Sitting in plush leather chairs, Luke and Aruna sat opposite one another, a small table between them. Two servants stood mere feet away, ready to heed either’s call. Luke tapped a finger on the armrest while Sooty curiously hopped around the lounging area in the back of the Defier’s branch initial floor.
Bits of natural sun lit up the area, streaming from the various windows. Being that it was later in the afternoon, the lighting was easy on the eyes. The rank aroma of ale still clung to Aruna, despite Jovan informing the servants she was not to have another drop today.
Much to the Monic Defier’s chagrin of course. It turned out she couldn’t overrule the decision either. The low hum of chatter from other servants on the floor enriched the area. Xera decided to break the remnant tension.
“Luke, why is the drunk pale lady not talking? Did she miss too many maintenance sessions?”
Examining Aruna, Luke caught that she was currently swooning, happy beyond measure. He heard her mumble, ‘I’m a big sister now’ under her breath.
Lounging in the comfortable leather backing, Luke lazily replied, “Some part of her brain is on overload right now, Xera. While we’re waiting, have anything you want to do after this?”
“Oh, oh, I know! Blast some bandits, behead monsters, and take a blood bath. Maybe have you fire off Siphon a couple hundred times in my wand form.”
“That’s what the Sword-Wand in you wants. What do you want, Xera?”
The line of questioning seemed to confuse Xera, and she became quiet. The artifact shook in her sheath with unreadable emotion.
Cedric will need a few more rounds of education with her, Luke thought while picking up a piece of cheese from the nearby table—slowly munching on it. Part of him sought Wayfinder’s counsel, but he still preferred to keep Wayfinder’s sentience under wraps. Had it been only Aruna around, that’d not be an issue, no matter the other Defier’s words, Luke couldn’t bring himself to completely trust the servants.
The Defier’s mark rose to the surface of his left hand, eight others in Sylen had that symbol within them. They earned his trust, few others had the privilege.
Caught in that bind, Luke attempted to sort out the rest of his day and a few notices in the Interface while awaiting Aruna to snap out of her happy go lucky state. He already regretted calling her big sister, the previously defiant and powerful image she built up shattered in real time when her bubbly reaction remained around this long, over ten minutes later.
A sort of checklist arose in Luke’s mind. First, go link up with Iona to get Sooty a real training plan. Second, follow up on that letter from Brisen. Third, see if Celen is around at his home, I promised that old Monic a long time ago I’d visit. If not today, then when?
Turning his head, Luke witnessed Sooty hopping around an elf butler’s black shoes, pecking at it for fun, flapping back when the butler made any attempt at stopping the free-willed crow. Keeping to his more laissez-faire approach, he left Sooty to her antics.
A final thought settled in before moving on to check the Interface log.
Musai suggested today that I be off to adjust to my rapid gains. In that case, I’ll contact Veyri and tell her I’m open to going to the Ruined Realm tomorrow. That reminds me, in mid-thought, Luke placed a palm over his lower neck, over the golden mark Authoria placed there in what seemed like ages ago, despite the relatively short time gap since then. What does this mark do?
An Interface message pooped up in gold—not the usual silver—smack dab in the middle of Luke’s vision.
[Authoria’s Mark] (Enhanced)
Permanently added to Luke Wallace’s expanded status, a bestowal from Sylen’s first Lord. The Radiance Monarch, Authoria.
Triples experience gained within the Ruined Realm up to level fifty.
Helps to block weaker mental influence, divine power, or illusions. Will assist the owner to resist said effects beyond its capabilities to block outright.
Enhanced effect: Steal raw ether from defeated foes, evolving into the golden stigmata once energy requirements are met. (???/???)
Luke analyzed silently, That last one is too vague, it’ll be challenging to know when the mark will evolve without a specific indication. The others will be a great help.
Shifting in the leather chair, Luke sorted through other important log notices. Coming upon five such specimens among the hundreds of log lines.
[From continuous exposure to excessively low temperature, your water resistance has increased by 5 and frost resistance by 10]
[Through training, your companion, Sooty, has grown Iron Feather IV to Tier 1]
Peering up, Luke checked to see if Aruna had come back to reality. The Enhancer seemed to be gradually calming down. Sooty, off to the side, was engrossed in picking on the servants, playfully, of course. Luke filtered through the rest of the log.
[Through training, you have peered deeper into fourth level ice Elementalization. Your ice grows more potent while exhausting you less]
[Musai has implanted the basis of Triple Step into your body through brute electrical signal manipulation. Due to you meeting the foundational agility, strength, and intellect requirements, novice level Triple Step has become your second technique]
[Successful crafting of a quasi-artifact detected, both Etch and Disenchant have upgraded to 1 Tier. The accomplishment of a crafting feat beyond ordinary ability has forced Etch up to Tier 1, Rank IV]
The Reaver thought to bring up Etch and Disenchant under the Profession Tab, but a shift in the air stopped him. Moving his eyes from the Interface to Aruna, Luke waved a hand for the information to minimize up into the silver circle up in the top left corner of his vision.
