Chapter 30 - Tanya's Defiance of the Fall (Patreon)

Big thanks to Massgamer for their proofreading help!

Chapter 30

The gathering was prestigious. I knew that because only a hundred people were present, and yet almost every single one had at least one item that radiated the kind of spark [Crimson Siphon] did. 

They all had Spirit Tools, and quite powerful ones at that.

Leyara greeted me warmly and said she had a few people who wished to speak with me.

"Quite shameless of you to shove people off by telling them you were coming here. All my contacts came to me to beg for introductions. Fortunately, they also paid for the privilege, so I'm not too annoyed."

Her laughter when she said that made her extremely low-cut, pale dress almost create a wardrobe accident. Though given the clear magical nature of the gown, that was probably impossible.

"Ah, well, that was not my intent, but I am interested in meeting new people. Especially with those who might help with my situation. Who is first?"

Leyara introduced me to a member of the Zethaya Clan. Theirs was a clan who was extraordinarily wealthy and one of the Peak factions of the Zecia Sector. They also focused specifically on Alchemy.The man was a Human of average height, but his skin had an almost granite-like texture to it. 

"Tanya Degurechaff, our family has been without an Enchanter for a few millennia, and while there are workarounds for producing the highest quality of ingredients, an Enchanter's unique ability to enhance ingredients with specific elements is greatly desired. I am prepared to offer you this teleportation token along with an employment contract that is quite generous."

I absorbed the offered Information Crystal containing the contract and blinked a few times. If I was flying solo and didn't have a family or other connections on Earth, it would be incredibly attractive. Still, there were a few sections that would give me heartburn.

Essentially, the employment condition was that after my time in Base Town was done, I was to immediately activate the teleportation token. I would then be responsible for about 20 hours a week of purely Enchanting ingredients. I would be required to remain employed with them for 200 years before attempting to enter D-grade, but they would assist me with accomplishing that task. The reason for the delay is that even cultivators with phenomenal resources, foundations, and Dao could still face catastrophic failure and death when trying to form their Cosmic Core. 

They wanted to get their full money's worth first.

The pay, resources, cultivation areas, Dao Treasures, and even Low D-grade Hegemon Dao Guards to ensure my safety was embarrassingly generous. However, the stipulations cut to the bone.

"I'm afraid I will not abandon my planet, nor can I allow myself to be separated from my family. After Earth's integration is done, perhaps…"

The man frowned. "The majority of worlds fail to resist Incursions. That would be an unacceptable risk for such a valued resource. I cannot offer you a teleportation token without an employment agreement."

I nodded. "Thank you for the offer, but I will have to pass."

His eyes widened, but before he could retort, Leyara sashayed over and gave him a little bump with her body.

"You heard the lady, move on, or do you have something else to offer?"

The man hesitated, then shook his head and walked off.

"You are dead set on fighting for your world, yes? That's respectable, and someone who has completed the 6th Floor has a real shot of becoming the Planetary Lord of a newly integrated world."

"Planetary Lord?" I asked, feeling a bit of disquiet.

"Yes, the Heavens will be giving out Lordship Quests that eventually lead to a Planetary Lord Quest that will determine who rules your entire world."

"And that's the only available form of government?" I asked, feeling my temper at the System reach new heights.

Leyara looked confused. "Yes? What else would there be?"

"And what can this ‘Lord’ do?"

"Oh, all sorts of things; control teleportation, who comes in and out, the taxes…"

"Taxes?" I hissed.

"Yes, for anything involving a Nexus Node and System Shop. Though, keep in mind, a Lord's Authority doesn't make them invincible. If someone else finishes that Quest-line before you do, you can just kill them."

What a madhouse. 

I thought for a long moment.

"They can't compel people though, right? They can only use the taxation and teleportation privileges?"

"Well, no, but most Planetary Ruler Quests also grant them defensive arrays or golems, powerful structures and baubles upon their completion."

I dismissed that with a wave of my hand. "Good to know, but what I'm asking is, is there nothing that stops powerful individuals from threatening the ruler to prevent abuse of those privileges?"

She gave an artful shrug. "No, not really. But why go about it that way? Just take over."

