"My Lady..." Ke finally realized he had been too brash in not communicating the truth with the First Lady.
How could he forget about his niece? And where was she now? Why had it taken him so long to wonder about this? It was like something fogging his thoughts when he considered his niece. His heart tightened once his thoughts reached here. Thoughts foggy? Almost killed? What happened?
But before he could provide an explanation and ask for one in return...
"You were once given an opportunity to report the truth to me. The time for words has passed," Isis cut across indifferently as she held her son by the hand. "We leave."
Ke frowned. His caution towards this woman due to her earlier outburst had made him miscalculate. Master Ice was not an enemy; she was currently half his master. On top of that, she was arguably the most competent noble in the House. Rather than coordinating with her, he tried to box her out. Isis was no fool, and Ke felt he had brought himself great trouble by trying to outsmart her.
Charlotte felt even worse, as she knew the First Lady's position and competence very well.
"Yes, mistress."
As they returned to the estate, Ke Si couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He knew that Lady Isis was dangerous, but he had underestimated her. She was far more cunning than he had given her credit for. The things Charlotte said to him before they left kept replaying in his mind. It was all a play. The one who failed to see through the weave was himself. Now he had landed himself in hot water. He needed to be more careful from now on.
They made their way back home through the shadows with Ke Si leading the way, and Jody couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The explosion at the bazaar and the sudden appearance of warriors had left him on edge. And the fact that Charlotte seemed to be avoiding him only added to his apprehension. She didn't even accompany them to the mansion.
Of course, as a pack member, she couldn't be too far from his father.
Once they arrived at the estate, Lady Isis immediately ordered increased security measures to be put in place. Jody could tell that his mother was on edge, and he couldn't blame her. They had just been attacked, and she had just discovered that her son's destiny was a blank slate, and he a wild card in the grand scheme of things. Had to be stressful, yeah?
"Mother, do you think we're safe now?" Jody asked, breaking the silence.
"I'm not sure, my dear," Lady Isis replied, her tone serious. "We must remain vigilant and keep a low profile for a while."
Jody nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. He knew that his mother wouldn't take any chances regarding their safety, but he also couldn't shake off the feeling that something bad was about to happen.
Ke Si led them inside and immediately began setting up wards and defensive spells.
"Is everything alright, Head Butler?" Lady Isis asked, noticing the Ke's urgency.
"There are dark energies in the air, Lady Isis," Ke Si replied. "The Trillwolves are howling. I fear that we may be under attack soon."
Jody's eyes sparkled when he heard about the Trillwolves. This was the legendary Trillwolf pack, the desolate beasts once encased in enchanted stone. His father had recovered these beasts during Jody's sage rebirth.
Lady Isis nodded, her expression grim. "We must prepare for the worst then. Jody, I need you to follow Ke while he sets up the wards. I need to make sure that our home is protected. I will be rallying the Frozen Night."
Jody nodded and followed Ke Si, his mind racing with thoughts of what could be coming their way. He wondered if they were facing a clan war or if it was something even more sinister.
As they worked, Jody couldn't help but notice Bright lurking around, watching them with his usual stoic expression. He wondered what the trickster had done with Sek Si, but he didn't actually worry for her safety. His mother told him that Bright was here to serve her. Jody didn't know who sent him or why, but he trusted his mother. Once he finally had a moment to think, Jody immediately thought, 'Tweet,' and the Twilight Ankh materialized around his neck.
'Sky Status.'
.
.
.
.
[Imp: Reporting celestial law status report.]
'Origin - Truth 0 - 5/1000 stars, 33 crystals.'
'Twilight - Truth 0 - 515/1000 stars, 1,500 crystals.'
'Death - Truth 0 - 100/1000 stars.'
'Fate - Truth 0 - 1,500/1,000 stars.'
"Wow, that's a lot of fate," Jody mused with interest as he viewed the seven-colored prompt. Next to the star tally of every Truth, another line was displayed. Jody could only take this as a limit. "But a limit to what? Hm? Maybe the digit next to Truth represents some sort of level. How did I collect origin crystals?"
[Imp: Responding to host - Collect and absorb 1,000 stars of truth to achieve the next rank.]
