Book 4. Chapter 26: Victory Feast

Book 4. Chapter 26: Victory Feast

Jake reviewed the notifications he received, as Bloodberri moved to resurrect the dead. There werent overly many compared to other times, but it would still take her some time.

[Conquest Complete! Secondary Alliance HQ recaptured. Conquest Points gained, split among all involved: 200,000 Party Share: 85,000]

[Party Reward: Advanced Energy Manipulation Skillbook]

He was happy to receive this amazing skillbook. While it was a Tier 1 skill, its value exceeded Tier 2 credits due to its rarity and value. The ability to control nearly any energy type was a special ability that was accomplished using rare, unique methods.

For Fhesiah, she could not teach Jake this skill. Her Dantians along with her meridians altered and changed her organs with heavenly energy, enhancing her body in ways that they could not duplicate. Her ability to use [Divine Sense] and use her powerful soul combined with Qi, allowed her to sort of force energies to do her biddingeven if she might not fully understand them.

He knew Ophelia, Berri and Blood needed this skill. Jakes Hearth Control already covered this to an extent, but he figured he could still gain a lot of knowledge from reading the book. It would help him understand where he needed to go with Hearth Control to improve.

But Tanda would value the skill perhaps the most. It would take her time to master mana, and this skill would help slingshot her forward into controlling mana, perhaps even though it was disrupted by her heart. The same might be said about Jake and the rest.New novel chapters are published on

Tandas seed had finally awakened, and her hearth still appeared to be growing. What appeared to be a flower bud attached to her heart was working on blooming.

She closed her eyes to try to get a feel for it. Its small right now, but I can feel it taking in all the energy in the area and growing rapidly. Ill have one of Fhesiahs pills, Im sure thatll help.

Jake was then presented an option similar to last time, and he immediately selected the first option, which was to obtain a new Headquarters Node and 25,000 CP this time.

A much larger obelisk than the Alliance Nodes appeared, the building shrinking until it became the item, the Headquarters Node. Jake frowned in thought as he looked at it. It looked a bit large to carry or transport. It did look like something a beast of burden could carry, but he questioned Ophelia or Fhesiah being able to fly it North with them.

Ophelia said, Remember, you got that pterodactyl? We can probably fly it together up North.

Jake looked at Berri in worry, but he received some calm acceptance from her. As fast as she was, she now accepted that transporting this device was just too important to be needy here. She would need to wait in Kenwodi or Lifes Haven, as Jake and Ophelia, and maybe Tanda flew North.

Still, he thought that he could make some kind of special glider that might be even better for a more enjoyable trip.

The elites of Hearthtribe all approached, along with Yiming and Longwei.

Jake addressed his forces, Excellent work, everyone. Morwen, I was really impressed with what your people can accomplish. Your experience really shined here. Warrior Brotherhood, thanks for your help. Your strength and bravery is commendable. Of course, Hearthtribe and the beastkin of Highlands showed their strength here as well. Thanks to today, Im confident of our future victory.

Yiming smiled. And Clan Hart showed their strength too. Despite the encounter being increased in difficulty to counter that you could call on your Goddess, you still won without using it.

Longwei laughed. Thats right! I am proud of my strength and courage, but Ophelias capability in taking on the powerful boss was something else. Normally, we would alternate valor users against it.

Bedwyr asked, What is the plan now? We can get in the blimps here and head back to Kenwodi. Our people are not much for parties with the living. We may be better served beginning our trek to the coasts. The sooner we leave, the better.

Jake had planned for a victory feast once the conquest was completed. It was to take place in Kenwodi, the many people to enjoy the second major victory they had over Tartarus. They hoped to drive recruitment, before taking off and heading toward the coasts and fighting the war there.

Of course, defense of this region would still continue. There were likely monster dens to clear and smaller rifts, and plenty of ways to impact the war effort even from Kenwodi using Incursions and crafting. Walls and other defenses needed to be built to help protect the uninitiated, as well.

Jake said to Bedwyr, Wed like it if you could come, but we understand. The Eternum are also undead, so youd not be without those like yourselves. Still, the sooner we find victory, the sooner until we can rest and celebrate in truth. We appreciate your dedication.

