“Summon-ers?” Hannah repeated slowly. “Did father leave it to me because I am one?”
“Hehe…” All of a sudden a burst of laughter surprised Hannah. It immediately shifted her attention away from the piece of gold paper. “Ha… Oh… the beautiful ignorance of youth who can't grasp the full scope of EDIN’s grandness. Ai… Can’t exactly fault you for it either because of your birth language.”
Even though it was a backhanded reprisal that excused her of her current youthfulness, Hannah still turned slightly red from embarrassment. “Wh…”
“Guess your father left this part out.” Madame Ping stated before immediately laying out one of the most common facts every Dreamer ought to know. “Probably to make you less averse to messing up from knowing about it.” One shake of her head, at the enigmatic man, later. “Summoners, my dear, are those who reached Level 100 and passed the Sixth Nightmare Tribulation. Those who do establish their own Rifts. Yes, young one. By Rift, I mean a world, a realm, a reality in which Dreamers can live, just like you do now in Gaia’s Rift.” Seeing the girls go all wide with sheer realization to whom she'd just compared herself, she added a few more truths. “Naturally, these new Rifts can not be compared to Gaia’s, but Rifts are Rifts.
Anyway, the reason you so foolishly compared yourself to one is because there is no perfect word in your language to represent just what Summoners are. The closest one is Callers. But that one fails to portray their obvious grandeur. As such, the word summon was used for inspiration.
That is also why Dreamers like you are called Summon Users instead of Summoners, just like Tool Users being called well… Tool Users despite the fact that they summon their Tools. To avoid tongue twisters in your language, most simply call you guys Conjurers by the Principle which made you possible.
Now that you know, I suggest you learn Spirit Speach so you do not make the same mistake in front of others, or you will be laughed at for being dumb and stupid, and you are none of that. Just uneducated. Alright?”
“Un… Understood.” Hannah quickly affirmed, with a heavy nod to make it that much more certain to this gorgeous woman sitting beside her. Or was she the one sitting beside her? Hannah suddenly pondered. Regardless, after the nod of understanding, Hannah shied away from facing the black eyes staring at her. Instead, she focused away and back on the piece of golden paper in her hand. Remembering the previous statement of what it was, Hannah asked a simple question. “Does that mean that Father wants me to go to this… Summoner’s Rift? Also… How do I use it?”
The instant Hannah asked the second question, she blinked from the realization that the target of her inquiry was gone.
“Do not even think about using it.” The melodious voice beside her stated, with no room for interpretations. “You are neither ready nor will you be any time soon.”
Craning her neck right, Hannah saw the piece of golden paper in Madam Ping's hand, as for how it got there, she knew not.
One moment it was in her hand, and the next it was gone.
“Wh…”
Ignoring the flabbergasted face, Madame Ping finally answered the first question while nonchalantly waving the golden invitation around. “Something like that.” Then she got serious. “Naturally, you do not have to. You can just ignore it. Or better yet, give me the Invitation in exchange for lowering your Sponsorship debt provided by the Ping Clan.”
“How about it?” Madame Ping asked curiously. “Do you want to exchange it?”
Gaping with her mouth a few times, Hannah finally caught up to what the Madame of the Rose Peach Bordello offered. “Umm…”
Totally unsure of what to do, Hannah quickly parsed her mind for what she should do. In the end, after a few moments of silence, well… silence if one ignored Madam Ping once again taking a sip of her tea that seemed to not grow cold, Hannah established a basic train of thought on which to base her answer. “I… I… I do not know. Can you tell me more about its worth?”
Staring at Hannah’s brown eyes, especially the way they radiated the Will behind them, Madam Ping nodded before praising her. “A good choice. If you do not know about something, it is easy to be swindled because of it.”
Wetting her throat one more time with tea, she did as asked. “The Summoner’s Rift is a special Rift. Among all the Rifts in existence, it stands like a neutral ground between every Summoner and their alliances of convenience.” She told the girl. “At least, for those below the Eternal Rank, like for example Gaia’s Rift. Gaia and the other Eternals simply do not care about it. Or so goes the tale. After all, what would we lower beings know about the whims of greater beings?” Shaking her head out of sheer stupidity to even ponder about it, she went on. “Back to the main point. The Summoner’s Rift is special because it is a conglomerate of many small Rifts stacked around each other like a beehive, full of buzzing bees ready to protect their homes.”
