Fenrich arose sometime after, his body felt better than it ever had before. Deep inside where his Dantian was, a flame was radiating endless warmth that purified, enhanced and brought his body closer to his first Life Rating evolution. Firmament Defiance Greatsword pushed his tier up an entire rating, but it was not the true Life Rating evolution, but this flame did just that and it was at a rather fast pace also. Especially since he himself was still at a Life Rating that the Omniverse Alpha System wouldn't even bother giving a grade to such trash.
His memories came back of the most recent events, snapping himself awake he began yelling out, "Laura, Garen, Lukas, Sasha, Ryan, Jackson, Julia, Alex are you all okay!?" Fenrich got to his feet and began running laps through the now condensed and back to normal Rideau Carleton Casino. No luck, everywhere he looked, not even a body or blood stains could be found.
"Goddammit!" Fenrich yelled as he punched his fist through the closest wall, he ran both hands up his forehead and through his long snowy-white hair as he took in a deep breath and exhaled it slowly. "Think you dumb fucker! Isabella was unconscious, but if she came to she would have done what healing she could manage. There's no medical bays in the casino from Ren's returnal message I got before we entered this fucking place. Lounge room! They have to have medical supplies and medical wrappings for emergency situations for the staff or patrons visiting."
Fenrich went through his memory and the detailed step by step recounting of the interior and the various floors that Ren gave him. "Second floor!" Fenrich used his Mana and propelled himself upwards, effortlessly air walking at an extreme speed as he pushed his body to the physical limits he could currently endure. Within less than a minute, Fenrich found the lounge room he was looking for.
Fenrich rushed in kicking the doors off the hinges as he blitzed through and took in his surroundings with his Mana perception, on the various couches and recliners his people were bandaged up with bandages stained crimson and medicinal scents wafted through the lounge room. Their breathing was calm showing they were in peace and all thankfully still in the land of the living.
Fenrich balled both of his fists up as he examined each and everyone one of his people, they all had varying injuries from one extreme to the next, but they were all alive, breathing and their chests were rising and falling every so often.
Fenrich's eyes began watering as he looked at the sight of eight… people. Not seeing Isabella at all or sensing her presence within his Mana perceptions focus.
"Boss, you're finally awake!"
A meek but excited voice called out softly from behind Fenrich, hearing that voice alone was as if he were some religious fanatic hearing the voice of their God for the first time. Fenrich snapped around, taking in the sight of Isabella perfectly healthy, not a single hair on her body was touched. His father and sister did indeed have some heart left… Not bothering with finishing off an unconscious and defenseless individual.
Fenrich walked towards Isabella in big steps, this startled the meek girl but she stopped as she could feel the turbulent wave of emotions rippling within him. Leaning downwards he wrapped one arm around her head, and the other around her waist as he pulled her into his chest, and rested his head on his shoulders.
"You must've paid a humongous price to take care of the others, thank you from the bottom of my hearts for not letting anybody die." Fenrich practically sobbed out the last part as his voice wavered and cracked, "Thank you, I owe you my life Isabella. When I couldn't protect anybody, you made sure they all received treatment. Whatever you need of me, I will go to the ends of the Earth, Multiverse, Omniverse, Heaven and the nine Hells to repay you. Thank you."
Fenrich squeezed Isabella tighter and began weeping on her shoulder, showing a vulnerable side of himself that even Alarune had never seen in his past life. Isabella's eyes widened as she heard the man weep, and due to her awakened Holy Priestess Divine Body, Isabella could "see" the emotions of various colours deep within Fenrich's being. Where before there were motes of pure light, now everything was darkened and ugly looking to her Holy Priestess Divine Body.
The prideful, arrogant and overbearing man before her was no different than a child crying into her as he hugged her ever tighter, conveying how thankful he was despite the ugly blackness of his current emotions. Today, a major part within Fenrich that made this man sincere and appreciative of life, was broken and stolen from him. Who could say this was the right thing to have happened? Nobody could, but from the way this man cried and wept like a child, Isabella wished she could put the broken pieces back together. But deep down, Isabella knew that once this version of Fenrich got past his emotions, this man would truly never be the same again.
Isabella patted Fenrich's shoulders as she replied cheerfully, "You're thanking me far too much boss, I'm just glad we didn't lose you. It would have hurt far more to lose you, someone who gives a shit and cares for others." They shared a long hug in silence, all of which the others could see and hear their conversation, but did not dare to interrupt.
