Chapter 48: 48
If audio player doesn't work, press Stop then Play button again
[Protagonist]
Today has been the most exhausting day of my life.
My time spent as a living and breathing existence amounting to below two weeks certainly does not make this better. If we put this into relation then I can expect a very very annoying rest of my life.
Have I mentioned that I have a very high life expectancy?
Of course, we have to subtract the whole fighting wild beast, monsters and demonic creatures, arrogant young masters, easily offended clans and sects and yes, how could I forget them!
A whole race whose aim is to capture all the Protoss to use them as living incubators for their offspring and yes, as a food resource as well!
Aside from that, the day was rather nice. I found out that I absolutely love gardens and flowers. Beautiful ones of course. Ugly ones are...well, ugly.
If we go further down the list we can see that I am now, officially, the personal inheritor of a Smallstep Powerhouse. Sadly we can see in very minimal print that that same powerhouse is right now only at the Third Stage of Mana Refining.
Thankfully I just gained a whole guardian/maid corps that will soon be under my control. Sounds nice at least. No worries for the immediate future but right now I just want to sleep and then start experimenting with Mana. The whole time my body has been bugging me.
When I broke through the barrier dividing the Body refining stages and Mana Refining Stages my body started absorbing Mana. Small amounts since I did not actively absorb it but those wisps were something entirely new to my body and they have started to reform my body to some extent.
They will continue traveling through my body for at least a night and then I can actively gather and use Mana. Not like a professional but I will be able to harness the slightest bit of elemental strength.
At that point, I can check my affinities and decide my future path.
Right now I only know that lightning, void, and fire are my friends. They seem to like me a lot.
During my time in the forest, I was able to produce some small phenomena.
That only works for people with an energy affinity similar to me, a Protoss, a being literally 'born' from pure energy. Back to the topic.
I was able to produce some small sparks of electricity, a miniature shift of space and...
Ok, stop! A shift in space sounds so great but in reality, I simply made the air flicker.
That's it. Imagine a fire burning and the air above the fire flickers and warps.
Now reduce that by half and you got the phenomenon. Simply pathetic but considering that I was in the Fifth Stage it is actually quite good.
It would not produce any effect but hell! At least I know a few of my affinities.
Apart from Lightning and Void or Space, the other affinity I know of is fire.
That one was pretty easy considering that my mother used Fire Energy mixed with pure sun qi.
That alone would guarantee a genius-like affinity with fire. I don't know how strong my affinity is but it should be above that.
Aside from that, I should get an affinity based on my claws. Yes, those weird screaming and ear-raping claws that sucked the surroundings dry.
I don't know whether or not I get an affinity cause of my hair since that is theoretically a simple body trait but let's see.
I just noticed but this whole talk of affinities sounds confusing. I am a Protoss.
I am born from pure energy. When I was constructed inside my 'egg' I received a part of my parent's affinities. Apart from that I myself will gain affinities from nature itself. These are based on personality and some other factors that are still completely unknown. I mean not a single Protoss knows of them and we can get reeeeally old!
Apart from these 'strengthened' affinities, I have an affinity with every element.
That's right. They are only strengthened affinities. Because of my race, I can use every element and energy. The only difference is the affinity I have with the element. I start out with a basic affinity.
In percentage of completion that would be roughly five percent. Of a hundred of course.
Now that sounds quite good but raising your affinity by only five percent would take a ton of effort.
It is possible and many do it but that only works until fifteen percent. At that point, you have to use natural treasures or very special training methods that put you onto the brink of death.
That's the reason why many just take the affinities they are born with and do not try to learn new ones. If you start out with an affinity above fifteen percent you have a free pass until sixty percent.
It's not easy but much better than any other option.
Well, aside from that I am different. Remember? I am born from pure energy. I have a free pass until a nice and cozy one hundred percent. I too have to put in a ton of effort or more precisely 100 tons of effort but at least, I can, theoretically, use my own effort to achieve a hundred percent.
I will naturally use treasures if I find them, cause who would not?
Aside from the bad and good aspects of this very exhausting day, there is one thing that is not really good or bad but more of an uncomfortable feeling.
My little A.I was nice enough to inform me that it is unable to delay the process of emotional 'guidance' as the Hive calls it.
I am honestly quite pissed off by this. A definite proof of my emotions surfacing. I mean normally I'd be thinking about how to work with this. Right now I am just pissed and want to punch the HIve and that Malak'Ran dude!
It is honestly terrifying to have moments in which I am unable to control myself. I mean I can clearly guide my body, form coherent thoughts and I am still capable of logical analysis of my situation.
That only makes it worse when I notice that a simple 'emotion' makes me act differently from how I 'should' act!
Thankfully Nasir was there for me and made some good plans for the future with whom I should be able to cope with this whole business.
Who's Nasir?
That's my A.I.
It wanted a name and then I was searching for a name. A good one, of course. I spent quite a bit of time on it before I remembered that it had no gender! So I asked how it would identify itself.
Male, Female, in between, something entirely new.
In the end, he decided that he'd be male. Apparently, he felt more 'comfortable' with that choice. As far as a blank soul that was integrated into a chip-like quantum computer can feel.
The name, Nasir, itself was the result of a lottery. I randomly picked several names from a folder he made and had Nasir make a lottery wheel. A good spin and we had a name. A good one, of course!