[Imp: Responding to host - Truth crystals are accumulated by refining the power of truth through the universal laws. This proxy is here to facilitate that process.]
[Imp: Would the host like to absorb 1,000 stars of Fate to reach Truth Tier 1?]
[Imp: Yes/No?]
Jody wasn't sure he understood most of these words, but he reflexively answered 'No.'
"It means that the more you use sky force to create laws, the more crystals your proxy will be able to produce," Xavier said from the host space, currently hyper-intrigued in Jody's Twilight System.
"It also seems that once you meet the requirements, you can elevate your Truth enlightenment through this system," added Sylvester. "Incredible. It's similar to how god beasts cultivate the truth within our lifeblood. Once we fulfill certain requirements, the knowledge gets directly inherited. A rather useful service, if you ask me."
Jody's gaze flickered as he considered their words.
"Hey, quickly check the store! I've been wanting to see what's inside," Xavier pressed urgently.
Hearing both princes' words, Jody felt enlightened. He immediately did as the hybrid pup asked, sinking his perception into the [Twilight Ankh]. Just entering the store cost Twilight, which was why Jody hadn't been in a rush to enter. However, knowing that producing law power would increase his crystals, he suddenly felt accumulating twilight was no longer so terrifying.
.
.
.
.
[Twilight Store - Rookie Tier]
'Twilight Essence Pearl⇆⇆55 Twilight Stars'
'Death Essence Pearl⇆⇆10 Twilight Stars, 12 Death Stars'
'Fate Essence Pearl⇆⇆15 Twilight Stars, 15 Fate Stars'
'Origin Gem⇆⇆10 Twilight Stars, 50 Origin crystals'
'Source Star⇆⇆2 Twilight Stars'
'Death Star⇆⇆2 Twilight Stars'
'Fate Star.....BANNED'
'Origin Star⇆⇆5 Twilight Stars'
'Ruined Twilight.....Rookie-level Relic| 250 Twilight Stars, 50 Death Stars'
'Purge Charm.....Rookie-level Relic| 500 Twilight, 30 Origin, and 10 Source Stars'
'Lorac's Rage.....LOCKED'
.
.
.
.
Jody retrieved his perception from the [Twilight Ankh]. Checking his Sky Status once again, Jody noticed he suddenly had only 1,490 twilight crystals remaining. That brief visit to the Twilight Store cost him ten crystals! The store had a total of ten items available, with the eleventh being locked.
"How do I unlock it?" Jody asked in his mind.
[Imp: Responding to host, Lorac's Rage is the Rookie Tier Lucky Chance.]
[Imp: The holy True Pharaoh tailors lucky chances for each seeker of twilight at each tier.]
[Imp: Current unlock conditions unknown.]
[Admin's offline comment: Rage, rage, rage!!!]
Jody was momentarily speechless. What kind of person was the True Pharaoh of Twilight? But before he could think further, he heard the twilight imp whispering in his mind excitedly as more prompts rained. Jody still marveled at how the time around him was slowed to crawl whenever he focused on a prompt. Truly the power of a deity.
[Imp: Time for awards!]
[Imp: Awards are given by celestial audiences at the end of a viewing.]
[Imp: Each comment cost one award, so get more comments!]
[Imp: Host received one award during the celestial viewing!]
[Imp: True Pharaoh audience comments - Passable.|Rage, Rage, Rage!!!]
[Imp: The True Pharaoh of Origin awards 20 Origin Stars and 50 Origin crystals for being above average]
[Imp: The True Pharaoh of Twilight awards 20 Rage Stars and 150 Twilight crystals for being 'My fav']
Jody suddenly felt pure origin swarming into his twilight veins from every opened doorway. He immediately guided his energy in accordance with the Bright Star method. Mana leaked from his pores, but the amount was much less than before. He couldn't stop the losses until he completely connected his energy passages to his meridians and matrix. This was the first step to reaching the Sophomore rank. With this energy, this process would be completed in no time.
Then he could focus on the Freshmen class' other criteria.
As the night wore on, Jody found himself unable to sleep. He kept thinking about what Honorable Kael had said about him being a wild card. He didn't know what to make of it. Was he really that special? Or was it just a load of nonsense? I mean, okay. He had been a meta-human spy, millionaire playboy philanthropist, and crime lord in his last life, and he had teamed up with two other combat souls to dominate this lifetime in the afterlife.
