I woke up early and was surprisingly full of energy. Rather than wait in bed, I went downstairs to do some light stretching before fixing breakfast. Not sure if I was nervous about my guests or I just had more energy period.
I wasn’t exactly looking forward to the conversation later with my guests, but I knew it had to happen. Clear ground rules had to be set if they were planning on staying. The fact that there were more portals and goblins had my mind thinking of solutions to deal with that problem as well. Rather than continue to feel pulled in multiple directions, I used my Partitioned Mind ability to split my focus on multiple things at once. Somehow the ability brought a sense of calm and order to my thoughts and feelings in a way I hadn’t experienced before. It was like I just knew I could handle multiple issues at once and solve them just as easily. That sense helped me further focus on my Gravity Momentum Manipulation ability or GMM for short.
As I went through my series of stretches and light exercises, I would lift and move small objects with my ability. Development of these new abilities was key. If I could establish default thought patterns and triggers for my abilities to execute specific commands or things, I wanted them to do, it would become a game changer in combat.
Knowing that specific incantations, hand movements, and material components were all just cruxes, I was determined to not allow those to be my downfall. If my hands were ever tied or I was captured and gagged, or any other of a thousand possible situations that could prevent me from casting the traditional way. I knew my Partitioned Mind ability was key in overcoming these traditional constraints and in the development of these mental triggers. So, I practiced even after my morning warm up.
It was almost like child’s play to split part of my mind to work on understanding my magic as I started cooking breakfast. “This is easy as...” I began to say while cooking until I was hit with the most massive headache that brought me to my knees and stopped all other thoughts.
“Breathe in, breathe out.” I repeated it over and over until I felt like I had control of my faculties again.
“System what the heck was that?!”
Query Accepted
Your Partitioned Mind ability overloaded when you attempted to understand the Time Magic part of your core while also focusing on other magic and spell comprehension.
“What?! Please explain.”
Query Accepted
You overloaded your ability by not allocating enough partitions to understand Time magic. Your Partitioned Mind ability is still growing and will continue to do so as you master the ability but in the interim, you must be careful not to take on too complex a calculation without enough attention.
“So, I found my limit with the ability, but that is a temporary limit as I keep pushing the use of my Partitioned Mind ability.”
Correct
Please Note: Time Magic is one of the most complex Celestial magics to comprehend. That is why it is one of the rarest to be embraced and studied.
“Good to know. Sounds like the more I study Time Magic the more I can expect those mental overloads. Yet if I do put more focus and attention on that magic type both my magic and my Partitioned Mind ability will advance. Did I get that right?”
Correct
If you apply your hypothesis, your Time magic and Partitioned Mind ability will synergize. This could also result in the creation of new abilities, spells, and skills.
“Please make a reminder each day for me to dedicate a minimum of two hours to the combination mastery of these two aspects of myself.”
System Setting Applied - Reminder Set
“You rock system! Thank you!”
I started to smell the bacon sizzling, so I quickly refocused on saving breakfast. My attempt worked and only a few pieces of bacon ended up extra crispy. “Where is my buddy, he loves crispy bacon that melts in your mouth.”
One negative side effect I discovered was how my headache seemed to make it hard to multitask and how sluggish my mind was for several minutes before I could reactivate my ability. “That’s a dangerous risk in combat. Note to self: don’t do too many separate calculations in the middle of combat until I have developed my ability further.” I said out loud to myself, but my system responded.
System Setting Applied - Warning Message Set to Trigger Upon Conditions Specified
“Wow! You really do rock System. Can you also tell me when I’ve mastered the ability.”
Additional System Setting Applied
“Thank you!”
That done, I refocused on finishing breakfast for everyone. My cooking skill had evolved from ‘Cooking’ to ‘Gourmet Cooking’. With that evolution a wealth of knowledge flooded into my mind, and I had to endure the pain from using my Partitioned Mind ability to process and understand the information provided. Using this newfound knowledge, I adjusted the spices slightly for breakfast. As I was my own personal taster, this time when I tasted the food it was like I had a thousand more individual tastebud. I also learned more about the skill.
Skill: Gourmet Cooking
Description: The base cooking skill grants the wielder the ability to infuse energy into the food they prepare. This enhances the flavor and provides greater sustenance to both magic casters and body enhancers. This skill also imparts inherent knowledge of what can be made edible from monster meat to mutated crops. The Gourmet version of this skill enhances the user’s taste and smell. Additional universal knowledge is provided on ways to prepare food in this new reality. Energy infusion into food is drastically increased as you learn how to draw out the natural energy contained within all food. Meals you prepare can also provide temporary buffs to those who consume it.