And then he asked me for its meaning. He himself is smart and has access to the Hive but apparently, he is not as familiar with social aspects and how a name is given.
He knows how it works and all but he does not understand.
A fine difference.
Anyway. Now I had to get a meaning for the name.
Neural-Automated-Self-Governing-Intelligent-Regulator is the result. It is so horrible that I wanted to forget about it the moment I told him but he somehow liked it. So now he's Nasir.
He went quiet for a bit after that and I later found out that he's been scanning all information he has access to for people with the same name or whatever else he could find.
---------------
Back in the present I just woke up from a small nap I allowed myself. I myself did not notice but I was and still am exhausted. The last days were hardly a walk through the park and I have to admit that this small nap was pure bliss!
I fell refreshed, strong, energetic, and tired at the same time. If I could I would go to sleep again but sadly we arrived.
First's voice echoed from outside the carriage,
"Young Miss, we have arrived."
"Ok, let's finish this fast."
First is the leader of my new Maid Squad. She told me that they do have names but they are discarded once they finish their training. What surprised me, something I attribute to my rampant emotions is the fact that they are willingly discarded. They are not forced or ordered.
When I asked her why she gave up her name she told me that she feels closer to her sisters-in-arms.
Their reason is simply that: 'It feels right'.
I don't intend to mind it too much. If they like it it is good and okay. Why should I bother them about not having 'real' names if they like it as it is?
Their names are respectively one, two, three, four, all the way up to nine.
One is the leader. She also likes being called First which is why they also call themselves Second third and so on.
First commands and organizes the unit. She is also the expert in hand-to-hand combat.
The others have their own specialty and weapon. Together they are actually one of the best teams under Madelyn. The best teams are constantly on missions so they were not available.
After my short flashback onto First's introduction of their members, I stand up and Dua, who sits in front of me, opens the carriage's door and we alight from the carriage. The carriage itself is very beautiful. Despite it not being adorned with gold, silver, and jewels it still manages to create an air of novelty and authority. It could also be the whole magic imbued paint and the magical horses but the carriage itself is an art piece by itself.
The exterior is painted with pictures of vines and plants. Something that 'hints' at the Order of the One. Aside from the vines and plants, the carriage has two doors. One on each side and to the right and left of the door are female warriors. Engraved of course. They are then painted over with magic imbued paint and given a 'last touch' that makes them appear life-like.
Somehow I feel like I cannot 'compress' the beauty of the carriage into words. The blue and green back with engravings of various small animals. The doors that look like trees guarded by female warriors in full plate armor made of wood. The halberds they carry that look like they were made out of the sky at night.
Aside from that, the carriage is pulled by two horses. Magical horses. The magical horses are a subspecies of something called Sleipnir. They have a diluted bloodline and are easier to tame and are roughly five times stronger than a normal demonic horse.
A normal demonic horse is around the Third Stage of Mana Refining so it is basically around the level of an early Exalted. Almost there but not completely.
The problem with such horses is their character and pride. You can't expect a strong and dignified descendent of a divine horse like Sleipnir to pull a non-cultivators carriage. If you want your carriage to be drawn by a Braven, that's the horse species, you need to get its approval. Or beat it into submission.
Apart from the carriage, my Maid Squad is riding on Braven. Juvenile ones. They don't ride on fully grown ones because right now they have the chance to build a friendship with these horses. Once that happens they have gained a lifetime partner. Easy.
As I step down from the carriage, which I have to do by walking down a mini staircase. Seriously there is a staircase that comes out of the carriage's side, with a handrail and carpeted steps!
In front of the staircase, my Maid Squad is waiting for me. In front First is waiting for me while the other eight are spread out. It honestly looks like they are securing a parameter. In the middle of the town.
As I step down Mina and Dua follow right behind me. They've been staying with me inside the carriage. They briefed me on the details of my new Identity. My fake name for now. Where Iw as born. How I got here and who my legal guardian is now. That is, of course, Madelyn for now.
So as we all step down from the carriage I first take in the sight that presents itself in front of me.
When they told me that we would visit the guardhouse I expected something similar to a military barrack. Some stern soldiers guarding the entrance and demanding for official documents.
The opposite is the case. There is a three-story building right in front of me. It is painted white and gray and the giant double doors in front are wide open. There is a pillar embedded right between the two doors that perfectly halves the space in between them.
The pillar is pure black and sticks out like a sore thumb. What surprises me once again and what I still attribute to my emotions is the orderly fashion with which people enter and exit this 'guardhouse'.
The left side seems to be an exit while the right is the entrance. Both are manned by beautiful women who accept sheets of paper from the visitors and asks for their identification.
They are flanked by giant, giant 'people'. These 'beasts' stand at a whole three meters on average.
They are dressed in black with half-plate armor. Their vitals are protected by black plate armor while everything else is covered by sturdy looking black leather armor and scale armor.
They were wearing great helms, still in black, while carrying a giant broadsword over their shoulder, still in black. The only thing not in black color on them, nothing else is visible so it is literally all black, is an emblem on their chest, right above their heart. It is silver in color and there is a rune engraved on top of it.
Ever since I entered the Mana Refining Stage my sensitivity to Mana, Qi, and energy, in general, has become stronger. Not massively but I can feel it on greater distance and I feel more familiar with it.
