Unbound-Chapter Nine Hundred And Seventy Six – 976

Felix jolted forward, hands outstretched, but by the time he gathered Vess in his arms her scream cut off. She stumbled back, falling into him as if she’d been hit by a stronge breeze. He cradled her head but she was already fine, blinking away the episode as Knowledge reappeared on the ground once more.

“What the hell, man,” Felix growled.

“Quite fascinating," Knowledge said, fishing out a yellowed tome. "Your core space is remarkable, Vessilia Dayne. Its depth of detail and quality of visualization meets standards I have not seen in a great many Ages."

"Thank you," she managed. Her breath was still hitching and she leaned into Felix. "Why was that so painful?"

"A side effect of the delving process. I could have reduced the discomfort, but it would have increased the duration of the scan as well as reduced its accuracy.” A quill scratched across the yellowed pages in his hand, jotting down dozens of characters and even sketching something large and blocky. “In order to assess your Path, I required an image of your core space as it stands at this very moment. The longer I lingered within you, however, the greater disturbances my presence would cause."

"That was just you scanning my core space?"

“No. The delving took in all of you.”

Vess straightened.

"Interesting, isn’t it?” Knowledge bobbed his head. “Yes, everything from your Skills to your Race and Titles. Information is more valuable than Crescian Bronze."

Pit stuck his beak at the Giest. "Hey. How come that was so fast?"

"Hm?” The construct looked the tenku up and down. “A delving is a near instantaneous thing.”

“No. That’s not how it was with us.”

“Ah, do you speak of the Emperor?"

"Of course I speak of the Emperor, you butt. Last time you did that to him, it took like six hours, and you didn't even get the job done. You expect us to believe that in five seconds you finished up and actually did the work?” Pit rolled his eyes. “Please."

"Emperor Nevarre is a unique case," Knowledge inclined his head to Felix. "His specialized core space is not something a simple delving can parse. It required…a great deal more time and capability than was available to me at the time."

"And now?" Felix asked. If Knowledge could check over his foundations and Skills, then maybe he could help with finalizing his Core Manifestation.

Knowledge looked at him, silver eyes flat and bright. "As much as I would enjoy delving for the secrets within you, I would have to admit incapability once again. It would merely waste your time."

“Boo!” Pit jeered.

Felix sighed. "Ugh. Fine.”

Vess cleared her throat. “What did you find of my Path?”

Knowledge snapped his book closed. “Ah yes. The Path of the First Dragon. A unique Path, unlike the other draconic choices in my records. My codices are incomplete, touched as they are by Ruin, but any Path touching upon the sovereignty of Dragons is rare.”

Vess nodded along. Felix supposed it made sense. While draconic Type creatures were all over the place, actual Dragons were basically a Lost Race. “I assume her Companion pact is a large reason for this Path?”

“Yes. It is likely the keystone to this Path being available during her selection. The strength of your Bond also meant that you were not offered the lesser Path of Winged Night or the Path of Skyward Flame.”

“No,” Vess admitted. “They were not among my options. Aside from my choice, there was the Path of Vaulted Spears and the Path of the Matriarch.” She frowned at the last one. “Ultimately, neither were as appealing as the First Dragon.”

“I imagine not. Vaulted Spears offered bonuses to your preferred fighting style, yes?”

“It did.”

“The Matriarch is intriguing.” Knowledge rubbed his furry chin. “A Path of Rule.”

“A Path of chains,” Vess corrected. “It would have me sit back from the frontline to command troops, and penalized my abilities to engage with threats directly. Draconic origin or not, it was neither viable nor acceptable.”

Felix looked between the two. “Draconic origin? Was the Matriarch a Dragon Path?”

“Indeed. The Dragon Matriarch was known as the strongest of all, and though this Path would not have made Lady Dayne take on all of their qualities, it is true that her mobility and personal strength would have been spent in other directions.”

“As far as I know, I am the only one with a Bond to a living Dragon. I am not wasting that on an inferior Path.”