“Nonetheless, there is a central pillar within this hive, and that one belongs to Champion, the Summoner around which the others have gathered and laid down their roots.” One brief pause to sip some tea, and let Hannah process things so far, she went on. “Champion loves games, sports, fights, challenges, and whatever else exists to entertain him now that he is practically at the top. As such, those who have gathered around him are of a similar mindset.
Meaning, over a long period of Time, a Time that neither you nor I can fathom, the Summoner’s Rift has become the first choice of venue for entertainment of all sorts, and when entertainment is the goal, rewards are sure to follow for those who provide the best entertainment.
A consequence of this is Trade.
Meaning, that a lot of wealth passes through, and when that much wealth is possible, every major organization seeks to establish a foothold there.
Are you with me so far?”
“I… think so.” Hannah replied, though her mind buzzed with possibilities. “You are saying that that piece of gold paper will allow you to establish a foothold there.”
“You are not wrong, but you are neither right.” Madam Ping elaborated, but only after another sip of tea that seemed not to be getting colder despite time passing. “You see. There are requirements to do so.
The first is that you are backed by at least one Grandmaster. The second is that you need enough Masters ready to defend your turf. The third is that every Clan, Guild, Company, Kingdom, Empire, or whatever else they are called, has to have a stake in the games going on there. The higher the stakes, the closer an Association can establish its foothold to Champion, where the true powerhouses gather to entertain themselves, Summoner’s included.
Here is the crux of it all, and why this little piece of gold is valued so high by our Clan.” Madam Ping said before waving the Invitation again. “By stakes, I mean Players. Dreamers who are ready to face death through numerous challenges found within Summoner’s Rift, all in order to climb the ladder of Rankings existing there.
Here is the big part, this Invitation allows one to skip the Iron, Bronze, and Silver League to enter Gold directly, the League directly under Champions supervision.
Furthermore, since every Gold Invitation allows multiple Dreamers to enter, provided that they are an officially recognized Party, any organizations can succor favor from others by providing the slots for said Dreamers.” Witnessing Hannah tilt her head in confusion, she added more. “Basically, if you exchange the Invitation with the Ping Clan, the Ping Clan can promise other Clans a spot within Champion’s Gold League in return for favors, whether monetary or more exotic concessions.”
Squinting for a second, Hannah found the perfect word to describe everything so far. “Bribery?”
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Nodding, Madame Ping affirmed Hannah’s chosen word. “That would be one way to call it. Doing so, however, would be considered a disservice due to the possible rewards all of us could attain in the long run.”
“Now then… What do you think? Are you more inclined to do the exchange?”
Once again called forth to make a decision, Hannah pondered her problem. Nonetheless, the more she thought, the more she realized how little she knew. Worse of all, the longer she thought, the closer her Logic brought her to a stalemate once she realized that her father could have simply done the exchange for upfront benefits instead of letting everything be as it was.
That meant only one thing.
There were more facts, she was missing.
“What will happen if I do not?”
“Mmm?” Madam Ping raised an eyebrow at what she was witnessing, namely just how much time Hannah needed to come to a decision, even one of caution. “It seems you're the type that relies too much on Logic. We will need to wean you off of that since you're a Conjurer. That and the many other misconceptions you have agglomerate while being a Veiled.” That said, she waved the piece of gold paper again and placed it on the table separating them before pushing it right back to its proper owner. “As you have seen just now, there is nothing you can do if I or anybody else wants to take it from you, so what you are currently only able to rely on is my Clan’s integrity to its promises.
The bet between us and your father was that we either attain the ticket or get the heads up in taking a stake in it. Meaning, whenever you are ready to, and probably even before that, you will be introduced to your possible future Party Member who will follow you to the Summoner’s Rift and participate in their games with you and thereby represent the Ping Clan and its intentions.”
Once again, Hannah was surprised at how things were unfolding.
Then just as she was about to ask for more clarifications, Madam Ping voiced out another proclamation. “Naturally, only a Fox Shifter can represent the Ping Clan, as such you will need to learn much about us if you and your future Party Member are to work well together.
