Lewd King's Bucket List-Chapter 65: Devolve

Se’van continued the rest of the lecture on history, not even bothering to write at all, seeing as she couldn’t write Praxian.

After explaining the concept of history, she provided specific examples to support her point. Runa seemed to understand, but didn’t get why it was necessary.

When history was done and beaten dead, Se’van moved on to the next topic. A personal request from Ixion — a lesson about Aether, Class, Rank, Aspect, Traits, and Soul Scripture.

Runa had awakened her Aspect, yet she didn’t know how to read her Soul Scripture, what her Aspect actually was, or whether she possessed any Traits.

So it was something she needed to learn before they visited Praxis.

Ixion was able to estimate her Class from her Aether reserves.

’I’d say it’s Absolute.’

Se’van began by explaining Aether. Where it was. How it existed. Then she followed it with an explanation of the three constructs: Aether, Flesh, and Insensate.

Runa’s heritage was as a Flesh Construct with some similarities to Aether Constructs.

But it was important to note that most demihumans were wholly Aether Constructs.

Se’van began to explain the Soul’s Cry and Aspect.

"Soul’s Cry isn’t necessarily inherently good or bad; however, it often manifests after something traumatic. An event that shakes a person to their core and awakens the dormant Aether Core that every construct possesses. It could also happen during a defining moment in a person’s life, when they decide on their path. Or perhaps deny something they once held dear. There’s really no one set way."

’But trauma tends to awaken the strongest ones!’ - Thought the man who was nearly strangled by his mother at five years old.

Se’van glanced over at Ixion.

"When one’s Soul Cries, their Aether Core and soul become aware of each other, awakening an Aspect — a physical manifestation of an ability; its function molded by one’s soul. Or, more simply, whatever power they manifest reflects the essence of one’s character."

Ixion snickered, as if unaware.

’So, I am Noble!’

Next on the list were Traits.

Se’van held up her hand and started waving it around, and a multitude of colorful after-images spawned.

The jester screeched:

"Wow! Pretty!"

Se’van ignored the jester and began.

"Traits are extra abilities that have a chance of manifesting once awakened. This happens through one’s connection with their soul, deepening either through self-reflection or a defining moment."

Se’van smiled as she stopped waving her hand, letting the after-images catch up.

"Traits are not all stagnant. Some can evolve through a better understanding of self and the Trait’s function. There is also a description associated with a Trait that can only be revealed by learning to read your Soul Scripture. This description can be a huge boon for understanding your own ability."

Se’van smiled and looked at Runa, the only one actually supposed to be there.

"Have you ever attempted to read your Soul Scripture before?"

Runa shook her head, still swinging the Lord of Truth.

"I’ve tried, but was never successful."

The jester screamed at the cat.

"Runa! Runa! Are you what they call ’dumb’?"

"What?"

For some godforsaken reason, Zabaniyah saw it fit to join in.

"It is quite simple, cat. Maybe the jester has a point for once."

The jester slammed her hands on the desk and stood.

"For once?! I’ll have you know all my jokes are pointed!"

Ixion chuckled

"MMm. Seven out of ten."

The jester’s vibrant red eyes went wide.

"Seven? Does that mean I get seven lashes?!"

As the chaos continued, Se’van tried to calm them all down, but whatever she tried to say was drowned out by the outrageous crowd.

Runa, with an annoyed look on her face, said:

"I’m not dumb. You’re literally the fool."

A certain bird woken up by the fuss screeched:

"Fuck you!"

Runa looked down at Lot and smiled.

"For once, I agree with Lord of Truth. Fuck you!"

The jester put a hand on her chest.

"Fuck me?! At least take me to dinner first!"

Ixion stood and shouted:

"Since when did you want dinner first?!"

Zabaniyah added:

"A fool asks for a manner of decorum? How ironic."

The jester sniffled as if offended.

"My, oh my. How this jester’s heart weeps. No whippings, and now I’m not even allowed dinner? Tyranny! You’re all tyrannical, nasty beasts!"

Runa, having somewhat forgotten her fear of Ixion in the heat of the moment, quipped back.

"Maybe what they said is true. Big tits are, in fact, synonymous with the lack of intelligence."

The jester laughed.

"Oh, hoh? Insecure are we? I’ll have you know, you know I know Ixion’s desires of amble chests led to my role at his behest!"

Ixion cheered and clapped.

"That it did! Why would I want a jester whose tits aren’t flopping around as they jump around the room!"

Runa looked over at Ixion, a perturbed look on her face. Without even registering her words, she said:

"Ixion, are you a creep?"

Ixion looked at the girl and smiled.

"MY, my! How audacious to call a King a creep!"

Runa’s face paled, shocked out of annoyance.

Ixion enjoyed her horrid look, then feigned a cry of joy.

"Oh, how glad I am! Runa is becoming as crazy as us!"

Runa’s face paled even further. This time, she knew she wasn’t going to suffer the King’s fury...

’But she’s most definitely contemplating if she’s growing crazy.’

But wait...

’I’ve been called a creep again?!’

Was Ixion a true creep after all?

Ixion fell back down and slumped in his chair, his eyes losing their luster.

"Am I... a pervert?"

It wasn’t even the jester who responded.

Zabaniyah laughed and added:

"Took you that long to figure it out? Who else goes around lying with their jester and personal assassin?"

Se’van and Runa both looked at each other in half confusion, half disgust as a slight silence washed over the room.

The reticent Se’van finally found her chance to chime in.

"Please, let’s save the craziness for when we’re done."

Se’van moved on to Class and Rank.