King Liam
“Draconis!” The King yelled from his Throne room. Draconis came in almost immediately as he was waiting outside in the grand hall.
“Yes, your majesty?” he answered.
“Do you have a report on the Battle Island incident yet?” he said.
“No sire, We are still investigating. We do not know how Duke Arthur or Vice Duke Wristbane were turned. Nor how they managed to sneak a Chimera all the way into Region XI. “
“Were there any casualties?”
“No sire, Only a few scratches here and there from people running away but as far as I have been told. Collin and Ray were the only ones injured.”
“What of the pup and the gnomes? Are they ok?”
“Yes sire, all were transported back to the Goldenleaf. Ray suffered a broken collarbone and a dislocated shoulder but he has been healed. Collin and Mace were out of mana but have responded well to the mana Crystals they were given. The gnomes were uninjured. If not for the ones that came to our aid, events would have ended much differently. We should really offer them our thanks in some way.”
“Hmmm and the demon hoard was taken care of?”
“Yes, The six made it in time. They were able to seal the circle and the spawn that were able to escape have been dealt with." Draconis said.
“Where are the six now?” The king asked.
“I believe they are in Manchester waiting for Ray to come activate the next beacon. They plan to confront him, bring him to the church where the bishop is waiting.”
“Very good! Draconis you may go.” the king said
Collin
“Collin, why are we traveling to Manchester?” Ray asked. His entire right arm was in a sling and he was in a good bit of pain. The bumpy road was not helping any.
“We need to name a new Duke and Vice Duke. Activate the beacon and maybe visit the library if we have time. I have the candidates list here.” Collin replied
“Anyone stick out?” Ray asked
“I have narrowed it down to four candidates. A Victor Laprex, thirty-two years old, magically adept in Ice and Water manipulation, has spent the last fours years training the town guard. There is also a Hannah Owlsworth, twenty-nine years old, Non magically adept. She is a scholar who has worked in the library for over five years. There is a Rachel Tinsworth, forty-five years old, Priestess. She has spent most of her life in the church. And Finally, the one I think we should appoint, Caleb Deangelo, He is twenty-eight years old. He has been the assistant to the Vice Duke for nearly six years now. From what I know, he is the one that did everything. The Duke was always away at war and the Vice Duke neglected his duties. This guy has been running the show. He is a non magic user, a scholar and politician, and he is unmarried.”
“We need to meet him first before we make a decision. If all goes well, I would be fine with appointing him to Duke and Victor as Vice Duke. “ Ray said. “ How far away are we from Manchester?”
“About twenty minutes, we should be able to see the city walls here directly. Collin said, opening up the windows in the carriage.
Manchester was situated in the middle of a large clearing surrounded by agricultural fields. The marble white walls rose over a hundred feet tall and encircled three equally distant Castles. One castle was designated for the Church of the Holy light. The other was for the Duke of Manchester and the third was built in waiting for whoever became the Baron of Region XI. In the middle of the three castles were shops and stores, markets full of produce, Bread shops and one of the largest Libraries in the kingdom. The library was the centerpiece of this structured masterpiece and people from all over visited to see the beautiful marble staircase that led up to the entrance.
Ray and Collin entered the gates on foot as the carriage was transported to the holding area. They followed the crowd of thousands walking to the center of the city. They passed by large square buildings and all sorts of food stands and shops. Ray made a mental note to come back here with Adam and Jane. Jane would absolutely love the shopping. The remainder of the day went by pretty quickly. There was a council meeting held where Ray and Collin were introduced to the council members of Manchester and to each of the candidates. Ray and Collin did not want to be a Lord, a Duke, and a Baron. It would be actually impossible due to how much work that all would entail. Instead they chose to regulate the duties. They would choose a Duke and Vice Duke to take control of the city while they worked to finish their progression to Baron. Once they had become Barons, they would have to choose a new Lord for the Goldenleaf village. Ray wasn’t ready to have that conversation though. Out of all of the Candidates, the obvious choice was for Caleb to take over as Duke and Victor to become the Vice Duke. The two already had a good working relationship and seemed to be doing the job already since the originals were never around. Caleb was young, handsome, and very intelligent. He knew every aspect of the city and how it operated. He was also closer in age to Collin and Ray so they hit it off pretty quickly. He even had someone he was seeing and hoping to propose to in the next few weeks. All and all, he was the right choice and plans were made to have a coronation in a few weeks for their appointment. The next thing they did was go and activate the fifth beacon. It was located on the roof of the Baron’s castle. There was a tour of the building followed by the activation ritual.
