EPISODE 35: Coronation 2
-Edryan Queendom, Year 7291. Season: Central.
I gazed down from a completed section of Edrya’s fourth wall. Respectfully surrounding me were dozens of newly trained city guards. These men were under the East [Gate Protector] and stood at a respectful distance each making a respectful sign towards me. Some prayed while others signed the symbol of Goddess Madris. Others bowed and even more kneeled. To the common Edryan, I was a sort of mythical figure. I was one of the two last remaining members of the royal bloodline. If I said go left the Edryans wouldn’t dare look right.
Edrya was a massive city that held a diameter of 35 miles once the fourth wall was completed. I pulled in a long deep breath. Exhaling slowly as I activated the skill (Limitless Steps). With only a small bit of hesitation, I stepped from the wall. I knew the power of magic and skills, but I still couldn’t help but expect my foot to fall into nothingness for the 30-meter drop. A fall that never happened as the skill worked perfectly fine.
Skill Name:
(Limitless Steps)
Description:
Your steps shall forever be limitless. Not even the sky can hold you
Function:
Step onto any surface whether tangible or intangible.
Cost:
30MP/10 Minutes
A second step quickly occurred as my cape billowed in the air. Then a third and fourth. Before I knew it, I was moving swiftly and not just in a straight direction. While the cheers of the guards followed me for several minutes. I could take steps down and steps up to rise higher in the sky. No blonde chef can match me. Damn, I wish I knew how that series ended.
“Chirp?”
“Don’t worry about it! Don’t search it up either! You don’t want to fall down that rabbit hole,” I warned my companion.
Minerva fit snuggly upon my shoulder as I began making my way through District 9 of the fourth wall. The final one to be completed before the city was raised a level.
The capital city of Edrya was stacked one terrace atop of another. It was like an Aztec temple. With each walled city at a different height from the rest. Throughout the years, each time Edrya expanded. The city would raise each walled area by one. An ancient king of the Edryani clan wanted to always show the royal family's power and that our station showed us closer to the Goddess. Since then, it has gone this way for eons. I personally thought it was stupid because it made getting water to the higher districts a hassle for non-magical means.
Quickly I passed District 9 of the fourth wall and entered the one of the third walls. No guard halted my path, but shouts and cheers made their way into my ears as I rose through the air and over the wall. Twenty minutes passed since my first activation of (Limitless Steps). A counter with the screen kept itself up to date in my HUD.
(Limitless Steps)
Remaining Time:
0:08.53
Making my way downtown, I walked fast. More and more faces passed as I moved homebound. The people began to notice me, and I descended lower. Some were startled, others recognized the symbol upon my back and put two and two together. Those with the ability began to move from rooftop to rooftop cheering all the way.
These were my citizens. Faces of all shapes and sizes gaze at me with wonder and hope. Calls and chants erupted as I continued to move. Walking through the air until I arrived at the campus grounds. Those who were following me halted at the large walled complex, but the cheers never halted as the students enjoying themselves outside noticed me.
“CROWN PRINCE!”
“CROWN PRINCE!”
“CROWN PRINCE!”
“CROWN PRINCE!”
“CROWN PRINCE!”
I lowered myself even further taking my time to make my way through the campus. Flying over all the halls no matter what year they belonged to. Within the second-year area, a party was underway as several [Imperius Enchanters] took turns singing and [Imperius Bards] told stories. Gaining levels for enrapturing such a loud crowd. This was part of their training to reach level 25 before the year ended. Yet it was also a way to develop new skills and classes. Perhaps we could have an [Idol] or [Popstar] one day. My Imperius Academy and College could teach any class.
I lowered myself even further the moment I spotted a certain curly-haired girl and the campus gossip. Waving at my friends before I continued on my journey.
From District 9 of the third wall, I moved in a clockwise direction. Moving to District 8, then 7, 6, until District 1. I repeated the same for the Noble district. The journey took me close to three hours as I took my time to visit as many districts as I could. An activation of (Invigorate) kept me in top shape. Even as the effects of {A Royal Breakfast} deactivated and disappeared from my HUD. Yet I wanted to hurry as I began dipping into my base mana. Just barely as my recovery speed nearly matched my rate of use.
