Book 5. Chapter 40: A Hard-earned Victory

Book 5. Chapter 40: A Hard-earned Victory

Jake and his wives spent a moment enveloped in each others armored embrace, only Bloodberris armor becoming soft. Simply breathing as their emotions welled up, their hearts still racing and fears still present among them.

Before anyone could say anything, Bloodberris axe roared and flew at the downed demons corpse. It began eating the bosss special flesh, its life and death scripts having a potent energy and essence.

Berri scowled and waved her fist at the axe, You scared me, you jerk! No roaring, its hugging time now! Do that again, and Im naming you jerky.

It stopped for a moment and gave out a sad whimper that almost sounded like an apology, before continuing its meal, and Jake couldnt help but chuckle at that.

Tanda smiled, as her tail wagged tiredly. We did it, didnt we? We worked so hard, and saved our people.

Ophelia embraced Tanda with her wing. Finally! We really did it. Everyone was amazing! You were awesome too, Bree.

Bree snorted, her expression almost returning to its haughty naturebut shifted to a genuine smile. Jake couldnt fully understand the emotions she sent, but a desire for patience for herself appeared to be present, among a feeling of fellowship.

She wrapped the girls and Jake each in a vine-filled hug, before disappearing into motes of light.

Blood smiled at Tanda. You were right. Our people are saved. Jake will become a true Lord, and each of us was instrumental in his success. If any of us were lesser, I dont think we could have won without loss. This victory was hard-earned.

Relief and contentment washed over Jake from each of his girls, as it sunk in that the battle was finally over. Seeing Timone rejoin his mates, Bedwyr rejoin with Morwen, Yiming and Longwei returning to their wives, and Nadessa and her mothers rejoining Drysander, Jake smiled.

Jake looked over to Seamus and the Auril Heroes without mates present. They were congratulating and thanking one another on their victory, the clan heads were now battle brothers baptized in the fires of war. Seamus had been looking around, and noticed Jakes look.

Seamus patted Vesuvius on the shoulder, before chuckling. Dont worry, Chief Jake. We survived, and well be meeting with our mates soon enough. That fifteen minutes couldnt come sooner.

Jake couldnt agree more. They cleaned up the demons around the room, using Loot on the monsters. He figured the life and death demons corpses would be quite valuable.

Once the axe was done with its meal, they triggered Loot on the boss. Using the Storage Ring temporarily, it made it easy to collect the large quantity of materials. There was no treasure chest this time around, as rewards would be individualized or chosen from a list.

Healing themselves up and doing what they could to recover, cleaning the viscera off their bodies, they waited.

Oh! Just use that storage ring thingy, Jakey. We can change anywhere if we take turns with that!

Jake chuckled, realizing Berri was right. He loaded his clothes from his storage bracelets into the ring, and then, with a thought, swapped his outfit for his tribal chieftain clothing. Each of the girls did the same, the family finally being able to relax and enjoy their unarmored embrace while they waited.

Tanda cheered as she snuggled into Jake and Ophelia. That was fast! We need to get us each one of those. How much do they cost, I wonder?

Jake hadnt allowed themselves to splurge at all on frivolous items, resolving to spend every possible Credit and CP on saving the beastkin. Valtor had put much of his funds and CP to work, rebuilding villages and importing materials for their many endeavors.

Now that they had been saved, they would buy various quality of life items.

Their waiting time over, the world seemed to twist into a single point of light, as the Instance was destroyed. With a lurch, they were transferred to the Lifes Haven Headquarters plaza.

As they arrived in the large plaza, they had to wait for a time for others to arrive to receive a full accounting. Their Battlegroup was the first to enter the final battle, their instance far ahead of others. Some beastkin arrived near the plaza, cheering at the arrivals.

The auril heroes mates were waiting, Jake smiling at those rejoining their lovers. Despite the fight only lasting a short period and resting just before the battle, he was exhausted. While people were relieved, it appeared they understood now was not the time for an impromptu party.

Aisling came over and began talking up a storm with Fhesiah, and Timone came over to congratulate Jake on his leadership.

You are truly a protector of the balance, clan son. Leading your fierce mates and allies in battle, you sang a glorious song, your choir punishing that wicked enemy. Our people will be forever in your debt.

Jake clasped wrists with Timone almost like a handshakea clasp of fellowship. We sought a place to call home. Our clan made an oath, to protect Highlands forevermore if we were welcomed. The beastkin are truly a strong yet harmonious people, welcoming us with open arms. We are proud to take on this duty, for those we can now call friends.

