Two days journey from the Northern border of the empire, south of the Elven territories, a large swath of land bubbled like molten lava, residual fire magic saturating the ground from the last battle. Minor elementals spawned in the streams of fire and earth, appearing for a few moments, before suffusing back into the magics that spawned them. Large craters dotted the hills, and the forests burned. Bodies littered the wastes and monsters began to rise from the depths, spawned or empowered by the wild energies left in the wake of the battle.
A silver haired woman wearing a grey robe and blue cloak stared down at the destruction and death with tears in her eyes, and a sense of horror as the nature magic she’d cultivated over the years alerted her to movement in the distance. She glanced down at a young woman, whose body was still. The girl had long golden hair pressed into the dirt. The thin cloth of her blue wool dress was torn, revealing generous curves that still retained a lithe and youthful frame. The young woman’s eyes stared up in confusion and fear...emotions she would never be burdened with again.
The silver haired woman considered for a moment, and began muttering a spell, energies washing over the body and jarring it to life…alive, but empty. The magic that had killed the girl had targeted her soul, like the souls of many of the dead below, most of which now burned in the horrid fires. Luckily her empty shell was still breathing when she arrived, so the body was undamaged. With a wave of her hand, the girl began to rise into the air, staring upward with empty eyes. As the silver haired woman walked, the girl floated behind.
**********
A dark haired middle-aged woman looked over a runic circle carved into an ancient stone floor. The damp building was of simple design, and had served as a temple for many gods since its creation at a time out of memory. Few remnants were left behind, as each god or goddess’s followers had it scoured clean of the last, but the floor, ceiling, and pillars remained…and in them was power.
“Rachael.” The silver haired woman said, her voice carrying through the ancient stone building. A young woman’s body was hovering behind her, breathing in and out as magic kept the body alive.
Rachael glanced from her notes, and stared at the silver haired woman, and the body floating behind her. Rachael’s eyes went wide in horror, “Tia!” she screamed, rushing toward the body, and grasping it in her arms.
“Sylvia, what happened?” Rachael yelled her voice breaking.
“The fool girl went out too close to the battle…one of the spells caught her at the periphery.” Sylvia said, waving a hand, and causing the body to float from Rachael’s grasp toward the circle.
“Oh gods…her sister…” Rachael said looking at the body with eyes wide, “Tia was the only family she had left…their parents.” She said suddenly feeling her age.
“Were fools, just like Tia. The girl had the mind of a titmouse. I imagine all of the blood went to her breasts.” Sylvia said poking at the massive globes on the girl’s chest. “Luckily her younger sister…shelly was it, has a more agile mind.” Sylvia said coldly, her vision hardening as she squinted to keep tears at bay…she wouldn’t cry in front of Rachael, not now. “Rachael…the ritual you wanted to perform.” Sylvia added after a moment.
“You were right Sylvia…we don’t have enough power. It would take a circle of archmages, or high priests. The energy requirements to summon a physical body through the veil are too great.” Rachael said, taking a seat on an old wooden chair, her face falling. “I thought…maybe here, where the millennia of residue of the divine had seeped into the temple stones…but it’s not enough, not near enough. And besides that, it requires a god’s blessing…I fear few if any gods care for us now.” She said, glancing toward Tia’s form. “Why…why do you prolong the life of her body? If others were to see her, if her sister were to see her…it would break her.” She said quietly.
“I…I think there’s a way.” Sylvia said after a few moments of quiet.
“A way for what?” Rachael asked, defeat in her voice, and large amounts of exhaustion.
“Tia…she had blessings…two in fact.” Sylvia said calmly, squatting down to run her hand over the etched runes.
“Only one that matters, and that was a minor blessing from Danua…though how she received a blessing from an elven goddess of magic, I’ll never know.” Rachael said with a shrug.
“Danua’s domains encompass more than magic…and Tia’s blessing could have been of benefit had she had a capable mind. But no, she also had a major blessing from Kades.” Sylvia said pausing for a moment.