Morwen nodded, her smile taking on a hopeful one underneath her veil. We value your sentiments, Chief Jake. However, my people are still hoping to find our new home here. While some might enjoy living in the city and sharing with the living, we still want a place to call our own. We plan on visiting the desert to the West, as well as a swamp on the way. Tanda said there was even a frozen tundra up North that had the arid feelings of death, which had us interested, but well stay focused on our task for now.

Jake knew that Morwen had many of her own people hoping to come to Highlands with [Mass Migration], which she had already saved up and planned on paying for. The problem was that those without the necklaces protecting them from the life energies could not survive for very long unless they were of a higher level. Only by living in a location filled with deathly energies could they survive and thrive.

The Emberborn boarded their improved blimps after removing them from storage bracelets and filling them with the tanks of fantasy gas, and Hearthtribe began preparing all others. Warrior Brotherhood were definitely excited about the party back at Kenwodi, and all the Auril Heroes were too.

He went over to the HQ Node, and touched it to claim it. Once again, a wave of light went out, and hundreds of figures appeared. Jake was surprised at the number of adventurers.

While many had respawned back at Kenwodi or Lifes Haven over the last week, it appeared a fair percentage of the higher-leveled one's death timers still remained thanks to where they died and Conquest Progress.

But this was far from the least surprising thing, to Jake. Deep, loud hums and odd bleats came from all over, hundreds of beasts appearing along with the hundreds of beastkin. In the front, five leading figures were clearly auril heroes.

All five were men, and Jake was impressed with their strength. They were all at the level of Vesuvius, but once again, that was not the most surprising thing. Next to three of the five stood large dinosaurs, but there were dozens interspersed among the rest of the beastkin, and many adventurers.

At the same time, they felt smaller than they should be, based on what Jake had seen. He had seen the mighty brontosaurus and brachiosaurus at Harmony Peaks, but these were clearly smaller and yet did not seem like an adolescent for their species.

There were other animals too, though herbivorous dinosaurs appeared to be the dominant choice. The five auril heroes were an alligator parentage with heavy beast blood, a bear, a lion, a panther, and finally in the lead was what appeared to be some sort of rodent beastkin. But he was as large as the bear beastkin, sending a calming aura with his presence alone.

He looked around, a sad smile on his face. The brachiosaurus lowered its head, nudging into his side in what looked like a calming gesture. Haha, thanks, Missy. Im happy this many lived, but so many diedwe really failed.

He then met eyes with Jake, who was at the front with Fhesiah, Tanda, Ophelia and Bloodberri at his sides, an entourage of the auril heroes of Hearthtribe near. Tanda said in his mind, [I cant believe Sunmane is here! We thought his song was gone forever. Isadora thought her husband was dead.]

Greetings, everyone, Im Champion Jake of Hestia, and we are Hearthtribe. We managed to recapture Natures Crossing, but Im sorry to say your home is destroyed. The fight continues, but there is room for anyone at Lifes Haven.

Blood helpfully chimed in, [There is in fact a sort of Blood Debt system where someone can pay heavily to enact one. From there, it requires witnesses and more to go through with it. Village and City Leaders have various means to deal with criminals within the Framework, as well. Even within our Guild, we have means against those that would cause theft and general abuse. But they can enact what laws they choose within their Village or City for the Alliance Node.]

It was reassuring to know that Antonius likely had a means to deal with Alisara, had he known about her. Though it was likely the Champion would have escaped, the special spider having various methods.

If someone with Alisaras capabilities was in Hearthtribe, theyd have been able to do something, most likely. Jake had already staged the fixture or enhancement to his Guild, after Blood picked it out for them.

Jake spotted Grayson along with many of the beastkin auril heroes. Yiming was there, but Longwei was missing.

Fhesiah said, Why dont you join the boys, Jake, and well find our ways to distract ourselves. I did have something special planned for an alchemy and herbalism display to show later.

Ophelia nodded. I definitely want to fight on the dueling sands!

Tanda looked conflicted, I do want to go with you Ophelia, but I did spot Avina a little bit ago. Ill go with Fhesiah, and catch up to you later? Ive been so busy lately, I havent been able to meet with my friends

Ophelia gave Tanda a quick hug. Go see your friend. Ill be there for a while, just join me later? Tanda nodded at this with a smile.

Jake said, Ill come find you girls in a bit. You have fun.

He received some kisses on the cheek, each of the girls filing out to have their own fun in the celebration. Jake smiled at the fact that they were joining the community in truth, each having their places to go. He loved being accompanied by his girls, but was happy they had their own desires within the community.

