Book 3. Chapter 10: Tragedy Sparks Transformation

Book 3. Chapter 10: Tragedy Sparks Transformation

Jake headed to the medical tent drinking some mana water, passing many beastkin that looked quite happy. He could tell they were joyful about being healed, and there was a positive energy in the air from the food and the prospect of people getting ready for a fight. Jake would have to remember that these people all appreciated strength, and as such might be a bit of violent battle maniacs like his wives. Even if some of them might be a mixture of a herbivore and a human, it appeared the end result was: a potentially violent beast person.

Seeing a cute sheep woman sharpening her claws with a vicious smile on her face was an odd duality to him.

But when Jake entered the pavilion-styled tent, it was replaced with a sad atmosphere instead, and Jake could feel Bloodberris sadness peak. He looked over to Ophelia and found her drinking mana water as well. Whats going on, Ophelia?

She sighed. Things were going great, and we healed many beastkin, including children that had gotten the disease from the blighted food. It seems even this village was assaulted by the undead near the rear, and they spread the blight even inside the walls somewhat, hitting their food stores. They held off eating any as long as they could, but it was almost time for their harvest just before they got hit.

She continued, But then this woman brought her Ophelias voice then wrung in his head instead, [Dead child inside. She thought that since we were using magic, that maybe we could do something. I overheard that goat beastkin healer, it appears this child was often sick before the blight, and despite being healed just yesterday: she died this morning. Its been hours, and I told her theres nothing we could dobut Bloodberri]

Jake thought that these people were against deviating from the natural cycle, but he figured that like anywhere else, a mother losing a young child might be willing to break all traditions if it meant to bring them back. Jake approached, and overheard the mother, a rabbit beastkin, stricken with grief. There has to be something you can do! Arent you a priestess of a Goddess? My baby is dead Please!

Jake watched as Bloodberri continued to fill the child with her Holy energy, even without a spell. Jake knew that in a sense, Berri didnt really need a spell to heal, with her holy mana. It was simply more expedient, and more efficient if you werent overly skilled, to use a spell. From what he could tell, though, she was simply trying everything; grasping at straws. Jake did his best to search for the words to say to her. She was so engrossed in what she was doing that she didnt even notice his approach.

Jake knew that priestesses would eventually get this spell. If this were the game, she would already have it. But this was not a game, and their reality was that a priestess likely would not get this spell until their second Tier. Not only that, but Jake knew that normally such a spell could only target those that were initiated into the Framework. The Framework was what protected their soul and gave them the possibility that a spell could merely reconstitute their body, plus do a little extra working together with the Framework, to restore their damaged soul, and theyd be alive again.

The spell was simply too complex, and her mana was not of a high enough quality. Not only that, but the outsiders were likely now consuming the childs soul, due to them being affected by the blight caused by them. Jake did not think it was possible to resurrect this child. The body was already healed, but the soul was gone, he thought.

You! Youre the Champion of that Goddess, arent you? Please! Help my baby The mother entreated.

Bloodberris attention snapped to Jake, and she stopped her attempted healing of the child. Jake! I She hesitated. I really want to save this child, is there nothing we can do? She just looks so cute, just look at those fluffy ears! I was going to take all the kids and teach them to play baseball, and Blood was looking forward to seeing them train and fight one day! But now Tears filled her eyes, and she was sniffling. She gave Jake a pleading look, and he knew Blood was talking to Berri in their mind. We even could have come last night, and this wouldnt have happened. We were having fun, but this child Please, Jake, just try. I know its unreasonable

Emotions really are a double-edged sword. Jake had taught her to care for others, and while she had always been partial to kids, its because of Jakes choices for her that she was in such pain now. If he left the two girls mindset as that of a monster, she wouldnt be so distraught right now, likely moving on to the next person that needed healing since he had asked her to heal. But while she was in pain now, Jake was proud of how far she had come. As early as next week, she could be playing ball with these kids, and he just couldnt wait to see the smile on her face. But now, even his eyes were starting to tear up.

Of course, there was no way that he would say no to trying, no way hed say no to her pleading eyes like that. Ill try my best.

