Three Hundred And Ninety *Contains status – Akio ?*

Three Hundred And Ninety *Contains status – Akio ?*

“I have to say, that’s one massive tree.” David looked up, whistling. “So, is this what you wanted? Judging by Raidre, it’s a big deal.” The building glow of prismatic ether shimmering around the Tree and the surrounding area was drawing their attention.

“This... do the treekin know about this?” Raidre said, frowning. “This Tree... the strength of it matches the great Trees that Primal Forest has in his diminished groves.”

“Not in truth.” Asha said wryly, addressing the Selkie. “Though my precious Tree has grown indeed. It will one day soon match them, I believe it.” She smiled at me now, the faith in her yellow eyes unshakable. “Instead...” she continued. “... this is the act of working together, of combining strengths, under Akio’s leadership. As for your question...”

“Yes, Primal Forest is quite-quite aware.” Shaeula answered for her, arriving with the other girls, their treasures selected. “Perhaps he does not-not care for such Trees being under the dominion of others, but he respects that Asha, the Dryad of the Tree, has chosen so...”

“Great Dryad, I wooould say.” Hyacinth giggled, interrupting, and Shaeula’s eyes glowed amber as she looked at Asha, before nodding, a pleased smile on her face.

“I see-see. Yes, congratulations Asha. You now have the power to stand beside us. And more-more. Are you happy?”

“Of course. My decision was made when you saved me, all of you. I am merely living such a choice I made already.”

David looked at Eleanor and Raidre, Eleanor looking a bit puzzled by the conversation. “I can’t say I get all this shit, but when it comes down to it, they’re making us look like losers, right? Raidre, explain it better, you’re like them, right?”

Raidre looked sour, but did so. “The Rhyming Trees are precious Fae plants, not merely simple trees. They bring prosperity to the Seelie Court, strengthening the elements and filling the twilight with light. Over the long years, their numbers have declined, lost to war, mischance and other sorrows. Those that remain, the treekin and plantkin led by Primal Forest, one of the lords of the Seelie, they see as theirs, their nature making them perfectly suited to be their custodians. Though against the word of a Dryad...” he trailed off, rather shocked at the great number of powerful Fae here.

“He would have little recourse.” Ulfuric rumbled. “Besides, Primal Forest is a slow, but a deep thinker. He is no fool. None of the Princes or Princesses are. To contest the liberators of the Spring of Clear Reflections is foolish, especially when our princess here...” he nodded at Shaeula, as she was continuing to congratulate Asha. “... has made it her dream to restore nature around the Spring, and not just there, but in the Mortal world as well.”

Raidre nodded, unwilling to argue with Ulfuric, and that irritated David. “You’re a big bastard. I can tell you’re skilled too. Your movements, the way you’re constantly alert... you’re a fighter.”

“Show some respect.” Raidre hissed, surprising him, as he seldom spoke well of other Fae. “That is Ulfuric, one of the last badgerkin of Salamandrastrae, and a mighty warrior, leader of Prince Shaetanao’s armies. To see him here, working for a mortal...”

“I work for the princess and her consort.” Ulfuric corrected. “The Prince wishes his precious daughter to be able to spread her wings and continue her journey. You merely know the rumours, not the truth of things.”

“So it seems.” Raidre admitted. “Nothing surprises me now. Ring Gates, Rhyming Trees, famous Fae...”

“So I was right. We do look like losers.” David snorted.

“David. Be polite!” Eleanor said, embarrassed, but he merely shrugged, chuckling nastily.

“Why? I know you’re annoyed as well. Our guy here, he and his girls are plundering you dry. Sure, it was a deal, but you can’t tell me you’re not unhappy.”

“I don’t see why you should be.” Eri said, her dark eyes hard, ears twitching. “Aren’t your lives more important? Akio, Shaeula, Shiro, Hyacinth... Grulgor too...” she didn’t mention Chen Na, not knowing or caring about her. “... they put their own on the line. Good deeds should be rewarded. Besides, I know Akio plans to defend you in the future and help you become less vulnerable.”

“That’d be more convincing not coming from a catgirl.” David snorted, and as Eri’s dark eyes glimmered, Eleanor stepped in.

“Don’t mind David. Despite his rough speech, he’s not a bad guy.”

