Book 4. Chapter 10: Administrative Clan

Book 4. Chapter 10: Administrative Clan

Jake was surprised that undead would be interested in joining his guild, their race called the emberborn.

He said, Those willing to stand in defense of families are more than welcome to join, Bedwyr. I guess nows as good a time as any. Ill let you hear about my guild first, to make sure theres nothing to change your mind.

Jake made sure all beastkin could hear, even those in the other plaza that were working on cleaning up and resurrecting allies. He gave his speech about his guild, and clearly all those involved in the recapture and resurrected were already initiated into the Framework.

The Emberborn joined, the Asian-style dressed people already a part of [Warriors Brotherhood].

Jake learned more about the Emberborn using the wiki. It appeared that they were powered by deathly energies, their bodies, and souls, being attuned to death. Jake just stared almost impassively as he read that the almost-human-looking women would procreate with the more skeletal men, just like humans did.

Not all the women wore veils, and he thought their skin was closer to the ghouls they fought than humans. It was pale and pulled tightly, their bones showing slightly through their flesh, like a malnourished person. The dullahan-man apparently had similar skin on his actual body, Jake just couldnt see it under his armor.

Some beastkin joined Hearthtribe too, even Seamus. Most planned on fighting in the war effort, their goal to simply win back Highlands and come to the aid of their brethren.

He said, I was skeptical of joining the Framework before, but I was visited by Lugh when I visited his shrine here. He had some compelling arguments, allowing me to continue to fight and protect life forevermore. That I can see my niece once more makes me happy that I did. I even became a paladin of Lugh. What of Timone and Dahlia?

Tandas ears were flat atop her head I think they died after this HQ was captured, so perhaps it might be a little longer before they show up, or they might show up at the other Node at Harmony Peaks. I had hoped to see them here.

Do not fret, Tanda. Im sure they are fine, or if they didnt make it, it was the will of the world.

Rookard and Vesuvius arrived in the plaza, causing Seamus to shout once more. Rookard! So glad to see you, my friend! Why, you look better than ever!

Rookard laughed. Im getting used to it. I am so grateful I can see you too, Seamus. I was worried wed lost one of the best of us when I heard the news. My heart sings with joy, knowing that your song remains among us.

Seamus looked meaningfully at Vesuvius, and he looked worried once more at meeting a tribal elder of those that fought against his people. He still gave the beastkins greeting to Seamus.

Seamus stared into him, a pregnant pause, once more. He laughed, and returned the greeting, causing Vesuvius to sigh with relief. Vesuvius filled Seamus in on where his people had been all this time.

To think your people had been hiding! That was for the best. If you came out before a few hundred years, youd have been slain without question, at the tiniest bit of taint! Im so glad your songs can rejoin our choir once more, my friend. I welcome you to Lifes Haven. There is much space for your people to live here, if you choose to do so.

Jake was happy at this, that things worked out without him having to force things. To place the reptile beastkin somewhere in Kenwodi, where things were already crowded, was less than ideal. It came with its own challenges, as well.

Morwen said to Jake, Why dont we have a meeting in the HQ? That way we can discuss plans, and your [Head Administrator] can help set priorities after they arrive through the portal. We have much to discuss, now that Lifes Haven is owned by those willing to work together with the Framework.

Seamus looked abashed, rubbing the back of his neck. Im sorry about that, Morwen. Our elders and I really let our people down. I tried to change and improve things, but it was too little too late.

Bedwyr said, Your peoples conviction and beliefs were taken advantage of. Greater men have fallen to the machinations of Tartarus. Once one knows their flaws, can they improve.

Yiming added, Bedwyr is right. While the beastkin were weak to Tartarus exploitation, I have not seen such unshakable will in my travels. Let your unyielding faith and steadfast conviction for the balance of life be the shield that protects you, and the sword that vanquishes your foes.

Jake said, Id like to do the meeting, but we dont currently have a [Head Administrator].

Yiming frowned and seemed to be checking something in his [Menu] by how his eyes glazed over, and Morwen made a surprised sound.

She said, How can your Guild function at all? I see your guild has nearly three thousand members? Along with over ten thousand dependents!

Fhesiah decided to chime in, Blood currently busy in the other plaza. We have been doing our best to delegate, but the fact of the matter is, most of our guild members beside those present are simply not capable of contributing much to the war just yet. Our guild has only been formed for one week and most initiated for the same, after all. Most of those willing to leave their villages to contribute to our Guilds goals are the youngest among the beastkin, not even level 1, as you might be aware. We are still gathering.

Morwen said, I see. The Guild Summary is quite impressive. Aside from the Champions party, how many goods sold, the conquest points gained, and how progress in calculated battle strength has been increasing on a per-member basis is astonishing.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

Yiming said, Still, the idea you dont have a [Head Administrator] is more than a little strange. I take it Champion Jake and your elite party is the one closing all these Rifts, right? How do you have enough time in a day? And why dont you have one already?

