Chapter 139: To build a World
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Chapter 139: To build a World
Leaning casually against the trunk of Log-a-rhythm, Priam and Alain gazed at the stars. In their hands, two wooden mugs held a golden liquid. Sap.
"A grand vintage," Priam joked, licking his lips. "I would give a lot for some good cheese and a baguette..."
Even in another world, the French remained steadfast in their traditions.
Alain took a sip and sighed in contentment. "For a fisherman like me, it lacks fish."
"I brought silk. We could stretch a net across the river and see if we catch something," Priam suggested.
Alain turned to his son with a smile. "You're clever, you know that?"
"It runs in the family."
They both burst into laughter.
Sipping his sap, Priam looked at the forest. Despite the starry night, the warm wind on his chest, and his father's company, he still had a knot in his stomach. In the firmament, the presence of a crimson moon reminded him of his situation. In six days, a deadly event would unfold. He had to be prepared.
The howl of a predator echoed in the distance, and his father flinched. Priam's mood sank at the sight. Did I make the right choice bringing him? Unlike Priam, Alain didn't have a second life.
"Hey, son?" Alain said without looking at his son.
"Hmm?"
"Are you happy right now?" His father's voice was gentle.
Priam opened his mouth but closed it again. He was usually quite secretive, but his father deserved an honest answer. Priam pondered the question.
Was he happy? Constantly forced to flee, train, and fight for survival, he hadn't even asked himself the question. Yet the answer seemed obvious.
"I think so..." Priam corrected himself. "I'm sure I am. For the first time in my life, I feel... free."
Alain remained silent, and Priam continued. "I think society was imprisoning me. The judgment of others, conventions, traditions. It was subtle, but I was guided toward certain paths. I always loved reading, writing, and building, but school never taught me how to develop those talents. When I think of my younger self... Remember when I helped you plant radishes, Jerusalem artichokes, or potatoes?"
"I remember," his father smiled.
"I loved it. Yet, I knew from a young age that I would never become rich as a farmer."
"It's a beautiful profession, as vital as it is hard," commented Alain.
"Of course, but I was always pragmatic. I had little chance of becoming a famous author or a wealthy farmer, yet I wanted enough money to live comfortably with my future family. I wasn't unhappy, but by following the path laid out for me, I was missing out on my life. Studying science interested me somewhat, but it wasn't a calling."
"Piercing wyverns, is that your calling?" Alain joked.
Priam shook his head. "Killing wyverns, transcending my limits, seeking treasures, and meeting aliens... It's not a calling. It's a life. A life I enjoy."
Alain looked at him for a moment before smiling. "That's all that matters. To your happiness, my son."
Clashing their mugs, they toasted.
Priam emptied his glass in one go. "And you, Dad?"
"Are you worried about your old man?" Alain said in a teasing tone.
Priam just looked at him, smiling.
Alain rolled his eyes. "You worry about nothing. For the first time in twenty years, I feel fit. I sleep well at night, I'm with my son, and most importantly, I don't have to fill out taxes anymore," the old man chuckled. "I love this life, but... I worry about your sister."
Priam was worried too, but preferred not to dwell on it.
"We can't do anything for now."
"That's never stopped a parent from worrying."
Alain stood up and changed the subject. "There are six days left to prepare for the Necromoon. Can I help with something?"
Priam stood up as well and pressed his mug against Log-a-rhythm, which absorbed it. It was time to get to work.
"As soon as Kazuki is on his feet, we'll go gather resources. Our rivals aren't fools; as soon as we start, they'll want to imitate us or strip us bare."
In Elysium, the law of the jungle prevailed.
"Do you really need those resources?" Alain asked.
"I don't need the attributes, but I need the qualitative benefits of some - to increase my compatibility with my second heart, for example. Moreover, every stolen resource is one less for our enemies. And you and the others will need them. I know your tribulation is near."
"It'll be alright, Priam, I"
"Dad," Priam interrupted. "I'm not going to let you die because you're too proud to accept my help. I will give you magical fruit juice transfusions if I have to."
Alain held his gaze for a moment before sighing. "Bah. Do you need my help?"
