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Chapter 1,314.
🕑 Added 2024-12-09 20:35:46 +0000 UTCVilari was an island of tranquility in a raging sea of roaring applause. The stands were filled to the brim with red-faced spectators who used the arena as an outlet for their pent-up urges. Their bloodlust fused into a tangible force that Vilari had only seen on the battlefield. The atmosphere even affected the Hegemons waiting for their turn to fight on the main stage.
The force seeped into the limbs of Vilari’s downed opponent, causing them to twitch erratically. However, it was insufficient to awaken the gladiator’s rattled mind. The timer reached zero, and Vilari calmly walked off the stage. From beginning to end, she hadn’t moved from her starting position.
“Congratulations, Your Holiness. It’s been years since we had the pleasure of seeing a contestant reach ten victories in two days,” Vilari’s personal attendant said with an obsequious bow.
“I see,” Vilari said. “Has the next battle been arranged?”
“About that—” the attendant shook his head with a troubled expression. “I am afraid not. Your profound methods have left an impression on the permanent gladiators, and we’re having trouble finding a suitable match among the gladiators. In fact, the Ringmaster has requested an audience to discuss the issue.”
“Oh? Which Ringmaster? Daoist Ten-fold Hail?”
“It’s indeed Master Hail,” the attendant confirmed.
Vilari didn’t immediately answer. She looked at the stands, clamoring for more blood as the stage was cleaned for the next fight. The platform had already become a natural formation that focused all that bloodlust on the combatants. Even Vilari found it difficult to suppress the implanted impulses. However, submerging herself in the sea of violence was her only method of narrowing down her search.
Meeting the Ringmaster before fully understanding the situation was a risk. He was an Early Monarch, a Veteran of countless battles, and a former Arena Champion. He was also Vilari’s main suspect if the phenomenon was by design. Even without a dedicated Soul-defending technique, Ten-Fold Hail wasn’t an enemy she could face.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
“I’ll trouble you to bring me to his office, then,” Vilari said.
“Of course, this way!”
Ten-Fold Hail didn’t have an office overseeing his ring like the other three Ringmasters. Instead, it was located above the coliseum’s main entrance, overlooking Riverdell’s Imperial Road and the raging river it followed. Vilari found Master Hail standing by a wall of windows, observing the constant stream of traffic leading to the coliseum.
Vilari’s eyes subtly widened as she took in the eclectic collection of artifacts placed throughout the generous office. Instead of the conventional display of power or wealth, it seemed designed to grant its owner an air of refinement. Vilari could see the desire they conveyed. Ten-Fold Hail had led an illustrious life, and a Monarch would be welcome wherever they went.
That wasn’t enough to raise him from his status. Ten-fold Hail was considered a commoner, both by designation and background. The artifacts showcased loftier goals. They were also the cause of Riverdell’s imminent collapse.
“Master Hail,” Vilari said with a slight bow, which already gave the Ringmaster quite a bit of face.
“Your Holiness, welcome,” Master Hail said with a smile as he turned around. “This is our first time meeting, but I have witnessed your blazing ascent. As expected of a Chosen of the Severance Cloister.”
“Master Hail is well-informed.”
“It’s mostly smattered gossip overheard during my years of service,” Master Hail said with a self-deprecating laugh. “How is Your Holiness finding Riverdell? I hope the rough environment hasn’t spoiled your pilgrimage. It’s difficult to enforce true order while we're still considered a border town.”
“Not at all. It’s natural for the light of progress to cast shadows, and it’s precisely why I came here. One must experience all aspects of mortality to successfully sever it.”
“I’m always drawn by this view,” Master Hail said, inviting Vilari to join him by the window. “When my brothers and I built the coliseum, Riverdell didn’t even have an outer formation. A rag-tag group of iterant cultivators was responsible for fending off the tides descending the mountains every spring. The city was rebuilt almost every decade. It would have been abandoned if not for its useful position by the Klamatra River.”
Vilari nodded in agreement. The Klamatra River was incredibly dangerous, filled with beasts, and empowered by an unbreakable Natural Formation. Crossing through the air was impossible. Even Monarchs would be dragged to its depths. The only method of passage was by boat, and Riverdell was built by one of the few shallow stretches. Starting the crossing from Riverdell’s harbor reduced the danger by two-thirds.
