EPISODE 39 Operation RAIL 3
-Edryan Queendom, Year 7291. Season: Central.
“Status.”
Madria Juud Gamal – Level 20
HP: 255/255 (+75)
SP: 195/195 (+75)
MP: 300/300 (+180)
DP: 300/300 (+180)
Base Atk: 30 +8
Base Def: 28 +10
HP Regen: 33/Hour (+27)
SP Regen: 25/Hour (+27)
MP Regen: 39/Hour (+65)
DP Regen: 39/Hour (+65)
Bloodline: [+]
Race: Magi-Human
Main Class:
[Priestess of Madris]
Perks:
Empty.
Power: 100 (+25)
2nd Class: [LOCKED]
Core Skills: [+]
Vitality: 85 (+25)
3rd Class: [LOCKED]
Racial Skills: [+]
Endurance: 65 (+25)
Faith: Goddess Madris
Status Effects:
Mind: 100 (+60)
Affiliation:
Imperius Academy
Equipped:
Imperius Academy Uniform
Self: 70 (+25)
2nd Affiliation:
House Gamal
Intent: 70 (+25)
Achievements: [+]
Skills: [+]
Divine: 100 (+60)
Magic Affinity:
Active Quest: -
Attribute Points: 0
Madria Juud Gamal - Gold Nails [https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/71e3d34d-25a5-4155-b27f-62964266ddd5/dg7f1wf-b7472e9f-24a7-404c-8822-9dcb46877015.jpg/v1/fill/w_831,h_962,q_70,strp/madria_juud_gamal___gold_nails_by_marskidris_dg7f1wf-pre.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9MTQ4MSIsInBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcLzcxZTNkMzRkLTI1YTUtNDE1NS1iMjdmLTYyOTY0MjY2ZGRkNVwvZGc3ZjF3Zi1iNzQ3MmU5Zi0yNGE3LTQwNGMtODgyMi05ZGNiNDY4NzcwMTUuanBnIiwid2lkdGgiOiI8PTEyODAifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlcnZpY2U6aW1hZ2Uub3BlcmF0aW9ucyJdfQ.z7t_uFVaNpfr4rWPaYLGa-VkeDx71rYUHREJ-Hlk08A]
[https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/71e3d34d-25a5-4155-b27f-62964266ddd5/dg7f1wl-4ddb02c6-e07e-4948-af88-4ed23ad5a15a.jpg/v1/fill/w_831,h_962,q_70,strp/madria_juud_gamal___black_nails_by_marskidris_dg7f1wl-pre.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9MTQ4MSIsInBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcLzcxZTNkMzRkLTI1YTUtNDE1NS1iMjdmLTYyOTY0MjY2ZGRkNVwvZGc3ZjF3bC00ZGRiMDJjNi1lMDdlLTQ5NDgtYWY4OC00ZWQyM2FkNWExNWEuanBnIiwid2lkdGgiOiI8PTEyODAifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlcnZpY2U6aW1hZ2Uub3BlcmF0aW9ucyJdfQ.mUb4Eq9sYsZPj0ycgNnRsuFWa3vT5IZ7uqo8tqWMmV4]
Madria hummed a merry tune as she allocated her attribute points. She finally achieved level 20, just steps away from her first class advancement. Her rustic gold irises shined with the light of divinity as she felt her attributes raise. The power of her Goddess merged its way deeper into Madria’s body causing the young woman to hum in content.
She watched as several members of her Clearers team emerged from the forest carrying several D-Tier beasts. She scurried over the moment they dropped their loads and applied a light heal to the group. Quickly activating a mass heal spell that took care of all their minor wounds. This caused her Divine Points to drop by fifty, yet it didn’t begin to even scratch the surface of her true divine mana levels. The young woman gained over one-hundred DP per hour and almost nine DP per five minutes.
The touch and blend of her and her Goddess’s mana in her body filled her with a strength and resolution that guided her path. Gently nudging her this way and that to help her stay on the correct course. The feeling was wonderful and the connection to her Goddess intimate. Soon she would have to choose which of the three paths to follow. Madria’s heart did not know which domain would best suit her and her self-imposed quest on ensuring the Crown Prince succeeded in his goals. I’ll have to pray on it tonight.
