Bonded Summoner - Book 5. Chapter 41: Divine Visit

From what Jake could tell, many of the Divine were there as mental projections, only some divinity leaking from them and washing over the plaza. However, whatever it was that was different about them, Hestia and the Celtic Divine had clearly invested more in theirs.

The crowd parted, giving a bit of space to the divine, and many of the clergy beastkin gathered in the front row. Jake’s family moved on ahead to stand close to their Divine as their Champions.

Hestia stood in more homely robes, much like those she wore when they visited her home as mental projections–rather than her battle garb. She had a motherly smile, as she addressed the crowd.

“Congratulations, Highlands! For you have won this war, a well-fought battle that will be the talk for generations to come. The Conquest Game was short, but your people have struggled against the enemy for a thousand years. Rejoice, for your hardships have ascended your fates. The world has been improved in quality, soon returning to its former glory and beyond. The Alliance and Tartarus are now aware of the beastkin of Highland’s heroism, and I know that this is only just the beginning.”

Cernunnos strode forward, and gave his wide smile full of teeth. “There has not been a beastkin of the second Tier for a thousand years. But soon, those that reach it under the Framework will be given a choice. Stay connected to their home, the Heart of the World, or evolve and become more self-reliant. In addition, all beastkin will be given a class, to be guided more directly by the Framework.”

Brigid was in her owl beastkin form of wisdom once again, as she joined her husband at his side. “We divine are here to congratulate you, but also to thank you. You fought hard, and you suffered without our aid. You struggled, and kept your faith over all these years. Your loyalty to your values has served you well, and will be a shining beacon that banishes the darkness in this Sector.”

Lugh added, “This Sector needs Highland’s heroism. We Divine are hoping that you will continue to protect the balance, continuing the fight across many worlds. Soon, there will be a vote for Highland’s participation in a War Trial. It will bring Highlands in danger once again, but it will allow it to ascend fate once more if it is successful. Sharpen your claws, and prepare for the day this choice comes.”

Arawn looked imperiously over the beastkin. “It was a hard-won battle, requiring vast wisdom and leadership. I thank you all, for allowing the Emberborn to live here. You have taken on new races from other worlds, welcoming refugees to join your community as brethren. Your ability to find harmony with others will serve you well, for the multiverse is full of those with a desire for a home. Continue to grow your wisdom and compassion, and evil will always fail to find victory here.”

Hestia smiled. “Now, we Divine are here because this is a special occasion–beyond just the success of this world’s Conquest Game success. For on this day, Jake Hart and his Hearthtribe, along with Warrior Brotherhood, defeated the boss within the Prime Instance–despite blatant cheating from our enemy. The Framework has penalized Tartarus for this action, and today, not only was Highlands saved–but several others.”

The dimensional map was displayed, a massive holographic image for all beastkin in the plaza to see. The section of the Yggdrasil in which Highlands was contained was in the center, enlarged and highlighted in blue. An animation occurred, where beams of green shot out to several worlds, almost six worlds were affected.

Jake frowned. Just how could so many worlds be influenced? He supposed the idea that had Jake and his family fell and Tartarus won, this world would have been consumed. As recompense for its cheating, Tartarus would likely need to give up another world instead.

Hestia winked at Jake. “You might be thinking, why were six worlds saved? To answer that, not every world is equal. While I am a firm believer that the lives on it are, each world has its own circumstances, its levels of abundance and value. A barren desert is simply not worth as much as a lush valley, to us or our enemy. Tartarus had to offer up enough equal value, to pay for its transgressions. But that would hardly be a penalty, if we only matched Highlands!”

Cernunnos gave a vicious smile, chuckling darkly. “The enemy is wicked, and only by punishing it with penalties can we control its behavior. It is for moments like these that we decided to fight this war in this fashion in the first place, to benefit from this horror’s hatred. For now, we shall take our pound of flesh for its mistake, earning much more than just what might have been lost.”