“Attracting talent through your coliseum is a great service. The citizens no longer need to fear for their lives,” Vilari praised.
“Indeed, though we had luck on our side. Not many wandering cultivators would have made the journey if not for the Imperial Road passing through the area,” Master Hail said, looking at the tiled road like it was his baby.
Vilari didn’t dare follow his gaze. The perfectly maintained cobblestone road held terrifying power. Looking at it directly with her inner eye open had almost blinded her. It was like she’d gazed upon the continent’s life vein.
“I’m afraid the esteemed status of Your Holiness has spread,” the Ringmaster continued after a brief silence. “Those of suitable strength are hesitant to raise their blade against the Emperor’s chosen, and the kind of riff-raff who’d fight anyone for a few spiritual taels cannot pose a challenge. Furthermore, Heavens forbid, should something happen to Your Holiness—”
“The cloister doesn’t involve itself in mortal matters.”
“That may be so, but the Faith of Riverdell is strong. The coliseum’s reputation would plummet if we allowed the blood of the Anointed to tarnish our ring. Some of our patrons would even consider our establishment cursed.”
Vilari helplessly looked at the Ringmaster’s troubled expression. Master Hail’s “concern” was very likely a façade meant to hide the dealings the coliseum ran on the side. She’d questioned a few servants influenced by her Soul, and it turned out beasts were not the only dangers on the Klamatra River.
The Ringmasters all had crews of trusted gladiators moonlighting as river bandits. They used the coliseum and its connected taverns to gather information on suitable targets, ensuring they didn’t mess with dangerous or connected people.
At the same time, Master Hail’s misgivings were no doubt genuine. The memory lantern she’d ended up with was truly troubling, and it came with several restrictions. To use its identity, Vilari had to wear the nunnery outfit she inherited from Imsaya, the nun whose faith was tested by the world’s cruelty.
Vilari couldn’t even enter the memories without it, and taking it off inside wasn’t an option—she’d learned that the hard way. A squad of Monarchs had appeared inside the memory the first time Vilari tried it, and she barely escaped with her life. The robes were directly connected to Severance Temple, and disrobing apparently meant rejecting the Imperial Faith.
It was almost impossible to move unnoticed with the eye-catching clothes, and this wasn’t the first time it had interrupted her investigations. Vilari really needed a more circumspect identity, but she refused to pick a lantern with lacking fate or affinity. The situation wasn’t too bad this time, but Vilari still adorned a troubled expression.
“I’ve found the arena conducive to experiencing the pent-up aggression of the mortal heart. Cutting my observation short will impede my pilgrimage. Alas, one cannot choose how mortal dust will fall,” Vilari said with slight displeasure before her expression smoothed out. “I’ll retire from the ring. However, I wonder if Master Hail can do me a favor?”
“As long as it is within my power,” the Monarch quickly agreed. “Does Your Holiness require passage? I’m acquainted with most of Riverdell’s seasoned ferrymen.”
“Perhaps at a later time. For now, I wonder if I can purchase one of your relics,” Vilari said and pointed at one of the many items on display.
“That thing? It’s old, not valuable,” Master Hail said with surprise as he looked at the red statuette.
It was no larger than a foot, depicting a humanoid crouched on all fours like a beast. He wore nothing but a ripped loincloth, and his face was locked in a feral snarl. The motif conveyed extreme anger, and the rough technique used to make it only elevated that sensation. Its contours were rough and jagged like someone had mindlessly clawed at a piece of rock until the statue was formed.
“I find it’s a novel representation of the mortal heart. Looking at it will help me recall my experiences in the ring,” Vilari said, seriously observing the Ringmaster’s aura.
Daoist Ten-fold Hail’s face had already grown slack as he stared at the statue without blinking. Vilari wasn’t sure if he’d heard her explanation. Seeds of anger were germinating behind his vacant stare, replacing his thoughts with bloodlust. Vilari was experiencing a similar influence, though she was better equipped to deal with the urges.
