Ch. 76 – Void Between ‘Verses (Patreon)

< Author Note - 4.5k word chapter. Longer than usual. Lots of intercharacter moments, level up, crafting, etc. >

The empress went into the VBV alongside two guards. They went to the conference table, and Felix sent a citizen of the VBV to go get Melanie from Ethdellin. She arrived after a short wait. Tinuriel chose to head over to the house and fall asleep; the first time Felix had seen her truly exhausted. Lucifer split off from Felix and sat down as well.

The empress stood and bowed when Melanie came in. Felix explained the situation and produced the tome the emperor had tried to use. Lucifer pulled out the other tome.

“When did you get that?” Felix asked.

“I got it when it teleported elsewhere in the VBV. Remember, when I’m merged with you outside of the VBV, I still have a connection here. I kind of move around as a ghostly form of sorts.”

The empress cleared her throat, “Whilst your plan was smart, Versewalker, it would not work with a man such as Quarilon.”

“That’s an understatement,” Reth said as he shook his head. “I found him difficult to work for at times. Most times in fact. He…well, you met him.”

“What’s the plan, then?” Felix asked. “You mentioned something about no heir meaning that a council would take over.”

Reth nodded, “I thought of something as a different idea.” He held up the Cloak of Stolen Identities, “We can just put someone trustworthy on the throne with this. They can work towards a peace accord with the Coralith Empire and end the war in that fashion.” He tossed the cloak on the table. “Empress Xadana, I think you should set a puppet on the throne and then work towards integrating the Monolith Empire into your command structure.”

The empress nodded, “I appreciate the trust you place in me. I swear to you,” she faced Felix, “And you, that I will do what is right for the people of Astragos.”

Felix smiled and leaned back in the chair, “I am going to keep those two tomes.”

The empress nodded, “That is for the best.” She stood up and bowed, “Queen Melanie, I would request your assistance in these endeavors.”

Melanie stood and bowed in return, “I would be happy to. But we’ll have to do it here – I can’t breathe underwater.”

The empress giggled lightly, “I forgot the Versewalker and his Escorts are unique in that way.” She turned to Felix, “I will have servants bring a substantial reward from our treasury as a token of my gratitude.”

Felix stood up and bowed, “I would be happy to accept. Please, come and visit. We have the Multiversal Trading Post which will allow you to exchange goods with Heficyre and Zephelam, as well as the other ‘Verses I connect to my VBV.”

The empress nodded and turned, walking away with her guards. Felix sank into the chair with a sigh of relief. “And with that we’re done with Astragos.”

Melanie sat down, “I do have some bad news.”

Felix rubbed his eyes and groaned, “Alright, let me hear it.”

“Vugog is becoming more and more violent. The elves on Avelion and my reinforcements are struggling. We need to deal with their Overlord. Then, they’ll go back to squabbling amongst themselves.”

Reth grinned, “An assassination mission?” He glanced at Felix who gave him a sideways, disapproving glance. “Not that we’d actually kill them…an abduction mission?”

Melanie nodded, “It would be the best way to save lives. If the vagrants make it to Avelion proper, then the elven kingdom is doomed. The number difference is too vast.”

Felix nodded, “Give me a few days to recover and relax. I’ve been going non-stop for weeks now.”

“Of course,” she stood up and walked around the table giving Felix a big hug, “I’m so happy you’re alright.” She pulled back and wiped some blood from his cheek, “You stay safe out there.” She turned and left, returning to the Portal Room.

Lucifer stood up, “You’ve got four levels stored up. Feel like using them?”

“Tomorrow. I need a bath and some rest.”

Felix finished drying and slipped under the covers, snuggling up alongside Tinuriel. She turned around to face him and pulled him close. “Sleeping well?”

Tinuriel nodded and sighed, squeezing him into her before loosening her grip. “That was a good couple of fights earlier.”

“You did an excellent job.”

She nodded, “My prowess since obtaining these Classes has honed even further.” She slid up and gestured for Felix to lay on her – which he did willingly, having grown used to her firm but gentle cuddles. “My concern is with going forward.”