The same applies to your side, as we need to ensure you are qualified for this. As such, aside from the Ingredient investment for your Sponsorship, the Clan has agreed to treat you as we would treat our most talented younglings.
Meaning, you will be taught combat and tactics worthy of being a Gold League Contender.
Additionally, in case our Clan’s Assessor can not help you further narrow down the Leveling Schema for your Grand Dream, you will be provided with the Clans connections with the Forge Guild, such that their Expert Assessors and Forge Master can help you instead.
One more thing.
As a temporary affiliate member of the Ping Clan, you have the option to utilize our Clan’s Leveling Assets like Gear, Quests, and Grind Zones. However, note that the more of those assets you seek, the more the Ping Clan will dig its fingers into your golden pie, and by that, I am talking about your personal leverage as a Gold League Contenter to seek Party Members not affiliated with the Ping Clan, and their connections, with whom to Dive inside the Summoner’s Rift.
What do you think? Sounds fair?”
GULP
Feeling more than she should, yet not being able to avoid the weight of the Fox Shifter's attention with her flowing six tails, Hannah did the only thing she felt she could, and that was to nod in affirmation that she had received the lady's instructions.
“Good. Now take the Invitation, place it back within the envelope, and pour another PP into its seal. Once that is done, send it back to your inventory and never, ever tell or show it to anyone you can not trust with your life or already pre-approved by me personally.” Madam Ping instructed. “If word gets out that you have it, Pryers curious about the newest celebrity within town will be the least of your problems.”
GULPing more one time, Hannah quickly did as bid before twirling her right hand and making the Envelope vanish back into her Inventory.
“Alright… Now that the critical things are established between us, it's time we talk about less serious matters.”
“L… Like?” Hannah could not help herself uttering after suddenly recognizing that she in fact held a very hot potato in her hands, and if not careful, it would scold her deeply.
“Well… It should be obvious by now. Are you going to return to your little apartment or will you in fact take residence within this place?” Madam Ping asked.
Hannah blinked her brown eyes a few times in wonder at the prompted inquiry. Indeed, now that her mother was incapacitated, she would be all alone in her little apartment. Moreover, what about school? No. Even worse. What was she even going to eat? So far, her mother had been the main provider of food, and while Hannah had been taught to cook, it was nothing like what her mother could make. No doubt eating the simple stuff would easily make her sick of them. What then? Buy finished food? With what? She had no money and her mother could not provide her with any money.
Stuck with the dilemma, Hannah glanced at the beautiful lady beside her, and simply shook her head in denial, though it was small to not offend the Fox Shifter in question.
No… I can't ask for money from them. Hannah affirmed in her mind. The more I rely on them, the more in debt I remain to them.
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.
Wait…
“W… What about the debt my mother worked to pay off?”
“Ah… That… Well… How do I say it without becoming the bad guy in your mind.” Madame Ping worried for a second, although her face only portrayed a playful attitude. “Let us just say that the debt your mother tried her best to pay back never actually existed.”
“W… What?” Hannah simply could not believe what her eyes told her, so she asked for more. “WHAT?”
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Although Hannah's voice was only slightly raised, it did contain disbelief, hurt, anger, and probably more, and to Madam Ping that was as obvious as the sun is during the day.
“Your debt was never a material one.” Madam Ping elaborated. “It is more one of expectations. Actions that need to be taken once you're Awakened. As such, your mother could have never inherited it even if she worked multiple lifetimes for it. Only you, and you alone can make the Clan’s expectations go away, the same ones I told you moments prior.”
Stunned, Hannah’s lips opened and closed multiple times before something coherent left in search of answers. “Why? Why did Mother have to… to work for you then? Why could she only earn a pittance if none of it went to cover a debt that never existed?” Just as Hannah voiced her question, an answer burst forth from the recesses of her mind. “Were you stealing it for yourself while mother was selling herself for almost nothing?”
“Mmm… I will forgive you for your innuendo sent my way due to your ignorance.” Madam Ping remarked with a simple tone, only it was anything but simple since that same tone settled over Hannah like a fog of uncertainty that seemed to seep into her body, her Shell, and her Soul. Yet, as Hannah’s brown eyes darted around, nothing could be witnessed, and that fact reminded her of Lee Ping and how he had somehow descended a suffocating force onto and around her until she had no choice but to drop to the ground like a bug being crushed by a human finger. The only difference was, that this one was much gentler on her. “Tell me, girl. Who do you think is paying for your mother's current state?”
