Book 3. Chapter 5: The Race Begins

Book 3. Chapter 5: The Race Begins

Jake and Ophelia hastily formed runes of fire, and merged them into a single formation of runic phrases. They coalesced and formed into a giant spear of flame, and shot it at their target: a giant gelatinous blob.

It lit aflame and screamed, or rather warbled in agony, and Bloodberris upper bodys runes lit up, along with her [Mace of Hestia] attack lighting her up even further. At the top of her giant maul, Jakes [Aura of Heavenly Flames] coalesced, lighting it with Hestias Holy fire. She blurred towards the creature that was actually larger than her, and smashed it into the already agonized blob like she was going for another home run.

When the maul hit the creature, it was like a bomb went off. It was a localized one, and it exploded from Bloodberris maul, into and through the creature. A large hole went straight through the core of the creature, and it fell apart into a large puddle rapidly, dead.

Rift Closed.

Contribution Points Earned: 1543

When Jake, Ophelia, and Bloodberri arrived at the first rift and started to clean up the enemies, they quickly realized that they likely would not require Fhesiahs help, at least for the first. She would miss out on the kill energy granted by closing the rifts, but her work was paramount. Both for the beastkin, but also her personal progression. By mastering these alchemical skills, she could likely improve on her own creation of pills with the Frameworks aid.

They were skeletons, including many archers and mages, and strange bone-constructs that Jake bet even the ranged attacks of the beastkin would not be very effective. This made it easy for the three to completely dominate the enemies, their spells perfectly tailored for destroying the creatures. Since it wasnt a Necromancer, they were even able to loot everything. Every Credit counted, now that they were fighting a war.

When they arrived at the blobs, they realized that they once again didnt really need her help, and Jake was definitely noticing a pattern. [Tartarus] had certainly chosen creatures that would be good against the beastkin who lacked magic. He bet that the blobs would have been nearly impossible to be killed without any awakened warriors, and to strike at the core of the boss creature with melee attacks alone even with them would have been very challenging. At the same time, even the not so great mages of Ariminium would have had no problem with the creature.

But for Jake and Ophelia, the creatures were a bit of a joke. Bloodberri would have felt a bit useless against the smaller ones, but Jakes aura helped out, allowing even slices of her serrated tail to trigger the effect. She swayed through the field of blobs without a care, causing miniature explosions of holy fire to blast the blobs that tried to attack her or that she targeted.

Jake was quite surprised at the ability, as it was the second ability of his that truly felt gamelike. Almost all the magic he had learned followed what Jake would consider a sort of equivalent exchange: magic or spells followed rules, on the most basic level. Doing something costs mana, and something could not be gained for nothing. You could get better at using spells, or the Framework might assist or otherwise help empower the spells, but this appeared to be a fundamental truth to Jake.

What Jake would expect for how the Aura should work based on that, would be that every time an explosion was triggered, Jakes mana should be drained an appropriate amount to cause the effect. Something was happening each time an attack was blocked, or his allies made an attack, so shouldnt that cost mana?

But it didnt. It only cost him an amount of mana to maintain the effect, other than the radius of his aura. Whether his Aura covered a hundred or a thousand people, all attacking and defending, it didnt cost him more or less to maintain. Even Jakes other buff spells, except for one, followed this same rule, for the most part. Jake had felt that the mana cost for buffing the badgerdillo instead of his girls was certainly lower.

Thanks to this fact, once again, Jake really had no reason not to keep his Aura of Heavenly Flames active at all times. It drained his mana regeneration, but he had that in spades. Between the three girls now sending him energy, he hardly noticed the difference surrounding his party when they were near.

Divine Reinforcement was different, as well. Unlike the Einherjar weight lifting example, it affected Bloodberri just as much as Fhesiah or Ophelia, for all the same cost; it simply made them 54% better at everything, well, 67.5% now, at Champion Magic level 2 with his buffing specialization. This defied what Jake considered the usual rules from what hed seen, and he guessed it had to do with their divine nature. He could now see why Hestia wanted to put as much budget into a divine spell, rather than several of a lesser quality for his class, his template.

They had now cleared a path to a village, but after having Ira check it and make sure it wasnt in danger, they head off to clear the next rift instead. Jake wasnt sure how long it would take for Tartarus to change the rift up, or mount a major attack on the nearby village. Time was of the essence, as it was getting kind of late in the evening, and he knew the feast was about to begin; he could always recruit later.

