Augmented Aspects: Chapter 117 No Rain (Patreon)

Chapter 117

No Rain

The second I crossed the plane that separated the 199th floor from the 200th floor, I was filled with a flood of energy. Then I felt the now familiar sensation of gaining a lot of ambient energy all at once. The type of energy that only comes from being rewarded by experiencing new feats or reaching major milestones.

For me, since I was the original person who discovered and entered the Arcanaraus tower, I have been both blessed and cursed to constantly be rewarded for reaching certain level caps.

The blessings come in the fact that the entire world is designed for the initial person who dared to enter into the tower, the person who dared to push the boundaries of the known and venture into the unknown.

In my case, I made the first ever spirit zone. Now, with my reaching the two hundredth floor, the new maximum that others can reach after me is floor 250, a full fifty levels higher than I managed to make it.

In this time, I have seen so many things, experienced so many amazing moments that the second I got here, I felt those moments burst into life.

Each floor was a lesson to learn, if I just listened closely to what the world was telling me. I came here with the solemn desire to learn about magic, and I have managed to do that and so much.

In a burst, my mind sees everything, from the initial train ride to the mage’s guild on the second floor. To my first healing people of the Blight. To my meeting with Mallory as what seemed like a chance encounter, but now I could not imagine this world without seeing her at least occasionally. Then there was my first gambling hall victory, where I was cheated. Then a smile rises to my lips as I was once again cheated from possibly winning my second tournament, but that turned out to be the biggest victory for me, as I ended up stealing over ten million in gold and experience vials. Then there was the way that a chance bag made it so I could begin the process of awakening my Legendary bloodline.

Though now I have my doubts of just how random everything truly was. The way the tower was designed to teach me the next lesson in magic, showing me slowly what was required, so that by the time I reached the capstone I had already done and met the minimum qualifications to actually perform the tasks that I got a soul bound degree for.

Then there was the all time greatest emotion just now where both my kids have come and both awakened my own bloodline within themselves.

I see all of that, then before I can get to the doubts, to the bad parts. To the things that I still would wish to learn from here, my thoughts are cut off by the system message, letting me know what happened.

Hidden Quest Completed: First Acanarus Tower Climber (IV): You have earned a Surgical Doctoral degree from Arcanarus University. You have successfully reached the two hundredth floor, without having left the tower. Reward: Experience, Doctoral Degree of Surgery from Arcanarus University: Magical Enchantment Surgery, Title: Arcanarus University Graduate (IV), Increased Magical Potency, Others. Floors completed (200/200).

Experience Gained: 50,000 / 25,000 / 25,000.

Seeing the breakdown of experience, I was truly happy. This breakdown meant that my Second Simulacrum upon choosing the third class for me, made it so that I split the remaining fifty percent of my experience evenly between the two classes. This was perfect as 25,000 experience is a lot of experience to gain, especially for the lower levels.

There was a pause, a slight calm before the storm. Then the full effect of the sudden changes hit me all at once.

Ding.

Level up.

Your Class Akashic Qi Master has increased to level 22.

Your Class Ethereal Simulacrum Masters has increased to level 146.

Your Class Ethereal Healer has increased to level 150.

Twenty-seven levels, all at once from this discovery. Twenty-seven levels that were all improved by my now doubled Attributes from my Legendary Bloodline, and recent enhancements to my three classes. With the bonuses from my newest class, my Akashic Qi Master, and its ridiculous bonuses to physical attributes, I can finally state with confidence that all of my Attributes are now above the 100-point threshold.

Physical        Base     Bonus

Strength           61   61

Dexterity        95     220

Endurance          89      69

Social        Base        Bonus

Personality     79     225

Sociability        76     229

Attractiveness    63     401

Mental       Base       Bonus

Perception   133     374

Intelligence     136      501

Willpower         121      745

Having gained so many levels so quickly in a Unique class meant that I also received the Perk and Skill bonus for reaching levels five and ten so quickly.

For the level five Akashic Qi Master class perk I chose the following, or rather had this predetermined to be what the system gave me, unless I disliked the end result.

