Ch. 531..540

Chapter 531

Back to the vast chamber, Jack was surprised to now feel any added aching from using mana again. But Duorda rushed off without saying another word to Jack.

The white skeleton hurried to the remains of his other half, chuckling to himself. "Come on, don’t waste any time now!"

White cloudy energy leaked out of the white skeleton, matched by a black murky energy oozing out of the ashes. When the two energies intermingled, Jack was left in awe. The conglomerate energy was returning to the ashes and the ashes were condensing to reform pitch-black bones.

"What... What are you?!" Jack shouted in question.

"This is my other half, so how can it be killed so easily?" laughed the skeleton. "Just give me a few moments."

Jack watched as the bones were being recreated at a visible speed. He didn’t know what to say or think as Duorda’s other half was back to its former self in just over a minute. As the two halves walked back into each other, they reformed the dark-grey skeleton that Jack had always known as Crypt Lord Duorda.

"That’s much better! Now let’s go!" Duorda grabbed Jack by the hand and began to drag him toward the door.

"Wait! What about the items and my tomb?!" Jack shouted.

"Oh, is that why you came down here?" tilting his head, Duorda asked.

Nodding, Jack replied, "Yeah, I can’t leave without that."

"Then find you’re tomb after talking to Daruun. Those items belong to my summons, so don’t even think about taking any more of them. You should feel gracious that I’m allowing you to keep what you’ve already stolen from me," reasoned Duorda. "Either way, open the door already! I’ve wanted to visit home since the moment Kartonia came into existence!"

"You’ve been down here that long?!"

"Just hurry up! It took long enough to find someone strong enough to beat me. There’s no reason for us to wait any longer!"

Jack retrieved the key and carefully placed it inside the large keyhole. He admired the workmanship of the small stairway and the tall doorway as Jack turned the key.

"... Click..."

When the lock was undone, Duorda pulled Jack’s hand back along with the key. The sound of moving rubble filled the area as the doors gradually started to slide into the sides of the doorway. Their parting revealed a giant rift in space contained within the tall doorway. Spatial energy ebbed and flowed like it did for the spell Spatial Rift, only there were also streaks and flashes of bright green constantly mixing with the purple energy.

"A rift?" Jack turned to Duorda with a question.

"No, a gate. Now go!"

Not letting Jack waste another second of his time, Duorda slapped Jack’s back harshly, sending the hero into the spatial energy without any choice in the matter. The skeleton followed closely as well and rushed into the spatial gate full of anticipation.

Once both persons had disappeared from the gate, the tall doors began to reseal themselves. In moments, no one would be able to know where Jack and Duorda had gone, let alone that they had recently been on the ninety-ninth floor.

On the other end, Jack continued his fall and landed flat on his face. His travel was instantaneous. There was no pause or moment of euphoria to give Jack time to stop his fall.

Duorda proudly stepped out of the purple energy, letting a similar pair of doors from the ninety-ninth floor close on the gate he just exited. "Stop fooling around, Jack. We shouldn’t keep Daruun waiting, not when I haven’t seen him in so long!"

A skeletal hand reached down and picked Jack up from the ground. Then, Duorda looked around the corridor of pure-white marble with pride. He admired the translucent crystals that were installed in the ceilings like chandeliers, lighting the entire space to the point that no shadow was present.

Jack followed the skeleton and was amazed by the craftsmanship and purity of everything around him. "So... this is Daruun’s temple?"

"According to Kartonia, yes," answered Duorda, "but we’ve already left Kartonia so I’m not sure we should use its Kartonian name. Just call it what the rest of the district calls it, Daruun’s personal office."

"WHAT?!"

"Is that too hard for you? If you don’t call it an office, then what else could it--"

"We’re not in Kartonia?!" Jack’s shock was apparent as his questions echoed through the corridor. "How are we not in Kartonia?! Isn’t this--"

’Shh! Please, Jack, don’t yell so loudly! I’m with company at the moment so wait with Duorda in the lounge.’

’Daruun... How can--’

’Wait, Jack. I’m busy right now. Be patient,’ Daruun added, ending the conversation succinctly.

"Come on, Jack. You heard him," Duorda stated, leading Jack by the arm yet again. "Everything will get explained if you just wait."

"But we’re not even in Kartonia... I’m sure my friends and family are--"

"Don’t worry about them, Jack, at least not while you’re here," Duorda interjected. "Obviously, you’ve met Daruun before. During those meetings, don’t you remember how Daruun would pause time while you talked?"

"Yeah... Are you saying that time is paused right now?!"

"Not exactly..." Duorda used his bony finger to itch his scalpless skull. "It’s not that Daruun has paused time again, it’s more like we’ve entered an almost timeless bubble. In here, time moves much slower, letting Daruun have as much time as he needs to run the Fate District and keep it running in tip-top shape."

"So... Time isn’t stopped but we’re currently in a timeless zone?" Jack tried to rephrase it in a way his brain could better process the information.

"Sure, close enough." shrugging, Duorda took the lead and began walking down the corridor. "Are you coming? If you can’t keep up you’ll get lost, then there’s no telling where or when you’ll end up."