HP2: 360/360 (+150)
SP2: 360/360 (+150)
MP2: 470/470 (+0)
“This is amazing, this power…”
“Chirp!”
Buffs were not a new concept to me. As there were multiple types from my constant blessing [Chosen of Madris] and its third function: {Power Onto Thee}. To things such as food buffs, [Enchanter] buffs, and weapon plus skill buffs. With my buffs from my skills and Achievements, I currently generated 94MP per hour. As my attributes turned higher it would only become more and more outrageous.
“This World… This Power! This life…! I love it!”
Slowly I entered the royal district and my feet gently landed upon the ground. Thousands kneeled along the way. Palace maids, butlers, royal guardsmen, and various others. Not a sound was made besides the clinking of my steps against the grooved stoned road.
‘Thmmp.’
‘Thmmp.’
‘Thmmp.’
My armored boots thumped against the ground. Rays of golden light shined upon me. Divinity was in the air. Goddess Madris would be watching. To become the Crown Prince, you must beat any challengers in your way. While also receiving the acknowledgment of our Goddess Madris. No challengers were born after me and it seemed I received the approval of Goddess Madris as light shined down upon me. Guiding my way to the woman who started this all.
Queen Titiana gazed at me with love and affection. Pride radiated from her as she saw my armored figure. I slowly walked up to the Queen, removing my helmet while taking a knee. Silent with my head lowered in subservience.
Throughout the queendom, this scene was projected to millions every action and move was recorded in the annals of history. Recorded for as long as Edryan existed, so would this scene. The crown placed upon my head was heavy. The magic that began to imbue itself into my body was strong. Representing the Will of the People. The Authority of Edryani and the Queendom of Edryan and finally…
Acknowledgment from Goddess Madris.
You have received one level from worldly experience. The level is auto-assigned to:
[Hero of Edryan].
You have received one level from worldly experience. The level is auto-assigned to:
[Hero of Edryan].
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.
You have received one level from worldly experience. The level is auto-assigned to:
[Hero of Edryan].
You have been titled: [Holy Prince of Edryan]
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Edryan Queendom. Year 7291. Season: Central.
Holy Son of Edryani.
The Chosen One.
Officially takes his place as…
Crown Prince of Edryan.
Our Prince has announced himself to possess a [Heroic] class and has called for recruitment. Establishing his army. Edryans heed his call! Answer for War has always been a part of our path, our way. For He shall guide us to the Promised Land. Our beacon of Hope.
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“This is such a draaaag,” the voice said without much pitch. Making the woman sound monotone. Every time she spoke, the woman held weight on a single word. Making it drag out each time.
“Ugh, and you’re supposed to be one of the top Lashes,” the young general rubbed her temple as the pair waited while she continued. “This is going to be a long campaign by your side.”
“Alexandriaaaa don’t make me curse you,” the voice said with as much huzzah as she could muster.
“Lily please, pleaaase don’t make me go beg your mother to reassign you. That would be such a stain on my career, but I will if I have to.”
“Don’t you miss meeee from the academy days? It's been nearly 20 years!”
Alexandria looked up, avoiding the droopy-eyed gaze of the woman sitting across from her as she began praying. Silently chanting to Goddess Madris in hopes of something happening. Sitting across from her with dull black leather platformed boots was Lily.
The woman wore an all-black mini gothic dress with billowing sleeves and silver buttons to her midsection. The dress was tight on her and showed off her curvaceous figure. While her thick brown thighs were exposed until her knees where her laced platformed shoes finally halted. Her attire had various weird trinkets hanging from her person. Straw dolls are customized with clutches of hair threaded upon their head and miniature outfits for each. While needles of various sizes were strapped to her thighs. Each item on Lily gave Alexandria a warry feeling that had her (Danger Sense) passive going off. It seems Lily only got more dangerous since the last time she’d seen her classmate. She stood at a height of 185cm.
Lily's bangs covered her forehead and almost her eyes, yet those clear droopy black eyes watched every movement of Alexandria. The other woman responded in kind as they waited for their new boss. Every so often Lily would grab one of her dolls and stab it with a needle. Before watching in satisfaction as the doll squirmed for a bit before black energy left its mouth and entered Lily's. Making the woman release a small shudder in ecstasy.
