PoA The Concept of Death Chapter 4

PoA The Concept of Death Chapter 4

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PoA The Concept of Death 4N0v3lTr0ve served as the original host for this chapter's release on N0v3l--B1n.

Melinda cursed under her breath as Matts question came through. He had joined the Kingdom and not the Queendom.

Her husband noticed her distress and wrapped one of his large arms around her. It was just what she needed.

Yeah, its unfortunate. But nothing we cant work around. This is a neutral city.

But-

He cut her off with another gentle squeeze and moved forward to the front of the group, where their guide was leading them forward.

Hey, quick question.

When the woman turned around, he flashed his charming smile, and when the woman gestured for him to continue, he asked, We have a friend whos fighting for the other side. Is that going to be a problem?

The woman looked startled, but answered loudly enough for all of the groups following to hear. No, the Empire made their stance on that very clear. This is a neutral city, and here no one is subject to our rules. We would prefer that you not fraternize with the enemy, but we cant stop you, or punish you for it.

Someone in the crowd called out, What if were spies? Isnt that dangerous?

The guide still seemed unconcerned. We both have spies and various countermeasures for that. In the end, neither side really trusts you Pathers. Were both treating you like mercs. Youll get your orders with minimum time to give out the information, and for the most part, you wont know the full picture.

Melinda wanted to be hurt, but she didnt blame them for their caution. The gossip on the ship had revealed that the vassals were getting reimbursed for the war to encourage them to actually put a sizable effort into it. If the rewards were enough to get Tier 35s to move, they had to be substantial.

They were escorted to a suite, and were told that they would have the rooms available while they were in the city. But, an auction was being held next evening, so there wouldnt be much action in the coming days. Both sides were far more interested in the auction than continuing the hostilities, so they had free time to explore the city.

With that in mind, they sent a message to Matt, saying that they could meet up whenever.

He replied that they needed another hour or so for Liz to get ready. That reminded Melinda to talk to her team about the woman.

Guys, we dont know her. So be on your best behavior.

Vinnie chimed in from beside her, We know that shes related to Aunt Helen.

Sam corrected him, Shes a phoenix like her, there isnt any blood relation.

Good point. What else do we know?

Tara added, Theyre dating, sort of.

Melinda thought that over before she added, I was pretty confused about what their situation is. They werent dating, then they were dating but with no sex. Now, Im not really sure.

The rest of her team could only shrug with her. None of them were entirely sure of the status of Matts relationship with his teammate, except that her presence was always felt in their messages back and forth.

Their friend obviously cared for the woman, which was more than enough for them.

Look everyone, be on your best behavior. Thats all I ask. We need a good first impression no matter the details of their relationship. Shes officially a part of his team, so theyll be together for the long haul.

They lounged in their common room while they still had free time. Mathew was kneading a knot out of her foot while he chatted with Vinnie and Sam about a few of their battle strategies for the war.

While she didnt actively participate, she listened carefully to their thought processes. They were Tier 6, which meant that they would be among the stronger Pathers fighting in the war, but weaker than the people from the vassal states. Those combatants could be up to Tier 7.

As the teams shot-caller, she had been putting in a lot of time with an expensive AI trainer that she had gotten. But while she was learning, she also became aware of her flaws.

She wasnt that bad with her simulated team, but as soon as the program threw her with an unfamiliar team, she failed repeatedly. When she didnt have a healer, her made-up teams were always killed before the fifth encounter.

It was sobering. She thought she was a good strategist, but in reality, she was proving Baxter right with each new simulation. It might have been more irksome than the actual losses. As much as she hated the idea, she intended to ask him for advice if their first battle went poorly. This war was a game, but if she treated it as if it was real, and got her family to as well, they could grow a lot.

After a quick search with her AI, Melinda found that the war was expected to last at least a year, which was perfect. If she had her way, it would go on even longer, so they could milk out more experience. Their team's oldest member, Tara, was twenty-one and a half, which meant that they had plenty of time to progress. Thankfully, their team was all within four months of each other age-wise, so they had a little over five years before they had to reach Tier 7 to stay on The Path.

