Chapter 108
The Esoteric Approach To Life
At first there was only pain, horrendous burning, uncontrollable pain, then the pain stopped. At first, I thought I had passed out, but really my mind and spirit went somewhere else, while my body continued its burning transformation.
Once removed from the events of the physical world, I was finally able to take in everything that was being offered to me, thanks to my recent evolution. Of course, I would find the random way to kick start an evolution by using an extremely potent crafting material as a simple solution to wash myself off with, that was my first issue, but to my defense…
No wait, I’ve got nothing, that was a waste of a valuable resource. While it likely would easily have been taken away from me, thanks to my ever-lurking Broke flaw, had I not used it in such a trivial way, I still wasted a valuable crafting component. Thus, making the fear of the flaw become a self-fulfilling prophecy in a way, and that was something I needed to break myself away from. Still, what is done is done, and I can only move forward from here. With that gentle mental rebuke out of the way, I decide to look at what my impromptu expensive shower got me in terms of a quest completion.
Hidden Quest Complete: Legendary Bloodline Awakened: You have managed to find the final component needed to start your bloodline evolution and have awakened the Esoteric Arcanist Legendary Bloodline. As the progenitor you are afforded the luxury of dictating how this Legendary bloodline will grow and evolve. Rewards: Experience, Badges, Legendary Title, Racial Evolution, Class evolution perks met for next class evolution tier.
Experience Gained: 250,000 / 250,000
Ding.
Level up.
Your level in Void Healer has increased to level 143.
Your level in Simulacrum Master has increased to level 140.
That was nineteen levels for both my primary and my secondary class, a half a million worth of experience. Just seeing that message caused my heart to beat a little faster, as I could feel power pure unbridled power coursing through me, and it was fantastic. With so much power, I had to take a look at my Attributes, something I normally avoid, as I don’t want to get caught up in micro advancements and accomplishments, instead, I generally try to keep the number of distractions available to me at a minimum. But this time, I let myself indulge slightly.
Physical
Base
Bonus
Social
Base
Bonus
Mental
Base
Bonus
Strength
59
17
Personality
77
214
Perception
125
291
Dexterity
93
147
Sociability
75
218
Intelligence
125
400
Endurance
85
22
Attractiveness
62
307
Willpower
113
615
I have to say, I was happy with my results overall. I did notice that both my Perception and Intelligence base rating was now stuck at the 125 cap, meaning that barring I get the ingredients for my one time use Unbound potion, I was stuck. At least that was what I initially thought, until by odd happenstance, I saw the base rating of my Intelligence Attribute randomly increase to 126.
Mental
Base
Bonus
Intelligence
126
400
Wondering how this could be, I then paused for a moment as I realized the answer likely lay with my recent bloodline evolution merits, at least I hoped so, otherwise I was still just dreaming about receiving a blank check of exactly half a million experience points for evolving my bloodline from being a Royal Bloodline to a Legendary Bloodline. Then I saw the merits, and I really hoped I didn’t start drooling.
Legendary Bloodline Evolution Merits:
Racial Merit: Angel’s Sight + 2 Tiers: You have managed to make it so you and all your progeny will have access to the Angel’s Sight merit. If the bloodline is awakened to this level, then the wielder of the bloodline will have their Angel’s Sight merit increased by two tiers. Racial Merit:
Seeing the merits, I was happy to see that I got a plus fifty version of the Unbound merit I so desperately love, as Skills and improving skills to improve my overall Attributes are what I love most about this world. The fact that I now have a reason to increase all of my Skills again, only makes me feel even more alive for some reason. I do find it odd that I can now go up to 175, thanks to my previous Unbound merit that I took during character creation. I also wonder whether the third instance, with my one-time use potion will be for twenty-five points, thus getting me to two hundred, or will it be another additive effect, where I will get the ability to improve by seventy-five points, and thus be able to get all my skills and base attributes to two hundred and fifty? Also, I was curious about what a Tier VII version of Angel’s Sight would offer. I know I have been pushing it recently, especially with my nearly giving myself a headache every single time I try to focus in on the inner workings of Mallory and other people with magical cores. Focusing that much makes me wish I had some type of glasses that would help me focus on the inscriptions. As for the so called random magical school, that was a meh to me. Yeah, I had never quite gotten into using Holy magic, and now that it was clearly carved into my expanded core I couldn’t help but feel that it would be useful, but this was a Legendary Bloodline upgrade and it felt, well I guess it felt sort of underwhelming.
While I was super excited to once again to practice and improve on my previously mastered skills, the rest were sort of underwhelming. Though, I guess for most people having the control needed to change the frequency of their magic so that it could mimic another magical school was beyond comprehension. Honestly, if it wasn’t for my Angel’s Sight, which allows me to see the resonance and frequencies of all magic being cast and allows me to basically cheat and cast any type of spell I want, this offering would be amazing. As it would mean a whole new school of magic would be open to the owner. Then I realize this would likely be a major boon for my kids, and their kids obviously, once they arrive here, though hopefully that is a long time from now.
