Book 1, Chapter 104 (1/2)
Preparations
“What kind of preparations should I make,” Richard asked, “I’ll also need a batch of magic ingredients to craft elementary runes.”
“That we have, but no more. Planar teleportation requires a large amount of magic crystals, and tunnels aren’t stable to a new plane so powerful magical objects might harm the connection. The plane you’re going to explore this time will only be a low-grade one, so your party will be more important than the gear. Most of our magic crystals will be allocated towards the teleportation.”
Richard nodded his head in understanding.
Gaton harrumphed, and then solemnly said, “Kiddo, you’re already grown up. There’s something I have to tell you. When you were younger, your mother performed an awakening ceremony with you, no?”
Richard’s heart skipped several beats. Pure instinct told him that the secrets of this ceremony could not be revealed to anyone. Having obtained the blessings of wisdom and truth from the Codex of Alucia, he felt a need to keep mum about it.
However, Gaton did not wait for his reply, “I heard that there was a small hiccup during the ceremony, one that will change your life from those of regular humans. Nightmare creatures are likely to disturb your life in the following years, appearing randomly with unknown numbers and strength. Dealing with them will be fairly simple: just blast them to shreds with your spells. Just remember that fire and ice aren’t very effective against them.” There seemed to be a twinge of regret in Gaton’s gaze.
“Remain vigilant, and constantly try to grow in power. Tomorrow will be the first stop of your journey, the death training camp of the Archeron Family. The commoners and slaves of the family are trained there, groomed into experts through the law of the jungle. Choose anyone you wish to be your soulguard, but pay heed to the choice you make. I only have one soul contract with me, and normally the only way to obtain one is a blessing from the Eternal Dragon. Don’t think of getting a second copy any time soon. Head to Mokoff Port afterwards, and find portmaster Morfan and tell him you’re there to pick some slaves. He’ll arrange everything for you, and you can choose the best suited warriors. Remember to pay attention to quality, not quantity.”
Gaton seemed to realise he was growing long-winded, “Alright kiddo, do you have anything to tell me?”
Richard thought in earnest, but eventually shook his head. “Let’s talk about it again when I return alive.”
Just as Richard was about to leave, Gaton called out to him. “Right, I’d forgotten something! The first rule of the Archerons! Before you go to a different plane, you must choose a companion. At least one. And do it for your old man by today! As for packing your items, leave it to the housekeeper. Come, tell me, who do you want as your companion? Don’t be shy, just say a name! Ah, that’s right, as a spectator, I have a pretty good suggestion, want to hear it?”
“Who? Demi?” Richard asked. Amongst the teens that he had seen, Demi had the most potential.
“Of course it’s not that lass! It’s your cousin, Earl Alice.” Gaton grinned.
“What?” Richard almost cried out.
In recent times, Alice had become a rising star amongst the Archerons, second only to Gaton. Having become an Earl only recently, her rank and feudal lands were second only to Gaton and Marquess Sauron.
Alice was different from Gaton who relied on his thirteen knights. She had overwhelming strategic might, and great command over the battlefield. There was unspoken agreement in the family that she would exceed even Gaton if they had equal firepower.