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Chapter 176: There Is No Coincidence
Chapter 176: There Is No Coincidence
Chapter 176: There Is No Coincidence
When Priam's conquering fog annihilated the mightiest corrupted, the undead army froze. The next moment, a murderous frenzy seized them. Some revenants were trampled in the violent fury of the ensuing assault. Failing to create a breach, the elusive leader had decided to throw caution to the wind.
However, given the enemy commander's style, they were unlikely to join the assault. Which could betray them. Jasmine's shadows probed the forest, alert to every corrupted being. Animal and humanoid skeletons, decomposing bodies, all joined the melee. The scene was terrifying, but Jasmine spotted no stragglers. Does the commander control from a distance?
As thousands of necromantic monsters surged toward the base, Priam unleashed a veritable tsunami of fog. Jasmine widened her eyes as she lost her connection with the shadows enveloped by the mist. The attack was destructive enough to affect the Concepts locally.
She wasn't the only one shocked.
In the ditch at the foot of the rampart, one of the putrefied corpses released a black, oily smoke. Slithering, it slid along the ground toward the forest to escape destruction. In a second, it had vanished into the undergrowth. All this time, the leader had hidden close to the action, feigning death.
While Priam was busy slaughtering hundreds of skeletons and Kazuki defended the base, Jasmine was the only rival capable of stopping the commander. She rode a shadow, determined to prevent them from leaving the base.
Time was of the essence because Log-a-rhythm's influence over the forest was still weak; its territory reached only about twenty meters into the woods. Jasmine's body followed a shadow leyline, reappearing between the black smoke and the exit.
Bathed in the crimson light of the full moon, the forest was terrifying. Under a branch, a shadow observed her prey. [Huntress's Eye] allowed Jasmine to examine their weaknesses. [Predator's Instinct] revealed that her presence was not yet detected. Both skills were particularly useful for an assassin.
As the smoke passed beneath her, Jasmine threw an aether dagger. The weapon plunged between the leaves, embedding itself in the leader's shadow, who abruptly froze. Jasmine's aether strengthened the bond between the wielder and their shadow, while her Concept immobilized the latter.
[Recognition]
[Banshee - Tier 1 - Corrupted - Viscount] - One of Those Who Announce Death. Corrupted by the Necromoon, this banshee is now the cause of tragic destinies.
Corruption: Stage 3 - Necro Court Viscount.
The corrupted swarm stirred before revealing a silhouette. Humanoid, with gray hair and enormous ember-like eyes, its skeleton was black as obsidian. A kind of shadowy veil covered its body. The creature turned its head painfully, observing the aether dagger planted in its shadow. Its coal-red eyes glowed with fury, and it let out a terrible scream. The shockwave traversed the forest, rallying the corrupted.
Hidden by [Shadow's Home], Jasmine avoided the brunt of the sound attack but still felt her mind cracking. The leader was not weak.
Nor was Jasmine.
Necromantic monsters lunged into their leader's shadow, trying to dislodge the weapon. A futile endeavor leading them into the dark depths of the Shadow Domain. Jasmine was pleased with her new ability.
Opening a gate to the Domain of a Concept required being both a Sage and reaching Unity. Jasmine had spent almost seven years at the Symphony stage, approaching Unity slowly. Perfectly aware of the dangers of this final step, she had progressed with caution. Considered a genius by her organization, she should have reached Unity in one more year.
Priam had succeeded in a few days. Jasmine's pride urged her to catch up. Thanks to the add-on given to her by Priam, she had experienced the Unity trial in advance.
For several days, waiting for the event to begin, the assassin had trained, reliving the sensations and dangers of Unity. A few hours before the event started, she had plunged into the Shadows. She emerged united with the Concept and in full possession of her faculties.
Yet, Jasmine took no pride in it. Following the path laid out by her boss was infinitely easier than being a trailblazer. She considered herself indebted and wanted to erase part of that debt by killing the banshee.
Jasmine spent almost a minute watching the corrupted fall one after another into the Shadow Domain. When the Necro Viscount began to stir, Jasmine decided to end the fight. [Shadow bidding], combined with her Talents and Concept, was a formidable skill, but the banshee was not weak. In fact, it was strong enough to resist the pull of the Shadow Domain.