“Kades? She’s a minor fertility goddess. I know her parents went about it, thought she’d be some great matriarch. They kept trying to arrange ‘advantageous marriages’. Her father was hoping to wed her to the miller in Bretbart, while her mother just wanted an endless stream of grandchildren.” Rachael said with a shrug.
“Well, Tes never had the large family she always wanted. Poor dear was lucky to have the two, and all of those miscarriages.” Sylvia said a bit sadly. “Kalin spent six months adventuring trying to save for a sacrifice, before he found that tablet for Kades. Tes was an easy birth, but…Shelly was rough on her.” Sylvia said shaking her head. “In any case, Kades was also a goddess associated with magic, once.” She added.
Rachael let out a laugh, “Tantric magic, from when humanity lived in the woods like animals. She was a whore goddess, and they prettied it up.” She said as the brief moment of laughter faded from her face.
“It’s still magic, Rachael…She had potential for magic.” Sylvia said looking down at the body.
“She had potential to be a breeder for her family. She was a nitwit, and frightened of her own shadow. Kalin kept trying to sell how ‘obedient’ she was, though that wasn’t far from the truth, if she could understand the instructions.” Rachael said, before turning her attention back to Sylvia from the body. “You still haven’t told me why you’re keeping the body alive.” She said.
“Bear with me Rachael…We don’t have the power to summon a divine champion, because we lack the power to pull a physical body through the veil, and we don’t have a patron god or goddess here to give their blessing...” Sylvia said looking at Tia’s body intently.
“Right…” Rachael said wearily.
“But what if we just brought the soul?” Sylvia asked with a pause. “We have a blessed body, and a soul would take less power, but would receive the same power…mostly.” She added.
“Rip a soul across the veil? Are you mad? Why would your summoned champion even help us? The gods are supposed provide the champion, and impart their mission.” Rachael said wearily.
“But she’d have the power…and, we could use a binding…enslave her will.” Sylvia said hesitating at the end.
“…Sylvia, that’s horrible.” Rachael said, her eyes wide.
“Damn it Rachael, we’re going to die! The war was a quarter mile from our front step, and I can smell the burning flesh from here! The magic energies have suffused the land for a hundred miles, and things are already starting to creep out of the shadows. How many days before we’re beset by monsters, or wiped out by the next army?” Sylvia snapped, her voice trembling. “I only have one child left…those bastards stole everyone else for their damned war.” She said staring down at the body.
Rachael shook her head, “How can they keep stripping the villages of people. Every man in a hundred miles was pulled into that battle…they’re trying to wipe us out.” She said sadly.
“Easy, they don’t care. The small towns and villages may have a few dozen or a few hundred people in the outer reaches, but the cities have millions. It’s an imbalance of power Rachael. Swarms of high human mages can produce every convenience and fulfill every need, if you can meet the price. The rest have to till the fields for a fraction of the yield. When we’re dead and gone, in a few decades, another caravan of people will find a ghost town, and move in…just like people kept moving into this temple.” Sylvia answered bitterly.
“She’ll wear Tia’s face…If we succeeded. Gods…it’ll break people’s hearts.” Rachael said as she stood up.
“Better a few broken hearts, then a swath of dead bodies…I’ll ready the ritual.” Sylvia said, taking a position across the circle from Rachael.
************
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Shigeru Nao had been sitting in class dozing off as usual. He wasn’t a very good student, but then again he spent so much time playing games that he didn’t really have time to study. His mother was hopeful of his future though, while his father thought he’d end up being a NEET shut in. He had a dream though, to become a professional gamer. Though he was only sixteen, he had dedicated years of his life to developing his skills…His father called it ‘wasting his time’. Mother just wanted him to meet a nice girl, though he was currently without a girlfriend. This year was going to be the year though, he just knew it!
