EPISODE 169: IMPERIUS FACTION 1
— GREAT EDRYAN, YEAR 7291. SEASON: COLOR FADING.
It was my honor to attend the Imperius Grand Summit on behalf of the Scholar’s Abode. We have long recorded what history of Edryan we can since before the Lost Era. Albeit our records are shattered, by the event that caused such an era. Yet, we’ve managed to safeguard bits of information no matter the price paid. Three represents a Trinity—a completion of an event. Our [Chosen] is the final piece in the game the Gods play. Should he succeed in his Divine Crusade, what awaits him after? Should he fail, and a second of the two [Chosen] succeed… what fate awaits Edryan? Alas, that is not the purpose of my report.
The Imperius Grand Summit Seventh Day and the meeting of the Great Houses under the title of Council of Nobles, was a historic breaking event. After the Lost Era, what was once known as the Kingdom of Edryan became a collation of territorial city-states broke from the Edryan rule. This state lasted for nearly a thousand years before figures like King Darius and more prominent Edryan rulers were able to persuade the city states to rejoin. Of course, this persuasion appeared in many forms—bribery, coercion, and outright violence to rejoin what are now called the Great Houses into a unified whole. A whole that nearly broke until the [Iron-Blooded Queen] eradicated those corrupted by the Sin of Greed—their souls forever remain lost from the Promised Land.
This information is important because of the new direction Edryan is headed in. It has… reshaped the standard nobility system into a tier-based one that, one may argue, forces those who wish for status to contribute to Edryan to gain it.
Brilliant.
It is an absolutely brilliant of a chess move by His Highness Lawruthian. He is reorganizing the board Edryan sits on into his image. An image that will only allow those who wish to contribute to a greater society to rise. It is a brilliant move, but one must be cautious of how such competition will shape the latter generations of Edryan youths. As a reputable Scholar of the Abode, I can see the sort of… perilous competition that will shape the latter generations of Edryan youths. What of those who wish to rise, but are constantly outdone, outcompeted, and outclassed by their betters? How will they cope with their failures, should they not succeed any expectations placed upon them?
The Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy is a strategic move by the [Chosen of Madris] but it is also one where the stakes are higher than ever. Those who thrive will lead Edryan into a [Golden Era] of progress and unity. Yet, for those who falter, the weight of their failures may breed resentment, unrest, and perhaps even rebellion. This system, while visionary, must tread carefully to ensure it does not sow the seeds of its undoing. For in the game of nations, even the most brilliant strategies can lead to unforeseen consequences.
Only time will reveal whether Edryan’s future is one of triumph or turmoil.
— Excerpt from the Journal of Maiden Braya, A Scholar of the Abode.
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Rapid steps echoed in Tenten Parlor.
My pace, a rhythmic cacophony of sound, as I circled in worry. For a while, a building sense of foreboding had grown within me. Goddess Above, I miss Minerva. I had to find her—had rescue her and soon.
My steps slowed, red-gold eyes settling on a dark bracelet around my wrist. Carefully, I removed a large, rough, stone-like egg from it. The dull, cold surface pressed heavily into my arms, but what struck me most was how... lifeless it felt.
The stone egg’s shape reminded me of Minerva’s when she first hatched. What a day that was… what a storm it caused.
A child of the Aspect of Knowledge Rasheed and Uterra—Grand Heart.
I hope he hadn’t done anything to her, I hope she ate three times a day—I still had to give her the fish I promised her. There was so much we had to talk about. So much that I needed her for—not just because she was my perk and held all the knowledge of Earth, but because she was my closest companion and friend. Since her birth, we’d rarely were ever apart for more than a few hours. Perhaps a day at most.
I exhaled a long, heavy sigh. The weight of it filled the parlor but none of my servants, not Kathrine or her army of maids, acted any different. Now… I had to begin a process I’d never once done without her.
For a moment, I just stood there, arms curled around the cold, hard egg. But there was no time to dwell—even my ‘free’ days were scheduled out. There were things that needed to be done. Things that would start a process to put an End to Adventure.