Jake laughed a little nervously. I guess we dont really sleep? But as Fhesiah said, not only is our Guild a week old, weve only been earning conquest points for a month and some change; were fresh to this tier. We saved them to make sure we had enough for fixtures in this city, when we retook it. We knew it would be costly.

Longwei laughed uproariously. I can feel your strength. Over level 20 in a month? Fighting day and night? I love it! I want to fight you in the Arena even more now!

Morwen scoffed, ignoring Longweis outburst. I can understand that, but that must end now, even if I must purchase the [Head Administrator] myself. With two cities and dozens of villages, you are doing yourselves a disservice.

The spectral horse half trotted and floated over to Jake, and Bedwyr motioned him over from where he sat. Jake frowned, but complied.

Bedwyr leaned over, his flaming helmet oddly feeling cold like ice as Jake got close. Bedwyr cupped his hand to Jakes ear to whisper. Only instead of a whisper, his scratchy voice still came out at a normal volume, Jake having absolutely no doubt everyone around could hear him.

You should listen to my wife. Whether her point is right or not, you will wish you did what she recommended. Trust me, I know.

Morwen sighed, likely at her husbands efforts. Let me know what you shall do. For now, I will head to the [Temple]. Because you chose the upgrade and merge option, it still remains. It currently has shrines to Lugh and Arawn. You will need to add one for Hestia, and any others that you shall allow, if you would like to see more paladins and priestesses. We should plan our meeting for tomorrow morning, after youve been able to bring your Head Administrator up to speed. Unless there are any objections?

The surrounding people gave an affirming response.

Jake said, Thank you, Morwen. It was a pleasure meeting you, and I am happy to have you in our guild, along with Bedwyr. We will see you then.

Jake realized that this expense was somewhat saved for him. He checked the Epic+ Store, finding that there was in fact the token they desired, and it was heavily discounted. He found that there was one even better than that, an entire clan of administrators, with the head administrator themselves being epic or greater in their rarity. It was the [Epic Servants - Administrative Clan Token].

It was more than he could purchase the single servant for, at nearly double the discounted rate. But that felt very worth it, as he wouldnt just receive a single person, but an entire clan for the purpose of administering his guild and his interests.

At 40,000 CP, this was a massive expense. He conversed with his girls, and they all thought this was a good option. They had already been planning out possible purchases, and this was within the budget, thanks to the major cost of the Temple already being included in the hundred thousand they spent. The non-discounted single servant was going to be around 30,000, so this being a step-up felt quite worthwhile.

Fhesiah said in his mind, [Well, that was both a little embarrassing, but also a point of pride, huh? That weve kept everything together is thanks to Blood and Ophelias efforts. Jake has done well to remain in contact with village elders and clan heads, and weve all managed crafters, of course. Im excited about some burden being lifted from our shoulders.]

Blood added, [Hmph, I have no problems managing my lords business, but this allows me to focus more on my magical progression. Still, I suppose as the Guild grows to span many worlds, it will certainly be too much for me to manage on my own.]

Jake said, Youve come a long way in your magic anyhow, Im proud how far youve all come, despite all the work around the clock. I am looking forward to a little reprieve. So, whats first for purchases, Blood?

Jake could feel the pride Blood had over their bond for him asking her advice. [I think we should purchase the Shrines for Hestia, Echidna, Cernunnos, Brigid, with Athena and Bastet coming later. It is only 5,000 Each when the Shrine already exists, but our purchases weve discussed among us girls will be pushing things pretty close. Those can come in the following days as we earn them from Rifts. I believe if you give permission, Warrior Brotherhood will simply pay to add their shrine on their own.]

Lugh and Arawn were already covered, so Jake understood that they had their basis covered with that for now. The way Jake saw it, is that in a way, this world was the fours and perhaps more of their Celtic gods before Jake got here.

Valtor was gushing about the skills of his wife, and her pages turned in the book erratically, along with mysterious scripts lighting up on the outside of the book, as if she was blushing.

Amara, the magic book said, T-Thats enough about me, dear. Tell them about the rest of our clan.

S-Sorry, I got sidetracked. Our people can help with those learning to cast spells, as well as fight!

He motioned over to a sword and shield next to each other, and armor. The armor started punching at the sword and shield, and the sword talked to the armor, as if giving them pointers as they fought. The staff and a book did something similar, the staff practicing against a shield, shooting tiny magic bolts.

My people are nothing like the training golems, who just fight as instructed! We can give instruction day or night! Then, these two.

He motioned to the strange floating construct with several pieces that had made the bell sounds before, along with another that looked like an abacus.

These two can help perform divination and mystical calculations to help predict the future! Zorina can even detect lies! These two are excellent to have within the War Room, as together, they can improve the effectiveness of scouts. Working with Zorina, Mysticus can sometimes determine what kind of enemies will appear at a Rift, and where some might spawn next!

Jake guessed Zorina was the diviner, and Mysticus was the abacus that performed mystical calculations.

