“They’re all dead.”
The announcent hit like a thunderclap, silencing the room. The oppressive quiet stretched until Priam broke it in style.
“By the System’s balls!”
“How is that possible?” Kazuki asked.
“Yeah, the first rule of a massacre is that there are always survivors,” said Priam.
The second rule being that those survivors would inevitably seek revenge.
“The Var Elegis annihilated every Duatian settlent,” Ishaka explained. “A few stragglers remain in the wild, but in small groups and without resources, their presence on Proxima is now a re footnote.” The general consulted a docunt on his desk. “A little over ten thousand scattered across an imnse territory. Out of half a million, it’s not much.”
Priam felt his stomach tighten at the grim news. He held no particular fondness for the Duatians, having only encountered Osiris and Seth—one a bright and endearing child, the other a psychopath of the worst kind. Yet, hearing that the core of an entire civilization could be crushed so swiftly was deeply unsettling. For the first ti since the initial Reunion, a question gnawed at him: Was humanity in danger?
“What are we going to do about it?” Kazuki asked.
“Nothing,” Ishaka replied. “Our analysts predict that most of the remaining Duatian will perish soon. So are attempting to flee this continent, but the gigafauna that dominate the oceans and skies render such hopes futile. There’s no need to exterminate them—the Var Elegis and nature will finish the job.”
Priam’s eyes narrowed. “Exterminate them? You want to finish what the Var Elegis started?”
At a certain power level, a powerhouse’s anger beca a palpable force. The synergy between Priam’s charisma and his Domain settled like a crushing weight on Ishaka’s shoulders. Even so, the general stood firm.
“Has Hyshana explained the purpose of Proxima to you?”
“I have not.”
Seeing his friend’s wife avert her gaze, Priam felt a twinge of unease. He knew he wouldn’t like what was coming next.
“Hoplites, Var Elegis, Duatians, Humans… Our ten civilizations co from the sa universe,” Ishaka began. At least, the System said so in the Tutorial. “But after comparing data—visible constellations, the universe’s age—against the accounts of captured Var Elegis, our scientists confird we hail from different galaxies and, in so cases, different epochs. They are far older than us, captured by the Concepts before the cradle of our civilization orbited our sun.”
The news didn’t surprise Priam. The Concepts only captured a planet at the perfect mont, when its Champion piqued their interest. If all civilizations weren’t synchronized, they could simply place them in stasis until the last one was ready.
“Following the Tutorial, most of our civilizations were scattered across thousands of worlds in the youngest sector of this universe: Hope. So planets received large numbers of refugees; others, very few. The logic behind this distribution remains a mystery. What we do know is that a bit over one percent of the top one percent—those who excelled in the Tutorial—were sent to Proxima. Roughly three in ten thousand.”
Ishaka clapped, and a hologram of a massive planet materialized above his desk. Translated into Earth terms, its dinsions suggested a radius twice that of Earth’s, equating to four tis the surface area. Four ga-continents were visible, each about five tis the size of Eurasia. One was displayed in high detail, its mountains and rivers intricately rendered, while the other three appeared as little more than brown smudges surrounded by oceans.
“That’s colossal,” Priam murmured.
“We’re approaching the theoretical limits of a terrestrial planet,” Ishaka confird. “Three supercontinents, each seeded with three civilizations. We find ourselves facing the Var Elegis, an enemy I wouldn’t wish on anyone. If their civilization hadn’t been ill-suited to understanding aether, they’d already be grinding our bones to dust.”
Priam nodded, recalling Arnold. The Var Elegis Champion was a monster, but his focus lay more on technology than magic. If he had possessed the aetheric expertise of soone like Dishnu or Esmée, resistance would have been futile.
“Technology is a civilizational path; aether is a personal one,” Hyshana said. “Until recently, the Var Elegis were a sort of hive mind, poorly equipped to pursue Concepts or Supremacies.”
Until recently?
Ishaka pressed on before Priam could dig deeper.
“There’s one last continent, currently beyond our reach. Storms and maelstroms obscure what is likely a no-go zone for Tier 0s.”