Timone smiled, and gave a pat on Jakes back as he pulled him close. Well said, clan son! Now, Aisling has told me your mates have quite an event to plan out. Youll have to come celebrate with me and the other clan heads, while they work through that. A man prying into the womens nest only leaves ruffled feathers and a tangled mess.

Jake raised his brow at this, and he looked over at Fhesiah, who just had an enigmatic smile. Ophelia kept her expression blank, and Berri just bobbed her head, as she listened to music and danced while Blood spoke with Aisling. Tanda danced around and talked to her mother Dahlia, and Jake realized that they were working on a surprise.

For some reason, it felt like it was crucial to all the girls, though perhaps, Ophelia and Blood were the most excited. Shrugging, he nodded and accepted to join along with the clan heads to celebrate while they worked on it, to keep himself busy.

Jake joined Seamus, Vesuvius, Rookard, Timone, Longwei and Yiming, Roxo, and Darris. They each held beers, and they spent a time talking about the fight, and what their plans were.

He smiled as Timone tried to hook up Yiming with his and Aislings daughter. Knowing Aisling, it was easy for him to imagine she would be aspecial challenge.

Longwei interjected, N-Now hang on a minute! Why him but not me? Was I not valiant and heroic? Am I not good enough for your daughter?

Timone frowned and looked troubled for a moment, searching for what to say. However, he straightened up and spoke confidently. No, I just thought my daughter and Yiming were truthfully a good match. You are more than heroic and valiant enough, but its important to find harmony with your mate, and that your clans hearts can beat as one. Right, clan son? He looked at Jake with a smile.

Jake chuckled. Thats right. You and Yiming are very different, and those you would find harmony with will be too. You also have two mates already, its important to keep this in mindthe beastkin are perceptive of this.

Longwei frowned, but Seamus put a large paw on his shoulder. Not to worry, Brother Longwei! I do have a daughter Id like you to meet. There are plenty of beasts in the forest, do not fret over missing one hunt.

Darris added that he had one as well, and Longwei looked troubled. Er, butokay. Ill meet them He then gave an envious look at Yiming, who was talking things over with Timone once more.

Jake had to stifle a laugh. Both Seamus and Darris were heavy in beast blood, so their faces were that of a lion and a turtle. Perhaps, Longwei imagined that their daughters were the samewhich was entirely possible.

Still, the responsibility was important. Jake had made an oath to protect Highlands forever more, and he would use his capabilities as Planetary Ruler to do just this.

[Dungeon Raid Personal Reward: Divine Hearth Upgrade Token. You have 127 Raid Points remaining to spend. You must spend your points within 24 hours, or they will be converted to CP. Some items are limited, and are available on a first come, first serve basis.]

It was a good reward. Bringing a Divine item to the next Tier was going to be exceptionally expensive, so to have it early would be helpful. It was Jakes understanding that now that Highlands had improved, the quantity and quality of the energies drawn in would be higher already.

But with this improvement, not only should it be higher within his Refuge, but even rarer energies would be drawn inperhaps, even more of his void energy. With Fhesiahs help, they would be able to separate these energies if they chose to, using formations, allowing for storage or experimentation.

Jake realized that there may be some contention for some items, and his girls were quick to get in the line together, the many beastkin quickly lining up to receive the rewards they had earned.

Oh, I do hope I can get that snowmaker! Do you think Ill have enough points this time?

Blood groaned. For the love of Echidna, if you waste our points on something frivolous, I will find or make a way to disown you. Remember, these points may also be what help Faye obtain what she needs. Do not be greedy here, sister.

Checking the girls notifications, he saw that he was the only one with a personal reward, the rest given a much larger pool to spend points. Thankfully, they could peruse the store in the linethey would not have to wait while thousands of people painstakingly chose their rewards.

Most of those that were in line quickly picked up their chosen reward, rather than perusing the shop.

Fhesiah hummed. Thanks for your concern, Blood. It looks like I may need your girls help with one of the items. My points and what Jake have remaining are not quite enough on their own.

She shared the description with Jake and the girls.

[Vial of Celestial Flames. Harvested from a dying star, these flames contain purified heavenly energy of primordial origin. Cost: 2,385 RP]

He noticed Fhesiah and Jake alone were almost enough to grab the item, each of his girls receiving a little over two thousand points.

Jake raised his brow, just how could one fit something so crazy in a vial? Youre sure this thing is good for core formation? How?