“I know that.” Eri sad, glancing at Motoko and Natsumi. “They’ve mentioned him. He’s not too smart though, if he thinks he can fight Akio and win.”

“Not too smart does describe him.” Eleanor agreed. “When he sees a strong opponent he gets excited. Men can be little boys. My brother Henry is the same...”

“Hey now.” David protested, but Eleanor ignored him.

“Your axe... I was surprised I had no affinity for it, considering I wear the armour of the Green Knight, but the treasures of the Tower choose who they will. Perhaps we are similar then?” she said. “And there must be a tale behind your appearance, surely. You’re human.”

“It’s a long story. And not one for now.” Eri shook her head. “What matters is what we were talking about, right Akio?”Gét latest novel chapters on nov(e)lbj/n(.)c/om

I agreed. “That’s right. I think give-and-take is a solid basis for a relationship, an alliance. We’ve fought together against a dangerous opponent and came through it, so that makes us friends, right? And now we can work together, making us all stronger. You’ve seen the Ring Gate, we can now come and go between our Territories easily enough...”

“So long as they aren’t sabotaged.” David pointed out, looking around. “Your big tree too. I don’t want to put a dampener on your enthusiasm, but nice as your set-up is, there’s a ton of security flaws anyone can see after just a quick look. And we know the dangers of that.” He looked sad for a moment, perhaps thinking of someone.

“Yes, you’re not wrong. Obviously, some things are fixed, like we have to have the Ring Gates where the earth element is. But we’re definitely intending to rework what we can. On your end you need to fortify the Ring Gate too. Fortunately Raidre and his Selkie live there, which is one line of defence, but it’s not enough. With the Gates, we can dispatch forces to aid each other within minutes. I can also pull from Kyoto as well, if necessary.”

“That would be reassuring.” Eleanor agreed. “Your Territory is bustling with citizens and active. Not like ours.”

“It’s busier during the day. It’s late night here in Japan right now.” Hinata said. In her arms she was carrying a rather ornate pot, crafted from a reddish clay, and inlaid with what looked like emeralds around the rim. “We have all sorts of people here during the day, other trainees, soldiers, Akio’s private mercenary company... it gets quite busy.” Her face was clearly expressing her wish for me to tell her the details of what she was carrying, so I let my Eye shine.

Pot Of Faerie Gold – Item Class [Noble] Item Type [Rule]

This pot contains the treasures lost by slain Fae, killed by mortals in a dispute long forgotten. Golden and silver coins can be retrieved from the pot, as well as bright gemstones and Etherites. Faerie treasures are fickle and illusory though, and if the bearer allows their greed to overcome them or is lacking willpower, all that will be produced is fool’s gold, worthless pyrite, cheap glass baubles, and valueless junk that will fade away with the light of dawn.

“That’s so very you.” I laughed. “But... it doesn’t strike me as much use. I mean, the Etherites it contains are always in demand, but we have gold and other metals from our mines...”

“Maybe so.” Hinata said, agreeing. “But it called to me, so I took it. Besides...” she looked at me, her smile her usual impish, sly one. “... who is to say I can’t make it work in the Material world? It isn’t like we need money, my family is rich enough, but doesn’t it thrill you, a pot of mysterious treasures? And who knows... maybe it even contains some that should be given back. That’d win Shaeula some more respect, right?”

Seeing her thinking of others, I stroked her hair gently, before whispering something in her ears, so softly only she could hear. Her eyes widened, and she flushed, her face flaming, before nodding. “It’s fine. I’m not one to shy away from what I want. But for now... let me talk to our guests, there’s someone else who is desperate to seek your approval.” She inclined her head, and I could see Daiyu waiting patiently, also carrying an ornate jar, although...

Sacred Water Blessed By The Lady Of The Lake – Item Class [Noble] Item Type [Law]

Sacred Water blessed by ?????, the Lady of the Lake, one of the most powerful of all the Fae, she who holds court over her sacred lake. This Water is a blend of ancient water from the Spring Of Clear Reflections, long before its loss, and the lake which she still guards and dwells in. Consuming the Water of this vessel will increase the affinity and understanding of the element of Water, and will allow a state of enlightenment to be achieved for a short time, allowing rapid strengthening of Water element and related abilities.