A gleam lit Priam’s eyes. If the System was bothering to restrict access to an area, it wasn’t without reason. Having survived the Deluge, Priam doubted Proxima’s storms could stop him. Too bad I only have twenty-four hours; exploration will have to wait…
“Three tis three makes nine civilizations,” Kazuki observed. “Yet we are ten rivals.”
Ishaka shrugged. “Upon our post-Tutorial arrival, the System ssage ntioned only nine civilizations. With the Duatians’ decline, I suppose that now makes eight.”
“We’re straying from the main issue: I don’t see how the massacre of a people is good news,” Priam pointed out.
Ishaka exchanged a glance with Hyshana before answering. “Because the System announced that Proxima would beco the headquarters of the civilization that conquers it.”
“And that justifies wiping out an entire race?”
“Do you think I’m so kind of sadist?!” Ishaka slamd his fist on the desk, cracking its surface. For the first ti, Priam saw the hoplite behind the mask. “Our martial culture pushed our youth to attempt Tutorials beyond their ans. On Integration Day, we lost thirty percent of our population—nearly three billion lives!”
Priam’s eyes widened as the sheer scale of the loss hit him. If so malevolent god wanted to pile those corpses high, the resulting mass grave would rival ten Great Pyramids of Giza.
“When I understood that, I reflected,” the general continued, his tone softening as he collapsed into his chair. “Our elites are here, while the majority of our citizens are at the rcy of factions exploiting them with predatory contracts. Prostitution, organ trafficking, geno extraction, forced labor in mines—many of my brothers and sisters are suffering as we speak.” Ishaka locked eyes with Kazuki. “If I can pacify this planet, the System will teleport them here, and we can rebuild our civilization. It’s our duty to make that happen.”
That speech wasn’t ant for Priam. As Ishaka’s final words faded, the Hoplite Champion clenched his fists.
For his part, Priam understood that after the Duatians and the Var Elegis, humanity would be next. And yet, he couldn’t bring himself to hate or condemn Ishaka. He swore to protect his people and is willing to overlook collateral damage to do it. If it ca to that, what would I do?
To his left, Kazuki let out a loud sigh but remained silent. There was nothing to say.
“There must be other ways to save your people without killing innocents,” Priam said softly. “A way to protect both our civilizations without turning on each other. The System always leaves a path open.”
Ishaka t his gaze. “If you find it, the Hoplites will stand with you.”
Otherwise… The general said nothing more, but the unspoken words were clear.
“That’s all I ask.”
“No,” Hyshana interjected. “We’ll find this solution together. Our nation's history is written in the blood of soldiers, not civilians.” She turned to Ishaka. “Don’t forget our governnt is a triumvirate. You may have forgotten, but you’re not alone in command.”
“And yet, I’m the only one bleeding alongside those soldiers.”
Hyshana recoiled as if struck. As Kazuki’s expression darkened, a knock at the door interrupted. At Ishaka’s gesture, it opened to reveal a female Hoplite.
“The information on humanity has been compiled.”
“Thank you, Hina. Escort our guest into his room and answer his questions.”
It was clear the three generals had things to discuss in private. Priam nodded to Kazuki before leaving.
Hina led him through several corridors, always maintaining a one-ter lead. Unlike the skintight combat suits worn by warriors, the secretary wore a tailored dress cinched at the waist, subtly accentuating her figure. As her hips swayed with a deliberate rhythm, Priam squinted, noting the exaggerated motion. He wasn’t familiar enough with Hoplite culture to be certain, but it seed likely Ishaka was attempting a honey trap.
I’ve seen undead more subtle than this…
His gaze traveled to the nape of Hina’s neck, occasionally obscured by the movent of her braid. If Hoplite skin was covered in scales, they were so fine as to be imperceptible without a magnifying glass. Shoulders as broad as an Olympic swimr’s and corresponding musculature marked the main differences from a human.
With her comparatively slender build for a Hoplite, golden hair, and hourglass figure, Priam was certain Hina could captivate many n and won. However, he hadn’t turned down Jasmine’s advances just to bed an alien spy—no matter how attractive. The image of a certain princess surfaced in his mind, banishing all temptations of the flesh.