"I've thought about it, and I completely underestimated my internal world. I have plenty of ideas to use it in combat - infinite kinetic energy, a free mist reserve, a prison, etc. However, right now, it would be useful to quickly gather resources and keep them secure."
"You really plan to steal all the resources from this forest," Alain understood.
"Of course. But currently, my world is unusable." A tiny floating island in a thirty-meter radius sphere was not very useful. "I'll fill it to make a real world, but I need you to saturate it with aether. You have an idea, right?"
If Priam wanted to increase the density of aether in his world, it was for several reasons. Elysium proved that a high concentration of aether facilitated level-ups, reduced Potential costs, improved plant growth, and so on.
Last but not least, [Concept Archipelago] used some of the ambient aether to increase its volume. Therefore, it was crucial to increase the aether density.
"I have a good idea, confirmed Alain. I should be able to enchant a wooden sphere that will siphon aether from a portal placed at its center."
"Why wood? asked Priam. Aren't you afraid the material will warp? It would be better with stone."
"You can carve stone?"
"No."
"Me neither. But I know how to work with wood. The hardest part is finding a perfect sphere, but that will be Log-a-rhythm's job."
Mentally, the tree conveyed its eagerness to help.
"I trust you," Priam said. His father enjoyed working with his hands and had already made some wooden sculptures. "You should also build a strong room."
"For your treasures?"
"For you. I don't think triggering a Tribulation in Elysium will be wise soon..."
With a gesture precise and powerful, Priam wedged the tip of Promesse under an enormous stone. He stepped back to press on the shaft, using his spear as a lever to dislodge the rock. Aided by Archimedes' principle, the stone easily detached from the stream bed.
"I exchanged all my Potential for these four ones," Alain grimaced.
"Or maybe We might not need that." Priam replayed his last conversation with the Phoenix Prince. "My world can use concept fragments."
"Oh? Do you think you can store those impurities with this power?"
"Maybe, but it doesn't entirely solve the problem. These fragments may not be the only thing filtered by this rune." Priam thought about the influence of the Necromoon. "If the System sold it to you, it's for a reason. I was thinking more of using one of the fragments I collected: Purity."
"Do you think it will work?"
"Only one way to find out."
"It will work, or we'll find something else," Alain smiled, getting back to work. Priam waited an hour, watching his father at work. Finally, with a final precise gesture, Alain finished his sculptor's work. A hundred runes of different sizes now adorned the sphere.
"Ta-da!" Alain exclaimed.
"Splendid! Does it work?"
"I emptied the aether from the center to work in peace, and the runes I traced prevent it from re-entering. So well have to test it," Alain smiled.
"Let's do it now."
Opening a portal, Priam lifted the sphere and transferred it into his world. He appeared on the sandy strip surrounding the pond of his tiny island. Mobilizing [Kinetic Control], Priam levitated his father's creation one meter high. A few moments later, Alain joined him.
"I'm going to link my System to this world to measure our progress," Priam said, connecting to his skill.
[World information:
Current aether density: 0.14 E.
Radius: 30.14 meters.
Energy sources: sun (light, heat, nuclear), host (Priam: gravity, aether, concepts).
Gravity: 2 G (Earth = 1 G),
Atmosphere: oxygen (25%), nitrogen (70%), unknown.
Concept fragment: purity, mental stamina, sand, mist, steel, vengeance, ?.
Inhabitants: 2
Guardian: None
World analysis in progress...]
Lvl Up: [Priams System] lvl 11
MEM+2
VIVA +1
"Good," Priam smiled. "Ready?"
"Ready," Alain replied.
"Here we go," Priam murmured.
Status: (Average value for a Homo sapiens male before integration: PHY 10 / MEN 10 / META 0)
PHYSICAL:
Strength 398
Constitution 662
Agility 404
Vitality 538
Perception 582
MENTAL:
Vivacity 324 (+2)
Dexterity 422
Memory 131 (+4)
Willpower 648
Charisma 418
META:
Meta-affinity 334
Meta-focus 241
Meta-endurance 185
Meta-perception 107
Meta-chance 216
Meta-authority 12
Potential: 832 (+4)
Tier 0
[He Who Eludes Death] charge: OFF. Reloaded in 7 hours 49 minutes 36 seconds.