What I felt from those emblems is a weak current. I guess that it is engraved with magical runes that obviously have a specific effect and runes to hide said effect. Otherwise, the energy would be greater. Those runes are probably used to suppress and contain the energy. Otherwise, the object would lose its effect in just a few days.
While I was lost in my thoughts about the giant guards and the emblems on their chest, the surrounding people started to notice us. Well, I think they noticed us from the start but they recognized Mina and Dua and noticed how they've been standing behind me all this time.
As they all stare down at me and start to whisper about my possible identity and origin I quickly grew uncomfortable. I mean it is okay if you're looking at me but a few dozen people staring at me and whispering about me is making me very fidgety. I am still tired so I just want to get this over with and sleep.
"Can we hurry?"
I turn to Mina and First. They were both standing to my right, one in front one behind, and they must have noticed my nervousness as First immediately made a hand signal filled with Qi and all my maids instantly converged near me and we moved over to the entrance. Now that I'm blocked by them I feel much better.
As we moved forward through the crowd the people immediately moved aside. What I expected were disgruntled and annoyed whispers and grunts but all of them moved aside without a single word of complaint. Dua noticed my questioning gaze and answered me,
"Don't worry, Young Miss. They don't complaint because they are happy here. what you must understand is that this place was undesirable, excuse my language, garbage dump. Literally.
Ever since the Order of the One relocated here this town has transformed from a garbage dump to a hub for merchants, craftsman, and adventurers. The standard of living, health care, and food have risen by a lot. New jobs and better opportunities for their children have sprouted like grass and this is all the result of the High Ones and her companions efforts.
Furthermore, Mina and Duda are here. As the personal disciples of the High One they normally don't just appear in public. when they do it is official Order business or on the High One's request and in both cases the residents are more than happy to help. Even if it is something as simple as allowing them to cut the line."
During Dua's short explanation we arrived in front of the right side of the double doors. During Dua's talk, I was observing the guards and the receptionists. Are they receptionists? They stand in front of desks and welcome people. They take their documents and then send them in.
But why are they outside?
As I observed them they to noticed us. One of them, she looks older than the others so I think she might be their senior, motioned for the guards and one of these hulks lowered his head and listened to her orders. Right after she finished he pressed his hand onto his emblem and closed his eyes.
A communication device?
(Nasir. Can you feel any energy transmission or something similar?)
*Answer*
The emblem seems to be activated through a blood-binding engraved on top of a communication imprint. It is sending energy frequencies into the building.
*
A communication device, it is. As he opened his eyes he nodded at the women and resumed to stand guard. As we arrived in front of her she bowed to Mina and Dua and welcomed them to the guardhouse.
"Welcome Miss Mina and Miss Dua in the central guard station. How may I help you?"
Her bow was executed perfectly and the grace with which she initiated eye contact with Mina made her seem like a charismatic woman. Someone you like to have around and talk to.
Mina looked at her and handed her a document she pulled out of a green storage ring on her left hand. As the receptionist senior took the document she skimmed over it and checked a blue colored imprint in the bottom right of the paper.
"Yes, everything is in order,"
she looked up and looked at Mina
"I was informed that you would come today. The captain has prepared one of the private booths for you and the young lady. Mirielle here will guide you there."
With a last look at Mina and a side glance at me she turned around and went towards her desk while motioning the woman named Mirielle to guide us in.
Turning towards Mirielle we all looked at her. Not the least bit flustered by our stares she bowed and raised her hand to the entrance.
"If you'd please follow me."
After saying so she turned around and with a moderate speed she guided us into the central guard station of Rias.
Something I glanced of the giant signboard right above the double doors.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
[Protagonist]
Today has been the most exhausting day of my life.
My time spent as a living and breathing existence amounting to below two weeks certainly does not make this better. If we put this into relation then I can expect a very very annoying rest of my life.
Have I mentioned that I have a very high life expectancy?
Of course, we have to subtract the whole fighting wild beast, monsters and demonic creatures, arrogant young masters, easily offended clans and sects and yes, how could I forget them!
A whole race whose aim is to capture all the Protoss to use them as living incubators for their offspring and yes, as a food resource as well!
Aside from that, the day was rather nice. I found out that I absolutely love gardens and flowers. Beautiful ones of course. Ugly ones are...well, ugly.
If we go further down the list we can see that I am now, officially, the personal inheritor of a Smallstep Powerhouse. Sadly we can see in very minimal print that that same powerhouse is right now only at the Third Stage of Mana Refining.
Thankfully I just gained a whole guardian/maid corps that will soon be under my control. Sounds nice at least. No worries for the immediate future but right now I just want to sleep and then start experimenting with Mana. The whole time my body has been bugging me.
When I broke through the barrier dividing the Body refining stages and Mana Refining Stages my body started absorbing Mana. Small amounts since I did not actively absorb it but those wisps were something entirely new to my body and they have started to reform my body to some extent.
They will continue traveling through my body for at least a night and then I can actively gather and use Mana. Not like a professional but I will be able to harness the slightest bit of elemental strength.
At that point, I can check my affinities and decide my future path.
Right now I only know that lightning, void, and fire are my friends. They seem to like me a lot.
During my time in the forest, I was able to produce some small phenomena.