“Am I dreaming, or is that slut trying to charm you?”
“I think so.”
“She’s rather pretty,” Jasmine observed. “Think her anatomy’s... the sa down there?”
“Pardon?”
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
“Well, between their scales and enhanced musculature, those hoplites remind of amphibians. Makes wonder if she has the sa sexual organ as .”
Halfway up the stairs, Priam missed a step in sheer surprise.
“You’re fucking weird sotis!” He caught himself thanks to his high dexterity, resuming his ascent as though nothing had happened. “I don’t know anything about amphibian genitalia, and I don’t want to know!”
“I’d be worried if you did, but I’m talking about Hina’s and the potential for copulation between you two. Besides, you already know what’s under her dress—she doesn’t have a Domain to block yours.”
“As a gentleman, I try to focus on other things,” Priam muttered ntally. Jasmine was right, of course. With no interference, his Domain gave him an uncannily detailed perception of his surroundings. “It’s my add-on that processes stuff like that. I’m not spying on everyone I et.”
In an ideal world, Priam wouldn’t allow his Supremacy to analyze every new acquaintance, but he was in neutral territory. If Hina had a blade strapped to her thigh—and she did—he needed to know. Dying out of misplaced prudery would have been downright idiotic.
“From what my Domain can tell, she has a normal vagina down there,” Jasmine revealed after a beat of silence. “And if you’re wondering why her dress doesn’t wrinkle, it’s because she’s not wearing underwear. Classic slut move.”
“I thought you weren’t wearing any either?”
“Only one way to find out… Regardless, I’d advise against sleeping with her. I’m almost certain our racial Talent would find a way to adapt your sperm to impregnate her.”
“Let’s end this conversation. Please.”
Inter-species reproduction was rarely feasible, but Jasmine wasn’t entirely wrong. If there were a [Infertility Resistance], Priam was confident he could unlock it thanks to [Homo Elysian Obsession]. Just imagining the prerequisites for that resistance was giving him nightmares. It probably involves sleeping with so truly grotesque things…
Thankfully, their guide interrupted his grim thoughts.
“We’ve arrived,” Hina announced, opening a door.
Priam stepped into a spacious room furnished with a plush couch, a low table, and a thick carpet. He and his guide sat side by side as a hologram materialized above the table.
“We have limited knowledge about the continent humanity now inhabits,” Hina began. “The few satellites we launched were destroyed by the titans ruling the skies. Most of our information cos from divinatory skills and a human expedition.”
“A human expedition?”
Hina nodded. “Led by Guandi, one of King Protheus’s generals. He and his n used a portal to transport themselves here in search of the Duatians.”
Why does Protheus need the Duatians?
“Did you attack them?”
“We’re not your enemies,” Hina replied with a diplomacy unusual for a hoplite. “We have enough trouble with the Var Elegis without seeking new foes. We helped Guandi and his team reach Duatian territory, hoping it would pave the way for an alliance with your king.”
Protheus wasn’t Priam’s king, but the Champion refrained from sharing this information with Ishaka’s subordinate.
“I suppose Ishaka wants allies to soften up the other continents before conquering them. Or maybe he knows he can’t beat the Var Elegis alone…”
Hina’s smile faltered, but Priam wasn’t moved by the sight of a seemingly vulnerable young woman. His charisma scread that her tearful eyes and hesitant posture were tools of manipulation.
“If she keeps batting those doe eyes at you, I’m stabbing her,” Jasmine warned.
“Very well, I’ll review all this. Thank you for your help.”
“I could stay to translate—” Hina began, leaning closer to Priam.
“That won’t be necessary.”
“Oh. Well, if there’s any way I can assist you…” Hina offered a coy smile.
“Thanks. I could use a compilation of your research on kinetic and thermal energy, as well as the nature of aether.”
It was ti to upgrade one of his offensive skills to legendary rank.
Judging by her expression, the guide hadn’t expected that answer.
“Of course. Is that all?”
“I’ll also take blood samples from the Var Elegis and the Duatians… and add so books and videos about the spear.”
“... Anything else?”
“Food would be nice.”
“...”