Guan Yu chuckled as he strode forward, stroking his long beard. He gestured, and the map showed even more worlds lighting up in a lighter green color. “Even before this monster’s cheating, your struggle has eased the suffering of many. Your fight was filled with courage and strength both, and now many of these worlds just need another push for victory. Thanks to you, there is much opportunity for success in this Sector. I cannot thank you and apologize to you enough for your efforts, the sacrifices of your people on their behalves.”

The demigod was referring to how the additional Rifts continued to spawn at even higher rates, despite their Conquest Ownership. This was a sign of additional investment from Tartarus. When they reclaimed the two headquarters, the spawns should have slowed, but if anything, they only increased.

Those Rifts had to come from somewhere, and they were at a significant cost for their enemy from its overall war within the Sector itself. With the right response and followup from the Alliance, many more worlds could be won.

Hestia smiled. “It is because of that, that Clan Hart and Hearthtribe’s impact on the overall war in their Sector has been momentous. It is an understatement to say that their meritorious service within their Tier has been unmatched, and it is for that reason that Knight Jake Hart will be bestowed the noble rank of Baron. Your planetary ruler will provide the world of Highlands with many benefits, as the Framework will invest in him in return.” She turned to Jake, her smile beaming. “Congratulations, my Champion.”

The crowd cheered, the beastkin and many allies clapping, stomping, and roaring with fervor, as Jake was covered in a golden light, his authority being added to him.

The Divine spent a time thanking their clergy for their faith and their oaths, meeting and even shaking hands or even embracing with each one.

Fhesiah met with Bastet, who handed over her teleportation ticket, for her to travel to the Battlegrounds.

“Can you tell me anything more about this now?” Fhesiah looked at it with a bit of desire, but also melancholy. As much as she was excited to collect what she needed for her path, she was not excited to leave.

Bastet smiled. “Now that the conquest is complete, I can say a bit more. It is a Battlegrounds in another Sector. While I said my followers required help, that wasn’t the full picture. This is definitely a cultivator event, and while there may be some of my people present, there are also many that resonate well with me in need of aid.”

She sighed. “They are cultivators, like you. Their culture is not one willing to work with the Framework. But if you convinced some to join, it would make all the difference. My Task for you is to protect my people, but also expand my influence and win the Battleground.”

“It is a complicated event, where cultivators can form their cores. There are dangers both within and above your Tier, but also various treasures. It is a meshing of lost territories collected by Yggdrasil, which cultivators will find interesting, but also dangerous. Even you will need to be careful with your strength, though the Framework will protect your soul. There is a two month time limit for the event.”

“Thank you for the opportunity, mother. I will not let you down.”

Bastet smiled, and pulled Fhesiah into a hug. “I know that, child. Whatever happens, I do believe you will be all the stronger for it.”

Echidna was a sight to see, as she hugged Vesuvius and Darris. Her immense body made them look like tiny children, and Jake thought the reptile men were blushing as they were cradled in her large arms.

Many spriggons joined, climbing up Bloodberri and Echidna. The reptilian parentage beastkin were filled with fervor, meeting a true goddess in person.

Warrior Brotherhood received some kind words from their patron, him thanking them for their service. He encouraged them to continue growing their friendships with the people of Highlands, and to continue their duty.

Jake and his wives all met with each of the Divine once again, and Guan Yu informed them that he would be joining them after Fhesiah’s Battleground for his mentorship visit.

The event eventually ended, the divine all disappearing just as they had come–except for Hestia. She smiled at Jake, looking almost expectantly.

Jake tried to think of what she might want. “Would you like to visit our home, Hestia? We’ve–”

“I’d love to, my Champion! Let us go, I’ve been dying to visit your place once more, and not just as an unmoving statue.”

He opened the portal to their Refuge, the Goddess entering their home together along with all of them. Entering their living room, the hearth crackled with brilliant flames, sending light and warmth into their home.

“I really love what you’ve done with the place, Hart family. Now, I know you are wondering about holding off on ascending to the next Tier, to make more impact. However, there is a problem.”