[Tribulation]: Four Tribulations pending.
Future Tribulations delayed until:
Time: 176 days 8 hours 22 minutes 49 seconds.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 139: To build a World
Leaning casually against the trunk of Log-a-rhythm, Priam and Alain gazed at the stars. In their hands, two wooden mugs held a golden liquid. Sap.
"A grand vintage," Priam joked, licking his lips. "I would give a lot for some good cheese and a baguette..."
Even in another world, the French remained steadfast in their traditions.
Alain took a sip and sighed in contentment. "For a fisherman like me, it lacks fish."
"I brought silk. We could stretch a net across the river and see if we catch something," Priam suggested.
Alain turned to his son with a smile. "You're clever, you know that?"
"It runs in the family."
They both burst into laughter.
Sipping his sap, Priam looked at the forest. Despite the starry night, the warm wind on his chest, and his father's company, he still had a knot in his stomach. In the firmament, the presence of a crimson moon reminded him of his situation. In six days, a deadly event would unfold. He had to be prepared.
The howl of a predator echoed in the distance, and his father flinched. Priam's mood sank at the sight. Did I make the right choice bringing him? Unlike Priam, Alain didn't have a second life.
"Hey, son?" Alain said without looking at his son.
"Hmm?"
"Are you happy right now?" His father's voice was gentle.
Priam opened his mouth but closed it again. He was usually quite secretive, but his father deserved an honest answer. Priam pondered the question.
Was he happy? Constantly forced to flee, train, and fight for survival, he hadn't even asked himself the question. Yet the answer seemed obvious.
"I think so..." Priam corrected himself. "I'm sure I am. For the first time in my life, I feel... free."
Alain remained silent, and Priam continued. "I think society was imprisoning me. The judgment of others, conventions, traditions. It was subtle, but I was guided toward certain paths. I always loved reading, writing, and building, but school never taught me how to develop those talents. When I think of my younger self... Remember when I helped you plant radishes, Jerusalem artichokes, or potatoes?"
"I remember," his father smiled.
"I loved it. Yet, I knew from a young age that I would never become rich as a farmer."
"It's a beautiful profession, as vital as it is hard," commented Alain.
"Of course, but I was always pragmatic. I had little chance of becoming a famous author or a wealthy farmer, yet I wanted enough money to live comfortably with my future family. I wasn't unhappy, but by following the path laid out for me, I was missing out on my life. Studying science interested me somewhat, but it wasn't a calling."
"Piercing wyverns, is that your calling?" Alain joked.
Priam shook his head. "Killing wyverns, transcending my limits, seeking treasures, and meeting aliens... It's not a calling. It's a life. A life I enjoy."
Alain looked at him for a moment before smiling. "That's all that matters. To your happiness, my son."
Clashing their mugs, they toasted.
Priam emptied his glass in one go. "And you, Dad?"
"Are you worried about your old man?" Alain said in a teasing tone.
Priam just looked at him, smiling.
Alain rolled his eyes. "You worry about nothing. For the first time in twenty years, I feel fit. I sleep well at night, I'm with my son, and most importantly, I don't have to fill out taxes anymore," the old man chuckled. "I love this life, but... I worry about your sister."
Priam was worried too, but preferred not to dwell on it.
"We can't do anything for now."
"That's never stopped a parent from worrying."
Alain stood up and changed the subject. "There are six days left to prepare for the Necromoon. Can I help with something?"
Priam stood up as well and pressed his mug against Log-a-rhythm, which absorbed it. It was time to get to work.
"As soon as Kazuki is on his feet, we'll go gather resources. Our rivals aren't fools; as soon as we start, they'll want to imitate us or strip us bare."
In Elysium, the law of the jungle prevailed.
"Do you really need those resources?" Alain asked.
"I don't need the attributes, but I need the qualitative benefits of some - to increase my compatibility with my second heart, for example. Moreover, every stolen resource is one less for our enemies. And you and the others will need them. I know your tribulation is near."
"It'll be alright, Priam, I"
"Dad," Priam interrupted. "I'm not going to let you die because you're too proud to accept my help. I will give you magical fruit juice transfusions if I have to."
Alain held his gaze for a moment before sighing. "Bah. Do you need my help?"