Terrified of that thought, Jack darted to catch up with the proud skeleton while taking in the picture-perfect atmosphere that made up the giant building that Duorda simply labeled as an office.

 

Chapter 532

It took what Jack assumed was thirty minutes to reach the luxurious yet comfortable lounge, at least thirty minutes according to Kartonia’s clock.

"Take a seat. If you’re hungry, just ask for something," Duorda stated, falling back cozily on a recliner.

"What do you--"

Before Jack could ask what Duorda meant, a small puff of smoke appeared beside the hero. From that puff of smoke emerged an ethereal being wearing attire only fit for a tiny butler. "How may I help you, sir?"

"Ummm..." Struck dumb, Jack needed a moment to process the situation further.

"He’ll have the chef’s special," Duorda answered in Jack’s place, guessing the hero hadn’t eaten a proper meal since entering Earthen Keep. "I’ll have a large cosmix."

"It will be right out." The small, illusory butler bowed gracefully and puffed away as quickly as he had appeared.

Still taking things in, Jack sat down and asked, "What was that?"

"That’s a spirit construct. It’s a being created by proportionately combining spirits into a single being."

"That’s possible?!"

"Of course! If not, I wouldn’t exist!"

Straining his eyes, Jack stared carefully at Duorda. "You’re... You’re a spirit construct? You’re not just some summoned undead?"

"No! I’m not such a lowly creature!" spat Duorda. "I’ll let you know that I’m a high-class construct, made from only the most powerful of spirits. My bones aren’t truly bones. This skeleton I inhabit was created by Daruun long ago to house my hand-crafted soul."

"Hand... crafted..." Just when Jack thought his mind was overwhelmed, learning Duorda’s true identity was enough to cause an emergency shut down.

"Come on, Jack. Speak up. If you have more questions, I’ll answer them while Daruun’s busy," continued Duorda. "I promised you that you’d learn all, so ask away."

"Right..." Jack took a few minutes to quiet his turbulent mind and bring the most glaring questions to the front. "So... You’re a construct... and your soul was man-made?"

"I prefer hand-crafted," corrected Duorda, "as it proves that I was created with the utmost care."

"Okay... Does that mean you’ve always been serving Daruun?"

"I’ve been with him all my life. The only period of time where we were apart was after I become the guardian of Kartonia’s spatial gate," answered Duorda. "Apart from that, I’ve lost count of the millennia that I’ve spent in his service."

"Are all constructs like that?"

"Like what?"

"Are all constructs obedient to their master?" Jack rephrased his question.

"Oh, you want to know if we’re slaves to our creators? Some people do that but not Daruun. He knows better than that," Duorda stated.

Another puff of smoke appeared, revealing the illusory butler and the two platinum-white domes in his hands. "Here you are."

The larger dome was placed on the side table near Jack and the smaller dome was placed beside Duorda. "Is there anything else you desire?"

"That’ll be all. Thank you." Duorda waved and smiled while lifting the dome off the platter. He picked up the large cocktail glass and sighed, "If we need anything more... we’ll call for you."

"Of course. Please do," the butler replied with one last bow and disappeared again.

To Jack’s surprise, Duorda put the multicolored cocktail to his teeth and slowly poured it. The hero watched as the multicolored drink trickled down Duorda’s bones, perplexed. However, Jack was further astonished as the multicolored liquid seeped into Duorda’s bones before it could reach the seat cushions or stain Duoarda’s tattered robes.

"What? Got a thing for skeletons?" Duorda asked, catching Jack’s obvious stares. "Sorry, Jack, I don’t swing that way."

"No!" Jack’s eyes darted away, making sure that such a statement wouldn’t be made again. "I just... What is that drink exactly?"

"Of all the things you want to know and you’re curious about my cocktail? Did you hit your head during our fight or something?"

"I’m just curious why it absorbs into your bones," stated Jack, not giving Duorda more time to mock him.

"Oh... I guess that makes sense. It’s called a ’cosmix’. Across the void, it’s the most famous drink among cosmicians or any being that functions on cosmic energy."

"Void? And cos... what?"

"The ’void’ is what we call the vastness that makes up our galaxy. We call it the void as it’s still filled with mystery, danger, and new findings or challenges," answered Duorda. "Also, anyone that is able to absorb and utilize cosmic energy is a cosmician. Technically, all the gods of Kartonia would count as cosmicians as well, albeit that almost all of them are clueless of that fact."

"Wait, does that mean all cosmicians are that powerful?"

"Compared to Kartonia’s standards, yes," stated Duorda. "Kartonia is a special case, though. It may not have created many cosmicians compared to other worlds but the few cosmicians Kartonia has are all quite powerful in their own right. Compared to most one-stars, Kartonia’s cosmicians would all fair exceedingly well."

"What’s a ’one-star’?"

Sighing, Duorda continued after finishing his drink. "The scale for a cosmician’s strength are called stars. Across the void, one-star cosmicians are powerful enough to travel from one world to the next without the aid of technology. But that’s still incredibly slow and dangerous so it’s not recommended by any means.