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Finally coming to be at peace with my Legendary Bloodline upgrade, where I got effectively a two-tier increase to two merits I purchased at character creation, and a new field of magic, they weren’t that bad.
Then taking a breath to brace myself, I prepared to look at my flaws that I got, for this world must be balanced.
Bloodline Evolution Flaws:
Racial Flaw: Third Eye: You have manifested the power of Angel’s Sight, and at this level of evolution have unlocked the legendary third eye. No eye lashes or eyebrows, just a closed scar in the middle of your forehead, then an eye. Note: If your rating in Angel’s Sight is Tier V or below, you can use the third eye to see normally. If your rating in Angel's Sight is Tier VI or above, you will need to use the third eye to take advantage of your enhanced vision. Racial Flaw: Magical Soul Aura: Your body, mind, and soul exist in a state of heightened magical synchronization, a fact that is represented in the aura you emit to others. Note: This aura, and its perceived effects are directly linked to the Magical Eyes flaw observed with the Royal Bloodline awakening. Racial Flaw: Destructive Magical Presence: Your mere existence is enough to slowly degrade basic tier mechanical devices and has a half-life rating against intermediate tier level devices. Note: This is exactly the same expected wear and tear that a mechanical device would receive while inside an elemental realm of power.
Seeing the flaws, I couldn’t help but let out a wince, as the third eye almost seemed like a blessing, as it would have allowed me to see the world in regular shades, had I not gotten the racial upgrade earlier thus fully forcing me into the Tier VII of the merit, meaning I could only use the third eye for the last two tiers. In hindsight, I guess the game was preparing me for this, as I had been getting major headaches from trying to focus my Angel’s Sight inward. Apparently, this still blind third eye will be my gateway into viewing with my newly gained tiers of Angel’s Sight.
On reflex I reach up to my forehead, and indeed, just like the description noted, I feel a slight thin scar, right where I know my third eye will open. There are no eye lashes, and thankfully no odd extra eyebrow, just one thin line that might almost make it look like I have a wrinkle, or a minor scar as noted in the description.
As for the Aura, I can feel it, and see that it is actually a minor healing field that extends in all directions around me. Feeling the power within the aura, I realize that it is green and full of life, just as my dead husks for eyes showed. This means that as noted earlier my days of doing thief work are over, no more sneaking into places and being unnoticed with this aura.
Also the third and final flaw, while somewhat heartbreaking, as it means that I will have a much harder time getting mechanical devices and likely most standard trains, and zeppelins will have a hard time operating with me onboard, I already had a workaround for this, with my acquiring of the three skills: Blacksmithing, Gear Protection, and Gear Infusion, all of which should allow me to infuse my magical nature into mechanical devices that I create. This also means that I will likely have to pass these skills down to my kids as well, if they wish to go down the route of mechanical engineering, honestly I hope my kids like magic half as much as I do, as this is a fantastic bloodline for me, but I could see how Robert and a few other grandchildren might have a hard time with this. Also, the aura will easily show them as malicious if they are not careful. Still, overall, for me, this is not too terrible of an upgrade. I will likely need a headband to cover my third eye.
I am almost about to test my third eye out and see what it and the two hew tiers of my Angel’s Sight can do, when I realize there are a few more messages that I must address before I can once again interact with the world.
Outside, I realize my body is still burning, still being set alight with the magical water, and the highly charged Blight ashes that have been purified by the highest-level user of Holy purification magic in the game.
Realizing there is still a bit more, I focus on the next message, which is related to my new Attributes gained as part of my racial change.
New Bloodline Attribute points available per level: Appearance X 2, Perception X 2, Intelligence X 2, Willpower X 2.
Seeing the bonuses, I pause, and realize that they are exactly double what I gained from when I evolved to a Royal Bloodline. Well exactly double, with the new addition of having Perception added and then doubled but given how everything about this evolution seemed to be focused on my sight, this wasn’t too much of a stretch. Also, both of my classes already increased Perception each level, making this redundant, or tridundant? Whatever the word for repeating for a third time is.
With these changes, I can’t help but lament the fact that this change came after I was awarded half a million experience points and leveled up a total of thirty-eight times between the two classes. Taking a deep calming sigh, I realize that this isn’t all bad, as I still have over a million experience points waiting for me as I still have thirteen days of trash to be removed thanks to my Simulacrum and my deal with Mallory’s Guild, so while I might have missed the gravy boat this time, my levels are still low enough that this will not matter much in the future. Also, this doubling of Attributes per level just shows how much more dangerous an Awakened Legendary bloodline user is compared to a regular person.
Next came the notifications about my Badges.
New Feat Recorded: Legendary Bloodline Progenitor (10,000): You are the Bloodline Progenitor for the Legendary Bloodline: Esoteric Arcanist Elves. New Feat Recorded: Legendary Bloodline Awakened (5,000): You have managed to awaken a Legendary Bloodline (Esoteric Arcanist Elves).