That only works for people with an energy affinity similar to me, a Protoss, a being literally 'born' from pure energy. Back to the topic.
I was able to produce some small sparks of electricity, a miniature shift of space and...
Ok, stop! A shift in space sounds so great but in reality, I simply made the air flicker.
That's it. Imagine a fire burning and the air above the fire flickers and warps.
Now reduce that by half and you got the phenomenon. Simply pathetic but considering that I was in the Fifth Stage it is actually quite good.
It would not produce any effect but hell! At least I know a few of my affinities.
Apart from Lightning and Void or Space, the other affinity I know of is fire.
That one was pretty easy considering that my mother used Fire Energy mixed with pure sun qi.
That alone would guarantee a genius-like affinity with fire. I don't know how strong my affinity is but it should be above that.
Aside from that, I should get an affinity based on my claws. Yes, those weird screaming and ear-raping claws that sucked the surroundings dry.
I don't know whether or not I get an affinity cause of my hair since that is theoretically a simple body trait but let's see.
I just noticed but this whole talk of affinities sounds confusing. I am a Protoss.
I am born from pure energy. When I was constructed inside my 'egg' I received a part of my parent's affinities. Apart from that I myself will gain affinities from nature itself. These are based on personality and some other factors that are still completely unknown. I mean not a single Protoss knows of them and we can get reeeeally old!
Apart from these 'strengthened' affinities, I have an affinity with every element.
That's right. They are only strengthened affinities. Because of my race, I can use every element and energy. The only difference is the affinity I have with the element. I start out with a basic affinity.
In percentage of completion that would be roughly five percent. Of a hundred of course.
Now that sounds quite good but raising your affinity by only five percent would take a ton of effort.
It is possible and many do it but that only works until fifteen percent. At that point, you have to use natural treasures or very special training methods that put you onto the brink of death.
That's the reason why many just take the affinities they are born with and do not try to learn new ones. If you start out with an affinity above fifteen percent you have a free pass until sixty percent.
It's not easy but much better than any other option.
Well, aside from that I am different. Remember? I am born from pure energy. I have a free pass until a nice and cozy one hundred percent. I too have to put in a ton of effort or more precisely 100 tons of effort but at least, I can, theoretically, use my own effort to achieve a hundred percent.
I will naturally use treasures if I find them, cause who would not?
Aside from the bad and good aspects of this very exhausting day, there is one thing that is not really good or bad but more of an uncomfortable feeling.
My little A.I was nice enough to inform me that it is unable to delay the process of emotional 'guidance' as the Hive calls it.
I am honestly quite pissed off by this. A definite proof of my emotions surfacing. I mean normally I'd be thinking about how to work with this. Right now I am just pissed and want to punch the HIve and that Malak'Ran dude!
It is honestly terrifying to have moments in which I am unable to control myself. I mean I can clearly guide my body, form coherent thoughts and I am still capable of logical analysis of my situation.
That only makes it worse when I notice that a simple 'emotion' makes me act differently from how I 'should' act!
Thankfully Nasir was there for me and made some good plans for the future with whom I should be able to cope with this whole business.
Who's Nasir?
That's my A.I.
It wanted a name and then I was searching for a name. A good one, of course. I spent quite a bit of time on it before I remembered that it had no gender! So I asked how it would identify itself.
Male, Female, in between, something entirely new.
In the end, he decided that he'd be male. Apparently, he felt more 'comfortable' with that choice. As far as a blank soul that was integrated into a chip-like quantum computer can feel.
The name, Nasir, itself was the result of a lottery. I randomly picked several names from a folder he made and had Nasir make a lottery wheel. A good spin and we had a name. A good one, of course!
And then he asked me for its meaning. He himself is smart and has access to the Hive but apparently, he is not as familiar with social aspects and how a name is given.
He knows how it works and all but he does not understand.
A fine difference.
Anyway. Now I had to get a meaning for the name.
Neural-Automated-Self-Governing-Intelligent-Regulator is the result. It is so horrible that I wanted to forget about it the moment I told him but he somehow liked it. So now he's Nasir.
He went quiet for a bit after that and I later found out that he's been scanning all information he has access to for people with the same name or whatever else he could find.
---------------
Back in the present I just woke up from a small nap I allowed myself. I myself did not notice but I was and still am exhausted. The last days were hardly a walk through the park and I have to admit that this small nap was pure bliss!
I fell refreshed, strong, energetic, and tired at the same time. If I could I would go to sleep again but sadly we arrived.
First's voice echoed from outside the carriage,
"Young Miss, we have arrived."
"Ok, let's finish this fast."
First is the leader of my new Maid Squad. She told me that they do have names but they are discarded once they finish their training. What surprised me, something I attribute to my rampant emotions is the fact that they are willingly discarded. They are not forced or ordered.
When I asked her why she gave up her name she told me that she feels closer to her sisters-in-arms.
Their reason is simply that: 'It feels right'.
I don't intend to mind it too much. If they like it it is good and okay. Why should I bother them about not having 'real' names if they like it as it is?
Their names are respectively one, two, three, four, all the way up to nine.
One is the leader. She also likes being called First which is why they also call themselves Second third and so on.
First commands and organizes the unit. She is also the expert in hand-to-hand combat.