“You shouldn’t waste your mana, your aura is enough,” Ade Oni commented which Madria ignored… going back to her task of reviewing her status.
In truth, Ade Oni’s words held value to them. She didn’t need to waste her mana. As a [Priestess of Madris] she held a passive called (Aura of Healing). This passive did as the name suggested and a healing aura surrounded her body nearly at all times. Any minor scrapes or bruises would have been healed as long as they stuck within the range.
Skill Name:
(Aura of Healing)
Description:
Through the grace of Goddess Madris, those who surround you are healed of their injuries through time.
Function:
Passively heal and boost the natural regeneration of those around you by 75%. Ailments are lowered by a single rarity while under the effects of Aura of Healing.
The passive was strong and would only grow stronger with the increase in skill rarity and class advancements. Her mother could return a half-dead man to life in minutes just from him basking in her presence. It was unfortunate that the skill only boosted the natural regeneration of those under its effects. It was still better to have a priest set any broken bones correctly and heal those sorts of injuries.
The passive was based on her Intent and its range work as a 1:1 per point of Intent. For every one point of Intent, your aura would increase by one inch. Madria’s aura extended roughly under six feet and those who needed healing sat around the campfire and returned to normal within the hour. Madria held her reasons on why she cast her spell. Who wants to be surrounded by smelly men and women when a quick group cast will take care of the job!
Her task done, Madria removed herself from the area and returned to the large tent which the Clearers were using as their base of operations. She took a seat on the plush carpets in an area reserved for her. The young woman pulled out a book, The Prince and the Noble Lady, and began to read. Yet… her mind was anywhere but on the novel detailing the romance between a prince and a noble lady of status.
The events of the past week ran through her thoughts. Thoughts of Lawruthian, his ideas, innovations, and what changes they would bring to Edryan as a whole. Madria felt like the future was coming far faster than it did when she was a child. In the days when life was simpler in the Gamal House compound. The days in which her many sisters were still home and not off spreading the word of their Goddess to the kingdom.
Those days were gone… as they grew older gaining tasks and territory to manage on their own. Such is the woes of life… this rail system. How will it change Edryan? How will he change Edryan?
Madria placed her palm over her crystalized magi heart. Feeling the soft beat and magic both regular and divine coursing through her veins. Deeper within she could feel the pledge she gave to Lawruthian. It was something the girl always planned on doing but was always convinced to wait by the other members of the Little Greats. Wait she did no longer. The complex magic of the world woven itself around her heart. Binding her to Lawruthian until he ascended or died trying. For Madria was certain if anyone could become a true God, then Lawruthian Imperius Koltius Edryani would. Now it was her responsibility to keep up with his growth and help guide him as needed. She daydreamed as she scrolled through the pages of the novel.
She recalled their first true interaction on the first day of school. Ade Oni’s challenge and the way Lawruthian vehemently didn’t wish to go to church. A year of her nagging had changed that. A smile crossed her face at the thought. It caused her rarely-seen dimples to show. Madria couldn’t believe she had to lead Lawruthian in the proper steps to worship Goddess Madris. She felt that he knew them, but he seemed reluctant. A small sigh escaped her lips. There was a history, a story, but it was not hers to pry.
This rail and these… trains are really unique. Madria never held any reservations about Lawruthian not delivering. As she grew to know him more and more…., she began to recognize the small ticks and quirks she found endearing. Whether it was the way his face scrunched up in deep concentration or the way his eyes lit with passion when discussing a topic he held an interest in. Madria noticed them all.
“This high-speed traveling system… he is sure to deliver!” His eyes were clear and concise as he gave his coronation speech and that night his Intent held a domineering swagger that caused the hearts of the magi to sway before they could recover. Of course, this held true for the younger generation. The older monsters could easily brush off any mental suggestions passed along through Intent.
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I have to get stronger! Gain more attributes or he will always be too far. It must be lonely, and I have to be there to help guide him. These thoughts ran through Madria’s head as she half-heartily focused on the book in her hands. The young woman thought over what could help her in the short and long run.
