The party spent a little more time planning out their purchases, and took a small break. Eventually, they received a notification from Vi that Irene had finished the binding process and was ready. The party returned to the Ancestral Archives, and Irene was flying around to each of the stacked cubes, fluttering about like some sort of pixie as she interacted with each one.
“Amazing! Truly amazing! So much knowledge, and it’s all available to me.”
Nick chuckled. “I see you’re having a good time already.”
“Oh, Hero!” Irene’s smile had already been beaming, but it became wider at his return. “I already learned some of it–the Archaen’s history. Your people…they were truly special. Their history… I’m still delving into it, but there’s just so many other interesting things available too!”
“So…there was a lot included? Feels like half of these Heritage buildings, it’s just unlocking more paywalls.”
“Ah, yes. There was much included–so much! Your people’s history was just one aspect. Then, there are many first stratum Ideals and training methods, magics, compendiums on trade skills, and more available. It’s when things are rated at the second stratum or higher that knowledge must be earned.”
She spread her arms as wide as her wings, motioning to the cubes. “But you have already earned a fair amount! You’ve been doing something called Heritage Quests, and these have accumulated as a side effect of that. You’ve been tasked to find Followers and wives, create Heirs, and unlock aspects of The Barrows. Each of these has granted you strength, but it also grants you wisdom, here in the Archives! I see that you have done very well…except in one of these aspects.”
Nick frowned as he thought for a moment, but then he coughed. “There just… hasn’t been any downtime, and my wives all fight by my side.”
Irene floated over to him, and grabbed his palm, her eyes shimmering and her beautiful face laced with concern. “But Hero! It’s so important. So very important! You must make Heirs as soon as possible. You must!”
Kaya arched her eyebrow and smiled, amused. “For the knowledge, you’re saying?”
“There’s that, but that’s not the most important thing! Hero is missing out on potential for strength, and it’s of dire importance he secures his bloodline. The Archaens must not fade away, no matter the cost!”
Everyone sucked in their breath at that, especially Rebecca–Irene truly believed what she just said. That the knowledge she valued was actually secondary, to her.
Eirwen asked, “What have you learned?”
“I’m still interfacing with the Archives, but their history is a tragedy. They were progenitors during the turning of the ages, when Orion introduced the Ordeals to accomplish its goals. But the forces of Good villainized them, and fought them to extinction! A genocide like this… none have since happened with such fervor in recorded history. Chased across Shards, even known Good, Lawful Kingdoms were destroyed for harboring any of your people.”
Nick nodded. “We’re aware of that–it’s a part of my memories and what we’ve learned. These guys were envious that my people were badass.”
“Yes, but I know what happened after! The many enemies of Good were what caused it! After the Archaens were wiped out, there was even more turmoil, War across the Shards. Eventually, it was revealed that another powerful race of progenitors was pulling the strings of the forces of Good. A true Dark Empire, one that spans a multitude of Shards–The Ravagers. They were the Archaen’s true enemies.”
“Ravagers?” Nick looked over at Rebecca and Eirwen, wondering if they knew. They both shook their heads.
Irene replied, “Yes–the Ravagers. They have a shared heritage for your people…and the reason they are called that is because they use their powers of the mind and soul to conquer and destroy everything. Through the darkness, they have themselves become twisted and vicious, discarding much of what made them Folk–and have become terrifying parasites. Their powers resemble Necromancy, but are often so much worse. For they don’t just enslave, they consume, destroying and devouring their victim’s minds and souls and empowering themselves. And they often hide in plain sight, controlling both the living and the dead to carry out their horrible goals.”
Parasite? When Nick had defeated the Bishop, something was drawn in with his and Irene’s Soul. It was a Concept, but it also contained some sort of parasite. Thinking back, it was a little strange that he had drawn in a Concept with his Judgement at all. Could it be related? Then again, Nick had never judged anyone else who had a Concept at the level of the Bishop. Or, someone that owned an Ordeal, now that he thought of it.
