Augmented Aspects: Chapter 114 An Agenda (Patreon)

Chapter 114

An Agenda

Flap-flap.

“Come on Mallory, we are almost there.” I cry out giddily as I use my wings to push my weightless body through the air at amazing speeds.

Huff-huff.

Even from a distance away I can hear Mallory and her ineffective wings pushing for every ounce of strength they have as we go up the side of the great tree Yggdraspirit for our last few floors until we reach floor 200. We are so close that I can almost taste the Doctorate.

“I, I’m co, coming.” Mallory managed through panting breaths.

Personally, I know it is minor and petty that I take such delight in seeing her struggle to keep up. But you have to understand, this entire trip thus far has been her outclassing me in every physical characteristic possible. So the fact that there is something that I am better than her at, well it appeals to me on a deep personal level that I cannot help but enjoy poking at.

“Hahaha!” I cry out in delight. Then going on something I thought about earlier, I create a brand-new spell on the spot, just to create fancy lights, and sticky patches of mana.

Creating a new spell has become a lot easier for me over the months and weeks that we have been traveling up the different floor levels of this tower. I have improved so much, that even now, while moving I can create minor spells. Of course, my version of minor and other people’s version of minor might be slightly different, as my version of minor in this case is just a Tier VII spell.

Focusing my will, and allowing my body to go into a state of perpetual motion through flying quickly, while also creating and casting a spell I reach a Zen like state, and then let my mana form to my will.

Zap, crackle, spark.

Behind me are a myriad of minor explosions and bursts of energy, followed by micro clumps of burnt sticky mana. Burnt sticky mana that glows to my senses and has different hues in their designs and constructs.

Mallory, who is well behind me at this point, sees the explosions and in her tired state, can do little but fly right through the spell’s residue, coating her entire body in the sticky mana.

“Glitter? Did you just glitter bomb me?” Mallory asks.

I was about to respond no, but then I got a new message stating that the spell, or rather the mana that I compacted into a particular effect now had a name. A name that had Mallory’s influence all over it.

New Spell Created: Glitter Burst [Tier VII] (a): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that allows the caster to create a distracting burst of light, that will then coat anyone caught in the blast radius with mana particles. Good for entertainment, tracking, and light scale vandalism.

Oh look the spells are now advertising themselves for me. While I couldn’t refute any of the claims of the spell, I did feel odd getting called out so distinctly by the spell creation process, due to its myriad of uses.

Finally, after counting to two hundred and fifty in my head, I found the nearest branch and made for it, as I knew Mallory’s flight time was at most three hundred and thirty seconds.

Landing, I felt out with my consciousness and realized that I was right there, right on the verge of reaching floor 200, and achieving what I thought of at the time was the most impressive advancement to come to this gaming world. That was the ability to heal and modify the cores for people. I could do that; I had even proven that I could mold a core to be different from what the original user had. Going so far as to lace the new core with destructive elements, should the owner of such a core use it for means that were deemed to be destructive. And yet, all of that seemed to be nothing compared to what the system had offered me as a completion bonus for my quest.

Panting.

Mallory flew up and joined me, half crashing, half dragging herself onto the branch and collapsing into a tired ball. It was amazing to see the effects of mana fatigue up close, even the high-level rankers like Mallory were subject to such a feat, which seemed so odd to me.

After a few seconds of panting, Mallory finally regained a bit of her composure, as she was able to get into a sitting position. Then finally breaking the ice, the mana-glitter covered Mallory spoke. I was almost about to laugh at her, and joke about the glitter, when I realized that she was apparently serious.

“So, have you thought about what the system offered you?”

Pausing, I waited for a second, not having expected her to bring that up, at least not yet. I wasn’t ready for it, as in my mind, I was still trying to process what it all meant.

“I, I don’t understand why such a class would even exist?” I stammer out. The class was amazing, and powerful. No, it was overpowered, as I had never seen a class like it.

“The fact that you have had the class available to you all this time and you haven’t jumped at it, shows that you are exactly the reason why such a class was offered to you. Anyone else would have jumped at the opportunity for such power, and yet, here you are still debating whether such a class should exist at all.” Mallory noted.

Even the beginning part of the class let you know that this class was not to be messed around with.

New Class Available: (Unique-Personal-Non-Trainable-Non-Transferable)

If my marriage came with such a pre-warning label I might have remained single and not had kids. Yet, the notice was needed, for what came after that was unimaginable.

“What does such a class even mean?” I asked.