Jasmine had only two ways to defeat it: plunge her enhanced dagger into its heart. The problem being that the Banshee might use its last strength to scream. The final attack had a high chance of taking Jasmine to the grave. That was out of the question.
There was another way.
Before the banshee could free itself, Jasmine entered its shadow.
[Head over Shadow].
Her shadow merged with that of the leader. The absence of light grew to cover both opponents. The next moment, the shadow burst, revealing the absence of the two fighters.
Jasmine had drawn the leader into her shadow.
Twenty-six minutes after the start of the battle, Log-a-rhythm trembled as it recovered its cooldown. Confused and saddened to find necromantic monsters on its territory, the primal mind of the tree requested permission to reactivate the protective barrier.
Priam pierced the skull of yet another skeleton while granting approval.
A ripple in reality spread from the tree to the edge of its domain. In the sky appeared a transparent barrier. A cloud, a result of Log-a-rhythm's Camouflage, partly covered the Necromoon's rays. The corruption of the nearby forest began to slow. The leaves, whose green had started turning bloody red, froze a gray color. The ambient aether began to change composition, tripping up the corrupted and relieving Priam.
With the barrier in place, the horde was no longer endless.
Letting out a berserk roar, Blueberry lunged at the thousand undead survivors. Priam and the others followed.
The fights were as brief as they were intense.
Ten minutes later, the last revenants collapsed, followed by the defenders. The firsts had been caught by death, the seconds by fatigue. Despite his vitality, Priam leaned against a trunk while catching his breath. Nothing was more exhausting than a battle.
Nothing rewarded a warrior better.
Lvl Up: [Kinetic Control] lvl 58
VIVA + 2
DEXT + 3
META (FOCUS) +4
Lvl Up: [Spear Slash] lvl 18,19
STR +2
Lvl Up: [Battle Flow] lvl 16
PERC +1
DEXT +2
Lvl Up: [Unrelenting Thrust] lvl 15,16
STR +6
Lvl Up: [Matrix Dodge] lvl 2,3,4
AGI +6
DEXT +3
Priam had been careful not to use too many different skills, limiting his level-ups. His aether reserves were depleted, and his meridians were damaged. Yet, he smiled while checking his HUD. No red points remained in Log-a-rhythm's territory.
"It's over," he murmured.
"For now," replied Louis before spitting a clot of blood onto the ground. The two warriors were close to each other, the last fights bringing them together. It was a coincidence as the other defenders were out of sight. "Is the barrier safe?"
"No corrupted are attacking it. Camouflage discourages them, and they turn back." As Priam announced the news, his smile widened. They had won, and the System manifested to confirm their victory.
Event: Necromoon
First wave:
Victory!
You defended your home against a horde of corrupted.
Reward:
200 Sun points
Feat: The necro commander was vanquished.
Bonus Reward:
100 Sun points
"Three hundred points for all this... I hope it's going to be worth it," muttered Priam.
"It better be," grumbled Louis, massaging his back. "I'm too old for this shit... Are the others okay?"
"Everyone is alive," Priam shrugged. Except for Jasmine, he had no way of knowing the exact health status of the other defenders. The assassin was unconscious in a strange area. She'll come back when she can.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
Priam wasn't worried; she was forbidden to leave the base. A growl reached his keen ears, and the warrior grimaced as he stood up.
"I'll check," he said to Louis, who nodded.
Limping, Priam walked toward Blueberry. He found the bear in a pool of whitish blood. The bone powder formed a precipitation in the red liquid. Horrible wounds covered his friend's body. Blueberry had taken down hundreds of revenants and had paid the price.
Priam felt his stomach knotting as he approached. [Diagnostic].
The result of his skill exacerbated his worry. Compared to the bear's size, the wounds were small. The advance of necro-corruption was much more troubling.
Without wasting a moment, Priam approached his ursine friend, lifting him with kinetic charge, then entered a Secret Passage. A bath of sap awaited Blueberry inside Log-a-rhythm. The vat was so large it occupied almost half of the total space available in the tree.
Blueberry growled as Log-a-rhythm's vitality penetrated his body to help repel the threat.
