Calvin and the rest of the council walked out from their cabin and toward the streets of Olympus. As soon as he'd rounded the corner a roar went up from the crowded streets as the citizens of Olympus caught sight of him. Everywhere he looked, people were cheering and applauding, celebrating his appointment as the new Aegis of Zeus.
Calvin paused, momentarily overwhelmed. He hadn't realized the city had been informed of this event or how many had come out to see him, it looked like everyone. Behind him, Amy gave him an encouraging nudge forward. "They're waiting for you," she said with a smile.
Squaring his shoulders, Calvin descended the steps down to the main thoroughfare. People surged forward, reaching out to clasp his hand or pat him on the back. The air rang with cries of "Hail the Aegis!".
Calvin did his best to acknowledge the crowd, exchanging greetings and waving to various faces he recognized. A group of children ran up bearing flowers, which they presented shyly. Calvin accepted them with thanks, tucking one bloom into his armor.
As he progressed slowly through the press of bodies, his companions fanned out around him - Amy on his right, Freya looming large on his left, Ian, Seth, Tank, and Marshall just behind. Their presence steadied Calvin, reminding him he did not stand alone.
At last, Calvin paused before the main platform in the town square. The Council of Olympus made their way to the top - Harlon, Marybeth, and the other settlement leaders who had pledged their allegiance made their way there too. As Calvin mounted the steps, they bowed their heads in a show of respect.
Turning to the ocean of upturned faces, Calvin raised a hand. Gradually, the clamor died down until only a low murmur filled the air. Calvin gazed out at the crowd - soldiers and citizens, young and old. His people. The lives entrusted to his leadership.
"Friends," he began, his voice echoing across the square, "It seems you're all aware of the decisions we made today for Olympus."
"Damn straight we were!" called a voice from the crowd. This was followed by a mix of laughter and agreement.
"It seems I was the last to find out." Calvin said, giving Amy a playful glare, "Nevertheless, I hope you know that I do not take this position lightly. I do not take it out of a desire for control, hell, if you'd asked me two weeks ago to do something like this, I might have turned it down flatly."
The crowd was silent. They listened intently to him in a hushed respect.
"When we welcomed the citizens of New Aspen into our family, it became quickly clear that we needed to evolve and grow. We're no longer simply a small city struggling to pave the way through the tutorial. We're gathering the people of Earth under our banner!"
Cheers roared from the crowd.
"At this very moment, we have scouts out looking for more settlements, and some promising data is coming back. In just a few days we could be expanding our numbers."
Calvin turned toward the council behind him. He looked at each of them and gave them a nod of respect before turning to face the crowd again.
"As I'm sure you're aware, we've also established a council. These are the members of that council. Now, before anyone becomes alarmed, this is not the entire governing structure. My council will be appointing ministers to manage every aspect of our city from agriculture to education. The citizens of New Aspen will find representation on the council as well. As I understand it, they will be appointed ministerial positions."
"Let me be clear, Olympus will project an image of power. Things will not get easier when we leave the tutorial and Olympus will not bend over and take it. We will not be reactionary in the face of challenges. We will work every day to grow stronger and become the most powerful nation Earth has to offer. To that end, I can promise to serve you just as you serve Olympus. In the coming days, as ministers are appointed, we will begin formalizing laws and policies within Olympus. We will open up paid positions and establish formal services such as schooling and training in various paths. Sorry kids, school's coming back."
The adults in the crowd laughed at the numerous groans escaping the children.
"I will not be a Tyrant, but let me be clear, my word and the word of my council will be final, however, I will consider all matters voiced by you. You will all have a voice within our city and your freedom will not be constrained. This is the same Olympus you helped build, and we're all going to continue building it!"
"Now, everyone, meet your new council. We'll have Andy send out a list of their responsibilities and open positions. It's going to be a very busy few days as we prepare to return to Earth."
Calvin stepped back to let the council step forward as the crowd chanted.
"Aegis!"
"Aegis!"
"Aegis!"
Amy raised her voice above the chants. "We won't take up too much more of your time. You know who we are! I do want to announce that we've already selected some ministers. Craig will serve under me on the Council Of Justice and will assist in creating fair and just laws."