That... it’s a one-use item. And it doesn’t say who the Lady of the Lake is, huh? As I thought that, Daiyu nodded, seemingly guessing my thoughts. “Yes, while Cultivators often use talismans, weapons and treasures to fight with and protect ourselves, we would cast aside even the most powerful to find something that can increase our Cultivation, for in the end, one’s own power and Dao is all we can truly rely on. A dragon’s scales, a phoenix’s flames, a tiger’s claws... all are worthwhile, but compared to solidifying my Foundation, all are simply distractions.”

David cocked his head, not understanding her Mandarin, but Shiro translated, and David nodded, smiling. “Your girls, they have good heads on their shoulders. Another fighter, huh? Tell her this.” He said, serious. “You’re right. Honing your body and your skills will never betray you. Keep that attitude, and you’ll grow up to be a great warrior. Queen of the Octagon.” He laughed.

As Daiyu nodded, not knowing what an octagon had to do with anything, I snorted, amused. “Daiyu is already a warrior. She’s been training longer than any of us, living a life of aesthetic rigour and occult practises we can only imagine. Now then...”

I looked at the patiently waiting Motoko and Natsumi. Both were wearing their new treasures, since they had selected pieces of armour. “I’ll let you go first, Motoko.” Natsumi said, but she shook her head.

“No, you should not always defer to me, Natsumi. We are equals here. Besides, I am curious about your treasure as well.”

“I won’t stand on ceremony then.” Natsumi bounced over, nodding at David. “Here.” she stuck her arm out, a leather bracer covering the wrist of one arm, a stylised eagle stitched on it in golden and red thread, some faint stains that might have been ancient, dried up blood remaining on the leather.

Bedwyr’s Protective Bracer – Item Class [Powerful] Item Type [Artifice]

This bracer was used to protect the spear arm of a great one-handed warrior. Those wielding the spear will inherit a portion of his knowledge of the weapon, a residue of his thoughts and will during battles. While wielding a spear, the wearer will find their Fortitude and Alacrity increased. However, if the spear is used for evil, this bracer will offer no protection, and will tighten, constricting blood flow to the arm, leaving the bearer weakened and eventually the arm will atrophy.

Ouch, that’s a nasty penalty. Not that I ever expect Natsumi to be doing evil, but still... I explained, a little worried about the residue knowledge, but she surprised me. “I understand your concerns, and I’m happy you worry about me, but Motoko and I are resolved. When we were helping you train, we too were resolved to change and improve the Tsumura Arts, right Motoko?”

I didn’t ooze anywhere near as much impurity here in the Boundary... is it something to be worried about? I reached out to offer Ether Healing, but her onyx eyes snapped open, and she shook her head slightly, mouthing that she was fine and could bear it.

“I believe she shall-shall be fine.” Shaeula reassured me, also watching, and having had the same experience. “The water she drank was powerful indeed. This is a trial she must-must overcome. If she can not-not break through, even with such aid...”

“She’ll do it.” I said, no trace of doubt left within me. At my words a smile crossed Daiyu’s face, and she focussed her will, drawing on the ether around us and aether within her. Is that Qi? It’s definitely mostly aether... I had noticed there was a significant portion of wastage before when I observed her, her body not converting all the aether into the alternate form, but as I watched that percentage was dropping significantly, her body, now awash with brilliant orange elemental power, rapidly adapting as it repelled impurities. Soon her effective rate of conversion was around ninety-nine percent, only a small amount still circulating as aether.

“I... my Foundation...” The earth energies she had gathered had condensed to a hard ruby ball around her chakra network, it no longer circulating, and likewise, the faint wisps of light element, that she called Yang energy, had also solidified, looking almost crystalline. With those obstructions gone, the power of the water energy increased, now fully pure, and soon her Astral body settled down, and Daiyu shuddered, tears at the corners of her eyes.

“It is stable.” She said at last, her expression radiant, before she wrinkled her nose, realising her body and clothes, as well as the ground around her, were soaked with foul impurities, and that she was splattered with dark vomit. Flushing a little, she looked as us all watching with warm expressions on our faces.

“Congratulations, Daiyu.” I said, and the others echoed me.

She managed a nod, before drawing on her Qi, which was then dyed with the shimmering orange elemental energies of the High Spirit Water. Yeah, there’s no moonlight in it. But it’s still powerful... I was curious at the very different way she was manipulating the water element, but as a tide of water poured down over her, she rubbed the filth from her body and hair, her clothes sticking to her body. Seeing me looking, Shiro elbowed me.