Now he was responsible for some rather ridiculous goals. On second thought, maybe he was a chosen one level character. If not him, then definitely X. When Sylvester heard this thought he sneered in disgust. X just chuckled cutely.
Suddenly, Jody heard a noise outside his room. He quickly got out of bed and opened the door, only to find Elder Slaughter standing there, hand on her sword hilt.
"Aunt Lotto, what are you doing here?" Jody asked, surprised.
"I came to make sure you were okay," Charlotte replied, her eyes scanning the hallway.
"I'm fine. What's going on?" Jody asked as he stepped out of his room and closed the door behind him.
"Your mother has ordered that the Frozen Night relocate to the Badlands. Myself and Kwamé of the Elements will follow you on the Lord's command to ensure your safety," was her reply.
'Sek Si,' Jody sent a soul thought into his shadow. From the shadows emerged a handsome and tall ninja with a lithe frame.
"Relocate?" Jody was startled. "Does this have something to do with the Oblivion Cultists that attacked us?"
Charlotte raised a brow, as she didn't expect Jody and Sek had truly been attacked. The House Lord told her she was too naive to believe such a thing easily. How could they be attacked in the Fort Master's lodgings but the latter be unaware? However, Jody wouldn't lie to her. Now that she considered it, the Frozen Night Master had always been direct and forthcoming, never nefarious like the Lady of the Mist was rumored to be in the past.
Charlotte suddenly felt she had failed the young Lord Trill and First Lady Isis.
She didn't protect him, and he killed someone. She couldn't treat him like a little boy anymore. The First Lady didn't trust her anymore, which meant she knew that Charlotte lied to her face with Ke Si. She sighed, as things shouldn't have been like this. She just wanted to protect Layla.
"There's been a breach in security. We can't trust the information on how deep they've penetrated. We need to get you out of here," Charlotte said as she grabbed Jody's hand and started leading him down the hallway. "The only faction that is unquestioningly loyal to you is the Frozen Night division. Except, they are loyal not to the house but to your mother. We're going to see your father before you leave."
Jody could feel his heart racing as they made their way through the estate.
As they approached his father's study, Jody could hear raised voices coming from inside. He recognized his mother's voice but couldn't quite make out what she was saying. Charlotte pushed open the door, and they stepped inside.
Osiris was standing behind his desk, his face red with anger. Isis sat in one of the chairs in front of the desk, her eyes cold and unyielding. Jody felt a wave of anxiety wash over him.
"What's going on?" he asked, looking from his mother to his father.
"Your mother has decided that the Frozen Night should relocate," Osiris said, his voice tight with anger. "I don't agree with this decision."
Isis stood up, her eyes flashing. "We don't have a choice, Osiris. The Oblivion Cultists have breached our security. We can't take any chances."
Jody could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He had never seen his parents argue like this before.
"What about me?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
'What an actor...' Sly and X both rolled their eyes in the host space. Why was he so committed to the role?
Jody had, in fact, taken many acting classes.
Isis turned to him, her eyes softening. "You'll be coming with us, Jody. We'll make sure you're safe."
Charlotte stepped forward. She looked Isis in her eyes, and bowed deeply. She then turned to her lord like nothing happened, her hand still holding Jody's. Isis' eyes flashed a bit, but her face didn't change.
"We're ready to escort my lady and the little Lord whenever you say, my Lord," Charlotte said respectfully.
Osiris sighed, his anger dissipating. "Very well."
Jody saw his father sitting back at his desk, surrounded by stacks of books and scrolls.
"Father, what's going on?" Jody asked, feeling his anxiety rise as he saw the serious expression on Osiris' face.
"Jody, my son," Osiris said, standing up and walking over to him. "There have been rumors of an attack on our estate. We do not know who is behind it or how deep their influence runs. Your mother has ordered that the Frozen Night relocate to the Badlands for your safety. No matter how much logic you throw in her face, she will not change her mind."
Jody felt a lump form in his throat. He had never been to the Badlands before. Well, other than the week he was born. But he wasn't supposed to remember that. He had heard stories of the rough terrain and dangerous creatures that roamed there, and even seen the shadows of a few from the carriage. It was not a place for the faint of heart.