“In what regard?” Felix asked.

“We are almost out of Classes that would suit me. With Reth using the Netherlight Affinity, my planned progression path has been altered.”

“We can go and check the Shop tomorrow and see if we can purchase a Dungeon Core or maybe even another Advanced Class outright.”

Tinuriel nodded and gave him a kiss on the head, “Thank you for considering my feelings and desires. You are a very good partner.”

Felix chuckled and nestled into her, “You mind if I sleep?”

She shook her head, “Not at all. Sleep for a few hours. Then, we have some alone time.”

Morning came and the couple left the house. Felix sat at the conference table and just stared out over the VBV. The realm had grown since he had last sat down to just look out – the mountains far off in the distance. There was no curvature, and no haze from industrialization, so he could see the whole distance without issue. Streams of arcane energy flittered through the air and a brisk breeze blew by him as he took a deep, contented breath. The realm was thriving.

Roy walked over from the Portal Room and sat down, “How have you been, Felix?”

He kicked up his legs, “Good. I’ve been fixing a lot of problems.”

Roy looked where Felix was looking and nodded, “This place is a marvel indeed.” Roy sighed heavily and kicked his legs up also, “I have some ideas I wanted to run by you.”

“Go ahead,”

“Oh, I want to be here for this!” Lucifer flew down and took a seat.

Roy looked at Lucifer for a moment before shifting his gaze to Felix, “Heficyre is going through tumultuous times right now. Not only Vugog preparing to breach Avelion, but also Invictus. Sirinê and Mercantus fell in line behind Ethdellin, and Dirge was already under my control. But Invictus…” he sighed, “Lothar – the emperor – is not going down without a fight. The twins Lionel and Lessira worked with the rebels and have cordoned off the capital from the rest of the Tier. But Lothar won’t surrender the throne.” Roy rubbed his temples, “The old fool won’t give it up. And storming the capital is going to be impossible.”

“Can’t you just siege it? Starve them out?” Felix asked. “That’s what they did in a similar era in my home ‘Verse.”

“We could, but people will suffer and die.” Roy looked at Felix with cold, sad eyes. “I wanted to ask you if you would go in and get Lothar, his wife, and his youngest son Sylas.”

“You want Sylas out of the picture as well so he doesn’t foment a new rebellion to try and reclaim his birthright.”

“Correct,” Roy muttered. “Melanie has deferred to me on this matter. “Once we take care of Lothar on Invictus, then the armies can go down to Ryūganaru and end that war, before moving further down to Avelion to back up the elven forces.”

Felix leaned back and contemplated the tasks laid before him. Go to Vugog on Tier 11 to defeat their leader, and now Invictus on Tier 5 to take down an emperor. Lucifer, do these rise to the level of Crises?

No, they do not. You can choose to get involved in these issues, but there’s a dangerous precedent to be set with that. They may feel like they can call on you to fix every major problem.

That is what I feared. Felix stared off at the mountains. What did he want to do about it? His primary goal was to get home to rescue Penny and stop this Basilisk as the System Admin had charged him. Heficyre was a lower Core Level, so any Experience he could gain there would be heavily diminished. If they grew to rely on his intervention too much, then he would be more restricted in the future. But they’re my friends, and they want me to help save lives.

Free Will. Actions have consequences. Roy wanted to unify the Tiers, and Melanie helped. This is one of those consequences. If you want to help avert some of the consequences, then that’s your choice, freely made with no restrictions. Lucifer gazed into Felix’s eyes, If I were the Versewalker, and you were the Persona Core…what would you advise me to do?

Felix’s stomach tied itself in knots. He felt the coil of anxiety building in him. The sudden thrust of responsibility that he had grown familiar with despite how uncomfortable it made him feel. Morally, he should try to save everyone. But rationally, it made more sense to go to a new ‘Verse, as solving a Crisis would undoubtedly save many, many more people. If I went with my heart…I’d advise you to do everything in your power to fix as much as possible. If I went with my mind and rational thoughts, it would be to let Heficyre solve its own problems. Felix put his feet down and buried his head in his hands. There has to be a middle ground.