Irene continued, unaware of Nick’s thoughts, “Only the Archaens have the necessary mastery of the Soul, while being unassailable by the Ravagers. It turned out that their reasons behind creating Archaen Law was to protect, detect, and defeat these insidious things. And that was why they were hunted. They had warned us, but their warnings fell on deaf ears.”
“That…sounds like a horrifying enemy. Well, that’s a problem for future us, maybe–until we establish the Open Relay, the Ravagers aren’t really a threat.”
Irene nodded. “It’s possible the Ravagers have some means of invading a Frontier Shard, but it’s currently unknown. The truth is that the changes to them as they’ve moved away from being Folk probably limits how they can invade. For now, they are a very active, persistent threat to all good on Orion. War is waged against them, but success has been hard-fought.”
Eirwen said, “So you said there is a lot of included knowledge. What about what isn’t?”
“That’s right! Here are the modules that can be purchased. Some are not exactly knowledge related at all.” Irene tapped the tablet, and it displayed a menu.
[Spirit Vault - 10,000 DP]
[Extended Cultivation Codex - 50,000 DP]
[Skill Cache - 20,000 DP]
[Racial Codex - Genesis Chamber - 5,000 DP]
Nick groaned. “More DP expenditures. I think most of these are at least somewhat self-explanatory, but what’s the Spirit Vault?”
“I think you’ll still be surprised. All of these repositories come stocked with tons of goodies! But the Spirit Vault is something that I think you, Eirwen, and possibly Luna, will find quite valuable. It’s a storage of souls from your Heritage. Within it, many Followers of your family, elementals, untamed monster spirits, and more, are available! This is like an ark your family created, with thousands of souls, including people in the fourth stratum, just waiting to be claimed!”
Nick’s eyes widened–he was absolutely shocked at how amazing that sounded. “What–Why’s it so cheap, then? This sounds too good to be true.”
“You’re right, it’s not like we just got a huge list of extremely powerful allies. The reason is because, Orion has deemed the Vault cheap due to the restrictions in the spirit’s usage. Sure, there are some fourth stratum people’s souls in here. Those would be insanely powerful and valuable, normally. However, we’re on a Frontier Shard. They have to follow the same rules as everyone else that comes to this shard.”
Rebecca gasped. “They have to start over and be reborn! Like you, Mother!”
Irene nodded. “That’s right. And because a payment wasn’t made to enter, like with me, they get additional restrictions. Many of them would have much of their memories sealed to be reborn here at all, even using your Genesis Chamber. The truth is much of my knowledge required sealing as well, but I was allowed to keep my memories and much of my Concept work–I was young, and only in the second stratum before I was reborn, anyway. I had formed Mother’s Concepts, and then I was sent off on my journey here.”
Nick looked over to Jasmine. “Why didn’t you have your memories sealed?”
“Because, I am a part of you, and you were reborn. Plus, I don’t have anything useful in here to be sealed! Hehe.” She tapped her temple with her finger.
Irene chuckled. “It’s true. Orion mostly doesn’t like unfair advantages–on a Frontier Shard, it wants as close to an even playing field as it can get. Entering the Frontier Shard with deep knowledge of Ideals, and mana, aura, and Concept Mastery from someone of the fourth or fifth stratum would just be unfair, enabling them to easily progress and conquer this shard. And without paying the price to enter, too. You had to build Jasmine a body besides, so everything about her truly had to be earned on your own.”
Nick was still a bit shocked about what was in the Spirit Vault, but understood that it wasn’t as overpowered as it originally sounded. He could envision a high-stratum person being reborn with all the knowledge necessary to create tons of elites, resulting in them just opening up shop and getting a ton of loyal subordinates and conquering the entire Shard with ease.
Nick was essentially doing the same thing, but with lesser knowledge. His people were already leapfrogging over most of those that existed on this Shard, from what he could tell in terms of capability.
“Huh. Does it say what kind of Followers and people it left behind? Are there any of my family?”
Irene shook her head. “It says there are some extended family in here, but certainly no Archaens, not even your ancestors or any of your other mothers, or your family’s most loyal Followers–those all entered with your family into the Tower of Eternity. These are mostly people that had willingly entered the Vault, in hopes to be reborn during a Shard Opening, Tribulation, or for War.”