Jake had doubts he could do anything, of course, but he would give his all. His best was pretty good, in his opinion. He looked over the child with [Arcane Eye]. The child couldnt have been any older than four or five years old, and Bloodberris assessment was entirely correct: this child was very cute. She had cute white rabbit ears atop her head, and bobbed cut short white hair. Even if her nose was like that of a humans, it was still a small button nose that almost looked like a rabbits somehow.

And Jake could tell that she had a fluffy rabbit tail, even though she was lying on her back, thanks to his [Arcane Eye]. Jake inspected her Auril Heart, which was where the beastkins metaphysical doorway to their soul lay. There, it was a bit murkier than he expected, and he almost thought the details looked similar to Alisaras, where it was being obscured. He inspected it closer than he ever did a corpse, but really, he couldnt find any hints or details that he thought could help him.

Jake knew that if there was really anything he could do, it was with the Divine Energy, welled up inside his vessel. But there were some problems: first, he spent nearly all of it. To some extent he lamented using it, but he knew that was a foolish thought.

By showing the power of the Goddess in front of those tens of thousands of people at Kenwodi, he probably saved dozens, if not hundreds of people. This was not even including the people that Hestia directly healed on the brink of death, but by people being inspired and integrating into the Framework, or joining Jakes guild that wouldnt have otherwise.

The flames of the goddess stirred the beastkins hearts, literally, and he knew after meeting with the elders, that hundreds were already sending their prayers and thanks over to the goddess herself.

This one child could not compare, but he still thought him and his girls could have defeated that bone dragon along with the Necromancer without using it. Now, he had less than ten percent of the energy left, and performing such a major miracle he knew cost a lot more than that. This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

The second issue was, even if he had a lot, just what could he do with it? He had practiced a lot with the Divine Energy back at their Refuge, and he could barely push with brute force in a meaningful way. Just how could he resurrect someone with it? Jake decided that gaining information was the best way to start.

He reached into his core, and latched on to where this Divine energy was kept. Like when he did the daring shield as he was teleported, he formed a path of Hearthfire up from his core, to his eyes. He did his best to focus and move the Divine energy to this area, monitoring the beastkin girl at the same time. Really, when moving the divine energy, he felt like he was back at Mana Control level 1. The movement of the energy was sluggish, and he felt like a child clumsily playing with molding clay.

For a brief moment, he saw a glimpse of something, perhaps something he shouldnt have been able to see at all, before the small amount of Divine Energy he set in his eyes ran out. He saw what he thought was the childs soul, and it was wrapped by a wicked looking tentacle, leading up into the sky. It was the outsiders, and they had a hold on her soul.

Of course, Jake had only seen it for a brief moment, but he guessed that her soul was sort of still present in the body, otherwise, just what were the eldritch beings grabbing? This meant that he just now learned that there are two problems: the spell that would actually heal the body and soul, but also beating off the outsiders. Was the latter even possible?

Any help from you, Ira? Can you do anything?

Ira stirred, and Jake thought he got nothing but a blank stare from the creature. Apparently, this was way out of Iras league, and even asking the Tier 0 creature was silly.

[Divine Energy Manipulation Lv. 1]

Jake had finally received a level of Divine energy manipulation, when he had tried nearly everything the past several weeks to earn it, so if nothing else, there was something good gained from this. He had thought Champion magic should cover this, but understood that this special energy sat in a class of its own. While champion magic used divine energy, it was like a watered down version of mana mixed with a tiny amount of the energy of the gods, and Hestias was flavored more towards holy flames. The divine energy was the energy of the gods in its purest form, that was available to Jake at this tier.

Still, he would try. He formed runes out of his Hearthfire, creating the largest runic healing spell that he could, while also focusing on the [Advanced Purifying Flames] passive skill, which could carry the purifying flames of the goddess into heals. He even tried to push the more pure divine energy to the ability, but he really couldnt tell if he was successful. Moving the energy, while it was easier now that he had the skill, it still moved sluggishly and didnt appear to move to his desires.

The runes lit up the air, and brilliant healing energy in a bright light cascaded onto the girl, causing the surrounding people to gasp. Jake had even targeted where he saw the tentacle as best he could.