“Status Sheet,” I said—forcing myself back to reality. This was a first without Minerva near me but that couldn’t be my primary focus, not just yet. There were many changes to establish with the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy and now was the perfect time to implement them. Edryan’s current status was charged, and the Great Houses remained here as they argued and pushed forward their agents for the position of [Prime Overseer].
Strangely, I found myself with leisure time today—a sole week after the vote and seventh day of the Imperius Grand Summit. And, with that time, came the opportunity to properly establish my faction—only after I took care of my status. I’d gained twenty levels in the span of a few days. Now, I could firmly call myself a powerhouse as I broke past the limits of a Copper Knight.
My Edryans celebrated as the dawn of a new way of life was slowly beginning to take its first breaths. The City of Edrya’s excitement hadn’t let up after the summit ended. The buzz grew, and even more people made their way into Edrya as the season of Final Ending drew near. The Council of Nobles remained here, as their agendas shifted the moment the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy won the majority vote.
Lawruthian Imperius Koltius Edryani – Level 65
HP: 1545/1545 (+600)
SP: 1500/1500 (+720)
MP: 1650/1650 (+720)
Base Atk: 250 (+145)
Base Def: 139 (+99)
HP Regen: 92/Hour (+50)
SP Regen: 89/Hour (+60)
MP Regen: 98/Hour (+60)
Bloodline:
[+]
Race:
Magi-Human
Main Class:
[Imperius Golemlord] — 40
Perks:
Codex of Earth
Power: 500 (+290)
2nd Class:
[Holy Prince of Edryan] — 25
Core Skills: [+]
Vitality: 515 (+200)
3rd Class: [LOCKED]
Racial Skills: [+]
Endurance: 500 (+240)
Faith: Goddess Madris
Status Effects: [+]
Mind: 550 (+240)
Faction: Imperius
Equipped:
Silken Prince Garments
Self: 350 (+250)
Faction Benefits:
Skills: [+]
Intent: 340 (+240)
Achievements: [+]
Active Quest: [+]
Magic Affinity: Primary Ten — 10%
Attribute Points: 0
My review done, I said the words that would alert the system of my willingness to update my class. This time, there was no chirping by my side.
“ I intend to walk the path: [Holy Prince of Edryan].”
This time there was only a sole voice.
This time, only my vision faded—my body ready to pick an advance class.
Withdrawing within myself until none but blackness remains.
As all sound faded.
As all colors escaped.
Until within I saw nothing but whiteness.
As all taste returned.
As all feelings heighten.
My mind descended into my soulscape, into the very core of my soul, where the system shenanigans worked their magic. I entered the soulscape, the very one I crafted when understanding the Greater Six Attributes.
It was different this time. The apartment room I originally entered, a remnant of my past life, was gone—the desktop computer which was Minerva’s interface into the soul… gone . What replaced it all was a simple field of rolling hills—a place I found peaceful and regarded as a core memory of this new life. Multicolored grass covered the field that was reminiscent of the one near the Royal Farms. The grass was a reflection of the Primary Ten Elements, and each blade of grass was uniquely attuned to one.
It expanded only as far as my Intent allowed, its edges fading into a soft blur of potential waiting to be realized. I stood at the heart of it all, the core of my soul shone with light like that of the sun. An exact replica of the hilltop where my mother once stood beside me, her voice steady as she spoke her endless support of my dreams and ambition.
“I have no reason to stop you from achieving your goals, so long as you remain away from the dangerous portions of these experiments. I only wish to help you achieve them! I wish to see you succeed and go farther in life. You are my little warrior—my [Hero]!”
The system interface was a bit different this time. It still held true to its 3D nature, but this time I could see the rune script that made up the notification. I stared hard at it for a moment, but glanced away shortly as I began to develop a headache. The complex rune scripts and the runes themselves were beyond Tier Ten and the limit of mortals. I didn’t think it was Tier Eleven or the realm of the Gods, either. Whatever it was, was beyond .
