Amun Za'Darmondiel-Nox.
1 Septara, 1492.
Tri-Hollow, the Bodhi Tree.
7:34 PM.
***
There was the expected mix of looks pointed my way as I stepped down from the podium. Most were indignant, disgusted, or somehow rattled, while a select few were impressed, hopeful, or surprised. One, however, was neither.
Actually, it was two. While Lance masterfully feigned indifference from atop his throne, Zorrenor Knagh hobbled to the podium with utter resolution stenciled across his face.
"To you students, I implore you to give us a show that will last for the ages! And to those of you watching from the Peninsula and beyond, I thank you for your continued support of both the Bodhi Tree and the young mystics in attendance. Indeed, Class One Thousand of the Bodhi Tree will be its last. I, and by extension, this grand tree, can no longer usher forth the next generation of great mystics. And so it is up to you students, alumni, and those beyond to shepherd an institution far greater than the Bodhi Tree's legend. Thank you students for your devotion. And thank you instructors, staff, and associated members for your support. Let's make this last event something truly special, shall we?"
With a final bow and a wave to us, the meeting was adjourned. Thus it was time to get to work.
The proceeds proceeded far smoother than I anticipated. With Iris and Reina's help, we were able to source more than enough building materials without sacrificing too much of the forest, allowing Blude to put her touch on the suites meant for the rulers of the Southern Peninsula once the Rocks finished their work. Conversely, Iris augmented everything placed by Sunshield Industries, allowing the attendants to keep tabs on the matches wherever they were and facilitate their transit throughout. Not to mention, it gave the attendants the means to purchase goods from any of the present guilds and gave the students the opportunity to learn more about the Regni.
On the outside, Ed and I formed roads and warp points leading to and from the south. Then we got caught up welcoming the twelve ruling families with Zorrenor and the rest of the Regni.
Much to Ed's delight, most of them arrived in his vehicles. Others, however, missed our greeting. Namely because their rulers were currently present. Or, in the case of Vruria, never intended to come. Sadly, the ruling prince of Chaulort was among those missing. In his place were a few members of his royal court, pointed out to me by Ferris.
As for those who arrived, Zorrenor made it a point to introduce them to me before taking the lot of them into the compound to show them their accommodations. And with our newfound privacy, the many eyes of the surrounding guild members fell on me.
In turn, my eyes on the Conditor with a knowing grin. "Care to spar?"
The approached with few words, as did many of the surrounding guild members. Thus without further delay, I set down a modified Creation Station and gathered everyone inside.
Within was a timeless domain of rocks floating in a starry sea. Bleachers surrounded the central stage, complete with Digishrooms for their viewing pleasure, and the seats were filling readily. On that central platform, though, I stood with the Troupe while the Conditor stood with those they gathered from across the realm.
"Alright." I grinned, looking at each group before settling into a neutral stance and releasing my ki. "It's a team battle."
***
Headmaster Zorrenor Knagh.
2 Septara, 1492.
04:38.
***
I could feel it. The way my deals affected the tree was noticeable by even those who never knew the embrace of a Mother of Nature.
Before, the tree and, by extension, I was simply withering. Now, the tree was being altered by Amun's essence while I remained the same. It seemed as if I was… abhorred by the rich energy, given the way the vibrant blues, greens, golds, and silvers retreated into the roots as far as possible whenever I came near.
I could feel my hold slipping, being replaced by something I struggled to even comprehend. But I at least had some sense of solace, knowing the austere yet elegant design of the suites we traversed would be found in what was the Bodhi Tree was to become- knowing the Bodhi Tree would remain true to its origin. Even if parts of it were… eldritch.
The machinations placed within could do all the things I could in the Bodhi Tree. They gave us directions and ferried us around the structure, distributing information and goods as we traversed the halls, and even after we arrived in a lodge. The machinations could scry in ways even elves could not perceive, even though they were still magical in nature.
There was, however, another aspect. A… something so subtle that no one but I noticed it. It was both sides of the forest melded into one. The flora and the fauna, remade into something new by the hands of that elven devil.
Therein was the shining light in this ordeal. My deal, for all the turmoil it caused me, would work out well in the end. But the work was not yet done. There was one tumultuous task to complete.
The 12 families who helped this place come to be were mere shadows of what they once were, as expected over the course of a millennia. Many have been destroyed and reconstructed over the generations, with the latest being Amun's 'walk' through Shujen. Others, such as Clan Zeelba, revered him for the changes he brought to their lands, for Bakewia was now flourishing in ways Zeelba could not have dreamed all those centuries ago.
