EPISODE 34: Coronation 1
-Edryan Queendom, Year 7291. Season: Central.
My eyes opened as the earliest rays of light made their way into my bedroom. Large grand windows overlook the palace grounds. Through them, it showed that the royal palace personnel were already active. A royal party and other preparations were just the tip of the iceberg. The palace was on 100% today. Thoughts of the Spatial Convocation and their troubles would shake my mind today. My royal summons to discuss with the council of mages in charge was… dismissed. That was me putting it lightly, as it was a blatant disregard. This reminded me of one thing. Edryans of the higher nobility looked up to my mother, not me. I held power but not the majesty and respect my mother did. They respected me as a messenger of Goddess Madris and perhaps a holy child, but they didn’t respect me. They respected what I represented. I knew it took time for such things to develop but never had I been disregarded as such in all 16 years of my life.
If there was anything that came out of this it was a fancy invite to the Spatial Convocations headquarters. The way it was worded didn’t show it as an invite. It was a summons.
On a large pillow next to me, Minerva snoozed away. Any time the owlet was not preening, begging for food, or showing herself off, she was sleeping. Change was slow to come to her but yesterday we visibly watched her grow as we consumed knowledge from the Great Archive.
As my attributes rose my need for basic human functions lowered. Breathing, eating, and sleeping would not be as important as I continued to rise in level. The only requirement that would raise in need would be eating. The task I was currently focused on as my maids delivered plate after plate of high calories and high mana meals. In truth it was better to say my need for basic human functions wouldn’t be lowered but the quality my body took in improved. Drawing more oxygen and holding it in my blood cells for longer. At least that is what I believe to be the case.
My mother joined me as I ate. I felt the buffs take effect as I finished the final plate. Each meal prepared by a classed [Chef] held buffs that would energize me in different ways. The chefs outdid themselves today. I quickly opened my status effect menu to see my legendary meal.
Status Effect: Buff
Name:
{A Royal Breakfast}
Description:
The renowned Royal Chefs of Edryan have crafted the perfect meal to keep a member of the royal family filled with strength and vigor. Allowing them to go about their royal duties with a full belly and sharp mind.
Function:
+25 to All Attributes.
+ 15 to All Regeneration.
Grants Temporary Skill: (Invigorate) [+]
Grants Temporary Passive:
(Swifter Steps) [+]
My mother put down her fork and gazed at me before speaking calmly.
“Tell me Lawruthian,” she began. The moment she said my name I sat up as straight as possible dismissing the notification. I don’t remember the last time she used the name she gave me.
“How does a ruler establish themselves in a room full of men and beasts?”
My gaze met my mother’s, yet my thoughts drifted to a similar question that was asked what seemed like an age ago.
‘Little Warrior, do you know how a man should establish himself in a room full of men and beasts?’
It was similar but not the same.
“A ruler organizes the men and plays them off each other…
…while the beast are used to keep us cohesive and under one law.”
“From today onwards you shall no longer be a man, but a ruler. Remember always!
Yet never forget that you were once a man. Thus, it is never a bad day to spill blood!”
I stared in awe at the scale-made matte ebony armor with red and gold highlights. The moment I walked into the room my attention never wavered from the Armaments in front of me. Minerva sat quietly on my shoulder doing much of the same. The power radiated from it in waves while the weapons were snugly fit into a red-gold ornamental-like sheath. It was not gaudy showing the [Weaponsmith] and [Armor-smith] knew my taste. As the sword and accompanying dagger only held one ruby-red diamond that served as the blade's handles. While the blades’ guards were matching the color of the armor.
The moment I grasp the sword I felt my body shift as extra attributes were added to my status sheet. The sheath was red leather with a gold outline on the outskirts of the material. Several powerful runes were written on the material. While I felt the sheath pull on mana from the outside keeping its runic scripts active. Yet the culmination was something beyond my experience.
