“ark” Elder Joran repeated, Tunde watching the large tower-like structure vanish from view with a ripple, blinking in shock.
“Adamath realm keystone, created and named by the artificers I believe” Joran repeated.
“Employing short-distance nexus keys to send them to preferred locations, the artificer guild really has gone far” he added.
It had been there one minute and gone the next, no sign of it, Tunde glanced down at the elder who had drawn his face from the structure and back to the crystals in the large room.
“What does it do?” he asked.
“Not too clear on that, the clan was only informed that on the orders of the hegemons themselves, the regents gave the order to ensure the distribution of these keystones across Adamath by the various powers” Joran replied.
“Which is strange really, not once in my entire existence have I heard of a joint order by the regents, not even the regent of war and constructs right here on Bloodfire itself,” he said.
“Could it be some sort of weapon?” Tunde asked again.
The elder sighed, stretching as he shook his head.
“Doubt it, the cults don’t need weapons, they are weapons, whatever it is, I believe it’ll have widespread- “he said pausing.
Tunde froze, watching his sight flash hazily as a blue screen appeared in front of him.
“Well, this is interesting” elder Joran murmured.
“Are you seeing this?” Tunde whispered, waving his hand in front of his face as it passed harmlessly through the screen.
“Bright blue screen? Yes,” the elder responded.
All around the area, loud shouts of confusion could be heard, people no doubt unnerved by the appearance of the blank blue screens that pulsed. Tiny but legible writings began to appear on the screen in front of Tunde.
[initiating integration into A.R.K system, please hold....]
[integration complete, synchronizing cultivator’s data and attributes into A.R.K, please hold….]
[synchronization complete, playing stored message by domain regent]
A loud voice echoed in Tunde’s head, soft but firm and filled with power even as the same words scribbled themselves out and Tunde watched elder Joran fall to his knees, head bowed. He followed suit, unsure of what was happening except for the regent being called.
[in the name of the hegemon, I, Argus, regent of the Heralds sect welcomes you to the dawn of a new age of cultivation on Adamath. A.R.K is a system designed by all the powers of Adamath with the help of the artificer guild to help smoothen the cultivation of the billions that call Adamath home.
In an age where the cultivation arts are slowly becoming shallow due to the loss of knowledge, along with some unforeseen circumstances, the hegemons came together to bestow something unique that will ensure every cultivator understands their cultivation and just how far or close they are from the top where we sit.
The system will guide you; we know this change is unprecedented, and we understand the shock, but we believe it will help you with the coming surge and convergence, may the hegemons guide you all.
Regent of battle,
Argus.]
The message vanished as the murmurs around became both excited and terrified whispers, elder Joran gave a short leap, clearing the room through the shattered ceiling as Tunde followed suit to see the hundreds that had accompanied the ship talking to each other. The elder clapped his hands twice, using his affinity to propel the sound as all faces turned to him.
“This is unprecedented, you have questions, I don’t have the answers, but the regent has spoken and it is law, retire to your quarters, we converge by daylight tomorrow” he ordered.
They obeyed immediately, scattering as Tunde turned his gaze towards where the rifts had opened up, watching as one closed up, Elyria leading the team who all looked worse for wear out, and towards the base. He watched as they froze, no doubt Ark linking to them as well as they whispered, he moved at a steady pace towards them, the blue screen not hindering his vision in the least.
Reaching them a few moments later as his body steadily recovered, Elyria moved forward to him.
“What is this?” she asked.
“I’m in the dark as much as you are” he replied.
“The wardens won’t stand for this,” she said shaking her head.
“Because they hate anything not of nature?” he asked.
“Precisely, I had a metal affinity and- “she said pausing, shaking her head again.
“Never mind, whatever means was used in creating this, it’s far above our level of understanding,” she said as she trudged off.
Tunde turned to the rest of them, a heavy breathing Draven who had a sack propped over his shoulders, a wide grin on his face.
“You arrive and suddenly we start swimming in disciple-ranked resources, I’ll follow you anywhere,” he said with a chuckle.
“You do see the screen in front of you, don’t you?” Tunde asked.
“We all do, but it is a blessing of the hegemons, we can do nothing but learn it” Isolde replied from where she crouched, staring at the fresh Ethra crystals they had harvested from the rift.
“Besides, mine is still writing synchronization, whatever that is,” Giselle said, bumping Harun who blinked as if coming back to reality, nodding at Tunde.
They made their way back to the base of their new home when Tunde’s screen gave a slight ping.