A notification appeared on their Menus, and Jake was shown various figures. It was an accounting of Jake and his party’s CP earnings. But not his Contribution Points, which were what he could spend–the Conquest Points which were in the background, tracked for the overall impact he’d made on the war within the Sector.

The two were linked, but often, rewards were given out in different ways than simply the contribution points which could be directly spent. Not only with items, but also merit toward things like class upgrades and even being awarded personal potential through special skills.

“The Fortress Assault netted you quite a bit, defeating four Tier 2 Champions is no small feat. Then, you defeated four more, two of which were Tier 3, along with an Enforcer. Two Alliance Headquarter Reclamations, Two Greater Rifts, and a Dungeon Raid Prime Instance. Then, the overall conquest impact of all the actions on Highlands was more than doubled, thanks to penalizing Tartarus for its cheating. Any one of these things is usually enough to change the course of the war for a single world, but you accomplished many of them. For better or for worse, you are now at the Alliance Cap in this Sector for your Tier.”

He understood the reason for the Cap was twofold. The first was a sort of anti-ringer effect, that went both ways. If some ultimate warrior was able to win every single fight but simply stayed at the peak of their Tier, it could win all the worlds of that Tier. This would probably be even more problematic for the Alliance, as they relied on stealing potential for growth.

With enough wins, that elite warrior would cause a win of the Sector, more or less by themselves by winning all events at that Tier. While this counter didn’t reset on leaving the Sector, it was reduced. The elite warrior could travel to another sector and make its impact again, though their difficulty or cost associated with bringing them to the field was high.

Jake was a little worried about what this meant for Fhesiah and her Battleground. That meant the difficulty for her would be risky.

Jake frowned. “So, that means we are not allowed to take part in any more conquest in this Sector? What about another?”

Hestia nodded. “You could leave to another Sector to do more, but I advise against it. There are restrictions on knowledge gained outside for when you return, and aside from Fhesiah’s cultivator Battleground, the time taken in mere travel will result in a tremendously inefficient use of your time. Then, this world just re-entered the second Tier. For Hearthtribe to continue to operate on it, your Guild must be. The grace period begins soon, for you to create your subguilds and more.”

Jake supposed they had done a lot at this Tier. They could focus on the next one.

Hestia smiled. “You’ve done so much, and in such a short time. The scope of the war is immense, and it is time for you to move to a new stage. Now, I do want you to have some time for some rest and relaxation before I give you your next Task. I would like you to take a period of five years with no participation in conquest–you have more than earned it.”

There was much excitement in Jake and his girls, at the idea of having such a long vacation. However, Ophelia was saddened.

She entreated, “But that’s so long. There are people all over the multiverse suffering and dying. There is so much that we could accomplish in five years, so many that we can save! If in just a few months–”

Hestia suddenly hugged Ophelia to her chest, a sad smile on her face. “Of course, this is true. A hero’s work is never done, suffering always present in our existence. Evil always needing to be vanquished, the weak always requiring protection. However, it is my firm belief that what Jake said before is exactly right–it takes a village.”

She continued, “If your family continues making sacrifices by taking on the burden alone, cracks in your family will begin to appear as you become frayed around the edges in exhaustion. Your pillar of greatness will have propped everyone up, and Tartarus will find these cracks and shatter it, sending everything tumbling down. I ask not that you take a vacation for yourselves, but to build up your allies. Strengthen your bonds, and prepare yourselves for what’s to come.”

Berri offered, “And make babies?”

Hestia smiled, letting go of Ophelia and spreading her arms wide. “And make babies! Children are our future, a shining beacon of hope and infinite potential. Our next generation of heroes is yet to be born, and they shall continue the fight with their hopes and dreams. Your family holds a wide array of goals, but all share having a beautiful family with many children. It would be a tragedy for you to forever be stuck unable to have your children, too busy with the war and the lessening of other’s suffering.”

“Now, I did say that I did not want you to participate in conquest for five years. I certainly didn’t say I wanted you to do nothing! In six months, you can visit Earth for its Integration event. Fhesiah has her Battleground, and your mentors should visit soon. Within two years, you will have to finish everything with your subguilds, as your grace period ends.”

