When he awoke Cloudsong was quickly carrying Max along winding forest paths. His groggy head swam with the speed of it, barely able to glimpse their surroundings before they shifted again. The sky was just beginning to brighten, though whether he had slept through a long night's journey or only a few minutes he could not tell.
They emerged from the dense foliage, and Max found himself on a ridge overlooking a breathtaking panorama. The [Royal] palace of the [Eladrin] loomed majestically before them, its dark faceted walls gleaming in the first rays of dawn while iridescent crystalline spires pierced the sky around it. Max marveled at the sight, his eyes wide as he took in the intricate details and vibrant colors of his surroundings.
"Beautiful, don’t you think?" Cloudsong whispered, her voice thick with pride and love for her homeland. Max could only nod in agreement, transfixed by the sheer magnificence of the world he now found himself in.
As Max gazed upon the palace and what he could see of the city beyond, he was struck by the artistry and ingenuity of the architecture. Treehouses nestled within the canopy of ancient trees seemed to blend seamlessly with their surroundings, giving the impression that they were not so much built as grown from the very boughs themselves.
He could barely comprehend the magnitude of the stone structure seemingly sprouting from the mountainside. The palace itself was constructed of obsidian, its inky sheen contrasting starkly against the vibrant foliage that surrounded it. Massive branching obelisks of glassy stone shimmering with prismatic hues framed the building, adding an otherworldly quality to the scene, as if the entire structure was a gemstone caught within a delicate web of enchantment.
Cloudsong brought Max down a switchback path that hugged the side of the castle. As they descended, the striking view of the town below gradually disappeared behind the looming obsidian walls. Max felt a sense of awe mixed with trepidation rise in him as the palace grew larger and more imposing with each step.
"Timekeeper!" Cloudsong called up to the priest on the outcrop, who had finally made it out of the forest. "Hurry along now, your presence is required!" Tim eventually caught up to them, panting from the exertion.
"Your Highness," he began, his tone conciliatory yet still laced with arrogance. "I understand your decision, but I must insist we discuss the matter further. You cannot possibly be planning to bring the [Human] into the vault itself!" His tone was laced with disapproval, though he knew better than to argue with the Duchess outright.
"Tim," Cloudsong said firmly, halting her steps as she turned to face him. "The boy is now under my care, and I will do everything in my power to ensure his safety and well-being. There will be no further discussion on this matter." With that, she continued walking, leaving the flustered priest behind once more.
At least I don't have to hide my reactions anymore.
Grinning like an idiot while he huffs and puffs to catch up with us feels gooooood!
Can't get too cocky though.
Still not sure what being [Named] entails.
I doubt it could be anything too hard, but if I have to speak that's already a rough hurdle for me.
I got through the stutter before though.
I just have to do it again!
Timekeeper's grumbling grew louder as he caught up to them once again, gasping from the exertion. But his complaints fell on deaf ears. Cloudsong walked with purpose, taking a paved winding path that led along the castle walls until it ended at a bare stretch of obsidian.
The trio approached what appeared to be a dead end section of the palace wall as Cloudsong reached up with one hand. The air around her fingertips began to glow, shifting through a spectrum of colors; ice blue, warm yellow, vibrant green, and subdued orange. The swirling hues intensified, eventually coalescing into a sphere of light that enveloped the trio as they followed the path.
This must be some kind of magic, but- what is she doing with it?
The soothing radiance brought a sense of peace and comfort to Max's heart, nearly causing him to miss the moment when the light connected with the castle wall, revealing a hidden entrance that led deeper inside. The interior was dimly lit, shadows clinging to its corners. Massive stone pillars lined the room, carved with intricate symbols and runes that glowed faintly with magic.
"This," Cloudsong said, voice reverent but eyes twinkling with anticipation. "Is the sacred relic vault, where our most revered artifacts are kept. It is here that you will choose your name so you may receive Mnemet's blessing, as do all [Eladrin] young on their 7th day of life, then no matter your origins none can contest your presence." She gave Max's trembling hand a gentle squeeze. "Do not be afraid," she murmured. "All will be well. We can wait until you are ready."