“Ready to talk now? Any longer, and I’d believe you’d be gushing all day. Makes me regret calling you that, even in the heat of the moment.”
For her part, Aruna was unable to wipe the smirk off her face. She happily shifted side to side in her seat before plucking a piece of jerky to eat. After munching for a while, the Enhancer said, “Well, a deal’s a deal. This sister of yours won’t leave you out to dry any longer. You should review the challenges and accept some.” Aruna crossed a leg over her other, awaiting Luke’s perspective.
“Is there some sort of benefit to me doing that?” Luke scratched his stubble. He’d have to do some grooming later, “How should I go about which ones to pick? Is there a cost to challenging me?”
Making circular motions with a finger, Aruna said, “Fine questions you have, little brother. You can certainly set a ‘stake’ for each challenge; if the challenger refuses the stake you set, they must withdraw. Picking is up to your own criteria, go after ones that would challenge you and cause you to refine your skills. It’s one of the known ways to force abilities to rank up. If luck is on your side, that ice technique of yours could continue to grow too.”
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“Is this what you did when you were my level, Aruna?” Noticing the slight flinch from the other Defier, Luke had a teasing glint color his eye, “I see, even the great Aruna couldn’t make the cut before getting over level fifty.”
Aruna stewed for a moment, ultimately scoffing, “I’m still here, aren’t I? Challenging the top hunters day after day, I can count on my hands the amount of hunters left in this city that might manage to beat me. Ya brat, can you say the same?”
Pushing out his senses, Luke attempted to feel out Aruna’s level, while being unable to inspect others willfully had its perks, it certainly created other challenges. Lucky for Luke, Aruna happened to be an Enhancer, the tank type that used Essence, the same resource he did. Aruna gave off the air being more powerful than Jordis to him. Swirls upon swirls rushed off her body within the second sight he’d honed.
“Stuck up drunk, what level are you at, exactly? The comparisons I’ve encountered fail to match well with where you stand. Jordis comes closest to you.”
“That government dog? She’s not too shabby, but hardly a challenge. I’m stuck at level 75, Tier 2. The few higher level hunters still struggle to match me, should I show you my arena record? Last three challengers were all Tier 3. Trounced the chumps like they deserved.”
“Arena record? No thanks. I take it that’s where you face off against those who request a challenge?” Luke assumed.
“Ever seen those three portals that are closed off at the Portal Buildings around town, little brother?”
“Yeah, what of it?”
“One of the three leads to the open-use arenas, sealed off in another pocket realm for the public’s safety. You’ll have gamblers, interested parties, and duel junkies hanging about. A few protective measures are in place, but ultimately, the Duchy can’t guarantee anyone’s life. You’ll implicitly sign your safety there before being allowed to enter. Even as a viewer, it’s automatic when you take the portal.”
Rubbing his cheek, Luke absorbed the information, “That answers where and what it’s for. The most important part is missing though, why would I want to entertain those challenges in the first place?”
“Because you’re a Defier, sharpen your edge against those above you in level, tier, experience, and crush them. It’s all for your growth. When I adopted this approach after months of challenges, I managed to get my leg and arm strength technique to expert, becoming the eighth Defier in Sylen. After that, the challenges became like a flood, and I chose those I believed benefited me most. Compared to when I joined, I’m at the minimum, twice as strong as I was.”
Aruna took on a wicked smile, and blood lust visibly radiated off the lithe monic woman, “You said you’d devour me. Devour them, little brother, push your skills, grow your technique, and become peerless. Each of us must develop an impeccable reputation, so let’s start on yours. One challenge at a time.”
“You’d make a decent pitch salesman back in the world I came from. I see your point, any advice on how best to go about it?”
The familial obsessed woman crashed into Luke across the table, creaking his bones in a bear hug. Luke felt his lungs threaten to collapse, and he patted a hand on her shoulder, “I get it, I get it, you’re excited, but I need room to breathe, literally.”
Releasing Luke, Aruna sat back in her original leather backed chair. She stuck out her tongue for a moment and said, “What’s wrong with a big sister showing a little bit of affection? I’m glad you see things my way, Luke. To start, with that crushing hug, I got a better feel for your current capability, at least from a pure level and attribute point of view.”
“And what did you learn from that? I’m some pitiful weakling compared to you or some other nonsense?” Luke asked in sarcasm.
Xera arose to defend Luke, “Master, you’re not weak, how else were we to escape the cave? I’ll carve up anyone who tries to say otherwise.”
While Luke appreciated the gesture, the support was unneeded, he switched Xera off with a compliment, “Ah, but I’m helpless without my sword wand.”
Could swords blush? Luke swore he saw Xera do so through her crystal; a jumbled ‘eh-he-he’ came out of Xera.
Butting into the moment, Aruna interjected, “Your devoted big sister learned that you’ve managed to obtain attributes someone well into the second ascension should have. Especially strength, add on that technique of yours, it turns out the little brother isn’t so helpless. Talking sword or not.”