Three in particular sent others in their stead; in some cases due to them being here for other means, and in one case due to the trials in their homeland. While few more were familiar with Amun's 'technology,' more were not. Even then, however, only a few were apprehensive about what they saw. Making the prospects of my next task optimistic.
"Thank you all for coming." I bowed to the lot of them before finding my seat.
"Yeah, yeah. I came for the fights and the food." Grumbled Mazi. A high-orc like his predecessors, but of no relation. Like Sunguldak, Akchamoca, Lylmlar, and Komstan, he killed the old ruler and took up both their name and territory; unknowing and uncaring of the political intrigue that came with the position. "What'd you bring us 'ere for?" He spat.
"No need for formalities, I see. I will keep it short, then." I warily sighed. "However, for those of you who are not long-lived or who have not seen the terms of our old agreement, passed down, allow me to give you a reminder.
"I met the Bodhi Tree just ninety-eight years after the portals appeared across the realms, linking them together." I began. "For four years, I dreamed of it becoming what it is today, and at the end of those four years, I laid the foundation. I made a deal with an ancient devil- a true devil. Tefnut Nox. I was granted longevity by way of him connecting me to the Bodhi Tree, and it to me. In exchange, I was to teach the six plagues that would come in his wake. Children of the Nox. Void and death; death, dark, and dark; the void beckons the end."
Pausing, I opened my senses to latch onto what was left of mine in the surroundings and gauged their reactions. As I had seen many times over the ages, there was shame from those of Rhar, and boredom from those who had already known the tales. But those of Mazi and a few from Kasia seemed deeply intrigued by my words, thus I continued.
"They did not come immediately, however. First came you or your ancestors. They wandered through the portals, and like me, found the Bodhi Tree in all its splendor; perhaps guided by the deal I made or forces even higher, I know not. Regardless, they agreed to help me realize my ambition. It took us four centuries. I even had to duel the-then Emperor of Polaris. But we prevailed." I chortled in nostalgia.
"To reward you or your ancestors for such a momentous trial, I gifted the twelve of them the southern half of the peninsula, wherein they could rule as they saw fit under my protection. The sole condition was that one Bodhi Tree Subguild was to be constructed in each country for the second-year students. Then the first class of the Bodhi Tree arrived." I sighed with a sudden heft in my voice.
"Among them was the Mad Void Monk, Cole Nox. The first plague, who created Crater Lake and sank the southern peninsula to near-sea level. Five generations later brought the arrival of the Raven Reaper, Corvus Cole; a druid and cleric of Grimm. The Necro King, Everandus Cole, followed just three generations after. And then came his son of darkness, the Shadow Beast Handler, Azrael Cole. Then his son, Emeric Cole. And now, the final void has come and gone. Thus, the Bodhi Tree is at its end. The Bodhi Tree will die within two years of this Class's evolution. And so too will I."
That brought a surprising mix of reactions from those gathered. The Seconds of Rhar and Redagh seemed anxious and solemn while the leaders of Kasia and Mazi grew eager. The replacement king of Shujen seemed indifferent, caring only about his chalice, as did Clan Zeelba. Gone were the times were I would let those things fester for the sake of persuasion. Such a thing was no longer my responsibility.
"And so this brings me to the purpose of this gathering." I turned my eyes about them, holding up two fingers. "Due to the nature of my deal with the Nox in laying the foundation for the Bodhi Tree's creation, it is only be logical for the Bodhi Tree to be claimed by the Nox at the moment of its death; as they will claim me at the moment of mine." I paused to lower my finger.
"Naturally, that means you will no longer be under my protection. However, I know Him to be one who will not force you under his wing. Thus, you must decide for your people if you will seek protection from Him or Polaris if you choose not to remain in the peninsula under your own power."
"You cannot be serious, Zorrenor!" Came the immediate reply, sonorous and fueled with venom.
"I am dying, Roren. What else would you have me do?" I turned to the wood-elf, King Corym's regent, with the most pleading look I had ever mustered. "The north goes to him only. What happens to the south is up to you, individually."
"That matters not!" Roren slammed his fist on the table, then pointed a slender finger to me. "You would give the remnants of this sacred tree to a unicorn slayer?"
"Unicorn Slayer? Nice!" Intoned the high-orc ruling chief of Kasia, the long-time rivals of the Rharian Kingdom.
"Silence, brute!" Roren snapped toward Bluszil. Then took in a deep sigh to calm himself. "Very well." He huffed, leaning back into his seat. "With no need for a subguild in our lands, Rhar will simply deal with our trespassers and close our forest once and for all."
"Cowards." Mazi snickered.
"We are not here to discuss what you all intend to do. It was simply to inform you before I inform the Optimus Regni of the same. And," I sighed, "when this event is over, I will tell him."
We had unfinished business, after all.