Brent Stinebaker
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II-16 Tower of Possibilities
🕑 Added 2024-11-11 08:06:55 +0000 UTCSpecial transmission received.
Decrypting details.
Decryption complete.
Good afternoon, Marksman.
I represent a set of interests that have recently experienced a setback in the Claimed Hells. I'm sure you are aware of whom I speak.
At present, our operations have been disrupted. And, due to this, our local assets cannot act as freely as they could before. Thus, we require a specialist. One with a subtle touch.
Forgoing all flattery, your reputation speaks for itself. And we have undergone great lengths to locate your class identification through the Crossroads. You may check with your handlers to confirm the validity of our statement.
Attached below are the specifics behind your target, as well as the compensation we offer. We expect you to be extremely satisfied.
[FILE: WEI AN WEI]
[COMPPACK]
Your target is a recent arrival in the Claimed Hells. His reputation should already be growing due to associated feats he has achieved. Understand that he is a threat of extreme capabilities, though he should still be a Knight in terms of class tier.
This is a deception. He has more power than is obvious and will likely grow rapidly in the coming days. We advise that you remedy the issue of his existence as soon as possible. Any delays might see your job become harder than it needs to be.
We are putting a great deal of trust and resources in you. Marksman, do not disappoint us.
-Special Transmission Dispatched from Inheritors to “Marksman”
II-16
Tower of Possibilities
"Am I to expect any competition from the Crossroads? Other non-Circle associated factions?" Wei asked. He regarded the Trespassers with slight suspicion. They were going to use him. In this sense, he was technically their desired champion—and Mepheleon, by Wei’s best guess. But, since they were going to engineer a so-called "falling out," did that not mean that the Trespassers would field a spoiler candidate?
"The Crossroads are uninterested in directly involving themselves with un-lucrative matters," Nils said. He licked the inside of his cheek. "The ultimate truth about them is, among the Circles of the claimed Hells, only Greed stands as the Crossroad’s true opposition. And even then, they're more like two tumors fighting for control—growing into each other, consuming each other, but never truly fighting each other. Ultimately, the Crossroads have their influence in all parties across the Claimed Hells and the Fathoms entire. You understand what that means. It means that their access to Earth is practically guaranteed."
The Young Master let out a quiet sigh. "Of course. Merchants always had their ways." He hesitated before he asked his follow-up question. "And what about the Lodge? I'm not going to be your representative. Not in the open, anyway. I'm sure you have someone else."
"We've been supporting some independents," Bishop said, though he made no mention of whom these independents were. "The ultimate thing is, the Claimed Hells know about the Lodge. Just like the Inheritors have a reputation, so do we. And we're a lot smaller than they are. Something about selecting for more disciplined and quality members." He shot Moonscar a glare, and it was clear there was some disagreement between them about how this organization was to be run.
"Our position on the invasion of Earth makes us predictable. We wish to protect our home. We wish to subvert and stand against all outside influence. Our place here is guaranteed due to citizenship and all the work we've done in association with the Circles. We are, effectively, a freelance mercenary company—a highly trained one, willing to work against any Circle for any Circle, or any other organization on top of that. Our only true adversary are the Inheritors. Their commitment to conquering Earth and the actions they have taken to seize other worlds have been unsavory and unacceptable." Moonscar’s words were smooth and practiced; Wei still couldn't glean her specific purpose or game here.
"And that's saying something," Bishop said, smirking. "Wait, I'm not going to bullshit you. None of us here are good people." He gave Nils a hard stare, and a vicious grin slowly pulled his face wide. "Some of us are worse than others, wouldn’t we say, Terrible Surgeon?"
Nils held out his hands. "Well, I've never done anything to someone who didn't deserve it. Nor do I think my works don't speak for themselves. I've advanced a great many things in the name of..." He paused. "Well, my amusement, really. But ultimately, we are all aligned."
"Aligned?" Wei asked.
"Because we value personal autonomy more than some pseudo-monarchy. And we also don’t believe in that grand delusion about how humanity is special enough to rule over all existence." Nils grinned, leaning forward. "Trust me, Wei, once you see our governments at home and learn about Earth's culture, you will agree about that, too. We are not the best candidates for overall governance. Not even particularly close."