It would be hard if they waited that long to Tier up, but Melinda had a plan for that. Their guide had given them all one war contribution point for joining the Queendom. It let them access the War Contribution Market, and it ensured that they could come back into the fight if they got killed.

The single point was what let her plan out her familys next steps. They would take a mission and earn at least a dozen points each. With those, they would each buy essence stones. They were limited to buying one every three days, but the stones only cost 5 points apiece. Her team could advance and increase their powers in the short term, then leverage that to gain further rewards. All the while, they would be increasing their combat prowess by honing the skills and abilities that they already had.

Before she gave in to the craving and checked the more tangible rewards, the timer she had set went off, and everyone started moving to meet with Matt.

She was nervous. It had been so long since they had seen each other, and she felt like she owed him so much. Without the shard of reality, she didnt know how long it would have taken her friends to start growing their own Concepts. A dark and pessimistic side of her whispered that with how long it had taken her husband to get his phrase, he might not have ever gotten it.

In the end, he had, and his phrase suited him. I am solid. It fit him, though he pretended to dislike it. He was and had always been her rock. He was more than their teams front liner, but their very foundation.

When things got tough, his carefree and jovial attitude slipped away, to show the firm and steady core of their team. She made sure to try and take care of his emotional needs, but he rarely needed anything more than a hug or warm presence. It had taken her time with her own therapist to understand that he didnt need to verbalize things as she did, and he processed things on his own internally.

He was her anchor and their teams rock. His Concept only reinforced that. She had more than enough fun teasing him about it when they happened to be horizontal.

They came outside and were waiting outside their building, when a white blur shot into her arms, causing her to stumble back. She was given long, cold licks accompanied with an AI message saying, Friend! Pet.

The fact that Aster could now talk, or at least communicate, completely slipped her mind when she finally saw Matt for the first time in almost three years.

He was tall. Nearly as tall as her husband, but with a slightly slimmer build and a more golden tint to his hair. His eyes also looked more green than she remembered, but none of that really grabbed her attention. No, it was what her Concept showed her that blew her away.

Her old friend looked more like a Tier 15 than the Tier 6. Her spirit told her much more than everyone elses eyes could see, as he moved in to hug them all.

Even perfectly healthy people had slight darkness around them, in the form of a mist of shadow, as aging took its toll. But no, Matt was near perfect. The only blemish was a reflection of a shadow that lingered over him out of the corner of her eye. It was a weird amalgamation of a Tier 15 and someone clearly under. Even a Tier 14 didnt look like this. She had seen and treated more than one.

She was unable to figure out exactly how exactly Matt had gotten that way, before her attention was drawn to the woman standing next to him.

The woman, Liz, was pretty in a sharp way. It reminded her of Aunt Helen. It wasnt just the red hair that was a mix of ginger and a deeper flame red,, or the same yellow eyes. It was something about her face. It almost had a... sharpness to it.

The hard angles of her face reminded her of a hawk.

The hard edges were softened by the clear nervousness that lingered on the womans face, along with the wringing of her fingers. She looked similar to Matt in that she had less darkness around her but it wasn't as noticeable as Matts.

As she tried to pay attention to the introductions Matt was making, she internally smiled at Sam mentioning potions. It clearly put the other woman at ease, though Melinda didnt smell anything over the freshly bathed fox still in her arms, demanding rubs with a string of messages.

Aster was adorable, and she whispered sweet things into her ear, which, when responded to, caused her to lose track of the conversation again.

When they were seated in a flying car, Matt called to the driver to take them to the restaurant. Melinda couldnt hold it in anymore and said, Matt, you look really good. Too good, really.

At his raised eyebrow, she realized he didnt know about her Concept and explained, I can see flaws in a persons spirit with my Concept. Its like monsters made of dark mist. The only people who dont have it are those who are Tier 15 or higher. You look like youre halfway broken through. Its weird. I cant really explain it.

It was hard to put into words, but he seemed to understand and laughed it off. We met up with a seeker who pointed us to a Tree of Perfection, after we helped him out a little. It brings a single aspect of your body to Tier 15, or nearly so. I ate the body root. I guess youre seeing that.