Before they left, they had one more task that they gave out to their new guild members. Ophelia purchased what Jake learned were called censers, that used magical holy incense to release a billowing smoke. This smoke would then remove the taint that Tanda was concerned with. They focused on their few avian beastkin teaming up with other members, to scout the area and ensure they werent attacked. This was primarily a test, to see if they could easily counter the blight with T0 items.

He communicated with Tanda, letting her know that two rifts were already closed, and wondering when her assault would be.

You already closed two rifts? Were going to assault ours shortly. Still, you got there pretty fast, did that shield fly you the whole way somehow?

Jake just wryly smiled at the fact that she was quite aware of how he was flying, the shield dragging him through the air. He replied, The shields flight is a little less permanent than we need. Im riding on Bloodberri.

Tanda paused. Youre riding your mate?

Jake almost felt embarrassed at the jab, but realized he wasnt anymore. Bloodberri was an amazing mount. He decided to take a line from Fhesiah. Ill do that later. Right now, Im riding in a basket on Bloodberris back and closing rifts.

Thatthat was a joke? Tanda laughed. Not bad, Champion. Ill update you once weve closed ours, and we will bring the node out to the village here.

Tanda ended their side of the communication, and Jake noticed Bloodberri was acting a little strange over their bond. What is it?

Berri blushed, and turned to look sort of towards Jake with upturned eyes, which was hard given how he was riding on her back. But she held a shoulder of the strap for the basket, allowing her to impossibly twist her torso around and still accomplish this. Well, you said you would ride me laterdid you mean that?

Jake groaned. Now it was like he had to pay for his joke. It wasnt her night, though, so

Its okay, Jake. You can take care of her needs before mine, but Id like you to make it up to me.

Jake narrowed his eyes in suspicion at Ophelia. This one was learning a bit too much from Fhesiah, he thought. Just what was there to be made up for, this one was merely taking advantage!

[What was that rude thought, Jake? Would you rather tell the poor snake girl that shed have to wait for her night, after looking at her cute, puppy-but-snake eyes? Still, it has nothing to do with taking advantage. I want my time with you just as much as she does, you know.]

Ophelia and Jake were also waiting near where they would flee. They mopped the rest of them up in short order, and the Rift was completed.

Rift Closed.

Contribution Points Earned: 1435

That was the final rift Jake had marked for the day, and for all of them they hadnt felt a need to call Fhesiah. This one had spawned on the plateau where the second village was, so Jake realized they really showed up just in time before it would be assaulted, or what might have been a major loss of life for them.

Jake had Ira check the village to see if they were in danger, them being able to teleport themselves over small distances rapidly. Ira was larger now, but still not at the level where they could kill anything at Tier 1, or assist them in fighting. It would be quite some time before Ira reached Tier 1, despite absorbing large amounts of energy in his hearth, even in their Refuge. Jake may need to find other ways to grow them, as they were not keeping up with their partys growth, as far as Jake could tell. He knew it would normally be hundreds of years with the creature exploring the void before it might grow up, but had hoped his hearth would move the creature forward with his ideal conditions.

Ira returned after just a few moments, and gave Jake the feeling that there was a proper guard and the village seemed fine for the time being, as he was sent a feeling of vigilance. Jake decided to use his portal here, and to return to visit the village for recruitment tomorrow. No doubt it would be safe to portal back where he had won back the conquest map, but he could also check the conquest map prior.

It took a minute because he was not near town, but eventually the portal opened, and they entered their refuge and started getting cleaned up, finding out Fhesiah was there. She was wearing the clothing of the natives, though she had definitely picked one of the least conservative outfits he had seen. Jake saw that her firm breasts were wrapped tightly in what looked like a red beast leather sports bra with a wrap around her neck and back, and her navel exposed. She had a red skirt that went barely passed her thighs, though he could see she had some sort of tight leather shorts underneath, showing off the tightness of her ass. It also covered the area around her tail, that would otherwise lift her skirt slightly in the back. She had some gold-colored paint drawn on most of her exposed skin, and Jake thought it looked like Celtic patterns.

Have fun without me? Here, I got these clothes for you. Apparently, your Tribal Council membership was officially approved, so you get to wear this headdress, too.

Jake looked over what she held up, and found it to be red tanned leather clothing. The same lions mane of a strong golden color, with beaded black feathers laced inside. He started putting the clothing on, finding that his midriff was exposed, showing off his abs. The shirt was also like that of an a-shirt, so his muscular arms were exposed as well. The outfit was complete with a pair of something like shorts with no shoes, like the beastkin, as their often digitigrade clawed feet, or hoofed feet, would not benefit much from wearing shoes, he guessed. Fhesiah dropped a sort of sandals for him to wear, having thought of this, too.

