Book 5. Chapter 7: Divine Party

Book 5. Chapter 7: Divine Party

When Jake and his girls minds were transported for a meeting with members of Hestias Pantheon, they werent sure what to expect.

Jake nearly stumbled upon arrival, the change of his clothes and surroundings jarring. He was wearing a white warriors toga with accents of red and gold for the belt, bracers, and sandals. Fhesiah was wearing a stunning red toga-style dress with similar gold accents, her beauty on display.

Ophelia was wearing a warriors toga similar to Jakes, but she had a sort of white shawl that went over her bare shoulder. Tanda was wearing a tribal edition toga, which separated into a skirt and sort of sports bra up top.

Bloodberri

Tanda asked, Why are you wearing your snake-puppy pajamas?

Berri looked down. Oh! I just tried really hard to picture me wearing them! Arf! Arf! Hehe.

Blood frowned and seemingly tried to change their clothing, but then appeared to be a little distressed when she couldnt. How do you do that? Please, sister, change us to something more normal. Were going to be meeting the Divine!

Berri pouted. Aww, but this one is cuter! Fine. She scrunched up her face and groaned, and the outfit switched to likely what Hestia had set her up with: a dress quite similar to Fhesiahs.

They all wore strapped sandals, aside from Bloodberri and Tanda.

Looking at his girls, Jake smiled. You look great, girls. This should be an interesting experience.

Fhesiah gave him and herself an appraising look. Hmm, yes, I do approve of Hestias choices. This is not a bad look for you either, husband.

Exiting the hallway they appeared in, they appeared to be standing on the edge of a house party, the room large enough to be called more of a ballroom.

Only the furniture and fixtures in the room lead them to believe it was a home, with various couches and seating arrangements gathered near a blazing Hearth.

Fhesiah sidled up to him and pulled his right elbow to her chest. Ophelia was about to take his other side, when Hestia appeared in front of them. She was wearing her white toga with red and gold accents, much like the version when they summoned her on Highlands, only softer and less for combat.

Welcome to my home! Im afraid this is a sort of limited edition, as you are restricted from being in a Contested World. Someday, I do hope to welcome you in truth.

Giving the place another look, he could tell it was quite cozy. There was an adjacent kitchen, and various snack and drink carts held special refreshments. Jake was dying to try some of her cooking.

Thank you, Hestia. I do look forward to it.

Hestia gave him a smile. This is a more of an informal meeting, and we are allowed to discuss certain topics. Everyone you meet here is either a Divine, or has a Noble Rankmeaning, they own worlds of their own. Now come, my Champion and Hart family. There are many of my friends and allies wanting to meet you all finally.

Hestia began to escort their group, walking only a few paces ahead of them.

Ophelia joined Jakes left side, following Hestia, the other girls taking in the sights as they entered.

Hestia took them over to a circle of couches around a hearth, and from their clothes, Jake got the feeling they were mostly Romans. He had done some research on Marcus Aurelius when he heard Ariminum had been previously owned by him.

He was present, as well as Mars, Vesta, and several other powerful mostly-human people, with a handful of various others. There was a minotaur, some Lares and Penatesa spirit people as well.

Hestia introduced Jake as her Champion, and Mars, Marcus, and a third man came to shake Jakes hand.

Hestia said, This is Cyrus the Great, you may have heard of him from Earth? Marcus and Cyrus are both of the third Tier, within your Sector.

Jake shook both their hands, the girls exchanging friendly nods and watching in interest. There were all sorts of groups scattered throughout the more intimate setting, and many were mingling for the girls to observe as well.

Marcus gave Jake an appraising look. I heard you visited the world of Ariminum. While its no longer under my protection, I still care about its fate. I think it will be ready for its Raid soon thanks to your victory.

After leaving Ariminum, Jake had learned that some time ago, it had the opportunity to join a [War Trial]. The people voted against joining this conflict, and as a Tier 1 World, its importance to the Great War was minimal. It could not hold any true entrances to Tartarus, and it was clear the people had a failing desire to join and impact the war on a greater level.

War Trials were one method for a World to potentially rise in Tier, aside from time. Since they declined to join, their world would not progress very rapidly. As such, Marcus had allowed his ownership of the world to wane. This provided an opportunity for a new ruler to rise, and allow himself to focus his efforts on other areas.

Jake nodded. Once the conflict in Highlands is over, we plan for Hearthtribe to aid them there. The Sons of Rome seem especially motivated now.