She queried her AI, and found that the plant and its effects were as he said, which put her at ease. Both Liz and Aster looked fine, but she still wanted to ensure that they were ok, as she did with her own family. To that effect, she moved to heal them, saying, That makes sense. Let me heal all of you, though.

Liz protested, Oh, theres no reason to waste your mana like that.

Melinda shrugged, not wanting to explain her Talent in the cab. There could be people listening. With a thought, she cast [Ranged Heal] twice at the humans, and then onto Aster, who was sprawled over her, Sam, and Taras laps.

The fox was liberal in her thanks and warm thoughts of love. Her messages were a constant stream of: ahh and scratch higher. Melindas youre welcomes back were returned with a heart. She dug her fingers deeper into the snow-white fur in response which was returned with a rumbling purr.

Distractedly, she said, Im happy to help. Itll make sure you dont have anything wrong lingering with you. I dont see anything, but a heal a day will keep sickness away.

The rest of the ride was filled with idle chatter, and she had to smile at how her team made sure to include Liz in their conversation. Meanwhile, she worked on the indolent fox, who was in a bliss all her own.

Their conversation died out as they reached the restaurant, and Melinda immediately protested the place after looking it up. It was an expensive restaurant meant for Tier 10s.

Matt, we cant afford this place.

He shrugged her concern away like it was no big deal, causing her to feel even worse until he elaborated. Im paying. And its only one dinner. We made more in the last few months here than you can imagine.

When Sam looked to reinforce Melindas protest, Liz said, We sold more than one growth item while we were at Tier 5. Let us treat you to a nice dinner. Shame my Aunt isnt here. Now that would be a good dinner.

Tara seemingly teleported next to Liz and nearly shouted, Im gonna marry her!

While Matt and Liz looked at her in confusion, Melinda grabbed the archers arm and started to drag her along, debating if she should strangle the woman now or later. She had told them not to be weird. And what was weirder than hitting on someones million-year-old Aunt?

Ignore her. Shes delusional. It took all her effort not to growl the words out.

Tara protested as she was dragged to the door. Im not! Really, Im not. Shes amazing and Ill marry her one day!

Thankfully, in the reflection of the approaching door, Melinda could see Liz looked more amused than offended. Youre going to have your work cut out for you. Aunt Helens list of suitors probably spans the known well, everywhere. Shes broken a lot of hearts over the ages with unreciprocated feelings, and Im pretty sure shes accidentally started a war at least once.

Hearing Lizs comment, Tara looked even more determined, so Melinda tried to crush her arm with her own, to little effect. Liz continued, But go ahead and try. Maybe youll be the one. How did you guys meet her though?

That caused their procession to stop again halfway through the door, as Tara tried to turn and chat about her crush, but Kyle thankfully saw and grabbed Melinda, dragging them all forward.

When they were seated, Melinda thanked them. As I was trying to say, thank you for the shard. It got everyone else on the right track to discovering their Concepts. I dont know how to repay you.

Mentally, she knew that they were friends, but the gift was too big and too important to her family. She wanted to do something for them, but didnt know what. It wasnt a debt that had to be paid off, and it was really one that couldnt be paid. Her family reaching Tier 15 and immortality was her most important goal. She hadnt learned how to heal old age yet, and didnt want to count on something so chancy.

He paused as he looked to his side, and as she followed his gaze, she found Baxter standing next to him.

After a brief exchange, Baxter said, Ill be refereeing this match.

Matt looked nonplussed when he asked, And you are?

Liz asked at the same time, What authority do you have to do that?

Melinda cringed at the pair. It wasnt like Baxter would hurt them, but it felt risky to speak to someone with the power to send the official ref away.

Baxter, as usual, didnt seem to mind, and calmly answered, Im Baxter. Over Tier 40 and a personal healer to the Emperor. I can keep any secrets you might reveal in a fight just that. A secret.

Matt looked satisfied at that but Liz, Melinda noticed, seemed even more skeptical until a smile crossed her face.

She said, Oh, okay. Thats fine. Her grin turned positively wicked, and Baxters eye twitched, causing Melinda to wonder just what message the woman had sent. If she had to guess, she had threatened the man with her Aunt, which was the only other time she had seen him so agitated.