"How is he?" Kazuki asked, entering the tree as well. The hoplite seemed tired, but his armor had protected him from injuries. He held a mug full of vitalizing sap in his handa gesture from Log-a-rhythm.
"The sap slows the progression of the curse but doesn't stop it," Priam said, gritting his teeth.
"... And with Life II?" Kazuki asked with concern.
Priam wasted no time and opened his menu.
Log-a-rhythm:
Features:
Abundance - Life I
Abundance - Aether I
Protection III
Tribulation Resistance II
Secret Passage
Land Owner II Camouflage I
Guardian of the Forest II Mighty roots I
Measurements:
Ceiling Height: 3 meters.
Interior Area: 42 m (+5, due to Log-a-rhythm's growth)
Status
Current POT: 1 093 (+41 from samples)
Passive gain: 100 (+100) (-100) POT/day.
(+100 POT/day: bonus - Guardian of the Forest II)
(-100 POT/day: penalty - necro corruption of ambient aether)
Available Themes
Abundance - Life II (800) (-200 from Aetheric Sugar Maple sample)
Time: 38 days since creation
When Priam validated the theme, a storm of vitality surged from the tree's roots and descended from its leaves. The System converted the spent Potential into vitality, advancing Log-a-rhythm's attribute qualitatively. In a matter of seconds, concealed by Camouflage, the tree shot up by two meters, then shook its branches and the cabins constructed on them. Just as Priam began to entertain the notion of a transformation into a treant, Log-a-rhythm pulsed one last time before calming. The pulse sent a massive wave of luminous sap along its vessels and roots. Blueberry's bath took on an amber-red hue.
The liquid traversed the clearing, nourishing the ailing grass and reaching the wood. The Guardian of the Forest shared its strength with its wards. Trembling in turn, the trees began to glow a holy crimson hue. Energy coursed through the plant vessels, cleansing and replacing the Necromoon curse. The sickly appearance of the shrubs started to fade away. The malevolent influence of the event was locally pushed back.
Priam was ready to bet that the plants in the domain would flourish in the coming days.
Log-a-rhythm:
Status
Current POT: 293
Passive gain: 100 (+100) (-50) POT/day.
(+100 POT/day : bonus - Guardian of the Forest II)
(-50 POT/day: penalty - necro corruption of ambient aether)
Priam grimaced upon noting that the penalty of the Necromoon had not completely vanished. I suppose it's not a Tier 9 for nothing...
"Woah!" Kazuki exclaimed, watching the wall project a video of the outside like a one-way mirror. The grass had already regained some vigor.
"Log-a-rhythm shares its abundant vitality with its forest," Priam smiled.
"At what cost?"
Priam grimaced. "The barrier protects them from the influence of the Necromoon. Thanks to that, the trees will heal quickly, but Log-a-rhythm loses fifty Potential points per day. In the long run, that's a lot."
"The Sun Shop should be able to solve this problem."
"Really?" The news brought a smile to Priam's face.
"You won't be smiling when you see the cost of the infrastructure and resources available."
The hoplite turned to the wall projecting a view of the clearing. The hoplites were already emptying the ditch and restoring the defenses. Everyone knew that this wouldn't be the last horde to attack.
"I was right to make this deal with you," declared Kazuki. "Without Log-a-rhythm, some of my subordinates would be dead today."
"Without you, I couldn't have defended this base. Everyone wins," Priam smiled.
Alone, Priam would have had no choice but to welcome the tree into his internal world. He would then have lost his base in Elysium, which would have impacted his chances of survival and the comfort of his loved ones.
Assuming it was possible, as Log-a-rhythm was massive.
"Any news of ve?" Kazuki asked.
"We lost track of her when she entered the rabhorn territory. I bet she'll be back soon."
"With new orders," predicted Kazuki.
"I'll be ready," Priam promised.
During the Necromoons event, it was normal for people to go missing
"Don't hesitate if you need help." With those words, Kazuki turned. "I've proposed a meeting with Hyshana and your father to discuss the Sun Shop. We need to decide on our purchases. Are you coming?"
"I'll be there."