Jake nodded. “Valtor and Amara are already working on this. We will be working hard to build up Hearthtribe, and all the other subguilds.”

Hestia smiled. “I’m proud of your accomplishments already. Beyond that, how you use your period is up to you. I hope that while you slow down and enjoy some familial bliss, you also prepare as you always do. The War Trial is coming, and while it is an event that will span potentially hundreds of years, our Great Enemy would love for you to be weak.”

Jake nodded. They would slow down, but they would never stop. His family would continue to train, but try to enjoy life to the fullest. To recharge their batteries, and prepare themselves for the next great battles.

He knew that, especially for the next Tier, it was like they required a Doctorate in Alliance Combat Science. The amount of knowledge he required to be informed enough to lead in the upcoming conflicts was going to be immense.

As a Baron, it was entirely possible that he wouldn’t just lead his own forces–but also others from many worlds.

She smiled. “There’s one more thing–you will likely want to visit your other worlds. I picked you some good ones, I’m sure you’ll like them.”

Jake’s wives beamed at the idea that now was the ruler of not just Highlands but many others, but Jake gawked at her. “Other worlds? Don’t tell me…the six of them?” He hardly had the ability to wrap around the responsibility of just one world in this way.

Hestia chuckled. “Not quite, how we were able to apply the conquest from the penalty meant that not all of it could be applied to you–there are limits to these things. You earned two new Tier 1 worlds, and I think they should be compatible. Now, why don’t you use your tokens on your Refuge and your Hearth? There should be a special surprise, for Baron Jake.” Hestia winked.

Putting the other worlds aside for now, he first triggered the token on the Refuge. A wave of golden light flashed out, and nothing really changed, as they looked around. He did feel a shift, but otherwise, didn’t notice anything different.

Hestia smiled. “Here, let me help.”

[T2 Refuge – Baron – General Information]

[Your Refuge now travels at an accelerated pace, at five times the previous.]

[The Refuge is now capable of creating a localized footprint, anywhere in the world. Through quantum projections, people from the world designated as Home can visit even if Refuge is in transit.

You may now teleport anywhere within your Refuge, even in the localized footprint.]

[Warning – Refuge is not currently designed with a proper footprint. Please create a footprint using standard materials, and ensure a proper foundation for placement.]

[Would you like to designate the current docked world of Highlands as Home? This can be undone, but will require time and materials.]

Jake raised his brow, but instantly selected yes. His family had long since decided that this would be their home, so long as the beastkin accepted them.

Tanda cheered. “Great, it became even better, having the feature like I wanted! Let’s find a great place to put our house.”

Jake’s wives all got excited, and Jake did too. He loved the idea that they could place their home somewhere special, near their friends.

He noticed that there were dozens of entries that detailed special additions that he could accomplish in his Refuge thanks to being a Baron, and because he had upgraded the Refuge to the second Tier. He would have to explore them all later.

As far as their home, Jake thought he mostly understood the Framework’s complaint. Right now, the Refuge walls were made from the strange Refuge-only materials, that were likely beyond their Tier.

No matter how hard they smashed into the walls, not even a single chip had occurred. Often, they had to add onto the walls a lining of a weaker material wherever there was training, to keep themselves from smashing into something much harder than them.

Then, the design of their home was a little strange because it merely floated in the void. It more represented a strange upside-down pyramid or cube with branching spikes and paths that made things convenient. Tanda’s forest jutted off to the side of the first floor, but then a lake and pool extending a different direction next to their gym on another.

Jake imagined if they set down their refuge as it was, even if they somehow picked a decent location, the lopsided pyramid would merely tip over or something like this. It was not designed like a real home.

Hestia clapped her hands together. “Now, I know Jake and you girls would love to design yourself a home, and I don’t mean to take that away from you. But you have some plans and will be a bit busy for a time–would you mind if I help with a good starting point? I promise that you won’t regret it.”