No matter, I would one day understand the limits of the Prime System. Each notification was unique within itself. The first shone with white and golden text—like a marble statue carved to perfection. It radiated might and the resolve to get things done. The second was far more hardy than the first. It was build of iron and and crystalline text that spoke of a strong but precious value. The final notification was one gaudy and meant to have a leg up over the others. I paid it little heed, instead I focused on the first one and began to read.
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[Class Advancement – Holy Prince of Edryan]
[Divine Sovereign of Edryan] — Unique/Mythical
Requirements:
Holy Prince of Edryan
Skill:
(Political Mind)
Class Type:
Magical Combatant
Keep current core skills, or replace them with the options of your choice.
Core Skills:
(Aegis of Faith) — This skill will consume (Mage Barrier).
(Divine Nullification) — This skill will consume (Divine Resistance).
(Crown of Light) — This skill consumes (Sword of Edryan), (Shield of Edryan), and (Challenger’s Strike).
Attribute Allocation:
+3 Intent
+2 Mind
+5 Free Attributes
Accept
Decline
Description:
Your people hold unwavering faith in you, recognizing your divine nature. They believe you should possess a class that reflects this divinity. With such a class, you will become a Spell-Sword of unmatched might, capable of dominating any who chooses to face you head-on.
I analyzed my first option. It appeared to be an individual-focused class from the name of the core skills. It was unfortunate the system would not allow me to further read what the core skills did. All I could do was pick up inferences from the names shown and the description.
I rubbed my chin, a thoughtful expression on my face as my fingers touched the starting hairs of my beard. (Aegis of Faith) would consume (Mage Barrier) and that immediately gave me a lot of information. Primarily, (Aegis of Faith) would be some sort of automated shield skill, perhaps there was more as I wasn’t sure how faith would be involved. I’d assume (Divine Nullification) would be an upgrade to my skill (Divine Resistance) which already resisted 25% of all incoming damage.
As for the last skill, (Crown of Light), I immediately knew it’d be an extreme offensive skill. I’d never held the opportunity to use (Sword of Edryan), (Shield of Edryan), or (Challenger’s Strike) simply because of the high requirements of each. The Sword and Shield of Edryan would allow me to conjure historic weapons of Edryan, but the Life Points they drew were far too high of a price to use. Had I used them against an opponent like Olvido, I HAD to be confident in not just winning but killing my opponent. The (Crown of Light) would likely function similar. I looked at my next options. Hopefully, there was something less stringent in the Life Point department.
[Class Advancement – Holy Prince of Edryan]
[Sanctified Guardian of Edryan] — Divine
Requirements:
Holy Prince of Edryan
Skill:
(Crown’s Blessing)
Class Type:
Magical Combatant
Keep current core skills, or replace them with the options of your choice.
Core Skills:
(Judgment of the Faithful) — This skill will consume (Crown’s Blessing) and (Strength of a Nation).
(Blessing of Restoration) — This skill will consume (Blessed Dominion).
(Sovereign's Suppression) — This skill consumes (Zone of Control) and (Counter Spell-casting).
Attribute Allocation:
+5 Intent
+5 Mind
0 Free Attributes.
Accept
Decline
Description:
You are the guardian of the people of Edryan, entrusted to lead them into battle. Your people rely on your strength and guidance, and your class embodies this shared conviction. With this class, you will unlock the Divine Attribute, empowering you to protect and inspire those who fight alongside you
This class appeared to consume my area-based skills. I had a feeling it would be well suited to leading on the battlefield. (Judgment of the Faithful) would consume both my area of effect skills that focused on buffing the surrounding allies. It would most likely combine the functions in some format. The (Blessing of Restoration) seemed obvious as a healing-based skill.
I could clearly see the theme of [Sanctified Guardian of Edryan]. It would turn me into a walking enchanter—able to cast large buffs on my armies and turn my troops a level stronger. This was desperately needed among my Imperius Army. I hadn’t realized the strength of my mother’s words when asking the Goddess Madris for a child would be so literal.