The others have their own specialty and weapon. Together they are actually one of the best teams under Madelyn. The best teams are constantly on missions so they were not available.
After my short flashback onto First's introduction of their members, I stand up and Dua, who sits in front of me, opens the carriage's door and we alight from the carriage. The carriage itself is very beautiful. Despite it not being adorned with gold, silver, and jewels it still manages to create an air of novelty and authority. It could also be the whole magic imbued paint and the magical horses but the carriage itself is an art piece by itself.
The exterior is painted with pictures of vines and plants. Something that 'hints' at the Order of the One. Aside from the vines and plants, the carriage has two doors. One on each side and to the right and left of the door are female warriors. Engraved of course. They are then painted over with magic imbued paint and given a 'last touch' that makes them appear life-like.
Somehow I feel like I cannot 'compress' the beauty of the carriage into words. The blue and green back with engravings of various small animals. The doors that look like trees guarded by female warriors in full plate armor made of wood. The halberds they carry that look like they were made out of the sky at night.
Aside from that, the carriage is pulled by two horses. Magical horses. The magical horses are a subspecies of something called Sleipnir. They have a diluted bloodline and are easier to tame and are roughly five times stronger than a normal demonic horse.
A normal demonic horse is around the Third Stage of Mana Refining so it is basically around the level of an early Exalted. Almost there but not completely.
The problem with such horses is their character and pride. You can't expect a strong and dignified descendent of a divine horse like Sleipnir to pull a non-cultivators carriage. If you want your carriage to be drawn by a Braven, that's the horse species, you need to get its approval. Or beat it into submission.
Apart from the carriage, my Maid Squad is riding on Braven. Juvenile ones. They don't ride on fully grown ones because right now they have the chance to build a friendship with these horses. Once that happens they have gained a lifetime partner. Easy.
As I step down from the carriage, which I have to do by walking down a mini staircase. Seriously there is a staircase that comes out of the carriage's side, with a handrail and carpeted steps!
In front of the staircase, my Maid Squad is waiting for me. In front First is waiting for me while the other eight are spread out. It honestly looks like they are securing a parameter. In the middle of the town.
As I step down Mina and Dua follow right behind me. They've been staying with me inside the carriage. They briefed me on the details of my new Identity. My fake name for now. Where Iw as born. How I got here and who my legal guardian is now. That is, of course, Madelyn for now.
So as we all step down from the carriage I first take in the sight that presents itself in front of me.
When they told me that we would visit the guardhouse I expected something similar to a military barrack. Some stern soldiers guarding the entrance and demanding for official documents.
The opposite is the case. There is a three-story building right in front of me. It is painted white and gray and the giant double doors in front are wide open. There is a pillar embedded right between the two doors that perfectly halves the space in between them.
The pillar is pure black and sticks out like a sore thumb. What surprises me once again and what I still attribute to my emotions is the orderly fashion with which people enter and exit this 'guardhouse'.
The left side seems to be an exit while the right is the entrance. Both are manned by beautiful women who accept sheets of paper from the visitors and asks for their identification.
They are flanked by giant, giant 'people'. These 'beasts' stand at a whole three meters on average.
They are dressed in black with half-plate armor. Their vitals are protected by black plate armor while everything else is covered by sturdy looking black leather armor and scale armor.
They were wearing great helms, still in black, while carrying a giant broadsword over their shoulder, still in black. The only thing not in black color on them, nothing else is visible so it is literally all black, is an emblem on their chest, right above their heart. It is silver in color and there is a rune engraved on top of it.
Ever since I entered the Mana Refining Stage my sensitivity to Mana, Qi, and energy, in general, has become stronger. Not massively but I can feel it on greater distance and I feel more familiar with it.
What I felt from those emblems is a weak current. I guess that it is engraved with magical runes that obviously have a specific effect and runes to hide said effect. Otherwise, the energy would be greater. Those runes are probably used to suppress and contain the energy. Otherwise, the object would lose its effect in just a few days.
While I was lost in my thoughts about the giant guards and the emblems on their chest, the surrounding people started to notice us. Well, I think they noticed us from the start but they recognized Mina and Dua and noticed how they've been standing behind me all this time.
As they all stare down at me and start to whisper about my possible identity and origin I quickly grew uncomfortable. I mean it is okay if you're looking at me but a few dozen people staring at me and whispering about me is making me very fidgety. I am still tired so I just want to get this over with and sleep.
"Can we hurry?"
I turn to Mina and First. They were both standing to my right, one in front one behind, and they must have noticed my nervousness as First immediately made a hand signal filled with Qi and all my maids instantly converged near me and we moved over to the entrance. Now that I'm blocked by them I feel much better.
As we moved forward through the crowd the people immediately moved aside. What I expected were disgruntled and annoyed whispers and grunts but all of them moved aside without a single word of complaint. Dua noticed my questioning gaze and answered me,
"Don't worry, Young Miss. They don't complaint because they are happy here. what you must understand is that this place was undesirable, excuse my language, garbage dump. Literally.
Ever since the Order of the One relocated here this town has transformed from a garbage dump to a hub for merchants, craftsman, and adventurers. The standard of living, health care, and food have risen by a lot. New jobs and better opportunities for their children have sprouted like grass and this is all the result of the High Ones and her companions efforts.