Melinda readied up with her team as their platform rose up and turned opaque.

Seeing only Matt on the field, and Baxter landing in a neutral area opposite from where Liz and Aster stood, she questioned, Wait, you want to fight us alone?

With a sly grin, Matt responded, At least once, for old times sake.

He then paused and looked at Baxter with a raised eyebrow. It was a long moment later when he seemed to reluctantly nod after glancing at Liz.

Baxter called out, Fight starts when I reach zero. Full killing blows are allowed, as Ill intercept them. This match is not considered a part of the ongoing war, and death here wont mean death outside.

Three.

She was given the three-second countdown to look at the only skill she had seen Matt use before. Melinda expected to see the same fairly standard armor that was a perfect replica of normal armor, just with all the joints filled in with a lower layer. They always gave the appearance of eye and breathing holes, along with joints where the armor skill had one.

Where her older and taller friend was a moment ago, there now stood a white-blue armored form in ghostly plate.

No, this Matt was different. It was like someone had taken all of those little details and smoothed them over. His helmet was still shaped like a helmet, but it was now smooth and seemingly in one solid piece. Where the translucent armor had once appeared rough around the edges, and seemed shoddily made, it was now smooth and steely. It was now the armor of a truly fearsome warrior.

Two.

She considered her friend with what felt like awe mixed with pride. The child that she had met on the PlayPen was gone, replaced by this intimidating example of the best the Empire had to offer. A small part of her was anxious to see what Matt had become.

One.

Zero.

When Baxter said zero, Matt seemed to explode forward. She was totally unprepared for his speed.

He was even fasterthan Kyle, who was getting twice the effect of essence cultivated into strength. Matt moved like a peak Tier 7.

A sinking dread came over her as she called out to Tara to end this as soon as possible. This Matt truly was different.

Her call came too late as Matt closed the distance between them. A rain of ice centered on Tara poured down and pelted them painfully. It also knocked her arrow off course.

She looked to Vinnie to get him to immobilize Matt as he arrived at Mathew, and instead of him diving into the earth, she saw Baxter holding a crossbow bolt in front of his face. In the time it took to blink, they were both gone.

The panic started as Melinda tried to think, but she had no time before Matt was in front of her husband. She expected him to stop their friend in his tracks, but Matt ducked slightly, then lifted Mathew off his feet. He ran forward with her husband over his shoulder, as if he was a shield.

Taras arrow was snatched out of the air by Baxter, who took Mathew with him. Their archer had moved out of the still raining ice and launched an arrow, only for it to hit her teammate.

Did Matt plan to block Taras arrow with Mathew? How could someone plan that in the middle of a fight?

Melinda didnt have time to process her shock. With an explosive leap, Matt was immediately on her. She only had a moment to stare into the white-blue of neutral mana that made up his armored helmet. Idly, she thought she saw swirls and lines hidden in the mana.

She saw the shock and pain in her reflection, and the first swipe of a sword that appeared from nowhere took both her legs and sent her tumbling. She watched the sword arc around, covered in her blood and moving to finish her off, only to be pulled from the field of battle. She looked down and found Baxter already reattaching her legs.

She took over and sighed as her overhealth dealt with the wound perfectly.

With her heart still racing, she stood and watched on in shock.

Matt was rushing Kyle and Sam.

Melinda looked to Baxter, who smiled at her.

What the fuck?

He ignored her and watched as Sam threw a poison vial down on the ground. A noxious green gas quickly spread and covered the surroundings as it broke.

Kyle would be fine, as Sam had practiced long and hard to not hurt her teammates, but Matt seemed to ignore it, and instead started to duel Kyle.

How does poison gas not affect him?

Shed seen that gas take down Tier 6 monsters with ease, which made the contrasting result all the more jarring.

Where Kyles sword was almost as tall as he was, had a thick blade, and was as wide as his thigh, Matts sword was slimmer. She figured that Kyle would win the fight through sheer weight alone, but his first blow was deflected, and Matt stepped around him. He was quickly intercepted by Sam and her dagger.

Melinda looked to Tara, who was trying to escape another ice field that was ruining her shots.