Beacons #4 and #5 successfully activated!
All Beacons Teleported to the Baron's Castle in Manchester
Lord / Vice Lord Level 5 Achieved
+27% Control of Gridarnia Region XI (Total Regional Control 72%)
City of Manchester, Manchester fields, Simpson lake, battle Island Unlocked
Teleportation to City of Manchester, Manchester fields, Simpson lake, battle Island unlocked
Baron’s Castle unlocked
Manchester Armory unlocked
Duke and Vice Duke Personal inventory received
All Prior Duke and Vice Duke Inventory received
Regional Magifex unlocked, Control Granted to Tonya the Dungeon Core
Beacon #6 Arkadian Desert Key obtained
Shattered Key Piece 4 of 5
“Tonya, Do you have control?” Collin asked.
“Yes I have control, I am sorting through everything now. A report will be available in an hour. It appears that You and Ray are the only ones in the running for Baron. You have Majority control and one more beacon left to activate. With that information, the Magifex has bestowed you some of the rights as Baron. I will send a more detailed report to you later.” Tonya said
“Ray, go explore the city. You have never been here before. I have. I am going to go talk to Caleb a bit more about how this city works. Let’s Meet back for Dinner and try to stay out of trouble” Collin said, shooing him and Mace out the door. The Gnomes had decided to stay in The Goldenleaf Village, they were working on their new home deep inside the mountain.
Ray
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
It was about mid-day, Ray was walking down one of the streets that served food. He had completed a once over to see what all was available and had decided on a small store in the center that cooked noodles. He ordered a bowl with seasoned chicken and a cup of ice tea. The young waitress, maybe in her mid 20s, brought everything out after he had paid. She was cute, but then again most girls are. Ray had been so busy the last few years, that he never considered the possibility of dating again.
After Minh, he wasn’t sure he was even up for it. He had devoted close to seven years to that relationship, they were even to be married, but then she got sick. Ray shook himself out of it. He didn’t need to go down that road today. He finished his meal and had a nice chat with one of the locals, a man named Tom who worked in the fields. Tom gave him a run down of the city and where to go and what not to do. He even shared in some of the town’s gossip. Evidently Caleb was born and raised here. He grew up in a rich family who managed the rice plantations. He was also seeing a young girl who worked in the library. The gentleman didn’t know her name or where she was from.
Ray said his goodbyes to Tom, and headed down the street towards the shopping district, this was where clothing, armor, weapons, and even some magical items were sold. He purchased a couple of assorted knives and a new collar for Mace. He still lay sleeping in his pack. He perused a couple of more stores not finding anything he absolutely needed before stopping in a used bookstore. He skimmed the shelves looking for something interesting. He landed on “Surviving the Dunes, a incomplete guide to the Arcadia Desert Part 2” by Silvestore McGhee when he heard the bell ring and someone come in the door.
“Hey Annie!” The receptionist said.
“Hey Jill! I’m here to drop off a box. We had duplicates.” Annie said
Ray stood very still. He was hidden behind a bookshelf at the rear of the store but could hear the conversation with ease. Annie? Wait, that's right. Tim had told him she was here as an assistant. Ray started having flashbacks to when they were younger. He had also seen her at Battle island. He remembered telling Kono to get them out of there.
“Alright Jill I have to go but I will be back later this week with more. Have a nice day!” Annie said.