While Nao was dozing off he suddenly felt a gut wrenching ‘pulling’, pain shooting throughout his body. Something was wrapping around him, and the more he struggled, the tighter it constrained. As his vision blacked out, he suddenly went cold and found himself standing in an empty white void. He looked around confused, before a blue screen popped up in front of him.
Loading system…
Class: None
Subclass: None
Profession: None
Available Points: 600
Strength: 15
Dexterity: 20
Endurance: 40
Intelligence: 3
Power: 55
Luck: 10
Health: 400 HP cRegen: 4 HP/day
Mana: 30 MP Regen: 5.5 MP/day
Skills (-/400):
Athletics: 25, Mathmatics: 18, Perception: 30
Combat Skills:
Blessings: Minor Blessing of Danua, Major Blessing of Kades
Traits:
Nao looked at the screen for a few moments, blinking, and then pumping his fist into the air. “YES! It’s real! Fantasy world, and super powers here I come!” he yelled, before letting out a sly laugh. “He he he. This is what I’ve been waiting for my whole life. Hrm…it looks like I get some starting points to buy things with…I need to be careful here…and blessings…” he said, poking at the blessings on the screen.
Minor Blessing of Danua Blessing of the Goddess Danua, who watches over the rivers and water ways of the elven lands. Patron goddess of magic, water, and spring for the Elves. +50 to power, and +1 Bonus to power even 5 levels.
Increased mana regeneration while in water (Minor)
Minor water affinity increase +10%
Major Blessing of Kades A blessing of the Ancient goddess Kades, who was once called concubine of the gods. Her domains include fertility, sexual pleasure, and magic. Once a goddess of note, in modern times she is mostly forgotten. Major increase in fertility.
+20% power rating for every child born (stacking).
+20% endurance rating for every child born (stacking)
+20% increase in lifespan for every child born (stacking).
Major Affinity increase +60%, for any magic or ritual involving sex.
Major increased magic regeneration during sex.
Major increased health regeneration during sex.
+3 power per level
+10% power for 48 hours following sexual intercourse (stacking).
+10% Intelligence for 48 hours following sexual intercourse (stacking).
Nao stared at the descriptions for a moment, before jumping in the air. “YES! Harem Flag! Endless sex to ultimate power!” he said doing a little dance. “Goodbye virginity!” he said with a laugh, making a gleeful and thankful prayer to Kades.
After a bit of investigating Nao found that he could spend points to upgrade blessings, but new blessings, buy traits, as well as increase his stats. Most of the classes didn’t have a cost, but a few powerful ones cost as much as a hundred points.
“Have to be smart here…get some synergy going, and try not to dilute my points. If I spread out too much I’ll end up with a useless build.” Nao said thinking seriously. “I have some free blessings, which would have cost me several hundred points, so it’s best to build around those. Intelligence is low, so I’ll need to raise that to increase my mana capacity…but then I should have good mana regeneration, especially once I start my harem.” He said nodding sagely. “So I should definitely go with a magic focused class, and get some traits or blessings to help with attracting my harem. Also the cost to upgrade my minor blessing from Danua is only fifty points…not sure what the major blessing will do, but given how powerful the major blessing from Kades is, it’ll probably be something great.” He said before skimming through the lists again, as he worked he thought he heard the sounds of laughter, but when he looked around there was nothing.
After a moment he choose:
Class: Sublime Arcanist A lost class of magical scholars, they focus impressing their will upon reality around them. Where a wizard might sift through ancient rituals and expand their collection of spells, a Sublime Arcanist develops an intuitive understanding of the fundamental underpinnings of magic, bending it to their will in ways often inconceivable to the uninitiated. Bonus to mana capacity based on power rating (x5 power to mana capacity + power rating per 10 levels).
+5 power per level
+2 Intelligence per level
+3 luck per level
+1% magic affinity per 5 levels.
Cost: 100
Enchantress/Enchanter Often a master of illusions, the enchantress is able to bewilder the minds and hearts of others.
+5 power per level.
+3 endurance per level
+2 Luck per level.