"I've thought about it, and I completely underestimated my internal world. I have plenty of ideas to use it in combat - infinite kinetic energy, a free mist reserve, a prison, etc. However, right now, it would be useful to quickly gather resources and keep them secure."
"You really plan to steal all the resources from this forest," Alain understood.
"Of course. But currently, my world is unusable." A tiny floating island in a thirty-meter radius sphere was not very useful. "I'll fill it to make a real world, but I need you to saturate it with aether. You have an idea, right?"
If Priam wanted to increase the density of aether in his world, it was for several reasons. Elysium proved that a high concentration of aether facilitated level-ups, reduced Potential costs, improved plant growth, and so on.
Last but not least, [Concept Archipelago] used some of the ambient aether to increase its volume. Therefore, it was crucial to increase the aether density.
"I have a good idea, confirmed Alain. I should be able to enchant a wooden sphere that will siphon aether from a portal placed at its center."
"Why wood? asked Priam. Aren't you afraid the material will warp? It would be better with stone."
"You can carve stone?"
"No."
"Me neither. But I know how to work with wood. The hardest part is finding a perfect sphere, but that will be Log-a-rhythm's job."
Mentally, the tree conveyed its eagerness to help.
"I trust you," Priam said. His father enjoyed working with his hands and had already made some wooden sculptures. "You should also build a strong room."
"For your treasures?"
"For you. I don't think triggering a Tribulation in Elysium will be wise soon..."
With a gesture precise and powerful, Priam wedged the tip of Promesse under an enormous stone. He stepped back to press on the shaft, using his spear as a lever to dislodge the rock. Aided by Archimedes' principle, the stone easily detached from the stream bed.
"I exchanged all my Potential for these four ones," Alain grimaced.
"Or maybe We might not need that." Priam replayed his last conversation with the Phoenix Prince. "My world can use concept fragments."
"Oh? Do you think you can store those impurities with this power?"
"Maybe, but it doesn't entirely solve the problem. These fragments may not be the only thing filtered by this rune." Priam thought about the influence of the Necromoon. "If the System sold it to you, it's for a reason. I was thinking more of using one of the fragments I collected: Purity."
"Do you think it will work?"
"Only one way to find out."
"It will work, or we'll find something else," Alain smiled, getting back to work. Priam waited an hour, watching his father at work. Finally, with a final precise gesture, Alain finished his sculptor's work. A hundred runes of different sizes now adorned the sphere.
"Ta-da!" Alain exclaimed.
"Splendid! Does it work?"
"I emptied the aether from the center to work in peace, and the runes I traced prevent it from re-entering. So well have to test it," Alain smiled.
"Let's do it now."
Opening a portal, Priam lifted the sphere and transferred it into his world. He appeared on the sandy strip surrounding the pond of his tiny island. Mobilizing [Kinetic Control], Priam levitated his father's creation one meter high. A few moments later, Alain joined him.
"I'm going to link my System to this world to measure our progress," Priam said, connecting to his skill.
[World information:
Current aether density: 0.14 E.
Radius: 30.14 meters.
Energy sources: sun (light, heat, nuclear), host (Priam: gravity, aether, concepts).
Gravity: 2 G (Earth = 1 G),
Atmosphere: oxygen (25%), nitrogen (70%), unknown.
Concept fragment: purity, mental stamina, sand, mist, steel, vengeance, ?.
Inhabitants: 2
Guardian: None
World analysis in progress...]
Lvl Up: [Priams System] lvl 11
MEM+2
VIVA +1
"Good," Priam smiled. "Ready?"
"Ready," Alain replied.
"Here we go," Priam murmured.
Status: (Average value for a Homo sapiens male before integration: PHY 10 / MEN 10 / META 0)
PHYSICAL:
Strength 398
Constitution 662
Agility 404
Vitality 538
Perception 582
MENTAL:
Vivacity 324 (+2)
Dexterity 422
Memory 131 (+4)
Willpower 648
Charisma 418
META:
Meta-affinity 334
Meta-focus 241
Meta-endurance 185
Meta-perception 107
Meta-chance 216
Meta-authority 12
Potential: 832 (+4)
Tier 0
[He Who Eludes Death] charge: OFF. Reloaded in 7 hours 49 minutes 36 seconds.