Titles would be the safest option. Gaining titles was something that wasn’t necessarily difficult for noble houses…. especially the upper-tiered ones. This was even more prominent in the Six Great Houses as they kept detailed knowledge on a multitude of titles. With the Gamal House deeply trenched into the church knowing rare and hidden titles were a thing of little worry. Titles are temporary strength. They can be taken away at any point. Feats are what I need to look towards. Of the several achievement types, Feats were the only ones that could never be taken or removed from a person. Feats were something their holders would take to the grave.
“Feats aren’t just something that can be constructed. They are only opportunities you can come by.”
Madria bit her lip as she spoke aloud. It wasn’t until a voice interrupted her that she snapped out of her thoughts. Madria looked up to see Amaya standing with her hands on her hips and a smile on her face. One that Madria reciprocated the moment their eyes met.
“Hello Amaya!”
Amaya joined her friend on the plush carpet, the girls giving each other a quick hug. Once done, Amaya pulled out several snacks from a ring. The girls began to eat and chat, laughter and excitement on their faces after seeing one another. It was only after several long minutes of talking, mainly on Amaya’s side as Madria listened with a happy, content smile, that Amaya brought up the topic she heard before.
“You are looking to create a feat? To have the system recognize you and your prowess to the world? Madria feats aren’t something you can just create unless you go out looking for trouble… you’re not going to go out and look for trouble, are you? If you are I’m coming too! Is this about Lawruthian, I bet it is! We’ve already pledged to serve him, there is no need to add any stress upon your shoulders. You are likely the next High Priestess! Even without the class up the Life affinity tightly bonds itself to you! What is the-”
Once she got going it was hard to stop Amaya, but Madria did it anyway. “Ok, ok Amaya! I understand,” she said laughing. “If I do go looking for trouble you’re the only person I’ll bring along! It’s just that he feels so far away from us. I feel as if I don’t push myself harder, what use will we be to him in the future?”
Amaya stared at her friend for a few moments of silence before she finally spoke. “When was the last time the foretelling of a God has been broken?”
“Never,” both girls said simultaneously.
“Never,” Amaya repeated.
“At least not one that exists in the history books… Even with the mention of demonic and evil Gods, there has never been a case when the words of a God have failed. Words that they do not say lightly but with Power and Intent,” Madria responded.
“…and who do we worship?”
“Goddess Madris.”
“Has she ever failed in delivering what is promised?
“No.”
“Our Goddess's word is just as important to her as her domain. She of Three Faces has never not delivered… no matter the outcome.”
“Then… why struggle against it?
Lawruthian will lead our nation to greatness. He will finish what our ancestors could never do time and time again. All you must do is make sure to heal him along the way.”
“Why do you want to be a [Hero],” Madria suddenly asked.
Amaya appeared confused as her best friend already knew the answer to the question. The young woman decided to indulge her anyway.
“Because it is my dream, because my sister is one. Because I too wish to be a legend and walk the path of a Magi,” Amaya’s eyes lit with passion as she spoke. “Because a [Heroic] class is what saved the Musa clan when Ogun invaded. Because a [Hero] is someone that can achieve anything they set their mind to. Because-” Amaya paused here… taking a deep breath and recovering her composure before she continued.
“You get the point.”
“Claiming a Mythical class is a much more reasonable goal. A minimum of two feats are usually required to become a [Hero] and that is just the smallest requirement. So now I ask you, even as you know all of this…
Why struggle against it?”
Amaya’s eyes widen as Madria’s firm determination in herself and her words clashed against Amaya’s own. “I struggle because I believe in our Prince. I struggle because it is my duty as a Priestess of Goddess Madris to do so. Because how can a Holy Son not shepherd His Flock without a guiding staff?” With each word spoken Madria’s voice only grew more resolute and firmer.
“I struggle to fulfill the position of that staff. I struggle because I wish to help clear his path even if it is only moving a pebble or two out of the way. I struggle because I believe in Lawruthian… and thus… I will help him. Not just out of my worship of our Goddess but because of the change he brings as he moves.”
“Who can find a way to successfully raise ten thousand Rare Magi-Humans with classes of that level? Not once, nor twice, but six different times since the Royal Academy changed into Imperius Academy. Who has the measures and means to change 30,000 lives each year?
