Chapter Three

Fred ended up making us some coffee before we got down to the discussion. He seemed very happy; Jackson guessed being an enchanter was a big deal for him. Fred clapped his hands together after Jackson took a sip of the delicious dark liquid from the wooden mug.

“So then, I suppose you should hear why I am so surprised that you have that enchanting skill, lad. Do you know anything about skills?”

Jackson shook his head.

“Honestly, I know next to nothing. That black-robed old man, Abbaddon, told us zilch, really. Basically, I just said this book would unlock our Domains, which would unlock our skills and then our class. That was pretty much it.”

Fred nodded as if he expected that answer.

“The trouble is where to start. I suppose I'm just going to give you the basics, and you'll learn as you go. What you have to understand is that your Domain is the source of everything. It determines your base attributes, your skills, all of it, boy.”

So that place where a river of blood ran through that nothingness inside him—that was where it all came from? That was almost weird to consider, given that he had never known it was there before. Or did he? Jackson couldn't remember anything about his past self, but some things were instinctual. Clearly, some knowledge was there, ingrained within him.

“I don't even understand what Domains really are. Yet all of this stuff... it all comes from there, this place inside me.”

Fred nodded.

“Yes, all of it. Domains are the manifestation of your spirit, the sum total of everything you are. When Domains are unlocked, they manifest skills that resonate with you. The Judge can grant you skills through various means, including skill books, but that's adding to your Domain. Enchanting, it's…”

Fred trailed off, thinking. He fingered one of his tusks,

“Sorry, I sometimes forget the right words. Enchanting is rare because it isn't often a granted skill; it almost always has to come from within, from the Domain and of all the skills that resonate within people, enchanting tends to not be one of them. Why would it be? It is simply natural that many, many people would be more suited to more mundane things. Such as myself.”

Fred clapped a hand to his impressive chest, a solid slapping sound echoing around the tent.

“I'm a smith, and I was good with a hammer. The Judge generated the Smith Class for me nearly a decade ago. I have been honing my class ever since.”

Jackson shook his head in thought, wondering. It almost seemed unfair, and he said so to Fred. He laughed,

“Of course it is! But when has life ever been fair, lad? Some people are good at some things, and some are good at others. That doesn't mean you can't forge your own path; the Judge recognizes practice and training, and he often awards other skills, though those skills are most often tailored to you or any companions you may have. People often don't take the practice route, though. It's hard and long, and people most often choose to stick with what they are already good at. The Judge simply prefers people stick to progressing what already aligns with their inner selves.”

Jackson rubbed his face; more questions were on his mind.

“Okay, so who is this Judge I keep hearing about?”

Fred waved a hand to encompass everything.

“The Judge is the soul of the Eden Tree, its avatar. Or some often refer to the Judge as the Domain of the Eden Tree. Scholars often study him. He simply is. Questioning him would be like questioning water or the sky. He just is, and I am but a simple smith; it's enough for me.”

Jackson rubbed his jaw and nodded. He felt close to the same about it. He just couldn't see spending a lot of thought on something he couldn't do anything about, even if he did figure out all of the mystery surrounding it.

“So, how do I advance this Domain, or everything, really? I have gained a couple of levels, but that's it.”

Fred nodded his head and poked at a tusk.

“Well, you'll have already earned some attribute points then.” Fred paused as he noticed my quizzical expression.

“You did check your attribute gains, did you not, lad?”

Jackson shook his head.

“I had no idea I gained any. It just said I gained levels.”

Fred laughed again and slapped his hands.

“I know I call you lad, lad, but you do have a mind of your own, and you seem old enough for a human. The Judge isn't always going to inform you of every little thing; he may seem like a mindless system, but he is not. He is very real, has a mind of his own, and will choose to tell you things in the way he chooses to, or not. Sometimes that's based on your attributes, though sometimes it's just what the Judge decides. At every level, you gain one attribute point. As to how to progress in your Domain, well, that's where skills and weaves shine. The higher your skill level, the higher your weave; all of that influences your Domain and progresses it. At a certain point, it will level, and that in turn will affect how many skills you can learn and how far you can progress. There is more to it than that, but it is not something I can go into.”

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

Jackson blinked at him, concerned about his sudden shift to being closed-mouthed.

“Why not?” Jackson questioned. Fred shrugged his massive shoulders.

“Because I don't know how. I have been stuck for a while. My smithing skill is at a high level, but I can't progress it any further. I don't know why. I am hoping that it has to do with what I make—challenging myself. To do that, I have to make something truly amazing, and I don't think I can unless enchanting is involved.”

Understanding bloomed within Jackson’s mind.