Roy cleared his throat, pulling Felix’s attention up to the Dark Lord. “Well?”

“I’m thinking,” Felix muttered. “We were thinking,” he followed up, gesturing to Lucifer. “Just…give me a minute. Lucifer, do you have paper and a pen?” The fallen angel produced the items and Felix took some notes. Invictus and Vugog. Separated by several Tiers. And there’s another Tier under that, right?

Correct. Troxar, The Titan’s Triumph, is Tier 12. Below is the Primal Chaos.

Right, mind filling me in on it?

Sure. It’s a realm ruled by powerful and potent magical creatures. It was settled by an enormous man named Troxar - some rumored him to be an ancient humanoid creature known as a Titan. This is one of the oldest Tiers that has survived many, many Collapses. It is home to these powerful magical creatures, and as such is quite untamed, save for the intelligent monsters within.

That sounds like it came out of a textbook.

One of the benefits of increased System access. I get a lot more concrete information.

Felix continued taking notes to categorize his thoughts and eventually figured out a decent solution. “Okay, Roy, here is what we’re going to do. But first – Lucifer, can you get Tinuriel?”

He nodded and flew off, returning with the woman in his grip as he deposited her gently on the ground. “What’s going on?” She asked.

Felix pointed to her hand, “I need that ring.”

She shrugged and handed it to him, “I don’t like being unseen anyways.” She took off the Ring of Temporary Invisibility and handed it to Felix. Felix passed it over to Roy, “I know Cowler Fent had contacted an assassin organization. I’m going to give you some VC and this ring. You can send a trusted agent with them to deal with the Overlord of these tribes on Vugog. You’re also going to take a glider from the higher Tiers to make a stealthy descent at night. Don’t land on Vugog, land on Troxar as close to the stairs as possible. You’ll approach from the least-expected place.”

Roy took the ring and nodded, “How do my agent and these assassins retreat?”

“Send a group to the opposite side of Avelion. I’m thinking of a really, long rope ladder.

Roy chuckled, “I’m sure the machinists up on Mercantus can think of better solutions.”

Felix nodded, “That will deal with the situation on Vugog. As for Invictus and the emperor…how about we use some propaganda of our own? It tarnished your reputation in the past. Well, now you own the printers. Have pamphlets made that extoll the benefits of throwing down the current order. Send agents into Hearthstone and have them spread the word verbally.”

“This is not warfare,” Roy muttered. “I’m not used to underhanded tactics such as these you describe.”

“It’s smart,” Tinuriel replied. “It won’t cost your forces any real manpower when it comes to the Vugog mission, and Melanie would probably approve of using propaganda to ensure a peaceful end to Lothar’s reign, rather than a lengthy siege.”

Roy chuckled, “Thanks for keeping Melanie’s feelings in mind. She won’t approve of the use of assassins on Vugog, but I’ll express to her that you have to prioritize larger-picture issues.”

Felix nodded, “Anything else?” Roy shook his head, and Felix stood up, “Then if you’ll excuse us.” Roy left the conference table and returned to the Portal Room. Get Reth, if you would. We’re going to level up after shopping.

On it. Lucifer took off flying towards the Earth/Ocean city that was recently added and had already began to populate with new people from Astragos. Oh, by the way, you’ve got 7,500 VC banked from the Multiversal Trading Post. And your reward from the empress arrived last night. Check your inventory.

Felix did so and saw a new item there. He pulled it out and in his hands was an enormous pearl the size of a golden retriever. He struggled with its mass and it slipped out of his hands and onto the ground. “Well, I guess I can roll it over.”

Tinuriel chuckled and gave it a firm kick to the Shop. The two went up and Felix sold it.