Class Perk Unlocked: Boundless Cultivation: You have been blessed with a supreme talent for cultivating that knows no bounds. As such, you can cultivate Qi energy at an astronomical rate. Effect: +50% to Divine Qi Cultivation, + 50% to Golden Coreless Qi Cultivation

For reaching my level ten threshold in Akashic Qi Master, I was presented with a seemingly predetermined class skill.

New Class Skill Gained: Divine Qi Energy Observation has reached level 1.

Class Skill Divine Qi Energy Observation is a Perception X2, Intelligence, and Willpower X2 based skill.

The skills were impressive and something that would clearly help out the development of the class going forward. With the new class abilities and my new physical capabilities coming alive, I felt a surge of energy swell through me, as I prepared for what my new life would be like, now that I was effectively going to be David Carradine, or maybe more like the shaolin monks who trained him. This change alone was amazing, as I could see the world burst to life with new colors flaring about all around, showing me that Qi was always a part of everything, I just failed to fully notice its effects until now. While I had felt myself becoming more and more sensitive to Qi energy, particularly where my third eye was concerned. I was only able to view it up close, with my eye open. This new skill seemed to be a way to help me hide my flaw better, while also improving all three of my mental Attributes, something I was greatly appreciative of.

That new sensations of being able to see and detect new forms of energy was amazing, but that of course wasn’t everything that was awarded to me, as the next thing I felt was the fact that four great schools of magic were growing inside me.

Spirit Magic School Resonance Increased to Tier XIII.

Nature Magic School Resonance Increased to Tier XIII.

Life Magic School Resonance Increased to Tier XIII.

Light Magic School Resonance Increased to Tier XIII.

Holy Magic School Resonance Increased to Tier XIII.

I even made a mental note as to how much my internal core was expanding to compensate for the new power thresholds that I was now capable of. With this, I felt that I could easily break through a few barriers of magic that were holding me back all this time. But before I could get too far into that thought process, still more rewards came to me.

Title: Arcanarus University Graduate (IV): Magical Enchantment Surgeon: The most promising Surgical Doctoral Graduates of Arcanarus University. Effects: +40 Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower. Along with a +100% Skill Efficacy and learning rate to Ethereal Energy Circulation theory and Ethereal Energy Resonance theory.

New Skill Gained: Ethereal Energy Circulation theory has reached level 1.

Skill Ethereal Energy Circulation theory is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, and Willpower based skill.

New Skill Gained: Ethereal Energy Resonance theory has reached level 1.

Skill Ethereal Energy Resonance theory is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.

That was a first, as it was the first time a Title gave me skills, let alone skills that were that powerful. I couldn’t help but think that this was setting me up in some way for a great fall.

Soul Bound Item: Arcanarus University Surgical Doctoral Degree: Ethereal Energy Circulation theory and Ethereal Energy Resonance theory: An undeniable item proving you met the minimum standards to Graduate from Arcanarus University’s Doctoral program of knowledge, with a surgical degree focusing on Ethereal Energy Circulation theory and Ethereal Energy Resonance theory. With this degree you should be legally allowed to practice, create, and advance the field of ethereal energy anywhere in BiPrism. Effects: +100% Skill Efficacy and growth rate to Ethereal Energy Circulation theory and Ethereal Energy Resonance theory.

Honestly, seeing the rewards for the new Title and the Soul Bound degree, I couldn’t help but feel that I had jumped the gun into a whole new realm of discovery. While I was just beginning to scratch the surface for what Qi energy was, I had a feeling that Ethereal energy was at least one or two more trips beyond that point. Maybe if I got to floor five hundred of this spirit tower, I would have been able to understand the full breath and scope of these two new skills that were all but thrust upon me. Yet, I couldn’t help but feel that the tower was pushing me out.

This sentiment was further reinforced when I didn’t feel the slight tug on my heart and soul, when I would feel my mind and soul being asked what I would want for the next reward for reaching the newly opened floor 250.

Instead, what I got was probably the oddest quest prompt ever.

