by Dakota Krout
Dale took this all in stride, having heard this explanation before. He moved on to the next phase of his daily training, sitting down to cultivate. He opened himself to the Essence of the heavens and the earth, and began drawing it in. At least, he tried to. When he tried cultivating from the earth around him, instead of Essence, a thick corruption began to flow into him; forcing him to stop cultivating immediately. Worried that he had just damaged his Center, he looked within himself… and was shocked by what he saw.
He had traced the flows of Essence through his meridians since coming back to life, but hadn’t really looked at his Center- well, not beyond a cursory check to feel his ranking. Now looking closely, he found that his Center was contained entirely in a Beast Core! Inspecting it mentally, he found Runes delicately carved in the gemstone which allowed his Essence to flawlessly integrate with his body, sending and receiving Essence to and from his meridians. He searched for an explanation, but the only solution that came to mind was that the dungeon truly had messed with his body. He needed to find answers, but with a start remembered why he was inspecting himself in the first place.
He searched for any hint of the corruption that he had absorbed, but did not see anything in his meridians or Center/Core to show that he had absorbed any of the taint. Frowning, he opened himself up and cultivated, again only getting corruption for his efforts. Quickly stopping, he followed the Corruption as it raced to his Center, but right before it entered… the taint vanished.
Frowning he focused harder on his meditation, and realized that there were tiny Beast Cores around his Center! One of them had a soft brown glow, and he realized that the tiny gem had absorbed all of the corruption he had taken in. He wanted to ask Craig about this development for a moment, but ultimately decided to keep it to himself. He tried a slightly subtler question first, just to test the waters.
“Craig, why couldn’t Rose cultivate before going into the dungeon?” Dale asked his mentor, explaining about Rose’s dual affinity channels when Craig asked who she was.
“Oh, that explains it.” Craig nodded sagely, “To cultivate with multiple affinities, you need to draw Essence from a source containing both of them at the same time, else you will only draw in corruption. If she had tried to cultivate before, she would have shortened her lifespan a good deal. Let me amend that a bit, I say ‘same source’ which could mean getting fire and earth from molten metal or lava, but a high enough concentration of both in an area would allow for cultivation.”
“I see. So, if someone somehow opens an affinity channel, they would need to cultivate both types at the same time. Therefore, if it were earth and fire, they’d need to be around burning earth such as lava or melted metal? There isn’t a way around it?” Dale was drawing memories from a half-forgotten conversation that took place months ago.
“Correct, but opening a second channel is unwise as it can ruin people. Increase your rank too fast and it can lead to health issues or an unstable Center. Also, increasing your rank can hurt you if you do it too fast. If you keep smashing through your limits without giving your body a chance to acclimate to the new power, your flesh may not be strong enough to contain it.” Craig informed him ominously, making Dale remember his rapid — forced — advancement to the D-ranks.
“That is why Nobles — with their cultivation techniques that draw in so much more Essence than we are able — need to constantly train their bodies at the same time. Typically, the young ones spend ten hours a day exercising or fighting, and have healers on hand to fix the torn muscles and damaged flesh when they over train. They actually only cultivate an hour each day, but can absorb as much Essence in that time as most can in a month. Also, they are the only cultivators that bother with the E-ranking.”
Dale was dumbfounded at the effort that Nobles had to put into their cultivation, “How old are they when they get into the B-ranks? Wait, E-rank? I haven’t seen anyone in that rank that I know of…”
“Ah yes. The ‘echo’ rank. The E-rank is obviously between the F and D ranks, it is a process where a strong cultivator — usually their parent — ‘echoes’ their cultivation technique into the target person. This ‘attunes’ the new cultivator’s body to Essence and allows for more rapid growth, since there are less impurities for the body to purge as a cultivator increases their rank. Of course, this process has its own risks. As for the rest… hmmm.”
Well,” Craig thought a moment, “ascending into the B-ranks is not as easy as breaking into the D or C ranks. Just absorbing Essence is not enough; you need to make a connection to a fundamental law of the universe. That is, you need to learn the true name of a concept to channel your Essence through, and bind your aura and cultivation base to it. This binding has to be compatible with the Essences that you use, so that you can exchange your varied Essences for Mana.”
“Let me guess,” Dale muttered dryly, “it really hurts.”
Craig looked at him admonishingly, then grunted and nodded slowly. “Nothing in our world worth having is gained without pain and effort. This process in particular is quite punishing, which is why there are so few Mages ascending each year. The connection allows Mana to flow through you, replacing all bonds of Essence with bonds of Mana. The Mage ascendant is literally ripped apart at the smallest level and rebuilt with Mana. I’m told there is nothing more painful known.”
“Naturally.” Dale shook his head, “Back to my point then, how long does it take them to reach the peak of the C-ranks?”
“They begin training their bodies at age five. They are shown how to cultivate very pure Essence at six, just so they don’t become corrupted as they grow. At fifteen, they are tested to see if their bodies can survive the harsh conditions needed. Most fail, and are tested again at age twenty.” Craig began his lecture, settling into a familiar cadence as he talked.