[Loot Sold]

- Colossal Pearl

+ 10000 VC

[Circlet of Prosperity 10% increase]

= 1000 VC

[Monies Dispensed]

= 11000 VC

“And pulling out all but 1,000 VC from the banked amount puts us at 24,947 VC.” Felix opened the shop interface as Lucifer set Reth down next to them.

“What are you thinking of getting?” Reth asked.

“Well, we have enough to gain four levels. Tinuriel’s almost maxed out Rime Knight, and you’ll have maxed out Netherlight Myrmidon. I think it would be wise to see if we can get other Classes in here that fit your builds.”

Reth nodded, “I don’t need Warrior since I have the Healing Affinity and can keep a Heal stored using Affinity Storage at all times.” He reached up and pointed to a tab that wasn’t there on Felix’s previous visits. “What’s that?”

Felix tapped the tab labeled [Karma] on the interface. He saw an odd layout. A central line separated two halves of the screen. The left half was a blue-white color, and right half was a red-black color. The options on the right half were greyed out, and the options on the left half were active. Some in the center line were active as well. “What’s this Lucifer?”

“Querying…Oh, neat! So, the ones on the left are Classes and Advanced Classes that are locked behind acting ‘good’. Well, what the System qualifies as ‘good’, which you’ve been. The right side is if you are more ‘evil’. The System doesn’t care how you go about solving Crises if they’re solved. We got access to it when the System Admin gave us more privileges. Thank you, Vicky!”

It doesn’t show the list of Skills either. Just the name of the Class and requirements.

Tinuriel frowned, “So we could have access to these classes,” she pointed to one, “Like the Ragefiend, if Felix had gone about solving Crises differently?”

“Precisely.”

Felix’s gaze was immediately drawn to a pair of white wings. Tapping on it, the name of a class came up that surprised him. [Redeemed Angel]. “Hey Lucifer?”

“Hmm?” He looked where Felix was pointing, and his face went white from shock. “No…” He took a few steps back. “No! We are not taking that one!”

“Why?” Felix asked as he turned.

Lucifer shook his head and backed away further, “It…I don’t know what it will do to me.”

“Then don’t choose it,” Reth stated. “It doesn’t look like staying a Fallen Angel is impacting Felix in any negative fashion.” Reth tapped a few buttons on the interface. “The Priest Class sounds interesting. Most likely a healing focuse- oooh. Omnimancer.” He looked to Felix, “I’d like that one.” He pointed at the icon that was one of several on the center line – meaning they’d be available no matter what side of the scale the person’s karma slipped to.

Question Lucifer. What happens if, say, we get something from the good karma side, but then do something bad enough to lose access to it? Do we lose the Class and its features?

Querying…Yes. There is a sliding scale that’s hidden System-side, but as long as you’re in the blue-white, then you’re good. Literally. I’ll warn you if you ever get close to flipping. But honestly? The way that you act…it won’t be an issue.

“What’s the cost?” Felix muttered as he tapped the icon. Ah, Advanced Classes are 10,000 VC. He tapped another Class. Whereas this Priest Base Class is 5,000 VC. To confirm, he tapped on several icons and saw the names and prices come up. The pricing was consistent depending on whether they were Base or Advanced. “Yeah, we can buy Omnimancer.” Felix looked at Tinuriel, “What are you thinking?”

Tinuriel tapped a few icons before a smile spread across her face. “I’ve got plenty of defense and offense already. I think I should take on a support role as well. Let’s go with this Paladin Advanced Class.”

Felix nodded and performed the transaction.

[Items purchased]

+ Omnimancer Advanced Class

- 10,000 VC

+ Paladin Advanced Class

- 10,000 VC

[Monies Paid]

- 20,000 VC

[Circlet of Prosperity 10% reduction]

= 18,000 VC

[Current Balance]

= 6,947 VC

[Congratulations! You purchased the Omnimancer Advanced Class from the Shop in the VBV!]

[Congratulations! You have purchased the Paladin Advanced Class from the Shop in the VBV!]