Hidden Quest Updated: First Acanarus Tower Climber (V): (Temporarily Paused): You have met a crossroads in your life where you have chosen the road of family obligations over your own self enlightenment. Requirements, keep two of your Simulacrum within the tower, constantly learning and reading. If you wish to one day come back you will need to make a commitment via your Simulacrum: One Simulacrum will remain on floor 2, at the Mage’s Guild Hall. The second will be on floor 200, at the Great Nexus Library. (Conditions met 1 of 2). Rewards: Current Quest progress held until you return to resume your tower climb (200 / 250).

Seeing the quest update, one that basically gave me an out to one day return to my climb of this great tower, I felt relieved. Collapsing to the ground, I couldn’t help but feel tears form on my face. They were thick mana tears, but I didn’t care.

This meant that I still had a chance to do so many great and wonderful things here. Like try to understand what ethereal energy truly was, or why it was suddenly being thrust upon me, even though it was clear I was not there. I mean, I could see it, but it was clear that I would be off from understanding ethereal energy until I at least understood Qi, and that was only a shot at saying that there was still a lot about mana that I was trying to learn.

I also realized that this was great as it gave me more time to try to work out a permanent solution to the Blight, at least the Yggdraspirit tree version, as I wanted that Trait. Well, honestly the trait would be a great bonus, but what I really wanted was to know I could solve any problem.

I know the system, the rules that guide this world would not put a challenge before me that I was not capable of eventually understanding, but unfortunately, I could not comprehend the process now. So far, all my attempts to create a cell are wrong, as I think I am not able to see deeply enough into the cells to see how the genomes are aligned, nor the odd energy structures that make up cells. I do see Qi in the cells, and a bit of mana in the exterior parts of the cell, but so far, any attempts to go deeper have either destroyed the cell, violently, or resulted in the cell turning poisonous. If I had to guess, I would say that the center of the cells, right where the ribosomes are, that is where I might find the form of energy closest to ethereal energy possible, but that is just me speculating. Right now, I have nothing, other than broken cells and slightly corroded limbs from my attempts, but I am getting there. Or at least I will get there, eventually, and with this break I might get the perspective I need.

I mean, it’s just my kids, right? Having them and trying to look after them is easy, and I’ll have plenty of time to continue my studies, right? Yeah, it sounds lame even to me. But I will come back to this place, as there is still so much more left to explore and discover. And as long as my Simulacrums are here and able to read and mostly stay out of trouble, I should be freed up to explore the outside world. Also, with both Simulacrums here, I should be able to get both of my Simulacrums to gain experience for me while I lounge around. Wait, my second Simulacrum will need to be in a library, meaning that there will be books. Meaning that once again, I am getting hosed in this deal.

“Everything okay?” Mallory asks, fear evident in her tone.

At that, I realize that I am still crying from the emotion of knowing that I will be able to come back, and best of all keep my pacing.

“Yes, actually just relieved, as the tower is all but forcing me to leave here. Well, I can leave here and come back at any time to resume my progress, so long as I leave one of my Simulacrum on this floor in a place called the Great Nexus Library.” I state, realizing that there are still some steps left to perform.

“Is that it, then you can come back home with me?” Mallory asks, a desperate note of excitement filling her voice. At that, I realized that she too has missed her family, while she has been here with me. Hearing the cheer in her voice, I can’t help but internally grimace as I realize just how much she gave up staying here with me. Granted she said that her family had all but abandoned her, but that didn’t mean that she didn’t miss them, or other activities that could only be performed outside of this tower. I mean she owns an empire after all, one that has far reaching effects even outside this world.

Then I realize the other part of her statement, the fact that she wants me to come home with her. And suddenly I am hit by another wave of emotions as I realize that aside from a few guild halls that took me in over the years, I have never truly had a place to call home. Granted my Broke flaw made owning a place a nightmare, the one time I did, it burnt down and the insurance wouldn’t fix the damages. In fact, I was left with not only the repair bill, but also a fee to pay the fire fighters who came, only after the hovel was burnt down to cinders. But with Mallory owning everything, I could bypass that part of the flaw, as I wouldn’t own the place with a bed. I would just stay there at my good friend’s behest. Realizing that I could fully take advantage of this loophole, of not owning but being offered the use of amazing items that had to remain stationary, I grew even more excited about the prospects of going with Mallory.

