“Enough is enough, we demand you surrender the Tapestry.”
The lordling gave me a furious stare. They hadn't even waited a day after my latest miscarriage. It was the Tapestry original father who stood before me. Angry that I had failed so many times. It means nothing to me, he can not pierce my despair.
“Cea, we know this is difficult for you, but your mate has left and Linciceasus deserves to return.”
The woman who provided such soothing venomous words was the one who would succeed on her first try. A thought so awful crossed my mind. My life magic had failed to keep my pregnancy. My womb is simply hostile to the concept of life. But hers wasn't. Twenty times I have failed. I could graft her—
“Have you thought of sparking a new Tapestry, Cea? They say a first child is special. No one can demand you stop trying.”
I surrendered the Tapestry. I would need to find a new mate. I'll keep trying. I have to remain strong.
-----
This is a daily reminder: You have 384 unallocated stat points
My eyes snap open. My breath freezes the air. She had offered twenty years of miscarriages to me. My babies. I…she had tried so hard. Perfected life magic. Risked myself, herself to gain levels. But my body refused to be a home for her babies.
I gripped my head as the tears flowed. “Miss?”
I look at the girl in the room by the blinds. I blinked. Jessica.
“It was a bad dream.”
I walked over to the dresser and sat down so she could begin her work. I…she was so young when she started trying.
“Careful, I'm very cold at the moment.” I said as she was about to wipe me down.
I ended up having to heal her hands. We waited again for Ophelia to emerge. It wasn't long.
“You're progressing much faster than expected.”
Jessica walked up to the lady, giving me nervous looks back as she came to Ophelia's side. Ophelia bends a bit so that the girl can whisper into her ear. “Her left eye glowed for a bit before dulling.” I wince at her words.
“Thank you, Jessica. I must warn you though, our guest is capable of hearing the entire house.”
The girl pales and turns to me, “I'm sorry, my Lady.” She bows to me.
I give a small smile, “You are only doing your duty.”
We walked to the dining room. “Will this be a concern?”
“She will not have me.”
“Naturally, I speak of your current condition.”
“I won't die.” I have no desire to be Ophelia's undead servant either.
“Tell me if your condition worsens.” I nod as we sit at the table.
An attendant walks to Ophelia with a tray. She picks up a letter off it and opens it. A bit of eye scanning and then she looks at me. “Lady Sara, do show me your status screen. Do skip the profanity.”
I roll my eyes.
Tier 2 : Kistune lvl 1, 52 - 384 stat point unassigned.
Titles: [Laughing Demon Adventurer] [Laughing Demon Sanguine Priestess] [Queen]
[Strength] - 242 [Constitution] - 286 [Intelligence] - 300
[Agility] - 246 [Presence] - 300 Soul - 523
[Perception] - 285 [Mental Fortitude] - 300
Languages: [T3:English] Intermediate 9 [T5:Magical Math] Apprentice 4 [T3:Common] Intermediate 9 [T3:Quintarl?ne] Intermediate 9
Spells: [Cover] 1.0 [Alt Cover] 1.0 [Light Ray] 1.0 [Finger Ray] 2.0 [Hot Water Ray] 1.0 [Cold Water Ray] 1.0 [Lightning Water Ray] 1.0
Converts: [T4:Convert Arcane to Soul Mana] Competent 6 [T3:Convert Arcane to Blood Mana] Advanced 9 [T3:Convert Arcane to Void Mana] Competent 2 [T3:Convert Arcane to Light Mana] Basic 1 [T2:Convert Arcane to Mental Mana] Competent 9 [T2:Convert Arcane to Fire Mana] Intermediate 3 [T2:Convert Arcane to Water Mana] Basic 1 [T2:Convert Arcane to Dirt Mana] Apprentice 3 [T2:Convert Arcane to Lightning Mana] Basic 1
Magic: [T6:Necromancy Magic 2] Basic 8 <[T5:Body Morphic Magic 2]> Competent 6 [T3:Soul Magic] Apprentice 2 [T3:Sustainer Magic] Intermediate 2 [T3:Illusion Magic 2] Intermediate 5 [T3:Blood Magic 2] Basic 8 [T2:Void Magic] Basic 9 [T2:Mental Magic 2] Basic 2 [T2:Light Magic] Basic 2 [Fire Magic] Competent 4 [Dirt Magic] Apprentice 9 [Water Magic] Basic 1 [Arcane Magic] Basic 1