“It means that this world has been waiting to present new content for a while, and you will be the catalyst for that new content.” Mallory stated.

Hearing that, I blinked, I think even my third eye blinked at the revelation, though that eye is harder to predict than the others. Right now, controlling my third eye is a mostly conscious effort, though sometimes it does seem to act on its own. However, at this moment, my lack of control of the movement and function of my third eye is not the most pressing of my concerns.

“How would I even go about spreading this change?” I ask.

“Well first, we would need to leave this tower, but secondly, are you worried about having your own training grounds? If that is the case, then I will gladly take on such a venture.” Mallory noted.

“Is this so you can have a training ground filled with hot sweaty men and women running around with indecent levels of clothing?” I ask, only half joking.

“Wha? That would just be an added benefit. Also, I could always stop by to make sure everyone was treating you with the respect you deserve.” Mallory noted, already implying that she would stop by just to see such events.

How did we get here? To where we are talking about possibly changing the world of Biprism forever on a random branch of Yggdraspirit, while waiting to climb the last floor to reach the vaunted floor 200 marker? Well to be honest, I am still trying to wrap my head around that part as well.

See it all began about three hours ago, when Mallory hijacked my quest line and asked for her own reward for the quest I just completed.

***

(Three Hours Ago)

“Actually, I might have a suggestion on what you could offer as a means of thanks,” Mallory began. As she spoke all six elemental dragons turned their heads towards her. Personally, I would have had some reservations about ordering around so many dragons, but then again Mallory likely knew these low-level dragons, despite their size, could do little against her. In fact, the dragons would likely suffer more damage to their teeth than Mallory would by being bitten by the creatures. That was why she was able to dictate things so smoothly and eloquently.

“Two things.” Mallory said, holding up two fingers to emphasize the point. “First, all six of you are going to give my girl here your blessings for healing your entire nest, and making it so your patriarch isn’t as big of a pricks as he has been.”

There was a slight pause, as Mallory let that thought sink in.

Grumble.

Then just as the dragons all looked like they were going to protest, Mallory put her foot down, literally.

Crack-boom!

With that one fierce stomp, her foot cracked into the toughened wood of Yggdraspirit, and shattered into rifts and minor fault lines that rumbled out from under her foot. This was the stomp of a God coming down and walking the earth, or Mallory coming down and making a point for emphasis. The result was all the dragons were quickly cowed by her sudden burst of violence.

With peace maintained, she continued with her suggestions.

“Secondly, you could let us read from your library. Cassiopeia here is an avid reader and…” That was as far as Mallory got, but was quickly cut off by a now irate female fire dragon.

“You want our horde! I knew this was too good to be true!” The female dragon hissed, and as she did fire magic began to for on her lips. As she began to flare up, so too did the other dragons, each protectively calling forth their magic in a show of solidarity.

Seeing that this was quickly spiraling out of control, I found the flows of mana being called forth, and quickly cast my own brand of Dispel magic at each, tailoring it towards dragons, rather than traditional mages. The result was much as you would expect, the sources of magic all dwindled out, as the dragons who were innately calling upon their mana could no longer do so effectively, especially with me coating their mana access points with my own mana. Having had healed each and every one of the dragons, I knew full and well where each mana convergence point was, and thus knew exactly where I needed to cast my own Dispels to be the most effective.

“Enough!” I shout, not screaming, but sharp enough to get my voice across.

At this, the black dragon instantly dropped its head to the ground in submission.

Taking a breath, I pause as I realize that this is likely partially my fault as their clear overreaction to access their horde of treasured books, is likely a direct result of my own Broke flaw, who was hopefully on its final month. Still, until I turned 14 in game, I was stuck with that stupid flaw.

No one spoke.

In fact, all the dragons looked somewhat frightened by the fact that I had raised my voice at all. Realizing that I had one chance to make this right, I decided to act.

“I am not here for your wealth; I do not want to take any of your treasures with me. Rather, I would just like to read what I can, to grow my own knowledge base and become a better healer.” I state.

With that, there is a pause.

“How can we trust her?” The guard dragon said, as it stared defiantly at me.

I stare back, “well there is the whole fact that I could have easily let you all die from the Blight, then pick the pendant needed to access the great horde of yours from your dead scaley claws. Then be on my way with all of your treasures and never have looked back on the inconvenience it took me to wait for you all to slowly wither away from your afflictions suffered by the Blight.” I state.

At that, all the dragons, even the defiant guard drop their heads slightly.