Who knew the concept of a bed with sheets and a blanket would be the item I would cherish most from being able to leave this tower without any lingering guilt on my conscience. Especially with the fact that I could go, and then with my second simulacrum stuck on the 200th floor, I would be able to do a Positional Switch with them, and immediately continue my ascent upwards at any time.

“Yes, lets find this library, and then go home.” I say, almost bursting up with excitement at the idea of finally being able to stretch out and roll around in a giant overstuffed bed that would eat me up like I was the toasted to perfection marshmallow in a perfectly cooked smore.

***

In all it only took us a few minutes to find the Great Nexus Library. One would expect that getting in would have been tough, particularly with an odd quest like:

Hidden Quest Found: Gain Access to the Grand Nexus Library: You have found the Grand Nexus Library, one of the largest repositories of books in the world. The library is run by a cult of fanatical book Faeries and Sprites. You need to gain their respect and allow them to grant you entry into their great library: Reward: Repeatable Quest: Read a book from the Grand Nexus Library.

That was the only reward, the fact that I would then gain a chain repeatable quest that would allow me to gain experience from forcing my Second Simulacrum to come here and read until I returned.

The plan was perfect, we would go, offer to heal a few of the Blight  infested Faeries and Sprites and gain access to the library. There were of course a few factors that were not taken into consideration, when we first thought about how difficult this quest would be, or rather, how undifficult, is that even a word? How ridiculously easy it would be.

Deep Giggling.

“Oh, come on Cass, don’t look so glum. You are so cute right now.” Mallory says, her face smiling in that mocking way that only good friends can get away with.

In this case, I can’t really blame her, as I would likely do the same if our roles were reversed, but unfortunately, they are not.

“For she has come back to us,

For she has to be one of us…”

Spinning.

The world is spinning and I would gladly vomit on the people making my world spin right now, if I ever ate actual food.

Sprites and Faeries both are singing in high pitched melodic tunes that have parts that shouldn’t go together, but somehow do.

See apparently this quest was supposed to be nearly impossible, as I was to gain maximum reputation with the Faeries and Sprites. But one look at me and my maxed-out Nature’s Friend (X)title, and my Pegicorn’s Blessing, along with a few healing spells and boom, next thing I know, I am queen of the faeries.

Spinning, spinning.

High pitched singing.

“For there are no…” High pitched melodic singing fills my mind, and causes my inner ear to vibrate wildly.

“Oh, come on Cass, smile. This is your celebration after all.” Mallory states, as she has out a Memory Crystal that she is using to record all these embarrassing antics of the cursed creatures.

Spinning, spinning.

The world blurs more and more, as I am spun about wildly by these crazy creatures who are surprisingly strong fliers. Then finally the chair stops spinning, all while my mind tries to stop, but still ends up spinning at the same rate of speed. This of course causes a bout of vertigo to rise in me, just as the heavenly matron of the faeries elegantly strides forward, with her golden crown shining with a sheen of radiance.

The blinding light from the crown is the last trigger I need, as suddenly my body finds fluid to vomit up. Again, since I don’t eat, I end up vomiting up thick glowing clumps of sparkling mana, all over the queen, her obnoxiously glowing mask, and a few of the royal guards who followed her.

There is a pause as suddenly everyone who had been singing delightedly a moment ago stops moving, as everyone turns to see what the queen will do.

“Oh shit.” Mallory lightly curses behind me.

At that moment, I can’t help but agree with her, as this likely just went sideways.

Silence.

I am about to apologize, but before I can do so, the queen looks down at her glowing mana-vomit covered clothes and then pauses for a second. Then looking up, she smiles and exclaims loudly.

“About time!”

“Huzzah!” The rest of the faeries began singing again.

It was at this point that I realized that the whole song and dance, and the spinning, was all to get me to vomit mana over the queen and her guards.

This was when I decided to never party with faeries or sprites again.

“Don’t worry Cass, I got it all recorded, so we can show your kids what you did on your last weekend of freedom.” Mallory stated.

With that, I just turned to her and was about to say something, but then stopped myself from even shaking my head as that likely would have caused another vomiting fit. This was not how I imagined getting my surgical degree would go. Well, let me rephrase that, I envisioned partying until I vomited, but not quite in this way.