Knowledge nodded sagely. "I see that the benefits you chose are quite substantial. Your leveling bonuses alone are impressive, let alone the rest. Do you wish me to share this with all companies present?"

"Of course. What I am is not a secret to Felix, and nothing about Felix is a secret to Pit."

Pit gave a fluting laugh, but Felix couldn’t help but feel touched by her trust.

"Very well," Knowledge gestured, and a notification appeared before them all.

Your Path Has Been Chosen!

Path Of The First Dragon (From Draconic Bond, On The Wing, The Fang Of Havoc, Draconic Stormfall, Matriarch’s Lament)

During the first verses of the Grand Harmony, the deep chords of power conjured forth the Elementals. Creation bloomed beneath their power, lands rising, seas flooding, and storms sweeping across all. Within that first storm, a confluence of air, water, and skyborn flame congealed into the first Dragon. Nameless, they were the greatest predator upon the face of Creation, their Body and Spirit more potent than the Superior Elementals themselves. Authority and significance hung heavy within its wings, and the roar of its sharp maw was the sound of the Wild Threnody itself. However, its Mind were subsumed by its titanic Strength—and only through great hardships did it grow to match. To walk the Path of the First Dragon is to embrace the primeval power of a creature who’s might spanned the Ages, but it is also to risk its fate.

+50 Strength, Endurance, Vitality, And Agility Per Level, +20% Skill Growth To All Draconic-Touched Skills, -30% Skill Cost To All Draconic-Touched Skills, Evolution Of All Tempered Skills, +10 Free Stats Per Level

Pit bounced on his paws, feathers rustling in excitement. “Vess! Amazing leveling bonuses! And those growth bonuses?” He crowed in delight.

“Wow,” Felix managed after reading through the absolute chonk of text. “That’s more lore than I’ve seen on any two Skills or items I get.”

Vess smirked, cheek dimpling. “The difference is that I am special.”

He snagged her around the waist. “You’re not wrong.”

“The notifications are not done,” Knowledge warned, before trilling windows cascaded into view.

Due To Your Path, The Following Skills Have Evolved!

Draconic Bond Has Evolved Into Soulflight Union (Transcendent)!

Soulflight Union (Transcendent), Level 115!

Your Bond with Yintarion has grown! Your souls resonate with one another beyond the boundaries of Spirit, and new connections enhance the old. Skills may now be shared between the two of you, and all regenerations are shared.

Glorybound Gale Has Evolved Into Cataclysm Array (Transcendent)!

Cataclysm Array (Transcendent), level 110!

Your Spears are mighty and their impact cannot be ignored! Manifested Spears may now be combined to form larger sized weapons, trading speed and accuracy for greater damage. The larger the Spear, the greater the trade off. Damage increases per level. Speed increases per level. Accuracy increases per level.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Matriarch’s Lament Has Evolved Into Matriarch’s Threnody (Transcendent)!

Matriarch’s Threnody (Transcendent), Level 101!

Sorrow is but the first note of war. Sing, Dragoon, and let crash the Ageless cries of she who has lost everything. Chance of inflicting an instance of Ennervation increases per level. Potency of Ennervation increases per level. Chance of inflicting an instance of Undying Despair increases per level.

On The Wing Has Evolved Into Draconic Legacy (Transcendent)!

Draconic Legacy (Transcendent), Level 104!

The cry of the First Dragon echoes within you and your Companion, allowing you to channel a measure of its might into the present. You may summon the spectral form of the First Dragon around yourself and your Companion, adding a piece of their dominant Body and Spirit to your own. Cost decreases slightly per level, strength of Body and Spirit increases per level, speed increases drastically per level.

The Fang Of Havoc Has Evolved Into Horizon Breaker (Transcendent)!

Horizon Breaker (Transcendent), Level 103!

Reach for the sky and sunder it. The tip of your spear is the edge upon which you will subdue the heavens themselves. Physical leap is increased greatly per level.

