Spellheart 9: Chapter 28 (Patreon)

The moment I stepped foot into the Hearthwood, a wave of relief washed over me. The familiar scent of fresh forest air filled my lungs and reminded me why I called this place home. Busy streets greeted me as citizens went about their business, some pausing to offer respectful nods and warm smiles. Despite their adoring eyes, nobody dropped to their knees and called me master. Our city had grown significantly, and it wouldn’t be long before Hearthwood City was every bit as large as the city I had just visited.

[Welcome back, Theo,] Mac chimed in my head, his voice as cheery as ever. [It’s always good to have my favorite human minion about. My cleaning drones have been getting overwhelmed.]

“Thanks, Mac,” I replied. “I couldn’t agree more. It’s good to be back. Now, where are my children? I’ve brought them some gifts.”

[Argona is in the Drafter’s Study enchanting things. Comela is in the training yard.] Mac’s response came promptly, as always.

“Perfect,” I said. With a renewed sense of purpose, I approached the Drafter’s Study.

As I entered the room, I found Argona hunched over a table, her fingers tracing intricate patterns on a golem’s surface. She looked up, a mixture of surprise and happiness coloring her expression. “Father!” she exclaimed, rushing towards me.

“Argona,” I smiled, handing her the books I had purchased during my travels. Her eyes lit up with excitement as she eagerly flipped through the pages, gushing over the new information they contained.

“This is the math stuff you were talking about?” Argona asked as she flipped from one page to the next.

“Yep. What you’re looking at there is called geometry. There are a lot of hidden relationships within a humble triangle.”

“Thank you so much, Father! These are incredible!” Argona beamed, giving me a tight hug. She closed the book and held it tight.

“Anything for my favorite enchanter,” I teased as I ran my fingers through her hair. She playfully rolled her eyes but continued to smile.

With a fond farewell, I left Argona to her studies and headed towards the training yard. Comela was there, her golden hair whipping around as she swung a sword with impressive force. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of pride as I watched her skillful movements.

“Comela!” I called out, catching her attention. She halted mid-swing and raced towards me.

“Father!” she panted, eyes shining with happiness. “You’re back!”

“Indeed,” I said, presenting her with the most powerful amulets I had purchased. I hesitated momentarily, unsure if it was too weak for her current strength, but her enthusiasm allayed my fears.

“Thank you, Father! It’s beautiful!” Comela exclaimed, carefully fastening the amulet around her neck. Its glow seemed to amplify her already radiant presence. “What’s it do?”

I laughed. “Actually, I’m not sure. The shopkeeper was acting a bit weird, so I paid and left as soon as possible. It feels strong, though. Hopefully, you find it useful. Let me know when you figure out what it does.”

That was a bit of a white lie. I would never have given her something without using The Wanderer’s analysis ability on it first. The amulet was actually supposed to make Sunlight zeal a little harder to manipulate, like weight training for magic. Its effect was very subtle, though, and tough to notice. Comela would need to learn to spot these things eventually, so I figured I’d give her this little challenge.

“I will!” Comela promised me.

***

As I strolled through the peaceful streets of Hearthwood, I couldn’t help but marvel at how much our city had grown. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the laughter of children playing in the sunlight. It almost made it easy to forget the approaching calamity of the end of the Seventh Golden Age. Almost.

“Father!” Comela called, waving from across the street as she practiced with the Hearthwood’s professional soldiers. I couldn’t help but notice she was wearing the new amulet on her besides the previous one I’d gotten for her on my last trip. I’d have to buy her rings or hairbands since I was pretty sure you weren’t supposed to wear more than one amulet.

“Looking good, Comela!” I called back, grinning at her progress.

“Thanks, Father!” she replied, beaming with pride before returning to her practice.

My thoughts turned inward as I continued my walk. It felt strange to yield to an outside force, especially one that threatened everything we held dear. But if everyone else was doing it, why not me? After all, I was no longer the warrior and leader who had conquered the Hearthwood. I was a family man now, responsible for the lives of my harem and children.

Segolas was a far ways further down the road in a clearing outside the Hearthwood. He was far out of sight of the others, practicing in private. The poor kid was still terribly embarrassed that his little sister had surpassed him in cultivation. Segolas was still just a Mage Acolyte, but he was growing ever closer to True Mage.

“Your form is improving,” I said as I suddenly appeared in his secluded clearing.

Segolas whirled about with his wooden sword in hand at the sudden noise, lashing out at the surprise attack.

I knew an opportunity to make a good entrance when I saw it, so I stepped into the blow. I caught his sword between my thumb and forefinger. At his level, his fastest swing was as slow as a snail to me. Catching it between my fingers was more an exercise in patience than skill.

“Alas, your situation awareness might need more practice,” I sighed.

Segolas tugged on his sword hilt but could not free it from my grasp. “Thank you for the tip, Patriarch.”

“Father will do.” I ruffled Segolas’ hair and released his sword. In one smooth motion, I turned. Segolas looked down to find his wooden practice sword in my hands instead of his.

I reached into my Dimensional Storage and withdrew a real sword for him, made of some of the finest Ironwood in the Hearthwood.

