Ch. 45 – Void Between ‘Verses (Patreon)

The next few days passed in a blur of activity. Felix had his hands full helping Tinuriel reallocate a large portion of the elves on Avelion. There were some racial tensions between them and the goblins – but Melanie’s advisor suggestion to introduce mountain ranges to separate out the various people groups had prevented the majority of that negative interaction. The occasional quarrels that did break out were swiftly resolved when they attempted to come to blows, only for their strikes to stop a hair’s breadth away from each other – the VBV Function keeping them from engaging in violence.

Roy made several appearances, guiding various groups of monstrous humanoids and outright aberrations into the VBV before helping them settle in the medieval-esque city. The VBV was filling out rapidly, expanding endlessly as the mountains gradually shifted backward to accommodate the new growth. The towns and cities also expanded as more people entered and the realm increased further in size.

Lucifer had taken to his Overseer role like a duck to water; and he kept Felix informed of the various situations that developed where minor decisions had to be made. The two rarely had a moment to talk – outside of their mental conversations. But, they made sure to take a break every once in a while and do a movie marathon. Lucifer was seemingly addicted to science fiction films, and whenever he was not overseeing the VBV, he was in the Recreation Room consuming media.

A week passed in a frenzied pace before the influx of new arrivals was reduced to a trickle. Lucifer called a meeting of the VBV advisors, and so Felix, Tinuriel, Melanie (Political) and Roy (Military) all met at the large, covered table atop the plateau that stood at the center of the VBV. The place where all of the various VBV Rooms were located – save for the cities and farms. From this vantage point, Felix could look out in any direction on his rapidly growing kingdom. It wasn’t something he had initially wanted, but more and more, seeing how things developed…he grew more comfortable with the concept of being a ruler.

“We have two issues to discuss,” Lucifer began when all had arrived and taken their seats. “The first: Roy has put forth the idea that we should compose a defense force made up of volunteers, in the event that a Multiversal Horror attempts an incursion.”

“I thought they would only go after me?” Felix asked.

“Well, I queried the System, and the larger this VBV gets, the more likely that its presence alone will draw the Horrors/Hunters. The same goes for the number of portals we keep open. We should consider his advice.”

Roy stood up, “I propose a joint-defense force that any may volunteer to join. I’ll set up the commanders and train them personally.”

“Seems reasonable,” Tinuriel stated. “My people would readily join such an endeavor.”

“Couldn’t I just use a Function that makes it so that the Horrors can’t get in here?” Felix asked.

“That’s not an option,” Lucifer replied. “They don’t follow the rules of the Multiverse as we know it. Functions and Rooms won’t do anything to them.”

Felix leaned back and closed his eyes for a moment. He had already assigned a Function that those in the VBV would become decent combatants just by nature of entering the space. He thought that would be enough. Opening his eyes, he looked over at Melanie, “Your thoughts on this matter?”

She shook her head, “I would rather have paid mercenaries who are already skilled professionals, rather than risk our own people.”

Roy frowned and sat back down, “Mercenaries may turn at the first sign of trouble. Better to have our defenders be guarding their hearth and home.”

“You’ve got two options. Either we hire mercenaries using some of the trade goods developed by the cities here. Or, we have our own standing military. Otherwise, come up with another option.”

Felix stood up, “Let’s go with Roy’s plan. A volunteer force.” He looked to Roy, “Do you need a Room or Function to get them geared up and start training?”

The Dark Lord shook his head, “We have the means and facilities already. I’ll start at once.”

“There’s one other matter to attend to,” Lucifer said. “It has to do with those mages that we rescued from Sirinê. The College of Heaven has demanded their return.”

Felix laughed, “Who cares? What could they do?” He stopped laughing when he saw the serious looks that Melanie, Roy, and Tinuriel gave him. “Can they actually do anything to us in here?”

Roy nodded curtly, “Magic is powerful.”

“Honestly, the System isn’t being very helpful in that regard. The Admin is still being picky with the information I can get with queries.” Lucifer frowned, “I don’t like it, but we are flying in the dark here.”

“Then let’s ask someone who knows their capabilities better,” Felix said. “Lucifer, go find that mage we rescued who is leading up this new group here. Gina. Let’s see if she wants to be our VBV Advisor for all things Magic.”

Lucifer nodded and flew off, returning a few minutes later with the young woman. “I filled her in on the flight over.”

Gina curtsied, “My lords and ladies. Versewalker.” She stood and smiled gently, “I’d be happy to fill in as your advisor on Magic for the time being. I am still a student, though, and will relinquish the position once you find someone more qualified.” She took a seat, and Lucifer snapped his fingers as the name plate shifted to her name and new title. “From what I’ve learned with experimenting in my short time here, outside Magic cannot enter here, and vice versa. For example, I could not generate a blast of water and send it through a portal – it would splash against the aperture.”

Felix leaned back and felt a sense of relief. His various advisors also relaxed at that elucidation. “Is there anything that The College of Heaven can do to us?”

Gina shook her head, “As long as the portals are safely guarded then the Colleges can make as much of a stink as they want.”

“Thank you for that,” Lucifer said. He turned to Felix, “In that case, I have no other items that need to be discussed or described.”

“I do, erm, Versewalker,” Gina said sheepishly. “We don’t really have a place that is good for practicing and training in Magic. Could you use one of those VBV Rooms to create a place for us to do that?”

Felix nodded, “Lucifer, let’s add…hmm…an academy or a tower?”

Gina giggled slightly before composing herself, “Towers are nice, but we need space to train where the environment can be disturbed.”