“I’m just checking out her techniques.” I protested. And Shiro rolled her eyes.

“Sure you are, Aki, her techniques, not her assets.” Shaeula, Hyacinth and Eri all laughed at that. Realising she was in an embarrassing state again, Daiyu frowned, but I took pity on her, drying her off with a little flame and wind energy, creating a warming breeze.

“You have my thanks.” She said. “Even with the sacred treasure which would have cost more than my own self in Kunlun, it was a great trial. But the path to the Heavens is seldom smooth. I had to make a sacrifice...”

“You mean locking your earth and light energies?” I asked, puzzled. “How did you do that? It’s like they have stopped. Also, your way of using the water element is strange.”

Daiyu tried to explain. “I create the water Qi and manipulate it. Speaking of Qi...” she was excited now. “I feel my Qi Refining has improved dramatically. The Qi I command is now nearly pure Earthly Qi.”

“That I do understand. Before, you were converting aether, but not all of it. Now it’s nearly a hundred percent efficient. In fact...” my Eye could see flavours of aether, at least the lowest classes, and the previously red Qi, with occasional orange flickers, was now almost entirely orange, with only faint hints of red, and some I couldn’t determine, which I guessed might be yellow, maybe? “...the shade of it has changed too.”

“Fascinating. Your Eye truly is a great tool. And now...” she let out a sigh, relief writ large on her features. “... with my Qi Refining and Foundation improved beyond my wildest dreams, even if I had to largely seal my work on my previous Foundation, I can finally progress to the Accumulation Realm.”

“What about your frozen chakras and their elements, the leftovers from your discarded technique?” I asked. “Wont it cause problems later?”

She nodded. “Shortcuts to power often have great consequences. But... I do not intend to abandon them forever. After all, the Invincible Jade Yang technique is treasured knowledge of my Sect. I will see the heights of Kunlun and beyond.” She assured me, confidently. “However, the Accumulation Techniques... finding one suitable for me is not something I would do recklessly. Accumulating water Qi would now be trivial, but... I am greedy. I wish to reclaim earth and yang Qi, as well as perhaps...” she smiled at us then. “I am jealous, you find it so easy to obtain further elemental Qi...”

“Easy, she says?” Kana snorted. “I don’t think so. We have to struggle for every single success.”

“You say that, but mastering the elemental Qi required for Foundation Techniques is a harrowing trial. Whereas many of you know multiple elements.” Daiyu demurred, Shiro and I translating the more difficult words. “And I can no longer settle for merely what my Sect considered a success. Not now. Now when my Foundation and Qi Refining are as solid as any from ancient, departed Kunlun.” She said, determined. “My Accumulation must be greater than any I had dreamed of. To that end...” she bowed to me. “I will be in your care. One way to Accumulate is certainly through Dual Cultivation, especially for the yang element I so desperately need to make a breakthrough to a potential double Foundation.”

“This again?” Eri rolled her eyes, tail lashing, but Hinata took her hand, blushing.

“It’s all right, Eri. It’s time for this. After all, Asha has joined you all, and I...” she looked at me, remembering my earlier words. “... soon.” She said, face scarlet, which was so cute Eri sighed, shook her head and squeezed her hand.

“I’m not mad, not really.” Eri said. “Everyone here is fine. Even you, Kana-san. I’ve accepted it.”

“Well thanks, Eri-chan. That’s big of you...” Kana laughed.

“I still have strong feelings about profiting from sex, but I accept that Daiyu would be doing it anyway, so... I suppose it doesn’t make a difference. But Akio wanted to be sure it didn’t cause problems with your Cultivation, right?”

Daiyu agreed. “Yes, he is kind like that. But...” she looked at me, her dark eyes intense. “... you are my goal. I want strength like yours. And your mastery of the elements... I would feel shamed unless I could be comparable to you all. Merely water, I cannot accept it, no matter how potent a water it is. So, Akio, enlighten me. How high is Mount Tai I see before me? I would know before I start climbing it. Though the height will only thrill me.” She flushed, and Shiro laughed uproariously.

“Shit, she can’t wait to start climbing you, Aki. And that was totally a reference to your...” at Eri’s stern look she chuckled, whistling innocently.

