Brent Stinebaker
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II-27 Taking a Name (I)
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II-27
Taking a Name (I)
Wei and the others encountered no further gruesome surprises after dealing with the mangled abomination.
Such was a small mercy on Mepheleon’s part. Even so, the paranoia was a hard thing to shake for the group. After suffering attack after attack for the past few weeks and still on edge with the recent assassination, the disciples gathered everything that could channel Essence and brought them to Wei for more in-depth examinations. As he made sure they were stable, Rafael set up a small-scale surveillance network by weaving some floating eyes from his ciphers. These so-called oculi could be accessed by anyone who a Class and an Aspect of Perception. The added security measures dotted the ceilings far above them to give a full overview of the Unblossomed’s insides.
Though this helped to assuage frayed nerves, the Oathbearers still constructed makeshift shelters and rooms, unwilling to occupy any of the still-standing structures. Roggi and his forgekin also created large metallic gates to block off the gaping wound Mepheleon and the Circle left in the structure.
With all that done and no subterfuge detected, Wei paid the Gatekeeper, and found himself the bearer of a deed: One that marked him as the new owner of the Unblossomed. The moment 99,999,999,999 Sins left his Class, a new notification flashed across his vision, informing him of his new status as a landowner.
Congratulations!
You have gained territorial dominion over [The Unblossomed] a high-scale developmental zone in the Heights.
Currently, your property spans 25 kilometers and possesses [0] Essence Core and [0] facilities.
As such, it’s current rating is [Abysmal].
It is recommended that you visit the Gray Bazaar as soon as possible to renovate your new domain. You should start with a Lv. 0 Crude Essence Core to begin the process, and rent some laborer demons for use if you wish to perform any large-scale constructions.
For more information, please schedule a consultation with a specialist Domain Designer using your Chat function.
We hope your property can become a sanctuary of your darkest delights and that you avoid the ugly fate of its previous occupants.
“Thank you!” The Gatekeeper said, receding through the ceiling as he sniffed. “I thought I was never going to… I’m free. I’m finally fucking free… A day off after years of this… Free… Let me know if you need anything. Anything at all. You got my Class tag saved for your Chat menu, so… I’m gonna leave now… Leave and… Go anywhere I want… Anywhere…”
Wei barely noted the Gatekeeper as they slipped away. His attention rested on the stacks of cube-shaped houses the Oathbearers built around where the abomination used to be. The mangled nightmare of flesh had been reduced to ash, but even so, they sealed the space it once occupied beneath a large dome. No sense in risking anything.
His disciples—exhausted from all they experienced—were permitted to find their rest. Some of the braver ones stole mattresses or whole bed frames from the Inheritors’ houses, but most made do with what the Oathbearers provided them. Even after Ellena’s speech and the unified display of camaraderie earlier, Wei could tell they were spent.
He understood. The Claimed Hells was a ravenous beast that took and took and so rarely gave anything back.
But that was going to change soon. Wei would see to it. There was much he had to do if he wanted to see the Drowned Sky Sect resurrected and ascended to heights his mother and former masters could have never dreamed. He would begin by spending more of his Sins on the disciples. There was a time to endure harshness and train one’s resolve, and there was a moment to rest and recover through pleasure and tranquility.
“Indeed,” his Shell said. “And a unique opportunity presents itself. We need to find out more about the Blackwind Sage. The Bloodgrounds is a place of sport. Brutal, fatal sport, but sport nonetheless. It will be worthwhile to bring your sect to the bout tomorrow. Something that can help us reach multiple ends. It will help your disciples understand you better, it will grant you a moment with an Ascended Elder from our world, and it will let you see the quality of adversary you will soon be facing when you take a name for yourself and become the Vanguard of the Claimed Hells.”
I will see about obtaining seating. With only a day, the openings might be tight.
The Shell chuckled. “This is hell, Wei. Remember what Master Ziyi taught us. ‘All hearts can be bent when you find their want.’ We have wealth right now. Enough to be considerable if Rafael is correct. We can use that to our own ends—buy seats from existing patrons if necessary.”