Just ‘take over’? Just kill whenever you want power? The Multiverse had a veneer of civilization, but it was just a variation of 'might makes right.' There was no legalism at all, there was no form of government that had any sorts of checks and balances, except for what other factions and forces might impose. Even with the likes of Leyara, who seemed charming and kind on the surface, one only had to dip one's toe a little into conversation for her to advocate direct murder for power. I put away my seething frustration behind a smile and set the anger aside.

"Thank you, who else did you want me to see?"

"I'll introduce you to Yara Brightness next. She is of the Blue Family, the third most powerful family in the Empire of Light."

"So, not the Brightness Family?"

Leyara laughed. "Don't be silly."

But… agh, she's already introducing me. 

"A 6th Floor clear, congratulations. And such a wondrous apparition. I was able to forge my first Fragment thanks to you. A pity I hadn't waited to do my Tower Climb later, but I was impatient. I might have defeated the 5th Floor if I had. Nonetheless, Tanya, I am honored to meet you."

"Likewise, Yara, assuming that is the appropriate way to address you."

It was interesting how many Humans there were here, but also how there were still subtle variations. Yara for example had no nails on her fingers, and it didn’t look like they had been removed. Her teeth also seemed the wrong shape from what I was used to, with each tooth being a bit wider than normal. She was still fetching, just like every person here, but there was a slight uncanny valley effect for me. 

"We are not at court and I would very much like us to be friends. You are a progenitor with a clear fate. I would be honored if you were to join my family. I have a number of cousins and even a younger brother, though you'll have to wait some time to marry him if that is who you pick, but we could use your talents."

Sorry, I don't think I swing that way. 

"That's kind of you and generous of you, but as I told the representative of the Zethaya Clan, I am not alone. I have a family back on my home planet that I will protect, and said planet that I wish to remain independent from war mongering Incursions. I am most interested in collecting teleportation tokens if I fail in my efforts to free my people, but I will still make the attempt."

Yara smiled. "I see, well, I cannot give out more than one token, but if your family or Clan should fall or you have no other hope, please use this." She pressed the token into my hand. "You would be quite valuable. My family is full of Array Masters, so you would fit right in. We are always looking for more talent in holding back the Undead Empire."

I nodded and made a note of this being one of the more favored tokens I would use if I had to book it off of Earth. The Empire of Light setting itself against the Undead Empire was also a good thing. Who knew, maybe the Salamander Group might one day seek mercenary work out among the stars. The future was quite hazy for me because of the immediate threats, but if we managed to close all the Incursions we still had a countdown for the next one hundred years of the System shroud. After that, Earth could pop up anywhere in the Zecia Sector, including right next door to the Kavriel Province and face almost immediate invasion from a force that had C-grade Monarchs.

We parted ways with Yara and then I met with a Tal-Eladar from the Tir'Lamarel Family. I was a little cold at first, since Earth had an active Incursion from the Tal-Eladar, but I realized that I was being a bit silly. It wasn't as if every Tal-Eladar was responsible for what every other member of their species did. Regardless, this wasn't an offer to join them, but a commission request to modify a Spirit Tool he had inherited.

"It is powerful, but hesitant, and its Dao is more of a cunning hunter as opposed to a ferocious one that I require for my Path of Savagery. Are you able to make the alteration?"

I looked at the Spirit Tool, used [Crafter's Wisdom], and realized such a small modification was somewhat feasible. I couldn't completely alter a Spirit Tool's nature, but I could nudge it in a certain direction and reform its shape. Since the inherent nature of the Spirit Tool was still that of a predator, just of a different variety, I knew I could do it.

"I'll need a similar weapon to re-home the essence into. I will be pushing it very close to the time I must leave, so I will have to charge you more than I would normally…"

He laughed. "Such is the way of things. Two billion Nexus Coins is what I can give you."

Fuck! I really want to stay in Base Town for a year. 

I agreed and then Leyara introduced me to another dozen people. I picked up a few more teleportation tokens, but it seemed almost no one was prepared to give out multiple ones. This  was really annoying since, if I had to flee, I would prefer to be able to bring along my dad, and, hopefully, Julia. I also got the impression that they wanted me, and that sending over someone else in my place might be bad news. Granted, I would be off Earth as well and have the possibility of reuniting with them one day, so I doubted anyone would just kill them out of hand, but it was still less than ideal.

