[Host, these abilities can be supplemented. Using soul energy the upgrade system can provide additional uses. Please see the edited list below:
Throne capabilities:
Personal Defense Field (100%) (Active) - (regenerate 1%: 5 soul)
Viewing Station
Royal Buff (uses: 3) - (1 use: 100 soul)
Cultivation Enhancement Buff (Active)
Lightning (uses: 3) - (1 use: 30 soul)
Avatar (uses: 3) - (1 use: 300 soul)]
'Nice. Excellent work, upgrade system!'
Not only had the system given him the ability to refresh the [Personal Defense Field], [Royal Buff], [Lightning] , and [Avatar], but it had also made it possible to make [Personal Defense Field], [Cultivation Enhancement Buff], and probably the [Viewing Station] continuously active as well.
It had been a few minutes, Gordon checked his soul energy buffer. In the last quarter hour or so his energy level had increased by almost four times.
[3892 soul]
In the first few minutes he had gained over a thousand soul and now it made sense that he should at least triple that amount. So with impunity Gordon triggered the viewing station ability of the throne.
Before him a table arouse out of the floor filled with sand. Once the table had completely emerged the sand began to move and clump together. At first it looked a little haphazard, but as the magic of the table continued to further refine more and more details appeared. Color and wind was simulated, this was a deluxe waste of resources for something that just needed a rough outline. Spending too much on modeling the environment wouldn't lead to measurable results, right?
Gordon was a bit skeptical, but he had to admit that the final result seeing the castle and environs emerge was spectacular. Pride emanated from the royal guard monk who stood to the side.
Happy to encourage excellence where ever it was found Gordon waved his hand to the monk inviting him to come up to the table.
For a moment the monk had a shocked look on his face as if disbelieving that Gordon would welcome him. But after a moment he took his place at the table not too far away.
"My Lord, may we observe?"
"Of course! Come one everyone, let's show this beast tide who is their daddy!"
Trying to communicate to royal guard some confidence Gordon said a few ridiculous things just to get some energy flowing.
Most of the royal guard gathered to watch the table and even some aids appeared.
"My Lord, may we observe and even advise?"
Asking permission the monk tested Gordon to see just how much he was willing to work together.
"Of course, please advise. I will listen to any of your thoughts."
More than happy to have these military aids appear Gordon invited them to be at ease.
"Thank you, Lord."
With that the monk motioned towards the doors of the throne room and an army of pages, assistants, and various types of mages entered the throne room.
Seeing this Gordon swallowed, but then smiled to himself. Did he just unlock some secret of the castle defense training ground? It was a little worrying, he didn't have the experience to lead all these people well. However, if the monk was going to handle all the administrative needs then this could be considered a profit.
The less he had to do himself the better.
Contrary to Gordon's hopes the hubbub didn't calm down instead the activity in the throne room increased as messengers came and went along with various assistants arguing in hushed, but strident tones.
And then the expert battle advice began.
"Sire, we are predicting that our defenses will be overcome within the next twenty-seven minutes."
The monk explained pointing to a mechanical clock that had been wheeled in on a table. This was the first appearance of any kind of more advance machinery and Gordon took note. Perhaps there was more to be unlocked within Renier's temple. After all in a world that had integrated magic and technology a training ground that was restricted to medieval level tech wouldn't be as helpful. Modern strategies would be overlooked.
Fortunately, for a beast tide, the current castle should have been enough.
"How long is it necessary for the current castle defense training grounds to last?"
The monk asked.
Shocked a little Gordon had not expected a character within the training session to refer to the training grounds itself.
Gordon didn't answer at first, but then thought about it and came back with response.
"It needs to last until all the enemies are defeated."
Finally he responded.
"Lord, if I might ask, is this training session an active beast tide in reality?"
Even more shocked the aid referred to reality.
"Yes, it is."