“This…,” I began in awe. While a chuckle escaped from Pablo – Grand Master of the Flowing Blades. While his counterpart and wife watched on with apprehension as I’d yet to touch the armor.
“|Eternal|… this is impossible!”
A laugh erupted from Pablo, but I ignored it as I stared at the sheath of my weapon. Recalling all the information I could on runes and exactly what effect |Eternal| would have.
Like most classifications under the Prime System, runes followed the same grading as spells, Tier Ⅰ-Ⅹ. Just like spells that weren’t skills, runes required comprehension to use. Part of the reason the 72 basic runes were required to learn no matter your class at Imperius Academy is because of the power of runes. Understanding a rune meant that you held a specific comprehension of what that rune did. A comprehension that the rune acknowledged as close to the source.
An example of this would be the Fire Rune. To me, fire was a result of combustion and atoms moving at rapid speed, heating the atmosphere around themselves. Yet to most of the Edryans, fire was a source of heat and light. We both were not wrong we only held different understandings. From there you would need to combine runes to get greater effects. My understanding of fire allowed me to construct a rune up to the fourth tier. Thus, if I was to use that understanding a |Fireball| spell would go something like this: Fire is the origin of man and the leader of change. Instead of using: Fire is the origin of man. Which would serve as a quick |Fireball| spell I’d have cast something like |Greater Fireball|.
What did it mean to understand a Pinnacle Rune?
|Eternal|.
|Life|.
|Death|.
|Love|.
|Fire|.
|Water|.
|Power|.
|Self|.
|Sky|.
|Limitless|.
|Anger|.
|Freedom|.
These were just a few of the discovered Tier Ⅹ runes. Understanding anyone of them meant you had the qualifications to walk on a path, so few have in truth.
The path to Godhood.
Understanding a Tier Ⅹ or a Pinnacle rune was one of the first qualifications to become a God. I turned to stare at Grand Master Pablo.
“I’m too old to walk that path, I’ve served your grandfather and your mother. We only came out of retirement for you are the Holy Son. You are the Shepard sent to guide us. How could we not answer your mother's call? Besides…,” Pablo chuckled. “…we only had a hand in one of the runes. Powerful Magi carved the rest.”
[Chosen of Madris] has activated!
Effect 1:
The Greatest Gift
Gather the Faith of the People and convert them into attribute points.
You have been awarded 10 Attribute Points.
I nodded in understanding dismissing the notification. This older couple would not be something within my reach.
|Eternal| was a rune that would preserve my sword so long as it stayed in its sheath. Even if removed all damage would be repaired. |Eternal| was to last forever.
The sword sang as I removed it from its sheath. Radiances erupted as it soundlessly slid out.
|Eternal|.
|Love|.
“A gift from Her Majesty, the second rune carved by her directly.”
I stared at the two runes carved into the center of the matte ebony blade. My vision turned blurry, and the weight of the weapon made itself known to me. I would not be seeing my mother again until she crowned me.
Heavy.
This weight is heavy.
“Eternal Love…
From this day forth you shall be known as [Eternal Love].”
A resonance came from the blade, but it felt incomplete like a piece was missing. A piece that called out to me as I returned the dark blade to its sheath. After returning it to its stand I turned to where the missing piece of resonance came from.
This too held a rune of |Eternal| upon it. Yet when I removed the blade two new Pinnacle runes showed themselves. Causing my blurry vision to clear as the rain started falling.
|Limitless|
|Love|
“The weather must be horrible today.”
“Correct, Your Highness, it's completely storming on this clear summer day,” Maria – Grand Master of Flowing Armor stated with a chuckle.
The blade was a mix between a parrying dagger and a dirk. Matte ebony like its counterpart and the armor yet they seemed to hold a shine to them regardless of the dull color.
“[Limitless Love].”
The resonance came to a full circle as I said the name of the blade. While another degree of power flooded into my body. My mother must want to turn me into a final boss. I chuckled as I returned the weapon to its sheath. It is time to complete the set.
