Earth Time (IRT): Day 1

Ethos: Day 2

Heading back to the solarium, I find my mentors chatting and relaxing. Sitting with them after grabbing my food, I work at it like I am back in basic training. I look up from my food to see the three demons staring at me.

“What?” I ask. “You said I need to eat and then we will start training, right?”

Ishtar coughs, “We aren’t under attack. You may eat a leisurely pace.”

“Fine. Doesn’t really matter, I am done.” I finish with a smile.

I express my thoughts and ask about my gear, “What is my build? I thought I am a mage but the training armor looks like it is a rogue set-up.”

Effrion asks, “By ‘Build’ I assume you mean your fighting style? Correct?”

Dang, not much gaming lingo. All my research on gaming is going down the drain.

I nod my head yes.

Continuing, Effrion explains, “We are going with rogue and thief combat training for self-defense. We want you able to defend yourself if caught alone. Plus, your quick rise to nobility and Essence ability will draw disreputable individuals to you. You are a target until others learn you are deadly. We plan to make you lethal.”

Effrion and Callisto stand, “Lets train.”

Ishtar gives a wave and smiles, “Have fun.”

Following the two I wonder how bad this will hurt. The reality of this realm is about to get real. My new life may seem Supercool to this point; automatic royalty, gorgeous looks and lost mage powers. Now I must earn the privileges given.

The walk to the training area is nice. This oriental set-up the devs, as in ‘developers’, designed is epic. I feel like I am in Thailand. After walking through a few gardens, our trek leads to a large building. Large might not cover it. I think a football field might fit inside.

Callisto opens the door for us and we walk in to the clash of weapons. We are at an end where many fighters are practicing their skills. At least that is my assumption. A man walks in our direction telling the men to continue their training.

Stopping before us with a bow the man says, “My Lords and... Lady? How may I help you.”

Effrion handles the introductions, “Sandual, This is very much a Lady. It is my pleasure to introduce Lady Asura. She is here to train. Most will be with either Callisto or myself. Expect her at calisthenics in the morning.”

Sandual bows again, “Yes, Weapons Master. It is as you wish.”

As I watch their interaction, I notice a difference between this Sandual individual and ourselves. His features are rounded where ours has distinct angles in the eyes, cheekbones and ears. I assume this is the Elder Blood.

Looking around the large training area I see the far end has mounted training. And what mounts! Lizards, flipping lizards! Ok, lizards with dinosaur DNA mixed in. Holy crap. I will learn to ride those?

In my shock I didn’t hear Effrion until he shakes my arm, “Hey, Asura. Wake up. It's time to start.”

I numbly nod my head and follow him to an area away from the others and find ourselves at a table set up with various daggers and knives. Callisto demonstrates how to hold each and basic moves while Effrion critiques. They test my speed, strength, agility through various means. My new body is a huge improvement over the original, in my best shape I never had these abilities. I am now faster, stronger and more agile.

But, that doesn’t matter when training with battle lords. My footing is out of whack, balance needs work, speed is dismal... the only positive comment is my knife throwing skills. It seems abilities from my former life transfer. The time I spent throwing a knife at my roommate's bed and playing Stretch and Mumbly Pegs has paid off. Ohhhh... my misspent youth makes me smile.

After several hours of basic moves and their counters, weapons training ends. I am soaked with sweat and panting. Folding over, I place hands on my knees and work on catching my breath. Training in this humidity sucks... royally! Not much for it, this beautiful land comes with humid weather. I will adapt.

Standing I ask, “What’s next, Oh Sensei of mine?”

“Sensei?” Both ask at the same time.

I mumble, “Never mind.” Damn it, I either have to drop idioms or work on teaching Earth pop culture. Wonder if idioms are worth it? Maybe I will make new ones? Where is my mind going?

“I meant, what is next on this fabulous agenda?” I smirked. They understand sarcasm.

Callisto bows, “My Lady, this is the best part of the day. Magic and, what did you call it, leveling? Our days will end with those exercises.” Standing and with a large grin he continues, “Great environment, food, our lovely company... what else can a succubus ask for?”