Vilari carefully transmitted tranquility through her Soul while slightly adjusting her position. The silver details of her robe were reflected by the setting sun, drawing the Monarch’s attention. The statue’s hold weakened and sharpness in his gaze returned. Vilari exhaled with relief, knowing she hadn’t appeared a moment too soon. The idol had almost drawn enough sustenance to overcome its owner’s natural defenses. With one of Riverdell’s strongest combatants under its control, there’d be no need for it to hold back any longer.
“It’s only an old statue with limited value. Truthfully, I don’t even remember when I acquired it. If Your Holiness is interested, I’m more than happy to gift it to commemorate your visit,” Master Hail smiled, clearly unaware of what had just transpired.
“I’ll remember Master Ten-Fold’s Grace,” Vilari said with a gentle smile. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll retreat to my courtyard to meditate on today’s encounters. I’ll likely set off in two days.”
“Of course, I shall not hold you up any further,” the Monarch said.
Vilari made sure to block the Monarch’s line of sight as she approached the statue. She covered it in an isolating cloth and carried it away, using herself to block the increasingly agitated waves of anger it sent out. Shortly after, Vilari hurried along Riverdell’s streets, making sure she didn’t take one visible from Ten-Fold Hail’s window.
There was still much Vilari didn’t understand about the unusual statuette. She couldn’t tell whether it was a creation of nature or a manmade object. For all she knew, it might even be a unique lifeform similar to golems and elementals. After all, it wasn’t possible to hide the statue inside a spatial ring, forcing Vilari to carry it during her brisk walk toward the memory domain’s exit.
Whatever its origin, the idol carried great potential for destruction. If left alone, it would continue to draw power from the coliseum’s natural aggression. To increase its sustenance, it would amplify the momentary bouts of bloodlust among spectators and gladiators alike. Eventually, the anger would take over the rest of their persona. Riverdell would become a hell on earth populated by cultivators with nothing but fury in their hearts.
Taking away the idol would stop the transformation, but the coliseum’s weaker regulars would already have suffered permanent changes to their personalities. At least the phenomenon hadn’t reached the level where the seeds of anger would become self-propagating and infect those in their surroundings, turning the anger into a mind plague.
The possibility wasn’t a theory; Vilari had experienced such a plague in person. This wasn’t the first idol Vilari had collected. The Idol of Wrath was the fifth, with the rest forming a small coven inside her Soul Aperture.
The first idol she collected was the Idol of Sloth. It had been left to its own devices too long. A whole town had been beset by its influence, turning them so lazy that some chose to stop breathing. The village was under quarantine, and Vilari heard the full story from the investigators sent to deal with the problem.
Passing visitors had brought the affliction of sloth away, eventually turning into replicas of the idols to create new hotspots. They even took identical positions as the figurine upon reaching the state of propagation. In a way, the officials had been lucky they were dealing with a plague of sloth. Its nature kept it contained.
The Idol of Exultation would have been a bigger problem. Vilari could picture countless cultivators running around until they died of exhaustion. There was no telling how far they’d manage to spread their disease before running out of energy.
Spreading madness didn’t mean the statues were inherently evil or cursed. On the contrary, they were incredibly pure, holding one emotion and nothing else. Anything would become dangerous if it reached high enough concentration, and emotions were no exception.
Where they came from was as mysterious as how they worked. None of the investigators had any idea, and they didn’t match any known phenomenon. The Idols would have made powerful tools of sabotage, but Vilari didn’t believe they were the creations of some heretic nurturing their tools. It almost seemed like the statues had been drawn toward strong emotions conducive to their growth, inserting themselves in ways that could trick even Monarchs. Ten-Fold Hail couldn’t remember when he got it because it had appeared on its own.
At the very least, the idols had a basic instinct for survival. Right now, the idol understood its food source was being threatened. Nothing Vilari did could block out the growing waves of anger it let loose on the unwitting townsfolk. It had given up any attempts on subtlety to prevent Vilari from bringing it away.
Fights were breaking out left and right. Thanks to the coliseum and Riverdell’s strategic position, there were always plenty of powerful people around. Defensive arrays failed en masse as flourishing districts turned into warzones. The chaos acted in Vilari’s favor. Her Soul worked overtime to hide her presence and redirect the mindless rage of those who managed to lock onto her position. Even so, she was forced into multiple battles more desperate than those in the ring during her escape.