Right.
“Wei.” Ellena’s voice pulled the young master out from his ruminations, he turned to see her, Agnesia, Rafael, Roggi, and the other Oathbearers standing right behind them. A short walk away, a near-ruined mansion loomed, three enormous gashes splitting its wings asunder. “You said you wished to speak with us when everything was finished?”
“Yes,” Wei replied. “I wish to discuss our future.”
“Our future?” Agnesia said, raising an eyebrow. “Why does that sound so bloody ominous to me now?”
“Because it should,” Wei said. “But I wish to have this talk somewhere private. There are things I want you to know first. Things that I do not want unseen eyes or drifting ears to hear. Rafael. Can you perhaps create a secluded area using ciphers?”
“There isn’t the need, my friend,” Rafael said, turning to stare at the mansion. “There is a room we can use here. One inside the mansion.”
“And… it is safe,” Wei asked, dubiousness lining his tone.
“It’s practically its own dimension with all the ciphers lining its walls. I managed to reconnect and update a few of its signs when putting up the oculi earlier. It should be perfect for private discussions or as a place to plan.”
“I see,” Wei breathed. “Well, then. Let us see this place. The Inheritors have taken much from us. It is about time they gave something in return.”
***
Rafael led the group into the mansion through one of the many gaping chasms left in its structure, and then guided them along a curving marble staircase. With a good portion of the wing outright obliterated, Wei could tell there were once two sets of staircases curving along the wall in a U-shape. But the other stairs were little more than rubble and dust now. But he might just be able to reconstruct what was lost using his fire.
Something to test later.
As they got to the second floor, Rafael showed them a hallway with most of its right walls sheared away. Picture frames littered a walkway of cracked marble, and at the far end was a massive set of brown, wooden doors. A slight crack horizontally across their middle, but aside from that, they were relatively unscathed from the general devastation inflicted on this place.
When Rafael flung open the doors, Wei saw the space inside entirely untouched—protected by the ciphers in some way, he guessed. The room was characterized by a table of mahogany enmeshed with bits of flesh. Human flesh. Rotting faces were cluttered the topside of the desk, while a large leather chair shadowed the space behind it like a throne. The air was thick with a pungent cologne—and Wei realized he was familiar with the smell. He had tasted in the Hearted Realm.
Seever. Seever had been here before. This place reeked of his taste.
Omniscience > 49
[31/100] Aspect Advancements to Core Ascension
Looking up, a golden chandelier swung back and forth, basking the room in near-blinding radiance while on the ceiling, a blue-eyed man wearing a navy-colored suit and a strange hat winked down at Wei. The walls to the sides had depictions of two women. On one side was a blonde haired lady with a beauty mark holding her white dress down while standing over a vent. The other was a short-haired brunette that had a peculiar shape about her face.
Rafael introduced them as Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Audrey Hepburn respectively. Apparently, they were famous artists some time ago on Earth. Interesting characters. Wei wondered if he would ever get the chance to meet them at some point.
With their surroundings secured and with a flick of his wrist, Rafael closed the door and assured Wei that they were completely sealed from outside contact now.
Indeed, when the young master tried to access his Chat function, it only worked with those present in the room. Something about the ciphers thinning the Essence flow.
Reassured of their security, Wei went over all he had learned from the Lodge, his newest System Ascension, and told them about his task to overcome the seven contenders from the rival Circles to ensure he was going to be Hell’s Vanguard for the invasion of Earth. He also told them about his duel with his father and the battles he experienced in the Tower of Possibility thereafter.
Finally, he revealed to them the deception he and Bishop performed to make it seem as though he was an independent agent.
The only thing he didn’t speak in depth on was Earth. His own intentions for the world. How he wished to seize it for himself, it only to spite the Inheritors. He wasn’t sure how Rafael might take such a thing, and the more Wei thought of his desire, the more he found himself wondering how he was going to achieve such a thing.