He took a look at it again using the same method he had previously, and it took him a while to even reproduce his feat. Eventually, though, he spotted a glimpse of what he had seen previously: and if anything, it looked worse now. Perhaps, he had just given the outsiders a meal, or maybe it was redoubling its efforts as his spell had some sort of effect. He didnt know, but still, he knew he had used enough of the energy that not enough would be left to do anything meaningful.

Im sorry, Bloodberri. I think its beyond us at our Tier. If anyone could do it, though, its supposed to be you.

Finally, is it wrong for me to want to help my future Champion? I may be a Mother of Monsters, but I can see your desires are strong and pure. Saving this child might have little profit, but making you happy makes me pleased as well. Highlands represents many opportunities, for you as my champion, and even the inhabitants as potential worshipers, as well as moving forward earnestly with the other gods and goddesses in this pantheon Hestia and Odin are forming.

Blood and Berri both checked their bond with Jake, and found him to be unresponsive, even if it was present.

Blood asked, Why cant we reach Jake? Even the Champion before couldnt stop our bond.

Echidna said, Your bond is truly special, and it is there. But for Jake, his time is frozen.

Blood didnt like this. It was like she was forcing them to accept this deal, and while it would save this child, it would be a foolish trade.

Blood asked, So to be clear, youll answer our prayer to become your Champion and resurrect this child, as long as we accept your influence over our Racial Evolution?

To be more clear, I will give you the ability to resurrect this child, and others including that husband of yours, should you accept. It is only barely possible, thanks to your husband being sopersistent in his preparations. He crammed you so full of spells and training, that there is barely enough room in your minds and monstrous twin-souls. Just why do you have [Drain]? Thats simply overkill, you can already heal by hitting people with your mace and wicked armor, healing yourself directly with holy magic, using runic magic, or once again hitting people with your mace in a holy explosion. What need do you have for draining the life force from enemies in order to heal yourself? Have you even used it?

Blood was relieved that there was some utility to be gained, being able to resurrect their sisters or their husband as well. Blood blushed at Echidnas implication. I wanted a ranged attack at that time, so I had Berri ask him for a ranged spell that allowed me to heal us too Also, he said something about a life tap ability

Echidna stared at them blankly. A sacrificial spell? Tell him that less is more, if he keeps adding every spell under the sun, there wont be any room for us Goddesses to add anything. The spell will be quite unconventional, and its only because of your unique status as a twin-souled, monstrous being of holy light and dark that this is even possible. Not only that, but it will lock in your level twenty specialization now, granting it a little early. This is a one in a trillion spell here. Will you take it?

Blood asked, What specialization?

All Framework classes receive a specialization choice at level 20, preparing them for their Class Advancement at level 25. It both limits and specializes the choices. Your choices were going to be to specialize your class, though others could get different choices, such as for their spells or melee abilities, rather than just class focuses, depending. Your choices were going to be to specialize your Priestess class towards: [Monstrous], [Holy Light], [Dark], or [Duality]. This would lock in [Duality], which focuses on your both light and dark nature, and their ability to be combined for more power. While I might enjoy the first choice, I think we can all agree that this was what you two would have chosen?

Bloodberri nodded being able to review the choices, as while [Monstrous] sounded good, what they noticed in fighting Ophelia and Fhesiah truly made them special was the two of them in one body and their magic together. Sure, their large body was powerful and massive, but there were many ways to counter a large enemy, it was truly their magics combined with that which made them genuinely difficult to deal with.

While [Monstrous] would make their body more powerful, it would actually make the one not driving the body potentially more useless than any of the other three options.

Blood asked, If we say no to your influence, will you still offer us to be your champion?

Echidna sighed. I will. I will be hurt, because its proof that you dont trust me when I say this choice is not only in your best interest, but you and your family will be glad you made it. I know this choice is within your desires, so to decline shows that this is the case. That does not make for a good working relationship.

She continued, However, I firmly believe you are and will be a great Champion for me, and this world of Highlands a great place for me to gain potential followers that resonate well with me. I already gave my Oath for the tasks, the best I can offer is that I promise you will be happy with our deal, even if Jake will be a little upset with all of us, at first. I should remind you that if you can have children quicker, it means the time that you cant fight at Jakes side when having them is much less.