Three powerful auras erupted from the coliseum just as Vilari reached the memory’s edge, their attention squarely directed at her. Vilari didn’t bother turning around to take a look. Severing the past, she stepped into a withered forest situated along a deep trench—the once mighty Klamatra River, now dried out and empty of spirituality.
The idol shuddered from the backlash of having countless connections simultaneously broken, losing all its sources of sustenance. Even wounded, it unhesitatingly lashed out at Vilari in a futile act of vengeance.
“What a little troublemaker,” Vilari said with a slight smile, prodding the idol’s crooked nose.
The idol trembled with fury, seemingly cursing its inability to move. If possible, it would have risen from its hunched form to tear into Vilari’s flesh and drink her blood. Her teasing or bringing it away had nothing to do with it. The idol could only exhibit one emotion, and it would be just as angry if she treated it courteously.
Vilari didn’t discard the dangerous relic. Bringing it out of Riverdell wasn’t an act of charity, though she believed her deeds aligned with the trial’s purpose. While dangerous and unpredictable, the idols were all the equivalent of Supreme-quality Natural Treasures purely attuned to the Peak of Seven Sensations. Furthermore, they shared a common origin, giving them perfect compatibility.
Even without further refinement, the set could act as something Vilari lacked—a Mentalist’s offensive Spirit Tool suited to her Dao. Equipment able to amplify Soul Attacks was incredibly rare on the frontier. Vilari only had an Early D-grade Ring at the moment, purchased at great cost from the Limited Exchange. It was neither a Spirit Tool nor attuned to her Dao, barely enough to make a difference in battle.
The Idols were her opportunity to create a true companion like her father’s axes. Their reluctance to comply wasn’t even a bad thing. The constant assaults on her emotional state tempered her Dao, similar to how Jalach’s insidious whispers had assaulted her convictions during her time inside the [Epiclesis Bell].
Vilari’s deranged master was another reason she was adamant about collecting the full set. The statues reminded her a lot of the ancient entity, to the point she couldn’t help wondering if they had a connection. Getting to the bottom of their appearance on the Left Imperial Expanse might give her much-needed insights before her inevitable reunion with her master.
The chaos inside the memory domain showed no indication of calming down. Vilari reconnected with the spiritual wards she’d installed around the memory before entering, confirming there’d been no suspicious movements during the week she’d stayed inside. Seeing as everything was in place, she hurried to her prepared hideout.
Four days later, the Idol of Wrath was finally dragged into her Soul Aperture after losing their tug of war. Its arrival was met with great antipathy from the other four statues, and the fragile balance they’d reached was directly upended. Five clashing emotions entered a war for supremacy, with Vilari’s mind as the battleground.
Every additional emotion made the integration worse, and a storm raged in Vilari’s heart. It took another day to engrave a spiritual bond between the newcomer and its siblings. The idols trembled, and Vilari’s surroundings changed. She sat in a gondola sailing across a moonlit lake. Something terrifying was steering the boat, its aura stopping her from turning around.
Vilari didn’t move an inch, silently listening to the sloshing waters. The mysterious method she used to tame the idols had come from precisely from these waters. With the additional Idol, Vilari managed to listen a bit longer. This time, she even managed to see the gondola’s destination. It was a small island, holding a single structure whose shape and purpose she couldn’t make out.
The vision faded, and she was back inside her own body. The idols had already calmed down, suddenly playing nice like they’d never been apart. Vilari didn’t get the opportunity to celebrate her success before tumultuous waves in her heart agitated the remnant storm of emotions in her aperture.
An impossible sight briefly entered her vision before a soulful blade cut one of her sentries apart. Confusion, apprehension, and anger sought to topple the dominion of despair. There was no time to sort out her thoughts, and there was no need. It didn’t matter who was audacious enough to borrow Thea Marshall’s appearance or why. Vilari would enact justice in her father’s stead.