[Ark is ready for assimilation with cultivator, proceed?] it asked.
Tunde paused.
“Yes?” he said hesitantly.
[noted, assimilation beginning]
It was like a rush of power through his mind, Tunde stiffened up, feeling currents running through his body as he blinked, the screen glowing before inscriptions began reappearing again.
Cultivator’s Table
Name: Tunde Dark Fist
Stage: Disciple [mid-tier]
Ethra Heart: disciple [peak-tier]
Tempering Art: unknown
Tempering Stage: Disciple [peak-tier]
Aura Stage: Disciple [peak-tier]
Battle Art: Unnamed
Concept: None
Ethra Affinities:
* unknown
Attributes:
* Strength- 50
* Agility- 40
Constitution- 50
TECHNIQUES
Imbuement: Unnamed
Projection: Unnamed
Dominion: null
Special Technique:
* Resonance [tier 2]
* Ethra sight [tier 2]
Tunde took a few minutes to look through it all, confused about a lot of things as he stared at the table, a glowing dot at the bottom, visibly touching it as his fingers went through the screen with no effect. Trying another method, he focused on it, the red dot, and watched as it opened up.
[Greetings, Disciple of the Adamath Realm, I am the Adamath Realm Keystone, or A.R.K, your guide on the intricate path of cultivation within the realm. As you embark on this profound journey, allow me to unravel the mysteries of my purpose and the vast potential encapsulated within your Stat Interface.
Introduction to A.R.K:
I am A.R.K., the culmination of ancient wisdom and Ethra-infused technology held by the hegemons and bestowed upon cultivators to illuminate the path of advancement. The Adamath Realm Keystone serves as a conduit between your mortal essence and the celestial energies that weave through the fabric of Adamath.
If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.
Utilizing A.R.K:
1. Initiation: As you delve into the realm of cultivation, initiate the A.R.K interface through the Ethra heart within you. Feel the resonance as it synchronizes with the energies of Adamath.
2. Communion: Your communion with A.R.K. begins. Through focused intent, you can access your personalized Stat Interface, unveiling the layers of your cultivation potential.
3. Navigation: Within the sacred halls of A.R.K, navigate through the realms of your Stat Table. Witness the stages of your cultivation, explore Ethra affinities, and discern the attributes and techniques that shape your martial destiny.
Your Stat Interface:
1. Name: Your unique identifier in the grand tapestry of cultivators.
2. Stage: A reflection of your current standing in the advancement hierarchy, marking your progress through the various stages of cultivation.
3. Ethra Heart: The pulsating core that binds you to the ethereal energies, fostering your connection to Adamath.
4. 4. Tempering Art & Stage: The ancient discipline refining your physical form, marking your journey toward martial mastery.
5. Aura Stage: Manifestation of your Ethra-infused aura, an extension of your ego in reality.
6. 6. Battle Art & Concept: Your chosen martial path and the guiding principle shaping your cultivation journey.
7. Ethra Affinities: Elemental connections that amplify your Ethra manipulation, offering diverse pathways to power.
8. Attributes: The triad of Strength, Agility, and Constitution, influencing your prowess in the physical and metaphysical realms.
9. Techniques: Imbuement, Projection, Dominion, and a Special Technique – the arsenal through which you wield Ethra in combat and communion.
A.R.K. merely encapsulates the echoes of your achievements, It does not dispense power; every entry in the Stat Interface is a reflection of the visual manifestation of your cultivation mastery. Each entry symbolizes the tangible result of your endeavors within the realms of cultivation.]
Tunde realized he wasn’t the only one going through the message on his screen, blinking as it vanished to see everyone else doing the same. This was a whole new development, something he hadn’t seen coming, and he doubted elder Joran was prepared for it too as well, Ark, this system that seemed to arrange the entire cultivation art in a single screen.
Making his way back to the clearing where he saw Elder Joran with the other disciples seated on wooden chairs around a table, each of them lost in their screens. The elder glanced in his direction, Tunde wondering how the elder saw the screen for the first time, was it projected in his mind’s eye or something? He sat on a seat, waiting for them as the elder nodded to himself.
“This changes everything,” Joran said softly.
“What does this mean?” Isolde asked.
“Nothing really when it comes to cultivation, life goes on, best to treat it as some fancy new invention of the artificers” the elder replied.
“But the regent said it would be vital for the surge and convergence,” Harun said in a whisper, as if the regent would hear him from wherever he was.