Strength Skills: [T3:Strength Training 3] Apprentice 1 <[T2:Sword Arm 2]> Competent 2 [Yowl] Competent 3 <[Strong Grip]> Competent 1 <[Strong Lungs]> Intermediate 1 [T2:Throw Knife 2] Basic 7 [Pull] Apprentice 3 [Throw Rock] Competent 1 [Desperate Strength] Basic 3 [Mining] Intermediate 3 [Hold Ground] Basic 1
Agility Skills: [T3:Craft Textiles 3] Apprentice 4 [Cooking] Intermediate 8 <[Running]> Intermediate 9 <[Light Step]> Intermediate 1 [Fire Tender] Competent 2 [Sewing] Intermediate 8 <[Dodge]> Apprentice 9 [Knife Hand] Basic 1 [Acrobatics] Basic 1 [Quick Step] Basic 3
Perception Skills: <<[T5:Attention to Detail]>> Advanced 8 [T4:Soul Mana Sight] Competent 1 [T3:Life Mana Sight] Competent 5 [T3:Light Mana Sight] Basic 2 [T3:Void Mana Sight] Basic 1 <[T3:Permenant Blood Mana Sight]> Intermediate 2 [T2:Mental Mana Sight] Competent 9 [T2:Fire Mana Sight] Apprentice 6 [T2:Wider Vision] Basic 9 [Arcane Mana Sight] Competent 9 [Identify] Intermediate 1 [Herbalism] Apprentice 3 [Scent Memory] Intermediate 5 [Sense Emotion] Apprentice 7 [Detect Falsehood] Basic 1
Constitution Skills: [T3:Resist Crush 2] Intermediate 9 [T3:Blood Alcohol Intolerance 2] Apprentice 9 <[T3: Resist Heat 2]> Apprentice 6 [T3:Resist Blunt Force 2] Basic 1 [Resist Cut] Intermediate 6 [Resist Venom] Intermediate 6 [Resist Pierce] Competent 6 [Tough Skin] Basic 9 <[Lesser Stanima]> Competent 1 [Resist Cold] Basic 3 [Bottomless Stomach] Apprentice 2 [Triage] Basic 4 [Alcohol Tolerance] Competent 1 [Second Wind] Basic 8 <[T3:Embrace Thirst 2]> Apprentice 1 [Resist Poison] Basic 1 [Resist Sound] Apprentice 8 [Resist Bright] Basic 3
Presence Skills: <<[T10:Permanent Soul Sense]>> Apprentice 6 [T2:Acting] Basic 7 [Atlas Noble Etiquette] Intermediate 4 [Cea'Nila Noble Etiquette] Competent 2 [Tell Lie] Apprentice 7 [Mana Aura] Intermediate 7 [Aura Sense] Competent 3 [Horror Aura] Basic 8 <[Voice Control]> Competent 1 [Aura Control] Basic 1
Mental Fortitude Skills: <<[T3:Resist Mental Attacks 2]>> Apprentice 3 [T3:Resist Drain Mana 2] Apprentice 3 [T2:Resist Life] Apprentice 7 [T2:Drain Mana 2] Basic 1 [T2: Resist Void] Basic 4 [Resist Fire] Intermediate 3 [Resist Curse] Intermediate 1 [Resist Lightning] Apprentice 4 [Resist Water] Basic 3 <[T3:Embrace Bliss 2]> Apprentice 1
Intelligence Skills: [T5:Magical Programming] Apprentice 1 <[T4:Mana Manipulation]> Competent 7 [T2:Two Separate Minds 2] Intermediate 4 <[T2:Blood Regen 2]> Basic 3 [Imbue] Intermediate 8
Soul Skills: [T10:Soul Etching] Advanced 9 [T10:Vampress Matriarch] Apprentice 4 [T3: Blood Mana Core] Master 4 [T3:Void Mana Core] Master 2 [T5:Dungeon 5] Competent 2 [T3:Vampiric Blood Kinesis 2] Competent 2 [T2:Mental Mana Core] Master 2 [T2:Permanent Arcane Mana Core] Master 5 [T2:Fire Mana Core] Master 3 [Pariah Aura Manipulation] Competent 1 [Soul Core] Competent 3 [T0: Fastidious Soul Eater] Intermediate
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Combo Skills: [T4:Enchanted Embroidery 2 Agi 2 Int] Apprentice 2 [T3:False Soul Pre 1 Int 1 Exp 1] Apprentice 5 [T2:Status Screen 1 Per 1 Men] Intermediate 2 [T4:Shape Metal 2 Str 2 Con 2] Basic 2 [T3: Magical Metal Etching Str 1 Agi 1 Int 1] Competent 7 [T2:Alchemy 1 Agi 1 Int] Basic 4
Earned Titles: [Laughing Demon] [Maxwell Attendant] [Apprentice Blacksmith] [Laughing Demon Adventurer] [Basic Mage] [Laughing Demon Sanguine Priestess] [Queen] [Junior Inquisitor] [Countess-designate]
Monster Title: [Laughing Demon of Atlas]
I hadn't intentionally hid my Deity stat. I can still see it sitting at two on my own screen. Perhaps I am incapable of showing it to others. Also, am I still kitsune logic? Two tails or stat capped. I could at least have full physical stats for tier two if I swapped to my arcane or blood tail.