"A two-star cosmician can traverse the space between half a dozen planets without needing to rest. Three-stars can travel to a planet a few dozen planets over, and so on," explained Duorda, leaving Jack enraptured.

"The reason Kartonia is special is because Daruun created it specifically to breed select cosmicians with great potential for growth. Do I need to explain more or are you smart enough to figure out the rest?"

"Then... The reason Halmut’s racing to pass lv. 99... But why would Daruun want that, and why hasn’t Halmut ascended yet?" Jack rambled and mumbled to himself in thought.

"Halmut?" Looking back to Jack, Duorda asked, "Halmut’s the one about to leave? I thought Skaryn would’ve beaten him for sure!"

"What do you mean?" Jack asked, caught off guard again.

"Halmut was strong but Skaryn was stronger. Along with Moranti, those three were the only others that managed to get me to fight all-out like you did. Sure, they ran away in the end but they still managed to put up a fight, especially Skaryn."

 

Chapter 533

"Skaryn was stronger?"

Duorda nodded and continued, "Most definitely. If the duo was allowed to fight me together, they would’ve won without any questions but that’s not allowed when challenging the temple. Halmut fought well but Skaryn was the reason why Halmut escaped with his life. He stepped in to challenge me before I could kill Halmut and claim him as a summon, even killing each of my bodies a few times, while Halmut only killed me once or twice."

"The difference is that wide?" Jack asked rhetorically, trying to grasp that concept.

"So, tell me, Jack. How has Halmut managed to pass Skaryn after becoming cosmicians?"

Looking back to Duorda, Jack shrugged. "I have no clue. All of my knowledge about Kartonia comes from either well after they each created their own godly factions or after Halmut defeated Skaryn during the godly war."

"What?! You can’t be serious!" Duorda sat up and faced Jack directly. "They separated? Why would they do that?! By combining forces they would’ve easily been one of the most formidable one-star duos in the district!"

"I don’t know anything about that. All I know is that they separated and that Moranti eventually replaced Halmut as Skaryn’s beast companion," Jack answered.

"Really... Well, I can understand why Moranti would be a good replacement, at least. He performed equally as well as Halmut during our duel and didn’t need Skaryn to step in either, all with only two energy types," Duorda acknowledged. "I assume there was some manner of falling out and Skaryn didn’t want to lose the dynamic he had grown accustomed to, choosing the most suitable replacement in Moranti. But now I’m too curious about their separation..."

"Then ask Daruun," stated Jack. "If anyone would know--"

"It would be Daruun!" Duorda finished Jack’s sentence, agreeing with the hero. "Do you know how their fight went?"

"Between Halmut and Skaryn? They fought over Kustram and wiped the island nation off the map. In the end, Skaryn was sealed away and Halmut was forced to go into hiding for five hundred years to heal his wounds."

Duorda stared back at Jack, struggling to believe such a thing. "Sealed? How could Halmut seal anyone? He was terrible at inscriptions! Skaryn was his superior in that field, I’m certain."

"How are you--"

"When Skaryn gets serious, he fights using seals. That’s why I give Skaryn the edge over Halmut. That man almost sealed away my black form and became the first to conquer my purpose!" Duorda stated in a matter of fact manner. "Skaryn may not like to use such tactics most of the time but he’s plenty capable with seals and inscriptions. I refuse to believe that Halmut sealed away such a man!"

"Well... that’s what happened. That I can guarantee. I even have proof of the seal."

"Then show me this proof!"

Shaking his head, Jack added, "I don’t have it on me. I gave the enchantment key to Daruun for safekeeping."

"Enchantment key? You’re telling me that Halut not only sealed Skaryn but did so with an enchantment so complex it created a key?"

"It created five keys," corrected Jack. "I’ve only found one of them, though."

"Five keys?! That’s absurd! There’s no way Halmut could’ve ever done that!" insisted Duorda. "If Halmut had such capabilities, he never would’ve lost to me. He would’ve defeated me easily and claimed the main role in Daruun’s plans long ago."

"Wait... The main role? What’s that supposed to mean?" asked Jack, changing the subject.

Sighing to calm himself down, Duorda stated, "We’ll come back to the topic of Halmut and Skaryn later, as I refuse to leave it there. Now, as for what the main role entails, I only know so much.

"My purpose was to be the final challenge and the proof of potential for all candidates vying for that role. I’ve lost count of how many millennia I waited, which is why I was so anxious to have you defeat me. Finally, someone has claimed that role and you’ll now receive a full briefing from Daruun about what he needs from you, as well as reassign me to something new.

Trying to piece some form of an idea together, Jack asked, "Does this plan involve what you said earlier, about how Kartonia was made to create powerful cosmicians?"

"Exactly, and you’re the strongest yet, showing the most potential. Not only can you wield so many energy types but you can blend them in impromptu strategies and overcome a completely unknown foe with accurate assumptions about my weaknesses or strengths," reasoned Duorda. "If you hadn’t separated my body so unexpectedly, then you would’ve never won at lv. 88."