Still clad within that unsettling feeling, Hannah instantly replied, though unconsciously. “Y…You?”
“That is right. A day within the Life Pod costs 10 D Ranked Dream Coins.” The Shifter explained. “A 100 Dream Coins is equal to 1 D Ranked Dream Coin, which means that every day your mother spends within the pod, it costs 1000 coins. Nevertheless, I still see in your eyes that you fail to grasp the behind-the-scenes.
How about this?
Each Dream Coin you have earned on your today’s excursion can be exchanged for… 153 Dollars, as of the latest Mortal Coin Exchange Program.” Almost instantly, Hannah gasped at the implications, because if there was one thing that was true about her, then it was the fact that math was one of her strengths. “Yes, girl. A 153 000 Dollars per day.”
“Sounds extremely expensive, right?”
“Hnn!” That was all Hannah gave in reply.
“This means that over the years your mother worked for us, part of the money she earned was set aside for the moment it was truly needed. Unfortunately, D-Coins can only be exchanged one way when it comes to Mortal money, so most of your mother's earnings have been infused back into the Bordello.” Shaking her head, Madame Ping released her invisible hold on Hannah. This made her unconsciously release a sigh of relief from the sheer unnerving effects it had on her. “Now, one thing you ought to know is that your mother could have never covered the bill for her treatment as a Mortal. As a Dreamer, though? Now that is a completely different story since D-Ranked Coins are quite easy to come by the higher one's Rank is, and your mother is an Old One, at the very least.
Meaning, that when she wakes up, she will not have any problems covering the owed factors.
If her allotted time-frame for Re-Awakening is used up but she is yet to wake, then our treatment will stop as well and her Shell will degrade shortly after. Nonetheless, just like I mentioned when we first met, you can cover it easily once you're an Apprentice.
Understood?”
“Hnn!”
“Do not feel that bad about it.” Madam Ping said in a softer tone. “Not even for your mother's sake. I say this because you still fail to grasp the very reason why your mother was under contract with us, especially considering how unfair it was.”
“W… Why?”
“While you were inside the Emergence, has my nephew mentioned anything about why Spirit chose to arrive on Gaia?”
Thinking for a second, Hannah replied. “Something about experiencing the good, the bad, and whatever else existed. He… He also mentioned how addicting it was.”
“It will do.” The Shifter reasoned. “The reason why we all come to Gaia’s Womb is because of the immersion possible thanks to the Veil of Ignorance present within the RIft. Meaning, that every single Dreamer under it forgets about their actual selves and more. This then makes us Mortals for a brief period of time. The result is magnified Experience Gain, the good, the bad, and the mediocre.
Almost as if we are experiencing things for the very first time, at least as close to it as possible within the context.
Think of it as an Experience Multiplier Modifier for normal Spirits, unlike Blanks like you, who soak up Trauma like nobody's business.” Ceasing there, Madame Ping took another sip of tea to break the monotony of being a stand-in teacher. ”Add on top of that the Biological Shells Gaia designed and Gaia’s Womb becomes the prime location for Experience Gain through Emotional Trauma Build-Up which then results in higher quality Dream Gem Manifestations and fulfilled Nightmare Tribulation Requirements.
There is more of course, but for now, this will do for your understanding regarding your mother’s needs.”
“Wait… You mean my mother is here to experience being a… ” Ceasing for a second, Hannah refused to say the common word for her profession. Instead, she used the same one her mother used to make it seem more than it was at its core, the selling of the body. “a… Courtesan?”
“Of that, I am not certain, but it could be.” Madame Ping added. “When your father proposed your Sponsorship, he was adamant about making your and your mother's situation as dire as possible but without actually crippling you both to allow a very close-knit relationship to manifest between a mother and her sick child that needs special caring, with both gaining what is needed for their growth.
You? An example of sacrifice from your mother! Your mother? The sacrifice for the next generation!
At least, that was my theory before I discovered your mother’s Curse problem. Nonetheless, my guess should not be too far off the mark.”