Their leader had gone through a lot and was practically killed by his own family, while they "took" away his wife and unborn child. They now knew after Alarune explained it all afterwards, it was incredibly cruel but was forced actions his family did while under control.
"Alright, catch me up to speed if you wouldn't mind, Isabella." Fenrich said as he wiped his eyes, clearing away the side that all men feared to show. Due to fear of being judged, criticized, or let down by the ones he believed to be trusted with his vulnerable side.
"Yes, boss. After the Mini Game Dungeon ended, the Rideau Carleton Casino had an additional forty levels added to it, seven of which are underground. There are the lowest Bronze class of Smithy shops, Alchemy labs. There is a Talent Room that has a Skill Room, Dao Room and Class Room on the third underground level. The lowest level has a training room with virtual weapon masters, Skill masters, Dao masters and so forth. On the roof there are enclosed gardens for alchemical ingredients, fruits, vegetables and the sort. That is all I can gain access to, the A.I of this Smart Base asked for somebody to claim ownership before it gave access to everything else."
Fenrich nodded as he opened his eyes with a child-like fascination, the entire Casino had become like a supermall with a fantasy theme. It was just missing the indoor built roller coasters, aquariums, shopping outlets.
"Why didn't you claim ownership, Isabella?" Fenrich genuinely asked, not out of suspicion but because of curiosity.
"Well, boss. The thing is, even if I were to try, which I promise that I didn't, nobody else would accept and or allow it to happen. You see, boss. This whole entire experience made all of us form a bond like a family despite being strangers. You're the head of this family, and nobody would allow any other to overstep you." Isabella said, with her head down towards the ground making her already soft voice damn near impossible to hear.
"Alright, has a core to take ownership appeared anywhere, then?" Fenrich questioned calmly, no longer letting his doubts muddy his thinking of what needs to be done.
"Oh, yes! It did appear." Isabella beamed, in the middle of the front foyer, there is a blue coloured cube floating. But, how did you miss it boss? It's right out in the open, and based on my answers the A.I would have already known you as its master to be."
Fenrich scratched the side of his head as he answered honestly, "Well, let's just say sometimes there are other things or individuals who are more important than to claim the benefits and start enjoying them without the gathered warmth of a family or friends." The last part was spoken more seriously, but nonetheless it put a smile on Isabella's face to finally hear the confirmation from Fenrich's mouth, even if it was a roundabout way of saying it.
"Hehe, you're really lovable. I hope you can learn how to balance out both sides. There are times to be serious, and there are times for some light hearted enjoyment. Let's go, boss. Let me take you to the cube!" Isabella marched on in her own bubbly self. Fenrich could swear he'd seen the twinkles of stars and little happy smiley faced suns radiating from Isabella. It was a reminder of what he wished to keep safe.
Fenrich followed the beaming Isabella back to the front foyer, there was indeed a floating blue cube and around it was a flower bed that had roses, lily's, hydrangea, orchid, tulips, lilacs and peonies all in different colours. Fenrich watched as the flowers waved and danced as Isabella walked by, and then when he followed up they looked "frightened" as they "blew" away from him.
"Over here, boss! Quick quick! I want to see what will happen, I want to explore more!"
Isabella waited impatiently, pointing at the cube as she made it clear she was tapping her feet impatiently.
"Alright, alright. Let us see what this A.I Smart Base will have to offer." Fenrich smiled as he walked by ruffling Isabella's hair which brought out a pout and mutterings of, "do you have any idea how long a girl takes to work on her hair?"
Fenrich could feel the "pull" now that his mind was clear and his emotional state had been brought back together. "You'd better be worth it for what everyone has gone through." Fenrich muttered as he placed his palm upon the floating cube.
[Ding! Would you like to take ownership of this A.I Smart Base, YES/NO]
Fenrich clicked on the yes prompt, and varying prompts appeared in front of him.
[Ding! You have become the first Human on Earth to have gained an A.I Smart Base.]
[Ding! You have received the Title - Safe Haven. This Title is exclusive in the way that it only impacts the A.I Smart Base. All resources have their generated amounts tripled, their "bank" supplies doubled of those resources, all growth times of crops, alchemical ingredients, flowers, fruits, vegetables and more are increased by 4x. All of your subjects within the A.I Smart Base gain a level ten Serenity Passive Buff. Happy minds, busy bodies, productive workers, happy Ruler.]