Tanda brought a claw to her mouth. “Uh, I guess not? We can just change it later, right?” She blushed, as she realized her first thought was to tear down what a goddess had made. “I really like to make my own nest!”

Hestia chuckled. “Of course. I know this is true for all of you. I normally wouldn’t even offer, but I do want to reduce the burden for you. After all, there are some things you may not have accounted for in your upcoming plans.”

Fhesiah and Blood seemed to nod at this. Their communication buzzed between the four of Jake’s wives, before Ophelia said, “Okay! We’ll take your help. Thank you!”

A wave of light ran out, and their Refuge shifted. The room they were standing in remained mostly unchanged, except for the walls, clearly shifting to a new material. Some minor things shifted in his kitchen, and Jake understood that the location of the room itself shifted.

Hestia then helped him by bringing up a hologram of their Refuge, which is what would help them teleport within until they got the hang of things. The girls all gasped when it appeared.

Berri made a pleased hum. “That looks really pretty! I like it.”

Ophelia noted, “It looks like it’ll be for on a hill or mountain? It looks like a beautiful manor!”

It was a gorgeous mansion with an extensive garden and a fountain in front of it. The home had an ascetic that reminded Jake of the Greek temples he had seen, with marble pillars for a front porch area. A classy wooden double door led into the home, with the twin staircases going up to the second floor.

Their rooms mostly stayed the same, though the layout of where they appeared had changed. The mansion had several wings, and since they could teleport, he realized that where they were located hardly mattered.

The building certainly appeared as though it was designed to be on a hill or mountain, as the rear had what appeared to be an underground passage, but starting from the second floor. Their pool or lake appeared to still be attached, and now Jake wondered where this was meant to go.

Hestia hummed. “Well, you have three choices to remain nearby a Headquarters. All have hills, mountains and lakes available there. Highlands is changing, maybe wait a bit and see what happens? It might become clear to you then.”

She smiled. “We can consider this a small gift from me to your family, something that bears no impact on your combat capability. Now, let’s see what happens with your Hearth token?”

Jake then triggered the token on the Hearth. Their only Divine item, it was perhaps the single most important item they had. The hours they spent training, learning, relaxing, and otherwise enjoying were all enhanced by it.

Without it, they never could have accomplished what they had. There simply weren’t enough hours in the day, and they would be exhausted after every battle. Instead, it kept them empowered and restored, ready for the next conflict.

It lit up, the flame of their refuge becoming brighter and even more brilliant. At the edges of his vision when he stared at it, Jake thought he saw prismatic flames, like when he created the Heroic Scorching Ray.

The mana density in the room increased, until it felt well beyond even that within their mana font. However, instead of the energy being heavy and bearing down on them, it felt soothing.

Energy filled their bodies, and the amount of auril in the room felt like it had especially increased. It almost felt like Jake had eaten one of Fhesiah’s very first auril pills, as his Hearth greedily sucked down the energy.

[T2 Hearth of the Refuge, Divine Grade]

[Middle T2 Energy Density in Refuge (Docked–Highlands)]

[Added: Drawing additional energies from the void, your Refuge Hearth is now influenced by where it is docked. Acts as an energy vortex, aiding the world in drawing extra energy from the Yggdrasil.

When not docked to a Contested World, Regenerate Divine Energy at 10x the speed. 3x Speed while Docked. Takes 3 days of being undocked to reach the higher Divine energy regeneration. Upgradeable.]

He realized that with Highlands no longer contested, the amount of Divine Energy within should increase drastically from now on. They would be able to spend much more time effectively practicing with this, and the amount of progress they could make each day was exceptional.

Staring at the flames, Jake felt a special connection to it. His girls flanked him with the goddess standing near, and he couldn’t help but imagine the good times that they would have in their home together in the future.

Each day they fought or accomplished their goals, they would always come home to their Refuge. They created their memories, sharing their fears and joys as they relaxed and lived. It started as Jake’s prison, but now it was a key part of his life. It had grown on him, and he couldn’t imagine being without it.

“It’s really something, isn’t it?”