I just have to name myself?
That prolly wouldn't be quite as nerve wracking if my name wasn't always the thing that I stuttered on the worst…
It's a new life though, do I have to keep my old name?
Not trying to bash them but the [Eladrin] naming scheme is dumb as heck.
Though I’m betting that's more about its translation.
I bet the [Common] language isn't as artistic as what I remember their language sounded like before I got [Linguist].
Sorta wish I could hear it again, maybe I can find a way to toggle that on/off at some point.
Not the time Max
Max
I really don't want to stutter and mess up whatever blessing I'm supposed to get but.
But I just am Max.
This is gonna be Max's second chance.
A chance at a good life.
Max glanced up at Cloudsong.
A chance at a better family.
I have my memories of them.
Those people, they still shaped who I am.
I'm Maximilian even if I’m leaving their family name behind.
I can honor that even if they suck and shaped me into a mess.
System Log
This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.
Mind Trait [Resolute] unlocked
Are you [Resolute]?
Yes!
Now just-
breathe
Max closed his eyes and attempted to tell the Duchess he was, "Read- dead dead dead dead dead dead dead de-"
breathe
That's just how it comes out when stuttered.
That's not ominous.
Nono, not at all.
breathe
"Rea-"
breathe
"-dy"
Cloudsong strode through the archway, Tim shuffling along behind. The passage opened into a massive chamber, lined with shelves and pedestals carved from the same obsidian as the rest of the castle.
Max saw the dazzling array of artifacts that adorned its walls and his heart beat a delicate rhythm within his chest, echoing the silent song of anticipation that filled the air. Cloudsong moved gracefully towards the center of the room, her eyes alight with determination. Tim trailed behind, his grumbling replaced by pomp as he observed the sanctity of their surroundings.
Between each pillar were display cases housing relics of power- ancient staves, jeweled swords, crowns of gold and mithril. Each held an artifact more wondrous than the last. A blade that glowed with an inner fire. A shield of twisted wood and vine that seemed to breathe and pulse. An ancient tome bound in amethyst-studded leather, its pages fluttering as if caught in a breeze.
But Cloudsong walked past them all, coming to a stop before a pedestal bathed in a pool of silvery light.
"Behold," Tim whispered, his voice resonating with reverence, "the Gorget of Mnemet."
Max watched intently as she reached forward and though she did not touch the ornate piece of intricate blown glass, it lifted off the altar as if on its own accord. Like the Lovecraftian offspring of a Klein bottle and a tesseract, the hourglass-like armor shimmered in the dim light as it contorted and twisted in on itself, the sand flowing in complex patterns within the rippling, dilating, and contracting tubes. The Gorget seemed to embody the very essence of time and its fleeting but cyclical nature- reminiscent of Ouroboros’ self consumption, the surface shifted and undulated, endlessly caving in upon itself.
"Timekeeper, come forth," Cloudsong commanded in a voice both gentle and firm. Tim took a deep breath and seemed to steady himself, Max expected him to again announce his opposition but he silently stepped forward and knelt before them.
Did he
Did he just hesitate?
Is he worried?
Does he have some plan to screw me over to get back at Cloudsong for pulling rank on him?
He does seem the petty type…
As she placed the Gorget around Timekeeper's neck, Max took note of the subtle tension that lingered between them, like the unspoken words that danced on the edge of a precipice, forever teetering but never quite falling.
In an instant, Timekeeper's eyes underwent a startling transformation. His iris and pupils rapidly faded away, leaving only the white brilliance of his sclera. Max felt a shiver race down his spine, the sheer power of the moment seeping into his very being.
"Mnemet's gaze honors us," Timekeeper intoned in a voice not entirely his own. "Speak your name and be blessed."
What if I mess up?
I've only said a few words without stuttering since I came to this world.
No.
I can't think like that.
Worrying about it is just gonna make it worse.
