Polina caught up to me very soon and requested to talk; so I gave her one minute to say something that will make me want to stay and talk… Did you know that Vampire Lords like her can consume a creature's blood to absorb their Attributes? I didn't. That is why she is much stronger than others. For that, I decided to hear her out.
According to Vampiric customs regarding newly integrated galaxies; as a local Lord she has jurisdiction over this planet, or even the whole galaxy depending upon if there are other Vampire Lords on the other planets. So, the gist of it is, as the local person in charge, she wishes to maintain a peaceful relationship with Rumah—with me. Though I did not give her any concrete answer, instead, hinted that I also prefer things to be peaceful before we each go our separate ways.
Soon I took the nearest Tower on the Mongolian settlements and arrived at QuadPeak.
---
"So everything was fine there? Nothing broken?" I ask Henry and Dianty's team of 6. I was told that without me to apply an adequately ranged Mark of Returning. Upon the Gate being available, they had gone into Tail Town; then divided into two teams to both, plant more Bambreezes and check out the situation, all together at the same time. Before rushing back out through the still open Gate, which would have only lasted at maximum of 81 minutes.
"There was some minor damage to the towers located on the ceilings, but they were repairing themselves." one of the combatants said; I am just reminded that their team of 6 consists of Dianty, another floral specialist, two earth mages and two combatants.
"And we managed to fill up the garden on all three floors of the ground tower so the place should be more breathable by the time your gate finishes its cooldown." Dianty vocalized.
"Sounds great. Thank you!" I nod in appreciation. And as nothing seemed to need my attention up here, I finished up the debrief, which also included appling above-ground Marks of Returning on the 6 people, and then triggered the one Mark I had applied at Tail Town.
The damages previously mentioned are nowhere to be seen. So with that off my mind, I reapply a new Mark and—wait'a-minute! Didn't I also equip those ceiling towers with a LeyLink Gate? Also Rank 2s to boot. The only requirement to use them is the ability to fly, which most people of Rumah can accomplish through their Familiars. A few VICOS text messages later and I had familiar company.
We spent the day productively; by increasing the Bambreeze population and preparing areas outdoors of the Towers for more of them. The two earth mages and I also managed to make a makeshift gate of sorts to keep the air in, just something simple for now to see how incoming armies of Quagxytes react to them… By the time dinner is almost served, the team leaves for QuadPeak while I leave for Rumah. Another hour or so of flight, the Dungeon entrance for Taman Safari stands before me—it was this or the three kingdoms one, but I do not feel like spending years living another life. Despite the gains.
Taman Safari
57,221 syscred and 214,553 exp awarded
That was refreshing! Been awhile since I was simply killing things for the sake of grinding experience. Freely using Flowing Art and my various combat Skills without worry; sadly the lack of challenge also did little to increase their levels. I also decided to Assimilate a bat's ability to Echolocate; which meant I assimilated their Larynx and inner ear flaps—what for? I have no idea and just felt like it... Checking my status; I notice the additional 2,570,000 Creds from selling Solntse's Mana Tower, everything within included, then I notice irritatingly that I am only 3000 experience away from my next level. 3007 to be exact!
Antrum de Druidants
5,445 syscred and 24,459 exp awarded
You are now level 30
Awesome! As usual, 5 to Wisdom because that's still the lowest Attribute besides Charisma. So, I figured since I needed a bit more experience, might as well run the Druidants dungeon and get s'more Bambreezes along the way. Fortunately, my luck and title allowed me to get a bit from the field and a bit more from the extra rewards. Though my logistically lazy ass still dumped every responsibility regarding the plants on—not Henry, on Dianty this time!
It was fun to note that the Dungeon's level range has changed, as it now adapts to the average level of the team and how there are significantly more varieties of plants. Creatures within are also much smarter too, more alive in the way they are obviously communicating with each other, and working together, and going about their daily lives. The Queen was a whole 20 levels above mine, nothing to me, but that would be quite a challenge for the average teams… She was as intelligent as ever, and still pleasant to talk to. I feel bad for imprisoning her inside a Tetracubastionism before bombarding her with various Spells. In my defense, she was the one who told me that she is much stronger currently and that I need not hold back.
All in all, I feel refreshed and cannot help but internally give The System praise. 'Great job! Keep up the good work System!'
Rascarna your friend: Hey, will you be attending the open closed door thingy event?
Zen: What event?
Rascarna your friend: Oh great!
Rascarna your friend: Ask one of your smart friend
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Rascarna your friend: But I are glad you have access to VR now
Zen: Brb
Rascarna your friend: What does that stand for burbe?
I asked Henry of course. And he proceeded to remind me that yes, there is a System made event, it should happen on day 183. Which is exactly half a year since we got integrated into The System. It is presumably supposed to be some friendly first encounter between us and several important groups in the whole wide multiverse. He also saw fit to remind me that we are at around day 155 depending on what The System considers days.
Zen: Brb = be right back
Rascarna your friend: What about the left back?
Rascarna your friend: Oh! take your pick
Rascarna your friend: I don't mind talking to someone to my left back, but right is fine too
Rascarna your friend: And I got time, take your time to come back
Rascarna your friend: Unless someone managed to off my life between now and then!