“Try this. Practice swings are good for building muscle memory, but sparring builds your instincts for battle. Let’s see you pit those skills against a moving target.” I beckoned him to attack, his real sword against my practice one.

Segolas attacked without hesitation or mercy. He knew a sword in his hands was about as useful as a blade of grass, thanks to the immense difference in power between us. My World Titan Fiendbody on its own would make me immune to any blow he could muster, even if I were to lie down in the clearing and take a nap.

But he still put on an adequate showing. He was better than many mage acolytes I’d fought. I told him as much.

“You’d be pretty good mage acolytes your age from some large clans. Your footwork is good, and you’re faster than most. Combined with a few undead servants to help you, you’d be a formidable foe,” I praised.

But Segolas wasn’t satisfied with that. “I don’t want to be formidable. I want to be the best.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Is that so? Well, that’s going to be tough. Because there is one up-and-coming new cultivator in Deania who’s unmatched among her peers. Someone whose capabilities will shock Deania when she finally shows herself in the capital.”

“Who?” Segolas demanded. He leaned close, eyes eager to know the identity of his new rival.

I pointed the tip of my wooden sword back toward the Hearthwood toward where Comela was practicing. “She’s right over there. And you are lucky enough to call her your sister.”

“Comela? She’s really that good?” Segolas asked. “I thought... I thought she was just average. That was why I was training so hard.”

I chuckled. “You aren’t the only one of my kids who wants to be the best. Remember that. And don’t be afraid to ask your sister for a sparing session, either. Yes, you’ll probably lose. But a loss just means another opportunity to learn.”

Segolas nodded at my words. “I’ll... I’ll talk to her.”

I placed a hand on Segolas’ shoulder. “You have a lot of other siblings, you know. They’d all like to get to know you.”

“What if they think less of me? I’m the eldest, aren’t I? I should be strong enough to protect everyone else like you do.”

I shook my head. “You’re young. Be young, Segolas. Don’t set the burdens of the Hearthwood on your shoulders. Those are my problems, not yours. After all, I don’t plan to go anywhere for a long time.”

Segolas sighed. “Father, I’ve been considering visiting the Necromancer lands up north. They know death zeal best. And they’re part of your territory, aren’t they? So I should be safe enough.”

I shrugged. “They head my good advice when I offer it if that’s what you mean. I wouldn’t quite call them part of my territory.”

“You told them where to build their cities and then did it. Then told them how to structure their economy and government. They send our clan tribute every month...”

I waved my hand. “Like I said, they heed my good advice. And those are more like regularly scheduled gifts. But as to your trip... I am worried. Any other time you’d be free to leave as you are, but events are taking place outside of my control. Events that will reshape the entire world as we know it. I’d prefer if you stay in the Hearthwood for now.”

I expected anger and protest, but Segolas only shrugged.

“I understand.”

That was a marked change from his former rebellious attitude. It was a bit strange to find my son so agreeable. But he had been trying to turn over a new leaf. “Well then, thank you for understanding, son.”

I left Segolas alone with his thoughts. If nothing else, we got in a good sparring session. But worry over the end of the Seventh Golden Age still plagued my mind. I must have voiced some of my thoughts aloud because eventually, Mac started consoling me.

[It’s only natural to prioritize your loved ones,] Mac chimed in, sensing my conflicted emotions. [You are on the right path already.]

“How so?” I asked, genuinely curious.

[By bringing up your harem and children to your level, empowering them to fight and survive the end of the Seventh Golden Age. That way, they are strong enough to support you like you do for them. You’ve done as well as you can by your children, but they already have the advantage of your blood running through them. For your harem, you’ll need a more direct touch.]

“More dual cultivation, huh?” I mused, rubbing my chin thoughtfully. “Well, I certainly can’t say I’m opposed to the idea.”

And on that front, there was a lot of work waiting for me to finish. I had a new technique to integrate into my own personal version of the Dual Cultivation Technique. There were upgrades to ponder and secrets of magic to unravel. Suddenly feeling inspired, I went back to Castle Mac.

We had no shortage of space, considering the castle extended all the way down into the undercity below. Mac had been continuously building bedrooms for my current and future children, of which we’d need plenty. The Whitewood Clan had brought over six hundred eggs, which had now hatched into wisps and would eventually manifest into elves.

Hence the need for industrial-scale bedchambers, training, and shower facilities. Mac had even seen fit to construct an entire meal hall. The lower levels of my castle were now resembling a university dormitory more than my personal home. But that was a small price to pay for being surrounded by as much love as I was. And for now, all those rooms were stocked with standard furniture. A bed, writing desk, chair, lamp, bookshelf, weapons rack, and a little pamphlet with a picture of me and the Hearthwood on it.

It was titled, ‘Welcome to the family, Generation 5!’ and destined for future children. I barely remembered approving its creation but flipping through the pages, I saw most of it was about me and my early adventures.

How I conquered the Hearthwood and united the feuding tribes. How I roamed the continent with a band of orcs and conquered every nation beyond our borders. How I roamed the Primordial World and defeated the Timeweaver Spiders. All of it was in there, complete with colorful illustrations.