Humbled by the machine and magic entity before him that could accurately perceive the situation Gordon could do nothing more than admit what was really happening. There shouldn't be any problem in doing so he had Renier's token and theoretically he had top level control of the entire temple. For the moment Gordon didn't consider the Philos family and what control they had. It wouldn't matter for the extent of the beast tide.
They would live or they would die. After the attack there would be plenty of time to deal with any repercussions.
"Then we would like to recommend that you run. The castle defense session can last for five minutes without Renier's talisman active within its boundaries. Please use these five minutes to preserve your life."
The monk said carefully.
For another moment Gordon just looked at the sand table which had become fully active and even had gained color. Everything was depicted here right down to the weapons and projectiles used in the defense.
"No, I will not run."
Decided Gordon shook his head.
"Are you sure, my Lord?"
Again came the confirmation question.
"No, I will not run. There are a few tricks that I can still employ to increase the time that we can hold out."
Acknowledging Gordon's wish the artificial intelligence aid bowed low in a show of respect and then asked.
"What tricks?"
"I am fully capable of using this throne and am able to replenish its energy."
This stunned the royal guard and for a moment it could not reply as his eyes actually glazed and he took a step back. Then the clock updated to thirty-four minutes and the aid's eyes came back to life.
"As you wish, might I suggest placing an avatar here, here, and here."
Immediately getting down to business the monk pointed to three places on the battle field. One was the battlement on top of the main gate. Another was within the gryphon's eerie on top of the castle. And the last was on the battlement to the right of the main gate amid a group of soldiers in the black and grey of the marines.
"No, problem."
Gordon said and was about to activate the throne.
"Actually, my lord, hold for a moment so that we can warn the various parties in question of your arrival."
"Oh, right. Thank you."
After the aid hastily stopped him from acting too fast Gordon waited and could even see at least ten pages run out from the central keep to send messages all along the battlements. They must be announcing these developments to the entire defense force he realized. And indeed a roar went up that could be heard even here within the throne room.
The aid nodded and immediately Gordon swallowed as he triggered the [Avatar] option from the throne's menu. His perception split once, then twice, and finally once again. Standing there in the throne room Gordon had to take a moment to get used to having his mind split four ways.
A nausea arose and the aid quickly offered him a glass of water and a pill.
"Here take this. It will help."
[Immortal Elixir
Increases all stats by 5 and facilitates proficiency by 50%. Lasts for thirty minutes.]
After taking the pill and waiting for a full minute the nausea started to come down. Eventually he was able to look at the skills of each avatar
[Avatar
Level: 50
Title: Defender of the Castle
Health: 20,000
Mana: 60,000
Stamina: 143
Physical: 201
Soul: 614
Mental: 128
Abilities: Beast Taming Ability (S rank)
Talent: Beatific Luck
Skills: Heavenly Sword Judgement, Immortal Body, Divine Purification
Magic: Transcendent Heal, Angelic Resurrection, God Storm, Empyrean Blink, Uncanny Chain Lightning, Seraphic Lightning
Cultivation Techniques: Star Refining Cultivation
Pets: None
]
Looking at the status screen Gordon unable to process the [Avatar]'s line items, at least not after the first few lines. It seemed like a dream that he could use magic and skills like these even if it was only for the next 34, no 33 minutes.
Hesitant at first Gordon tried to individually direct each of his four bodies, and found that it was impossible.
"If I could make a suggestion? Release the avatar to function with the support of its AI."
Indeed when Gordon pulled back and reviewed the helpful screen underneath the main throne menu he saw that there was indeed a toggle for engaging the AI.
[Avatar creation
Create Avatar (uses: 0) - (1 use: 300 soul)
Use AI (Y/N)]
With a thought he confirmed the use of AI for the avatars.
[Y]
And the next moment the burden on Gordon's mind lifted as if there had been no strain in the first place.
"Very good. Now, my Lord, if you would be so kind. Please strike these four orange beasts with [Seraphic Lightning]."
This monk was not wasting any time. Gordon was starting to feel the strain and wondered if this was how all Lords felt. Did all Lords feel like their aids bossed them around?