He got an eye-roll. With his mischievous attitude I just knew I am in for another surprise. Heading back through the gardens, we met Ishtar in his study. Sitting our dirty butts down a servant came in with brandies for each. Ishtar began explaining this evening training.

“Lady Asura, there is another reason you are staying here. My estate sits on a place of power. In the Demon Lands, all the major noble house are founded on places of power. Some are more powerful than others. Outside of the castle, my place of power is next in power. These areas are jealously guarded and only the most trusted enter. Argus, Callisto, Effrion, certain servants and now yourself have access. We spend our evenings immersed in the power of ley lines. The purpose of these special places boosts your training and power. When we go below, we will take refreshments and then discuss further how to feel the power and then advance the skills you learned today. You will focus on today’s training and where you see yourself going with your power.”

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Standing he said, “Come, let me place a mark on you for this access.”

Standing, I walk to Ishtar while he holds his hand out for mine. Placing his palm against mine and closing his eyes, I feel a warm tingling move into my palm. Opening his eyes, Ishtar releases my hand.

“There, that is all. Now learn where to place your hand.”

I follow while looking at my palm. No mark, interesting... I wonder when I will learn nifty stuff like this?

Ishtar walks to a bookcase and places his hand on the side.“Here is where you place your hand. It will automatically open when you touch the side.” And it did just as he stated.

A wide stone-hewn staircase leads below. It is well lit, smokeless torches hang from the ceiling. Callisto, Effrion and I follow Ishtar below. Looking back at the door, I see it close on its own. The decent lasts several minutes. I am thinking the walk is going far too long when I finally hear water in the distance. The stairs end in a large grotto.

Lights hang everywhere. I look around and see small waterfalls in different areas of the enormous cavern. The immense size and beauty take my breath away. As I stare, Boonsri comes to me and pulling me to the side, undresses me. At first, it doesn’t sink in that I am undressing in the middle of servants and my mentors.

I look around with wide eyes and catch Callisto looking my way. He is naked and rinsing off under a small yet tall stream of water. A servant is helping wash the grime away. He is smiling and watches for a reaction.

Well Fuck... Man-up or run? On Earth, you don’t backdown. Never let the bastards see you sweat. Fuck it. Lived that way prior and going to now. Varuna choose me for my attitude and traits. I am a flipp’n succubus. I better learn how to ‘own’ this. I let Boonsri finish undressing me.

“Here mistress, step under the water.” And she guides me to a set of falls opposite of Callisto. I decide to ignore him as I let Boonsri wash the grime away. When that’s finished I am led to a soaking pool full of small outcroppings. Callisto is there and Effrion walks up behind me.

“Step in, the water feels great. Find an outcropping you like and food and wine will arrive.” Then, Effrion did just that.

I will admit, I admired the view as he walked past. Crap, these men are built well. That makes me blush. Needing to move, I step into the pool and do as Effrion suggests. I find the first outcrop to the right and find it comfortable to sit. The outcroppings act as tabletops reaching into the steaming water. The soothing water comes to the middle of my chest and I feel somewhat better about the whole naked thing.

Boonsri brings food and wines. As I munch, she pulls at my hair, brushing the tangles out. Boonsri twists my hair on top of my head, securing it somehow. She murmurs that I only need raise a hand and she will return. With that she slips away.

Ishtar is late arriving and when he does, his manner is business like. I try not to star and embarrass myself. I am cool as a cucumber. I try running this through my head as I let the water soak into tired muscles.

I ask, “How do I feel for the lines... the ley lines you mentioned?”

Iashtar answers, “Close your eyes and rest your head back. Feel inside of yourself and then outward. Feel for the resonance inside and outside of your body. Feel the power.”

Sliding back on my rock seat until my head rests on the stone behind me and close my eyes. I think on Ishtar’s instructions and reach within myself. I felt this when I concentrated last night and easily feel the power today. Now I feel around by sinking the power in myself downward and out. It is amazing.