[Tribulation]: Four Tribulations pending.
Future Tribulations delayed until:
Time: 176 days 8 hours 22 minutes 49 seconds.
Chapter 139: To build a WorldLeaning casually against the trunk of Log-a-rhythm, Priam and Alain gazed at the stars. In their hands, two wooden mugs held a golden liquid. Sap."A grand vintage," Priam joked, licking his lips. "I would give a lot for some good cheese and a baguette..."Even in another world, the French remained steadfast in their traditions.Alain took a sip and sighed in contentment. "For a fisherman like me, it lacks fish.""I brought silk. We could stretch a net across the river and see if we catch something," Priam suggested.Alain turned to his son with a smile. "You're clever, you know that?""It runs in the family."They both burst into laughter.Sipping his sap, Priam looked at the forest. Despite the starry night, the warm wind on his chest, and his father's company, he still had a knot in his stomach. In the firmament, the presence of a crimson moon reminded him of his situation. In six days, a deadly event would unfold. He had to be prepared.The howl of a predator echoed in the distance, and his father flinched. Priam's mood sank at the sight. Did I make the right choice bringing him? Unlike Priam, Alain didn't have a second life."Hey, son?" Alain said without looking at his son."Hmm?""Are you happy right now?" His father's voice was gentle.Priam opened his mouth but closed it again. He was usually quite secretive, but his father deserved an honest answer. Priam pondered the question.Was he happy? Constantly forced to flee, train, and fight for survival, he hadn't even asked himself the question. Yet the answer seemed obvious."I think so..." Priam corrected himself. "I'm sure I am. For the first time in my life, I feel... free."Alain remained silent, and Priam continued. "I think society was imprisoning me. The judgment of others, conventions, traditions. It was subtle, but I was guided toward certain paths. I always loved reading, writing, and building, but school never taught me how to develop those talents. When I think of my younger self... Remember when I helped you plant radishes, Jerusalem artichokes, or potatoes?""I remember," his father smiled."I loved it. Yet, I knew from a young age that I would never become rich as a farmer.""It's a beautiful profession, as vital as it is hard," commented Alain."Of course, but I was always pragmatic. I had little chance of becoming a famous author or a wealthy farmer, yet I wanted enough money to live comfortably with my future family. I wasn't unhappy, but by following the path laid out for me, I was missing out on my life. Studying science interested me somewhat, but it wasn't a calling.""Piercing wyverns, is that your calling?" Alain joked.Priam shook his head. "Killing wyverns, transcending my limits, seeking treasures, and meeting aliens... It's not a calling. It's a life. A life I enjoy."Alain looked at him for a moment before smiling. "That's all that matters. To your happiness, my son."Clashing their mugs, they toasted.Priam emptied his glass in one go. "And you, Dad?""Are you worried about your old man?" Alain said in a teasing tone.Priam just looked at him, smiling.Alain rolled his eyes. "You worry about nothing. For the first time in twenty years, I feel fit. I sleep well at night, I'm with my son, and most importantly, I don't have to fill out taxes anymore," the old man chuckled. "I love this life, but... I worry about your sister."Priam was worried too, but preferred not to dwell on it."We can't do anything for now.""That's never stopped a parent from worrying."Alain stood up and changed the subject. "There are six days left to prepare for the Necromoon. Can I help with something?"Priam stood up as well and pressed his mug against Log-a-rhythm, which absorbed it. It was time to get to work."As soon as Kazuki is on his feet, we'll go gather resources. Our rivals aren't fools; as soon as we start, they'll want to imitate us or strip us bare."In Elysium, the law of the jungle prevailed."Do you really need those resources?" Alain asked."I don't need the attributes, but I need the qualitative benefits of some - to increase my compatibility with my second heart, for example. Moreover, every stolen resource is one less for our enemies. And you and the others will need them. I know your tribulation is near.""It'll be alright, Priam, I""Dad," Priam interrupted. "I'm not going to let you die because you're too proud to accept my help. I will give you magical fruit juice