“Time to go level up,” Felix said. He led the group over to the Recreation Room, and the three of them each stripped down before hopping into the pool. “Alright, here we go.” He took a deep breath and submerged himself. He selected four levels in Whisperfang. Confirm. The water bubbled and broiled around him.

[This is your 5th level in this Class. You gain access to a new Class Skill]

Tinuriel’s Character Sheet appeared in his vision as she selected four levels of Rime Knight.

Reth’s Character Sheet appeared a moment later as he chose four levels of Netherlight Myrmidon.

The trio emerged from the water and examined themselves as their physiques had been enhanced once more. Tinuriel’s skin had kept its deep, brown tone, but there were patches of icy-white and light blue scattered across her forearms. Reth’s eyes had shifted color to match Roy’s grey iris, and his hair had lost some of its luster. Felix’s forearms were entirely covered with prismatic draconic scales. “Fascinating,” Roy muttered. “The more…exotic Classes actually shift the physical form of the individual.”

Tinuriel nodded, “We should prepare for the next ‘Verse.” She looked at Felix and tossed him a towel, “Shall we consult Lucifer?”

“I’m right here, you know,” Lucifer grumbled. Been here this whole time.

Tinuriel frowned and bowed slightly, “Apologies. I was caught up in the excitement of my increased strength.” She glanced at Felix who, since his respec, was not nearly as muscular as he was previously. She gave him a mischievous grin.

Lucifer sighed, “Accessing the Syste-” His voice cut off as he stared into space for several moments before shaking his head. “We have a priority order right from the Admin themself. We need to head to ‘Verse #107,934 – Stradholm. They’re giving us a free Multiversal Charge to get there right now.”

Felix re-equipped his gear. Reth and Tinuriel followed suit. “What’s happening there?” Reth asked.

“They’re giving me the Crisis information. Putting it into your vision now.”

[Crisis: Stradholm – Stop the Crimson Tide]

“The Crimson Tide is a wave of cult activity that is spreading through the ‘Verse. Stradholm is like Zephelam and Astragos – a single, small Universe that is localized onto a single planetoid. The surface is cracked and broken, and the planetoid has been partially hollowed out. The entire civilization exists underground, and technology-wise is around 0.45 on the Kardashev Scale. Just around Felix’s ‘Verse’s Industrial Revolution. But they have primarily advanced with clockwork technology.”

“So, it’s Clockpunk,” Felix said as he finished pulling on his gear.

“There is some mix of Magic/Powers as well, but they don’t seem innate like Reth’s Earthborn status, or Gina’s mages from Heficyre. Their technology is either blessed by holy rites or cursed with profane powers.”

“We’re stepping into a religious war?” Tinuriel asked as she finished equipping her armor. “Those are always messy.”

“Not really. Their church is a holy order that worships their Lady of Luminescence, a deity that is hands-off but interacts with the populace through the organization. This Crimson Tide is some type of blood, fanatic cult that has been tapping into forgotten profane powers. I can’t get more information outside of those basics for now.”

Reth looked to Felix, “Blood magic? I’ve heard of it, but it’s not performed on Astragos.”

Tinuriel shook her head, “Heficyre had blood mages, but I admit I don’t know much outside of the name. Hemomancer is what they were called.”

“Lucifer, go get Gina,” Felix said. “Have her meet us at the Shop.”

Lucifer nodded and flew out of the Recreation Room. The trio followed and went to the Shop. Need to restock on Elixirs, Felix thought. And see if we can craft anything with those tomes I kept.

[Items purchased]

+ <Rank 5> Anima Elixir (x6)

- 3000 VC

+ <Rank 5> Vigor Elixir (x6)

- 3000 VC

[Monies Paid]

- 6000 VC

[Circlet of Prosperity 10% reduction]

= 5400 VC

[Current Balance]

= 1547 VC

Gina landed next to them as Lucifer set her down. “I filled her in on the flight over.”