After one shake of her fox-eared head, Madam Ping continued her little speech. “My guess aside. Typically speaking, the Veiled have no idea of just why they were born the way they were, or just why certain good or bad things happen to them. Some proclaim it Fate. Some call it Destiny, and some delegate it to Karma being a bitch to them for this or that in some previous life.
Most of the time, however, everything that happens happens due to Riftbound acting behind the scenes to make everything possible.
By the way, Riftbound are the origin behind the Guardian Angel superstition all Mortals are familiar with.”
“Regardless, at some point, and in some lifetime, the Dreamers' purpose on Gaia’s Womb is complete. When it is, they wake up to realize who they truly are. When they do, the Mortal Lifetime they experienced becomes nothing but a Dream or Nightmare.
If it is a Nightmare and enough conditions are met, then the chances of Awakening become that much higher, and if they do Awaken, then they earn Gaia’s approval and the privilege to stay on her Rift all they want, like you and me.
More me than you, but you should get the gist of it.
If it is a Dream, however, it becomes a bittersweet memory that one can not help but wish to continue, even to one's detriment. It is for that very reason Gaia implemented the Death Rule, where one briefly recovers one's bearing after one Mortal Lifetime to make the choice of either continuing to sleep and dream of another Mortal Lifetime for another chance of whatever reason brought them here in the first place or to finally give up and move back to the Cosmos.”
“I… I remember that one. I… think.”
“We all do Young One. We all do.”
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“Take a moment and ponder on it all.” Hannah heard the Shifter say. “Usually, none of this surprises those who just Awakened since they have memories of at least one extra Mortal Lifetime. Your status as a Blank makes things a bit more… confusing, let us say.
Ponder everything for a moment before voicing your answer to my earlier question.”
“Question?” Hannah murmured as if having a harder time recalling what the question was, to begin with.
“Remain within your apartment to continue your Mortal Lifetime for a bit more or choose to leave it behind and devote all of your attention to fulfilling the expectations the Ping Clan has for you.” Madam Ping reasoned the girls' dilemma from another angle.
“I… I can do that? I can just ignore everything?”
“Sure you can.” The Fox Shifter affirmed. “As you immerse yourself into being a Dreamer, you will realize that we work by different time frames compared to Mortals. To those like me, an Old One, a Mortal Lifetime is like having an afternoon nap. Gone in the blink of an eye. However, if you choose to waste your Blank status, the Clan will have to come for you know what.
As such, I propose a 50-50 approach. You come here at least three days out of seven to learn all you need to know. The rest of the time you can spend all you like. We would prefer if you use that time to progress in your training, but it would be up to you. Regardless, this way, not even the Clan Elders will have the excuse to complain about your actions on not fully devoting yourself to their agendas.
After all, waiting a decade or more is nothing for them.”
“I… see…”
“As I said before. Take a moment to think about it, but don't take too long. You still have one destination for today.”
“Destination?”
“Indeed. I will have my nephew escort you to the DI-Branch to unlock your D-Card so you can finally have access to the Market. You need to buy yourself some basic Skills, like Meditation to avoid being drawn into the Dreamscape.”
“What is that?” Hannah asked because asking about things was much easier than having to make a life-altering decision. “I… I remember Mr Lee telling me to get a Meditation Skill as soon as possible.”
“Basic Skills cost about 50 D-Coins, and if my nephew's words were correct, you should have earned enough today to buy yourself the whole First Set. Although, I do suggest you just focus on some kind of Meditation Skill until the Clan’s Assessor has taken a look at you.” Madam Ping reasoned out. “As for what the Dreamscape is? And why should you avoid it for now? Ah… Let me ask you this. Ever since you established your own Dream Instance, you have been appearing within it every night. Right?” Witnessing the nod, the Shifter got to the actual question. “Then where do you think everybody else goes every night?”
“Th… The Dreamscape?”
“Indeed. Think of the Dreamscape as an extremely large Dream Instance unique to each and every Layer of Gaia’s Rift. A subset Layer within the Layer, to be specific. During the day, the Veiled experience the Mortal perspective, and during the Night, whether Mortal or Spirit, they all go there to rest, recover, and release part of the pent-up stress acquired during the day.”