More cheers erupted.
"And Harlon, Liam, and Sasha will serve under me on the Council of Guardians!" Tank announced.
"Finally, Marybeth will report to me on the Arcanum Council. Her responsibility will be setting up our education department. All of our chosen ministers will be creating and appointing positions under them as well. If anyone has any particular skill sets or desires to fill a role, let Andy or the ministers know." Ian said.
Calvin stepped forward and placed his hands on Amy and Ian's shoulders.
"We've got lots to do and big changes are coming. Keep an eye on the missive board for any opportunities we open up. Keep up the amazing work everyone!"
His words stirred their hearts, kindling courage and purpose. By the speech's end, soldiers were thumping weapons against shields while everyone cheered. The very stones of Olympus seemed imbued with new resolve.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
Calvin lifted his spear into the air and fired a lightning bolt into the sky above. The time felt right for some dramatic effect and Olympus roared.
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"You really got into it there at the end." Seth said to Calvin.
"Yeah, I was in the zone. It's the cloak. You must have enchanted it with some acting skills."
Seth winked.
"So what have we found with the drones?"
The entire Council of Olympus was in Seth's workshop now. They had big projects to get started on and the planning started now.
"We have a couple of small settlements, possibly 15-30 people each. The scouts also found several roaming groups that don't appear to have settlements. Maybe they were driven out. I've got drones ready to drop portal grenades. We'll have portals down in two hours."
"Alright, Tank, you'll be in charge of providing soldiers. Let's keep the power level high but the apparent threat low. We don't want to scare them right away. Amy, you go with a group to one settlement and I'll go to the other."
They discussed the plans for inviting them back to Olympus and either allying or annexing. The team was clear about one thing, if they ran into any assholes out there, they would put them down.
Just as they were wrapping up this part of the planning, Andy spoke up.
"Pardon the interruption, but we've had a citizen select a class related to dungeon cores. I thought you should be made aware."
Calvin's interest was piqued. Dungeon cores were seemingly rare and powerful objects that could transform areas or provide upgrades and they just happened to have one "Who selected the class and what specifically did they choose?"
"A citizen named Asher chose the class 'Keeper of the Core'. It provides skills related to creating, storing, protecting, and enhancing dungeon cores. It was a platinum class evolution they'd gained as an additional reward from the completed missives" Andy replied.
Calvin nodded, considering the implications. Having a Keeper of the Core could allow them to better utilize any dungeon cores they acquired. And if they could restore the inert core they already possessed, it could be a huge boon to Olympus.
"Excellent, please have Asher come see me when it's convenient. I'd like to discuss those skills with them. Seth, Ian, I'll want you there as well." Calvin said. He made a mental note to follow up later.
For now, they had to stay focused on the missions at hand. Amy and Freya would depart shortly for the first settlement. Calvin hoped they would find cooperative survivors there, not troublemakers. But the Council was prepared to deal with any potential threats.
With their plans set, Calvin adjourned the meeting. They had a busy couple of days ahead. As the others filed out to gather supplies and prepare their teams, Calvin sat alone for a moment reflecting. So much had changed since arriving in this world. He pondered the challenges ahead, but also the possibilities. If they succeeded, perhaps one day Olympus could truly live up to its mythical name.
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Calvin made his way back to the cabin, his mind churning with the tasks ahead. As Aegis of Zeus, the weight of leadership pressed heavily on his shoulders. Yet he knew Amy, Freya, and the others stood firmly at his side. Together, they would face the trials to come.
Approaching the cabin, Calvin considered the new power awaiting him. Having reached level 61, he had an evolution point to spend along with a new skill to choose.
Inside, Freya rested by the fireplace, her fur glistening in the flickering light. She perked up as Calvin entered, tail wagging in greeting.
"Hey girl," Calvin said, rubbing her head fondly. The bond between them had only grown stronger through their adventures. Freya embodied loyalty and courage.
Amy sat at the table cleaning her blades. She glanced up with a smile as Calvin entered.
He took a seat across from her, rolling his shoulders to relieve tension.
"I need to make my evolution and skill selections," he said. "How about you?"
"Yeah, I'm pondering over a few choices. Finally had a moment to sit and focus on them. You're a slave driver Cal." she winked at him.