Gina gulped and nodded, “Here’s what you need to know about Blood Magic.” She held up a finger, “One, it requires blood. The more there is, the stronger the effects will be.” She held up a second finger, “Two, it can replace Anima or their equivalent. The best way to think of it, at least from my understanding of the Multiverse, is that Hemomancer is a Class that you could acquire if you were more…evil. For each Health you lost, you would gain Temporary Anima equal to half of the amount lost.”

“Could you use blood spilled from someone else?” Reth asked.

Gina shook her head, “Thankfully, you cannot sacrifice others and their blood to do it.”

“Then why is this so dire?” Felix asked. “They’re just going to kill themselves and then the cult problem will solve itself.”

“The System Admin wants us to stop them. I didn’t get more instruction beyond that.”

Gina put her hand to her chin and thought for several moments before raising her head, “The only thing I can think of is that this limitation I spoke of applies to Versewalkers and their Escorts. Their ‘Verse may have a different operative set of rules that does allow them to utilize other people’s blood.”

Felix nodded, “Any other insights?”

“I would advise going to a temple as one of your first stops. Make sure that you petition their high priest or whatever the equivalent is. Get your weapons blessed. They’re Magic already, but having the additional blessing should help.” She lowered her voice to a whisper, as if she was afraid to speak the next words. “This type of Magic, this Hemomancy…I would bet a fortune that there is a dark entity behind it.”

“Like a demon?” Tinuriel asked. “I’ve heard of those before. Corrupted servants of the gods, a warped version of an Angel.”

Gina shrugged, “I don’t know.”

Lucifer sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, “No, that’s not how that works. Deities create servants in whatever image they desire. Those servants don’t change entirely when they fall from grace. Maybe some coloration, but that’s it. It has to be a blood deity or something akin to it. Something lost to the ages, but recently rediscovered.”

Felix smiled at Gina, “My thanks for your expertise.”

She nodded, “It’s my best guess. Like I said previously, feel free to replace me as an Advisor if you have someone more qualified.”

“You’re doing great,” Felix replied. This elicited a slight blush from her before she bowed and departed. “Okay team, give me a moment at the Loot Forge. Let’s see if these tomes can help us out in any way.” He led them down into the Crafting Station, and through the door to the Loot Forge. Lucifer put a hand on him and re-merged with his body.

I’m concerned. You mentioned a blood deity. We aren’t strong enough to fight gods – are we?

The Admin wouldn’t be putting this on a priority list and giving us a Multiversal Charge if we couldn’t solve it. One of the limitations of the System that even the Admin can’t override – a Crisis must always be able to be solved by a Versewalker.

You said ‘a’ Versewalker. Doesn’t mean it has to be me.

The Admin can’t override the System itself. Just control it. I think we’ll be fine.

Alright. Let’s get to crafting.

[You have placed a <Tremor Tome> on the Loot Forge. Select one of the following options.]

·         Shadestep Skill Upgrade (Earthstride)

·         Invigorating Charge Skill Upgrade (Avalanche)

“Sorry Tinuriel, I need to upgrade my Skills.”

“I don’t mind,” She replied with a chuckle.

Felix brought the hammer down.

[You have placed a <Tide Tome> on the Loot Forge. Select one of the following options.]

·         Dragon Dance Skill Upgrade (Water Dance)

·         Shadowborn Skill Upgrade (Waterborn)

Felix brought the hammer down once more.

I’m not using this either. Might as well see if I can break it into something useful.

[You have placed a <Necroshade Ring> on the Loot Forge. Select one of the following options.]

·         Shadowborn Skill Upgrade (Wraith Form)

·         Beacon of Free Will Skill Upgrade (Beacon of Fear)

Interesting…an area-of-effect fear. But honestly, the ability to move through objects is too strong to pass up. He brought the hammer down one last time.

Felix turned to his allies, “Let’s go.” He pulled up his hood and tightened his mask. He led the way to the Portal Room. “Hit it, Lucifer.”

Activating Universe Selector. Target – Stradholm.

The grey portal appeared in the empty archway, and Felix walked through with his allies close behind.

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