Cyrus the Great chuckled, his voice filled with mirth. And you are to thank, for that. My descendant has had a fire lit under him. Living under others shadows, it can be hard to find their light. Some thrive in it, and others need a little push.

Marcus Aurelius nodded as he rubbed his chin. It was not just the Sons of Rome you influenced, Champion Jake. The loss of several towns and the creation of the special challenge had shaken the citizens of Ariminum. The defense against the lava wyverns is a major point of discussion among the residents, the number of lives saved from your Heroics despite Tartarus plot was impressive.

Mars had a vicious smile. Defeating four Champions at the first Tier also inspired many. Warriors have competitive spirits, and now they train hard hoping to match Hestias Champion, and his party of wives. They might have only been of the second Tier brought down to the first, but Tartarus is known to win in that case more often than not. Defeating four in one conflict with no losses is a major accomplishment.

Hestia smiled with pride. My Champion and his wives are something else, arent they? The Hart family will soon enter the second Tier, and their impact on three worlds will already be a Tale of Beginnings that stands up to most legends.

Cyrus smiled. I cant wait to visit my homeland once more. When Earth finishes integration, there will be a bit of turmoil. Itll be up to us to help smooth the transition.

Jake couldnt help but frown at that. The information on planetary integration was restricted, at least at his Tier. The idea that Earth would come to conflict had him a bit worried.

Odin had made a fleeting mention that success in the Trial would be much better than if Tartarus attacked, making it Contested. Just what would happen to it?

He asked, How can we help?

It was Marcus who answered. Us natives can return to the world, and help the leaders of the world transition into their new roles. Earths core will be infused and enhanced to the beginning of the first Tier, as an award for completing its Trial successfully. As a result, the mana levels of the world will fluctuate heavily. Thus, the Framework creates artificial dungeons for the first several years, to ease the world into this transformation.

Cyrus added, This will be especially important for the Earth. The modern society will have significant difficulty with mana, at first. Our dwarven and gnome friends can manage technology with this, but it wont be an instant thing, and requires much effort. Itll be up to us at such a high Tier to enter the stage and prevent conflict. Lord Guan Yu will be helpful in this. At the fourth Tier, his number of powerful avatars and projections should allow him to solve many problems.

Jake asked Mars and Hestia, Are you unable to influence things there? Your stories and Myths are present in Earths history, after all.

Mars stroked his curly beard. Earth is a bit different from most worlds. Its abnormal for so many of us Divine to seed the world with both our myth and our influence before its integrated into the Framework like it was. You could say it was a grand experiment, to see if we could raise more warriors and people that resonated with all of us, before it entered the Trial.

Hestia sighed. It was meant to obtain the most possible from Tartarus from the Trial. But instead, it sparked conflict. Many Divine got greedy, wanting to influence their seeds to take over the prize of Earth and prove their superiority, and gain the most. Between all the infighting and backstabbing, much of civilization was destroyed. We eventually sealed off mana altogether, and pushed integration earlier than intended. Us peak Divine agreed on a slow Trial, one that would span millennia as the world recovered from all the wars and battles through the ages.

Mars nodded. In truth, we didnt expect it to take quite as long as it did. Your party sped things up significantly near the end, or it would have taken much longer. Now, to answer your question, we Divine can descend on the world with our avatars. However, Earth is a unique situation. Which of us lays claim? It could spark a new conflict, as each of us tries to claim the most residents for ourselves. As a result, we would rather stay out of it. A neutral Administrator will be assigned, and only true natives may return. Both to recruit to their factions and protect the people from any turmoil.

Hestia smiled. Thats right, this is the fair method that was agreed upon by us Divine in accordance with the Framework. The Top Ten contributors or parties in Earth history are invited early. Naturally, that includes you and your wives, Jake.

Jake wasnt sure what to feel about that, but Fhesiah and his girls all sent their reassurance over their bond. They were excited about this prospect, and were doing their best to send their confidence in his ability to accomplish this task.

He and his girls each spent a little more time talking to the three and meeting with some of the other Roman Divine and nobles. Mars in particular praised Ophelia for her martial prowess, and Vesta complimented Fhesiah for her flames.

Jake got to try some delicious foods being passed around, along with the girls. It was an almost pointless exercise as mental projections, but they were quite enjoyable. Tanda and Ophelia both enjoyed some outstanding honey cakes, while Jake had delicious crostinis. They had a divine tasting cheese and dried tomatoes, the oils, and herbs used tasting truly special.