He does.”
“We have seen how he struggles and as subjects of the queendom…
What have we done to lighten his load?”
“Struggle, Amaya, and never stop.”
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Ade Oni clenched his right hand as Madria Gamal walked away from him not pausing to respond. This is the 27thtime she’s done that since we’ve attended this stupid academy. The young man turned around as the rest of his team began to unpack, anger in his eyes that nearly erupted. He moved with purpose; the heat of the sun not bothering him as it beat down on the hilly grassland that surround the capital. The young man knew they would be headed for his home and a smile landed on his face at the thought of seeing his little sister.
“I wonder how big she is now?”
Pulling a distance away from the group, Ade Oni sat on the ground and called out. The fresh scent of the grasslands made its way into his nose while the calls of insects roamed their way into his ears. The day was beautiful, but Ade Oni preferred the wintery months when the air held a chill to it and frost could be seen from your breath.
“Status”
Ade Travax Oni – Level 22
HP: 300/300 (+75)
SP: 225/225 (+75)
CP: 650/650 (+300)
Base Atk: 65 +30
Base Def: 45 +10
HP Regen: 24/Hour (+27)
SP Regen: 18/Hour (+27)
CP Regen: 52/Hour (+108)
Bloodline: [+]
Race: Magi-Human
Main Class:
[Blue Chi Practitioner]
Perks:
Empty.
Power: 130 (+60)
2nd Class: [LOCKED]
Core Skills: [+]
Vitality: 100 (+25)
3rd Class: [LOCKED]
Racial Skills: [+]
Endurance: 75 (+25)
Faith: Goddess Madris
Status Effects:
Chi: 130 (+60)
Affiliation:
Imperius Academy
Equipped:
Imperius Academy Uniform
Self: 124 (+25)
2nd Affiliation:
House Oni
Intent: 75 (+25)
Achievements: [+]
Skills: [+]
Chi Affinity:
Active Quest: -
Attribute Points: 0
Standing up, Ade Oni began to practice his martial kata. Moving with intent and purpose as he slowly went through each move. His thoughts cleared as he brought himself into an intense state of focus while his eyes closed. The surroundings slowly disappeared until all that was left was just the green grassland and the blue sky of the Elrunian continent. There were no chirping insects or even sound from the camps the Clearers occupied.
When he opened his eyes standing in front of him was the Holy Son of Edryan. The prince stood 193cm tall while Ade Oni was 10cm taller. The prince's eyes were devoid of any light, yet he crouched down into a battle status. One that Ade Oni recognized as one of the various forms under (Imperius Combat Arts). Ade Oni found the art to be complex as it covered multiple forms of combat. A testament to the royal family's power to develop it for the academy. The art was also extremely easy to begin learning. Far from the dynamic arts of the multiple houses such as his own. He scoffed as although it was easy and dynamic Ade Oni could still point out weaknesses within the art.
“(Blue Oni Arts: Jaded Fist).”
His opponent approached with terrifying speed, one that Ade Oni estimated to be around the current prince's level based on the information provided by Amaya. If he truly approached the level of the average Copper Knight that is. Ade’s fist shot out as his Chi was expended, the powerful move dropping fifty CP immediately. If not for his several titles, this would be a move he used sparingly. That was the advantage of having numerous titles underneath your Achievements tab. They’d drastically give you a boost in strength.
A green-blue wave of fire shot in the direction of the prince, burning the grassland into ash as it traveled faster than a striking snake. If the move struct the damage would be tremendous, as the strength of his Base Attack was multiplied by three from the rarity of his skill. With the inclusion of his damage from titles and such, this blow would cripple any opponent not to mention the {Burning – Chi} debuff. The prince dodged the move by propelling himself into the air. His sword aimed like an arrow as he came down at Ade Oni’s throat.
“Hmph.”
A gauntlet-covered fist blocked the pointed tip of the prince’s sword. The blow forced Ade Oni a few steps back, but blue flames began to lick at his red locs as the excitement from the battle began to ignite his passion for battle. His eyes met that of the prince, but the excitement didn’t resonate with his opponent.
“You’re just a skill after all.”