That was a whole lot of words to say: I learned all sorts of new ways to prepare food and make it more nutritious. The temporary buffs would be fun to explore. Heck, I’ll take it. Guess this is what comes from being the primary food preparer and making a point to experiment with the food.
Savory smells roused everyone from their slumber.
Gr’ex was the first one to the breakfast table and did not even bother waiting for anyone. “This is the best thing I have ever eaten. How is the food so good?!”
“Mmmm, that smells divine!” Suzie said as she took her seat at the table.
Suzie could not believe how much better she felt this morning. She slept deeply and peacefully. For some reason she felt safe and secure here. ‘The idea of crossing Shadow instantly fills me with dread but if I at all consider staying here or following him, I am filled with a sense of rightness. Maybe it’s the food or the fact that I can sense he is strong?’ Suzie thought as she dug into her food.
Jebediah was already scarfing down his food. The most we got out of him were grunts of approval. “Good eats... more...”
Duncan was eating a donut while he was sitting down for breakfast.
‘This man always has a donut. I have to ask.’ I thought before asking my question. “Duncan how is it you seem to always have a donut on you?”
“It was the perk I chose.” Duncan replied as he started to dig into breakfast.
His response brought everyone short and the whole table looked at him. Jebediah spoke up first. “Son, explain that one.”
Duncan swallowed a mouthful of eggs before answering. “Man, this meal is amazing. Sorry, what was that Jeb?”
Sighing, Jeb repeated his question. “What did you choose as your perk?”
“Oh that. Everyone knows I love donuts, well guess my system recognized how much I loved em too. I had a special perk I could choose called Endless Delicacy. It will summon the food you love the most several times a day. The food provides the nutrients I require for a meal. I can sometimes think really hard on the type or brand of donut, and it will come out that way. All I have to do is activate the ability while reaching into a pocket or bag and out comes a delicious donut.”
“Of course, that’s what you would go with as your perk.” Suzie commented.
“It’s smart when you think about it. Endless supply of food. Well, it sounds endless, within limits. Are you able to share?” Gr’ex chimed in.
“I can only share one per person, per day. Not sure if there is a limit of number of people, but I’d be down to test it. Everyone should have the chance to enjoy the yumminess of the donut. Though your food this morning is even better than last night!” Duncan replied.
“Well, that is probably because my Cooking skill evolved into Gourmet Cooking.” I shared.
Gr’ex dropped his fork. “You already have evolved your Cooking skill?!”
“Yea, why?” I asked.
“Yea why he asks. To gain one of the cooking skills, you must either have a good amount of past experience cooking or a high aptitude for the skill. To gain a skill evolution your affinity would have to be exceptionally high. When you reach level 13, one of your class options will be some variation of Chef or cook.” Gr’ex explained.
“Is such a class any good?” Suzie asked.
“Yes and no. For combat not so much. However, a cook can be invaluable as a profession.” Gr’ex stated.
“So, our skills will influence what classes we can get when we reach level 13?” Suzie asked.
“Of course. I encourage all of you to spend time asking your system some of these questions. Choosing your class is an important step on your path to strength.” Gr’ex explained.
“Speaking about classes, is it possible to gain more than one class?” I asked.
“Good question. In rare cases it is possible to get more than one class. Some can gain a profession class and a combat class. Much will depend on your potential and energy capacity. And before you ask about those two things, I cannot tell you about the specifics for multiple reasons. What I can tell you is that all of you should focus on the development of your core, gathering spiral, and channels. These things will have the greater impact on future growth and available class slots.” Gr’ex stated.
“Can you at least tell us what class slots are?” Suzie asked.
Gr’ex sighed and then further explained. “Most people will only ever have a base class slot and one evolution or as some call it an advancement slot. When you choose your class, your core keys itself to that class. The effectiveness of that synergy is dependent on many things like advancement of your core, affinity to both your class and magic type, etc. As the three main components of your cultivation, core, spiral, and channels grow, you can possibly gain more capacity for additional classes. Think of classes like a part of your foundation. As you level and grow stronger that foundation increases giving you an advancement slot. Simply put, this allows you to evolve your class to either a higher rarity or more powerful version of the class you have. Unless you have horrible affinity or poor cultivation everyone will be able to advance their class at least once.”
“That’s a lot to unpack there. All I really took from that was work on forming your core and when it comes time to pick a class, choose one you have a high affinity with.” Jebediah summarized.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Gr’ex gave the universal ‘so-so’ hand gesture. “For the most part that is accurate and a good initially focus.”