"A ripe opportunity for us, then," Wei's Shell stirred. It had been listening quietly this entire time, his subconscious considering things just as his consciousness did. "They’re still holding information back from you," it whispered. "But so far, the breadth of what they've said seems truthful."
Should we work with them? Wei thought.
"I do not believe we have a choice," the Shell replied. "Their power is staggering, but they have no desire to flaunt it. No interest in showing us what we don't need to know. I fear we already have too many adversaries, and these are ones we cannot best in our current state. Perhaps not even if we are stronger. Unlike the Count of Pride, who is so willing to reveal his capabilities, they seem to be ones that like playing in the dark."
Ignorance is a blade unto itself, Wei quoted his mother, and his shell shook in agreement.
"Very well then," Wei said aloud. "I see no issue in our alignment. But to make it seem as if there's a schism developing between us—it’s quite sudden. There will definitely be eyewitness accounts regarding your extraction of me from..."
"Arrival Plaza," Bishop said. "A public dispute will do. An official attempt at mental manipulation resisted and then handled by a lawsuit." Bishop grinned. “It’ll also be an easy means for us to properly provide some funds by exploiting open means.” Wei was stunned. It was working out perfectly for them; the Trespassers were devious bastards. "But before we even get to that, there are a few things we have to give you. A means of staying in touch without us formally being in touch, if you will."
Wei did not understand what he meant by "if you will."
“We will be giving you access to a special ‘shared space’ for us to remain in contact without being seen together in public.”
An unseen meeting place. Or perhaps a zone for the Trespassers to establish their control over Wei.
“We have little awareness of our path or the resources we possess. We must proceed with clarity and care. Use this.” The Shell’s pragmatism was increasingly its most welcome aspect.
"So this is to be an expression of trust," Wei said. “Something that binds us in the dark.”
"More like necessity," Moonscar continued, glancing at her fellow companions—individuals Wei didn’t know, strangers, in simple terms. "You will be facing considerable challenges in the future. Your System is powerful. Your growth will be unlike anyone else’s. You yourself are not without skill. And you display inhuman amounts of self-control. At least, most times, when you are in control of your own faculties."
Her hinting at his outbursts filled him with embarrassment. His Shell's scorn rose within him, a swell of deep water replacing what lay on the surface. “Pathetic,” it sneered. “Look at them. They mock you with their eyes.”
"When you are ready, you can ask Bishop to help treat your cognitive mutilation," Moonscar said.
Wei took special notice that she hadn’t used the word "trauma." That was probably deliberate. She was being strategic. Yet despite being aware of this on a conscious level, a surge of outrage stirred within him.
I’m not broken, he thought. I was momentarily weak. I’m not broken. I’m growing stronger. I’m not broken. I just… I’m not. Nothing can break me. Nothing. But my will—I break the world entire.
"The rest of us will be overseeing other facets of your—" John Bishop paused. "—training as well. I’m not bullshitting you, son, when I say this. You’re in over your head. You’re still not ready for what’s coming. Even with our help, nothing’s guaranteed. But together, I think we can all get what we want. Our world protected from outside influence. And you, with your revenge sated and the Inheritors resolved. By whatever means you wish to inflict upon them."
It was growing increasingly obvious to Wei what kind of game John Bishop was playing. But he played it well. And despite Wei's awareness, it didn’t stop him from feeling a growing sense of camaraderie with the man. He wouldn’t have made it through the Hearted Realm without John Bishop, after all. And the man was true to his word, having let Wei enact some measure of revenge upon his father.
"And I am here to provide you with more direct means of refinement," John Doe said, his gaze stern upon Wei. The man himself was impossibly stoic. “I’ve reviewed your combat performance. I would request a session with you as soon as possible in the near future.”
As the fighter in Wei looked back, his shell made a particular comment. He is alike to us somehow. I feel his spirit. But our mutual presences are like rock grinding against rock. Be wary of him, it warned, and be warier of Nils.
And thus the Terrible Surgeon grinned, interrupting. "And I have many recommendations, treatments, and opportunities for you and your..." He trailed off, searching for the proper term. "Associates to peruse. Though the claimed Hells offer countless general kits, and the Crossroads will get you just about anything at the right price, there are still certain developments that require a certain amount of in-group association to obtain."