Now that I had gone through all the people Leyara had screened and had me chat with, the interactions were now more freeform. I listened as the elite scions of the Zecia Sector spoke. Rumors that I had no context whirled about, including those of Tal-Eladar and the Azh'Kir'Khat Horde beating themselves bloody against each other again.

Pretty approached me after breaking away from another small group.

"Tomorrow is your last day here and you are going to an auction. Looking for something better to replace your Spirit Tool?"

What's wrong with my Spirit Tool?

"Well, I am looking for Spirit Tools for my Salamander Group, but why do you ask about [Crimson Siphon]?

Pretty bit her lip for a second. "Sorry, that's probably the best your planet currently has, so that was rude of me. Your Spirit Tool isn't defective; it just doesn't have a long future. I can tell that it might be able to pass into E-grade, but will be stuck on the lower end no matter what you feed to it."

Leyara shook her head. "Now, now, that's not strictly true."

Pretty rolled her eyes. "It isn't worth feeding a Supreme E-grade treasure to a Spirit Tool like this. You might as well purchase a Spirit Tool that has the capability to make it to D-grade at half the cost."

I've started to like using it, but perhaps I should see if I can get anything better. It is odd that I feel a sense of kinship to the bloody weapon. Its personality is so different from my own, after all. Hmm, well maybe it is like the idea that opposites attract, and [Crimson Siphon]'s bloodthirstiness makes up for my own more measured approach to conflict. 

Leyara looked curious. "Salamander Group?"

"My mercenary outfit. We sell our services to communities to help them finish their Quests and deal with Incursions."

Pretty perked up some. "Oh, is that what you want to do once your world's Integration is over? There are plenty of opportunities in the Million Gates Territory. You could join an existing group like the Blue Moon Mercenaries, and that will provide some protection. Successfully completing missions will earn you Contribution Points for their stores."

I blinked. "Wait… you mean Contribution Ladders and stores aren't just System-generated?"

Leyara laughed. "Oh, I'm sorry Tanya, it's so good of you that you don't take offense easily, but I must apologize that I keep forgetting you just learned about the Multiverse. Almost every force has its own variation. Nexus Coins are a medium of exchange across factions, but internally the best things can only be purchased through credit the force provide. That way they ensure the greatest treasures don't go to a rival faction in the future. Granted, mercenaries operate a bit differently… but the principle is the same."

"Interesting, well, I don't know what the future has in store. I suspect that if I close the Incursions I will try to gain strength and see where my world is in a hundred years. If it borders a place of friendly neighbors, I will probably focus on crafting instead of mercenary work. However, if we have the ill fortune to be located near the Undead Empire…"

Leyara and Pretty exchanged glances that I wasn't able to decipher.

"But primarily I'll be looking to pick up Spirit Tools, any Attribute Fruits, and Dao Treasures. Thanks to our deal, I'm well-stocked on other things, so that will be what I need to help push my soldiers forward."

Leyara smiled broadly. "You must be going for a hybrid class once you break into E-grade then. There's no way a blood-soaked leader of blades for sale is going to be content just sitting around crafting."

I shrugged. "I do not enjoy conflict. I am a woman of peace. I would like nothing else than to cultivate through crafting and never have to use violence again. But, my enemies will not allow that now, but one day I hope to retire from the battlefield completely."

Pretty stared at me in disbelief for a moment and shook her head. "Every cultivator's journey is different, even if we walk along the paths our ancestors have made."

These people were really strange, but I sensed no hostility from Leyara and Pretty. They were comfortable seniors who seemed to enjoy sharing their wisdom with a junior. I was eager to learn everything I could, so did not mind the mild condescension. I left the gathering early to get started on the crafting commission. In less than two days I'd see Dad and the rest of the Salamanders again.

***

Will rolled over, fully spent. Sofia's beautiful figure lay beside him, her dark curls spread around her as she smiled at him with a pleased expression.

"Worth the Nexus Crystals?" she said grinning.

"Yes, and I'm thankful you'll still… uh, indulge, even though you have other ways to grant your bonuses."