“What is your core like?” Suzie asked.
Gr’ex looked horrified and shook his head. “It is considered extremely rude to ask someone about their cultivation levels or anything about their core.”
“Oh, sorry I did not know. This is all new to me.” Suzie apologized.
‘She’s much more understanding today than yesterday. Amazing what food and a good night’s sleep can do for one’s disposition.’ I thought.
“I will tell you this much. My core primarily uses Death, Dark, and Air magics. That means I am limited to only learning spells and cultivation techniques related to those magic types.” Gr’ex explained.
Duncan finally spoke up. “Those sound very ominous. You are sure you’re not a bad guy?”
“We all do what we must to survive. My magic was hereditary and part of my, let’s just call it, learning. I have pledged myself to Shadowalker’s cause, so do not cross him and I see little need for concern.”
Jebediah turned to me. “Well, that brings us to a more important topic. Stay or go.”
“Yes, now that breakfast is over, I guess it is time to have that conversation.” I commented.
Suzie spoke up first. “I am sorry for how I acted yesterday. I was out of line. The last few days I’ve been on edge just trying to survive and I took that out on you and Gr’ex. You both have a right to your secrets.”
“I appreciate the apology. I understand what life and death stress can do to fray the nerves.” I replied.
Jebediah sighed. “If we are giving apologies, I should give one too.”
“Huh? What do you have to apologize for Jeb?” I asked in confusion.
“When we arrived, I should’ve told you, heck when you stopped by earlier in the week, I should’ve told you then.”
Giving him a confused look. “Told me what?”
Jebediah continued. “You see Paul was my good friend and I was a bit bitter that he left this place to me...” he raised his hand to forestall me from speaking up. “Let me get this out. I can be stuck in my ways, but I also know when I’m being a fool, especially how you took us in, fed us, and gave us warm beds. Paul was right to leave this place to you. I think he always held out hope I would be saved, but I guess I still hadn’t let go of the pain inside me.”
Jebediah gave a sad chuckle. “Ha. How sad is it to hold on to my pain and bitterness for the ones I lost that I prevented my own salvation. We think we have all the time in the world but that’s just a lie we tell ourselves. I just wasn’t ready to let it go. My friend had faith in me and in you. So, I should too. Do you know why Paul and I called this place the compound and not just the hunting lodge or something like that?”
“I just figured because of how huge it was and the giant greenhouse garden and garage or the fact that this place is built like a fortress.” I answered.
Jebediah chuckled, this time with a feeling of fondness. “Sure, that is part of it but nowhere near the main reason. Most of this place is completely underground.”
“What do you mean most of the place?” I asked.
Jebediah replied with a question of his own. “Do you know how many acres your property covers?”
“100 acres I thought Paul said.” I replied with suspicion.
“The forest is easily over 1,000 acres. You technically own all of it.” Jebediah replied.
“What?!” I immediately asked.
Just as I asked my question, Suzie rose to her feet and asked a question of her own. “How is that possible?!”
“Does that mean he own my family’s plot too?” Duncan asked a moment later.
Jebediah waved to Suzie to sit down. “My buddy Paul was a genius, that’s how Suzie. Several years back the town was in a bit of financial trouble. Paul had made so much money from all the patents and things he made. He offered to bail out the town on a few conditions.
“First, he was allowed to build this compound in secret. Second, he was allowed to buy the land the forest covered so we and others could always go hunting whenever we wanted. Lastly, Paul was a prepper so of course he had a clause added related to the apocalypse. It stated, should an apocalyptic event or major crisis occur ownership of the town and surrounding borders belonged to Paul or his heir. The town council all agreed as Paul offered to pay every landowner a fair price ahead of time. We all got nice payouts and were able to stay in our homes, knowing we only lost them should a catastrophic event happen. Everyone was happy to take Paul’s money, even your parents Suzie. No one believed the end would come. They also had no idea why Paul wanted the whole area so bad.”
Duncan realized something. “Wait is that why I got that nice lump sum check?”
Jebediah looked at Duncan incredulously. “What did you think it was for?”
“I don’t know. I just figured I won some sweepstakes or something. Paid off the mortgage. Used the rest of the money to buy a boat for the lake.” Duncan replied.
“What was Paul up to?” I asked.
“His ultimate purpose he didn’t even share with me. What I can tell you is that most of this compound is underground.” Jebediah stated.
“What does that mean?” I asked.
“There are several interconnected buildings and tunnels that span acres and go several kilometers down. I can show you if you want.” Jebediah offered.
