While virtues are the foundational and most convenient way of combat, the use of relics is proving to be just as efficient. Higher-tier relics are being unvaulted by the Old families, and their use in battles is proving to turn tides in our divine duty to unite the Imperium. It is believed there will come a time when the synchronous use of both virtues and relics will be the norm and it is a scary thought. This evolution in combat will widen the gap between nobles and us, as nobles now not only have the talent but also an incredible way to supplement that talent. However, I believe even in that bleak future we will have a place in the world.
Words spoken in a discussion between two plebeian centurions during the Inquests of the Year 97 of the Imperium.
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I found a spot within the academy's outskirts to spend my evenings. The Garden of Laelia. An expanse of greenery layered in beauty and serenity that brought peace to my chaotic life. I spent my evenings lying on the grass watching the sun set. I did not corrupt the garden with my decayed thoughts or actions. I just lay there waiting for the stars.
Despite watching the stars being very relaxing, after a long while it became profoundly boring and that night, I got bored faster than usual so I went back to my room.
Dorm Noctis was located towards the south of the academy quite a distance from the garden but the long walks were soothing. I was slowly getting used to the loneliness. It was getting less maddening. Nonetheless, I continued ambushing fellow students with random conversations. After the duel, I was no longer being interrupted but the fear was still very prevalent. I tried to vary those I spoke to and when I chose to have the conversations.
The results were positive. I was making great progress in using the passive aspect of Revelation. My progress with my virtue had stalled since I rejoined. The books I have read on virtues speak of the constant need to refine your virtue through practising the essentials that define a particular pathway.
The essentials of my pathway seem to be attributed and structured within the system in a manner that tracks progression.
[DISPLAY ATTRIBUTES]
Attributes displayed reflect the persona equipped.
The maximum level for Tier 2 is 20, while the minimum for Tier is 10.
All path attributes, along with the mental attribute (willpower), are to be maxed out for advancement.
PATH ATTRIBUTES
Dominion – 18.2 (+0.5)
Balance – 16 (+0.5)
Aether – 10.7 (+0.5)
TABS: STATUS – PERSONAS – EQUIPMENT – MISSIONS.
[END DISPLAY]
As the system display vanished, I found myself in the communal hall within the dorm.
The shuffling of pages echoed throughout the hall. Most students were deep in their books struggling to pick up everything they could in preparation for the exams which were drawing closer.
I walked past and followed up the stairs to the fourth floor where all students in their fourth and final year resided. My room was further down the hallway. My steps filled the hollow hallway as I got closer.
*~~~~~~~*
[EQUIPMENT]
1. Pallid Mask (Locked)
~ A gift bestowed upon The Stranger by The Unspeakable One.
Abilities: Unknown
Effects: Veiled. Its gaze distorts truth. Its silence speaks lies.
2. King in Yellow (Locked)
~ Ascetic yellow robes, worn by the first servant of The Unspeakable One.
Abilities: ???
Effects: ???
Whispers cling to its threads. To wear it is to be seen by what should not see.
3. Carcosa (Locked)
~ The final gift.
Abilities: ???
Effects: ???
It is not a place. It is not a weapon. It is an invitation.
4. Blood Needle
~A tier 3 relic from the Age Of The Blight. A rapier forged with ancient steel and blanched with dragon's blood.
Abilities: Mana Surge -Instantly replenish aether, allowing for continued casting without rest.
Effects: When in hand, it refines one's aether reducing the cost of virtue activation or use in battle arts.
The rapier's ability is borrowed from the virtue of the third tier of the Pathway of Arcane Convergence.
TABS: STATUS-ATTRIBUTES-PERSONAS-MISSIONS.
[END EQUIPMENT]
The Blood needle appeared on the study table with a magical pop as soon as the display disappeared. It was not the first time I had summoned the relic. It was the third.
It was cold to the touch. There was no sound as I drew it out of its black scabbard. It was beautiful. The hilt was intricate in its structure making it meticulous. The blade itself was as dark as the night sky with its edge bloody red.
I found some comfort with the rapier in hand. I took a couple of swings, reveling in its light weight and impeccable balance before the hard part.
I channeled aether to my hand and waited for the rapier's response. The bloody edge began glowing but the glow died off shortly.
I heard the system's soft chime.
[DISPLAY]
~ Pure aether is needed to use uncorrupted relics.
~ Corrupt the relic for its use or sacrifice it for some of the same worth. What is received in return is random. Choose wisely.
[END DISPLAY]
Since my last attempt, I had thought over the circumstances. There was alot to pick out from it all. From the fact that my aether was impure or that relics were corruptible in the same way my virtue is corrupted by being The Stranger.
I was more tempted to hold onto the blood needle until I found a way to corrupt it or I may use it to bargain with Darsius. He seemed to be aware of it even when I could not. But strengthening the enemy was not a good idea.
I thought Tyr. Maybe I could use it as motivation or a reward to buy his loyalty. I was saddened that I could not use it personally but it still had too many uses to gamble it during the sacrifice.
Or maybe I was more afraid that what I would gain from my patron would reel me more towards what I was becoming. The slight fear that a piece of fragile humanity would be torn away once more. The void sucking it all leaving only The Stranger in its place. It was a frightening thought that made me reconsider the sacrifice.
The magical pop signaled the vanishing of the blood needle to the abyss where it was stored. The other relics prompted a caution synonymous with the sacrifice act hence I left them as future problems to be tackled when I was ready. And I hoped it would not be too soon.
I sat by the empty table and reached for my journal. The screeching of the stylus against paper soothed my aching heart. Painting my frustrations in gentle and elaborate strokes that matched the lettering of the English language.
Too hooked on my writing, I did not hear the slight knock on my door. I heard it once it became loud enough to reel me out of the journal.
Who might be? I wondered.