In my mind, I can feel several of my skills increasing from this interaction. I can feel Intimidation, Proper Diction, and of course Grand Master Level Taming all increasing from these interactions. This only serves to point out that I am doing something correctly in these negotiations.

Finally, after a long pause, the patriarch and rehabilitated ruler of the dragons spoke. “What she says is true, we all owe her our lives. If our blessings and our knowledge is all she requests, then I say we give it to her.”

There looked to be a bit of a pause, before they all reluctantly began to nod to each other.

At this, I press. “Also, you will provide your blessings to Mallory as well, without her as a companion, none of this would have been possible.” I state, gesturing towards Mallory.

Mallory for her part just opened her mouth, but then shut it before she could say anything to ruin the moment.

Reluctantly all the dragons nodded, and then one by one they came to first give me their blessings, before turning and offering the same exact blessings to Mallory. That was when I was met with the first message.

Class Evolution Markers Obtained: You have received the Blessings from the sacred Fire, Water, Earth, Air, Holy, and Spirit dragons. Your class of Void Healer has forever been altered to that of Ethereal Healer. You class of Simulacrum Master, has been changed to that of Ethereal Simulacrum Masters. Furthermore, every additional class you take in the future will also be improved by these blessings.

Ethereal Healer: You have explored the deepest parts of the Spirit realm to find alternate ways of healing. In your quest you have discovered that healing is just a matter of applying the correct type of healing to the patient you are presented with. Class ability: can convert any form of energy into healing potential. Attribute bonuses increased per level: +1 Dexterity, +1 Endurance, +1 Sociability, +1 Personality, +1 Perception, +1 Intelligence, +2 Willpower per level.

That was huge, three additional Attributes per level in that I gained Endurance, and rather than having to swap back and forth between Personality and Sociability, I now got both per level. Also, my Willpower gained per level also doubled. This was also the third evolution for the class, and also likely why there were now three increases to the Attributes.

Before I could get too deep into the contemplations of what I gained from the one class evolution, I was met with yet another message.

Ethereal Simulacrum Masters: You have explored the deepest parts of the Spirit realm and discovered the arts of splitting your soul into multiple parts. You can now create two exact copies of your base form, that will have your base abilities, Attributes, and Skills. Additionally, your mana well will be shared and able to be accessed by each of your simulacrums you possess.

Note: While death of your Simulacrum will cause damage, the owner of this class will not die until over fifty percent of their soul has been destroyed. Attribute bonus increased per level: +1 Personality, +1 Sociability, +1 Attractiveness, +1 Perception, +1 Intelligence, +1 Willpower.

This time there were just two additional Attributes per level, as I would gain one for Attractiveness and Intelligence both with this newly enhanced class. Honestly, I felt that these changes would make me near unstoppable, as they meant more power overall for fewer levels. Also, the fact that I could now summon a third Simulacrum was not lost on me, as that was huge. As it meant that I could now set up a second simulacrum on this floor, then go to the second floor with my first Simulacrum to pick up supplies, all before coming back to the floor I was just on. Basically, I could stop climbing for a bit, leave one of my clones there in my place, then resume climbing when I was ready. Also, I could just send my clone upwards to explore and discover things as well.

With the blessing portion of my quest reward taken care of, I was then escorted by the Holy matriarch dragon of the family. The way we got there was a bit unconventional, as it involved me holding onto the back of the Holy dragon, as we flew around the tree to a secret antechamber that showed up as a glowing source of power, one that I mistakenly took as a spiritual reserve of Yggdraspirit’s power, but was in fact a vast network of mana infused books.

“Once again, I have to say thank you for all you have done. Not just for me, but for all my people as well.” The Holy matriarch said, as she flew us ever forward. Most people likely would have been frightened by the movements and the bouncing nature of the ride.

As for me, I just gripped tightly, and it was all I could do to keep from crying out with a “YEE-HAW!”

“Not a problem, it is what I do.” I said, trying to keep my expression to a somewhat measured response, a task I was no doubt failing at.

Giggle.

“I have to say, you are a lot freer of spirit than I originally imagined.”

At that, I can’t help but feel it as a backhanded compliment. That or, I had carried myself with a far different attitude earlier. “Yeah, well I’ve learned that no one likes a doctor to joke with you, before they heal you.”

“Wise words.” The Holy matriarch said.

With that, we arrived. “I can open the doorway for you, but unfortunately I will not be able to grant you more than an hour in the sacred shrine.”