“It’s sword-wand, you forcibly adopted sister battle maniac woman!” Xera bared her fangs.
Defusing the rising heat before Aruna could argue back to Xera, Luke allowed a wave of icy mist to come from his person, “I’m able to face people at tier two, is that what you mean, Aruna?”
Suppressing a scowl at Xera for hitting a sore spot, Aruna answered, “Close, you’ll have to manage against tier suppression. Your moves will feel sluggish, skills less effective, and their moves will have added force against you. On the bright side, your techniques will be barely affected.”
Handing over a piece of cheese to Sooty, who had returned to Luke’s shoulder in the middle of the conservation, Luke shifted his feet across the stone floor. He got up off the chair, “Where can I take a look at the requests against me?”
Returning to a cheery outlook, Aruna swiped up the platter of food, and it disappeared into her storage, she replaced it with a thick stack of papers, “I stole these from Musai when he wasn’t looking today. Old fart is too focused on his swords, they’re the challenge requests for you.”
The Reaver plastered a hand onto his face, “Why am I not surprised? You probably planned this whole thing out the moment you saw me in Musai’s realm?”
Standing proudly, face up to the ceiling, Aruna declared, “Yup! That’s exactly right. You were going to have this big sister of yours show you all these juicy challengers today. Good thing you stopped being stubborn.”
Luke internally contemplated. I’m unsure if I should be impressed at the foresight or annoyed at the lack of shame.
With the crime already committed—and not by him—Luke picked up one such paper out of dozens lying on the table. He read it over, and it flowed into an Interface window after a trio of brands lit up the paper.
[Kaiser Henekic’s duel request to Defier Luke]
Class: Archer
Race: Human
Level: N/A
Tier: 2
Reason: Believes Defier Luke is unfit for his position. Wagers two hundred gold in return for the right to challenge.
Optional personal note from Kaiser Henekic: Stop hiding behind Iona’s skirt and Musai’s sword, you pansy ass spell sword farm boy. You don’t have the balls to accept, should I cut them off for you?
Narrowing his eyes, the Reaver questioned Aruna, “Say by some miracle, I lose to one of these challengers, what happens?”
Aruna sagely nodded, “Other than bragging rights about beating one of the Defiers, they can be allowed an expedient attempt at our test to become a Defier themselves. If they manage to beat you fairly while being under or equal to you in level or tier, they take your spot automatically. Last time something like that happened without foul play was decades ago in this city. The barrier between those with an expert technique and not—is enormous.”
A furrowed and perplexed expression overcame Luke, “I thought Defier’s only accepted those with an expert technique? That’s why I’m here despite other hunters in the city being better than me.” Luke tried to stifle a laugh but failed, “Veyri was very annoyed about it.”
“That’s true in every case except when a current Defier is beaten by someone who should be weaker than him or her by all accounts. If it’s found through analysis that the challenger won through excessively better gear or consumables, the victory is void. In the end, we value skill usage and technique mixed in with creativity. Over reliance on materials is frowned upon, especially by Musai.”
Tapping a foot, Luke subconsciously held Wayfinder with a free hand, “That makes sense; that exception wouldn’t apply if this Kaiser guy won?”
Aruna placed both feet on the edge of the table, shoving the papers over, “That shit for brains archer? No, he’s above you in both tier and level. Should he win, all he’s getting is another shot to take our test. I suppose those sorts would also care that they can say they’ve beaten a Defier. Helps you get into better dungeon or tower teams, I’m told.”
Luke circled around the chair and put a hand out to Sooty for the corvid to jump on, “Ah, I’m a stepping stone for others to move up. There a reason people would want another test to join us? Iona allowed me to with no strings attached, other than making sure I met the minimum level requirement.”
“It’s our sort of concession to other hunters, frustrated at their inability to join us. Manage a win against a current Defier, and you can retake our test, a chance to truly be one of us.” Aruna rosed from her cushioned chair, “Once you’ve failed the first attempt to join us, you can normally only try again after ascending once or have suitable proof you’ve grown a technique to expert.” Walking away, the woman scooped up all the requests to challenge Luke, “I’ll hand these to Persephone for safekeeping. You are going to do it, right? Face that Kaiser piss head?”
Reviewing the challenge screen once more, Luke asked, “Why’s it not mention his level?”
“A remnant from the fact we can’t naturally access each other’s status screens without permission, no one is required to put their exact level, only their tier. Based on the rule, anyone two tiers above you is barred from issuing a challenge.” Aruna stopped in her tracks, “One more thing, little brother. Iona said she’d be in the illusion training realm if you’re interested in getting Sooty advanced training. I’m off to get some sleep, not looking forward to the hangover one bit.” Aruna hid it well, but a stumble remained in her gait as she shoved off the pile of papers to Persephone.
Guiltily avoiding Persephone’s pleading gaze, the Reaver exited the situation by jumping into the other red portal station on the floor.