Comments
Robin Ramme
Oh noes, my favourite side character Vilari and my least favourite side character are gonna hang out
Lex Luther S
You need to read the chapter again word for word man. Don't skim it. Vilari has an identity that is an anointed nun. Anointed nuns are those basically Baptistsed by the imperial faith and with how faithful the limitless empires citizens were, it makes sense that hail wouldn't mind giving up what, to him, is nothing but a trinket. He doesn't know it's a supreme natal treasure for the soul because even he doesn't know where it came from because it just "appeared on its own" As for traffic, there is a thing called foot traffic you know? And do you really think these cities were made up completely of cultivators? Do remember that cultivators, at least back then, are a minority compared to mortals and even cities like Riverdell would have a good deal of mortals. And as has been long stated, most hegemons are to poor to own cosmic vessels and I imagine that's even more so back in the limitless empires heyday.
Kirin
Finally!!!!!!!!
Altimar
Regarding the traffic, I believe it has been stated before that flying was restricted in most cities. And I believe foot traffic was also mentioned in the Twilight Harbor saga.
Edward
I feel like I am going to be in the minority on this one, but.. I did not like this chapter. At all. It is filled with inconsistances. Why mention "traffic"? Land-based vehicles have NEVER been mentioned before in this story; why would they? Spaceflight is a thing, you drive a spaceship not a car. So WHY TF would there be any "traffic" at all? It makes zero sense in this world. It was nice to hear fron Vallari again, but anybody want to explain how she was able to talk a Monarch into just handing over what is the equivilent of a powerful natural treasure? And not just a natural treasure but one in its natural environment, still constantly accumulating power and growing... and he just hands it over? And to somebody who is much lower level than he? Uhhh.... sure. And are we just supposed to forget about Kharmic debts? That isnt supposed to be a thing anymore? None of this makes any sense at all in the context of the rest of the story wtf?
Lex Luther S
The sangha didn't steal his fate. They used an array using thea as the core find resonances of fate with seals. Because he was the fulcrum of fate, he had a slight connection to all seals released. But a down side of the array was that every use sowed a great deal of karmic debt to zac. And with the debt zac felt he owed Thea, she benefited in turn as well. Even with the Sanghas' true nature being dubious at best, I don't doubt the array worked as stated.
Jeff McCulley
Hmm. Has never met her. Thinks that she’s dead. And yet somehow is absolutely certain that someone is impersonating a dead person she never met. You might wanna think that one through.
Lex Luther S
What red flags? Her death flags?
Spagay Tittie
I think leandra was implying with that "power required" comment that Thea wouldn't meet Zac again until reaching B grade or something. Like after thousands of years had passed and thea amassed the power to escape the gold blade continent through her own means. But then the baldies came and taxid her out of there and totally changed that.
SandreX
Better how would he feel if he knew what those baldies did to his sector.
Porter
Disagree. She thinks Thea is dead. And never met her. So this is the logical first assumption, that someone is impersonating her.
Andrew P
They definitely coerced her, but she also chose to help them.
Michael
I don’t think Thea had much of a choice in the matter…
Andrew P
I question how Zac will feel when he learns Thea helped the baldies steal some of his fate in exchange for getting a cut herself
liquid_helix
@Shawn, exactly. As much political as intimacy, if not more so. The puritan monogamy ideals are silly in the context of the story IMO. Maintaining adherence to that standard, would feel more of an acquiescence to external non in-book societal norms.
micah wales
Also seems like something Zac would share. It’s not exactly a secret who she was and what happened to her.
MacMahon Wenzl
Ogras is definitely the second strongest in the Atwood Empire. Mentalist are unique and probably have more "power" than Ogras, but in overall terms Ogras is still stronger. Iz knows Vilaries heratige and didn't seem to impressed by Vilari. On the other hand, Iz has remarked on how Ogras "was once mundane and now has become something quite unique". I don't think she was making a remark on his current abilities at the time, but instead she was making a remark about the extreme potential he now has.
MacMahon Wenzl
I'm just here for the juicy gossip, lol
Jeff McCulley
He’s strengthened his heart cultivation a great deal. This is just more fodder.
Jeff McCulley
Found it, thanks. Still irrelevant to a mentalist being able to tell whether someone is actually who they appear to me.