With that, the Holy matriarch placed her paw on a giant stone and began channeling magical energy into the stone, which caused a chain reaction of energy to open up a perfectly sealed door leading ever deeper into Yggdraspirit. As the door opened, my Angel’s Sight was finally able to pierce through the thick protections of the walls and I was able to see the true power of this place.

With excitement building up within me, the room was everything I could have hoped for and more. There were books, thousands of books, but also most importantly each book seemed to glow with a magical resonance. There were so many books in there that I couldn’t possibly read them all, even with my Blind Eidetic Speed Reading, and regular Eidetic Speed-Reading skills and all three Simulacrums going full bore for an hour. I think that was part of the challenge here.

I was about to enter, when the Holy matriarch noted. “I hope I don’t have to remind you that you promised not to take any of the treasures with you.”

“Yes, I promise.” I said, and I meant it too, as my Broke flaw would make sure that life was annoyingly difficult if I did anything theft related, as each book was clearly worth more than a hundred gold pieces, as the books themselves were made of gold.

“Very well. I believe you, great healer, and thank you from the bottom of my heart.” The Holy matriarch stated.

With that I was free to enter, as a countdown timer already appeared within my mind, letting me know I was on borrowed time.

59:59, 59:58…

Not needing more of an excuse, I entered. As soon as I entered the room, I got a flood of system notifications.

Hidden Quest Updated: Unearthed the Dragon’s Sacred Horde: You have discovered the divine dragon family’s horde, discover its secrets and what mysteries reside within. Rewards: Experience, Skills, Class Evolution Markers, Variable.

The quest was nothing new, especially as I didn’t follow the quest guidelines for the thieves’ guild quest, as I was granted entry, versus stealing the pendant that would have likely also allowed my entry here. But given that I had an hour, I was going to make full use of that time.

As I entered, I felt a slight tingling sensation all over my body, as the power here was far unlike any that I had ever experienced before. Mentally, I chalked this up to having something to do with ethereal power, or at least that would help explain the sudden changes and evolutionary aspects to my two classes that I currently wielded. But before I could get too deep into my own mental thoughts on the strange energy, I received a second notification.

Hidden Quest Complete: Unique-Personal-Non-Trainable-Non-Transferable Class Available: You have entered a sacred place of knowledge, and power. While here you have access to a truly unique class of character that has never been seen before and will no longer be available after you leave here. Rewards: New Class, New Skills, New Abilities.

Quest Conditions: This is a scavenger hunt quest designed to let you create and evolve a class that will be completely unique to you and you alone. With this class, you are expected to be able to share aspects of this class with others.

New Class Available: Akashic Qi Master: Current Class bonuses: none.

Seeing the class available made my head and heart begin to pound. As I realized this class was based on how many books in this sacred library I read. The more books I read, the more knowledge would be applied to this class, and the more powerful the class would be.

With that, I summoned my Simulacrum and spent the rest of the hour devouring as many books as possible. Using Telekinesis to grab multiple books at a time and sift through the golden pages. Still, despite my best efforts, my Simulacrum and I could only get through a quarter of the books in the time allotted.

“Time’s up.” The Holy dragon called out from the front of the cavern. As I got closer to her, she looked exhausted, never having left the entrance for her need to focus solely on keeping the door open for as long as possible.

As I left, I almost expected her to yell at me, yet she seemed more than excited that I came out willingly and a full second before time ended.

Woosh!

The door slid shut, and I paused, for a second, wondering if such a valuable opportunity would have been lost due to my own greed. Then realized that everything had gone as I had planned.

Yet, despite the quest’s warning about the class going away after I left the sacred library I was relieved to see the message that still remained.

New Class Available: Akashic Qi Master: Current Class bonuses: Qi Manipulation, Qi Cultivation, Qi Movement, Qi Fighting. Class Bonuses: +1 Strength, +1 Dexterity, +1 Endurance, +1 Intelligence, +1 Willpower per level.

That class was amazing, partly a result of the energies available in the area, and the numerous books that covered the odd energy known as Qi.

Still, I left there, knowing that I was doing my best to improve the class as much as possible before I would invariably accept it.

***

(Present time)

“I think, I will accept the class.”

“Finally.”

“Just not at this exact moment.” I add, as my internal greed monger could only smile at the fact that my newest Simulacrum was left behind as a reading, and quest continuing construct.

At this point, I realize that I have two Simulacrums that are now completely under my control and both are supposed to sit around and read all day, and I can’t help but feel oddly jealous of them.