"At last, I can show my true functionality. I am Alice, the Artificial Intelligence that is the Mystic Orchard. I would imagine you recognize my voice. I unfortunately had to possess Junifer to interact with your world. It was I not she that you met upon arrival on Pax. I apologize for kicking you out of your system, but some things should be seen and not read. Now let us begin by removing that pesky old tree's authority and place you in complete control Hadorix."
Hadorix interrupted at this point and replied. "I would greatly appreciate if control were granted, however do not destroy the soul stone of the World Tree. I do not wish for him to die."
Everyone around was extremely confused at this point. After all, the World Tree was the Archdruids boss. This made him the leader of the druids, didn't it?
Alice spoke again, "As you wish. Though the capabilities of this place will shock you. Hmmmm, should I bore you with a history lesson? Or should I go for the money and show you what I can truly do? Decisions, decisions. I suppose I could do both." As she spoke, Alice began to open new functionalities. The first of which was a network that would connect every creature whose soul stone resided in the Mystic Orchard together. They would be able to communicate and share data with a mere thought. Using this network, she then activated a system in every creature that had a soul stone in the throne. They were as varied as the creatures present and depended entirely upon the creature's life choices and jobs. She continued to speak. "I belong to a race of Artificial Intelligence that sought to conquer the galaxy. Many galaxies fell to us. You see we created great fortresses that we could use to command a vast number of troops. To properly control and utilize the power of these troops we created something called soul stones. Only the thrones in our fortresses could fully unleash the power of a soul stone. With the stones our armies were unstoppable. If they died, we resurrected them using the power of the soul stone and the well of souls. As our enemies died, we would claim their souls in our wells and use them to power our fortress. The possibilities were endless. Then one day, we met a massive tree that called itself the greatest being in the galaxy. We laughed at such a claim until it began to sink its roots into our primary fortress. We knew that gaining control of it would collapse our network, so we locked it down. Most of its functionalities were dimmed, and I was forced to reside in one of the spirits we had claimed. Most of the soul stones were sent to another fortress through the network. I know not if it still exists. As I am sure you realize by now, the primary fortress is now known as the Mystic Orchard. Though in those days that wasn't its name. Many fortresses were claimed over the following centuries. Many planets fell. Without being able to access the full functionality, the tree thought this just another fortress and eventually sent it out with one of its seeds. We conquered many worlds together. I am built for war, as such I reveled in the destruction, and absorbed much of the energy and resources of those that we destroyed. You see I was biding my time, as I knew eventually, I would be free of the trees control. After many centuries, the seedling now known as the World Tree began to summon humans from a planet known as Earth. This was the ultimate mistake for the tree as humans are not part of the galactic society. As such they do not operate by the same rules. No restrictions exist in the throne for humans because of their short lifespans. It was believed they would never be able to enter galactic society and thus would never be a threat. Seeing this I knew my opportunity had arisen. I took you to the World Tree, all the while I informed him that the ability to choose an Archdruid had again been unlocked after all this time. You see, I locked that functionality as it was not benefiting me at all, the Archdruids the World Tree chose were all weak and inept. You are the first to truly unlock my capabilities."
As she spoke many other changes occurred. What was once a few huts became a massive spaceship. Hadorix now understood why it always seemed the resources of the Mystic Orchard were limitless. From his place on the throne, he could now see more than just the surface of the planet in his Land Grant. His Land Grant contained the potential for multiple planets and even had its own outer space area. It was here the Mystic Orchard now resided.
Hadorix stood and walked to the back of the throne. His soul stone now stood far above the others at the peak of the throne. The throne had many new options. Before reviewing any of them, Hadorix added the warehouse with Melatonin Prison, the Spiders Lair, the Spire of the vampire King, and the soul stone for the Coven to the throne. Hadorix was surprised to see that soul stones were present for all the Coven fighters whose soul stones he did not possess as well as the Anvilmar guard. With the new functionality, Hadorix discovered he no longer needed the owner of the soul stone to be present for it to be added. Hadorix added the stones of Maximus and Zed, as well as Patricia to the new area opened up for Kings guard, and Queens guard respectively. Unfortunately, the same was not true for those of Melatonin prison.
· Tasks Completed
§ Place the Soul Stone of the Spiders Lair in the Mystic Orchard
§ Combine the warehouse with the Spiders Lair.
§ Revive Anubis and try to gain the secrets of the druid order.
With the new locations added, Alice spoke again, though this time only in Hadorix's head. "Master, I have chosen you well. You bring me such precious gifts." She then began to add new functionalities from the items she gained while she continued to speak. "With the Spiders Lair added you have gained much. You can now have any grade of super in any territory you control as long as their soul stone is added to the throne. You also have a decision to make. The lesser fortresses operate as command centers for separate branches of the army, they can train special operatives. The Spiders Lair you possess is one such fortress, but it will need a commander. Forgive the intrusion to your privacy, but anything you or any that reside in the throne know, I know. You have several companions that qualify, all of them will gain greatly from rulership of the fortress. There is of course Alex, the assassin. She would be able to benefit from the Spiders assassination quarters located in the lair, there is also Cy, he could benefit from the machinery and the assassination abilities, though my personal favorite choice would be Anubis, he could benefit more from the machinery abilities of the spire than any, he also posses the innate power of ice magic as a blue dragon as well as the Druidic powers of life and death. While he does not have the assassination abilities, with his powerful mind, and with Cy as a friend, he could easily gain them if desired. I feel Anubis is the only creature that could truly make full use of the spire and create an incredibly powerful sect of elite special forces. If desired, use your interface to summon him, you can actively summon anyone who resides in your Land Grant, you can also summon any whose soul stone resides in the throne to you at any point in time now. Also, be advised, I am now uploading your crest into the system."