Jeff McCulley
Here is what Leandra told Thea when dropping her off at the Goldblade Continent: “Who knows, it might even allow you to walk in step with my son.” “Though I suspect… even if you gain the power required to make it back, you two will long have forgotten about each other by that point. After all, the Dao is your foremost love.” Take that as you will…but I’d agree, and guess the latter possibility proves true as well.
jsw
After reading the comment from @NiceTryMate, I went to Discord to see what TFD had posted. On 21 Oct 2021 he did post: "Btw, the FAQ with the no harem promise is long removed from RR, so it's technically not canon any longer". Not sure where that leaves things. . .
zukerburg
Thea never met vilari, she didn't know he was rasing undead followers till zacs mom tells her right before shes dropped off on the gold blade continent
Jeff McCulley
The Left Imperial Expanse is vast. Rhuger was on his way to the Starfall Cort, which was not among any of the Courts that either Zac could see. Vilari and Thea are headed to the Anima Court, the one mentioned as next to the Mercurial, where Esmerelda and D-Zac are heading. And Janos.
Jeff McCulley
Sure, but he has sealbearers who aren’t “really important”, including several who haven’t been named. When they departed New Earth he had “two full cycles plus two spares” for twenty, and not nearly all of those were aboard the Yphelion. Please don’t make me go back and count!
Jeff McCulley
First, this is not true, second, it’s irrelevant. Vilari and her siblings were raised and in training before Thea’s “death”. Just because we have no mention of them meeting doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. Also, a mentalist shouldn’t need to recognize a person to tell if they’re genuinely who they appear to be. In any case, the fig leaf here is that Vilari is distracted and out of sorts from her breakthrough.
EsoEasy
Agree that we most likely won’t see a Thea-Vilari fight, if it even actually comes to blows. I’m hoping the next POV is another unusual pairing like we got with Iz and Carl. Something like Boje-Kruta could be really fun lol.
Hartmann
Vilari never met Thea before her "death".
Jeff McCulley
Who’s next? Guessing that TFD will leave us dangling, who does he jump to for the next POV? Catheya might seem obvious, but I’m guessing there are plot reasons for it not to be her. That leaves Emily or Janos at the top? Well, Esmerelda and Draugr Zac are likely to run into Janos at the Mercurial Court before long, so perhaps not him. And Emily just got a passing reference from Carl. Similarly, Carl and Iz seem likely to run across Ibtep and Jaol shortly. Relatively shortly. Kruta and Joanna are heading to the same place, so maybe not Kruta, either. Bubbur might be fun. If mostly in the sense that he’s just starting to get a clue about what it’s like to be part of the Atwood Empire, and is pretty clueless. In fact, watching him be flabbergasted being faced with the impossible task of rescuing Rhubat would be fun. Galau is walking into a hornet’s nest at the Daedalian Court. Monks dying, *and* the Imperial dude shadowing about. With Rhuger at least attempting a pass, Ra’Klid is looks to be on his own for the Starfall Court. The thing is, I can’t help but think he has an edge, having already been to the Centurion Base. You know what would be fun? Seeing what happened with the one unknown member of Zac’s Yphelion crew who *didn’t* have all three seals, and had to go through the preliminary trial. And if maybe they picked up the other strays left back on Earth who didn’t complete their seals. Like (probably) Lissa. Someone could be shepherding cats!
Jeff McCulley
I was just thinking the exact same thing about Emily. Posted about “who’s next” above.
Jeff McCulley
Looking at Vilari? “though she believed her deeds aligned with the trial’s purpose.” So, much as Zac effectively has an unlabeled Void chain quest, Vilari has one she seems even more securely locked into. Only involves idols related to Peak of Seven Sensations. Or perhaps more aptly…the Seven Deadly Sins. She has five now. “Exultation” was hypothetical, so Sloth and Wrath. Then three out of Pride, Envy, Gluttony, Greed and Lust. Two to go. Umm…any bets that Thea is holding at least one of them? Speaking of whom… A. I half expect TFD to jump to a different POV Wednesday. The fight and reunion would be nice—but he left us with the last set of POV’s unresolved. I’m not sure why Thea would be attacking one of Vilari’s sentries. Maybe she has the Greed idol on her? And…a mentalist can’t tell that’s really Thea? Seriously. The odds that anyone would know *of* Thea in order to impersonate her are vanishingly small. She wasn’t offworld much before her “death”, and no one from Earth would be dumb enough to impersonate her. More on “who’s next” in a bit.