Matt punched out at Kyle as he slid under a blow, and Baxter said, Thats what a true Pather looks like. I dont know your friend, but hes good enough that he has a management team at Tier 6, when most dont even get considered until Tier 10. Hes strong and fast. Look at how he steps. Its still a little sloppy, but with each step, hes anchoring himself with a bit of his Concept, letting him turn just that little bit faster, and brace for a little more power in his blows. I can see him refining it each step he takes. Magnificent.

Melinda tried to watch, but could only focus on her team being decimated. Kyle took a blow that severed his leg and caused him to stumble. She expected Baxter to step in, but he didnt. Just waiting.

If I were to give you fifty fifty odds against Matt in a one vs six, which I wouldn't, by the way. It's far too generous. But if I did, Id give you sixty forty for Liz, only because all of you can actually hurt her. But she would shred you like fresh beef. And I'd give you ninety ten for Aster. Congratulations, he said sardonically.You have good odds at beating a barely sapient fox. And shes still a child.

As Kyle fell, Sam drove her dagger into Matts lower back, with its tip glowing the sickly green of [Venom Strike].

To her mounting horror, it skittered down Matts side as he turned and grabbed her arm. He tossed Sam onto Kyle and thrust through both of them. Or he would have, if Baxter hadnt moved them to her side.

Melinda dropped to their side and re-attached Kyles leg, while Sam shouted, Fuck!

Looking up as Kyle stood on his now healed leg, she saw Matt chasing a retreating Tara through the stone columns.

She checked on her husband, who had a faraway look on his face, and a hole in his armor near the middle of his gut. She checked him over, only to find that Baxter had already healed him perfectly.

With a still blank stare on his face, he asked, What happened?

We got our asses handed to us.

No. I mean, how did we slip so far? We were good. But Matt. He got better. He kept pushing himself. I... I dont know where we went wrong.

Her attention was drawn by the cry from her teammate. She expected to see Tara down, but saw Matt standing there with an arm raised and an arrow through his forearm.

With a lighthearted laugh, Matt called out, Well done, Tara! Ive taken blows from Tier 7s at Tier 5 that didnt punch through my armor like this.

His laugh and words caused Melinda to blanch even more. What Tier 5 fought Tier 7s? That was madness.

He reached up and broke the arrowhead off and pulled the shaft through his arm, dropping the bloodied piece of wood to the ground.

With a battlecry that screamed that he was having fun, Matt launched himself forward into a newly appeared storm of ice and with even his sword now glowing.

Tara tried to escape the onslaught of thumb-sized shards of ice, but they fell like a solid wall more than individual pieces of ice.

As Tara tried to hide behind stone pillars, Matt shot forward and sent a crescent of mana at her cover, destroying it and sending rock spraying everywhere.

Melinda knew the end was decided when Tara slipped on some of the accumulated ice, loosing her arrow early.

To her credit, she didnt surrender, and lashed out ineffectually with her ankle dagger, only to get her hand stepped on.

Baxter called it. Good job and well fought. Thank you, Matt.

Matt helped Tara up as the ice stopped. Her face read as a mixture of grumpy and sad, a reflection of Melindas own feelings as well.

They had been demolished by someone younger and weaker than them. Matt was only an early Tier 6, after all.

Liz came over and kicked Matt hard. What the fuck? You seriously injured them! The redhead turned to Baxter and kicked him in the shin as well. And you! What the fuck as well!? You shouldnt have let them get limbs cut off. Theyll be out of commission for weeks with that healing downtime. How amateurish are you? You should know better! Idiot.

Melinda warmed up to the girl even more as she stood up to an immortal for them. To head off any more outbursts, she told Liz her Talent. Dont worry, my Talent is one that gives all healing spells I cast overhealth. Well be fine.

Liz looked shocked at that, but she was cut off by Matt before she could respond. He said, Speaking of that, let me use my Concept to top everyone up.

With that, Melinda felt her mana pool being rapidly filled from the three spells she had cast after the fight.

Once again, a feeling of inadequacy overcame her. Matt had a Concept that could give others mana? That was absurd.

How are we ever going to keep up?