism. That this was me building an empire. Well, yes. Of course. I’m fighting temples who can summon armies from all the continents. Surely I’m going to retaliate by expanding to such a point that I can force a stalemate and a peace treaty?

The FFA was extremely busy after the bid went out, many kingdoms, previously uninvolved in the affairs of the Freshlands, now had this offer. They’ve previously ignored me simply because I was on the other side, the Rottedlands was this thick impenetrable wasteland. As a potential neighbour, everyone wanted to do their own due diligence, on what they were potentially inviting to their corner.

Some of the kingdoms quickly formed a coalition agreeing not to bid, and to convince others not to bid. Well, they don’t want me next door.

But I just need one. Someone to agree. A kingdom desperate enough to agree. A kingdom that’s been harassed, ignored and bullied. One who’s willing to accept a new benefactor and patron. The temples were suddenly willing to open their purses and give aid to the border kingdoms, just to dissuade them from participating.

Ah, geopolitics.

Was it this chaotic when the Panama Canals or the Suez Canals opened? Surely the politics of having to skip a long detour for trade made everyone jump?

While the discussion went on, and the actual auction would happen one year later, I started to expand.

I have so many subsidiary trees. I pushed deeper into the Rottedlands.

[Skill : Hybrid Botany upgraded]

I pushed deeper to the center. Where is the Daemolite? The center should naturally be where the demon king fell. There should be daemolite. Instead I found a crater. A massive smoldering crater.

What in the world...

Oh. Is this because Harris and gang destroyed whatever that was trapping the souls of the heroes?

The air here was different. The energies were chaotic.

I wondered whether this constituted a magical leyline.