“From fifteen to twenty, they begin to open their meridians, and their physical training is doubled. Twenty hours a day. When they are tested at twenty years old, those who are deemed acceptable are given their family’s cultivation techniques. Those who fail… well. They are given what are known as ‘branch family’ techniques. These techniques are intentionally not as good as the main family technique, it is meant to keep them subservient to the main branch. By twenty-two, they are expected to reach the D-Ranks. By the age of twenty-five the C-ranks, at which point they are considered adults in their families. By thirty, they are usually almost ready to ascend into the B-rankings.”
“Considered children till twenty-five?” Dale was aghast. In the mountains, the average lifespan was forty years. By twenty-five most couples had several children. He was considered odd back in his old village for not going out to find a wife, but he had been too busy before finding the dungeon. Now he was busy for other reasons.
Craig nodded, “Not quite. They are considered children until they reach the C-ranks, but some geniuses have been known to do this in their early teens. What is wrong with being considered a child, though? When you are going to live for several hundred years, and you don’t need to worry about income, food, or health issues… why not?”
“Wow. I cannot even imagine that kind of life! I had always seen royals as pampered, spoiled brats.” Dale muttered a bit too loud, making Craig wince and look around, muttering worriedly about treason. Dale looked up and noted the position of the sun, realizing that he needed to leave if he wanted to make it to his meeting on time. “Thank you, Craig. See you tomorrow then.”
“So long.” Craig waved, “Careful with the almost-treason…”
Dale made his way to the church, avoiding stumbling drunks that seemed to be everywhere. The Guild was providing free beer and ale while they built defenses around the dungeon entrance, and people were certainly enjoying and taking advantage of this benefit. Walking onto the stairs, Dale was greeted by a pale, sweaty, and exhausted looking Adam.
“Adam! Are you alright?” Dale asked his friend, concern evident in his voice.
“Yeah… just… exhausted…” Ad
am panted, “This… way…” He led Dale into the church, stopping at a door and waving him through. He seemed to fold in half as his head sank down, trying to catch his breath.
“Um. Thank you, Adam. Don’t die.” Dale walked into the room ignoring the glare sent his way. The other members of the council were there, including Tyler — who looked very nervous around these powerful individuals.
“Thank you all for coming. We are here to discuss the growing population around the Dungeon, and what steps we need to take in order to make this a successful settlement and not just a work camp.” Dale announced, taking the chair pointed at by Madame Chandra. “Dinner should be on the-” He looked over as the door swung open to reveal covered platters. “Ah. Dinner is here, thank you Madame. Let’s eat, and then we will start our discussions.”
After the last plate had been cleared, and everyone was sufficiently stuffed, Dale asked all non-council members to leave and resumed the conversation. “I have been failing myself, and my people, by foisting the responsibility of running the city onto other people. Today I was reminded that allowing others to run my life could only lead me to ruin. Not that I think my counselors don’t have my best intentions in mind, of course.” He qualified his statement as a few frowns appeared on the faces around him. “I simply think that it is time to start making this into a safe, secure settlement.”
“Dale, I hate to have to be the one to bring this up,” Frank cleared his throat, “but you are hardly qualified to run the area as a camp, let alone a city. If, on the other hand, you were willing to sign a few of the landowner rights over to me, I-” Frank was cut off as the others jumped in loudly, denouncing Frank and trying to explain how they were the most qualified to run the place.
Father Richard was almost shouting, “This place needs the moral guidance only I can provi-”
“I can plan the organization easier than anyone! My access to logistical-” Amber hissed.
“I am stronger than all of you-” Chandra smirked belligerently.
“STOP!” Dale released a roaring growl at all of the surprised faces, “I will not be ceding my rights to any of you! Or to anyone else! This is my land, and I’ll fight to the God-blasted death to keep it!” He stared them down until they looked away, blushing at their behavior. “I have already taken steps to correct my deficiencies as an administrator. Madame Chandra, if you would order what we discussed, I have recently come into enough money to purchase the memory stones.”
“What?” Frank coughed as he realized his constant interruptions were starting to make him look bad, as though he had ulterior motives. “I mean, didn’t we discuss that I would provide any teachers you needed?”
“You did,” Dale agreed, “but I need more than just fighting instructors. Madame Chandra is taking care of the details for me, so please don’t worry that I am going to pass the cost off on to you. Now, if all personal concerns can be set to the side, there is some business to discuss.”
“Go ahead, Dale. I’m fairly certain you have all of our attention.” Amber chimed in ruefully.
Dale nodded, “Good. I have had some major issues come to light today. Walking around, not looking for trouble at all,” Richard snorted softly at these words, “I came across a merchant being robbed. Tyler, our newest counselor can attest to this firsthand. I took care of the bodies after I stopped the thieves, but it never should have been allowed to get to that point.” Dale looked around at faces that were rapidly turning to boredom.
“Also, I have been noticing large piles of garbage and waste. The paths, such as they are, turn to mud if there is so much as a hint of rain. Living quarters are erected haphazardly, and there is almost no organization. I need to find a new path to breakfast almost every day!”