"What about you Freya, any thoughts?" he asked.
Freya barked excitedly, tail thumping the floor. Calvin chuckled.
"I agree pup."
Calvin flipped open his skill menu and perused the options.
For his new skill, Calvin chose Thunderous Onslaught
Thunderous Onslaught: The Stormlancer slams their spear into the ground causing an eruption of lightning to spread out from the area of impact. This skill is empowered by storm essence within the environment.
This skill filled a much-needed improvement in Calvin's arsenal. He only really had the one area of effect skill in Chain Fury. While that was good, he really needed something stronger, and this skill also seemed like it would be particularly effective against a large target as well.
Not satisfied with simply having a powerful lightning nova skill, he evolved it. Unfortunately, this skill was not naturally evolving and didn't allow him to make it so. Calvin wondered a bit if this was a hint at the power it already contained.
His evolution options were still a little broken. He chose to add an additional effect.
Thunderous Onslaught (Evolution 1): The Stormlancer slams their spear into the ground causing an eruption of lightning to spread out from the area of impact. This skill is empowered by storm essence within the environment. The expanding ring of lightning charges the area for a duration. While the area is charged, lightning bolts will strike randomly within the area. While this skill is affected by storm essence, the lightning bolts will be more powerful and strike more frequently.
Calvin nodded in approval as he reviewed his new skill.
He looked up to see Amy still deliberating over her options. She tapped her finger on the table absently.
"Having trouble deciding?" Calvin asked.
Amy sighed. "Yeah, there are a few good choices but I'm not sure which synergizes best with my build."
Calvin waited patiently for her to ponder over her choices before she finally selected her skill and presented the window to Calvin.
Venomous Miasma: The Blight Stalker releases a cloud of toxic nanites that spreads over a wide area. Any enemies caught within the miasma take heavy poison damage over time. The cloud lingers for a duration, continuing to inflict damage. This ability pierces armor and barriers.
"Hot damn, nice pick. Remind me never to piss you off."
Calvin looked down at Freya and asked, "Did you pick a new skill yet, girl?"
Freya barked excitedly in response. Calvin chuckled and pulled up her skill menu to take a look. His eyes widened as he saw the skill she had chosen - Tempest Unleashed.
Tempest Unleashed - The Tempest Warden howls, unleashing a powerful tornado that sucks in nearby enemies, shreds their defenses and flings them violently in all directions. This tornado grows in power based on the number of enemies it ensnares.
"That's one hell of a skill!" Calvin exclaimed. He scrolled down and saw that Freya had even evolved the skill once already.
Tempest Unleashed (Evolution 1) - The Tempest Warden howls, unleashing a powerful tornado that sucks in nearby enemies, shreds their defenses and flings them violently in all directions. This tornado grows in power based on the number of enemies it ensnares. Additionally, the tornado will electrify any metallic enemies or objects caught in its grasp, dealing devastating lightning damage.
Calvin let out an impressed whistle. This skill would give Freya some much-needed area of effect damage potential. With her ability to tank hits, she could dive right into a horde of enemies, unleash the tornado, and wipe them out in one fell swoop. The added lightning effect against metallic enemies was just icing on the cake.
"You're going to be a real force to be reckoned with now, pup," Calvin said, rubbing Freya behind her ears. Her tail thumped happily against the floor. "I can't wait to see you use it in action. Just try not to fling me around too much, okay?"
Freya gave a playful woof and nudged Calvin's hand, eager for more petting and praise. He chuckled and obliged, giving her a good belly rub.
"We make a pretty badass team, don't we?" Calvin mused. Between his new Thunderous Onslaught, Amy's Venomous Miasma, and now Freya's Tempest Unleashed, they were amassing quite an arsenal of devastating AoE skills. Any enemy horde foolish enough to challenge them was in for a brutal surprise.
"Alright you two, enough lazing around," Amy suddenly interjected, sliding her blades back into their sheaths as she stood up from the table. "We've got preparations to make if we want to set out in a couple hours."
Calvin sighed, giving Freya one last pat before rising to his feet. "I suppose you're right. She never lets us just lay around does she pup?"
Freya issued a small whine.