“That's why you're telling me all of this!” He exclaimed. Fred smiled, his eyes twinkling.

“Well, I certainly wasn't doing it out of the kindness of my heart. I said we could help each other, and I meant it. Here is what I propose, lad. I will help you with the theory behind enchanting; I know a lot about it due to my suspicion that I need it to progress, and I will kit you out with some basic-level equipment. I will also provide you with enchanting resources. In exchange, you give me a few days of your time and help me enchant some items. What do you say, lad?”

Jackson leaned back, considering. The truth was that he smelled an opportunity here. He could get more out of this deal. But what should he ask for? He needed to know more.

“How are you here?” Jackson asked.

Fred looked puzzled.

“What do you mean?”

Jackson waved a hand.

“Here. In the dungeon, I mean. Abaddon said there would be a bazaar here, but obviously this isn't where you live or anything.”

Fred nodded slowly, clearly wondering what direction this was taking.

“Well, we got an invitation to come here. The Shadow faction is large and well known, and we were told new players would be here in the dungeon. It's an opportunity, as dungeons always offer good rewards. There's no telling what you might find. The fact that you have the enchanting skill is a good example, now that I think of it. That's the kind of thing that comes with new players.”

Jackson’s voice became slightly harsh, his face growing tight.

“Did you know Abbaddon is essentially holding us hostage? Making us go after this orb at the end of the dungeon. He says, If we don't get it, he'll kill us!”

Jackson delivered the last bit with a slight yell. Fred held up his hands placatingly.

“I did not know. I just knew a lot of new players would be here. It doesn't matter though, lad; Abbaddon can't kill you.”

Jackson blinked at him.

“What do you mean he can't kill me? He did something to us; I'll tell you that. I felt like we were being crushed with fear, and these nightmare whispers were in my ear.”

Fred sighed.

“That was probably his spirit. Yes, lad, I can see you are wondering what spirit is, but I can't explain every little thing. You'll get there. Let's explain what matters. Abbaddon cannot kill you because the Judge prevents him. He is the Shadow Celestial, and Celestials cannot harm non-Celestials. That doesn't mean he can't send people after you; he can, but trust me, he can't outright kill you. The Judge won't allow it.”

Jackson chewed on his inner cheek. Abaddon had lied. Or at least they did not tell the whole truth. What else could he have been lying about?

Jackson let out a breath.

“Okay then. That brings more questions to mind, but I'll save those for now. Surely you have a main shop somewhere.”

Jackson made it more of a statement than a question.

“Yes, I do have a main shop. It's in Aetherius, and before you ask, Aetherius is considered to be the capital city of Eden; it is underneath what is considered to be the largest portion of the Eden Tree that we have discovered in all the realms. Why do you ask?”

Jackson rubbed his hands, anticipating what he would say next.

“Because I want to be a part owner. You say you need enchanting? How about making me your exclusive enchanter? I’ll enchant the equipment, items, whatever, and in exchange, I get an even split of all the profits as well as everything you just listed.”

Frederick simply gaped at him, then shook his head. A sinking feeling developed in the pit of Jackson’s stomach. Was he going to say no?

“Before I respond to that, lad, I should tell you about the Enchanters Guild.”

“Yes…?” He questioned.

“Well, it doesn’t like rogue enchanters. See, they try to get every enchanter to work with them eventually, and if you make this sort of deal with me, it’s bound to anger them. My original deal is a short-term thing, lad. A longer-term partnership, particularly how you’re suggesting it, well now, that would get their goat if you get my meaning.”

Jackson did get it. It did give him some pause, but honestly, he didn’t know anyone in that guild and likely would not meet any of them in this dungeon. Or if he did, he didn’t care much. Jackson trusted Fred; he had been forthright with him and took an interest when he appeared, something no one else did. He said as much to Fred and added,

“Besides, what fun would the world be if you didn’t make a few enemies?”

Fred laughed and slapped his knee.

“Very true, lad, very true indeed. Very well then, let us make it official, shall we?”

Frederick, level 199 Smith has offered you a partnership in his business, Catalyst Forge, and the terms are the following: You will assist him in enchanting equipment, items, and weapons when it is reasonable, and in return, he will give you the equipment, items, and weapons you ask for within reason or on favorable terms. He will also offer you reasonable aid, and you will receive 50 percent of all profits going forward from this point. Do you accept this partnership?

Jackson did, gladly giving his answer to the Judge.

Congratulations! You have entered into a partnership with Frederick!

Jackson grinned and slapped his palm into Frederick's, not caring how much larger his hand was than his.

“I think this is going to be the start of a beautiful partnership, Fred. Now then, let’s get enchanting, shall we?”

Fred’s answering grin was all he needed to see.