Wei trusted Nils the least out of everyone present, but he thought of Roggi—of how the Oathbearer had lost his body, trapped in a rotting, disgusting form. "I’ve heard that some people can have their flesh transformed," Wei said, broaching the conversation.
"Ah, racial alterations," Nils said, smacking his lips together. "You ask at a ripe time. Once you go past Knight, the expenses for such changes escalate far higher than for those prior. But," Nils continued, and suddenly his eyes extended from their sockets, connected by branches of chitinous tendon, replacing his optical cords, "the same does not apply for Trespassers like most of us. Or for someone like you."
Wei shifted defensively, calling for his Broken Crescent to repair itself. He saw there were still a few minutes before it could be summoned. No matter—he doubted Nils would try anything right now.
"I am not a full Trespasser," Wei said. The disgust of that admission was almost overwhelming.
"Yes, but you are enough," Nils replied. "Enough that your body and your spirit might have just enough separation. The same can’t be said for the others." He drew in a sharp breath. "There is much you must learn about conceptual theory."
Wei took in his would-be mentors, and his perception finally fell upon Moonscar. Moonscar, who so far seemed a recalcitrant leader, yet the most dominant force in the room despite her few words.
"I understand why they are here," Wei said slowly. "They wish to guide me, shape me into their instrument. And I find use in you as well—that has been settled. But what of you, Moonscar?" Wei asked. "Why have you shown yourself to me when there is no need?"
"There is every need," Moonscar declared. "For once, long before, we shared a System."
And suddenly, everything in Wei’s mind jumbled to a halt.
"You were also a Concept Breaker?" he asked, stunned.
"Before," Moonscar replied. "There was more than one prototype. Now, what few realms holding created Systems remain are diminishing, and time is no longer our ally."
"Wait," Wei said, his voice filled with urgency. "How did you lose your System? Where is it now?"
"Destroyed," Moonscar said.
"Destroyed?" Wei repeated, incredulous. "What do you mean destroyed? How can a system be destroyed?"
"By my will," she said, her gaze steady. "It couldn’t be allowed to fall into the Inheritors' hands."
And there it was. Wei didn’t need the full story, but now he saw a potential loss or capture. And so, she had crippled her spirit—except not. Except she was a Trespasser, with the luxury of such choices. His father, so broken by Wei’s hand, would be fine. Just fine.
In the next instant, the truth crystallized. This explained everything—how he was capable of switching class specializations, how he’d grown so much stronger so quickly. Classes, spirits, these powers... They were like clothes to the Inheritors. Things they could put on and take off. They were more real than other people here. Realer, truer.
Asaru hadn’t been lying. Wei didn’t know how to feel about that. Didn’t know how to feel about his partial ancestry.
"I will not be capable of the same thing, will I?" Wei asked.
"You might survive," Moonscar answered. "But I fear you will never be whole again. Your mother—she was a conceptual entity. And part of her remains with you."
Wei looked away, processing all that he had just learned. His shell whispered: “The game is growing clearer. But do not make any sudden moves. We cannot betray ourselves. There are no allies but our sect. There is no one we can trust. We are on our own. But for now, we can use them as they do with us.”
Wei lifted his head again and offered them all a salute. "Then I take you upon this journey with me as esteemed masters to replace the lives I lost. And I will serve as your instrument—your dagger to gut your enemies, and your shield to safeguard your realm."
Wei lied as easily as he breathed; he had no intention of binding himself to anyone. His revenge would not be merely an act of violence, but absolute defilement. They had stolen his realm's future, so he would keep theirs—for eternity.
And with that, a sudden doorway shot open on the other side of the chamber. A section of bookshelves suddenly went missing, and two massive wooden slabs stood splayed open. Crystalline vines and gleam branches formed something of a carpet leading into a truly enormous room—far larger than Wei’s Omniscience could perceive.
“What’s this?” Wei asked, tension within him rising.
Bishop grinned. “I’ll show you. Come on.”
Trepidation built within Wei as he entered the new area. Area. That was the proper term for it, because it wasn’t a room. Not nearly small enough. The ground were threads of crystal—and his Enlightenment told him it was some fashion of resin. What stood out to him more than just the physical qualities was the Essence radiating from them.