Nick frowned. “I get the Shard Opening, since I know about the Frontier Shards–being on one. But why would someone want to be reborn during a Tribulation, or War? That sounds like a terrible time to be reborn.”
“In a Kingdom that has matured beyond having the Open Relay, a Tribulation or War is an extensive event. People of all levels must be Tested, and the events can last decades. If someone is reborn during this time, there are countless opportunities for Trials, Tests, and other special events–such as what we saw in that Test of Supremacy, and then, Monster Kingdoms, additional Ordeals, and more will spawn. War and Tribulation are each an opportunity to become a Lord by claiming new Ordeals, or at least become someone’s subordinate and become a climber there.”
That made a bit of sense to Nick. He had learned that due to nepotism and stagnation, a lot of older Shards would have most slots full for generations. People would dream of finding slots, and this was why many hoped to join a Frontier Shard–to have a shot on their own.
Then, Trials and other events often granted special Traits and tempering and enlightenment, rare rewards that were hard to come by without having an Ordeal like the Path of Kings.
Thinking on it from a game master’s perspective, simply adding an Ordeal to a mature Shard would likely just result in more nepotism ninety-nine times out of a hundred–the top Kingdom on the shard would just muscle all the other kingdoms out of the way and snatch it. It would require additional difficulties to prevent someone from ‘gaming the system’ and just claiming it. Hence, the need for these Tribulations, or other events, to keep them busy and ensure that the special resource was earned.
“There’s one more reason.” Irene added, interrupting his thoughts, “And this will be common for those that are in the third and fourth stratum especially. There are those that failed to obtain immortality, and are hoping to start over in hopes of reaching it on their next attempt.”
Eirwen frowned. “I thought anyone who reached the fourth stratum was immortal. Otherwise, they’d never be able to reach it, anyway.”
Irene nodded. “If they follow Orion’s rules, then they would normally! But some…can cheat, or, use methods from outside of Orion! Also, there are a few other exceptions. Like monsters. Monsterfolk that straddle the line between Folk and monster can often reach the fourth stratum, but not have the immortality granted by Orion. One must walk a Path that is Ordained by Orion to accomplish it, as well.”
Rebecca said, “For the methods outside of Orion, are you talking about Outlander methods, Mother?”
“I am! So ultimately, the few that are in the archive here…they likely are more monstrous or used some Outlander method, then probably reached the edge of their lifespan. Their only choice is to be reborn, or to die of old age, as Outlanders don’t really achieve immortality utill the true peak. If they’re in the Third Stratum, they might just be walking a Path not Ordained by Orion, or perhaps they didn’t ascend to the Third Stratum properly–did not have sturdy enough Foundations.”
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
“Well, it sucks that I might have access to loyal people, but that I can’t easily make use of them. But you said Eirwen and Luna might be able to use this?”
“That’s right! You see, Luna and Eirwen can enter the Vault, and call for spirits and elementals that can work with their spells and skills. Part of the Vault’s capabilities is that if the spirit is powerful enough, it might require a Test or Trial to claim ownership and make their bond.”
Eirwen’s eyes lit up. “So I can finally find a spirit for my skill! And you can still probably make use of it, too, hubby. With the Racial Codex and the Genesis Chamber, you can find perfect Soul Servants and Followers of all kinds!”
“Damn, that is kinda cool. Expensive for Soul Servants because the Genesis Chamber would have to work hard to make any bodies that would be useful, but getting some additional Followers even if they have to start at level 1 would be great. It looks like I’m going to have to expand the Genesis Chamber, too…”
Eirwen asked, “Is there a cost associated with the spirits? You mentioned Tests or Trials for powerful ones.”
Irene nodded. “There is no cost, but for the Tests or Trials, it depends on how they are used. Subordinating powerful spirits, for example in a totem for Luna or for your skill, even with restricted memories, is like granting you a power that you didn’t earn. But also, it’s very dangerous. A fourth stratum person’s soul can contain powerful Concepts, and they could potentially obliterate your Soul Core. So Orion makes you enter a Test or Trial, depending on the spirit’s strength, to earn its protection against said spirit. For weaker ones, you simply must defeat a facsimile of it.”