There was another bell ringing and she was gone. I need a better look. Ray thought and forced himself to move. He went and paid for the book before teleporting it to his pocket space and dashing out of the store. He looked left and then to the right. Where did she go? Oh! Right! She works at the library. Ray turned left and headed to the center of town. He spotted the back of her head but couldn’t get a good view. Seeing an alleyway he ducked into it and then jumped upward placing a foot on the wall to boost him upward before landing on the roof. He quickly followed her from above trying his best to not be seen. He stopped at the corner of the last shop and watched her slowly go up the staircase. She turned to talk to someone and he got a better look at her face. She was more beautiful than he ever thought was possible. It had been fifteen years since he was chased out of her life by her father. The scar was still there in his back. It was the one wound he chose to let heal on its own. He met Minh about eight years later while fighting in the war and never thought anything more about it. Annie was about five foot four in height, light brown hair and had the most piercing set of hazel eyes Ray had ever encountered. She had curves in all the right places and was carrying a satchel full of bags like they were nothing. He watched her talk to another librarian laughing and smiling and completely happy. She disappeared into the building and Ray stayed there for time, completely awestruck by her.
“Excuse me Lord Ray” a voice said from behind. Ray instantly snapped back to the present and turned slowly, one hand on the hilt of his hand and a half sword.
There were six figures in dark hoods standing there on the roof with him. Crimson and Gold trim inlay the cloak on each of them. There was a number on the left breast. One through six. Ray had never seen them before.
“Uh, hi. Is there something I can help you with?” Ray said politely.
“We need you to come with us. We need to talk.” The lead man said. He had a number one on his cloak.
“I would love to but I am actually due back to the Castle for a meeting.” Ray attempted a lie.
“Sir, the King asked us to come find you. There is something you need to know about that tattoo you have under your arm.” man number three said.
“Your cloaks are a bit similar to the Black Court guy’s that have been showing up. Are you them? Ray asked, confused.
“No sir, if anything. I think we would be considered part of the White court if there was such a thing, but we can explain all of that. The King needs you to know some things and our representative is waiting for you at the Church. Will you come with us?” The man replied.
Collin
“Tonya, Do you have the report?” Collin said.” Also show me my stat screen please.”
Name: Collin Chintzy Age: 28 Weight: 200 lbs. Height 6’ 0”
Citizenship: Affirmative
Military Status: Retired/Reserve Military Rank: Captain
Adventurer Status: Active Adventurer Rank: Master - Teacher
Health: 100% Health Rank: A Health Recovery: 20%/ Min
Mana: 100% Mana Rank: A Mana Recovery: 20%/ Min
Class:
Tri Elemental Mage
Other - Locked
Weapon Proficiency: Swords, Bow and Arrow, Daggers, Throwing Knives,
Magic Affinities
Water: E Earth: E Fire : S Air : A Void/ Dark: S (Locked) C Holy/ Light: E
Lightning: E Ice: E Plant: E Lava: E Sand: E Metal: E
Matrix - 2/3
Dungeon Core (Tonya) (Gold)
1st Matrix - Removed (All associated Class, skill, and abilities locked)
2nd Matrix - Captain (Grey) -Inactive
Titles:
Vice Baron of Gridarnia Region XI (72%) Vice Lord of The Goldenleaf Village, Vice Duke of Manchester (Temporary) Prince #2 of Gridarnia, Friend of Gnome,
Other - Locked
Bond (0/1)
Please Perform a bond ritual in order to obtain bonded familiar. Stats and information displayed here
Skills:
1. Elemental Smash Level 5
Imbue your weapon with an elemental orb to deliver the specified elemental damage to an effective area.
Up to 3 elements per attack
2. Mana Manipulation level 5
3. Elemental Manipulation level 5
4. Mana Communication level 3
5. Others- Locked
He and Caleb were sitting on one of the balconies in the Duke’s Castle overlooking the city.
“How do you use this system?” Caleb asked.