[Hi, Master. I am- I don't have a name, could you please give me a name. And for human standards, would you like me to appear before you as a male or female?]
Fenrich heard the metallic voice that had emotions and could tell the longing for him to give it a name.
"Well, tell me more about yourself, what do you like, what are your hobbies, what are your wishes or your dreams? I need something to work with to give you a proper name, as not only will you be communicating with me, but also all the other subordinates that I will have in the future." Fenrich replied back mentally with their shared connection.
[I want to see happy people, I want to provide resources and ways to teach knowledge, empower all your future subjects. Most of all I want to be the safe harbor that you will call home, and provide this home for the less fortunate. I have no hobbies, so I must observe you, my Master, and the subjects you have.]
"Hmmmm, how about for now we call you Bestowment? The name means you will be conferring an honor (or status) as well as presenting a gift to other people. Is this satisfactory for you?"
[Yes master! I like the name Bestowment. But I haven't seen a lot of Human males with this kind of name. The only ones I heard about are old men who give candy out to young children with malicious intentions. I do not wish to be seen as those old men! I'd much rather be a caring mother-like figure for those who enter this safe harbor.]
Fenrich choked on saliva as he gasped at the wide and varied knowledge the A.I already had, albeit not "proper" knowledge.
"You're right that Bestowment would sound better on a female Human, but how do you know that is what I truly want? What if I wanted you to be a male, like a protector with a feminine sounding name?"
[That's not good, Master. Names for sentient and intellectual living beings, lifeforms, plants, are very important to us. Because names give us a purpose, it gives our lives meaning, and a Name can grant us power, and the ability to cultivate the Dao like you Humans or other lifeforms do. Please do not joke around with such a sensitive topic. I will respect what you want, but I also would like to give my own opinion, as at the end of the day. It is the Master's choice, and I will obey your order.]
"I understand, sorry for my insensitiveness. However, it may be true that I may be your Master. But you need to understand something, from this day forward you have come under my umbrella of protection. You even as an artificial intelligence, whatever you choose to appear as, you have my full support. I do not want an emotionless assistant, but instead somebody who can listen, give their input and opinions on important matters. Can you do that for me?"
[Yes, Master. Thank you for not being one of those cruel Masters I have heard so much about from my siblings. I want to be a female Human, and have a name that means more than just giving gifts, or honorary titles. I want to have true meaning beyond just helping others, so one day I can further evolve to care for and support what matters most to me like it does for you, Master.]
"How about I name you Eden. Originally it is a religious based name, but it is also described as a place of pleasure or as a paradise. Humans have certain hormones named serotonin, dopamine, endorphins and oxytocin. They produce the "feel good, and pleasure" emotions that Humans feel, as well as culling depression or anxiety. Eden was also very much so a safe harbor for its originally intended inhabitants, however, I do not wish for you to have a tree that is "poisonous" that punishes others for being tempted to eat from its fruits."
[That sounds wonderful. I like the name Eden, but how stupid can you be to use something good to punish others?]
"You're speaking to the wrong crowd, let's not let your name carry its previous religious meaning, as you study us Humans, you can make the name your own and integrate what you'd like to be sonorous with meaning. You are your own individual, and you are not bound by the "weight" that certain names have. You create your own meaning and understanding."
[Understood, Master. I am now named Eden.]
[Ding! Eden has attained the Peak Dao Seed of Fertility]
[Ding! Eden has attained the Peak Dao Seed of Serenity]
[Ding! Eden has attained the Peak Dao Seed of Harvest]
[Ding! Eden has attained the Peak Dao Seed of Edens Hearth]
After the notifications rang within Fenrich's mind, Fenrich felt an uncontrollable state of peace, calmness, serenity and full of "life" which greatly invigorated his current state.
"Eden, thank you. You may not understand yet, but here is the only place I will be able to remain the Fenrich that my people remembered first meeting me as. In the outside world, I will be incredibly cruel, because without being so I cannot protect what I love and care for."
[Master, I may not be able to truly understand the Human emotions yet. But you are a very good Human, that I can sense and tell as I have read your emotions, body language, and the way how you rushed to see if your subjects you cared for were safe. I will never let you lose that.]