We also have those skilled as generals, directing the war. Last, but not least, are our crafters. We can give our spark of unlife to just about any inanimate object, but we prefer to have our clan make our own childrens bodies.

Jake saw a handful of odd living tools. There was a blacksmiths hammer, a loom, a strange swiss-army knife-like tool, an awl, and he thought he saw a scribe like what he used for enchanting, and numerous other trade-related items.

All we require is Well, normally, we would require a few living, unintelligent creatures or plants to consume per week, but here, it feels like we wont need anything! This place is great!

Jake frowned, as he remembered a small detail during their bickering. That doesnt sound very different from eating. People would really withhold food from you?

Valtor sighed. Perhaps, I should demonstrate. Do you have any plants? Keep in mind, they will not survive the demonstration.

Fhesiah produced some auril herbs from her bracelet. These should suffice? They are still alive. She floated them over to him.

Valtor grabbed the herb, and brought it to his chest, where this spark of unlife burned. The herb withered away as it was drained, becoming dust in his hand, the flame growing larger for a brief moment.

That Was full of energy! Well, most dont see it as eating, and see it as some sort of evil deed Just imagine a foal or something like this, the same thing happens. They would have to feed us to operate as per the servant contract, but they would not allow our growth, and some would force many of us to enter hibernation, instead.

Amara said, We can only have children or grow our bodies, if we are given an abundance of life force. This place is truly a blessing. Our daughter there is nearly a hundred years old, but she has not yet grown, often being ordered to sleep instead. Both her body and mind have developed in odd ways. We only barely managed to create her, getting lucky once with an abundance. Shes our little miracle, even if we had to use a smaller armor than we had hoped. With enough life force, she should finally grow up!

Ophelia said, It feels strange that you are administrators. Cant you get life force or become stronger from fighting enemies, too?

The creatures all turned and focused on Ophelia, and Jake thought that they might be both scared and angry.

Valtor responded, It was what we were created for. We absorb life force and grow, and we can even make more of us if we fight. But as we do this, as we consume intelligent life forms vitality, we get pieces of their souls, no matter how we kill them. Eventually, we become twisted.

Valtor paused, and Amara the magic spell tome bobbed sadly. He continued, For a crazy undead lich trying to create an undead army to fight alongside skeletons and zombies, this is a positive thing. But for us, we lose our intelligence, becoming unthinking monsters. Only to be ordered around by something like a lich or necromancer. We refuse to become this way!

Jake thought he understood. Necromancers could in fact create undead armors and similar, but it was by trapping the souls of the dead, and forcing them into servitude, along with tons of magic, besides. The Eternum were a people that were different from this, having a spark of unlife, instead. That they could propagate themselves rather than trapping souls and forcing them into servitude did sound highly desirable to a lich or necromancer.

Valtor continued, We refused to fight, and the lich that created us joined Tartarus. My ancestors escaped instead, managing to join the Framework, but the world was still lost. It hasnt been the best for us since then, but at least we still have our minds. The Framework cannot protect us from corruption, so we choose to progress differently than fighting, as the Framework cant guarantee that we only fight simple creatures. Our souls can grow in strength in various ways, from increasing our knowledge, to progressing in magic. Our bodies grow and strengthen by absorbing the life force, allowing us to procreate. Because of our pacifistic nature and the difficulty with working with some species in the Alliance, we have struggled to make an impact and earn our freedom.

There was a solemness in Valtors words, and it appeared that the memory of their hardships brought the various unliving implements into a foul mood.

Berri said, Ah, you beat me!

Rhia scoffed. You let me win! Theres no way to win, theres only like a hundred possible games, less after you understand the win conditions properly. You didnt even start in the middle when you went first!

Jake looked over, to find Berri playing tic-tac-toe with Rhia.

Did not! I just Wasnt paying attention!

There was a chime from Zorina, the pendulum with a chime over the board. Partially true!

Blood distracted me. She wonders what itd be like to live in an armor. Is it fun?

Its kinda fun! Im a lot sturdier than human children. She tapped her metallic breastplate. And I can fly!

Berri said, Cool! I can fly too!

Another chime. Partially true!

Er, I guess its more like gliding. I can glide really far!

W-Wow! I wanna see it! Youre even bigger than Daddy!

They continued their conversation, and Jake turned to Valtor.

He said, Well, Hearthtribe is excited to have the Eternum on our side We welcome you. Why dont you come with me to the War Room, and well get you filled in on the current status, and well figure out what it takes to get your people situated? Since you interact with your Menu, Blood can fill you in from there, as well.

Valtor looked a little shocked, as he looked at Zorina for confirmation. I Yes. Lets discuss there. Rhia, lets go.

Aww, but I wanna play more with Berri! Its fine now, you dont have to watch over me. Hearthtribe is full of good people. Right, Berri?

Thats right!

Valtor once again looked over to Zorina for confirmation, but no chime sounded.

Amara said, Have fun, daughter. Lets go!

The Eternum were a strange people, but Jake was excited for how things were about to change.