Those were exceptionally high-ranking badges, but with the half life of constantly using such a badge, the cost would quickly drop. But the Legendary badge alone would be enough to get me seen and instantly accepted by the royalty of any kingdom. Thinking about it, giving either one of those badges to Lady Legrand would be more than enough to not only quell any past offenses, but make it so she was more than my best friend, as my Tobias persona. Shaking my head at the idea, I can’t help but feel somewhat silly at the idea of using my badges in such a way, though I would be lying if I didn’t find the idea half entertaining.
Finally, I noticed the next message and my jaw dropped, it was a good thing that I was in my own headspace as I think I would have drooled from seeing both the title offered and its description.
Legendary Title Gained: Legendary Esoteric Arcanist Bloodline (Progenitor): You have created your own unique bloodline, as such being the Progenitor you get to build the official title that all other members of your bloodline who reach the Legendary status will receive. You have been granted the ability to use 50 Title Points to create a title that will be passed down to all future Legendary Bloodline members of your family. Note: As the Progenitor, your bonuses will have a +50% modifier applied to them. Current Standing: 50 of 50 Title Points left to spend.
Seeing the message, I couldn’t help but feel a little giddy, this was not only my own way to help others who follow in my footsteps, but also a way to make sure I was set up for success in all things going forward.
From there I brought up the interface and began going through most of the options. A few I instantly dismissed right from the start, as they seemed to be uninspired and lacking.
Indomitable: (Cost: 50): Gain one point per Attribute per level gained (backwards compatible). Note: Only affects the base Attributes.
While that would be a great way to max out my base Attributes, Attributes that could now get to 175, and would mean that my children and other followers of my bloodline would also be able to max out their 150 base Attribute cap, I felt that it was rather limiting, especially as it consumed all 50 of my available points.
The next was:
Magic Tier Mastery: (Cost: 25): Increase the tier rating of your highest school of magic by one tier (Maximum Tier X).
That one was instantly gone, while it might have been nice to ensure my children got more tiers of magic, the fact that it wouldn’t help me at all, given that I was at Tier XIII for most of my schools of magic was not appealing, thus it too was discarded.
There were plenty of Traits available, but unfortunately, they were all grayed out to me as I did not have a free personal Trait spot available. I still had the recipe for the free Trait slot, but I never got around to pestering Mallory for the ingredients, not that we could have gotten them while exploring this tower. So, the use of points to buy Traits was also out, as the system wouldn’t let me purchase them anyways.
With so much going on and unavailable either due to me not wanting to limit myself or my future progeny to being either Attribute meatheads who were incapable of doing anything more than smashing away their problems, to wanting to make sure anyone with this bloodline could do magic well, I continued looking, until finally I found the merit, I had been looking for all along.
Skill Enhancement: (Cost: 5): This grants the owner the innate understanding of a key skill, even letting the owner bypass their personal limits and understandings of the skill. Effect: +25 levels to the Skill’s Base level. +50% speed of comprehension for learning and improving this skill. Note: Creator of the initial title must have this Skill to purchase. If someone else gains the associated Title, they will have the skill provided to them and a temporary level of 1 in the skill, until they begin to learn the skill on their own. This skill bonus applies as a bonus that is outside of the base rating for the skill, thus allowing the owner of this merit to have a skill level that is 25 levels higher than their base rating. This Merit can be purchased more than once but must be purchased on different skills.
Seeing that, I felt my heart beat a little faster, as I realized this was the way to make it so my children and all future children and grandchildren of mine would be able to truly succeed in this world. Smiling greedily to myself, I purchased the Skill Enhancement bonus ten times.
Legendary Title Gained: Legendary Esoteric Arcanist Bloodline (Progenitor): As a Legendary member of the Esoteric Arcanist Bloodline you have unlocked the following bonuses: +25 Skill Levels and +50% comprehension speed towards the following skills: Spell Theory, Magical Theory, Magical Manipulation, Quick Casting, Dual Casting, Mana Circulation, Danger Sense, Master Enchanting, Gear Infusion, and Energy Resonance Alteration. Note: As the Progenitor, all bonuses are further increased by an additional 50%.
That title, one where I could manipulate it and make it so my kids would get all the rare and random skills that I used constantly to get ahead, that was worth it. Even better, the fact that the bonuses were applied outside my base rating for the skills meant that I would be a full step higher, meaning most of those would be at the 150 level, and all had the chance to get to level 200 now that my base rating limit had increased to 175. Actually no, my new maximum was a staggering 212, thanks to the fifty percent bonus to each of those skills.
With my class change fully complete, I exited the mental space that I had temporarily gone to, and emerged to find myself back in my real body.
Silence.
There was a moment of complete silence, as I went from being on flames one second, to completely calm the next.
“You good?” Mallory asked.
And I nodded, then without even thinking about it, I tried to experience the world with my newly heightened senses and heard a scream.
“What the fucks is that on your head?” Mallory said, screaming as she backed away in fright.
Confused, I reached up, and then felt that I had apparently emerged with my newly acquired third eye fully open. “Oh right, that thing…”