“Alright. So now…what can we access now?”
“What is it that you would like, Hero?”
Nick thought about it for a moment, and realized he kind of wanted a bunch of things. “Well… what, you want like my laundry list?”
Irene chuckled. “Laundry? I wouldn’t mind it, but I’m sure you mean a list of what you need help with? Think of me like a librarian of this fine library–the Archives. Just let me know what you want, and I’ll see if anything I have can help! I want to find the perfect books for you!”
Rebecca smiled at her mother fondly. “Just like in Seraphara’s Library.”
Irene nodded enthusiastically. “Yup! But only even better! I’m reading so many things at once right now, interfacing with the archives!”
Nick snorted. “Fine. I needed some guidance on Soul Magic, since I’m stuck–I need to know what is even possible for me to do. Then I could use some guidance on my Ideal. It involves speaking in Archaen…then lastly, I needed some cultivation methods compatible with me utilizing demon cores. It seems I need to supplement the light I’ve been gaining in me from Seraphara’s Tithed Faith Essence with some darkness–even the Ordeal granted me one, but I don’t know what to do with it.”
Irene’s eyes lit up. “Wow! You’re right, that is quite the list.” She paused for a moment, then hummed. “Hmmm… unfortunately, I’m afraid precise answers to the last two would require the Codex–the expensive one. But let me see what I can do.”
Her eyes went white for a moment, and several of the cubes behind her lit up. Eventually, she smiled, flew over and held out her hand near the cube, before moving onto the next one. Five crystals were created in her hands, looking a lot like skill-crystals, but they were white.
“Ta-da! Here you go, Hero. I think these should help.” Irene handed Nick the crystals with a beaming smile.
“Skill crystals?” Nick held and moved them around in his hands, looking over them.
“Nope! Knowledge crystals. Send some of your aura inside, and you can scan the text and diagrams within. It’s like reading a book, but so much better! It’s almost like how us Clergy use our reading Skill, as a matter of fact. This technology is truly spectacular. It must have been inspired by or devised by an Outlander method.”
Nick did as he was told, and sent some aura into one of the crystals. When he did, he was a bit surprised at how quickly the words or thoughts appeared in his mind. It was difficult at first, but it didn’t take him long to scan the crystal and read successfully.
Because his eyes didn’t need to move to read, there was no lag between the words arriving in his mind as he scanned it with his aura. There was also some additional thoughts transmitted, that helped him understand the information–almost like they were not words at all. When reading a technical manual, a lot of time spent reading was really digesting the information presented.
In any given paragraph read in a book like that, there might be several technical terms used, that one would potentially have to spend time thinking about the definition of the words, and how they all might interact. Perhaps one would have to spend time looking them up, normally. The need for knowledge and understanding, to even begin to grasp any new information at all.
But these words popping into his mind as he scanned it gave him additional impressions, and came with more understanding beyond mere words themselves should contain.
Combined with his Archaen mind, he was able to work through the knowledge quickly. There were even diagrams contained within, giving him a mental image just like the words did. He quickly got the gist of the first crystal–it was a primer on soul magic, based around the second stratum.
After a minute, he already felt foolish. There were several ways for him to use his Mana Aura combined with his Soul Magic that he could both attack and defend. If he knew this, he’d have defeated the Bishop much sooner with his Judgement. Previously, he needed to bring him low enough by using his Essence Burst, and only just barely reached Irene for the Pact before Judging him.
With what he knew now, he could have weakened him a small amount with a distraction, then pierced the darkness protecting Samuel’s Soul Core and locking onto Irene’s Soul. He’d have been able to make the Pact with Irene without an issue, and then Judge him. He wouldn’t have needed to bring him an inch from death first like he did before.
The crystal had so much more, but it would take him many hours to digest all the information contained within and then practice with it. He moved onto the next of the five.