“Absolutely! Lead the way.” I replied.
What I knew of the man continued to evolve. The mystery of why Paul did what he had still made me wonder.
Jebediah led us to a hidden panel in the walk-in pantry. He touched it and one of the walls in the pantry fell away like a hidden door revealing an elevator. “There is this lift elevator, another special elevator and a set of stairs in the master bedroom, elevator and stairs in the garage, and some emergency exits.” Jebediah explained.
“Why so many ways just inside this cabin?” Suzie asked.
“Just in case there was a breach, and you couldn’t get to another one. Paul thought ahead. Each of these panels will prevent anyone without access from getting down into the subterranean levels. Your bio signature should already be stored. Give it a try in the elevator.” Jebediah said as he walked into the elevator.
I was concerned. I was no longer human; would that interfere with the bio scanner? I put my hand on the panel inside the elevator, thinking about what excuse I could come up with to explain why it wasn’t working.
To my surprise it responded in the affirmative and we all descended underground.
Mentally I asked my system what was going on. “Uh System, any clues as to why that worked?”
Query Accepted
Your form of transformation is closer to a dragon’s. When dragons turn into a specific race, they become that race not just look like them. Your energy and power are still that of a dragon, but your bio signature shifted back to what your mind was most familiar, your human form. Even in your human form you have access to your enhanced stats.
“Good to know for the future. Thank you again System.” I mentally replied.
You Are Welcome
It did not take too long for the elevator doors to open again. When we all stepped out what greeted us was something out of a science fiction movie. There were several large chambers with hallways that reminded me of the underground halls of Cheyenne Mountain from one of my favorite sci-fi series.
Walking to look at one of the chambers we found various crops, then we saw different animals from cows, deer, elk, to chicken. They were separated into their own grazing section that had to be several acres each.
“Each of these herds have several acres of grassland to graze with different fruit trees scattered throughout. With a good farmer or several farm hands you could easily feed thousands with what is under here.” Jebediah explained.
“What about sunlight?” Suzie asked.
“Each section has their own set of UV lights. For all intents and purposes, the light those animals and plants are getting is sunlight. The land has deep soil and collectors to periodically collect the animal waste and turn it into fertilizer. The septic system upstairs is also connected to that to help turn our waste into fertilizer too.”
“Very impressive. Paul was a genius.” I commented.
“This is just the beginning.” Jebediah replied.
“What do you mean?” Duncan asked before I could.
“The elevator we took takes you to this level because it is coming from the kitchen. If you were coming from the kitchen, you most likely need food...” Jebediah waved his arms out. “Hence why it brings you to the food production section of the compound. We can take the connecting elevator or stairs up ahead.”
We took another elevator deeper down. Once the doors opened, we saw a series of tunnels and what looked like heavily insulated rooms. As we walked, I noticed an actual forge in one of the larger rooms.
“Is that a forge?!” I asked.
“Yes, this room is the smithing room. It connects directly to one of the storage rooms where you will find many different metal bars and different tools for use. Paul called this level the production and communication level or as he jokingly would call it the PC level.” Jebediah explained.
“Yea Paul did have a weird sense of humor.” I commented.
Jebediah continued his tour. “You will find several crafting rooms with various stations. There are sleeping quarters down here to help non-combatants feel secure and be close to their craft.”
The living quarters seemed spacious and as homey as Paul could make them. They even had fake panels to look like windows to help those who might be down here awhile. A good hundred people could probably live down here comfortably.
“Follow me.” Jebediah said as he led us to a section filled with various weapons and what looked like radio equipment. “This is the Command and Communication section of this level. This will also branch off further to additional sleeping quarters and rooms to practice different art forms of war. There is an archery range, shooting range, rings for melee combat, and an obstacle course to work on your coordination.” Jebediah explained as we checked out each room.
Leading us back into the communications room Jebediah spoke up. “This room was a hold out hope room. Meaning it is large enough to be used as a war room and if the different radio equipment works, we might be able to reach out to find other survivors outside the town.”
“This is very impressive stuff.” Duncan commented as he looked over the radio equipment. “My dad worked in radio and would teach me how to tinker with it. Mind if I see if we can get the radio working?” Duncan asked.
“I don’t see why not.” I replied.
“Give me a hand Suzie-cue.” Duncan said as he took his seat.
Gr’ex watched in fascination as Duncan and Suzie worked on the radio.
“That works out great. The next section is for you alone son.” Jebediah said as he led me away from the others.