“So, you beat your da in a duel,” Agnesia said for the third time. “And then took him as a slave?”
“Yes,” Wei replied, slightly annoyed. “Yes, I did. Do I need to show him to you? He’s in my Inventory.”
“No,” Agnesia replied, seeming uncomfortable. “It’s just… you don’t have a problem doing that?”
Wei really didn’t want to think about it. “He helped destroy my world. He deserves worse than I can inflict.” But words unspoken remained: It did gnaw at him. No matter how much he hated his father.
The girl wanted to continue, but Ellena held out a hand and stopped her daughter with a sympathetic look.
“So, these challengers,” Rafeal said. “You are to best each one of them?”
“Or recruit them,” Wei answered. “The most important thing is securing their Significance and ensuring I and the Drowned Sky Sect become Hell’s Vanguard for the coming invasion. The Lodge will be helping from the shadows. But their separation from us is to all our mutual benefits. It allows us to flirt with the Circles. Get deeper and manipulate them from within.”
“So you say,” Rafael muttered. “But one must take heart: Playing unfaithful games requires a cold heart and a colder mind. Many who desire to play the field find themselves alone after being cucked instead.”
Wei stared at the lich, unable to parse their wisdom. “What?”
“You’re too young,” Rafael replied with a dramatic sigh. “Powerful. But young. You do not understand.”
“And hopefully he never will,” Ellena snapped, shooting the lich a disgusted glare. “Sir Wei, I think it is truthful to say that we find ourselves as wildcards in a nest of intrigue. More aptly, you are the wildcard and we are your associates. But this places us in a precarious position. Though my time with the Harbinger was brief, he told me things about the Circles, about how the Kings of each would do anything to secure power for themselves, use any means, exert any influence.”
“You think they will press us,” Wei replied. “That they will use their influence to break our sect before we become a contender.”
“It is the most likely outcome,” Ellena said. “Upstart political forces are usually forced into the fold or eradicated entirely.”
Wei almost sneered at the thought. If they thought it would be so easy, then they were courting death. “I am certain they will try. But I will see them turned to our benefit. And I will see us in a position of power before this week is even over.”
“Yeah? How’s that?” Agnesia asked, curious.
“The Bloodgrounds. I do not know much about the Claimed Hells yet, but I am reasonably certain of this: If I can best a sufficiently powerful foe, all of their glory and momentum will be mine to wield. And there is an opportunity tomorrow. An even I wish for our entire sect to attend.”
“The one with the other cultivator?” Agnesia said.
“Yes. I will see about ensuring our attendance. I want to meet the Ascended Elder, but also see just how capable our foes in Knight-Tier are. It took a demonstration of exquisite mastery for me to overcome the Celestial Vanguard, and I am curious how the Circles compare.”
“Not nearly as bloody impressive, is my guess,” Agnesia snorted and then glared. “Say, why is it that you end up wandering off and coming back with a new and incredible Class Specialization while the rest of us have to enjoy scraps.”
Wei just stared at Agnesia. “Because even if opened the portal to the Tower of Possibility right now, you likely lack the skill to succeed.”
The girl jaw opened slightly in outrage. “You—”
“That, and you’re not at the level yet. But do not worry. I will see you trained.”
She closed her mouth and a flash of excitement ignited behind her gaze. “You will?”
“Yes. You and all the other disciples. I will show you the fundamentals of what was taught to me. And I will see you all made greater than the limits of your Essence Levels.”
“Yes,” Agnesia chirped. Ellena shot her a soft smile and then her eyes widened.
“Wait,” the former queen asked. “By other disciples—”
“Everyone,” Wei declared. “We share an education. In ciphers. In combat. In knowledge. We will act as each other’s masters.”
Ellena looked slightly uncomfortable at the thought of that.