Perhaps fearing another request, Hina left without making further advances. Alone at last, Priam began examining the hoplites’ data. It was undoubtedly sanitized of conclusions, but he wanted to gauge what to expect. After all, the cooldown for [He Who Eludes Death] still had over fifteen hours remaining. Plenty of ti to tour humanity’s new ho before tackling his Tribulations.
I wonder if Protheus will be happy to see …
In Ishaka’s office, Priam’s departure hadn’t eased the tension.
“Why did you invite that calamity into the heart of our base?” Ishaka demanded.
“He’s a friend,” replied Kazuki. “He needed help for his Tribulations, and I’m glad to provide it.”
“For his Tribulations… Do you think—”
“Don’t even go there,” Kazuki interrupted, his voice laced with steel. “I’ll kill you before you lay a hand on him.”
The threat wiped Ishaka’s faux smile clean off his face.
“Are you naive enough to think the System won’t force you to fight him?”
“The System or a xenophobic general?” Kazuki shot back.
Before the argunt could escalate, Hyshana cleared her throat. “Are you done? We have twenty-four hours before returning to Elysium.”
“You too?” Kazuki asked.
“It seems the laws of Elysium have naturalized .” She turned to Ishaka. “If you have questions about Priam, ask them now, and let’s move on. The Var Elegis worry .”
“You—” Kazuki began, but a look from her silenced him.
“I know Priam is your friend, but as long as Ishaka speaks as a general, I’ll listen. It’s his role to be wary of potential threats.”
Kazuki grumbled sothing under his breath, sinking into a nearby chair. The seat groaned under his weight.
“How dangerous is he?” Ishaka finally asked.
“Code BLACK,” Hyshana stated, sitting down herself. “You couldn’t kill him without leveling this city, and I strongly advise against antagonizing him. He’s not the most powerful rival, but he has the potential to beco so.”
“A special talent?”
Hyshana shook her head. “Even if I disliked Priam, I wouldn’t risk exposing his secrets now. Just know that, in a way, all rivals have infinite potential.” Ishaka’s gaze fell on Kazuki, who gave him a predatory smile. “The difference is that Priam’s willing to defy the odds to take one more step toward the Zenith.”
Kazuki grinned. “It’s more than that. Priam seeks to challenge the impossible. That drive to test the limits is what makes him even more dangerous than Arnold.”
Ishaka frowned before declaring, "With any luck, he’ll die before becoming a problem."
Hyshana and Kazuki exchanged a look before bursting into laughter.
Status:
PHYSICAL:
Strength 893
Constitution 1 422
Agility 1 173
Vitality 1 322
Perception 858
NTAL:
Vivacity (D) 599
Dexterity 752
mory 891
Willpower 1 012
Charisma 653
TA:
ta-affinity 999
ta-focus 559
ta-endurance 915
ta-perception 539
ta-chance 594
ta-authority 429
Potential: 27 621
Tier 0
Sun points: 1 143 444
[He Who Eludes Death] charge: OFF. Reloaded in 14 hours 53 minutes 4 seconds.
Concepts:
Breath (T0): 100% / HarmonyFire (T0): 100% / UnityPyro (T1): 100% / Half-step UnityMist (T1): 100% / Symphony
Bloodlines:
Phoenix: 3%Dragon: 1%
Rewards standing:
Fusion Token - Skill (Epic) Evolution Token - Skill (Legendary)Affinity Token - Tier 1 (30%)Alien Concept fragnt (7th Terror)Talent Token - Upgrade (Seraph)Revelation Token - Ideal Prerequisites (Epic)Colosseum VIP TokenReborn Token - Reset biological lifespan (Legendary) Minor skill EpiphanyHigh Tribulation essence (Soul Tailored - Sumstreh’s half core)Seed of PotentialTrophy Compass
[Tribulation]: Five Tribulations pending.
Future Tribulations delayed until:
Ti: 132 days 15 hours 22 minutes 17 seconds.
Next thresholds: 12 attributes > 900 / 3 attributes > 1 200 / 1 attribute > 1 500
Next arc already complete on Patreon if you want to find out what happens next!
/ANovelConcept
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