Jeff McCulley
Actually, they only sent one guy there, with instructions. The other never said where he was going. Presumably, he returned to where he’d come from.
NiceTryMate
Pretty sure TFD has said, over on discord iIrc., that there won’t be any harem stuff. By definition, more than one is a harem. The comment was posted several years ago, so the script might have changed.
Han Pol
Now we need one on Emily? alternatively I also don't mind to have some surprises.
Mateo Lopez
Speaking of Rugher. Isn’t he near this area as well? He was close to a shadow area if I remember correctly. I’m thinking he’ll see his Father in action and that will reignite is stall Heart. Allowing him to take that step into the area that is calling him
Shawn Treants
Seriously doubt that. He has too many potential interests now and emperors rarely have a single wife. At minimum he will have a living and an undead companion. Regardless if/when he recombines. But I can see at least 3 to 4 easily. It would tie him to all these old watchers and their families.
Hartmann
No really important character has died in the series. The only character who we had a POV of and died the old fisherman. Most Sealbearers like Emily and Joanna should be safe. Even the Technocrat navigator is safe because he is needed for the Sanctuary arc. On the other hand if Rugher doesn't find his Dao Heart he is a liability at best.
Seamus Harley
Sorry :)
Lizy Flore
Hell yeah, vilari chapter and Thea’s come back ! So excited to see their confrontation :)) as for my pronostics : Vilari isn’t very hot-blooded so I don’t see the fight being dragged out. She’ll hear Thea out and then decided to stay close to her to see if she’s lying. Thanks for the chap !
Lizy Flore
I was so happy at the end of the chapter and then I saw that 😭 seriously ? You could have let me in my sweet bubble of delusion
liquid_helix
@JeffM, That would be boring.
Tartlet
Woot woot! Thea is BACK!
Booksaregood
Yes
Jeff McCulley
I’m not Team Anyone. Tavza just happens to be one Draugr who would be a light year’s better Dao Partner for Zac than Catheya. Yes, Zac is and will remain monogamous. As least, not the whole “one for each body” silliness. He’s one person, not two.
jsw
No waiting, please and thank you! 😀
Seamus Harley
I wonder if any of Zacs sealbearers will die during the ultom arc?
ClaySavage
And you know it’s gonna mess with Zac to see her. I wouldn’t be surprised if Vilari told her to not go see him in a fear that it would cause him a derailment in his path.
ClaySavage
I see them fighting and them coming to a draw and talking things out. With Vilari slightly overpowering Thea. Then Vilari spilling the beans that zac has moved on and telling her not cause drama because her father is on a greater mission. But Thea not listening because she needs to speak her mind about the bullshit zac’s mom caused.
Wurger
Began the waifu wars have.
Omiso
They do if Zac is involved.
Jeffrey Worrall
The storm Imperials moved from the Hollow court to the Daedalian Court(where the Monks were getting close to obtaining the bridge of karma). Remember, they said there is no way that guy(Zac) doesn't light the hollow court's candle, we can concentrate somewhere else.
Alexander
Never disrespect Ogras like that again
Jeff McCulley
I don’t mind Catheya talk. It’s not my fault ya’ll are blind to all the red flags TFD keeps tossing out. We have five more chapters before TFD’s Christmas break. I was planning on putting up a series of posts to tide people over that period. Some are about the state of the Atwood Empire. If TFD doesn’t blow her cover before then, I’ll do hers too. Pulling all of those assorted references. Unless you folks prefer not to wait?
jsw
@JeffM - I gather from previous comments you are Team Tavza. Do think Zac is going to stay strictly monogamous? If not, how does his future relationships play out?
Jeff McCulley
Emir got sent to delay the monks at the Daedalian Court. Where Galau and (theoretically) Catheya are heading. He got told to add two more “helpers”. It would be funny if he picked up one of Zac’s stray sealbearers (like Rhuger) along the way.
