EPISODE 167: FORGING A NEW AGE 7
— GREAT EDRYAN, YEAR 7291. SEASON: COLOR FADING.
Many know of the Rarities, but not many truly understand them. Do the people of this world not find it fascinating how everything important to them—class, skills, bloodlines… etc., can all be classified into five categories? Excluding Unique, Divine, and Heroic, of course. The five Rarities are Common, Uncommon, Rare, Legendary, and Mythical. And, these rarities govern what seems to be almost all functions of a class. Most classes hold their skills and maybe one of a higher grade. So a Common Warrior (something that’s probably impossible) could have a sole Uncommon skill. This could be a core or regular skill, but his other primary skills would be consistent with his class rarity. My question is…, are class rarities locked to population? If I manage to get all of Edryan to become Rare… would that attribute value now change them into Common? Or perhaps the system doesn’t work like that, and it’s something I completely don’t expect…? Perhaps it has to do with potential… is that why Madris wanted me…?
— Excerpt from the Journal of Lawruthian Edryani—Entry 11.
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CLANG!
“The Cahoon House votes… No . Unfortunately, we cannot get behind such a system with so little time to understand it. We, however, will follow the changes no matter the outcome.”
‘Bring light to a matter those fools refuse to acknowledge… huh?’
Lawruthian voiced his response as a question, and although She was still present, the Goddess didn’t respond. Many questions were running through his mind, and many things he put together through his conclusions and the information presented to him. He clenched his fist, an action that didn’t go unnoticed by a few of those below.
Even the Goddess could be restricted?
‘This is why the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy must come to pass. This world has many secrets. This country has many secrets that I must uncover. The CBCM allows me to manipulate the country to a degree never before seen. And, once we get proper communication running, television, photos, and more—once I create media… the reality of Edryan can be whatever I choose it to be.’
He clenched his fist even tighter, a small chuckle escaping between his lips. The gazes below went unnoticed, or the [Chosen] just didn’t care.
“My Yelwho House will vote No . It is as many have already stated—the discussion on this system is too rushed, but no matter the outcome, we will follow the direction Edryan heads in. This is our home, and we wish to see it prosper endlessly.”
“The Al’Lan House votes No . The price the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy needs to fund its initial years is astronomical. The asking price from each House is unacceptable.”
“Hmph, if the Al’Lan House has fallen into a financial crisis, then just state so. My Indrian House votes Yes for the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy. I, however, pose one question I hope our [Chosen] may answer.”
The [Chosen of Madris] gazed down on the grizzly-looking man. Alex Indrian was the father of General Alexandria, and he was regarded as one of Edryans greatest generals in today’s time. Lady Al’Lan, who was just mustering up a response to Alex, quickly closed her mouth, but her hard gaze remained directed at the lord for a long moment.
The Hall of Heroes held friends and enemies, acquaintances and allies, and so much more. It was a gunpowder keg that could explode from the tiniest of sparks. Yet, the presence of the Queen and [Chosen of Madris] acted as a dampener and kept any flames from setting off a true explosion. The [Chosen] gestured for Lord Indrian to speak. The grizzly man immediately took the cue and asked his question.
“What does the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy mean to you , what do you envision our nation, Great Edryan as you refer to it— what do you envision it to become ?”
The air thickened as one young man gazed down upon Lord Alex Indrian. Through his eyes, many gazes landed on Alex—the Goddess in the Astral Above, Her [Chosen], and Lawruthian. He locked eyes with the man’s strawberry-blonde irises—reminiscent of his daughters.
“To me, it means freedom—in its truest sense. The freedom of expression to Be—to become who or what you want in our society without the restrictions of birth, class, and economic power. This nation, our Edryan, is vastly underutilizing its resources. Mana is aplenty, yet it was not until my Mana Batteries that we truly began to harness only a small percentage of the mana freely floating in the air,” he said—waving his hand through the air as if he could feel the very mana particles he spoke of. “The CBCM allows us to properly divide our resources into the areas it needs properly—whether it be monetary goods, people, or other things. I have begun the beginnings of a Rail System that can interconnect every major or minor Edryan city. The CBCM will expand upon this and truly connect Edryan and bring us all closer.”
“To me, it means a greater control—the ability to react to anything Edryan must face. Look how you bicker among one another like children fighting for a toy you’d only play with for a moment before forgetting. Your families have had power for generations, yet what good has that done for Edryan outside the protection of her borders? The CBCM will expand Edryans’ control over her resources and people. It will put those who are willing to be exemplary above all others. There is more… oh so much more… look at our population, huddled near the major cities in fear of the wilds. Our armies are minuscule compared to what is needed to conquer a world. Our technologies lack, not out of a desire for innovation, my Grand Summit has shone that, but out of a drive for change stifled by my Great Houses.”
Lord Indrian nodded, and sat back, satisfied. The young man who resided above the Council of Nobles waved his hand dismissively, and silence descended upon the floor. They contemplated his words. No Edryan, no magi had this vision he spoke of, perhaps that was why he was the [Chosen of Madris].