Furthermore, Mina and Duda are here. As the personal disciples of the High One they normally don't just appear in public. when they do it is official Order business or on the High One's request and in both cases the residents are more than happy to help. Even if it is something as simple as allowing them to cut the line."
During Dua's short explanation we arrived in front of the right side of the double doors. During Dua's talk, I was observing the guards and the receptionists. Are they receptionists? They stand in front of desks and welcome people. They take their documents and then send them in.
But why are they outside?
As I observed them they to noticed us. One of them, she looks older than the others so I think she might be their senior, motioned for the guards and one of these hulks lowered his head and listened to her orders. Right after she finished he pressed his hand onto his emblem and closed his eyes.
A communication device?
(Nasir. Can you feel any energy transmission or something similar?)
*Answer*
The emblem seems to be activated through a blood-binding engraved on top of a communication imprint. It is sending energy frequencies into the building.
*
A communication device, it is. As he opened his eyes he nodded at the women and resumed to stand guard. As we arrived in front of her she bowed to Mina and Dua and welcomed them to the guardhouse.
"Welcome Miss Mina and Miss Dua in the central guard station. How may I help you?"
Her bow was executed perfectly and the grace with which she initiated eye contact with Mina made her seem like a charismatic woman. Someone you like to have around and talk to.
Mina looked at her and handed her a document she pulled out of a green storage ring on her left hand. As the receptionist senior took the document she skimmed over it and checked a blue colored imprint in the bottom right of the paper.
"Yes, everything is in order,"
she looked up and looked at Mina
"I was informed that you would come today. The captain has prepared one of the private booths for you and the young lady. Mirielle here will guide you there."
With a last look at Mina and a side glance at me she turned around and went towards her desk while motioning the woman named Mirielle to guide us in.
Turning towards Mirielle we all looked at her. Not the least bit flustered by our stares she bowed and raised her hand to the entrance.
"If you'd please follow me."
After saying so she turned around and with a moderate speed she guided us into the central guard station of Rias.
Something I glanced of the giant signboard right above the double doors.
ProtagonistToday has been the most exhausting day of my life.My time spent as a living and breathing existence amounting to below two weeks certainly does not make this better. If we put this into relation then I can expect a very very annoying rest of my life.Have I mentioned that I have a very high life expectancy?Of course, we have to subtract the whole fighting wild beast, monsters and demonic creatures, arrogant young masters, easily offended clans and sects and yes, how could I forget them!A whole race whose aim is to capture all the Protoss to use them as living incubators for their offspring and yes, as a food resource as well!Aside from that, the day was rather nice. I found out that I absolutely love gardens and flowers. Beautiful ones of course. Ugly ones are...well, ugly.If we go further down the list we can see that I am now, officially, the personal inheritor of a Smallstep Powerhouse. Sadly we can see in very minimal print that that same powerhouse is right now only at the Third Stage of Mana Refining.Thankfully I just gained a whole guardian/maid corps that will soon be under my control. Sounds nice at least. No worries for the immediate future but right now I just want to sleep and then start experimenting with Mana. The whole time my body has been bugging me.When I broke through the barrier dividing the Body refining stages and Mana Refining Stages my body started absorbing Mana. Small amounts since I did not actively absorb it but those wisps were something entirely new to my body and they have started to reform my body to some extent.They will continue traveling through my body for at least a night and then I can actively gather and use Mana. Not like a professional but I will be able to harness the slightest bit of elemental strength.At that point, I can check my affinities and decide my future path.Right now I only know that lightning, void, and fire are my friends. They seem to like me a lot.During my time in the forest, I was able to produce some small phenomena.That only works for people with an energy affinity similar to me, a Protoss, a being literally 'born' from pure energy. Back to the topic.I was able to produce some small sparks of electricity, a miniature shift of space and...Ok, stop! A shift in space sounds so great but in reality, I simply made the air flicker.That's it. Imagine a fire burning and the air above the fire flickers and warps.Now reduce that by half and you got the phenomenon. Simply pathetic but considering that I was in the Fifth Stage it is actually quite good.It would not produce any effect but hell! At least I know a few of my affinities.Apart from Lightning and Void or Space, the other affinity I know of is fire.That one was pretty easy considering that my mother used Fire Energy mixed with pure sun qi.That alone would guarantee a genius-like affinity with fire. I don't know how strong my affinity is but it should be above that.Aside from that, I should get an affinity based on my claws. Yes, those weird screaming and ear-raping claws that sucked the surroundings dry.I don't know whether or not I get an affinity cause of my hair since that is theoretically a simple body trait but let's see.I just noticed but this whole talk of affinities sounds confusing. I am a Protoss.I am born from pure energy. When I was constructed inside my 'egg' I received a part of my parent's affinities. Apart from that I myself will gain affinities from nature itself. These are based on personality and some other factors that are still completely unknown. I mean not a single Protoss knows of them and we can get reeeeally old!Apart from these 'strengthened' affinities, I have an affinity with every element.That's right. They are only strengthened affinities. Because of my race, I can use every element and energy. The only difference is the affinity I have with the element. I start out with a basic affinity.In percentage of completion that would be roughly five percent. Of a hundred of course.Now that sounds quite good but raising your affinity by only five percent would take a ton of effort.It is possible and many do it but that only works until fifteen percent. At that point, you have to use natural