“And I will be forced to go there without a Meditation Skill?” Hannah inquired, all wide-eyed.
“Not forced. You can't be forced to go there.” Came the reply. “But you will be guided there through your Shell since it is used to doing something similar for as long as it has existed. In fact, this is the very reason you were able to achieve a Commune with Everything Else while sleeping. You were so used to this process being possible that you unconsciously tapped Everything Else because you were trapped within the Shroud, as nothing can block one from tapping Everything Else.
“Wait… You know about that?”
“Like I said, my nephew told me about your adventure.”
“He did? When? No… How? You guys barely spoke with each other?”
“Haha… Clan secret. If you want to learn about it, you will have to take those lessons I told you about.”
”Oh…”
“Back to the last topic.” Madame Ping guided the topic back to where it was needed. “The reason you should avoid the Dreamscape for now is because Nightmares exist within, and unlike the Veiled, you will have none of the protections typically present. So you will most likely have to fight all alone. Best to simply not take those chances.”
“Alright… I will do that.” Hannah said before actually being reminded of something else. “Wait… Can you not give me the required Skill?”
“I could but Skills fall under the Gear category. You sure you want to already start on that road?”
“I… Wait… You just mentioned that each Basic Skill costs only 50 D-Coins. Can I not buy them from you?”
“Ho… Already discovered the loophole?” Madame Ping smirked at Hannah who in turn instantly turned slightly red. “Take out your D-Card!”
Fumbling for a second, Hannah did just that. Though, it took her a second to remember where it was on her. Once it was in her hands, she looked back at the beautiful Fox Shifter with the everflowing six tails that floated behind her all while ignoring any of the abstractions existing, like the seat on which the women sat with her behind.
“Place it on the table!” The suggestion was given and executed. The next second, Hannah saw the Shifter’s left hand pass right above its dark screen. Yet, when it did, in her vision a new screen manifested because Hannah had never turned off the holographic interface enabled through Lee Ping’s help.
----------------------------------------
System Alert!!!
*
User; Shao Ping [Illustrious Fox - Master] has initiated a Trade!
*
Does User; Hannah Blackwood accept?
✅❌
----------------------------------------
“Umm… Yes!” Hannah hesitantly said right before remembering that she ought to glare at the yes button to make it work.
----------------------------------------
System Alert!!!
*
Trade Platform Launched!
*
User; Shao Ping [Illustrious Fox - Master] has offered to trade an E-Grade Skill; Basic Trance in exchange for 60 D-Coins.
*
Does User; Hannah Blackwood accept?
✅❌
----------------------------------------
“60?” Hannah instantly cried out. “You said it's 50?”
“I have to earn something from our deal.” Madame Ping said with another smirk. “Take this as a warning that buying from the Clan will always be more expensive than buying from the Market. So… Will you accept our first-ever Deal?”
“I…” Hesitating for a second, a few quick reminders jumped through her mind only for something else to click. Namely, the fact that each D-Coin was worth 153 Dollars. That meant she was not spending 50 D-Coins to buy a Skill, but a staggering 7650 Dollars to buy an E-Grade Skill, the lowest grade possible. Yet, just as this revelation thrust up to fruition, another reached her, one even more mind-boggling. Urgently acting upon it, Hannah did the mental math in her head and reached the full conclusion of her current monetary wealth. “I… I… am RICH!!!”
Recognizing what might have gone through Hannah’s head, Madame Ping instantly admonished the girl out of her delusions. “Not even close.” She said before lowering her expectations even further. “Sure, if you exchange what you have for Mortal currency you can immediately relieve most of your current monetary problems. Where it matters, however, you are neither rich nor will be anytime soon.
Remember that your Ingredients were of the Supreme Grade, the category where every Ingredient is bought with A-Grade Dream Coins. Remember every coin upgrade takes a hundred denominations of the lower one?
Ai… I might as well just spare you the effort.” With that said, Madam Ping waved her left hand, and above it, light gathered to produce a simple visual illusion in the form of numbers, and just how the conversion would work if Mortal currency was the medium, which it thankfully was not. “Remember these numbers as a constant reminder of just how heavy the Ping Clan’s expectations are for you.”
“EEEEeeeeeeppppppp…” Hannah produced as her brain short-circuited from witnessing the zeroes.