I beseech you, the greatest of the Goddesses. Grant me a son who thinks like no other. A son who talks like no other. A son who will not walk amongst others. Not because he is behind, but because he is too far ahead!
My army was increasingly falling behind—a fault that I had to accept. It was under my insistence that I only receive troops who were young and malleable. It was only now, as I leveled far faster than them and gained nearly twice as many attribute points, did I come to realize how great my mistake in rejecting the gifts of the Great Houses were. My generals were entering a few of the high-valued dungeons under my family in hopes of keeping up with my strength. The [Sanctified Guardian of Edryan] might be the class that allows me to truly bring them along for the ride.
[Class Advancement – Holy Prince of Edryan]
[Holy Scion of Pride] — Unique/Mythical
Requirements:
???
Class Type:
Magical Combatant
ALL SKILLS MUST BE REPLACED WITH ONE OF SUFFICIENT STATUS— YOUR PRIDE DEMANDS IT .
Core Skills:
(Supreme Presence) — This skill will consume and replace a current core skill.
(Majesty of the Crowned Pride) — This skill will consume and replace a current core skill.
(Pride) — This skill will consume and replace a current core skill.
Attribute Allocation:
+10 Free Attributes.
Accept
Decline
Description:
PRIDE HAS NOTICED YOU. IT IS YOUR HONOR TO ASCEND AND SERVE.
The moment I saw this class, the other two immediately faded from my mind.
PRIDE?
Did the Sin of Pride just offer me a class?
“Sins… and Virtues…,” I muttered.
“Why would the Sin of Pride offer me a class,” I questioned louder. “Goddess above, I wish Minerva was here—it would be nice to communicate with someone while doing this.”
I pushed the notification containing [Holy Scion of Pride] to the side. I neither declined nor accepted it as I returned my attention to the first two offers. Should I press decline, then the Prime System would offer me another class option. I knew it always showed your best options first.
My decision was between [Divine Sovereign of Edryan] and [Sanctified Guardian of Edryan]. One would directly benefit me and focus on making me stronger over all. The other would make me stronger, but its primary focus was on group battles. Both held pros and cons, with the biggest con for [Divine Sovereign of Edryan] most likely being the extreme Life Point cost for skills. My assumption could be wrong, but the [Holy Son of Edryan] already showed that pattern. [Divine Sovereign of Edryan] seemed to nearly be an upgrade of my current class, but specializing in strengthening myself.
[Sanctified Guardian of Edryan] was quite the opposite. Its biggest con came in the form of its description. I would rather not unlock the Divine Attribute—one of the smaller reasons I rejected [Chosen of Madris]. Although I gained the limit of attributes in the Mortal Realm, I concentrated them between the Great Six Attributes—adding a seventh attribute, one that would join HP, MP, and SP, was not something I was keen on. And, I would not even consider the Sin of Pride. I had to think more beyond just myself but…
Did I?
It’d been a while since I truly just did something for myself without considering Edryan. Was my personal strength more important, or did I want my second class to be more inclined to working with others? No, this was not something I should truly ponder over. There was a truth to this world I was certain of.
The Fist is Respected.
My decision was made, and before I could think twice, I hit accept.
***
“Welcome back Your Highness Lawruthian,” Kathrine greeted.
I nodded to her, sitting up from my seat as I overviewed the change in status. There was a dragon I wanted to kill.
NEW CORE SKILL — Aegis of Faith
Function:
Project a barrier surrounding yourself or an ally of your choosing. This barrier will be based on your Base Defense increased by 150%-1000%. Add your understanding of the elements to reduce damage from incoming opposite elements.
Cost:
100-500 MP. Mana cost can be subsidized by worshipers.
NEW CORE SKILL — Divine Nullification
Function:
Nullify one life-threatening attack per week.
Cost:
NULL
NEW CORE SKILL — Crown of Light
Function:
Upon activation, summon projections of previous rulers of Edryan with their famed armaments. Increase critical strike change by 50%. Both Base Attack and Defense are increased by 1000%.
Cost:
50% of total MP and SP.