Passive chance at seduction
Bonus 20% affinity to mind and illusion magic.
Cost: 50 points
Seduction (Passive) The enchanter or enchantress is the embodiment of allure, their very presence can entrap the senses. Those with a sexual preferences for the Enchantress who view or interact with her, can develop sudden and lasting attraction. Effect dependent on difference of the enchantress’s power and the power of the one affected. Chance increase of 5% per level.
To wrap it up he upgraded his Blessing from Danua to major, getting him.
Major Blessing of Danua Blessing of the Goddess Danua, who watches over the rivers and water ways of the elven lands. Patron goddess of magic, water, and spring for the Elves. +100 to power, and +10 Bonus to power even 5 levels.
Increased mana regeneration while in water (Major)
Increased health regeneration while in water (Major)
Double mana and health regeneration during Spring.
Major water affinity increase +30%
After that he spent 20 points on Alluring Charisma, and 30 points on Supernatural Beauty, and 20 on Enchanting voice, for a total of 220 points, and 30 for advanced magic regeneration, leaving him 450 to put into his stats.
Class: Sublime Arcanist 1, Enchantress 1
Subclass: None
Profession: None
Available Points:
Strength: 21
Dexterity: 20
Endurance: 143
Intelligence: 100
Power: 250
Luck: 120
Health: 1430 HP Regen: 14.3 HP/hour
Mana: 2500 MP Regen: 50 MP/hour
Skills (-/400):
Athletics: 25, Mathmatics: 18, Perception: 30
Combat Skills:
Blessings: Major Blessing of Danua, Major Blessing of Kades
Traits: Enchanting Voice, Supernatural Beauty, Alluring Charisma, Advanced Mana Regeneration, Mnemonic Memory, Disease Resistance (STD Immunity), Aura of Power.
Path: Affinity: Rating: Light: 35% 0% Darnkess: 15% 0% Creation: 17% 0% Destruction: 5% 0% Illusion: 65% 0% Nature: 25% 0% Fire: 12% 0% Water: 80% 0% Earth: 25% 0% Air: 35% 0%
Nao let out a wicked laugh, “Women shall fall under my sway at the sight of me!” he bellowed, excitement in his voice. His stat increases had gained him a few extra traits, with the disease resistance receiving an upgrade from his major blessing of Kades. Something even increased his health and mana regeneration rate from days to hours…which was nice. As he finished spending his points to accept the build he suddenly felt like he was missing something, an alarm going off in his head…but he ignored it, ready to go conquer and build his harem!
*******************
Sylvia and Rachael had spent hours preparing the spell, even as darkness descended over the lands. The miasma of death and magic was spreading through the ley lines, infecting the land, but the temple was protected. The simple stone edifice had weathered countless ages, and would not likely be affected now. Tia’s body was hovering a few feet above the stone floor, at the center of the carved circle. Power had been building for hours, draining every holding vessel the two had, and every point of mana they contained.
Tia’s body had been prepared to house the champion’s soul, and around her neck and wrists were tattoos meant to bind her to Sylvia’s will. She knew little of the powers that the champions and heroes of old were supposed to wield, but these were the strongest bindings she could make. If they worked, the soul would be unable to disobey her commands, and would submit fully…still, Sylvia was nervous. If Tia shook them off somehow…No, they would work…they had to work. She knew little of the gods they were invoking, but gods had their own agendas. Sylvia, and the village, needed a protector…for now.
As the magic built up in the runes, power began to be siphoned from the temple stonework. The residue of divine will wove with the framework of the ritual. The power rose in a cloud of light fog, spreading across the ceiling before the runes projected their image onto them. The room lit up as bright as day as the spell took effect, and the circle acted as a focusing point for the mist. Sylvia and Rachael could see something being pulled through the circle, and then the body of light and the white mist poured into Tia’s body like water down a drain. When the spell finished, the light cracked and thundered, knocking the two women back, as the body floated to the ground.