Ade Oni punched with his other hand, attempting to shatter the blade yet the prince was agile. His opponent used the momentum of the blow to jump backward before the prince moved in again. Steel clashed on steel as several moves were exchanged between the two. Ever so often Ade would fire out a devastating move that would burn the surrounding area. His flames and chi burned up the grassland around them, leaving blue-green flames in their wake. Ade Oni felt them to be evenly matched throughout this encounter. Their eyes met once again, as the ruined grassland was burnt to a crisp around them. Nothing but blue-green flames of the skill surrounded them.
“This is how I beat you! There is nothing but burnt dirt, ash, and fire from my ability. Even the air here has been burned away. My mana covers it all. Your move cannot take over the elements around us now!”
“(Blue Emperor: Fire Fist).”
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The illusion faded and Ade Oni found himself once again surrounded by the green hilly grassland of the capital. It was similar to home but the large horned palace he lived in gave the region a distinct flavor. From the large hill he occupied he could see carriages taking the well-traveled road passing the expedition with wonder. The large student body was a force to be reckoned with and with the news of the Holy Son creating a fast-speed travel system for Edryan, his popularity had reached a new peak. Not just for the commoners but the nobles as well.
“Hmph, I’ll believe it once I see it in action.”
“Oh, you’ll believe what?”
Ade Oni turned his head slightly, a small grin appearing on his face and that of the speaker as their eyes met. “Well, well, well, look what the [Onyx – ★] dragged in.”
The two laughed as Lorde sat in the grass next to his friend. For a while, they both stayed silent until Ade decided to speak.
“I’ll believe in all of… this,” Ade waved his arm around. The young man gestured to the thousands of campfires that lit the grassland. In the distance, there was one of the many forests the academy and its allies would be carving a path through. They’d be carving a winding path that would bypass the heavily monster and beast-infested magical regions. It would make the journey longer but far safer.
“This mix of magic and steel… that is said to be able to bring me home days instead of weeks. Able to bring me thousands of miles without the burdening beast. What of the dangers of the forest, the many beasts that roam Edryan? The Calamities? Do they also just bow over when the ‘Holy Son of Edryan’ comes calling,” Ade Oni said in a mocking tone.
Ade turned startled as Lorde Drumian let out a booming laugh, his friend slapping a palm to his right knee as he did so. The laughter lasted for some time, leaving Ade with a confused expression.
“Do they bow when Ade Oni comes in swinging?”
“YES,” Ade Oni replied fiercely. His left hand shot up in a fist of victory.
“Why is that?”
“For every step I’ve taken, for every move I’ve done. I’ve fought for it.”
“So have I,” Lorde responded his voice taking on a serious tone.
“So have we all and now… we fight for His Highness, for every step he wishes to take. What he’s envisioning for Edryan is not some twisted horrible fate but a greater society. I do not know if it will truly come to pass this Golden Age he speaks of. All we can do now is pray and believe.
Perhaps you don’t wish to believe in him, but you do believe in our Goddess Madris?”
Ade Oni stayed silent for a long moment before responding. “…yeah, I do.”
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Ade Oni began to practice his martial kata once more. The sun had set and most of the students were resting. The young man was part of the first watch duty, and he kept himself awake and active by practicing his family's several martial arts. Overhead of the Edryan lands was the constellation of Goddess Madris. Forever watching and forever protecting her people. It gave the hill a unique charm under the starlight.
(Blue Oni Arts) was composed of complex but powerful life-ending moves. They were composed of a nearly full body extension with each attack. The practitioner uses their body's full rotation to deliver the blow. Starting from firmly planted feet, Ade Oni would begin to revolve his Chi which was located in his lower abdomen just above the waist. Unlike mana which originated from a magi-human’s crystal heart, Chi was a direct result of a special conversion. Conversion of energy from the soul, spirit, and body to form its properties. Able to repress and limit its opponent's attributes with each successful hit.
The first revolution finished, and Ade Oni began again. His mind was solely focused on completing the move. Once he finished, he began one final time before stopping. Finally pausing as the third and final kata was finished. His mind was settled and his thoughts clear.
‘I choose to carve my own path! To walk my own way!
I don’t need anyone else to show me who I am.’