Hestia smiled. As mental projections, you can hardly enjoy what these things have to offer, but Im glad you did just the same. Some day, you will get to try the real things.

She eventually brought him to a section which held the Norse and Greek Divine.

Odin was there, along with Freyja. Ophelia bristled at the sight of her, but looked at the Norse warriors, Odins Einherjar, with interest. She was interested in fighting the many other warriors she had seen in a spar, but something about the Norse warriors drove her competitiveness.

Odin and Freyja approached his family, and Odin spoke. Hello again, Champion Jake and family. Its a pleasure to finally meet you, Tanda, Blood, and Berri. Looking at Ophelia, he was about to speak, but Freyja interrupted, seeing Ophelias expression.

Jake gave a nervous chuckle. I had worried about that, with Hestia. I am not verypious.

Hestia gave Jake a broad smile. Ah, worried that you didnt do your allotment of Hail Hestias? You should not worry about this, my Champion. You resonate with everything I embody, upholding and protecting the virtues of my Eternal Essence. With every breath you take and every action you make, you are carrying out my will and expanding my influence, my power.

She continued, The beastkin have already begun resonating with me and joining my clergy through your actions, and I have even had some join my clergy from Ariminum! You should be confident in your efforts as you respect and protect the Hearth and the Home, and guide the beastkin with the State. I am extremely proud of my choice to make you my Champion, and no matter what happens from now on, I know I shall never change my mind.

Fhesiah and his girls were filled with pride at Hestias proclamation, and Jake couldnt help but feel wonderful from the praise of his goddess.

IThank you, Hestia. It means a lot to me for you to say that.

Bastet clapped. That was cute! That is exactly right, coming back to Fhesiah. There are no downsides for me because she resonates so well. Its as Berri would say: a home run!

She gave Berri a smile, who was scrunching down some small cookies. You are so awesome, by the way. Id have taken you both if I could, but Echidna was much more important.

Berri smiled at that. Where is she, by the way? I thought she would be here, too.

Jake thought hed see her towering figure in the last room, but she was clearly not there.

Hestias smile became wooden. It seemed she couldnt make it today? Were actually a little concerned.

Bastet smiled. Im sure itll be fine. Now, aside from these things, I can add a Task that will be mutually beneficial for us. You wanted to seek a [Battlegrounds], yes? There is one within the neighboring Sector in the coming months at your Tier. I can get you an express ticket when its time. There, you should be able to aid some of my followers, and even if you do not receive what you needwhich is unlikelyyou should be able to trade for what you do.

Fhesiah frowned. What about Highlands?

Hestia interjected, This would be after the conflict on Highlands is completed. If extra time is needed, we may even be able to pay a Price to push back the event slightly. Theres no way we would have you miss the Raid.

This mollified her, and Jake was having a hard time seeing a downside, aside from the increasing difficulty of having another Champion on their roster. However, it was important to her that she did not fall behind. The next Tier would be especially difficult without assistance for her to do so. Jake was definitely on board.

Fhesiah smiled at Bastet. I accept. Ill be your Champion.

Bastet stood, and slammed her Ankh-staff on the ground. The sun and moon glimmered, shooting a beam of celestial light into Fhesiahs Dantian.

Within her Spiritual Palace, the Kitsune mural shifted, the bloodline bricks taking on the divine-infused energy. Like Bloods Holy Dark, Fhesiahs Dark kitsune flames took on a more holy or divine quality.

The change for her bloodline energies making a qualitative difference shifted her heavenly energy, and spare heavenly energy flooded out. A lake formed in front of her palace and was drawn out.

Then, in her deepest room with the hearth, the thrones had a skylight, allowing the sun or moonlight to come through.

Above that skylight, the heavenly energy gathered, and her hearth spewed out a powerful gout of flames, causing a massive golden mirror on a swivel to appear. The mirror was engraved with sun disk and moon patterns, matching Bastets own Ankh-staff and jewelry.

Fhesiahs sun was currently high in the sky, but somehow, the mirrors reflection showed the moon. It was as if the moons light was shown in the lake, and this was reflected into the mirror. The beam of moonlight struck Fhesiahs mural, and her kitsune bloodline flames lit.

[Passive Skill: Celestial Mirror (No Level)]

[Enables user access to 30% of opposing bloodlines flames in either form.]



[Champion Magic Spell Learned: Sun and Moon Hex]

[Uses Bloodline Flames combined with the Sun or Moon to create a powerful curse. Flames of creation or destruction will burn the target until it is destroyed, depending on what form the user was in when the spell was used.]