treasures or very special training methods that put you onto the brink of death.That's the reason why many just take the affinities they are born with and do not try to learn new ones. If you start out with an affinity above fifteen percent you have a free pass until sixty percent.It's not easy but much better than any other option.Well, aside from that I am different. Remember? I am born from pure energy. I have a free pass until a nice and cozy one hundred percent. I too have to put in a ton of effort or more precisely 100 tons of effort but at least, I can, theoretically, use my own effort to achieve a hundred percent.I will naturally use treasures if I find them, cause who would not?Aside from the bad and good aspects of this very exhausting day, there is one thing that is not really good or bad but more of an uncomfortable feeling.My little A.I was nice enough to inform me that it is unable to delay the process of emotional 'guidance' as the Hive calls it.I am honestly quite pissed off by this. A definite proof of my emotions surfacing. I mean normally I'd be thinking about how to work with this. Right now I am just pissed and want to punch the HIve and that Malak'Ran dude!It is honestly terrifying to have moments in which I am unable to control myself. I mean I can clearly guide my body, form coherent thoughts and I am still capable of logical analysis of my situation.That only makes it worse when I notice that a simple 'emotion' makes me act differently from how I 'should' act!Thankfully Nasir was there for me and made some good plans for the future with whom I should be able to cope with this whole business.Who's Nasir?That's my A.I.It wanted a name and then I was searching for a name. A good one, of course. I spent quite a bit of time on it before I remembered that it had no gender! So I asked how it would identify itself.Male, Female, in between, something entirely new.In the end, he decided that he'd be male. Apparently, he felt more 'comfortable' with that choice. As far as a blank soul that was integrated into a chip-like quantum computer can feel.The name, Nasir, itself was the result of a lottery. I randomly picked several names from a folder he made and had Nasir make a lottery wheel. A good spin and we had a name. A good one, of course!And then he asked me for its meaning. He himself is smart and has access to the Hive but apparently, he is not as familiar with social aspects and how a name is given.He knows how it works and all but he does not understand.A fine difference.Anyway. Now I had to get a meaning for the name.Neural-Automated-Self-Governing-Intelligent-Regulator is the result. It is so horrible that I wanted to forget about it the moment I told him but he somehow liked it. So now he's Nasir.He went quiet for a bit after that and I later found out that he's been scanning all information he has access to for people with the same name or whatever else he could find.---------------Back in the present I just woke up from a small nap I allowed myself. I myself did not notice but I was and still am exhausted. The last days were hardly a walk through the park and I have to admit that this small nap was pure bliss!I fell refreshed, strong, energetic, and tired at the same time. If I could I would go to sleep again but sadly we arrived.First's voice echoed from outside the carriage,"Young Miss, we have arrived.""Ok, let's finish this fast."First is the leader of my new Maid Squad. She told me that they do have names but they are discarded once they finish their training. What surprised me, something I attribute to my rampant emotions is the fact that they are willingly discarded. They are not forced or ordered.When I asked her why she gave up her name she told me that she feels closer to her sisters-in-arms.Their reason is simply that: 'It feels right'.I don't intend to mind it too much. If they like it it is good and okay. Why should I bother them about not having 'real' names if they like it as it is?Their names are respectively one, two, three, four, all the way up to nine.One is the leader. She also likes being called First which is why they also call themselves Second third and so on.First commands and organizes the unit. She is also the expert in hand-to-hand combat.The others have their own specialty and weapon. Together they are actually one of the best teams under Madelyn. The best teams are constantly on missions so they were not available.After my short flashback onto First's introduction of their members, I stand up and Dua, who sits in front of me, opens the carriage's door and we alight from the carriage. The carriage itself is very beautiful. Despite it not being adorned with gold, silver, and jewels it still manages to create an air of novelty and authority. It could also be the whole magic imbued paint and the magical horses but the carriage itself is an art piece by itself.The exterior is painted with pictures of vines and plants. Something that 'hints' at the Order of the One. Aside from the vines and plants, the carriage has two doors. One on each side and to the right and left of the door are female warriors. Engraved of course. They are then painted over with magic imbued paint and given a 'last touch' that makes them appear life-like.Somehow I feel like I cannot 'compress' the beauty of the carriage into words. The blue and green back with engravings of various small animals. The doors that look like trees guarded by female warriors in full plate armor made of wood. The halberds they carry that look like they were made out of the sky at night.Aside from that, the carriage is pulled by two horses. Magical horses. The magical horses are a subspecies of something called Sleipnir. They have a diluted bloodline and are easier to tame and are roughly five times stronger than a normal demonic horse.A normal demonic horse is around the Third Stage of Mana Refining so it is basically around the level of an early Exalted. Almost there but not completely.The problem with such horses is their character and pride. You can't expect a strong and dignified descendent of a divine horse like Sleipnir to pull a non-cultivators carriage. If you want your carriage to be drawn by a Braven, that's the horse species, you need to get its approval. Or beat it into submission.Apart from the carriage, my Maid Squad is riding on Braven. Juvenile ones. They don't ride on fully grown ones because right now they have the chance to build a friendship with these horses. Once that happens they have gained a lifetime partner. Easy.As I step down from the carriage, which I have to do by walking down a mini staircase. Seriously there is a staircase that comes out of the carriage's side, with a handrail and carpeted steps!In front of the staircase, my Maid Squad is waiting for