Joshua Little
Thanks for the chapter.
Michael
I like seeing how these memory domaines are supposed to go down. I figured they couldn’t all explode.
Michael
I mean Ogras is the second strongest in the Atwood Empire behind Zac, so if she’s on par with him she’ll school Vilari
Jeff McCulley
Given how TFD left us hanging with the last set of POV’s, I’m not sure we’ll see the end of this little dual. And Catheya will react as she always does to even the slightest hint of competition. With jealousy and insecurity. Because insecurity is inevitable when you know full well that you’re an insincere gold digger, in a relationship solely based on sex
Michael
Kinda seems like everyone hates them tbh. Even old man River wanted to drown that monk
Jeff McCulley
Suggested Edits “that Vilari had” >she. Have already established the subject. “Early Monarch, a Veteran…” >veteran, lower case. “traffic leading” >heading “mostly smattered gossip” >scattered, OR a smattering of “servants influenced by her” >influencing them with OR under the influence of (?) my courtyard to >a courtyard is the space between buildings, often landscaped. “as Vilari reached” >she. See above. The next one is fine.
Kyle Hunter
Good point, I need to go reread those chapters. It's been a minute
zukerburg
Thea is no doubt strong but she's at most on par with ogras
M💬
Jeff is not going to like the Cateya talk 😂 but I’m all for it .
jsw
How is Catheya going to react to Thea’s return? I think we need a POV chapter from her.
Pascal Kwizera
You kidding? I don't think it's even close. Thea rn is a glass cannon. She put everything into her sword strikes and intent. From what we have seen so far, her time with the monks was mostly about patching up her lacking understanding in cultivation. I bet she will have a few tricks to stump Vilari, but ultimately Vilari will school her.
Chewbacchus
Lol, Vilari booped the statue
Hartmann
Vilari has an absolutely overpowered bloodline and deeper foundations. Her heritage should also be more powerful thanks to her "master".
Hartmann
The Primordial also seems to be an enemy to the Sangha
Omiso
Sure but Vilari served as supreme general in the incursion that ultimately ended with Ensolus conquest, she also spend a lot of time as Zac's second during the war and had been given access to quite a bunch of treasure. If it comes down to a fight I would bet on her over Thea.
Alexander Johnson
whaaaa
Omiso
Unexpected. But is about time Thea showed up. The fact she's showing up here means is not her cutting down the monks since Emir and the "Storm Imperials Team" are delaying them down in the Hollow Court area.
bltth26
O man, I feel like Sylvester Stallone lol hanging from a cliff. 😂
Lex Luther S
POV change, let's go. Well, vilari is paving her path for a supreme quality tool to help her Dao and strength, so that's neat. It's even crazier how BUSTED these things are, able to affect even monarchs. Vilari is going to be a monster by the trials end, only behind ogras in terms of power, lol. Even more interesting is the fact that THEA has appeared and attacked one of Vilaris' sentries, likely making her way towards the memory domain. TFD, PLEASE let us see, them clash, and the subsequent talk. It was fine with ogras and Ventus meeting, but I don't think I can handle being left hanging with this one for the next couple of months. But this is interesting indeed. It's important to note the Court Esmeralda needs is closest to vilaris court and zac was even eager to reach the court so they can finish up and head to aid vilari. She said it was fine but zac was adamant to himself on not letting her shoulder that burden alone. Which means that Zac and Thea are on a destined future meeting and VERY very soon. Esmeraldas court arc will come into play first, then likely the hollow court as she absorbs whatever treasure she needs and after that, Esmeralda and arcaz will head to the anima court where they run into Vilari and Thea. Kinda can't wait for that lol. Though, please TFD don't try to bring anymore romance between them. Iz and Catheya are best GIRLS for life for our boi zac
Anthony
Oh shit
Andrew
Thank you!
Jason Hatter
And it's going to be 2-3 months before we see more Thea, I'm sure
Kyle Hunter
Can Vilari even handle Thea now? I know Thea has tempered her dao heart. I have to imagine running around with the monks for years has done wonders in soul cultivation as well.
Owen Stevens
hell yeah vilari chapter
Austin
Thanks!
Eric Wagner
Woo