Jebediah led me to a dead-end corridor. It turned out this was not a dead end but led to a secret room with another elevator and some stairs. “This is one of the stops the elevator in your bedroom will take you. That elevator aka this elevator...” Jebediah put his hand on the panel. “This one can make three stops. Here, the food production level, and a special third level Paul called the hub. I don’t even have access to that level. Paul said it was meant for you and was pretty tight lipped about it. Go on, I’ll wait here until you come back.”
I hesitantly stepped into the elevator and took it down to the third level. The elevator seemed to take some time which told me the next level was deep down. I got out of the elevator into a rather large and spacious room that seemed to have tunnels that went off in different directions. Closer to the elevator was a corridor leading to another two rooms. One looked like a private work out or meditation chamber and the other looked like a giant office with a desk.
The office had a nice mahogany desk that was huge, something you would expect to see in some CEO’s office. I took a seat in the comfortable leather chair. Sitting on the desk was a thick envelope with my name on it.
“Well let’s see what this is all about.” I said to myself as I picked up the thick envelope and took out its contents.
On top was a letter in Paul’s handwriting addressed to me.
“Hello Old Friend...” I read that line, and it reminded me of the old tv show Babylon 5, we both had enjoyed watching the show together. We would address letters to each other if we ever needed to. People forget the impact of a handwritten letter. Shaking off the nostalgia I got back to reading.
... I am writing this letter to you for a few reasons. First, I wanted to explain a few things. Second, I wanted to give some advice. Lastly, to say goodbye.
First, you know for the longest time I have been a prepper. What you don’t know is why. You know I am strong in my faith. The story I haven’t told anyone until today is what happened to me on the day of my baptism. I was a teenager and everyone that walked up would be asked a simple yet important question, get dunked, and then go get changed.
When I was out under the water I was hit with such intense force and a blinding light came over me. I saw a vision of the end of the world. I had read scripture. At first, I just thought it was my imagination running away with me until I didn’t come up and somehow knew I was still under water with my eyes closed yet I could see just fine. I started to see battles taking place, but they weren’t for land but for people and for something within the earth. I saw demons, monsters, and other sentient races. Then I saw some dark shadow reach into the earth and grab hold of these lines of light and the lines twisted and turned wrong somehow. Then I saw a massive dragon glowing golden white and hope immediately filled my being. The dragon reached out and took hold of these lights and both the dragon and the lights grew bigger and brighter. People across the globe, survivors I realized flocked to the glowing dragon. They helped him make more lines of light grow brighter.
Then I heard the words. “The battle had already begun. The die is cast. Time is my ally and so shall it be yours. A willing sacrifice shall be made. Do this not for you but for what will come.”
I went home after that and just sat in my room for the whole day. From that moment on my life was changed forever. I would read everything I could about how things worked. I would pray every day and each decision I would ask for guidance. And you know what, the more I did that the more I got. It was a profound realization and helped me achieve strong discernment to make the right decisions in life. With that I survived two wars, invented all sorts of things, and built this place you are in now.
It took a great deal of research and I found there were concerted efforts to distract or conceal actual history and real science instead of what was pushed. Those fragmented truths helped me find this place. As I started this project, I began to have doubts, then I met you and your cousin at a gun show and the moment I shook your hand I knew. A man can tell a lot about a person from a handshake, but you know that already. I built this place for you, my friend. I knew you would sacrifice your guarantee to help save others. This place is designed to help you achieve that goal. That and one more thing which sadly I cannot say because I don’t quite understand it myself, but I think you will soon enough.
Now, for my advice. You aren’t quite whole, but you will be in this journey. Do what you feel is right not what is easy. You have a hard road ahead of you, but it was the road you chose so embrace it. Something is only ever impossible until someone does it. Ever since I’ve known you, you have made the impossible possible. Never forget that.
Be a monster not a tyrant. You and I talked in great length about the true definition of ‘Meek’ and how that definition was intentionally twisted to turn people passive and weak. Unleash your sheathed power to protect others and to do the right thing. Some will see you as a monster due to all their past programming that tells them right is wrong and wrong is right. Do what you must, this is where you must be made whole to fully temper the rage inside.
Last bit of advice, as you are saving lives make sure to live yours, servant leaders can sometimes forget that. You are in the marathons of marathons; changes may happen overnight but for you to truly succeed you must use Time wisely and consider yourself most of all in those choices! You are the one granted THE authority, not someone else, YOU. I can say no more about that.
Finally, I wanted to say goodbye and good journey my friend. Be the man and the Dragon, I know you are! I have faith and I know you do too, that faith is your greatest weapon and defense. Lead them well!
Your ever faithful friend and ally,
Paul