"Why are you so sure?" asked Jack, lifting an eyebrow. "Who said I was going--"

"To resurrect myself is not difficult, Jack," Duorda continued. "I was created with an undying soul and a forever reconstructing body. I can’t be killed, apart from a power vastly above my own shredding apart every microscopic piece of my existence. If you hadn’t separated my bodies, then the remains of my fallen body would’ve self-revived passively while you fought my remaining body. It’s a vicious cycle that Daruun wanted to test people to their limits.

"Yet you were on another level compared to them. Sure, Skaryn was close to defeating me but you did it so quickly that I wasn’t sure what was happening until you had already separated my two bodies. Since you had concealed your greatest strength so well, I was caught off guard and defeated far quicker than I had ever imagined."

Seeing Jack remain in silent thought, Duorda added, "Jack, you’re most definitely the person Master Daruun is looking for."

"It makes sense... considering Daruun basically made me who I am..." stated Jack.

Slightly startled, Duorda leaned toward Jack. "Mind elaborating? I’d love to learn how you became so capable. And if Daruun was the cause of that, then I’m intrigued all the more."

Jack smiled and let out a long sigh. He blinked a few times to verify that he wasn’t dreaming before returning his full attention to Duorda.

Chapter 534

"You’ll understand better than anyone else from Kartonia, so I’ll keep it simple," stated Jack. "Originally, I’m from a different world under Daruun and he tested me before sending my soul to Kartonia in a new body. My old body was the one that faced you long ago as Jack J., but my new body is very different. I can learn any magic type but not through regular training. Apart from spellbooks, I can only learn magic and skills through my party companions.

"By having a variety of party members, friends, and beast companions, I’ve managed to become what I am today. I used my understanding of the world to restart my journey and level up faster than anyone had expected," continued Jack, still keeping Duorda’s full attention.

"I’ve been called Daruun’s champion and even carry his crest, marking me as Daruun’s ambassador. It has--"

"WHAT?!" Duorda shouted all of a sudden. "You carry Daruun’s crest?! You were already his ambassador before you defeated me?! Show me this crest!"

Obliging, Jack retrieved the small gem-like sphere and held it up for Duorda to see clearly.

"That... Daruun had already approved of you..." Lost in his own thought, Duorda paused for a moment. "... Please... go on..."

Jack was surprised by Duorda’s jarring reaction but continued, "After I started taking Daruun’s advice more seriously, I finally started to make a bigger name for myself in Kartonia and reclaimed my old guild. Now, I’m helping the neutral gods face the holy gods led by Halmut.

"All I’ve been told so far is that I need to stop Halmut and the other gods from wrecking the entire world. I assumed that passing lv. 99 was involved in that but till now I didn’t know anything else."

Nodding, Duorda carefully processed everything Jack said. A few seconds later, Duorda chuckled, "I guess we both have a lot to learn from Daruun, today... Make sure to eat up beforehand, or you’ll regret missing out on a delicacy."

The hero had almost completely forgotten about the white dome at his side. Jack took Duorda’s advice and lifted the dome to be perplexed by what he found.

"What’s it today?" Duorda asked, curiously watching Jack reveal the contents of the dome. "Oh! You’re in for a treat today!"

"Really?" Unconvinced, Jack stared at the plate before him.

There was only a single item on the plate, a brick of what Jack assumed was plain grey gelatin. Though there were intricate patterns across the gelatin’s surface, that was only due to the mold and not the gelatin itself. Nothing about the meal left Jack excited.

"What do you know?!" spat Duorda. "If my body had the means to process such a delicacy, then I’d be reeling from anticipation. You know nothing of cuisine!"

"Then tell me, what is this? Why should I get excited over some grey slop from a fancy mold?"

Rushing to his feet, Duorda looked down on Jack. He stepped forward quickly and slapped Jack across the face. "How dare you call an astral terrine slop?!"

"A what?"

"An astral terrine! One of the finest, most sought after meals any cosmician would dream to find. The cost alone is astronomical, yet it’s wasted on your inferior tastes and biases. How shameful..."

Rubbing his cheek with one hand, Jack looked back down at the gelatin-like substance. "You’re telling me... that this thing is a delicacy for cosmicians?"

"It’s the greatest meal ever presented to your insignificant eyes, evident by your failure to appreciate its true significance," stated Duorda. "Before uttering any more shameful words, taste it and discover just how wrong you are!"

"If you say so..."

Jack wasn’t opposed to trying it, believing that it had to be something special being served in Daruun’s office, despite the underwhelming appearance of the dish. He took the fork and knife delivered with the dome and casually cut off a piece.

The terrine jiggled, still mimicking gelatin, and appeared to be the same color throughout, unlike any terrine that Jack had ever had or heard of prior. But he didn’t doubt Duorda’s claim. Lifting it to his mouth, Jack promptly took a bite.

Silence. The entire world went quiet.

Jack’s mind shut down momentarily as his taste buds were assaulted and caressed at the same time. Nothing came to Jack’s mind. The flavors were entirely incomprehensible and the texture was completely unexpected. Though it looked like gelatin on Jack’s fork, the texture of the terrine melted in Jack’s mouth like a tender steak. But the flavors were all over the place yet balanced at the same time. Euphoria overwhelmed Jack as the flavors were changing and seemingly dancing across the surface of Jack’s mouth.