Alexandria wore her ceremonial general attire. For this ceremony, she chose to go with a loose gold skirt that just covered her knees reminding Lily of their academy days. Lily knew under that skirt several daggers of varying lengths were strapped to those twilight-colored thighs. A simple white blouse was all the general wore yet the badges displayed on the jacket hanging off her shoulder told a story of war and wealth. She sat with her legs crossed and arms folded. An annoyed expression with a hint of mirth as they gaze at one another.
Just like her sister, Alexandria held strawberry blonde hair and stood at a height of 160cm. Her figure was much of the same as Koa, a toned body that showed through her uniform. Aside from the fact that she was shorter than her younger sister and of a much darker complexion. The two held extremely similar looks. High cheekbones and a body that showed strength and womanly charm.
Maids arrived serving simple black coffee, a rarity for Alexandria. While the other served Lily a glass of chilled apple juice. Causing the woman to hum a tune.
“Are you tone-death? It Goes Hmm… hmm… Hmm… hmm not whatever that is,” Alexandria said after a while. Unable to stand Lily messing up the song any longer.
“Doooon’t be a bore, Alexandria. It goes HMMM… HMMM… HMMM… HMMMM. You have to add some spice! Some Flavor!”
“Goddess Madris, I plead to thee! Save me!”
Just as Lily was opening her mouth to respond, the twin doors carved with figures of ancient Edryan legends opened. The [Holy Prince of Edryan] had finally arrived.
Instantly the women moved to stand. Not hesitating to bow as the crowned figure walked into the room. After his acknowledgment, both women raised their heads to study the young man before them. Alexandria was familiar with Crown Prince Lawruthian. As she had interacted with him plenty in formatting the Golem Core. Her contact with him since had been little. Lily on the other hand stared curiously. This was her first time meeting the next ruler of their country. She studied the young man before her.
Crown Prince Lawruthian wore a simple black tunic with golden highlights outlining the attire. A bracelet of the same make and style was on his left wrist. Etched into the black were patterns that appeared similar to the large bright red-gold eyes of the owlet chick staring at her. The young bird appeared to be a sizable fluff ball on the prince's left shoulder. Her gradient ebony downy made Lily instantly fall in love. Her hands subconsciously twitched at her side.
‘So cute,’ Lily thought.
Yet her eyes returned to the prince. Atop his head was a crown that radiated the power and prestige of the Royal Edryani Family. A crown, ashen black and white. With stones of power pressed within. One a clear green for the air we breathe. One red for the fire in our hearts. One brown for the ground that holds life. The final blue for the water that gives.
“It’s rude to stare and not introduce yourself to a noble.”
“Oooooooh is that soooo,” Lily asked. Alexandria groaned and a hand went to her temples. To the surprise of both women the newly crowned Crown Prince laughed. His eyes were bright with interest as he stared at Lily.
“So, you’re the Lash Mariam has assigned for me? Interesting,” Crown Prince Lawruthian said with a bit of mirth. His next words held anything but that tone.
“Don’t go overboard.”
There was a warning tone to his voice. One that caused Lily’s eyes to open a bit wider, excitement shown within them. Alexandria groaned even more. Knowing this would stoke Lily’s drive.
“It’s nice to see you again General Alexandria.”
Hearing her name Alexandria stood straighter. Her groans of irritation were nowhere to be seen as the Crown Prince addressed her.
“It is the pleasure of the Indrian Family to serve you, Your Highness. We thank you for this opportunity in choosing me as the general to lead your armies.”
The bright and excited kid who held a fascination with golems was no longer before her. If she hadn’t known better Alexandria would believe the young man before her to be an entirely different person. An aura that invigorated her and displayed Crown Prince Lawruthian's power surrounded him. Almost making her feel like she was in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen. Alexandria quickly applied a small hit of Intent that swept close to the young prince. Allowing her to judge his power from the feedback her mind received.
Her eyebrows shot up by a hair. Hmm maybe level 10, it's been two months since his 16th birthday, and the system activating for him. His level is not extremely high, but it is not low either. He’d be able to give any Copper Knight a run for their money. That armor from earlier made him feel like he was truly in the ranks of a Copper Knight about the average father gave away with me. This is the man I will be serving for the rest of my life? Hmmm.