The second crystal was about the Archaen language and its use in magic, and the third was a much more detailed manual on the Ideal that Nick had been calling the Archaen Monstrous Swordsman Ideal. The last two were about making your own Ideal, and a primer on the effects of absorbing demon cores on an Archaen’s body.
It wouldn’t give him a cultivation technique, but it could give him a basis for making one that would work for now. It would be less effective than one devised by a true expert, but it was better than nothing. Nick knew that his balance of light and darkness was about to get pushed even further off after his throne session, making his Concept strangely weaker if he didn’t find a way to balance it.
Irene had been smiling as she watched him inspect the crystals. “So how is it, Hero? Did I get you the perfect books, or what?”
Nick chuckled. “Looks like I got my work cut out for me, but I can tell already you’ve really helped me out. This is plenty to get started. Thanks a lot, Irene.”
Irene spun around, floating in place. “It’s no problem at all! There is no need to thank me. This is the knowledge that your people left behind for you, but also, that you earned, Hero. If you want more, simply find more wives and Followers, raise Heirs, and conquer more of the Barrows.”
Eirwen cleared her throat, her tail flicking behind her. “We could all use some knowledge crystals too.”
Irene smiled, as she floated over to Eirwen and held her hands with a wide smile. “Of course! Give me your laundry lists, as our Hero put it, and I’ll do my best to provide all the perfect books I can!”
The girls lined up, and they each got a few crystals containing things to work on. As it turned out, all of them would value the soul magic primer. They could benefit from learning and understanding Soul Magic, utilizing their gained affinities for this purpose.
It wasn’t that Nick hadn’t wanted to teach them Soul Magic–it was that nearly all he knew, aside from his Soul Mend, interacted with Archaen Law. That required them to be Full-blood Archaens, or required them to speak Archaen to use.
In most of the requests, Irene wasn’t able to provide a direct topic for what they wanted–but she was often able to provide something adjacent, and usually fully fulfil at least one of their requests. He had earned a lot of second stratum value knowledge from his Quests, but it wasn’t everything. The 50,000 DP Codex would actually include some third stratum knowledge, so he knew that was going to be a priority as he neared it.
So now all the girls held knowledge crystals, ready to improve themselves and fill in the gaps of what they had been missing instruction on. It would take some time for these seeds of knowledge to bear fruit, likely after their conquest of Shadowvale, but it was good that they would soon be planted.
The knowledge in the Prince’s Study was largely introductory, and had gotten them to the point where they were now–mostly First Stratum methods, building their foundational knowledge. But the knowledge contained in the Archives would bring them up to the Expert, Second Stratum levels, and perhaps a little beyond with some of their own efforts.
Winny smiled at Irene. “Thanks a lot, Irene. Thanks to you, we’re ready to prepare for this Conflict now.”
Kaya groaned. “More training? But we just got back. I know it’s important, but…we’ll get some rest too, right?”
Fang smiled and perked up from her confused look. She had been frowning down at her crystals. Her tail also began wagging. “Yeah! That’s right! We need belly rubs, and we should play a little. We should go back to the mall!”
Luna smiled at her fondly. “I’m sure we’ll find some time for those things, but our time is limited. Boss has a lot to do too, you know.”
Fang’s ears went flat on her head. “Oh…okay.”
Nick patted her head, and scratched her ears. “It’s alright, Fang. We definitely earned a small break. Let’s work a little harder for a bit, and then with our remaining time, we’ll have a good time together just before we go.”
Fang pumped her fist. “Yes! I’ll do it! I’ll work hard, and get all the belly–”
The doorbell suddenly rang, the soft chime echoing in the chamber.
Vi said, “It’s Lumos in front. Should I allow them entry?”
Nick nodded. “Go ahead, we’ll meet her in the living room.”
Irene said, “I’ll stay here. I got…a lot more to read here! I can already feel my Wisdom Concept progressing just from the immense amount of knowledge contained here. It is so vast, and much of it is new for me. Likely for Mother, too! This must be why I was sent here. Thank you so much, Hero.”