Unbeknownst to Jack, his eyes were wide open and staring blanking at the floor as he savored and chewed on the terrine. Before Jack could comprehend any of one part of the experience, the first bite of food was already gone.

Jack eagerly took another bite, and another... After hurriedly devouring the entire terrine, Jack only came to his senses after hearing the clink between his fork and the empty plate. A moment of sadness passed over Jack briefly as his body instinctually longed for more despite how the simple serving expanded and filled his stomach to the brim.

"What do you say now?"

Reminded of reality, Jack blinked and looked to find Duorda lounging where he once was.

"Do you regret your past statement?" asked Duorda, knowing full well that Jack’s mind was completely changed. "You should feel lucky to be able to experience such a thing. Never take it for granted again or I’ll truly get mad."

"Sorry... I... I was wrong..." Jack shook his head, still vividly remembering the experience the terrine offer him. "Sorry for doubting you, Duorda."

"It seems you two are getting along quite well."

Both Jack and Duorda recognized that voice, turning to the side with eagerness.

Daruun motioned to the man standing beside him and added, "Sorry for the wait, but my guest and I had some urgent business to discuss."

 

Chapter 535

Jack thought nothing of Daruun’s appearance, finding the wait to be expected.

Duorda, on the other hand, spotted the man beside Daruun and immediately bowed. "Master Daruun, Master Silas, please forgive my ignorance. Had I known that--"

"Don’t worry about it." The guest chuckled and waved.

At the same time, Jack bowed to follow Duorda’s example and got a good look at the mystery man.

There were a few things that left Jack confused and quite curious, such as the man having only one arm and a scarred face hidden by a vizor covering the man’s eyes. Assuming that the guest had strength in the ballpark of Daruun’s, Jack thought such injuries would get healed properly. Instead, the man made no intention of hiding his missing limb, not wearing a coat and having a custom, single-colored shirt that was fitted around what remained of his left shoulder. The scar, which seemed to come from something acid-related, covered the majority of the man’s forehead, eyes, and cheeks.

"So, you’re the one Daruun’s been talking about lately?" asked the man, turning to Jack with a smile.

Jack was left feeling even more confused the moment the man’s eyes landed on the hero. While Jack felt absolutely nothing from the man in terms of energy, Jack felt as if his entire being was naked to the man before him. Not even Daruun had given Jack such a feeling, not with a single glance alone.

"You’re good... I approve."

"Thank you, Silas," stated Daruun, catching Jack and Duorda off guard. "Then I’ll inform them of their next objectives. And thanks again for stopping by. Your advice is always appreciated."

"Think nothing of it. I know where to find the gate so I’ll see myself out." Lifting his one arm, Silas waved and smiled as he turned away from the three men. "Best of luck! I hope he lives up to your expectations..."

Daruun turned his attention to the two remaining people, who were both watching Daruun’s guest leave in awe of different things. "Duorda, calm down. Silas only came for a visit. Nothing is wrong or out of order at the moment."

"I’m glad to hear that... Thank you for reassuring me, Master Daruun." Duorda gave Daruun another quick bow before regathering himself.

"Jack," Daruun chuckled, "I know you’re curious about Silas and why I admire him so much, but let’s discuss this in my office. Come, follow me."

Nodding, the silent hero let his eyes linger on the fading silhouette of the man down the opposite hall. Once Jack could no longer see him, Jack finally looked to Daruun in anticipation.

The three men were silent for the next fifteen minutes as they took their time to reach Daruun’s personal office. Inside, Jack and Duorda sat in front of Daruun, forming a small triangle. Daruun sat at his deck, which made a "U" along three walls. The only side uncovered was where Jack, Duorda, and any other guest would sit. This let Daruun have his workspace while also allowing him to feel more personable with anyone visiting him, not having his desk sit between him and those he spoke with.

"Alright, Jack, you’ve finally earned the right to ask me anything and everything. Also, I’ll make sure to explain what Duorda meant in calling you the ’main role’ of my future plans," Daruun stated with a casual smile. "I assume you want to hear about Silas before you get caught up in everything else I’m about to say?"

Jack nodded. "Please, tell me why the man I’ve seen as omnipotent and omniscient wanted another man’s opinion. And, who is Silas exactly? Given that you asked his opinion on things, is he also involved in your plans for me?"

"Those are all great questions. For now, given your current strength, I won’t explain everything about Silas in too much detail. After you’re stronger, then I’d feel more comfortable with that," answered Daruun, getting another nod from Jack. "And no. Silas’s scar and missing limb are real injuries that he experienced in the past, which were irreversible even for a man of his strength.

"Silas is a man that I’m working closely with and a man that I greatly respect. I wouldn’t say that he’s involved in my original plans for you, Jack, but you might decide to work with Silas as well in the future, after you’ve fulfilled the plans I have."

"Is he stronger than you?" Jack asked, focused entirely on Daruun and his answer.

Immediately, as if out of reflex, Daruun nodded. "I can’t compare with him at all, believe it or not. And since we’re on the topics of strength, allow me to educate you more on how strong cosmicians are and how the void is governmentally structured.