“Does the existing Training Room not meet your requirements?”

“It’s…weird. When we’re using those facilities, the magic infused into the realm is…muted.” She shook her head, “It needs to be out here in the open.”

“Okay. Lucifer, let’s make a large academy complex. Classrooms, training yards, the whole nine yards.”

“Done.”

Off in the distance, a mountain moved backward, and the grey void of space emanated for a few seconds before a large, sprawling academy complex appeared. The area was then enclosed by mountains, save for a road leading through a pass. Gina gasped, “That was so fast…”

Felix glanced around the table, “Any other matters to attend?” The Advisors shook their heads. “Good. Then we are done.” He glanced to Tinuriel who nodded curtly before he addressed them as they stood. “We are going to be venturing to a new Universe. Any ideas or input as to a type we should head to next?”

Roy and Melanie both shook their heads, but Gina raised her hand. “Oh! You should do some place with new types of Magic you can bring here!”

Lucifer kicked his legs up on the conference table, “As long as you don’t rush into something high-tech. Those ‘Verses – even if you’re the right Core Level – can be extremely perilous.” He held up a finger and thumb in the shape of a gun and made a pew noise with his mouth before pretending he was holstering it.

“Heficyre was relatively low magic. I mean, we met so few Magic users,” Felix said as he glanced to Lucifer. “I would like to go to a Universe where Magic is more prevalent. I have Anathema now, so I can deal with most easily.”

“There’s a lot of options. Let me bring up the list.” Lucifer stood up and waved his hand as a screen appeared, hovering above the table. A list of thousands – hundreds of thousands – of Universes appeared. He rapidly flicked through and narrowed down the vast multitude into two selections that hovered in place.

·         Recommended Core Level: 15 - 30

o   Universe #548: Astragos

o   Universe #34,212: Zephelam

“Both of these are very high Magic. Each is similar to Heficyre, in that they are a singular planetoid set within the Universe they were formed in. Astragos is half water-world, and half terrestrial. There are two empires that are gearing up for war with their own internal civil wars brewing. Lots of Crises there.”

That sounds cool, Felix thought. There’s probably a lot of possible ways to solve those Crises also. But that gave him some pause as well. He’d only been in a Crisis situation before where there were well-defined sides for right and wrong. A war between two empires – combined with civil strife – could be a morality litmus test.

“Zephelam is a world of floating chunks of rock above the planet’s surface – which is a deep ocean. There is civilization on the floating landmasses – with a Mega-Dungeon - and ruins under the waters below. Mega-Dungeons are like the Dungeons on Heficyre, but they have multiple floors with multiple Bosses.”

“That would be a good place,” Tinuriel commented, “Given that we have flight through Felix’s Class Skills.”

“Those are the options best suited to your Core Level and your desire for more Magic.”

“A question. Why not just choose a Universe with a Core Level 1? Find a bunch of easy tasks to handle and Crises to solve?” Melanie asked.

“There’s diminished experience if you’re in a ‘Verse where your Core Level is higher than the suggested range.”

“But it would be safer,” Roy stated bluntly.

“…Yes.”

Felix shook his head, “I need to get stronger. We need to get stronger,” he replied as he glanced at Tinuriel. “I have to get to Core Level 50 to get back to my original Universe and save Penny.”

“And, stop that Basilisk Tier AI.”

Felix stood up, “I need some time to think on this.” He glanced around, “Is there anything else that requires my input?” No one spoke up. “Then I’ll adjourn this meeting. Lucifer will notify you once I’ve made a decision.” He tapped Tinuriel on the shoulder, “Come on, we should talk about this.” The group dispersed.

The two went over to the Recreation Room and switched out to their workout gear. They had grown accustomed to spending their bit of leisure time with just each other lifting weights as they talked. Their Might Stat would not increase, but it was a way to pass the time and enjoy each other’s company. And, Felix always appreciated the view of his attractive partner in action.

“Which do you prefer?” Tinuriel asked.

“I like the appeal of only having to deal with one Crisis, and Dungeons means more Dungeon Cores, which means more Skill Upgrades at the Loot Forge. And, we saw on your Character Sheet that you get the increased Rank Skills that I unlock. That’s probably the best route for now.”

Tinuriel nodded and spotted him for a bench press, “You make a fair point.”

“I figure we go there, deal with the Crisis, and then do a bunch of Dungeons to level-up and improve Skills.” Felix finished his set and the two swapped places.

“Just us three?” Tinuriel grunted as she lifted the weights.

“Yeah, just us. We’ll go to Zephelam tomorrow.” Did you get that, Lucifer?

I’m looking forward to it. A bit of dungeon delving

The two geared up and went to the Portal Room. Felix walked up to one of the empty doorways as Lucifer joined them, putting his hand on Felix’s shoulder and merging into him.

I took the liberty of promoting a few people to help manage things in the VBV so I can be a bit more present.

Felix chuckled, Getting overwhelmed?

No! But…I could use a breather.

“Alright,” Felix said as he rolled his shoulders, glancing at Tinuriel. “Ready?”

She nodded and hefted Valiant Edge, “I’ve been looking forward to trying out these new Skills.”

“Hit it.”

Activating Universe Selector. Target – Zephelam.

A small, grey dot appeared in front of Felix before it expanded into the familiar portal-circle. The center of the portal flashed from grey to transparent – revealing a grassy plateau. “Ladies first,” Felix said as he gestured.

Tinuriel nodded and walked through, with Felix a step behind her.

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