In truth, the pamphlet made me sound a lot more impressive than I thought I was. Reading the pamphlet, I felt like I was reading about a mythological figure rather than myself.

It made the weight of responsibility feel all the heavier as it rested upon my shoulders. I set the pamphlet down and pulled out the scroll Ethan had given me. The one containing the Cult of the Unblinking Eye’s Dual Cultivation Technique. Beside it, I placed the copy Tivana’s family had given me.

Then, off to the other side, I placed my own version of the technique, complete with all the additions and modifications I’d come up with from regular daily use.

At first, I thought I would just add to what I already had, but as I studied the Cult of the Unblinking Eye’s version, I realized the upgrades they’d made were extensive. Too extensive to merely add to my version. So instead, I pulled out a blank scroll and began a new one.

I borrowed my future kid’s pen and scribbled out a new title on the blank sheet of parchment, titling it, ‘The Hearthwood Clan’s Dual Cultivation Technique.’ And if I had my way, it would be better than all the rest.

Soft candlelight flickered beside me as I studied the examples before. I took the best of what each had to offer. I formulated my own from all the knowledge contained within, combined with my own personal experiences using the techniques. Focus claimed me, and I fell into a trace as ideas flowed from my pen. Soft lamplight flickered across the parchment all the while.

“Interesting,” I murmured, noting how the techniques of the Cult were an improvement over Dean’s creation. However, there was no denying that the method was harsher on the elf being used to cultivate. It seemed the Cult didn’t fear expending their elven servants in their pursuit of power.

“I need to cycle the power between two individuals without working to the detriment of one of them...” I stroked my chin thoughtfully, puzzling through each step.

Surely, that was what Ethan knew I would do when he gave me the technique. A lazy man might let this easy path to power corrupt him, but I was willing to put in the work to make it my own.

Besides, while the Cult of the Unblinking Eye’s one-sided dual cultivation technique might make them much more powerful, they didn’t end up with a harem of badass elven lovers at the end, just a few broken and hollow shells. My way might be slower, but I’d end up with companions who could stand by my side and support me. No Cultist following their technique could say the same.

I went through an entire stack of parchment as I puzzled through various theories. All of them would require rigorous testing and experimentation before they could become full-fledged ideas, but they were a step in the right direction. I was just finishing up when I heard a commotion outside. That I could hear the shouting from deep in the bowels of Castle Mac told me that there were quite a few screams up on the surface.

“Mac? What’s going on?” I asked to the empty room. Mac responded in my head.

[Theo! Satyrs are here again!] Mac warned me. [But they haven’t attacked yet. Should I activate the Level-Reducing Sentry Towers on them anyway? They’re almost in range.]

“Hold off until I give the signal.” I stood abruptly. Rather than take the long way up through Castle Mac back to the surface, I opened my Pocket World Passage and stepped through into the heart of The Wanderer. “Where are they? And what’s happening now?”

[North side, near the Drafter’s Study.] I turned down the hall of the Wanderer and jogged to that room. I opened the door, entering the Drafter’s Study from inside the ship. Argona was enchanting there and rose at my entrance, but I waved her down. “Stay where you are. There’s a commotion outside.”

“I hear it too. What’s going on?” Argona asked.

“Satyrs again. But they aren’t attacking this time.” A thought came to mind then. What if they weren’t here to attack at all? “Mac, have they attacked yet?”

[No, they’re staying where they are, just out of range of the towers.]

My shoulders sagged in relief. They’d lost the element of surprise, meaning they probably weren’t here to attack. I would still need to see them in person, but I was pretty sure I knew what they were here for now.

“Tell everyone to calm down. I’m pretty sure those Satyrs are just here to make a delivery.” I hadn’t expected my Sacred Grove so soon. But if the Satyrs weren’t here to fight, then that’s what this had to be.

Sirens across the Hearthwood sounded to distribute my message from Mac. When I emerged from the Drafter’s Study, I did the same in person. I launched myself into the air, using my powers as a sorcerer to levitate there. I still wasn’t nearly as fast or as steady as I was on top of Spell Eater, but there was something special about floating above the city streets without any means of transportation that caught the eye. It was something Sorcerers could do and others could not, though Earth Sorcerers weren’t exactly well suited to it.

“Everyone, there’s no need to panic,” I reassured my citizens, a grin spreading across my face. “Those Satyrs aren’t here to fight. They’re just here to deliver a little restitution for the damage they caused last week.”

My words immediately calmed the nervous crowd, and soon everyone was quieting down and resuming their business. Still, I figured it’d be best to get rid of these Satyrs before they caused much more trouble.

After leaving behind their cargo, I flew off to meet with the Satyrs, who seemed quick to put as much distance between me and them as they could. I barely caught sight of their fleeing backsides by the time I made my way to the pile of crates they’d left behind. But if they wanted to flee, then that was for the best. If I let them into the city, they’d just cause another panic, so it was for the best that they made themselves scarce.

But with them gone, I still had a lot of questions. I craned upward at the mountain of boxes as large as a building. Sacred Groves were bigger than I thought.

“I hope this thing came with instructions...”