"Master Daruun--"

"Wait, Duorda, I promise that my ramblings will touch on your questions as well" Daruun added, lifting a hand toward the skeletal construct. "Jack, similar to what you knew from your life on your original planet, There are many planets that make up a system. However, the size of what you called a system and what we call a system are incomparable. A system by your previous standards was less than a dozen planets. A system by true standards is made up of more than one thousand planets, many of which are life-bearing."

Shattering Jack’s expectations with just that, Daruun continued to wake up the hero from his drastically false view of the universe, "Also, a system is the smallest level of intergalactic government. Remember, not all life-bearing planets know that they are a part of a system while many do know to an extent. To govern a system, one must be a one-star cosmician."

"That’s it?! Then... doesn’t--"

"Yes, all the gods of Kartonia would qualify for such a position," Daruun answered. "But, as I said, that’s the most basic level of governance. It takes at least one thousand systems to make up a precinct. To govern a precinct, one must be a two-star cosmician. Or, just as you’ve assumed, one must be strong enough to break through the artificial barrier that I’ve placed around Kartonia and surpass lv. 99."

Chapter 536

"How come--"

"Jack, I’ll explain Halmut’s incapability to surpass lv. 99 after I finish speaking about the tiers of governance. For now, pay attention because it’s pivotal that you understand this," Daruun continued, not letting Jack interrupt him.

"To recap, it takes over one thousand planets to form a system and at least one thousand systems to form a precinct. The next tier up is a zone, made up of at least five hundred precincts. And as you may have guessed, the one chosen to govern a zone must be at least a three-star cosmician. Are you keeping up?"

With his expectations and former beliefs utterly annihilated, Jack nodded. He let Daruun continue. It was a good thing that Daruun was explaining things so simply, otherwise, Jack was sure he would be in over his head.

"Then, following zones are sectors. A sector is made up of one hundred or so zones and governed by at least a four-star cosmician," Picking up where he left off, Daruun let his explanation rock Jack’s mental limits further. "Finally, after combining at least a dozen sectors, we have a district."

"So..."

"Yes, you remembered correctly. I’m the one in charge of the Fate District, formally known as District 14," added Daruun.

"District 14... how many districts are there?"

Smiling, Daruun replied, "Within the void, there are a total of twenty-eight districts. Though a district’s given name, such as the Fate District, can change based on the current ruler, the number assigned to a district is unchangeable.

"A district’s number is based on its location within the void. The districts on the outskirts of the void are known as the Outlying Districts or the Outliers, ranging from District 28 to District 17. Those are the weakest districts. They may have the most worlds and cover the most space, but the quantity and quality of cosmicians that emerge from there are less than any district with a lower number. This is apparent as most all of them are governed by only a five-star cosmician.

Daruun explained, "As you get further into the center of the void, you’ll find the districts with a good foundation of strength but not the strongest. Those are the Interval Districts or the Intervals and they range from District 16 to District 7. There are, however, some people that segregate the Intervals into two groups but that’s nothing official, only thoughts of Districts 11 through 7 sometimes having a superiority complex."

"Then..." Jack was connecting more dots as he barely kept up with the mental marathon of an explanation. "As the leader of District 14... Are you--"

"I’m a six-star cosmician. You’ve assumed correctly," Daruun answered, leaving Jack speechless. "Don’t lose me now, Jack. I’m almost finished giving you a mental diagram of the universe as we know it.

"As a side note, you’ve also guessed correctly about the subsidiary tiers of government within the Intervals. As the Intervals’ district leaders are at least six-stars, one star more than the Outliers’ district leaders, their lower tiers of government sometimes follow that same trend, especially for Districts 11 through 7. So, in a way, their occasional superiority complex has some merit. Are you still with me?"

"Yeah... just give me... another moment..." admitted Jack.

Daruun obliged, waiting a couple of minutes until Jack was ready for more. "Now, after the Intervals are the Core Districts or the Core. Those are the remaining districts, ranging from District 6 to District 1, and they are the most powerful. Seven-star cosmicians and above are the only beings qualified to run such a district."

"How high does--"

"Seven-stars are already at the very peak of the void," Daruun stated. "As for eight-stars, one hand is enough to count all eight-stars across the void. Nine-stars... are nonexistent and things of legend."

"It goes that high..." Jack couldn’t help but be humbled. His perception had already changed after entering Kartonia in comparison to his original world. After finally surpassing his old self and being on the cusp of immortality, Jack’s self-confidence was at an all-time high. But being at an all-time high only allowed Jack to be humbled all the more, drastically plummeting after realizing how insignificant his strength actually was.

"Don’t worry, Jack. You’re actually in a better position than the majority of cosmicians experienced, including me," mentioned Daruun. "After you break through Kartonia and enter the void, you’ll understand just how lucky you are. If I’ve become a six-star through my path, then you should be able to do the same in far less time, so long as you keep at it."

Touched by Daruun’s words, Jack asked, "Compared to other one-stars, how do I stack up?"

"I’d say you’re quite average, to be honest."