Blood and Berri thought together in their minds. Of course, Blood and Berri wanted to save this girl, and many others. Blood wanted powerful children, and Berri wanted many beautiful children. Wouldnt Jake call this a win-win? As far as him being mad, they were just skipping to the end. They knew Jake would give them what they wanted, eventually. They both loved the idea of having the beautiful monsters they saw as their children, instead of dark lamia that they now despised.

Also, didnt Fhesiah always saywhat was it again? When it came to Jakes best interests, it was better to ask forgiveness, than permission? Something like that? Also, wasnt it their body, their right to decide? They could put it to a vote, and its already two votes against one!

They were going to become a Champion anyway, and they would get babies from him anyway. So what if they would be a little monstrous, they were monstrous too! Besides, them being a Champion now would be helpful immediately, them being better able to protect and help Jake. Also, doesnt Echidna have wings? Even if Jake could fly, wouldnt she be able to remain his mount if she could fly too? They reached consensus, and gave their answer.

We accept.

Echidna smiled, and a small spark flew from her hand and into Bloodberris chest. While the two of them felt like a raging beast roared in their body, they also felt the love and desire of a mother, wanting her child to become successful.

Goodbye, child. Fight for your family and others under Hestias banner, and temper yourselves and your children against your enemies. Struggle, overcome adversity to grow and reach the apex, in order to find true victory.

Echidnas Divine Spark entered Bloodberri, merging with the physical Hearthcore and the two souls. As Berris was already empowered by Hestia and by her birth, a small majority of the empowerment went to Bloods dark attuned soul, making it Holy Dark. Now, the two souls were truly in balance.

Bloodberri disappeared from the clearing, and Echidnas smile was beaming. She spoke to one of her children, a giant three-headed dog, with a plated back and tail like an ankylosaur. I cant believe that deal I made with those crazy dark elves is really going to pay off like this. To think theyd fuck everything up on their side, and that spark would come back to me instead, but better Its like my daughter has returned to me after being married to a scumbag against my wishes, professing that she learned her lesson and would listen to mommy now. Its a wonderful feeling, I will treasure it for all time.

The dog heads all barked in reply repeatedly, their barks of derision shaking the valley.

Echidna scoffed. You dont think Jakes children will be that big of a deal, since hes only a mere human?

She snorted. That Odin would pull wool over the eyes of the entire universe, if it meant winning this war against Tartarus while staying true to himself. Either way, Jake wont be only a mere human for much longer, if its already not the case now. Youre just jealous that woman talked him out of the beast path.

She continued, Regarding having powerful children, Its not like I didnt have any other offers. But Tartarus and those evil gods are losers, getting stuck in this trap of a game those gods concocted. I dont want a losers children, nor those evil beast gods, so focused on only savagery and terror. Besides, I know that Tartarus is like a machine that would say or do anything to get what it wants. Even if it would promise to give me wonderful, powerful children: it wouldnt last, its promises merely a lie to get me to accept, only to be eaten later. Eventually, wed all be eaten just the same, even my astounding children. Still, she smirked, maybe I would be just a little bit more desperate if those two said no.

The dogs all sneeringly barked some more in reply. You might have helped him in those fights, but it wasnt necessary. You three were just bored and trying to have fun, and you know it. We had to use this glade for this meeting because you destroyed half the other one fighting over who would drive that stupid badgerdillo or otter next. The dogs all blushed, and Echidna chuckled. Oh, so I was on the mark about the jealousy, wasnt I? Does someone have a crush? They all barked in anger, their denial echoing through the valley, before they ran off into the glade.

Echidna shook her head at her daughters antics. I think even if Jake himself wasnt that special, and he is, his women certainly are, and by extension: he will be, too. I just made that especially true, didnt I? It would have cost more to tell them the truth: that this bargain was more for them than it was for me. Just like Hestia could influence her champions evolution, I could influence mine. I didnt even have to tell them. This way, it was their choice. If I told them that they need this strength for what is to come, the Price would have been too significant.

Echidna summoned a mirror, the view showing hundreds of worlds, including the world of Highlands. She focused her gaze on it with a smile. I cant wait to see what happens next.