“Her Majesty has given her approval to your plan, but not until you are capable of accepting the core. Going by reports she has an understanding that you would be foolish enough to attempt binding the core to yourself before you are ready.”
I hold back my frown. “And why can you not hold onto the core until I am ready.”
“They are valuable things lady Sara, do not tempt others because you are too weak.” Her eyes narrow on me as my frown emerges, “The fourth and fifth layers are progressively hotter areas, you would need a higher heat resistance anyways.”
I wince as I push more mana into the fire bracelet. She notices but says nothing.
“Mother, what is this about a core?” Gastinrav asks.
“Our lady Sara here aims to integrate a [Fire Mana Core] into herself. As you can see, she definitely requires more heat.”
I huff out another frosted breath. It earns a wry smile from the lady while her son looks confused.
“You must be the second coming of Magdeline if you are strong enough to take a master core.” The boy exclaims.
His brother derides his enthusiasm, “She is the daughter of the bloody priestess, though hearing the rumors of her water trial she seems to only be as ambitious as her mother and not as talented.”
This started a row between the brothers. Ophelia simply went back to her meal. I did the same. They were still at it when we left. As we exited out the front gate of the estate a woman ran up to us.
“Excuse me, are you a [Lady] Ophelia?” She asks.
“You are being rather familiar with my name without me knowing you.”
“Apologies my [Lady]. I only had that bit of information to go by. I meant no disrespect.” An eyebrow arched, the woman continued, “Do you have a child that underwent the water trial yesterday? I was sent to go find and speak with them.”
“Of course, one moment.” Ophelia motions to the guard at the gate. “Go fetch, Jiklra. Tell him that Gotsdam wishes to speak to him.”
With that we left.
-----
We arrive at the fire trial. There was a giant piece of ice where participants would lob their magic at. The proctor was standing where the trial takers would fire from. Perhaps not trusting the young to have the best of aim.
“Apologies Lady Ophelia, I won't embarrass us by attempting this one.”
“As you wish.”
Jiklra comes stomping past us as we are leaving.
“Did the interview not go well?” Ophelia asked her son.
“I don't want to talk about it.” Was all he said as he passed us.
Ophelia stops for a moment and watches him go. He gets to the stage fairly quickly. The trial is not taking long for those attempting it. He forms a large mass of fire mana and hurtles it towards the block of ice. It splashes against the glacier but does little in terms of melting it. He gives his name and runs back.
“A good showing, my son.”
“Better than she could ever do.” He sneers, staring daggers at me. What did I do to earn his ire?
“Naturally, she knew her shortcomings and forwent this trial.”
Now it's my ire that is growing. I walk to the stage. The crowd parts with more Demon murmurs. Instead of stopping at where the proctor was I walked up to the glacier and placed my fire infused hand directly to the surface. Its coldness with my own allowed me to condense even more fire mana into my hand. Soon my hand sank in. I left my hand print in the glacier as I walked by the proctor.
“That is not the goal of this trial.” He said.
“I understand and apologize.”
“Your hand, miss” His eyes glowed green.
“Is my concern.” I left him there, returning to Ophelia and Jiklra.
“Are you insane, you're going to break your hand off.” Jiklra exclaims.
I simply wave my perfectly fine cold hand. It confuses then incensed him. Ophelia simply starts walking towards her work.
When we finally had enough distance from the crowd and her son, she spoke without looking at me. “While I understand that my words played a part, I would prefer you not provoke my son, lady Magdeline.”
I wish to bark back but decide peace was the better idea. “Of course, [Lady] Ophelia.”
-----
“Lady Sara, seeing that you are my junior, it would be remiss of me not to provide some training.” Ophelia says while looking at her notes. I suspect she is using a parallel mind.
“I still do not wish to—”
“[Detect Falsehood] is useful even if you do not grow into this role.” I give her a glare she doesn't bother looking up to meet. “Good, your focus is on me. Ask me any questions and I will respond. Tell me after if you think I am lying.”
I seeth but I do as she says, “Why does your husband not eat with us?”