Rascarna your friend: You have my permission to not be standing on my right back if that happens
Rascarna your friend: Or left, or straight ahead
Zen: you're weird
Zen: But yes, I will be attending
Zen: Unless someone managed to off my life between now and then!
Rascarna your friend: Using my own words, classic!
We chatted about how some things are just the same no matter the universe, also that weird is a good thing, and then he just stopped replying. Though I cannot help but notice his name changing to become Rascarna Arcana… He truly vibes chaotic! looking at my chat list, I also cannot help but notice the only other off planet correspondence I have; Arya Wildebelle, creator of Shape Stone.
An off planet person who makes their own spell, I am so very interested in getting to talk with the individual. But fearing the awkwardness, I decided against asking if she, or he, will be attending.
Wednesday, 25 may 2044
Thus, a few more days pass by peacefully, a new week, another 100 levels worth of devouring available. The oxygen levels of Tail Town are now up to a reliable level and a few select individuals—equipped with a Mark of Returning, each—have started to take residence. Bambreezes are still being harvested and gathered from Druidants or Territory lands to be replanted everywhere within; as decor around buildings, along the area's perimeter, on man made pot-things attached to the bony-walls, and on roofs. These individuals are either tasked with harvesting Torterrene Tailbones near Tail Town's exit, or healing them.
Agus had found a use for the almost indestructible bones, forgoing my previous crude way of forcefully fusing mana to cause rough uneven cracks on the bones. He had first made use of Soften, which worked as well for these Torterrene Tail Bones as it did with the town's Bortuary Bones. The only downside with that method being the significant spike in difficulty he faced forming said piece of bone into a useful shape. So they somehow figured out that a combination of three spells cast in conjunction with each other works even better; Knead Bone, Shape Stone, and Bend Metal. Though the hardest challenge with this method is how all three caster needs to be synchronized perfectly and have the same exact object in mind.
Therefore currently, all products are limited to simpler forms like shields, sticks and hammers, objects and tools without fine or sharp edges. Conclusion: Soften for harvesting, the synchronized Spells for crafting. Last thing of note was the stone gate, it may work fine keeping the oxygen in, but Quagxytes can phase through them unchallenged. Which is only to be expected. Our Tail Warden and Mana Towers are currently adequate enough to defend against them.
I only fabricated about 300 pieces of Core-150s total, throughout these 3 days up to this morn. Along with three of the larger variants containing 8350, 8500, and 8800 mana respectively. The act is getting repetitive and boring to me, and the only reason I do it is habit and the thoughts of selling them for riches! Speaking of riches, claiming my sales earned me 50,596,784,925 creds. A little more than my previous earnings after half the time, at 19 days this time. Keep gaining fame; Made in mana, my brand!
"MUAHAHA," unknown to me, my uncontrolled laughter from atop QuadPeak's Tower roof startled a few innocent bystanders… Alas nothing lasts forever and that is especially true about peace in this dangerous new reality. A commotion broke out and all of a sudden, followed by several people blinking onto my favorite roof.
"Zen, take one of the aux Towers to Rumah and please defend it!" Henry commandeered with his no nonsense very very serious face.
"K!" Blink.
---
"MELEE COMBATANTS GATHER NEAR THE SOUTHERN EXIT! SPELLCASTERS ON THE WALLS!" Similar yells were repeated every minutes or so as I Blink my way towards the walls.
An army gathers on the horizon, maybe in the thousands. The outer parts of this army are clearly a little lacking life-wise, they stand there unmoving; Zombies. The middle-half are currently preparing a camp. Even as I take in the view, a person approaches on mana conjured horseback. "I HAVE A MESSAGE FOR YOUR LEADER!"
Henry, Billy and various other peoples have been coming one after the other among the hustle and bustle of defensive preparation. Billy, being the first to arrive after me ended up replying to the messenger. "YOU MAY TELL ME."
"ARE YOU THE LEADER OF RUMAH?" The messenger double checks.
"I'M ONE OF THEM." He yells back.
The enemy messenger shrugs and takes a deep breath, "PEOPLE OF RUMAH, CLEAN YOUR NECKS AND LEAVE YOUR GATES OPEN TO AWAIT YOUR INEVITABLE FALL. TONIGHT JUST AS THE SUN SETS, PREPARE TO WORSHIP YOUR NEW MASTER!"
He then spits and rides for the enemy camp... The heck was that? Even the experienced Billy is dumbstruck by such useless announcements… But seriously; neck and sunset, this reeks of the bloodsuckers again!
As midday passes amidst high tension, the sun sets and the army over by the horizon marches forth. Several of our scouts had gone to take a look, these armed Vampires—because yes, they are Vamps—seem to be separated into two opposing leaderships; one, the majority, is eager to attack while the other is advocating peace. What a mess to find on our doorsteps.
From atop the walls five people this time approaches on horseback; these are fine actual horses, carrying cloaked but visibly proud riders. Stopping a thousand meters away, the foremost individual lowered their hood and spoke with an aloft tone. "YOUR GATES ARE STILL CLOSED. LAST CHANCE TO WELCOME US PEACEFULLY."
I happen to look at the area behind them only to notice a familiar figure, restlessly standing with other meek individuals. Blink. "Fancy meeting you here, Polina. Is this what you meant by wishing for peace between our Territories?"