Crown Prince Lawruthian waved and the various staff that followed him quickly left the room. Leaving just the three of them. As he sat, he waved to the couch across from him. Gesturing for the women to sit. Alexandria calmly took her seat. Sitting upright and properly. Whereas Lily leaned forward. Curiosity on her face as she watched the Crown Prince and his pet.
We have not sworn ourselves to him yet. Is he not scared? If we were assassins, this would be a perfect opportunity. He is too lax in his guard detail. We’ll have to change that. Lily’s eyes met Alexandria’s and the woman could see she was thinking along the same lines.
“This cannot doooo,” Lily began. “I seee why mother sent me, are you not afraid?”
“What reason would I have to be scared in the middle of my own home?”
The drag disappeared from her voice as Lily nearly vanished to the gaze of the prince before appearing next to him. One of her longer needles was scratching at his throat. “I could kill you before you could speak. Before you could blink. Before you could think,” Lily said. There was no emphasis on any words as she spoke this time. Only cold seriousness.
Alexandria could have stopped her, but the woman felt the same as Lily even if she didn’t voice it. That’s why she stayed quiet this entire time. She knew Lily wouldn’t go overboard but in warfare cutting off the head of the snake meant a body with no guidance would soon die out.
“Ahh,” Lily gasped as she slowly pulled back revealing a matte black dagger placed next to her heart. While the owlet on the prince's shoulder hissed at her.
“That should not be possible,” Lily said. The drag back in her voice.
Lily slowly removed the needle from the prince’s neck. While the prince did the same with his dagger.
“I like to think I can take care of myself,” the Crown Prince said. His dagger molded back to its bracelet shape. “Besides can you be certain you can pierce my defenses before I pierce yours?”
Lily returned to her seat before bothering to respond. Sending a wink to Alexandria that the woman ignored. Both women felt a small application of Intent come from the prince as a skill activated.
“It’s ruuuuude to (Inspect) a lady without asking.”
“Hmm, level 73 and level 75, not bad. Not bad at all. You’ll have to tell me the names of your classes. I’m afraid whatever protections you have are too strong for my (Inspect).”
“Interesting,” Alexandria said. “You’ve changed from the young kid you once were Your Highness.”
“In the presence of just ourselves and a few others, you can call me Lawruthian.”
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The two women across from me were strong the text boxes that appeared over them briefly showed their levels and only question marks for their class.
Level 75 ???
Level 73 ???
My coronation party was at a brief interlude and in this time, I wanted to collect the oaths of these two women before me. I stood as we had finished our greetings and measures of one another. Although I was only level 8, I was able to catch a brief glimpse of Lily moving. It all happened faster than a blink, leaving me with barely any opportunity to activate [Limitless Love] first function and skill.
Skill Name:
(Limitless Form)
Description:
The only limit is you.
Function:
Alter the shape, size, and weight of this item.
Cost:
20MP/10SP per inch.
Silently I stood there and waited. Lily was the first to step forward. Taking a knee and holding the same needle she directed at me forward with both hands outstretched. She spoke her Crowned Oath, and the language of runes erupted from her mouth. The magic of the world responds in kind. Filling her and me with a connection that would last until death or my dismissal of her services.
“I pledge myself to thee. For my Class shall serve as the hidden dagger that pierces the hearts of your enemies. For my life shall be the shield that protects thee from the curses of the lost lambs. For my life shall serve as the foundation of your rise. I pledge myself to thee. To take your enemies as my own. To hold your allies as I would my own. To protect your life if it means giving my own. I pledge myself to thee.”
“I accept.”
As the magic took hold and placed itself around our hearts. Alexandria stepped forward. Following the example of Lily before her as she took a knee her hand placed over her heart.
“I pledge myself to thee. For my Class shall serve as the guiding light for your armies. For my soldiers shall shed the blood of your enemies. For our life shall be the foundation for your path, your rise, your conquering. I pledge myself to thee. To slay your enemies as if they were my most hated foes. To hold your allies to the same regard I hold my dearest family. To protect your life if it means giving those of my men or my own. I pledge myself to thee.
“I accept.”