Fhesiah chuckled. Because theyre in the core formation section for cultivators. Its a common goal for a cultivator that just completed a Dungeon Raid, dont you think? Many wouldnt enjoy having their reward chosen for them by the Frameworkthough I consider it the New Heavens and would be okay with it, seeing it as fate deciding my path. There are some interesting cultivator arts that I may find useful for the next tier, but this alone is enough for me.

Jake frowned. What about for yourother half? Im sure between the others giving up some more points

She sighed. There does not appear to be an excellent choice for my Yin flames. There are several substandard items, but nothing that matches the celestial flames in quality. I would be better off selecting two items of lower quality than the celestial flames if they do not match. However, there is a general Dao Treasure available.

Fhesiah shared the description.

[Tier 1 Dao Treasure: General. Harmonize your spirit with the heavens, using Source energy. Cost: 985 RP.]

Ophelia hugged into Fhesiah. Thats great! You just needed two of those, right? Lets get it.

Tanda was all smiles as well, as she hugged from the other side. Yay! That means youll only be short one thing, right? You can use my points to buy two!

Fhesiah hugged them back. You girls are too nice. However, it appears there is only one available. These specifically are an extremely rare treasure. Source energy can sort-of be seen as like Dao stem cells. They are not exactly usable on their own, requiring you to find your inspiration or insight yourself. It does make it easier to absorb and enhance an epiphany, or help create a period of enlightenment.

Jake asked, Is there a more specific one available? Maybe one that contains the truth of claws? He tried to look through the list, and did see some dark or what seemed to be yin aspected flames, but nothing precisely like those of the kitsune.

Fhesiah shook her head. This isnt just me being picky, but none sound like what resonates with me or could work. My best bet is to join the Battlegrounds, and hope that I get one that fits. Then use the source energy for the other.

Blood sighed. That means you need at least two very specific items from this Battleground. What are the odds of that? Then, can you really consume these two treasures at the same time, too? You have made it clear that you need time to solidify your foundations after any of these major changes. Jake could feel Bloods worry, which was mirrored in himself and his wives.

Fhesiah smirked. Aww, worried about little ole me, Blood? I must be really breaking through that cold exterior of yours. Tell me, was it my charming looks, or maybe my talents with my fingers and ton

Blood humphed with a blush, folding her arms and looking away. Why must you be so crude? Of course, I am just worried about my dear sister-wife. I care about you, and while I enjoy our fun together with Jake, I can take it or leave it. Its important to me that you join us on our journey, my important comrade and friend.

Berri added, Yeah! Plus, we were gonna be mommies together. You have to make your farming core or whatever first, you said. Can we get her more of these thingies with one of these other point stuffs? Theres too many to keep track of.

Jake chuckled as he looked at Fhesiah. We do have some time before you leave, right? Perhaps our mountain of Credits or CP will enable us to find you at least one more thing. Did you pick what you wanted, girls?

Ophelia hummed. Its a little boring, but the Mythic Upgrade tokens are only 1000. Having all our Divine-gifted equipment scale with us for the next Tier will serve us well. There are some actual Mythic Tier 2 equipment, and they are 2,000upgrading is definitely a value.

Tanda smiled at Fhesiah. So, between us girls, we can get Faye what she needs, and have enough for the four tokens we require to upgrade our items, since we already have two. Its just enough! Like it was meant to be.

Jake nodded, but then he frowned. My Champions spear staff is only legendary, though. I received it at the end of our Tier 0 Trial, so it makes sense its not at the same quality. We would need to find a way to upgrade it to Mythic first.

Ophelia noted, It should certainly be easier to upgrade a Tier 1 item to Mythic than it is a Tier 2 item, though. Maybe grab it for now, and well work something out? If we give up, it will still be able to upgrade the itemwe will have only wasted a few hundred points, as the legendary token is only seven fifty.

He made the purchases. There is a little left. What else? Well, we have a little under 24 hours now. He sighed. I suppose, its important to talk about this now. We could try to fill in for our new classes with something important. Do we Tier up now, or

A wave of golden light washed out in the plaza, gasps from the surroundings as a pleasant heaviness weighed down on all people.

Exclamations of surprise echoed out around them, as various bystanders caught site of what the commotion was.

The four Celtic Divine of Arawn, Brigid, Cernunnos, and Lugh stood in front of the Alliance Headquarters. Then, the Divine of Jakes family: Hestia, Guan Yu, Echidna, and Bastet stood smiling next to them, with Hestia in front. Echidna chose a much more reasonable size, only large enough to tower over Bloodberri by a fair margin.

The Divine involved in Highlands creation and salvation were here.