Book 6. Chapter 2: Farewell

Book 6. Chapter 2: Farewell

Are you sure you have the

Yes.

How about the

Right here!

Do you have enough

Yes, husband, I have a mountain of Qi crystals and scrolls, shields, and even a few cultivator talismans. Even if I became a laughingstock for defeating my enemies with the power of money instead of my own strength, I will crush them under the heel of wealth with a smile should the event allow it. Happy?

Jake nodded with a satisfied smile. Very. Alright, then one more gift.

Jake held out another storage bracelet, and Fhesiah looked at it in question. The other girls all stood behind Jake, the group arrayed outside in front of their manor, their Refuge.

She perused the items within with her mind, and a wide smile grew on her face. Spicy wings! Thank you, husband. And so many of my other favorite spicy foods you make.

WeIm going to miss you. Jake couldnt help but feel a little lost. He had never been without any one of his girls for more than a single day. The idea that she was leaving to an entirely different Sector for up to a few months, was daunting.

Aw, you really mean that. Youll have plenty to keep busy with while Im off being a hero and spreading the name of our family even to another sector, and helping our allies. Ill make plenty of friends, and

Jake narrowed his eyes on Fhesiah. Try not to collect too many wives for me. He would let her interpret his double meaning.

Fhesiah pretended to tap her lips in thought. Hmm but just how many waifus is too many? You certainly wouldnt have said you had too many, before we met Tanda, right? Or how about Ava? Can you ever have too much? Besides, they can really only be wife candidates when I bring them back, right? The more, the merrier!

Blood narrowed her eyes. Remember, quality over quantity. Our family may do charity, but it is not one. Besides, you never know. Lord Husband could find one while youre gone.

Fhesiah snorted at that, but Avalara looked thoughtful, a teasing smile on her lips as she glanced at Jake. Did Jake want more? I could ask if any beastkin are interested in the song of the world. Im sure we could have dozens knocking on our door, ready to move in.Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only

The kitsune woman dashed next to Avalara, grasping her hands in hers, her smile beaming. That sounds like fun! Itll be like super-tinder. Wait until I get back for that, I dont want to miss it!

Avalara smiled and nodded, and Jake groaned at having yet another trickster and tease around the house.

Ophelia and Tanda both covered Fhesiah in a hug, their wings wrapping around her. The Athenian Valkyrie had a smile on her expression, but she spoke much more seriously.

Do take care, Faye. These Battlegrounds for the initiated dont end in permanent death, but there can be many cultivator traps that many ultimately trigger Avatar Dissolution.

Jake and Tanda both grimaced. It was a blessing that this ability was available to them, but it didnt make it any less worrying. Avatar Dissolution was the Framework-assisted suicide that any initiated could use. If the situation called for it and the person in question couldnt respond and trigger it on their own, the Framework could initiate it on their behalf.

It was a stark reminder that in the end, they truly were like video-game characters when protected by the Framework, but also, that there were in fact things worse than death under it.

Zeke from the Dusky Sky Sect that Jake and Fhesiah had met all that time ago on Ariminum had hinted at situations like this, where initiated cultivators would be tortured rather than killed, knowing that they could merely respawn.

Like anything else within the Framework, it had a cost. And for a cultivator that was barely scraping by because they werent all that great at fighting and trying to get to greener pastures, the cost would be significant.

Higher than just being killed and revived, as often, they would be transported away from the risky location to where they could repay the Framework for their revival. It wasnt a problem for Jake and his wives, but for the aforementioned poor cultivator, they may wish for escape or rescue, or to endure until death instead.

It was because of this that the absolute worst thing that could happen to Fhesiah was that she might lose some of her progress. Either dying and needing to restore her foundations which were harmed by the death, or if some evil champion appeared, she might lose a single Divine Spark they had earned.

A significant loss, but a risk that was worth the potential reward: helping Bastets followers, and obtaining what she needed for ascension. If the risk was higher, he wouldnt have agreed unless they could risk themselves together.

They could have eventually obtained what she needed with money and enough time. The whole family was progressing rapidly in their many crafts, and the money they were bringing in was not insignificant. Core formation materials were expensive, but it wasnt as if they were beyond them given enough time.

Fhesiah replied to Ophelias warning, returning the hug. Of course, sister. While I will do my best to enjoy my time away, I am entering a battlefield. I will not let my guard down.

Satisfied, Tanda and Ophelia returned to Jakes side, allowing Blood and Berri to give their hug and well-wishes.

Berri hugged Fhesiah tightly. Hurry back! That way, you can join us!

Fhesiah chuckled. Of course. I feel left out being the only one, but now I have extra incentive to hurry back. This moment of peace is perfect for starting our family, and I refuse to waste it stuck in some cave healing or trying to form my core instead.

Avalaras smaller avatar gave a short hug of her own. I havent known you directly long, but our long talks have been fun. Do take care, I wish for your success.

You will be missed. I do hope you and husband get along well, while Im gone. Id like you to join our girly talks sooner rather than later, among other fun things.

Fhesiah withdrew her express ticket, a special right to participate in the battleground. It really looked like little more than a golden paper ticket. But a special weight had appeared the moment she removed it, the group able to feel that it was special.