Slowly I walked up to the armor as Minerva gave out a shrill cry of excitement. I could see why as the helmet resembled the young owlet to the degree, beak and all. Minerva tightly clenched my shoulder as we got close. Ripping through the fabric but claws pausing at my skin.
The armor was matte ebony and at first glance would seem ordinary. It was anything but, I saw, as the helmet held two ruby-red glass-like coverings. On closer examination, I could see that it was diamonds just like the hilt of [Eternal Love] and [Limitless Love].
The pauldrons were the symbol of Goddess Madris; two fists with their fore knuckles touching. While your arms would extend downwards in an upside-down V shape. Almost like a weird close-body boxing stance. The polyens or kneecaps followed the theme of the pauldrons. The chest plate pointed outwards slightly with another ruby-red diamond centered where my collar bones met. A detachable golden cape with red outlines made the entire thing seem larger than life. While on the back of the armor and cape was my symbol: a chibi golem in the middle of the Prime Sun. On the forehead of the chibi golem were three Pinnacle runes.
|Eternal|.
|Love| & |Life|.
Quickly I equipped the armor and weapons with the help of a few others. Although I could see that even individually, I’d be able to wear this set.
“From today onwards you shall be Eternal Love & Life!
Together this shall be known as the [Eternal Set]!”
“Armament Overview”
Armaments:
A Mother’s Gift - 100/100
Eternal Set - 100/100
Mentally I selected [Eternal Set]. Although I could verbalize the action as well. Its charge was maxed showing I would not need to fill it with any mana. I just wondered how bottomless the gems on the armor would be. An expansive tooltip appeared before me. Causing my breath to hitch as I read it.
Armament: [Eternal Set]
Parts:
[Eternal Love & Life], [Eternal Love], [Limitless Love]
Description:
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
A mother’s love is boundless. Queen Titiana has commissioned an armor set to protect the one who holds her heart for eternity.
Function:
[Eternal Love & Life]
(Elemental Resistance)
(A Moment Forever)
(Regen Up!)
(Defense Up!)
(Aura of Life)
Function:
[Eternal Love]
Inflicts:
{Unending Flow}
(Attack Up!)
(Regenerate User)
Function:
[Limitless Love]
(Limitless Form)
(Limitless Steps)
(Limitless User)
Function:
[Eternal Set]
(Attributes Up!)
(Eternal Restoration)
“This… this…”
“This is the power of a Mythical Grade Set Your Highness,” Maria said.
“A set might I add,” her husband said. “Is a step under divine.”
The woman held a satisfied smile on her face as I wore her armor. Pride and joy radiated from both craftsmen as I was geared with the Armaments prepared for me.
Just a quick scan told me that this armor would end in the history books as one of the top sets underneath divine. This is the armor kings and rulers wore. This was the armor you’d see the prince wear in any anime or show.
This is the armor a Hero would wear!
My mouth went dry as I view the amount of ‘Up!’ skills I possessed. Before a startling giggle escaped from my mouth. This was far beyond any of the skills I could represent. This is the endgame armor you grind thousands of hours for! The skills that every warrior, mage, and anything else under the Prime Sun would want!
Status!
“Madris’s Grace!”
Shock erupted from my mouth as I checked my status.
Lawruthian Imperius Koltius Edryani – Level 4
HP2: 360/360 (+225)
SP2: 360/360 (+225)
MP2: 480/480 (+225)
Base Atk: 70 (+38)
Base Def: 63 (+30)
HP Regen: 42HP/Hour. +27
SP Regen: 42SP/Hour. +27
MP Regen: 54MP/Hour. +27
Bloodline: [+]
Race:
Magi-Human
Main Class:
[Hero of Edryan]
Perks:
Codex of Earth
Power: 140 (+75)
2nd Class: [LOCKED]
Core Skills: [+]
Vitality: 120 (+75)
3rd Class: [LOCKED]
Racial Skills: [+]
Endurance: 120 (+75)
Faith: Goddess Madris
Skills: [+]
Mind: 80 (+75)
Affiliation:
Royal Family of Edryan
Equipped:
Eternal Set
A Mother’s Gift
Self: 85 (+75)
2nd Affiliation:
Imperius Academy
Intent: 60 (+75)
Achievements: [+]
Status Effects: [+]
Magic Affinity: -
Active Quest: [+]
Attribute Points: 10
“This is insane,” I said aloud. A burst of clear and bright laughter erupted from my mouth as I tried to process exactly what this meant.