Draconic Stormfall Has Evolved Into Stormheart’s Judgment (Transcendent)!

Stormheart’s Judgment (Transcendent), Level 105!

Let loose the storm and let fall its wrath! Drop to the earth and lay waste to all around you for fifty strides, hitting all targets with lightning and thunder. All those in the descending path are likewise hit.

Gaze Of The Unseen Hunter Has Evolved Into Eyes Of The Basilisk (Legendary)

Eyes of the Basilisk (Legendary), Level 100!

Seek your prey and freeze it with fear. Finding traces of your targets becomes easier as you see the faint echoes of their movements. Upon finding a chosen target, an instance of Frightened can be applied to them. Duration increases with level.

Oratory Has Evolved Into Voice Of The Vaunted (Legendary)!

Voice of the Vaunted (Legendary), Level 101!

Speak and infuse your people with fear, joy, pride, or a bevy of riotous emotion. Your words echo through their Minds and Spirits alike, rousing or soothing them as you choose.

Analyze Has Evolved Into Regard Of The Elder (Legendary)!

Regard of the Elder (Legendary), Level 105!

See beyond the surface. Glean additional information from targets, including enhanced Lore entries.

Due To Your Path, Your Aspects Have Been Altered!

Skyfire Body (Adept) > Stormkiller Body (Master) > Warforged Horizon Body (Master - Altered)

Silvered Word Mind (Adept) > Star Rapt Mind (Master) > Fanged Progenitor Mind (Master - Altered)

Descending Claw Spirit (Adept) > Tempest Rider Spirit (Master) > Cataclysm’s Roar Spirit (Master - Altered)

Total Stat Alterations (Compiled)

+800 STR

+750 END

+750 VIT

+780 AGl

+655 WIL

+620 INT

+575 PER

+525 DEX

+495 INE

+480 AFI

Knowledge fiddled with something in his book. “Your Path had quite the impact.”

“I’ll say,” Felix said with a whistle. “I’m almost jealous over here.”

Vess nudged him with an elbow. “Knowledge, do you know why so much was affected?”

“I am unsure. Such vast increases and Evolutions are clearly the result of your unique Path, but there is a synergy here that I am missing. To be more certain, I would need to delve into your Companion as well."

"Yin is sleeping. His growth due to our Path and the subsequent battle has drained him more than he expected."

"Ah, but he is within you?"

"He is, but I cannot give consent for him."

"A pity, but choice is paramount. When he awakens, I would like to see what his core portends. At a cursory glance, it seems these Evolutions have much to do with your bond, both to your Companion, and to numerous smaller sources."

"Numerous smaller…” Vess blinked. “The Hatchlings?"

"Yes, they seem to be infantile. Of course." He made a note in the book he held. "Draconic Hatchlings. Ninety-nine of them, I see."

"Yes.”

“Hm, I note a potential for greater change here. They are themselves undergoing some sort of transformation, are they not?"

Vess glanced at Felix. "They are.”

Felix scratched his jaw. The Hatchlings had eaten a special fruit from the Atlantes Anima and had all ended up in chrysalises before they headed out to fight Amaranth.

“Yes, that has something to do with it as well. Your title as Stepmother of Dragons informs me that is so."

Felix was impressed. The Skills looked powerful, and from what he'd seen of Draconic Legacy it looked damn potent, allowing the two of them to turn into a full Dragon. At least, a construct of one.

"I will also say, your Core Manifestation is aligning well—"

Felix cut him off. "You can see that?"

"Of course. One of my primary functions was to ensure the proper advancement of the Emperor and his family."

"You’ve never said that before."

"You never asked…and not all of my functions were clear to me. The Memories that comprise my structure are being newly uncovered now that your Empire has grown. More floods in by the moment.”

“Are copies of you everywhere?"

"Yes. In all fourteen of your Territories, standing upon your Seat and Seal."

Pit warbled. "Yikes, I hope he didn't scare anybody."