Kazuki nodded before leaving the room. Priam turned to Blueberry and diagnosed him again. Log-a-rhythm's vitality, combined with the absence of corrupted aether, seemed to be helping the bear. The advance of corruption was halted, and the situation was stable. If nothing changed, his resistance would increase, and he would wake up stronger than ever.
"Sleep well, my friend," said Priam, activating his Domain. He used his kinetic skill to remove the dirt, mud, blood, and fish bones embedded in the thick fur. A few seconds later, Blueberry was cleaner than he had ever been. Only the grimace on his face proved that he wasn't just sleeping. The expression tugged at Priam's heart, but nothing could be done. The curse of the Necromoon was a torment.
To distract himself, Priam opened his notifications.
[Moon Mist] has reached level 60, its maximum level as an Epic skill.
Natural evolution to the Legendary Tier requires a connection with a Concept or Supremacy.
Two upgrades are available:
[Elysium Mist - Legendary] - Prerequisites: Mist Concept (Harmony), Elysium Court.
Your mastery of the mist has allowed you to access its Concept. In harmony with the mist, you begin to change its nature.
No future upgrades possible. Potential Cost: 5
[Conquest Mist - Legendary] - Prerequisites: Mist Concept (Harmony), Conquest Aura.
Your Aura has partially infused your Concept. Your mist evolves and adapts to the changes you bring to it.
Future upgrades possible. Potential Cost: 180
"..." Priam opened his mouth before sighing deeply. He had always known that improving a skill to the Legendary rank was a challenging task, but he had underestimated the difficulty of obtaining a good upgrade.
The first option wasn't even worth using his neurons to consider. It was easily accessible, but Priam wanted the best. Of course, he knew he'd have to make concessions. Mathematically, he couldn't select only ideal upgrades.
As his skills would rise in rarity, the cost of upgrades would become terrifying. A common skill delivered one Potential point per level, a rare skill, two points, and an epic skill three pointsone hundred and eighty points over sixty levels. The ideal upgrade of a skill cost four times what the skill had given to its user.
"I would need to pay seven hundred and twenty Potential points for the ideal upgrade of an epic skill to Legendary rarity," calculated Priam.
Without quests or Achievements, it was impossible to obtain. Priam had risked his life to earn his Potential fortune. Even so, he needed to gather the necessary prerequisites to unlock the upgrade.
Priam knew he would have to resign himself to improving some skills with a high upgrade. He could accept that. But a medium upgrade?
"Out of the question," he declared, closing his menu. [Moon Mist] was one of his oldest skills, and despite his relatively weak affinity with the Mist Concept, Priam knew there were solutions. Finding a bridge to another Concept, improving his affinity, or even... An idea sprouted in Priam's mind.
Moon Mist refers to the mist, but also to the moon!
A recurring theme, as the System ensured that Priam encountered several moons. The Reunion had taken place on the Moon, the event had been triggered by the Necromoon, and in his eye, a mythical mutation harbored Hecate New Moon. This was no coincidence.
"The System is showing me a way. I wonder what lies at the end"
Understanding this, Priam squinted his eyes. Should he follow the beaten path or venture off track?
The decision was too crucial to be taken lightly. I need to talk to Phoenix and the Guardian of Secrets about this. But before that...
Casting a final glance at Blueberry, Priam stepped through a portal. It was time to see what the Sun points could offer him.
Status:
PHYSICAL:
Strength 449 (+12)
Constitution 794
Agility 455 (+9)
Vitality 684
Perception 667 (+1)
MENTAL:
Vivacity 390 (+2)
Dexterity 495 (+8)
Memory 218
Willpower 836
Charisma 506
META:
Meta-affinity 415
Meta-focus 338 (+4)
Meta-endurance 260
Meta-perception 201
Meta-chance 230
Meta-authority 15
Potential: 3321 (+17)
Tier 0
Sun points: 3229 (+1126)
[He Who Eludes Death] charge: PRIMED.
[Tribulation]: Six Tribulations pending.
Future Tribulations delayed until:
Time: 170 days 0 hour 37 minutes 14 seconds.
Next thresholds: 12 attributes > 400 / 6 attribute > 600 / 3 attributes > 800