If I was on the threshold of my first-class advancement and level 25, this is what my status would look like. I was only level 4. What did that mean? Right now, I was near the peak level of the average knight from a small noble family. This was the maximum they usually could raise their warriors to before the first-class advancement. Perhaps a few dozen more or less attributes spread around from titles and the like. The ruby-red diamond lens of my helmet flashed as the powerful skills activated. Yet when I peered through them no red film covered my eyes. While the shrill excited chirps of Minerva echoed throughout the room.
(Attributes Up!), (Defense Up!), (Attack Up!), and (Regen Up!) were the major cause behind my excitement. I quickly summoned the tooltips of these skills.
Skill Name:
(Attributes Up!)
Description:
One attribute point? Twice the effect! Fortify all attributes.
Function:
Doubles the effect of your base attributes.
Skill Name:
(Defense Up!)
Description:
Haaa! Did you take an arrow to the knee? It bounced off mine!
Function:
Doubles the effect of your Base Defense.
Skill Name:
(Attack Up!)
Description:
Haaa, take this arrow to the knee. Your defense means nothing!
Function:
Doubles the effect of your Base Attack.
Skill Name:
(Regen Up!)
Description:
Regeneration is the foundation that keeps you in a peak state. More is never bad.
Function:
Double your base regeneration.
These skills were at the max of mortal limit and did exactly as their names suggested. Boosting the said field as stated. Although my attributes looked like they remained the same, they were doubled. In my status sheet, they appear like numbers almost jumping off the notification. Like they were attempting to break their way into reality itself.
If I was to have any complaint, it'd be because (Attributes Up!) was a set function. I couldn’t use this effect without all three pieces of equipment. Although (Eternal Restoration) showed itself as a set function, all three pieces of [Eternal Set] held the skill. Regardless of whether the other pieces were close by or not, these weapons would not fade into the annuals of time. Kept strong by the magic of the world. Only the divine could damage them to the degree they wouldn’t restore.
The cost of this was not little. These matte-ebony scales that made up the armor and weapons were something from Underneath. The realm below the Mortal Realm. I had no doubt it cost hundreds if not thousands of lives to kill.
“Scales from the Raid Boss: Azznar’Rou – Devourer, forged from the flames of Mt. Redcoomshi, and tempered from the waves of Heavens Fall.”
I sucked in a breath of air as Pablo spoke. Nearly immediately the information made its way into my head. A chirp of satisfaction made its way out of Minerva’s beak.
7010 Azznar’Rou nearly made its way to the surface a beast the size of a mountain. My grandfather descended with ten thousand with all three classes unlocked to slay it and claim its fortune. Less than 600 returned. It was a divine demonic beast confirmed at the level: 648.
Mt. Redcoomshi – Cradle of Gods. A place where the demi-gods go to ascend. Through years of ascension, special properties emerged on the never falling lava that filled it to the brim.
Heavens Fall; it was exactly as the name sounded. A waterfall that fell from the heavens themselves. Falling from the Astral Realm and into the Mortal Realm.
I swallowed heavily as I digested the information. Grabbing Minerva and setting herself on my shoulder. It was time to make my way to the edge of the city.
----------------------------------------
Madria stepped outside of the carriage calmly following the steps of her mother. High Priestess Marna walked with purpose as the 1st Daughter of the Mother of Magi. Maids quickly ushered them into the palace. Madria barely had a chance to view one area before they were in the next. Only so often did she receive the chance to visit the heart of the queendom. The grand halls with a history almost as long as the nation passed in a blur. Their steps only halted them once they arrived at the Queen’s area of residence.