“Currently. Ray and I are the only ones who can. We are working to give some additional access to the lords of each village. It would make things a bit easier as far as communication and distribution of goods. They won’t have total control, but providing them with a limited amount of authority over their area should make things better. Once you and Victor are sworn in, we will be able to do more.” Collin explained.
“Why are you doing this? The previous Lords and Dukes never cared about any of this. What are you aiming to get out of all this extra work?” Caleb asked.
Collin looked up at Caleb. He didn’t see a smug rich prick nor did he see him as power hungry or selfish. This was a genuine question.
“Do you know what happened to the Goldenleaf?” Ray asked.
“You and Ray became the new lords. Caleb answered.
“No, I mean before that. six years ago, a dark mage came and took over the Castle that used to sit above the village. He captured and tortured the old lord, my dad, and then they began draining the village of everything. We could not get help. No one cared to help. We lost a lot of good people. Lord Ray lost his fiancé, Minh. Three years ago however, Ray tore it all down. He flatted the entire village, killed most of the mages, hundreds of demons and rescued us. He took personal responsibility and pledged to rebuild and make it better. The village chose him to be the new Lord. We then spent weeks fighting goblins, thieves and pillagers while also rebuilding. We spent three years hunting and trading with other villages who took pity on us. We never want what happened to us to happen to anyone else in this region, including Manchester. We are not doing this to gain power or money or honor or any of the usual things. We just want everyone to be healthy, safe and happy. Working together is the only way to prosper. It is the only way to keep children and mothers and old people safe. Did you know that Region XI has almost no pledges making it through the compound. We are working to change that. Ray has 5 who will be leaving in a few short months. They will be the first of many to succeed.”
“Is this Ray really that great of a person?” Caleb asked. “I mean, I saw you too fight. I was there on battle island, but is he really that great of a leader? Is he anything without this power that he received from being the Lord?”
“Ray and I currently do not have our Matrices from when we started. They were taken from us shortly after Ray slayed the Regalian Dragon and its rider. We received these two on our arm only a day before Battle Island. They took our originals because we killed a commanding officer, who was raping and killing women and children of the enemy. I know you're not magically adept, but losing a matrix is like losing the ability to walk or see. Years of training and power are all gone in a matter of seconds. There is a huge backlash that makes it nearly impossible to function. Ray spent over a year to the far south west with Minh. He walked with her people, learned their ways. He then spent another year back in the compound. He taught himself how to use mana without a matrix. He learned to master each element as they were. He helped me do the same. Before he came back, I was an unstable drunk who could barely function. He and Minh rehabilitated me. After Minh passed, he got to work. He never showed his hurt to the people. They never saw him at his worst. Once a week, he would go out into the middle of the forest, miles away from any village. He would drink himself into a frenzy and lose it. Next day he would be back to work. He always puts his people first and because of that. We would follow through the gates of hell.” Collin said.
“How am I supposed to live up to that as the Duke?: Caleb said. “How do I rule a city so large and have no magic myself.”
“You don’t try to be Ray for starters. Secondly, just do better for the people then what the prior duke and vice duke did. Do not let this authority get to you or Victor. Put the people and their needs first. Also, we will be here to help. Another twenty-eight percent and Ray will be a Baron."
“Sending a report to you now, Vice Lord” Tonya said, interrupting their conversation.
Collin skimmed over the report. It was a full breakdown of Manchester. Agriculture yield, imports, exports, surplus percentages, monthly costs and upkeep. Current contracts and treaties with other villages and the Kingdom. Total number of citizens, total number of younglings, Total number of literally any and every category. Names and roles of all people of any sort of power or authority and each shop was all listed.
“Caleb, You have been the assistant for nearly six years. In that time, The Duke was in the west fighting demons and the vice duke was in the capital competing in rigged duels. I am going to ask you a very simple set of questions. I need your honest answer. What do you want to accomplish as Duke? What do you need to accomplish this? What are the biggest issues this city is facing? What is working? What is not? Who is this mystery girl I keep hearing about and does she have a friend?" Collin asked. He poured another drink and waited for the response.