transfusions if I have to."Alain held his gaze for a moment before sighing. "Bah. Do you need my help?""I've thought about it, and I completely underestimated my internal world. I have plenty of ideas to use it in combat - infinite kinetic energy, a free mist reserve, a prison, etc. However, right now, it would be useful to quickly gather resources and keep them secure.""You really plan to steal all the resources from this forest," Alain understood."Of course. But currently, my world is unusable." A tiny floating island in a thirty-meter radius sphere was not very useful. "I'll fill it to make a real world, but I need you to saturate it with aether. You have an idea, right?"If Priam wanted to increase the density of aether in his world, it was for several reasons. Elysium proved that a high concentration of aether facilitated level-ups, reduced Potential costs, improved plant growth, and so on.Last but not least, Concept Archipelago used some of the ambient aether to increase its volume. Therefore, it was crucial to increase the aether density."I have a good idea, confirmed Alain. I should be able to enchant a wooden sphere that will siphon aether from a portal placed at its center.""Why wood? asked Priam. Aren't you afraid the material will warp? It would be better with stone." "You can carve stone?""No." "Me neither. But I know how to work with wood. The hardest part is finding a perfect sphere, but that will be Log-a-rhythm's job."Mentally, the tree conveyed its eagerness to help."I trust you," Priam said. His father enjoyed working with his hands and had already made some wooden sculptures. "You should also build a strong room.""For your treasures?""For you. I don't think triggering a Tribulation in Elysium will be wise soon..."With a gesture precise and powerful, Priam wedged the tip of Promesse under an enormous stone. He stepped back to press on the shaft, using his spear as a lever to dislodge the rock. Aided by Archimedes' principle, the stone easily detached from the stream bed."I exchanged all my Potential for these four ones," Alain grimaced."Or maybe We might not need that." Priam replayed his last conversation with the Phoenix Prince. "My world can use concept fragments.""Oh? Do you think you can store those impurities with this power?""Maybe, but it doesn't entirely solve the problem. These fragments may not be the only thing filtered by this rune." Priam thought about the influence of the Necromoon. "If the System sold it to you, it's for a reason. I was thinking more of using one of the fragments I collected: Purity.""Do you think it will work?""Only one way to find out.""It will work, or we'll find something else," Alain smiled, getting back to work. Priam waited an hour, watching his father at work. Finally, with a final precise gesture, Alain finished his sculptor's work. A hundred runes of different sizes now adorned the sphere."Ta-da!" Alain exclaimed."Splendid! Does it work?""I emptied the aether from the center to work in peace, and the runes I traced prevent it from re-entering. So well have to test it," Alain smiled."Let's do it now."Opening a portal, Priam lifted the sphere and transferred it into his world. He appeared on the sandy strip surrounding the pond of his tiny island. Mobilizing Kinetic Control, Priam levitated his father's creation one meter high. A few moments later, Alain joined him."I'm going to link my System to this world to measure our progress," Priam said, connecting to his skill.World information: Current aether density: 0.14 E. Radius: 30.14 meters. Energy sources: sun light, heat, nuclear, host Priam: gravity, aether, concepts. Gravity: 2 G Earth = 1 G, Atmosphere: oxygen 25%, nitrogen 70%, unknown. Concept fragment: purity, mental stamina, sand, mist, steel, vengeance, ?.Inhabitants: 2Guardian: NoneWorld analysis in progress...Lvl Up: Priams System lvl 11MEM+2VIVA +1"Good," Priam smiled. "Ready?""Ready," Alain replied."Here we go," Priam murmured.Status: Average value for a Homo sapiens male before integration: PHY 10 / MEN 10 / META 0PHYSICAL:Strength 398Constitution 662Agility 404 Vitality 538 Perception 582 MENTAL:Vivacity 324 +2Dexterity 422Memory 131 +4 Willpower 648 Charisma 418 META:Meta-affinity 334 Meta-focus 241Meta-endurance 185 Meta-perception 107 Meta-chance 216 Meta-authority 12 Potential: 832 +4Tier 0He Who Eludes Death charge: OFF. Reloaded in 7 hours 49 minutes 36 seconds.Tribulation: Four Tribulations pending.Future Tribulations delayed until:Time: 176 days 8 hours 22 minutes 49 seconds.