Sofia stretched. "It's an enjoyable act. Truthfully, I do think the Class I picked has some influence on it. It is enjoyable, even more so than before the Fall."

Will wasn't sure about that. The reality was that everyone looked so much hotter these days. The natural Vitality and slow improvement of their Race via medicinal baths was making everyone look like a model. It honestly was rather distracting at times!

It’s like I turned 13 all over again! 

"Well, I'm just grateful. I'm sure I could find someone in town. There are always women who see someone who is in proper gear and think that's their ticket, but… I don't know. Plus, I think Tanya is going to have us move around a lot and…"

"Shh," she said, putting a finger on his lips. "You don't have to defend wanting to sleep with me. I like being wanted. And if you find someone and they prefer you don't see me again, I'll miss our evenings, but there won't be any hard feelings. It's just sex."

For Will, he had some hope it could have been more, but Sofia was pretty clear on her intentions. She still had sex with Zhou, and anything remotely close to him sharing more than lust and comradeship with her was artfully shut down. Sofia really did have an elegance to how she shot him down that gave the hint that maybe she actually didn't know what he meant. He knew better, though, and honestly appreciated how quick she caught wind of his desires and nipped it in the bud.

"I know, I’m just saying. Tanya is going to be back soon. Are you coming to watch the duel?"

Sofia nodded. "I can't help if things get out of hand, but Zhou will protect me."

"Are you worried about how she'll do?" Will asked.

"No. The Ladder update makes it clear that she is the strongest Human alive. If she can't beat the Incursion Leader, then we're all fucked anyway. Slow or fast, we are dead. And this isn't even close to the strongest threat humanity is facing. If a Level 67 the likes of Tanya can't win, well, I guess I'd rather know now."

"Dark," he muttered.

But probably true. 

"Not really, because she's not going to lose. She's the reason the Ratkin and the Ogres are gone from this world. I'm not even on the frontlines fighting and I know how dangerous she is. You need to relax more, be less heavy about things."

"Haha, it doesn't work like that."

Sofia was of course teasing him about his Dao Seed.

"I wouldn't know about that, but I hope to one day. Now, I believe you will be doing one last round of beast hunting before Tanya returns, so you should get some rest."

Will clothed himself and left her abode. He'd see her again in a few days. The Cosmic Energy improvement would be helpful tomorrow. Will had hopes of one day being a ranker. He wasn't too far off of the 100th spot in terms of Levels. The fact that he had two Dao Seeds made him stand out, and he found he liked that.

He did feel bad about Jared. His friend was really trying, but as a mortal he had been screwed from the start. They had taken solace in the fact that Edwin and Zoey had both picked up a Dao Seed and they were mortal, but there was nothing for Jared yet.

You'll get there buddy. We all will. 

***

Some items came and went that seemed interesting, but I wanted to preserve my capital. I debated about what I should truly focus my wealth on, and it just wasn't justifiable in my opinion to spend nearly five billion on a single Spirit Tool. In the end I purchased two F-grade ones that had a limited shot at passing into E-grade at best. I also purchased a Dao Treasure that would likely resonate with Zhou's Seed of Sharpness.

I was a bit worn down from modifying the Spirit Tool for the Tal-Eladar, as it had required me to work straight through the night until an hour before going out to shop. I didn't need much sleep, but I would still need some when I got back before the duel. At least my customer was happy with the result. 

I was still in a state of shock at some of the prices.

"Ten thousand E-grade coins, going once… going twice…"

"Eleven thousand!"

"Twelve!"

An E-grade coin was one million F-grade Nexus Coins. A thousand E-grade coins was one billion. The scale still left me more than a bit numb. The item, a potent E-grade movement treasure, ended up going for 25,000 E-grade Coins.

My pool of cash was further reduced by me bidding on an Alchemist's Cauldron for Shella. I was no longer even among the top five of the Wealth Ladder, and I'd fall completely off it when I returned the money I borrowed to the Marshall Clan, Billy, and the NWG. I still had some high hopes at some point that someone from the Salamander Group, or perhaps among the Marshalls, would get a token for the Tower of Eternity. I could then send them here with a lot of my better goodies. I knew my triple barrier defensive treasures would be at least valued a billion. Layered defenses were among the most sought after.