I feel the power of the demon lords and move away from their auras. I flow with the water, down through the rocks and feel roadways of different powers. What a rush... I feel water, earth and fire. No air. But, that doesn’t matter. I am Essence. My power weaves in and out of the ley lines enjoying the feeling this evoked within myself. I felt like I am at an amusement park. The ups and downs of the power, zippping through the earth, weaving this way and that.

Opening my eyes and sitting up, my muscles are no longer sore. I have no idea how long I wove my power within this place of power. It didn’t matter; I was one with the power now. I am full of energy. Cupping my hands and raising them above the water, I focus on the water puddled in my hands. Moving the power, a waterspout spins to life. Smiling, I look at my mentors to see their reaction.

Callisto claps his hands in approval, Effrion nods his head and Ishtar stares at the little water tornado. Playing with the water, I rotate it into the air and off of my palms. But, it doesn’t take long to drain my energy and the water falls into the pool.

Gasping, I reach for my wineglass and drink. Looking at the men I ask, “How was that?”

Callisto laughs, “Amazing. Your first try at using your power and you achieved much.”

Effrion nodded in agreement, “Yes, that is a good start.”

Ishtar’s comment brought me back to Earth... or is it Ethos now? Anyway... His comment sucked, “You need more work. Your energy lasted a short time. You need to practice every night here and build your reserves.”

Callisto interjected, “Ishtar, you can give some approval. Asura just used Essence for the first time in more than a thousand years! She deserves appreciation for the effort.”

Ishtar didn’t agree, “No, she doesn’t. This is our champion, she must become stronger each day. We will concentrate on building energy levels with her power base.”

Raising my hands, “Yes, Yes... I need to grow my power. No worries. I am here to train and learn as much as I can. Ok?”

Geeze, Ishtar is a grump.

I munch on more food and start my questions about leveling up and the succubus thing. Definitely need those details.

“Please explain leveling up? Or whatever you call it.” I asked.

Ishtar, still looking stern, explained, “Your growth stems from meditation and learning yourself. Think of the experiences of the day, then concentrate on your priorities for growth. At the same time, you must consider the future. Ask yourself where are you going? Who and what do you intend to become? We spend this time learning ourselves better. This path to growth centers you as a person and makes you formidable.”

With a wave of his hand, he continued, “Pick anywhere within this place. Spend whatever time you need. This builds the foundation for the rest of your life.”

Uhm, that sounds interesting. “Ok. Meditate on who I am, concentrate on skills from today’s training and picture my future abilities and skills. How I want my development to progress. Correct?”

“Correct. Find a place that calls to you and your power.”

I want another question answered prior to my meditation. “I need more information about sucubbi prior to meditation. First, any idea when the ‘urges’ appear? Next, dream walking needs strengthening even though I haven’t used it yet. Can I meditate on this ability now? Lastly, what other sucubbi strengths should I concentrate on?”

Effrion comments on my questions, “You can raise an individual’s desires; men or women. Your combat form’s aura needs strengthening and concentrate on unknowingly affecting people around you. This creates an automatic bonus for those in your party. From training to other sentients’ impression of you.”

Callisto adds more to the conversation, “Build these thoughts with the abilities of a rogue. Blend skills and abilities together. People who ignore blending powers together never grow to their full potential.”

Ishtar finishes, “You build a basic foundation and revise every evening. Meditating each day keeps focus on your ‘build’ as you call it.”

I need one more question answered, “Is it normal for the Elder Races to appear naked in front of each other? Is this normal? I want to know if you three are doing this because I am a sucubbus or this is common practice.”

It’s the grinning Callisto who answers. “Yes and no. The Elder Races do not concern themselves with simple issues such as clothing. But, yes, I wanted to see you naked besides this being a normal part of our lives. I admit to enjoying the view. That doesn’t mean we act on those thoughts. Both parties agree prior to engaging in physical contact.”

“Got it, I am out. Going to try this meditation thing.” I raise in front of the three and let them enjoy the view. I grab my bottle of wine and then decide one may not be enough. Walking out of the water, I grab Callisto’s.

Smirking at the three and a bottle in each hand, I wander further into the immense cavern.