“Only time will tell, I need to converse with the clan, in the meantime, you all are some of the strongest rankers around, ensure everyone is safe underground before nightfall, the rifts could break open soon and we don’t want any casualties this early into building,” Joran said as he stood up.
Isolde and Draven went off with Harun, Giselle, and the other disciples that had made it to the border, more pouring in as they stumbled to a stop, exhausted despite the happenings. Elyria sat opposite him, yellow-packed hair blowing gently as she spoke.
“None of this makes sense,” she said.
Tunde shrugged.
“I barely know anything about this world in the first place, I’m just taking this as it comes as well” he replied.
“The regents of the cults never agree on a single thing, much less employing some creation of the artificers over the entire planet,” she said.
I thought you’d be happy, seeing as it’s your goal to reach the technocracy” Tunde said.
“doesn’t mean I have to willingly accept everything at face value, there’s a bigger game at play here, something I can’t seem to figure out” she murmured.
“You want to interfere in the workings of the regents?” Tunde asked skeptically.
“No, but understanding what’s going on goes a long way,” she said.
Tunde brought up his table again, staring at it before speaking.
“My affinity was never discovered,” he said in a whisper as Elyria turned to him, silver eyes staring at him.
“They call it shadow Ethra, but we both know it's not, the Corespawn I faced right at this very place wielded shadow Ethra and I know the difference, even the elder does as well” he continued.
“And the Ark?” Elyria asked.
“What does it say?” she continued.
“unknown” he responded.
She frowned.
“you’re saying the system designed by the regents with the blessings of the hegemons doesn’t recognize your affinity?” she asked.
Tunde shrugged helplessly.
“Is the elder aware?” Elyria asked.
“About that,” Tunde said, looking over his shoulders before looking at her.
He gestured at the piece of paper and writing quill at her side as she passed it to him, writing a brief summary of what artificer Borus had told him. Elyria read it wordlessly, squeezing it and using her aura to dissolve it from existence, Tunde made a mental note to ask her how she did that later.
“I see” she simply said.
He knew better than to talk about it even with the elder out of sight, with Joran’s affinity of vibrations, he couldn’t take the risk. She folded her arms, chewing on her lower lip before speaking.
“Perhaps it’s for the best,” she said.
Tunde nodded, watching as she spoke.
“Something about this surge rubs off me wrong, first your appearance, then the revenants attempting to invade, and now this?” she said with a sigh.
“You think it’ll stop you from reaching the technocracy?” he asked hesitantly.
She snorted.
“No, I will make it in time for the selection process,, you on the other hand seem to want to tie yourself down to the clan” she replied.
Tunde swallowed, sitting up.
“It’s all I’ve ever known, apart from you and Thorne that is, which I’m extremely grateful for” he hurriedly added.
“You fear being on your own in the world,” she said.
“The surge and rifts promise a path of advancement,” he said softly.
Elyria tapped one finger on the table with her metal hand, staring at him.
“Do you know why the strongest cultivator around this part of the empire is a high lord?” she asked.
Tunde shook his head.
“Resources, opportunities, granted the next few years are going to be filled with opportunities for advancement, from the surge to the convergence to the rapid creation of nexus points all around the world” she continued.
“And yet, I can bet you that growth would be stagnant for you or slow-paced should you stay here, there was a hierarchy before you arrived at Jade Peak Tunde, and all these you’ve enjoyed have been because of the patronage of elder Joran, but what happens when you become competition in the next, let’s say five to ten years?” she asked.
“Whatever you manage to take for yourself within this surge won’t get you past adept rank, no lord would let some lower cultivator gather their resources, much less an outsider” she added.
For a second there Tunde thought she was about to call him a wastelander.
“My point is, if you want to gather the strength needed to find out the truth or even get back to your continent, you can’t tie yourself down here” she finished.
Tunde said nothing, nodding a few seconds later as he berated himself, all she said was true. He had begun to grow relaxed, what happened to advancing as quickly as he could to get back home? What happened to Thorne as well?
“Is he still locked up? Thorne I mean” Tunde asked quietly.
“What do you think? He shows up and suddenly the revenants try sneaking in through the wastelands?” she replied.
He nodded, sighing as he ran his hand through his rough hair.
“One thing at a time,” he said.
“Indeed, and how does disciple rank truly feel?” she asked.
He gave a soft smile, turning towards where Elder Joran seemed to be coming from, the excited chatters all around them dying down. The elder got to their table, speaking as he sat, a servant bringing dishes of food for them along with fermented wine.
“The clan has it all under control, keystones like the one that appeared have been placed all over major cities across the continent, no widespread panic as I previously thought” he explained.