“It is a Yes from my Romus house—the dawn of a new age begins right here and now under the guidance of our [Chosen],” Camilla strongly spoke.
Those who achieve a level beyond the basics of mortality, like the Queen of Edryan, chose to remain in their mortal forms. They were not here to showcase the statuses they’ve only recently achieved, although their gazes were already looking toward a near but seemingly far future.
The Path of Apotheosis.
“My Gamal House has served this nation since its founding. We have served the Goddess to the point that Her divinity is ingrained into our bloodline. We have been healers, warriors—priests who spread Her word and teachings all over Edryan. She has blessed Great Edryan with Her [Chosen] and through his actions, I have visibly watched the lives of Edryans improve. His mother, our Queen and a new demigoddess waiting to join the ranks of the church, began that process as she cleansed Edryan of corruption. She went as far as to cut off her own body, her own clan out of a desire to see the [Common] man, the Edryan man whole and happy,” Marna stated. She spoke with passion, and her golden-brown eyes radiated with a light familiar to all who strongly worshiped the Goddess. She leaned forward in her seat, wearing the attire of a [Priestess of Madris], and tightly gripped her armrest. The pressure was strong enough to warp the material that’d been reinforced through magic, as it was known high-levelers would be sitting within them.
“Now, her son, our [Chosen] completes this process by revolutionizing Edryan in preparations for his divine quest—as loyal worshipers it is our duty to uphold his words and clear a path so that his vision may spread through all of the Elrunian Continent. It is a Yes from the Gamal House—no matter if the [Chosen of Madris] wishes to rise to the Astral Above or descend into the Underneath Below, our Gamal House will always support him.”
Lawruthian smiled, but such actions didn’t reach the indifferent eyes of the [Chosen of Madris]. The smile was light and showed no teeth, but it remained present as more and more of the [Lords] and [Ladies] cast their votes.
That smile remained regardless of whether it was in favor or against.
It seemed like that smile would remain even if the world collapsed around him.
“It is a Yes from House Lance.”
“It is not about loyalty to our Goddess Madris, it is about faith. A thing which I expected the Gamal House to properly show. Regardless, the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy is too radical to have a good outcome. I do agree with some of its ideas and hope Edryan can integrate these things in time, yet my Ode House cannot accept the full outcomes. Our vote is No , but no matter the outcome, we are ready to support any system that arises.”
“Ugh, I’m not surprised the Ode House boasts of such cowardice. Presently, Edryan’s Great Houses need to join together and be decisive about the future we wish Edryan to have. My Koi House trusts in the [Chosen] and we have faith that his actions will lead us down a prosperous road. Our vote is Yes .”
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The voting of the CBCM seemed to follow a neck-and-neck pattern, with half the Houses present accepting and choosing to vote yes. While a second half held reservations and voted no. Tendra Lorde nodded as this was expected. The Old Power moved quickly when gathering the Houses who remained neutral or only resided as the outskirts of their faction. There were eleven votes for no, and twelve for yes. Tendra did a quick calculation. With him, Kabal, and Lady Ursisus as guaranteed nos, that would bring them to fourteen. The Liaon and Fuschia were outskirt members of the Old Power, but he was confident they held their votes, which would put them at sixteen—with the remaining members of the Royal Faction tying the vote at sixteen.
He smirked, his gaze constantly flicked around the room at the many speakers. His turn was right after Kabal, who was coming up next. The taste of her remained on his tongue. He glanced upward, at the [ Chosen ] and his indifferent face.
No…
…
…
It wasn’t just indifferent—there was a smile… and his gaze was on Tendra as if mocking him. Tendra’s eyes narrowed—he was smiling…
Why was he smiling?
His heartbeat, once slow and rhythmic, began to beat at an increased pace. There was something wrong, something he missed, but… what ? That smile felt like a warning, a secret only the [Chosen] knew, and it gnawed at Tendra’s resolve. What plans were hidden behind that smile? Did the [Chosen] know something no one else did? The vote hung in the balance, and though Tendra had made his calculations, something about this moment, that smile, threatened to unravel everything.
“…Dioni House votes No . Our future under this change in government is unknown and untested. It is dangerous to take a leap of faith into an abyss and expect light at the end. Instead, once this vote is finished, we wish to propose a new idea that may help Edryan ready itself for the future to come.”
Why was the [Chosen of Madris] smiling?
Tendra didn’t know, and such a thing worried him. The young man held little time to contemplate as the eyes of those present began to focus on him. His eyes are indifferent, but a satisfied smile is on his face. Tendra Kaimon Lorde didn’t understand, but couldn’t stay silent forever. The Council of Nobles now waited on his decision. Tendra had to do something.
“I, Tendra Kaimon Lorde, arrived in Edryan in the year, 7278 from the warm waters that surround the Lorde Kingdom. Since then, I have strived to make myself a part of Edryan and join together in the culture of the country,” he stated passionately.