Knowledge shrugged. "I have been attacked seven times, but they have all swiftly found that I am unable to be touched. When I informed them of my purpose, they have, for the most part, accepted my presence."

Felix groaned. “Karys.”

“Yes, my Lord?”

“I think we owe my Chancellors an apology for Knowledge’s sudden appearance. Can you send out a notice?"

"It will be done. Do you want me to explain his presence?"

"No, just tell them that he has my permission, and to not try and kill him."

Knowledge inclined his head. "I appreciate that. As ineffective as their attempts are, it is nevertheless a distraction from my purpose."

"Sure.” Felix snapped a finger. “Actually. You can delve everyone as fast as Vess?”

“Generally speaking, yes.”

Vess caught on, grabbing at Felix’s forearm excitedly. “Checking on their Skills, Pillars, Paths, and Core Manifestations?”

“If they have them.”

“Can you provide a roadmap?” Felix asked. “A build plan for people aiming for Titles or specific Skills to Temper specific Aspects?”

“I compile the knowledge and can offer advice, if required.”

Felix grinned at Vess. “Then I need you to speak with my people.”

"Ah, yes. The other eight Unbound—"

"No.I didn't say just the Unbound," Felix corrected. "I said everyone."

"Oh my." This time, Knowledge did smile. And it was like watching an alligator operate a sliding glass door. “I am quite happy to do so. I have your consent to delve everyone within your empire?”

Felix held up a hand. “You have my permission to ask them. Explain the benefits, then ask. Start with the Unbound and move to my inner circle. Evie, Harn, all the rest. Then move to those who were sworn to work with my empire. The Legion. The Risi. The Nagafolk.”

“What of the Untempered?”

“Yes. Them too.”

Knowledge’s sharp outline fuzzed, spiking around his shoulders and head like a visible sound wave. A sharp, ozone scented music tangled through Felix’s Spirit. It read like…excitement. “A task like this will take a great many days. More resources would be needed to speed up the process.”

"How do I get you resources?"

"Increase your Authority. Claiming more Territories, expanding the empire, and restoring what was Lost brings my powers closer to their fullness, but it is Authority that facilitates it all."

"Hm, I’ll see what I can do. Everyone that went through the Omen Doors, assess their Paths and then analyze how each of them can move forward with a Core Manifestation.”

"Very well." Knowledge flickered and Felix could almost trace the pieces of him that shot outward. Faint silver echoes that boomed as they passed, headed toward his Linked allies and friends.

Felix folded his arms across his chest. "What would it take for you to delve me? Completely, I mean."

“Uh, isn’t that a bad idea?” Pit asked.

"To deal with your core, Emperor, would require a great deal of time. That said, even with more resources and power, the complexity that you present is beyond the scope of my understanding.”

“That’s…I suppose not exactly surprising. A bit disappointing, if I’m being honest.”

Knowledge shrugged. “My delving should be able to glean something from you, but the value of it would likely not match the time it would take to retrieve. Weeks or even months.”

They didn’t have weeks. Felix wasn’t sure if they had days left before… He shook himself. “I’ll figure it out. What about Vess’ Core Manifestation?”

She leaned into him.

"You would be happy to know that it is already progressing. To speak on it too much would be to interrupt its progress. These are facts, not supposition, but it is in progress. Your path has greatly enhanced it. And... your stepchildren will play a role."

"Okay. That's... I see.”

“That makes sense to you?" Pit asked.

"It does," she said with a smile. "I think I know what I must do. Thank you, Knowledge."

"There is no need for thanks. This is my function."

"There may be no need, but thank you regardless. You are a great boon to our people."

The construct’s empty Spirit flushed.

"Kind words, Lady Dayne.” The Geist’s voice cut in and out, his form flickering as he bowed before snapping back into place. All sense of emotion was washed from its Spirit. "Are there any other tasks, Lord Emperor?"

"Two things. One, tell us more about her Core Manifestation, and two—” Felix put his hands on his hips. "Where the hell is the Giant's Grove?"