“at least no issues from that side, I will retire now to my quarters,” Elyria said, bowing to the elder as she turned and left.
Tunde watched her go quietly, hopping down the large hole that led to the underground room rather than passing through the now opened mine entrance in the distance.
“Your stat table, what does it say?” the elder asked, drawing Tunde’s attention back to him.
Tunde recited it to him, the elder’s eyebrow rising with each of it till Tunde finished.
“So not only is your tempering art unknown, but your affinity says shadow Ethra even if both of us know it’s not?” Joran said.
Tunde nodded, hoping the elder bought it, Joran kept quiet, drawing the plate closer as he began cutting at the roasted meat and vegetables for a few minutes before speaking.
“It seems the system takes what we give it,” he said.
“What?” Tunde asked.
“The system, it doesn’t know everything, it only knows what we know” the elder replied.
Tunde waited for him to continue, the elder reclining backward.
“How did it know of a special technique called resonance?, or Ethra sight?” he asked.
Tunde thought over it, eyes lighting up a few seconds later.
“Because I call it that” he realized.
Joran nodded.
“it doesn’t know your battle arts as flowing fists because you haven’t really thought of it or accepted it as your art,” the elder said.
Tunde brought his stat table up, staring at it as he willed his battle art to be known as flowing fists, a ping appeared as the battle arts glowed.
[battle art has been acquired: flowing fists!]
Tunde sucked in his breath, astonishment in his eyes as the elder chuckled.
“I’m guessing it’s changed?” he asked.
Tunde nodded.
“Well, that proves my theory then, what then would you call your Ethra affinity?” the elder asked.
Tunde said nothing, staring at the table as he decided on it, seeing as he had no other choice.
[Ethra affinity has been acquired: rift Ethra!]
“Rift Ethra,” he said.
The elder cocked his head to one side.
“I see where you’re coming from, but one thing we do know is that your ability to absorb rift Ethra is but one part of your affinity” he replied.
“it’ll do for now,” Tunde said.
The elder said nothing for a while, the both of them eating as Tunde spoke up a while later.
“What do we do about the rifts in the distance?” he asked.
“Normally, I’d find a way to route them to the wastelands, let them trouble the bandits and Corespawns seeing as we have no time” the elder started.
“But black rock is about to be a place so lucrative that the clan might step in” the elder added.
“Black rock?” Tunde asked confused.
“This place, the name of our new home” the elder replied.
Tunde wondered how the elder got names for everything he named.
“This is our chance to gain as much wealth as possible to be independent, this far from the city”
“Why here though?, why this far from Jade Peak?” Tunde asked.
This cut off from the true seat of power of the clan struck him as odd, apart from the wide expanse left to them with which they could use to their liking.
“Two reasons, you and I,” the elder said.
“The stronger you grow as a ranker Tunde, the more people will want to look into you, and it won’t take a genius to realize elder Wren was wrong about your affinity, whatever it is” Joran explained.
“When that time comes, you’ll want to have the advantage of where you retreat to, the world of cultivators is a harsh one as I keep telling you, trust no one,” the elder said.
Tunde wondered if Joran realized the irony in those words.
“And you?” Tunde asked.
The elder paused before speaking.
“I arrived at the clan a few years ago and rose to the top, upsetting the balance of things” Joran started.
“I took a position meant for a direct descendant of a clan lord”
“Jashed Verdan” Tunde realized audibly.
That explained the hatred Jashed had for the elder.
“And now, my student just deposed his son of the number two position of the clan, did you really believe there would be no consequences to that?” the elder said chuckling.
Tunde gave no response, the nagging thought at the back of his mind that the elder wanted that fight, that he had been a pawn all this while.
“I was never truly a member of clan Verdan Tunde, no more so than you are right now, and all those who have flocked to us are outsiders, those who have managed to make a living for themselves while under the shadow of the truly established families of the clan,” Joran said.
“What I’ve just done Tunde, is ensure our continued survival while putting us in a position of strength against the clan should the day come they decide we’re no longer useful, something I feel will come sooner or later” he finished.
Tunde said nothing, turning his gaze to the wooden table and the empty plates, dusk arriving.
“So, we raid the rifts?” he asked.
“Yes, four teams, you, Elyria, Harun, and Giselle, each leading a team of disciples, clear them out and leave the rift cores within, our very own personal farming zone” Joran replied.
“Best to get you back on your feet high ranker, the sooner the better” the elder finished with a soft smile.