Fhesiah was moved. The mirror was truly perfect for her, and no matter how much she scanned it within herself, she couldnt understand how it functioned. As a Tier 3 entity, her understanding of something within herself was significant.

For it to be beyond her understanding, it seemed like a true treasure, and it had been created from her own heavenly energy.

Whatever doubts she had about the partnership were completely erased. Like the hearth itself and the bloodline transformation ability, the importance of it for aiding her on her path had been immense.

T-This is an astonishing gift. I thank you, Bastet.

Jake wasn't sure when, but the Goddess had now shifted to the house cat form.

Bastets smile was proud. I make sure all my girls are well taken care of, whether theyre my kits or my daughters from another mother. That said, I look forward to our partnership! Those reptile beastkin, as they worship you or hold you high in their will and conviction, will indirectly empower me. Its a little less than if they did directly, but with how strongly you resonate with me, its quite good. That is, until or if you become a goddess yourself, someday.

Jake had wondered about this. That meant that whatever was going on with the spriggons was, in fact, empowering Echidna, one way or another.

Bastet spread her arms as she stood, giving Fhesiah a welcoming and loving smile. How about a hug, new daughter of mine? Do you mind if I call you so?

Fhesiah was filled with emotion as she shifted, quickly switching to the kitsune with her [Bloodline Transformation] as she stood up. She hugged Bastet, and Jake could feel the happiness of Fhesiah over their bond. She had lost her mother, possibly forever, but she now had someone willing to take on this role. It was a good feeling.

The two girls parted, and Bastet continued. Now, I mentioned the Battlegrounds Task, but there is another before that. As you are aware, there are Champions present on Highlands. The truth is, a potential Champion is a target, both now, and during the Raid. I would much rather you experience only one terrible battle without being able to summon me.

[Trial Task Received: Defeat Champions or equivalents present on Highlands, or force them to flee. Rewards based on personal or party contribution.]

Jake asked, Is the result or rewards better this way?

Bastet hummed. Its close. I do think youd receive more rewards by staying prospective Champions for the start of the Raid, but thats counteracted somewhat by the difficulty increasing by moving from a prospective Champion to a full one. You are only allowed one Trial per Tier, but your merits and achievements are still counted for advancement, with diminishing returns. When dealing with Champions, this Trial Task is certainly comparable to a Raid or personal Trial. Only a Permanent Death Trial would obtain more potential for yourself.

Jake raised his brow. That means those that pass this Trial Task could raise their Tier, as soon as they reach level 25?

Bastet chuckled. Thats right. Fhesiah aside, it is something you trigger or accept at a Node or your Refuge; it does not just happen. If Fhesiah began her core formation, she would be surrounded by the golden light of the Framework, and taken away from the world.

Hestia smiled. Well, that was wonderful. Now, there is the last meeting today to take care of, then you can mingle a little where you choose. Let us go and meet with Brother Guan Yu now.

Jake nodded, and the family once again headed back to the party area.

In one area, there were Asian and Indian Divine within one area. Jake was quick to notice Lord Vishnu and Lord Skanda among them. Skanda had many heads and a peacock tail behind him, while Vishnu had his many cobras and blue skin.

The other Asian Divine Jake was not overly familiar with, but he spotted Bishamon and Amaterasu.

At the front of the entourage were three men. The three men over three meters tall in Chinese robes. One was wearing green robes mixed with armor, another white with green scholarly robes with a tall hat, and finally, one in red robes mixed with armor. They were Chinese men, with long, flowing black beards.

As mental projections, Jake couldnt really feel anything emanating from them. However, the leading man with the flowing green robes with gold accents gave Jake a strong impression.

Despite his obvious size and strength, the man appeared humble, holding a noble expression. Guan Yu gave Jake the feeling he truly matched what he read about him, that he was a man of boundless loyalty and honor, and also filled with righteousness and compassion.

Guan Yu smiled, as he focused on Jakes family. Despite being a towering man rippling with power, his voice was filled with gratitude as he gave them a martial bow, with his fist closed in his other hand.

Well met, Champion Jake and family. Your strength and accomplishments precede you, your example shining brightly for all warriors to follow. I wanted to personally thank you for your service in aiding Earth, my homeland, to complete its Trial.

He bowed further, along with his entourage, and the surroundings clapped, many giving surprised proclamations. Bowing as a divine was no small thing.