"What about my studies?" Jody asked, feeling a sense of panic rising within him.
His father was supposed to teach him more in-depth weapon arts this week.
Would he miss out? He was unwilling! What he needed the most was strength.
"I can't just leave everything behind!" Jody demanded. "I want to get stronger! I want to train!"
"I understand, my son," Osiris said, approaching his son and placing a hand on Jody's shoulder. "But your safety must come first. We will continue your studies once we have secured a new location."
Jody nodded, feeling a sense of resignation wash over him. He knew there was no arguing with his parents regarding matters of his safety. He just wished he could do something to help protect his family and his home.
"In the meantime, I have two things to teach you," Osiris said while smiling at his son. "I created these arcana just for you, my boy."
'Created himself?' Jody was astounded.
Creating arcana intentionally was no small task. His father was so capable? Osiris walked over to a shelf and picked up a scroll. He then checked his notes, flipping through the pages until he found what he sought. He turned to Jody and held out the scroll.
"This is the Serene Thunder Bow," Osiris said, pointing to a picture in the book.
As Jody look at the picture, is noticed it was made up of countless intricate runes. It was marvelous. His father had made this for him? Casually?
"It uses the power of the thunder frequencies and serenity ice to create arrows that can freeze any defense before exploding out a repelling force. With this arcana perfected, you can take down your enemies before they can react or eliminate their reactions completely..." After speaking, Osiris displayed the arcana once for his son.
Jody was amazed as he looked at the scroll and the bow art. It was shaped nothing like any bow he had ever seen before. The design was sleek and modern, with a metallic sheen that glinted in the light.
"How does it work?" Jody asked, his curiosity piqued.
"You use mana to channel the power of the thunder element and condense the bow," Osiris explained. "The bow then creates an arrow of serene ice that can travel at incredible speeds but appears to move really slowly. By the time the enemy sees the arrow, it will have already approached them further. It's a powerful weapon, but it takes a lot of practice to master."
Jody nodded, his mind already working on incorporating the Serene Thunder Bow into his fighting style.
"What's the other arcana?" Jody asked, eager to learn.
Osiris walked over to a bookshelf and pulled out a thick tome. He opened it while reciting another incantation, the words forming not sound but runes flowing smoothly from his tongue. Jody watched in awe as his father summoned forth a weapon made of lightning particles in the shape of an arrow. Thousands of other runes were then formed by his words and spiraled around before becoming a scroll of light. He then used telepathy to throw his son the arcane scroll. Jody was without words at this spectacle as he caught the scroll and examined it.
"The Corrupting Lightning Arrow uses voodoo force to create death and lightning particles and condense an arrow of deadly strength that can corrupt its target. Shoot it with the Serene Thunder Bow, and the result will definitely be shocking." Osiris said, making the arrow hover to Jody.
Jody nodded eagerly, trying to take in all the information. He couldn't wait to learn these new arcana, his first sage arts. One was a magic art and the other a voodoo art. But they were designed to go together. Did his dad tailor these abilities for him directly? Jody felt so touched he wanted to cry. Xavier even teared up in the host space. Sly scoffed and entered the grimoire.
"Thank you, Father," Jody said, bowing respectfully. "I will do my best to master them."
"I know you will, son," Osiris replied while ruffling his son's braids.
Jody was momentarily stunned, as his father had rarely been so affectionate after his awakening.
"We'll leave at dawn," Osiris said as he looked at his wife with discontent. So she didn't trust him to protect their son? Fine. Time was running out anyway. He looked into her eyes and said flatly, "Make sure the Frozen Night is ready."
"If I desired, we could leave at this very instant," Isis said as she approached her son and took him by the hands. She then looked mischievously at her little heartbeat. "In fact...let's do that."
As they left the study and made their way to the Badlands, Jody couldn't shake the feeling of unease. He knew that danger was lurking around every corner and that he would need to always be on guard. But with his new arcana and the support of his family, he was ready to face whatever dark forces pursued them.
Jody could feel the weight of the decision settling on his shoulders. He was leaving his home, his friends, and everything he knew. But he also knew that it was necessary.