Well, this is it. Time to say farewell to Base Town.

It was without fanfare that I left and returned to the Town that was located near the Yrd Stonemen, Everwood Refuge. Dad and the rest were there to greet me. I was quickly hugged and, despite the unprofessionalism of the moment, I didn't mind. I hadn't seen him in over a hundred days after all, at least by my reckoning.

The rest also gathered around and congratulated me, some hugging and some clapping me on the back. It felt… nice. But I only let it go on for a couple of minutes before I restored a proper semblance of order.

"All right, enough of that. I told you I'd be back. I also brought gifts…"

The group cheered as I handed out said gifts. I pulled free the Alchemist's Cauldron, spiritual seeds, herbs, and other ingredients for Shella. I provided similar items for Dorel, along with [Innate Patterns]. They were both ecstatic and very grateful.

I handed out leveling pills to everyone. I told them they should take one now to gain a level and then wait at least a week before taking the next batch. It wasn't a great idea to rely on those things, and pill toxicity was an issue, but it would be helpful. I also gave Zoey [Sword of Storms]. 

"I have another E-grade weapon and [Crimson Siphon], plus this fits with your Dao Seed nicely."

Zoey was grinning ear to ear. She knew how big of a bump in killing power this represented. I had to use my newly found enhanced Strength and Dexterity to pry her off me. 

I handed out a few other things and then said I wanted to talk with my dad for a bit before sleeping for the next eight hours. The rest gave us our space and my smiling parent beamed at me.

"I'm proud of you, Tanya."

"Thank you. I… I'd like to get your perspective."

I showed him the Dao Teacher Title, as well as the Quest.

"I'm thinking that the Dao Teacher Title launched this 'training' Quest and provided a limit until D-grade. Which seems to mean that it won't actually be done anytime soon, and I worry that if I pick someone who ends up dying… well, I'll fail the Quest. It also seems I'll probably be relaying insights of the type of Dao that I've picked up, which can be problematic if it runs counter to someone else's path. I need to pick three people, and other than you, I'm not quite sure who to pick."

He blinked and looked at me surprised. "Me?"

"Yes, you. You'll be the one wearing the best defensive treasures I can craft, so you'll be one of the people most likely to survive. The others… well, there's where I wasn't so sure. I could give it to Dorel and Shella as our crafters, but I'm uncertain. Dorel has the Dao of Runes, so maybe that could pair well with Structure. But the Dao of Timing? I'm not sure what fits, or what would even be proper for Alchemist. Meanwhile, if I gave it to someone like Zhou, it might improve his combat ability."

My dad thought for a few moments before answering. "I'd suggest Jared and Sofia. They don't have Dao Seeds yet."

This is so like him. 

"Both of them are mortals, who will have difficulty cultivating…"

"Like me."

"That's different," I said bluntly.

"That's nepotism," he replied.

"Yes."

He chuckled. "Well, you seem set on making me one of your apprentices, as odd as that might end up being, but for the other two you just need to figure out what criteria do you value more. Making sure no one is left behind in the Salamander Group? Picking individuals who are not on the frontlines to maximize your chance of completing your Quest? Or will it be improving the combat prowess of the Salamander Group? I think the right thing to do is help Jared and Sofia, but this is your Quest. And you are the leader of this group. My advice? Sleep on it, get your bearings again, and then decide."

Sound advice, like always. I didn't always agree with him, but he derived almost every belief he had from first principles and logical application.

"Thanks, Dad." I yawned. "Now, I do need to get some rest."

"Before you do that," Zhou said as he approached, "I have some good news."

He told me about his Tower of Eternity token and I was deliriously happy. Sweet, sweet Nexus Coins and resources were up for grabs! I wasn't planning to have him do what I did. It wouldn't be wise for him to get to Level 50 and go immediately, but when he finally did go… he'd be dragging along whole Cosmos Sacks of my Enchanted goods to sell!

Author's Note: Thank you for all the well-wishes on the surgery. Everything went well and no complications. No more pain now on day 2, except when I'm doing the damn nose rinses. First night of sleep was not good but hopefully tonight will be better.