me. In front First is waiting for me while the other eight are spread out. It honestly looks like they are securing a parameter. In the middle of the town.As I step down Mina and Dua follow right behind me. They've been staying with me inside the carriage. They briefed me on the details of my new Identity. My fake name for now. Where Iw as born. How I got here and who my legal guardian is now. That is, of course, Madelyn for now.So as we all step down from the carriage I first take in the sight that presents itself in front of me.When they told me that we would visit the guardhouse I expected something similar to a military barrack. Some stern soldiers guarding the entrance and demanding for official documents.The opposite is the case. There is a three-story building right in front of me. It is painted white and gray and the giant double doors in front are wide open. There is a pillar embedded right between the two doors that perfectly halves the space in between them.The pillar is pure black and sticks out like a sore thumb. What surprises me once again and what I still attribute to my emotions is the orderly fashion with which people enter and exit this 'guardhouse'.The left side seems to be an exit while the right is the entrance. Both are manned by beautiful women who accept sheets of paper from the visitors and asks for their identification.They are flanked by giant, giant 'people'. These 'beasts' stand at a whole three meters on average.They are dressed in black with half-plate armor. Their vitals are protected by black plate armor while everything else is covered by sturdy looking black leather armor and scale armor.They were wearing great helms, still in black, while carrying a giant broadsword over their shoulder, still in black. The only thing not in black color on them, nothing else is visible so it is literally all black, is an emblem on their chest, right above their heart. It is silver in color and there is a rune engraved on top of it.Ever since I entered the Mana Refining Stage my sensitivity to Mana, Qi, and energy, in general, has become stronger. Not massively but I can feel it on greater distance and I feel more familiar with it.What I felt from those emblems is a weak current. I guess that it is engraved with magical runes that obviously have a specific effect and runes to hide said effect. Otherwise, the energy would be greater. Those runes are probably used to suppress and contain the energy. Otherwise, the object would lose its effect in just a few days.While I was lost in my thoughts about the giant guards and the emblems on their chest, the surrounding people started to notice us. Well, I think they noticed us from the start but they recognized Mina and Dua and noticed how they've been standing behind me all this time.As they all stare down at me and start to whisper about my possible identity and origin I quickly grew uncomfortable. I mean it is okay if you're looking at me but a few dozen people staring at me and whispering about me is making me very fidgety. I am still tired so I just want to get this over with and sleep."Can we hurry?"I turn to Mina and First. They were both standing to my right, one in front one behind, and they must have noticed my nervousness as First immediately made a hand signal filled with Qi and all my maids instantly converged near me and we moved over to the entrance. Now that I'm blocked by them I feel much better.As we moved forward through the crowd the people immediately moved aside. What I expected were disgruntled and annoyed whispers and grunts but all of them moved aside without a single word of complaint. Dua noticed my questioning gaze and answered me,"Don't worry, Young Miss. They don't complaint because they are happy here. what you must understand is that this place was undesirable, excuse my language, garbage dump. Literally.Ever since the Order of the One relocated here this town has transformed from a garbage dump to a hub for merchants, craftsman, and adventurers. The standard of living, health care, and food have risen by a lot. New jobs and better opportunities for their children have sprouted like grass and this is all the result of the High Ones and her companions efforts.Furthermore, Mina and Duda are here. As the personal disciples of the High One they normally don't just appear in public. when they do it is official Order business or on the High One's request and in both cases the residents are more than happy to help. Even if it is something as simple as allowing them to cut the line."During Dua's short explanation we arrived in front of the right side of the double doors. During Dua's talk, I was observing the guards and the receptionists. Are they receptionists? They stand in front of desks and welcome people. They take their documents and then send them in.But why are they outside?As I observed them they to noticed us. One of them, she looks older than the others so I think she might be their senior, motioned for the guards and one of these hulks lowered his head and listened to her orders. Right after she finished he pressed his hand onto his emblem and closed his eyes.A communication device?Nasir. Can you feel any energy transmission or something similar?*Answer*The emblem seems to be activated through a blood-binding engraved on top of a communication imprint. It is sending energy frequencies into the building.*A communication device, it is. As he opened his eyes he nodded at the women and resumed to stand guard. As we arrived in front of her she bowed to Mina and Dua and welcomed them to the guardhouse."Welcome Miss Mina and Miss Dua in the central guard station. How may I help you?"Her bow was executed perfectly and the grace with which she initiated eye contact with Mina made her seem like a charismatic woman. Someone you like to have around and talk to.Mina looked at her and handed her a document she pulled out of a green storage ring on her left hand. As the receptionist senior took the document she skimmed over it and checked a blue colored imprint in the bottom right of the paper."Yes, everything is in order,"she looked up and looked at Mina"I was informed that you would come today. The captain has prepared one of the private booths for you and the young lady. Mirielle here will guide you there."With a last look at Mina and a side glance at me she turned around and went towards her desk while motioning the woman named Mirielle to guide us in.Turning towards Mirielle we all looked at her. Not the least bit flustered by our stares she bowed and raised her hand to the entrance."If you'd please follow me."After saying so she turned around and with a moderate speed she guided us into the central guard station of Rias.Something I glanced of the giant signboard right above the double doors.