“Indeed, can you blame-blame her for looking at Akio with yearning?” Shaeula agreed. “I do not-not. But I too am curious. It has been a while since you shared your full-full strength with us. And you have made many gains.”

“Fine then.” I agreed. Yes, it’ll be good to take stock, as while I will be continuing my training, especially with trying for a combat style, the next step is to build my Territory...

[Material Statistics] [Intangible Statistics] Might1580 1762Fortune33 38Fortitude1571 1752Majesty25 29Intellect1640 1820Charm39 44Resilience1831 2051League22 26Alacrity1660 1839Determination22 25Precision1651 1833Foresight30 32Aether5857 6463Fate19 21[Material Skills]RankClassType[Aetheric Skills] Silver Cord Silver ConnectionRank 5

Powerful (4)

Imperious (6)

Foundation (4)

Rule (5)

Eight Moons Chakra NetworkRank 5 Rank 6

Noble (5)

Imperious (6)

Rule (5)Aether ManipulationRank 7Noble (5)Foundation (4)Aether Combat TechniqueRank 5Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Body EnhancementRank 4 Rank 5Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Ether HealingRank 9Imperious (6)Artifice (6)Aetheric ChirurgeonRank 9Imperious (6)Principle (7)Spiritually Pure PhysiqueRank 1 Rank 2Noble (5)Principle (7)Adherence ManipulationRank 3Noble (5)Law (8)Split ThoughtsRank 4 Rank 5Noble (5)Foundation (4)[Elemental Skills] Crown Chakra Of SpaceRank 3Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Space ManipulationRank 3Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Third Eye Chakra Of Full Moon Light - MangetsuRank 4Noble (5)Foundation (4)Light ManipulationRank 5Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Throat Chakra Of New Moon Darkness - ShingetsuRank 3Noble (5)Foundation (4)Darkness ManipulationRank 2Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Heart Chakra Of WindRank 6Noble (5)Foundation (4)Wind ManipulationRank 6Noble (5)Foundation (4)Solar Plexus Chakra Of FlameRank 6Noble (5)Foundation (4)Flame ManipulationRank 6Noble (5)Foundation (4)Root And Sacral Chakra Of WoodRank 2 Rank 3Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Wood ManipulationRank 2 Rank 4Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Sacral Chakra Of High Moonlight Spirit WaterRank 4Noble (5)Foundation (4)Water ManipulationRank 5Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Root Chakra Of EarthRank 5Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Earth ManipulationRank 5Powerful (4)Foundation (4)

Lunar Chakra Of Four Elements, Light And Darkness

Lunar Chakra Of Seven Primal Elements And Wood

Rank 3 Rank 4Imperious (6)

Rule (5)

Artifice (6)

[Physical Combat Skills] Spatial PerceptionRank 2Powerful (4)Rule (5)Spear TechniqueRank 5Cantrip (1)Simple (1)Sword TechniqueRank 5Cantrip (1)Simple (1)Combat TechniqueRank 5Cantrip (1)Simple (1)Elemental Weapon TechniqueRank 3Sufficient (3)Foundation (4)False Void Motion Void MotionRank 1 Rank 2Noble (5)Principle (7)Tsumura ArtsRank 1Powerful (4)Foundation (4)[Practical Skills] Ether CraftingRank 5Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Dvergr TechniquesRank 1Noble (5)Rule (5)[Intangible Skills] [Unique Skills] Mystic Eye Of The Tree Of KnowledgeRank 3 Rank 4Legendary (7)Law (8)Kin Bonding And RestorationRank 5 Rank 6

Imperious (6)

Legendary (7)

Principle (7)Foehn, Inextinguishable BlazeRank 6 Rank 7Imperious (6)Rule (5) Principle (7)Might Of The Furious EarthRank 2Powerful (4)Foundation (4)The Future Reflected By The MoonRank 3Legendary (7)Fate (9)Prominence TwilightRank 1 Rank 2Imperious (6)Principle (7)[Level] 127 134[Class]

Kami-Blessed 10/20

Conqueror 17/50

Wielder Of A Mutated Element 6/10 7/10

Wielder Of Elements, Classic Western 6/10

Wielder Of Elements, Primal Seven 2/20

True Faeduine 3/30

[Mastered Classes]

Fae-Souled 30/30

Wielder Of Elements, Classic Western 10/10

Territory Rank3