Marna turned and glanced at her youngest daughter. Turning fully as she began to adjust her straight black hair. Madria rolled her eyes knowing a hair was not out of place.
“Mother my bob, it doesn’t move. I’ve learned from the best!”
Marna fidgeted with her daughter a bit more until satisfied. As she did so a voice called out from the room.
“Enter.”
At once the pair of mother and daughter straighten. Entering the lounge. Madria remained unsurprised by the Drumian family's early appearance. Lorde sat comfortably next to his aunt. One leg was folded above the other showing that Lorde was relaxed but his body remained upright and attentive. It was rare for him to be in the presence of Queen Titiana.
The Gamals took their seats and got comfortable. Their postures are prim and proper. Both mother and daughter moved with the same grace and showed barely a trace of difference that an outside observer might believe them twins. If not for the mature face of Marna and the youthfulness of Madria one might truly be able to believe it. Both held hair cut to shoulder length. Their hair is styled in as an A-line Bob. Straight black with golden streaks that seemed to radiate life and longevity. Not a single strand fell out of place. They wore the garments of priestesses of Goddess Madria. Not their usual body-fitting robes but ones meant for more formal and special occasions. The outfit began with a blood-red and molten gold corset that drew both men's and women's attention as it appeared to be dipped in gold. The red strings drew out a striking contrast to the gold. Their nails followed suit. A flowing dress seemed to extend from the corset strings. Giving the Gamals the appearance that blood was constantly flowing around them. As their shoulders were bare their neckline remain extravagant. Gems seemed to be neatly implanted upon their flesh while wrapping completely around their neck. A display of might and wealth. Something the people of Edryan took pride in.
The Drumians were much of the same. Except this clan of warriors dressed in outfits that showed off their bare arms. Studded armlets wrapped around their left biceps while fingerless gauntlets extended from their right hand to mid-forearm. A ceremonial dagger at their waist and a circlet of strong metal gave off a barely noticeable blue-green glow. They were dressed in the fashion their ancestors had once worn. Back in the days of Tribes and Clans. Now under the banner of Edryan. They became Houses or Families.
The Consus family and the Oni were the next to arrive. Just one representative from each family alongside the one regarded as the next leader of the family. They two wore the attire of old.
The Consus appeared like noble farmers or woodland and grassland people. As they once were. Free and loose clothing that showed off their sun-kissed brown skin. They wore bracelets of jade woven together with golden thread. While Viviana wore waist beads that made distinct rhythms as the thick and curvy girl walked. An anklet of silver and gold was dressed over the top of her feet leaving the rest bare. The two walked in with pride Consus family radiating from them. Tomes covered in leaves and fauna followed both.
The Oni was the exact opposite. Bare-chested warriors with hardly a piece of jewelry upon them. Yet on their foreheads were two red gems that Lawruthian would find familiar. They appeared like an extra set of eyes. Their lower body was covered with black loose martial-like pants. Appearing as if they were preparing for a competition or more.
The final members of the Great Families appeared. The Musa and Romus both radiated raw and pure magical might. Seemingly in competition with one another. It goes to show as Camilla Romus held [The Heart of Magi] a pseudo-divine staff. A treasure of immense power passed down from generation to generation. The staff held burnt, near pitch blacken wood with a crystal-clear heart that beat at its height. With every other step powerful magical wave of power would be expelled. While a second step would pull magic toward the device and its user. A gentle but firm breeze entered the room because of this. The powerful Magi came with both of her children. Showing that she acknowledged both to be successors of the Romus family. They wore strange shawls that seemed to just hover from touching their body. Colored a sun gold and moon silver. While Camilla Romus's white hair turned into a prism of colors as you viewed her from the front.
To counter the weight and presence of the Romus. The Musas showed that they did not come to play as the moment Margret Musa stepped into the room, the colors inverted, and the world seemed to pause.