"But you said--"

"Jack, you still haven’t ascended," Daruun continued, reminding Jack of the true situation. "You faced Duorda, someone I personally constructed to be one of the most powerful one-stars after he’s permitted to officially ascend. That alone puts you in the upper echelon of all one-stars the moment you ascend.

"But thanks to the unusual barrier surrounding Kartonia, you’ll enter the void with a leg up. As a two-star, you’ll be more prepared for the initial challenges of the void and have the best odds to survive. Only after your initial experiences within the void will you be challenged to expand your limits again and again.

"Of course..." sighing, Daruun added, "Should you be satisfied with being a two-star, then I won’t blame you. You’re more than welcome to do as you see fit. It’s your life to live after all. Should you choose relaxation, I won’t interfere in your life further, no matter the situation."

Jack tried to swallow some saliva but failed to find any in his dry throat. He appreciated the thought of relaxing with his family and loved ones. But there also was the thought of what may happen if Jack and his family were confronted by anyone stronger than him. Living under the rules and dominion of another wasn’t something Jack liked by any means, not when he didn’t know that person or that person could act however cruelly as they wished.

 

Chapter 537

"Daruun... Is there--"

"Just because I’m the leader of the entire district doesn’t mean I can alter every law of the countless systems, precincts, and zones," Daruun answered. "So long as a leader is qualified in terms of strength and produces results worthy of respect from their peers, it’s hard to outright denounce them or force their submission. That’s just how it goes within a free district."

"A free district?"

Elaborating, Daruun continued, "Each district’s laws vary to an extent. A few intergalactic laws exist thanks to the District Council, which governs the entirety of the void apart from District 00. Those in charge of--"

"What’s District 00?" Jack interrupted.

"District 00 is the largest of all districts, existing within the center of the six Core Districts."

"Then why--"

"An enormous black hole lies at the center of District 00," added Daruun, getting Jack to shut up. "There are life-bearing planets there, many of which are incredibly powerful, but they have no officially recognized government. The strongest rogues rule there and the District Council has no ability to control that area, at least not efficiently by any means. Since it’s not governed by the council, it was dubbed District 00 as the lawless no-man’s-land, the most dangerous region of the void. Of course, that’s also the region with the best natural resources and the greatest amount of archaic ruins, but that only merits exploration and not governance."

While Jack was digesting that, Daruun returned to the topic at hand, "Remember, the district leaders can rule how they wish, whether through dictatorship and totalitarianism or through democracy and election.

"The Fate District is seen as one of the many free districts, districts that aren’t biased towards intergalactic travel between districts and are commonly seen as easier to fit in. However, free districts will inevitably create loopholes for a few leaders to exploit under the right circumstances. We’ll touch on that later when we discuss our future plans," stated Daruun.

"Some districts are labeled as harsh districts, where the laws are strictly enforced no matter the occasion or the identity of the culprit," Daruun continued. "In some cases, the family a district leader has acted against such rules and was put to death under the coldness of harsh district governing style.

"Also, there are the rare few labeled as locked districts. Locked districts are those that ban travelers or immigrants. There are means to enter the country but only for those of high enough merit and under precise circumstances. Have I lost you yet?"

Blinking, Jack nodded slowly. "I... I think I’ve got it..."

"Good. Then, do you have any questions about anything we’ve mentioned so far?"

"About Silas... If he’s stronger than you, what position does he hold?" asked Jack.

Daruun let loose a soft chuckle. "I’m glad to see that you’re still Jack, not losing track of your best questions. You see, Silas is a unique man. He’s not a district leader but he garners the same level of respect, if not more.

"Silas runs something called an enterprise. An enterprise is an organization that exists within multiple districts. There are many enterprises in existence, countless even, but Silas’s Resolute Enterprise ranks among the very strongest," explained Daruun. "In fact, three districts are currently joint members of the Resolute Enterprise."

"And we’re one of them?"

Nodding, Daruun replied, "Correct. District 14 works alongside District 11 and District 09 within the Resolute Enterprise, which, believe it or not, is technically an upstart enterprise that Silas proposed to our districts not even a year ago."

Utilizing Daruun’s pause to think, Jack broke down the meaning of Daruun’s last statement.

The significance behind having three entire districts under an enterprise was beyond Jack’s comprehension, but to think that an organization of such size was created within a year’s time was utterly unfathomable. It was impossible. Making such an organization that powerful off the rip made no sense and followed no logic, at least with Jack’s minute perspective of the void.

"True, the Resolute Enterprise is still young," Daruun continued, touching on the thoughts stirring up Jack’s mind, "but the fact that all three of our districts agreed upfront should show you how much we respect Silas. All three of us district leaders met him only a few years ago but his influence and charisma know no bounds. That’s why my plans for you, which started two thousand years ago, don’t involve him. But you’d be more than welcome to join me in working alongside Silas."

"Join you? What do you mean by ’join you’?" Jack asked.

"Jack, there are many underlying reasons for my bringing you into Kartonia, which we’ll begin discussing now. However, you need to understand one thing and never forget it," stated Daruun, staring seriously into Jack’s eyes, demanding the hero’s utmost attention.