The others shrugged a bit, most of this had no effect on their lives. No one would dare try to rob them, and a simple cycle of Essence made mud fall away from their feet. Sure, breakfast was important, but they all had it delivered to them in the morning. To top it off, they were nearly immune to disease due to their power. Dale looked around, shocked that the entire council — except Tyler, who was nodding along — seemed not to care at all.
Dale powered onward, “We need a guard force that protects the people here, someone that knows about sanitation to take care of our issues, and a city planner that can lay the groundwork for buildings and roads. Also, we need to designate areas for bathing and cooking. Drinking fouled water again really isn’t particularly high on my to-do list.”
Frank started talking a bit condescendingly, “Dale, I think you are putting too much thought into this, without really thinking at all. For one thing, finding people to do those mundane jobs will be rather difficult around here. Also, how are you going to pay for this? Your personal wealth may be rather high for people your age, but it isn’t enough to fund a city.”
“I may be able to allay your concerns, Guild leader.” A voice sprang from the shadows of the room. The Dark Elf Brianna stepped into the light, pulling a chair out and seating herself. Only the shock of not noticing her until this point kept the others from attacking her.
Frank’s eyes narrowed, “Oh? Who are you, and why should I not kill you and throw your corpse in the dungeon to rot for interrupting us? Dark Elf.” A nimbus of Mana-powered light had appeared around each of the Mages in the room as soon as Brianna’s presence was known. Dark Elves had bad reputations after all.
“To answer your questions in order, I am Princess Brianna of the Huine nation, the ambassador charged with securing good relations with the person in control of the land a Silverwood tree is growing upon. Also, a full member of the council.” Shocked faces looked at Dale, who nodded, “As for the second question…” Her eyes flashed and Frank found himself blind while a blade tickled his neck. Brianna breathed softly into his ear, “Because you can’t.”
Vision returning, Frank looked at the Elf who had not seemed to move from her relaxed position on the chair. “You’re a god's-blasted Moon Elf.” He spat on the floor.
“Hmm.” Was her uncaring reply. “Sorry I’m late Dale, no one told me about the meeting. I just happened to find out about it.”
Dale nodded, trying desperately not to show that he had forgotten she existed. “Thank you for finding out and attending. Since I had been unable to get notice to you, I wouldn’t have held it against you. You mentioned you may have some solutions to our problems?”
“I do indeed. I would be more than happy to provide a guarding force that will patrol the grounds unseen. That way, there will be no interruption to business and crime will be handled… quietly. I already have several contacts on the way to fill the positions of city administrator and sanitation officer.” Her slouched, relaxed position never changed during this speech.
“Pah! And what will this cost us?” Frank barged into the conversation.
Brianna eyed him like a tasty morsel, “Oh? Now it is ‘us’? I do believe that you were attempting to drop the entire cost on Dale a moment ago, just so you could ignore the issues.” Frank paled a bit without looking at Dale. Brianna continued, “No, we care little for gold and such nonsense. We will need a small area to set up a barracks, an administration office, and an embassy if it won’t be too much trouble.” This was directed at Dale.
“You will have it, let’s allow the city planner to plot the best locations for that.” Dale agreed, speaking slowly to attempt to appear as if he were actually considering the offer. “I don’t want a haphazard layout like I saw in the capitol a while ago. I want clear line-of-sight and easily defensible areas. To that point, defenses. We need walls, stone roads if possible, maybe also areas that people will be able to take shelter in if caught in the weather. Winter is fast approaching.”
Dale cut off Frank when he started blustering again, “Yes, I know it will cost money, Guild leader. Anyone have an idea about how to raise the funds?”
There was silence for a moment, then Chandra spoke up. “Well, I have been wondering why you have not been collecting a fee fr
om people living here. That and you have not been taxing those that enter the dungeon. The Guild is charging their members, but there is a huge amount of money leaving, without any coming into your coffers.”
Dale almost knocked himself out slapping himself in the forehead. “Seriously?! Why has that not been…?” He took a deep breath, “Well. I seem to recall being told that the council was formed to protect the area and had my best interests in mind. That has been proven false on yet another issue. Thank you for bringing it up now at least.”
The other members winced, fearing that they were about to lose their chance to influence the area. Or worse, be told to leave. Instead, Dale surprised them. “From now on, council meetings are going to be an open discussion, as we’ve always done in the mountains. Anyone with an issue — who has a stake in this future city’s success — will be allowed to speak to the council without retribution.”
Dale sighed as the people around him made faces. “This means landowners, merchants, and people that live in the area and enter the dungeon. People that only show up to challenge the dungeon get no say, and will have a heavier tax on goods taken from the dungeon. My council will hear the complaints of the people living here, and bring a plan of action to the city administrator to try and fix as many issues as possible. Never forget — please — that the final say will always be mine, and I hold the right to revoke any decision.”
“I know it is not possible to please everyone, and that is not my intent. If there are real issues that have an impact on people, we need to address them. That is my focus. Start collecting a fee from anyone who exits the dungeon, and make sure they sign a simple contract before they enter that will compel them to pay a fair amount. Unless there are other items to discuss, we are done here for the evening.” Dale looked around, but everyone else was shaking their heads. “Anyone want off the council after hearing this new information?”