“I have firsthand experienced the benefits our [Chosen] has brought upon Edryan, and I have seen the way society has been altered. Yet, I don’t believe all here know how with positives, there are also negatives—detractors that are brushed to the Underneath Below. With the advent of the new Mana Batteries and the multitude of golems and other emerging products, I ask of you, what happened to the [Common] man who previously filled the position? When noble by the newest [Imperius Golem] model to protect their businesses, what happened to the guard who once did it to feed his family? They are pushed aside—they have lower wages forced upon them in hopes of keeping a job. They are disregarded and left on the streets to die. For this reason, my Lorde House votes No . The Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy will create new opportunities, yes, but it will push aside too many systems already in place. Think carefully before you vote for a new government that may find you replaceable at any opportunity.”
Tendra sat back down, satisfied at the effect his words held on the Council of Nobles. Many held intrigued and thoughtful expressions. His words weren’t for those who’d already voted. They were meant for Lord Liaon and Lady Fuschia. Tendra wanted to remind them in case they were having second thoughts. Although Liaon and Fuschia were members of the Old Power, they remained on the outskirts and didn’t remain as close as the Adel, Dioni, Ursisus, and his Lord House. The Jarrah was once a part of their inner circle, but the Rise of the Iron-Blooded Queen changed many things.
Tendra looked to Kabal and received a soft smile and nod of approval. He felt even more confident as he turned his gaze upward. The next speaker began to cast their vote. Tendra barely heard it, instead, his throat suddenly grew dry.
…
“My Ursisus House has held an extensive history in this Great Edryan… ”
…
“…the Battle of Ocean’s Depths where King Darius slayed Oogoon…”
…
The [Chosen of Madris] was no longer smiling .
no…
No…
NO…
It was so much worse.
Lawruthian grinned down upon the Council of Nobles, his eyes meeting that of Tendra Lordes for the briefest of moments. His eyes remained indifferent, and those peering at the [Chosen of Madris] may find his gaze weird or distasteful. He didn’t care. There was only a single word running through his thoughts and he felt the ecstasy of levels as the Goddess approved.
Checkmate.
There are many ways to wage war. There is the conventional format in which two armies meet on an open battlefield and clash until one is routed, and the other crowned the victor. As one moves through history, the combative methods change with time. There are information wars—manipulating or controlling information to influence public opinion, disrupt decision-making, or spread propaganda. Economic, guerrilla, proxy, biological, and so many others. The Goddess of War excelled in many formats, and Her [Chosen] did the same.
“…we must make the correct decision as the times change and access to all parts of Edryan become aplenty,” Lady Ursisus said. She glanced away from her seat and toward the area many watched from. Plenty of important people were present in the Hall of Heroes, but only a few could speak. The families of each Great House were present and Lady Laura Ursisus’s eyes landed on her daughter, Lawryn Ursisus, who found herself in the camp of the Royal Family.
“My Ursisus House votes Yes .”
Kabal Dioni sharply turned her head to stare at Lady Ursisus, whose face remained impassive. She looked at Lady Mariah Adel, whose expression twisted in frustration, an ugly snarl forming on her lips before she remembered where she was. Kabal felt as though a stone had lodged itself in her throat. Her gaze darted at Tendra for comfort to reassure him, but as she looked toward him, she frowned—something was wrong.
Tendra’s eyes were wide and unfocused, his gaze slightly upward and toward the [Chosen]. His lips parted as if he were trying to speak, but no words came. The world around him had suddenly gone silent. The voices, the tension, the shuffling movements—all of it vanished into a suffocating void. His heart thundered in his chest, but he couldn’t even hear that. Nothing . The room swam in front of him, a blur of faces and expressions he could no longer process.
The next noble began to speak, yet Tendra couldn’t hear them. It was as if he were submerged underwater—back home under the orders of Old King Stane.
“The only way a child of the Lorde should learn to swim is by not drowning.”
He could hear his father’s indifferent voice, but it grew muffled and distant alongside those present—drowned by the weight of his shock. Why couldn’t he hear anything? Panic clawed at the edges of his mind, but his body wouldn’t respond. The Chosen’s smile flashed through his thoughts, twisting the silence into something darker, more terrifying.
“ …Yes from House Ca’Ronna.”
“House Carter votes Yes… ”
“House Zeno has long believed in the methods of our [Chosen]. He has yet to lead us astray, and we have no doubts such a new system will excel Great Edryan into a new future. It is a vote of Yes !”
“House Liaon votes… Yes .”
“My Fuschia House votes Yes .”
All eyes turned to the final figure. A young girl who’d barely joined this brand-new world. Although the outcome of the vote was already apparent, it was still imperative that she partake.
Some expected her voice to be soft. Although she’d shown she held heart, she was still very much new to a world she’d never truly been involved in. Instead, as the young woman felt all the gazes on her, her body straightened. She grew confident, at least her outward appearance said as much.
“I, Simra Enlar and [Light of the End]… vote Yes !”
CLANG!
***
End of Season 5.