So here we go, I guess.
Max's heart leapt. This was it- his chance. Opening his mouth as he gathered his courage, his tongue seemed to twist into knots. Trying again, panic flickered inside him, but only a garbled sound emerged. Timekeeper's blind eyes bored into him. Max froze under that empty stare, heat rising in his cheeks.
breathe
You got this.
Just-
breathe
Max swallowed hard, and began, "Maximi- mi- m-…" he stuttered, the word catching in his throat like a fish struggling against the current, but after a slow breath finished "-millian".
"Maximum Million," the unearthly voice proclaimed, resonating through the vault. "Maximum Million be blessed."
He thought I said what now?
You gotta be shittin me
A warmth filled Max's stomach, spreading outward like tendrils of sunlight breaking through a canopy of leaves. He could feel the power of Mnemet's blessing taking root within him, its potency threatening to overwhelm his senses. As the sensation receded, a now familiar sight greeted him-
System Log
[Blessing of Appellation- "Maximum Million"]
Soul Trait [Appellation] acquired
[All attribute potential increased by 1,000,000]
The last echoes of the entranced High Priest's otherworldly voice trailed off, the silence in the vault growing heavy and oppressive. Max could feel the weight of his newfound power, an energy that hummed beneath his skin like a living thing. As he tried to process this transformation, Cloudsong brought her face close and rested her forehead against his, sharing in his joy.
Tim cleared his throat, breaking the moment. His eyes hadn't returned to normal, but his tone held some of its usual bravado. "The blessing is given. Let us conclude the ceremony."
"Wait," Cloudsong's gaze sharpened, her voice ringing out clear and strong in the stillness. "Not yet. There is one more thing." She looked to Max, eyes softening again. "If you would accept it, I would name you as my son. Not just in spirit, but in truth."
Max blinked. "Your... son?"
Tim's altered visage turned towards her, his brilliant white eyes narrowing slightly. The priest's voice, though still ethereal, clearly showed his disapproval. "The boy is [Human]. He cannot receive a [Royal] surname." His lips curled. "It goes against both our written laws and unspoken traditions."
Max wavered, torn. To be her son... but at the cost of going against their laws? He didn't want to cause trouble. Yet the thought of having a family, of belonging somewhere, made his heart ache.
"Max will be raised as my son," she insisted, "and it is only fitting that he carry my name and share in my heritage. The law states only an adopted child that has previously been [Named] as an [Eladrin] may take a [Royal] surname, Maximum Million has just fulfilled those requirements by your own hand. You would do well to remember who placed the Gorget upon your shoulders, priest. In this, you cannot deny me."
In the end, it came down to a simple truth- for the first time, someone wanted him. Someone had claimed him as their own.
breathe
Max reached up to hold the hand Cloudsong had been resting on his chest and said, "O- kk-kay, Mom.”
A brilliant smile lit her face. She brought him to her chest, enveloping him in an embrace, and he clung to her with all his meager might.
"Very well." The words were spoken with reluctance, yet Tim could not deny the Duchess's authority. He raised his hands once more, the air around them shimmering with power. "Maximum Million Laurelfete," the preternatural voice from before intoned, "be blessed."
As the final syllable echoed through the chamber, Max felt another surge of warmth envelop him. This time, it began from the top of his head and it was accompanied by a subtle shift in his perception, as if he could suddenly sense the very essence of the world around him. He could feel something coursing through his veins, an energy that resonated with the very fabric of reality.
System Log
[Blessing of Appellation- "Maximum Million Laurelfete"]
Mana Trait [Mana Signature - Laurelfete] acquired
"Then it is done," Cloudsong proclaimed. "From this day onward, you are my son, Maximum Million Laurelfete."
"Lau- -rel- -fete," Max whispered, eyes stinging. He had a name. A family. A place where he belonged.
Maximum Million Laurelfete's heart swelled with gratitude, though a part of him still struggled to accept this new identity, he felt the fragile stirrings of hope.