Farewell, family of mine. Ill be as back as quick as I can, and hopefully, with many gifts! Love ya!

She activated the ticket and golden hexagons of the Framework surrounded her. Space shifted, and folded around her as the sphere eventually disappeared, leaving nothing behind. Jake could tell she entered the void, the Framework protecting her as she traveled through what was the fastest, but perhaps most dangerous, route.

He tried to feel her over their bond, and at the moment, the feeling was very faint. This, of course, made him worried about the prospect of staying in touch.

Ophelia wrapped her large golden wing around him. Dont worry, Jake! I have a hundred percent confidence that she will win and come back, more powerful and cockier than ever.

Berri frowned. But not too cocky. She knows only one of those is allowed.

Tanda laughed. But what do we do now?

Avalara tapped her lips. How about we fight? Now that you are done focusing on earning money for the time being, we can train. I think Im ready to try my battle body!

Ophelia asked, Battle body?

[Legendary Class: Champion Sentinel of Guan Yu]

[Effects: +4 All Attributes]

[30% Increased Durability and Hardiness]

[Effectiveness of Str,Con,Wis increased by 30%]

[An evolution of the Vanguard class, the Champion Sentinel guards and protects allies across the battlefield with her summons and various magics, while controlling the battlefield with their unmatched mobility and martial prowess. With this Champion's connection to Hestia as her valkyrie and her Eternal Oath to her Chosen, the two provide additional damage, healing and summon capabilities to this Sentinel.]

[Ophelia Status Level 26]

[Strength: 211]

[Dexterity: 171]

[Constitution: 206]

[Intelligence: 169]

[Wisdom: 205]

[Charisma: 206]

Thanks to their Hearthian Cores, nearly all of the Hart familys attributes were quite even. There were a few standouts among Jakes girls, but Jakes party developed their martial and spell capabilities nearly evenly, and their new Legendary or above classes all gave all attributes per level.

[Ophelias Level 26 Combat Skill Sheet]

[Expert Mana Control: 1]

[Expert Champion Magic: 1]

[Expert Runic Magic: 1]

[Hearth Control: 1]

[Technique: Vajrafire Blitz: 1]

[Auril Enhancement, Healing, Manifestation: 5]

[Valkyrie Spells Known: Renewal, Consecration, Spear of Hestia, Barrier]

[Champion Spells Known: Summon Mystical Steed, Vajrafire Blast, Vajrafire Guardian Hearth, Sentinel, Valkyrie Champion]

It looked like the only ability she hadnt yet showcased was Sentinel and Vajrafire Guardian Hearth. He knew Sentinel was an upgrade to Intervene, and was the classs namesake, but wasnt all that useful in a one-on-one. It would allow her a lesser version of her Guan Yu summoning ability, in addition to being able to Intervene occasionally.

Then, the Vajrafire Guardian Hearth was not much different from before. The main differences were that it too could use Sentinel, and its spells and capabilities were more heavily influenced by Jakes Runebound State.

[Ophelias Level 26 Non-Combat Skill Sheet]

[Runic Smithing: 1]

[Smithing Subskills: Essence Transfer, Magical Metallurgy, Mana Forging, Mana Structure Enhancement, Runic Crucible]

[VajraFire Hearthian Core: Level 1]

[Misc Skills: Energy Vacuum, Eternal Oath, Chosen Technique, Hearthian Bond, Expert Purifying Flames, Hearthian Presence, Auto-Loot]

Ophelia was more than a little excited about her new Runic Smithing skill, the Runic Crucible. It was a skill that would actually support her in using the different energies by enabling her to filter and purify them out, or add them in as she melted the mysterious metals.

The bonus to nearly all smithing outcomes like his Hearth Enchanting was also significant.

Having play-fought enough, Ophelia backed off, and moved to join Avalaras lesser avatar on the bench. Avas battle body had kept up well with the veteran, the beast treant having little difficulty with both the flames and the lightning.

However, her avatar needed a few minutes to recover after their bout, her auril heavily expended.

Ophelia sat next to the smaller Ava, flipping to her more casual gym clothes instantly before hugging Ava from the side.Youre really sturdy! Were really going to enjoy having such a big ally on our team.

Ava beamed. Ill be happy to help when you need me! You didnt call Valora out?

Ophelia chuckled. Shes wanting to get stronger now! Shes resting next to one of our hearths in the Refuge, she got especially motivated when she learned I was with child.

Jake chuckled. Thats cute of her. I did want to see her fight, though.

Shes tough! Im really glad she can fight properly now, and so is she.

Jake knew that the draconic pony was actually running incursions now to gain levels. Just like how Jake could use his permanent summons by giving them their own core and allowing the Framework to maintain their vessel, Ophelia could do the same for Valora.

This Tier was going to be quite a grind, they learned. In the weeks since Valora started running them, she had not yet gained a level.

Ophelia grabbed some kettle chips from the table, and started munching on them happily. It looks like Bloodberri is next. This should be fun to watch!

Jake was excited to see Bloodberri fight. From his perspective, it was nearly a tie between Tanda and Bloodberri for how much their class or combat had shifted. He would continue to watch like a hawk, but he was enjoying seeing his girls try out their new abilities.