Jake approached the circle of auril heroes and tribal elders, Seamus being the first one to spot him. All other Hearthtribe elites were there, aside from Morwen and Bedwyr who were off to the West Coast. The table was quite big, with nearly fifteen people sitting at it already, with room for much more.

There was a low table where drinks and their odd firefly lighting sat, with seats that almost resembled beanbags to Jake. There was a secondary ring of seats, that many were filled with women, presumably their mates.

Then, a third ring that was even larger went around, and Jake saw a handful of children of various ages. He knew that a majority of them were out playing or dueling, but some sat eating and talking amongst themselves.

Seamus motioned for an empty seat across from him, next to Yiming. Chief Jake! Join us for a drink, my friend! So many songs have been lost, to be reborn in the cycle of death and rebirth. But new beats join our choir, and many songs have been regained. We must celebrate!

Jake sat down, Yiming nodding at him as he drank from a mug of his own.

Rookard chuckled. Thats right. Things were looking bad for our people, but Hestia sent her Champion. Well be forever grateful, to both her and to you, Jake. You and your girls are truly strong.

Thanks Rookard. You and your people fought well. I dont think we could have done it without all your help. Youve all reduced the burden on my family, and I know there are many beastkin saved from your efforts.

Vesuvius voice came out rumbling, You saved us from our foolishness, while providing my people a home. Then, we know how hard youve labored to empower our people. Yiming was just telling us how special your enchanted weaponry is.

Jake looked over at Yiming. He chuckled. While Runic Enchantment is different, many of the crafts show similarities. Our talismancers have worked with various energies to create formations, and using new ones requires significant research and experimentation, leaving many to just continue using mana. That you succeeded on your own is a major accomplishment.

Jake rubbed the back of his head. It kind of just worked out? Auril was just minutely compatible with mana and the runic ink.

Yiming laughed and shook his head. Its really not, not exactly. Im guessing you never had a normal mana user try it out, at least not until you had already formulated a special ink for this purpose. Take a look here.

He pulled out an amberwood spear, and Jake recognized it right away. The designs were of his enchantment, and it was one of the first that he had made. Then Yiming pulled out a second one. This one didnt look like his.

Now, Ive only been at it for around a week now, but I was interested in enchanting after seeing what your weaponry could accomplish. As you can see, I copied your runes, after much practice. See if you can tell the difference.

Jake looked it over with his [Arcane Eye], while also feeling it over with his mana. He could tell that the runes themselves, the mana within them and the ink were lest uniform than his. Something about the mana Jake used was thicker, and his mana from the ink was dispersed completely evenly, the energy much more pervasive within the item.

He guessed that, like his manaweave reinforcement, the pockets of mana reaching a certain threshold that it allowed the normally incompatible material, auril, to blend with it. It did disrupt the mana within their bodies, after all. Hed have to look further into this.

Jake was frowning in thought, and Yiming smiled. I see you have an inkling now, dont you? Now, I might be more of a fighter, but I am quite proud of my mana control. Even still, my runes come out like the scribbles of a child when compared to your near perfection. It is only because of this that it can work at all. Can you do the honors for me, Takoda?

He handed Takoda Yimings crafted spear, and he filled it with auril. When it got to the runes, they would not light up, but Jake could see his auril enhancement going through the weapon, an edge extending out of the physical weapon.

Yiming then handed him Jakes spear, and the runes lit up, the auril edges of the spear becoming noticeably sharper and larger.

Takoda chuckled. Wow, thats really something. I can tell this would make a major difference. Jake made this for us beastkin?

Yiming smiled. And thats just the early one! Look at what he made next, just a few days later.

He withdrew another spear, and Jake was almost a little bothered at how Yiming had gathered his crafts. Jake had been mostly doing his enchanting in his own little world, hardly having much room to compare himself to others, until the Eternum arrived.

Yiming gave Jake a proud look and a wink, before looking back at Takoda pushing his auril through the spear. Jake had used the auril inks, with the help of Fhesiah, on this spear.

The edge became even larger and sharper now, and those at the table began to clap and cheer.

Rookard shouted, We have fought long and hard for our brethren, true. But Jake and Clan Hart are the ones that empowered us to do so. Raise your mugs! Lets give three cheers for Chief Jake, and Clan Hart!