“He despises you, and wishes not to be near you.”
I feel like that's a lie.
“You're lying.”
“Partially.”
I frown, “Why did you agree to take me in?”
“Starting with personal questions, I suggest you start with generic facts you already know, such as name, race, tier, level, where they were? Things like that.”
“You didn't answer the question.”
She just gives me a wry grin.
“What is your name?”
“Ophelia Griugar.”
You have gained [Detect Falsehood] Basic 2
Gain 1 exp
O right, that's her family name. I know I was being rude using her first name but not like I remembered her last. Her eyes flicked to me. Right.
“Sex?”
“No, thank you.”
Seriously.
“I can feel your anger, do control your mood better. Those you question may gain confidence if they can provoke a response from you.”
“Sex?”
“I already turned down your proposition once.”
“Race?”
“Lamia.”
You have gained [Detect Falsehood] Basic 3
Gain 1 exp
“Do you know of a way to negate mental influences?”
She raises an eyebrow to me. My irritation grows as she doesn't answer. If she would at least say something I could get a feel for what to ask next. I glower at her, willing her to speak. She just continues writing and ignoring me. Damn it. Her stupid torture reasoning creeps into my head. She gives a wry smile as if knowing that was exactly what I was thinking.
“I see you understand better now.”
My chest clenches at her words.
“I can see how forcing someone to give an answer can lead you closer to the truth.” I feel a bit colder on saying it.
She looks at me, “Then you have it wrong, it is not truth you are eliciting from our prisoners. But only what they believe to be true. They can easily be wrong or delusional. Your Watson fell into the latter category, we had to spend a great deal of time coaxing him to his current state. But seeing that you at least have acknowledged outloud the practicality of torture, I will answer your question. Wear the circlet, I don't know if it will solve your current issue. You are not suffering a mental attack but merging your memories with something far older than yourself. But that is the best I can suggest.”
She hands me the circlet. I look at the torture device. My arm is still sizzling away at my sanity. I can't let up on that training though. I've almost evolved it. Damn it. I put the circlet on. It snaps to my forehead and it feels like white noises enter my head. It gets louder as I push more mana into the trinket.
You have gained [Resist Mental Mana] Basic 1
Resist Mental Mana - hey did you know, you could of used those mental constructs in combat
Basic - your body ability to resist mental mana scales with Constitution and this skill
Gain 1 exp
“Try not to break yourself.” The door opens, Pat the executioner is there. “Ah, is it already that time again? Let's go and greet some of the more stubborn inmates. Do keep your focus on those being interrogated, lady Sara. Your skill will grow, even if you're not the one asking the questions."
-----
I did my best not to wince as Pat did his work. Almost always the questions were of accomplices and where to find them. Pat prefered method generally involving hands.
“Now, this hand is a set of lies. For each lie ya tell me, is another finger broken. Now then, how many in your crew?”
“I work alone.”
A lie. Snap.
“How many in your crew?”
“Fuck—”
Snap.
“How many.”
A pause, then a snap. Another pause, another snap.
“Only a thumb left, not much for one can do with a mangled hand but we have a special guest. She is going to restock your lies for you. Come, help our thief out, [Junior Inquisitor].”
I walk up and restore the man's hand.
“Now then, how many in your crew?”
You have gained [Detect Falsehood] Apprentice 1
Apprentice - Hey, misleading statements are almost the same as a lie, focusing will catch that too
Gain 2 exp
-----
“You don't seem to be improving much.”
[Resist Fire] becomes [Resist Fire 2] Basic 1
Resist Fire 2 - a greater ability to resist Fire magic
Basic - you can spend the remainder of your mana to block a fire attack
Gain 3 exp
“I think healing to allow more injury does little to ease my soul.” I freeze the air some more with my breath.
“That won't do, I can not shirk my duties but you are attached to me. Are there other ways we can improve your situation?”
“I can't think of anything that could apply here.”
“I would be the judge of that. Out with it.” She admonishes me.
I sigh, “Only healing by me or my order can help thaw my soul. It's generally selfless acts. Curing curses or giving away one of my cores.”
“Can you not induct more into your order then?”
I frown, hopefully she doesn't care at the moment. “It robs people of their life magic, their thirst is up to me to satisfy if they can't satisfy it themselves.”
“Hmm, so two possible candidates then.”
How does she know that? Also there are four…well six but Xena and Alicia are no goes, she must be counting only those whose race is Vampire. I glare at her. “I was willing to forgive the frown but do I need to constantly remind you to keep your emotions in check.”
“Sorry, [Lady] Ophelia.”