“Been meaning to speak with you about your Class Specialization too,” Roggi grunted. He held his rotting wings close to his body as he spoke. “Wei. I know I already swore myself to your service for what you’ve done, but…”
Agate took over. “You’ve got the Hymn of Creation, now. The songs of victory and destruction within your spirit. The Creator has chosen you. Has blessed you with his divine flame.”
“It weren’t chance that we met each other,” Stalag said. The often quiet Oathbearer spoke with clear conviction—had also removed his helmet at some point to meet Wei face to face. “It’s part of the Grand Symphony. The Celestial Vanguard told you about what the Trine was to become. Well. When they become the Harminous One, they will begin singing a hymn that will see the Creator resurrected, and the Unfallen banished from the realms of light.”
“And we were sworn to see them delivered to a gate. A gate beyond the reach of the Unfallen.”
“The last arch before we arrived at Preceptor’s Descent,” Wei said.
“Aye,” Roggi said. “We would have never been able to do this without you. And… though you honor us, I was ashamed. We were ashamed. We were made for one purpose. And we failed. Would have failed without you. But now I am no longer ashamed. Now I see what you are, see that you’re worthy of flame and song.” As one, the Oathbearers knelt, and the room shook under their considerable bulk. “Composer of the Highest Flame, we greet you as unworthy instruments. Whatever you will, whatever you decide, we will give all we have to see it done. Such is our oath to the Creator, so is our oath to his champion.”
Wei was without words. The rest of the group was speechless as well. Shaken by the declaration, the young master shook himself from the stupor and saluted Roggi and the Oathbearers. “You honor me again. All I need from you is continued support and…” He thought about Nils. “It is not what I need from you right now, but what I can do for you. Roggi. I will see if your body can be restored and your Class changed.”
“It isn’t—”
“Every member of this sect is my responsibility,” Wei pressed. “And where you are uncomfortable or weak is my personal failing. In fact…” Now the young master’s attention was on Rafael. “There is a gesture of forgiveness I wish to offer.”
He summoned his scythe, its blade glowing with monochrome light. As everyone flinched, he cleaved through the flesh-wood desk, destroying it in a single stroke.
Concept Shard Obtained!
He cut through the chair afterward, and took another shard as well.
Aspect Advancement Available!
“Moment of truth,” Wei muttered to himself. “Rafael.” He focused his power and fragment formed from concentrated Source drifted over to the lich. Tentatively, fearfully, Rafael took the fragment into his hands as it pulsed into his very being.
“This…” Rafael said.
Wei felt it then. His Aspect Advancement vanished. Taken by another. A surge of light and darkness washed through Rafael. And something about the lich felt like it was more than before. The young master grinned. “It worked?”
“Yes,” Rafael said, sounding awed. “How did you… why did you—”
“Because we would have failed many times without you. Because I would have never caught the assassin without you. Rafael. I understand why you ran before. And I forgive you. You have a duty to your home as well. But I need you. I need your aid and expertise. And need you with me so we can stop the Crossroads and Inheritors from taking Earth for their own.”
Rafael was silent for a moment, and then he gave Wei a nod. “This might be the best apology I have ever received.”
“Good. Because I intend to use these shards to start a bidding war,” Wei said. “If it works on your, then that means it will work on Counts… Or greater. And I suspect its hard for the masters of hell to progress after so long…”
And just then, Ellena saw Wei’s angle. “This is… potent. And dangerous.”
Wei grinned. “And just so, it will be my means of ensuring every Circle does exactly what I want them to. Because there is no drug like easy power.”
Comments
Brent Stinebaker
I missed a dot; I now commit sudoku
Jeremy Russell
I believe it’s a typo, I did also think that wasn’t quite right when I read that.
Illue
I thought the sale for the property was supposed to be 999,999,999? Didn’t Wei only get 17 billion sins or something? Unless I’m wrong and I look like a complete buffoon now. Anyhow, enjoyed the chapter, and hope to see more soon!
terran hirons
I was literally just wondering if wei would give Rafael his speed back