[White to Black and Black to White].
“Hmph.”
A single snort.
Was all it took for Queen Titiana to return reality to normal. The power of [The Heart of Magi] and [White to Black and Black to White] withdrew to a small radius around the respective weapons. One staff and one wand.
[White to Black and Black to White] was a wand vertically split down the middle. One side is black and the other white. Crafted a piece from the femur of a slain god. It was the Musa’s House's most valuable treasure and usually remained in their capital city. For it to be shown here meant that all stops were pulled out. The Musas were dressed as the traditional mage. Robes that flowed to the ground around them were colored a night black with a single white circle in the middle of their back.
Madria held her breath after the snort of Queen Titiana. The air in the room seemed to pause and recede from every individual in the room. Madria realized that all magic in the room was now under the control of the queen. This realization caused her to become even more startled. This was an ability any mage killer would have but it wasn’t just for mage killers. This governed on the steps of Domains. That was something only those near or at the demi-god level should reach. Queen Titiana was only rumored to be in the mid-200s. 250-260 Madria once guessed. This should not be in the range of her abilities.
A breath of time passed as the Queen gazed around the room. All gazes lowered before hers before the Queen seemed satisfied. The air returned to normal, and Madria could breathe once again. This display of Power and Intent reminded Madria of one startling fact about the Prime Plane.
Strength ruled above all.
Big fish eats little fish.
“It is the pleasure of the Royal House of Edryani to host you all.
Do not let petty strife allow you to forget that.”
----------------------------------------
Karla excitedly pulled Simra from her house. Shouting goodbye to her mother and father, but not too loudly as her siblings remain asleep, Simra allowed herself to be dragged about by her best friend.
Karla was nearly bursting with excitement. Her dress was made by one of the rising tailors of Imperius Academy. It was a form-fitting dress that reveal her upper back and part of her sides scandalously. Her straight black hair would cover up most of her skin from being shown. For the first time, students of the academy were released from their dorms if they held a residence in the city. As this would allow them to get an extra level of preparation in hopes of seeing the Holy Son of Edryan rise to his official station as the Crown Prince of Edryan. Although title since birth the young prince never held any true coronation. Something that was finally changing after 16 years of his life.
The girls rushed into the prepared carriage and began making their way to the academy halls. It was rumored that the Crown Prince would pass through his academy on his way to the palace. Karla knew those rumors were false, after all, she was the one who spread them. Yet if word could somehow reach the Crown Prince and he did come…
Karla let that train of thought fade as Kal and Laura scooted over. The driver snapped his reigns, and the carriage took off. Although Edrya now had ‘public transportation’ another of the Crown Prince's innovations. There was no way Karla, and the girls would be taking that in their fancy dresses.
Kal and Laura drop their grips from each other’s hands the moment the girls burst into the carriage. Karla rolled her eyes and spoke. “Y’all both know that I and by extension, Simra, knew that y’all were together before y’all knew!”
As they were far from the academy grounds Karla felt comfortable enough to return to a lax manner of speaking. Surprisingly both girls remained silent, but the embarrassment was there as they evaded Karla’s gaze.
“Karla let them be!
Do you really know if Law will show up at the academy,” Simra asked curiously while defending her friends.
“If you don’t know, how could I know,” Karla responded while rolling her eyes before continuing.
“We look amazing! Tonight is all about celebrating and having fun! Missy is going to be singing for the event tonight!”
As the carriage road towards the academy, the conversations only grew more and more active. As their paths differed, Karla found it increasingly difficult to spend quality time with her friends. Today was a great day to do so.
All over the city of Edrya. The massive population of three million prepared themselves. For today was a day of good signs and good omens. It is said on the day a prince rises to be crowned, whatever district they walk through shall experience good fortune like no other.
Laughter and celebration were in the air. The noon sun shined down on the bustling capital. The first day of Summer and Central was here. A grand celebration was underway.