As the two climbed to their feet the body began to stir, moaning softly. Her skin changed tone slightly, imperfections in her complexion fading away. Muscle definition adjusted, and certain hard lines softened while other portions became more toned. As Rachael and Sylvia watched Tia’s body and features become more stunning, while a presence settled over her that called seductively. Nao/Tia stumbled as she tried to steady herself, groaning weakly. She looked down as she tried to straighten her back, and went stiff. Her hands ran up and down her body, grasping desperately, before she let out a blood curdling scream. She would occasionally try to speak, but just started screaming again incoherently, her eyes tearing.
Sylvia attempted to interrupt her a few times, before growing agitated. “SHUT UP, you stupid girl!” she yelled, causing the tattoos on Nao’s body to glimmer. Nao suddenly lost her voice. “Stay still.” Sylvia said, and Nao stopped moving, confusion in her eyes.
Sylvia took a deep breath, while Rachael just looked at the girl she knew as Tia with concern. “Sylvia…maybe we should.” Rachael said slowly.
“I’ll handle this, Rachael.” Sylvia said, moving across the floor, to look Nao in the eyes. “Stand up straight when I’m speaking to you.” She said, Nao obeying.
“I will ask you questions, and you will answer them directly, and then be quiet. Do you understand?” Sylvia asked, focusing her will on Nao.
“…Yes.” Nao said, her musical voice squeaking with fear.
“We will start with the basics. You will tell me who you are, and what powers you have.” Sylvia said, staring Nao in the eyes.
Nao spent the next hour giving his name, details about his life, how his sheet was built, and why. When he started talking about his ‘harem’ concept, Sylvia started laughing while Rachael just looked mildly disgusted.
Sylvia listened the entire time, but came to the conclusion that Nao had a lot of ‘potential’ for power, but was still far too weak to protect the village. She and Rachael would have to train the girl, but at least she seemed to have a quicker mind that Tia had. “Very well, girl, this is what we’re going to do. From now on, you will go by the name of Tia. You will also stay mute in the presence of others besides Rachael and myself. Do you understand?” she asked, causing Nao to nod fearfully.
“As for your…harem, well, I imagine we can arrange for that in time, though perhaps not the way you hoped.” Sylvia said with a wide grin, causing Nao’s face to go pale as she cried. “And you won’t even need to use mind control like you were planning.” She said patting Nao’s cheek, and motioning for her to go outside.
As Nao left the temple, stepping out in to the night fearfully, Rachael walked up to Sylvia. “What are you doing?” Rachael hissed at Sylvia. “You’re not going to have her impersonate Tia…” she said.
“…For the moment. We’ll claim she got too near the battlefield and it damaged her mind, and took her voice. The girl was already a nitwit to begin with, she’ll just be quiet now. The rest can be passed off as random ‘changes’ caused by magic. I doubt anyone will pay her any heed until we’re ready…at the very least Shelly won’t have to deal with her sister’s death…yet.” Sylvia said with a note of regret.
“…Did you hear what she was…what Nao was planning to do?” Rachael asked wide eyed, staring out at Tia’s silhouette outside.
“The addle-minded fantasies of a teenage boy, better ignored. Still, we were wise to bind her. Some of those powers could wreak havoc on those around her. Hopefully, given the consequences of such behavior, we’ll have nothing to worry about. In the meantime…we need to train her, and ready defenses for the village. I’ll take her home to her sister. I’m sure Shelly won’t mind babysitting her.” Sylvia said, turning to leave.
“What did you mean by getting her a harem?” Rachael asked as Sylvia was walking away.
“You heard the girl; With every child she gives birth to, she’ll grow in power…something to keep in mind for the future. We’re low on men now, but I’m sure we could find one for such a quiet, pretty, and obedient young girl. Besides, blessings like that are usually inherited. It would tie her to the village, and keep her busy.” Sylvia said with some amusement.
Rachael just looked on and sighed. She had a sinking feeling that all of this would come back to haunt them, but they were facing tragedy from every direction.