The entire space spread out for hundreds of meters, and the entire structure was akin to an internally hollowed tower. Countless crystalline bridges extended from a massive pillar that extended far above—beyond even Wei’s perception. And that was the other thing that stood out to him. Bridges that led to what seemed to be dormant portals. Finally, at the base of the pillar was a massive reflective screen that flashed alight with Bishop’s approach.
"What is this place?" Wei asked.
"Antediluvians call this place the Tower of Responsibilities," Bishop explained. “If the Claimed Hells are a mobile realm that traverses the void and invades realms with relative ease, then the Tower of Responsibilities is like a branching forest that threads between multiple worlds and connects countless empires."
Bishop came to a stop before the pillar, and a few tendrils extended from its sides. It scanned those present—including Wei, and a soft, melodic voice filled the tower.
"Good morning, Candidate Bishop. Have you come to seek more experiences and encounters?"
"Not for me today," Bishop replied. "I'm here to get another person logged in."
Wei felt a splash of Perception sweep over him. He couldn’t tell from where it originated, but the swell was overwhelming, all-encompassing.
"New candidate detected. Attention. Special candidate privileges detected. Candidate is a possessor of System Keter. Concept Breaker."
Wei paused and shot Bishop a look. "It can sense that in me?"
"The Tower of Possibilities has a limited intellect to it," Bishop explained. "And it’s capable of interfacing with any Class or System. Especially Systems. But the catch is anyone who gets recruited needs to be authorized.”
“So, Mepheleon cannot access its functions?”
“It will not even allow him access to its threshold,” Moonscar answered. She looked Wei up and down. “Some of its power is hidden from you. Once you access Boundaries, you will see.”
"Is the Harbinger your ally or not?" Wei asked while taking in more of the tower. "He seems to have an arrangement with you."
"More like an enemy-of-my-enemy-makes-an-annoying-enemy situation."
Suddenly, a system notification appeared in Wei's vision. Accept connection to Tower of Possibilities?
The Young Master hesitated.
"Do it," his Shell declared. "If they wish to deceive or pressure you into making an unwise choice, they have millions of ways to do so. Let us not pretend rationality will protect us, not after your performance against your father."
Once more, Wei’s doubts hung over him like a pall. But he accepted, and immediately, he felt a link develop between him and the Tower of Possibilities.
"Greetings," the tower’s voice said, casting a message into his mind. "The host of the Concept Breaker has been accepted into the registry. Authorization confirmed. Generating and encrypting your spatial key."
"Spatial key?" Wei asked.
"Something tied into your Class or System," Bishop said. His eyes flashed slightly magenta and a telepathic missive followed. "I recommend you use your Class over your System. More secure.”
By now, Wei had been telepathically communicated with often enough that he gave away nothing. Still, his suspicions continued to rise. It seemed Bishop was playing another game, one separate from the other Trespassers. He had his own agenda and wasn’t fully trusted.
“This could be to our use,” Wei’s Shell said. “The more fractious all parties around us are, the more openings the Drowned Sky Sect will have to exploit. Maybe we can even turn Bishop... But that is something for the future.”
As the Tower of Possibilities finished its generation, Wei shifted on his heels as a shard emerged from the screen before him, brimming with spiritual Essence.
Spatial Key to Tower of Possibilities (Antediluvian): Allows the user to bind this key to their spirit for access to the Tower of Possibilities. Requires stable spatial environments to function.
Just then, Wei's Broken Crescent came back online.
Broken Crescent available.
He summoned his Eidolon, now reforged within him, and it crackled and manifested between his fingers. As he did so, he felt another surge of strength and power flow into his body. He gained eight more levels, with six of them pending after his class specialization.
Class Level > 81
Attention: Specialization Evolution Available
“Hey, Wei, you should be at Level 75 for your Class, right?” Bishop asked.
The young master nodded slowly. “Why?”
“Perfect,” Nils clapped his hands together. “Time to show you some of what the Tower offers! Let’s get the boy a more ‘in-house’ set of evolution as a housewarming gift!”
Comments
dethrothes
TYFTC!