Hestia’s words startled Jake out of his reverie, before she continued.

“The hearth protects families from the cold with its warmth, and it enables them to cook their food. It brings them together like few things do, the need to relax in front of it when they are weary resonating with them down to their very soul. It is just a flame that burns and destroys, but people have taken it and evolved beyond just simple beasts, making it accomplish so much more.”

She smiled. “A family makes a home, but a hearth keeps it. The family’s sacrifices as fuel are the glue that holds it together, their unconditional love and compassion for one another that allows them to ascend above their baser instincts. A strong family is an asset to any community, a pillar that holds the weight and glory of society, allowing a people to be more.”

Hestia winked. “But I’m a little biased in thinking that. Now, there was a final piece of business. You may have forgotten, Jake–but you’ve finished my Task.”

Jake frowned. “Task?”

Fhesiah laughed, slapping Jake’s back. “The Task! Hestia asked you to save the beastkin of Highlands. Remember?”

Ophelia chuckled, and shook her head–having the same thoughts as Jake. “That feels like a lifetime ago. I think we were so focused on the fight, that we forgot we were tasked with doing it. I know I wanted to help the beastkin so badly once we arrived, we’d have done it without you even asking!”

Tanda smiled and hugged Jake and Ophelia to her, her tail wagging. “We thank you! You all did your Task so wonderfully!”

Hestia laughed. “I know this. It is why I gave it in the first place–a Task or Quest that you would have done on your own without reward, should I have made you aware of their plight. Still, it was a near impossible task, one that if you failed, millions of lives would have been lost. Not only did you accomplish it, you did it in a way that few could say you could have done better. You carried out my will, representing me as my Champion, becoming the savior of Highlands.”

She continued, “Not only did you accomplish my Task, but you built faith in me that will persist in Highlands forever, raising hundreds and thousands of clergy to spread my will further in this Frontier Sector. For that reason, this reward is well deserved, but compared to the weight of an entire world, will fill weak in comparison. Part of your reward will be unseen, going into you and your family’s potential instead.”

She gestured, and his Champion’s Spear-Staff appeared out of his storage ring, along with the Mythic T2 Upgrade Token.

Originally a Legendary item, it had served him well. However, Jake thought they were not that far off from being able to craft something better with their own skills. Aside from representing Hestia’s Authority, the magical focus and runic prism were special but mostly reproducible. It was certainly made of a sturdy material, and even holding it made him stronger at casting spells.

However, as combat had escalated, their abilities such as him being able to create his Hearthblade, or its poor compatibility with auril, he had outgrown the weapon. He definitely valued his new shield over the staff, being able to float it around and accomplish different tasks.

Hestia smirked, as a small flame formed on her hand, and she flew it into the spear staff. It melted, and the token lit up and disappeared, as the flames brightened. Eventually, the divine flames of Hestia congealed into an object that looked a lot like Fhesiah’s Torch.

However, Jake knew it was his–he could feel it. He felt a special connection to it, and he moved it with his thoughts to bring it floating toward him. Sticking out his hand, a flame grew out of the bottom in the shape of a spear or staff shaft.

Grasping it with his hands, the hearth at the top billowed flames brighter than before. The fire felt solid in his hands, and as one might expect, did not harm him. His hearth core was connected to it, and he then formed his hearth blade and flew it around.

It was like Ophelia’s Hearth of Hestia ability, but permanent.

[Hestia’s Champion Hearth – Divine Grade]

[Scaling Weapon. Gains additional effects and strength with level.]

[Adds 20% Effectiveness of Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma]

[Adds 20% Effectiveness with runes.]

[Special Ability: Acts as a minor mana font, drawing and storing additional energies from the void. It is nearly indestructible, and can act as a target for Hearth abilities. Represents Hestia’s authority. Those who gaze upon this flame will feel safe and at home.]

It was a powerful item. It would allow Jake to be an even stronger marathon fighter, able to accomplish even more over a longer fight as it drew in additional mana. The item was versatile, in that he could use it in countless ways.