Ophelia and Bloodberri were getting ready in outfits similar to Fhesiahs. Fhesiah wolf-whistled, and approached with some golden finger-paint, Jake guessed the same that she had used on herself. She said, Your body is really becoming something special, husband. Maybe we do have some time to sneak away for a minute or twenty? Though, I do look forward to seeing how these people party.

Ophelia added, I wonder what these Auril Beasts will taste like? Think they will have any of that available?

Jake thought there should definitely be some of that, though he might have supplied a fair portion of the food for the same feast they would ultimately be eating at.

Oh! I wonder what kind of games the kids will play? There will be kids there, right, Jake?

Jake smiled at Berri. I think so. They are family-oriented, so they should be a part of the celebration. Not only that, but they deserve to celebrate just as much as the adults, as they even helped fighting in the ways they could.

Bloodberri now had a red massive sports bra and skirt, along with Ophelia. They both looked absolutely stunning to him. Fhesiah started adding some gold body-paint to each of them, but after they caught on to the method or theme, they helped get the group of them painted up, including Jake. The paint felt warm on his skin, and he realized it must contain small amounts of life force in it.

Painting completed, Fhesiah handed him four beaded, toothed, clawed, and feathered necklaces. Jake noticed that the feathers and beads chosen were of a red and gold motif.

Jake said, These are?

Fhesiah said, These are necklaces worn by the women. Specifically, by those who already have a mate. If you see a woman wearing one, to approach and flirt with her is seen very negatively; youll be seen as a homewrecker, a destroyer of families and looked on in disdain. Their mate might even challenge you to an honor duel, and even if you win, it will be like you lost in the eyes of the tribe.

This is how the younger males know which women are available, to challenge to courtship duels for forming their clans. The men dont really wear them, but may wear some adornments on bracers or other clothing to show their number of mates, and other symbolism. We girls will need to work on your adornments, but this was the best I could do with such short notice.

Jake nodded, and sensing what Fhesiah had in mind, placed it over Fhesiahs head and onto her neck next to her other necklace. Jake had eventually managed to make a necklace for all four of them, including himself, though the effect on the smaller necklaces wasnt nearly as significant as Bloodberris. They were more or less the same, only having the girls or Jakes color as the primary heart in the center. Instead of a barrier, it merely provided only the emergency healing portion of the effect, should it detect their life in danger.

Jake kissed her, and moved on to place the next necklace around Ophelias neck, doing the same. Jake launched himself up onto a runic platform to do the same for Bloodberri, putting two around her neck and kissing her.

Blood said, Milord, that was certainly a lordly entrance. I think I will treasure for all time, our husbands grand entrance on Highlands. I definitely want to reward my Lord for fulfilling my desires at his earliest convenience.

Jake was a little proud of how things played out, but he chuckled. Your entrance was just as grand, you know. I know you are a little sour about me not riding on you, Berri, but you really helped take the burden off the beastkin while I addressed them. I couldnt have done it without you.

Berris feelings were mixed. While she was proud about what she accomplished, and she took out some of her frustrations on the skeletal army, she would have enjoyed her Lords entrance riding on her back much more.

Ophelia added, You were very heroic, Jake! Blood is right. We wanted you to come in big like the champion we knew you were, and you really delivered. Thanks, Jake.

Fhesiah wrapped her body around Jake, caressing his abs and licking her lips. Whyd you have to remind me of that? Now we need at least an hour or two before we can join the party! She grabbed his hand, and started pulling him towards the bedroom, but Jake resisted. He could tell she was half-joking. She smiled, and Jake could tell that while she was jesting, she was immensely proud of what Jake had done.

He stepped back and looked at his girls, and his heart swelled with pride. All their hearths flickered in intensity, and he could tell that their feelings were mutual; they looked at him with affection, excited for what the future would bring. I couldnt have done it without you girls. You all make me want to be better, to work hard and fulfil all our dreams. He looked at their necklaces. I definitely want to make sure everyone knows that youre all mine, even if they should already know. You girls are all amazing. Were going to kick Tartarus out of this place, and make it our home. Lets go have some fun. Weve all earned it.

Berri cheered along with Ophelia, and they went through the portal in their refuge back to the Alliance HQ.