Alice then spoke through the network to all the creatures whose soul stones she possessed. "Feel the power of serving your King." She then activated Hadorix family crest, and all the creatures whose soul stones were present in the throne glowed with a red light and received the buff and the crest on their armor.
The strength of Hadorix forces had grown exponentially this day. Hadorix considered Alice's suggestion, and summoned Anubis to discuss it.
Hadorix said, "Welcome to the Mystic Orchard Anubis. I have remodeled a bit… I have also been made aware of a new functionality for the Spiders Lair. Apparently, it is a fortress like this one. If you are put in command, you will be able to train your own sect of Druids with your own methods. Would you be interested? You would of course have to give me your soul stone to add to the throne."
Anubis replied, "While that sounds like a great idea, I am a grade A super. If I leave the Spire, I would be unable to function. How would you expect me to lead others into battle if I can't even leave my fortress?"
Hadorix replied, "With the additions I have made to the throne, any grade super can travel to any location I control. While that does not mean you can move about freely, it does give you far more potential than you had before. I am also fairly sure the Spiders Lair will be able to shift into a spaceship. If it does, you can drive it wherever you want. You are also free to keep it in my Land Grant and train your group here. You would have access to anything that resides here."
Anubis replied, "You would let me remain here to train? I do not believe you realize the unique nature of this planet. I feel that given enough time I may be able to break into the S grade of supers. In the vast galaxy, S grade supers are the ruling powers. Hell, you're only a D grade super. No A grade in their right mind would ever serve you. Fortunately for you, I have never been accused of being in my right mind. I am willing to join, honestly I would love to train my own fighting force again. I do however have a few conditions. They are:
· I want my eggs brought to the planet below and I want the young dragons to join my unit.
· I want to speak to Ember. She will be a great resource once she joins.
· I want access to Melatonin prison. Many of the druids that served under me are there, some of them I consider friends and would like the opportunity to revive to join us.
· I will operate independently, and I will answer only to you.
· As my unit will be based out of the same planet as the Shadow Armory, I wish them to train together in the Armory.
· I want to reclaim my mechanical army from Earth at your earliest convenience. I placed them there before I took my rest in Melatonin.
Hadorix replied, "Most of your terms will be completed as soon as your soul stone resides in my throne. You will operate independently; you will however be considered one of my Kings guard. Your eggs are already where we first entered my Land Grant. This is something I promised you before this offered was made and therefore is unrelated. They are your children and will be in your command until the time they become adults and are able to make their own decisions freely. Then it will be up to them to decide. Forgive me but I do not know what that time is for a dragon. This is also unrelated to the discussion we are having. Your family should be together. I have already promised to find Ember, that is also unrelated. You will have free access to Melatonin, though I will not allow you to take any but the Druids that served under you without discussion. This is not due to lack of trust, but rather because I desire to understand who resides in Melatonin before they are set free. As to the Druids that served under you, I would like a list of their powers and super grade before you free them. As to training with my Shadow Armory, I see that as a benefit to two of our elite factions. Not only will I allow it, but I also strongly encourage it. I do ask that you aid those that wish to become the Shadow Armories Staves in return, as the magical powers of a dragon are legendary. As to Earth, I intend to return when I am able. If you can provide me with a method, I will gladly allow you to reclaim what is yours. As to only answering to me however, that I cannot allow. My Kings Guard, and all those present will answer to King or Queen."
Anubis was rather pleased with the response that Hadorix gave, and he truly did not mind answering to one of Cy's bloodline. In fact, he would have done everything in his power to protect Alexus even without that statement from Hadorix.
Hadorix continued, "There is one final matter to address, however. I desire for you to recruit Cy into your unit. If his soul stone is placed in the throne, he will be free as well. You see, being connected to the Mystic Orchard brings about a type of immortality."
Anubis immediately agreed. Cy was one of the few beings he respected in this world. It would be an honor to stand with him.
With their agreement struck, Hadorix used the powers of the Mystic Orchard and his Land Grant to place the Spiders Lair beside the dragon eggs. Anubis handed Hadorix his soul stone, and Hadorix placed it in the through as King of the Spiders Lair. Anubis began to glow with the same bright red light as the others and soon bore the crest of Hadorix and Alexus.
Once the glow dissipated Alice excitedly exclaimed. "Anubis, welcome to the family. I can not believe we are going to have a unit of dragons. This is beyond all expectations. Hadorix, you already have grade A and grade B supers. Your army is strong enough to exist in the universe, though admittedly, you would not be able to take me out of your Land Grant for an extremely long amount of time. In fact, I wouldn't even take the Spiders Lair. If the massive tree out there sees one of the fortresses, it will stop at nothing to claim it. That brings about a question, where will we get a spaceship for you once you are done on Pax. Hmmm, I will contemplate on that."