In a way, however, it was like it was downgraded. It no longer had the runic prisms, but he could always just use his many spell rods. As a person who spent most of his time casting rather than in the thick of the melee, he wondered if he could make up for the lack of them.

Hestia hummed as she tapped her lips. “Hmm, but will you need that when you hit the next Tier? I wonder. Well, I think it’s time. You will be asleep for a few days.”

Jake frowned. “For what?”

“Evolution. You are also going to receive your new class upgrade, and it takes time for that extra information to be stored within your mind. It is years of experience this time being sent to you as your skills evolve to the next Tier. Then, you are evolving your race, where you achieved special merit to be pushed beyond what the Framework would normally accomplish. It is no small thing.”

Ophelia looked over her Menu. “What about the class choices? I’m not seeing one.”

Hestia smiled. “Only Tanda here will be able to choose one. Jake, Ophelia, and Bloodberri have all effectively selected their next class by selecting their specialization. In many ways, you set your course in stone when you picked a rare or above rarity class at Tier 1, having only two or three options available from there. So, Tanda–you will make your class selection when you awaken, but before we can upgrade your race, you need to make a choice.”

“Oh! The…Heart of the World thing? Of course, I choose to enhance my connection to the Heart, and the rest of the beastkin!”

Hestia’s smile grew wide. “Oh? Are you sure you would rather not check what’s best?”

Tanda nodded. “I’m sure! We beastkin have all heard her song since we awakened, and sometimes even sooner than that. She’s protected us with her song, helped us with maintaining the balance throughout our history. She’s one of us!”

Jake tried to look at the two choices in his Menu.

[Auril Heart Evolution Choice – This choice is permanent and cannot be undone. When the beastkin first awaken, becoming an Awakened Warrior, they connect their heart organ to their spirit. As they become more in sync with the world, they become Auril Heroes, and connect their spirit to the song of the world. Their spirit grows through this magical umbilical cord like a child from its mother, the Heart of the World. When they reach the second Tier, they must choose: enhance the connection, or use it to become self-sufficient.]

[Improve Connection to Heart of the World]

[Solidify your connection to the Heart of the World, creating a symbiotic connection between your spirits. A tithe of spiritual energy will be sent from your kills against Tartarus, to maintain the connection and aid in Highland’s growth. Your connection with your brethren will be improved, and your connection to auril and nethril will be increased.

Warning: The Heart can choose not to return your energy sacrificed. If something happens and Highlands, or the Heart of the World is destroyed, this connection will cripple you, reducing your strength.]

[Improve Auril Heart – Energy Storage]

[The beastkin body stores immense vitality, their heart beating and sending auril flowing through it from its connection and through the surroundings. Away from Highlands, this auril in the air is unavailable, and must come from somewhere. Grow and enhance your Auril Heart, to store additional Auril Energy for immediate use in combat. Restores from consumption of vitality and from Framework kill rewards. Reduces connection to the Heart of the World.]

Jake found the two options intriguing. It sounded like the choice was between becoming more reliant on the Heart of the World and aiding it, versus becoming more self-sufficient and personally powerful.

Odds were, at the 3rd Tier they had chosen the Auril Heart, they could then probably make a choice to cut themselves from the world entirely.

“Tanda, if we select the second option and I bind the Heart of the World or form a hearth bond, you just might get the same connection.”

Tanda frowned. “But that’s later, right? I don’t like that option. Besides, you told me about your class evolutions. They were highly dependent on these choices and specializations. I want to increase my connection to my brethren, increase my control over what makes us unique. It even mentions nethril! I’m interested in this.”

Jake and Hestia both smiled as Tanda picked the first option with zero hesitation. There might be a handful of beastkin that might pick the second option, but the beastkin loved, respected, and trusted the world as much as they did each other.

A harmonious people, they would pick the symbiotic connection over themselves, just as they always have.

Hestia smiled one more time, giving Jake what he thought was a coy look. Suddenly, Jake was made aware of how beautiful she was. “Now, where would you like your kiss?”