Rebecca sighed. “I knew this would happen. But at least, it’s not improper for you to be here anymore…”
Most of the girls decided they weren’t all that interested in meeting with Lumos, breaking off and heading into the Princely Chambers. They had a lot to digest with their new knowledge crystals, and the small dojo there combined with the special essence within would help them relax.
Lumos was waiting in the living room, standing at the entrance when Nick, Jasmine, Eirwen, and Rebecca arrived. She was wearing a spatial backpack and several of the spatial sacks around her waist.
Rebecca asked, “What is it, Lumos?”
Lumos smiled, then handed over some pouches to Eirwen. “Hey everyone! I’m here to deliver some stuff for you already, and let you know I’m in big need of that alchemy unit, sooner rather than later!”
Eirwen frowned, looking through the pouches. “What’s going on?”
“Despite my efforts to make suitable tools, some of these special materials you brought are going to need extra attention. According to Vi, the Heritage Alchemy Room with the addons I need should be able to handle everything.”
Nick groaned. “We’re pretty much broke now since we need that Spirit Vault, though.”
Lumos replied, “It’s pricey, but it’ll be worth it, I promise. In fact, with the tools provided, I’ll be able to transform that harmony crystal into something that will help your beetlefolk become Noblefrost Beetlefolk. I just need you to approve the purchase, and then I’ll get right to work!”
“There’s enough, Vi?”
“Just enough, Milord, thanks to Lumos’ efforts. In crafting all the special tools, she reduced the costs. And soon the slots in the Ordeals will refresh, allowing additional parties to earn more. The first stratum slots refresh tomorrow. Lothar’s plan is prioritizing those that aren’t joining the assault on Shadowvale, so that all can be rested and ready to go. There should be some minor earnings in The Barrows soon as those refresh, as well.”
Nick sighed. “That’s another thing we need to work on. Those special events in the mall. Go ahead and approve the purchase, Vi, and place the Heritage Alchemy Room at the edge of their hidden crafting area. Then purchase the Spirit Vault as soon as we have enough.”
Vi replied, “As you will it.”
“Thanks, Boss! I’ll get things going for you, A.S.A.P!” Lumos left through the front door in a hurry.
Eirwen said. “Should we try to give one of the barrows challenges a go, before the assault? I think our party more or less meets the requirement of one now.”
Nick thought about it, then shook his head. “I’d rather wait until we’re back. For now, we’ll get a lot more out of focusing on what’s in the knowledge crystals and what Lumos here will refine for us. When we get back from the assault, we’ll focus on all that.”
Rebecca added, “And supposedly, that will help how much knowledge will become available as well. Some of our requests might be fulfilled as a result.”
Eirwen smirked. “There was one other thing Nick could do to get even more of this knowledge, too. And maybe a power-up, besides.”
Nick arched his brow. “And just who am I supposed to knock up? They must be wives or bound to me like Jasmine, my race won’t accept anything less. And now is just not a good time for you girls, with this Blackthorne maybe busting down our gates in the next few months.”
Rebecca blushed. “W-Well, I know a few women that are interested and willing… if you’ll accept them. They have waited to make their move, out of…respect for me. But I will let them know that…it’s fine now.” She smiled at Nick.
“Are you sure, Becca? I would rather not take away from you. We were only just married a month ago, and I know in your community it’d be abnormal for me to seek more women for some time, Goddess-approved or not.”
“I’m sure. There’s a consensus among us, whether it’s the Clergy or her Faithful, the community is behind you courting and marrying more of us. It’s Seraphara’s will, and many of them have fondness in their hearts for you.” She cleared her throat, blushing. “If–if you don’t mind, I would like a little more time… alone with you, before that time, though...”
Nick chuckled, and embraced her in a warm hug. “You got it, Becca. I’ll be sure to spend some time with each of my girls over the next few days–we had to go without for the most part in the Ordeal, after all. We’ll train and get some other time together, I promise.”
He had several goals for the upcoming days, and his wives were the same. When he faced this Trial-equivalent Conflict, the conquest of Shadowvale, he would be ready.