"Will you be my partner?"

Taken aback and unsure of everything entailed in such an offer, Jack stammered, "W-what?"

"Will you be my partner?" Daruun repeated. "The most fundamental reason for getting you involved in all this was so that I’d gain a viable and capable partner to help me manage the Fate District."

While Jack was paralyzed from shock, Daruun continued, "Once you too become a six-star, should you choose that path, we would become joint district leaders, sharing power and responsibility for the entire Fate District. This would allow me to not stress so terribly about keeping the district in order and I would be jubilant to have a capable partner, no matter how the other district leaders may mock me for taking such an approach."

"You... You’re serious?" Half believing that Daruun was insane, Jack forced himself to put his thoughts into words. "I... You want me to... I’m nothing compared to--"

"Jack, I’m entirely serious," Daruun restated with determination. "It’s for that selfish reason that I created Kartonia and inevitably brought you to Kartonia with incredibly harsh expectations. That’s why I created the perfect-case scenario for you to rise up thus far. When Halmut and Skaryn both defied my plans, I attempted a new plan with my son but he chose to only support me and not join publicly me. That led to you being brought into the equation. You--"

"Wait..." Jack leaned back in his chair, stuck on a particular fact that Daruun had danced around. "What son?"

 

Chapter 538

"What son?"

"Right... So he never told, did he?" Daruun’s seriousness was shattered as he broke out in laughter. "Sorry... Don’t think of this as disrespect. I’m just surprised that he hid that fact from you of all people."

"Who hid what from me?" questioned Jack, feeling agitated by the blatant sidestepping of the answer and the intermixed laughter.

"Your father. We hide it from the rest but I’m still surprised Sterfen never informed you, of all people, that I’m his biological father and your legitimate grandfather."

Numb, Jack’s body went limp for a moment as he rag-dolled in his chair.

"Who’s Sterfen?" Duorda asked.

"He’s my son who was born on Kartonia while you were fulfilling your duties as temple guardian," answered Daruun. "Since he chose not to become my full-time partner in the inevitable future, I told Sterfen to not challenge you and ruin our little test."

"Sterfen is... That’s why he’s so... Does that mean--"

"Yes, Jack. Sterfen’s potential is more than you know. Like me, he was born with an affinity for illusions, mind tricks, and the like, not blessed with affinity for any cosmic energies of raw power," explained Daruun. "However, Sterfen has always been more crafty than anyone gives him credit. And his sudden appearance to the world as a god was because he needed no one to assist his ascension. Also, since you’re curious, the cause of his unhealing attacks is his use of pure cosmic energy, the opposite effect of Duorda’s healing abilities which you experience first-hand."

Jack nodded but was still on the ropes fighting the thought of accepting Sterfen’s identity.

Daruun added, "Once you ascend, Jack, Sterfen will be lv. 98 and will play a key role in our plans, albeit not the main role. He prefers to be a silent partner and not a public figure, so he’ll become our third hand in governing the Fate District, controlling those in the shadows."

"That... I mean..."

"Take your time. This is a lot of information to take in at once, so don’t push yourself too hard," Daruun stated. "Time passes differently here so take all the time in the world."

The hero slowly nodded as he did just that. Fifteen minutes passed before Jack said another word. "Okay... So, I understand this much...

"Halmut and Skaryn failed to meet your expectations, for some reason currently unmentioned, so you had a son and offered the role to him instead. When he agreed but to only become a silent partner, you were left with a vacant position and decided to fill it in the most perfect way you could, making sure your chosen champions wouldn’t fail you again. Then, you used the game "A Hero’s Tale" to find candidates that greatly lacked physical capability but held the advantage with mental willingness and longing for such an opportunity. The ridiculous achievement list was utilized as a means to find the person most desperate to live in such a setting. Did I get that right?"

"Spot on, Jack!" Clapping, Daruun smiled and sighed in relief.

"You chose me because you were ninety-nine percent certain that I would agree to your proposal in the end, and that’s why you always treated me more like family than as a tool."

"Because you are family, Jack," added Daruun. "I truly acknowledge you as my grandson. Sterfen is my only living child, making you and Lina my only grandchildren. The other gods are also my children, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit my bias for your father and mother, as well as my bias for you and your family."

As another pause came to be, Daruun blinked and let his lip quiver only once. "Do you believe me?"

Witnessing the almighty Daruun show his vulnerability was jaw-droppingly startling, especially after Jack had learned of Daruun’s true station in the universe. Yet here he was, practically begging Jack to accept Daruun as Jack’s grandfather, watery eyes and all.

"Yeah... I believe you..."

Those four words brought a wave of relief over Daruun, who finally relaxed into the back of his chair. "Then... Do you accept my proposal? To join me and your father in governing the Fate District as a family?"

"Yeah, I’m in..." Jack sighed, struggling to believe that such a conversation just took place.

"We’re the same, Jack. You, me, and your father are the same. No matter what happens, we put our family first. And though our plans will be difficult and strenuous to complete, especially at first, I guarantee to offer protection to your wives and loved ones while you and your father take on your future endeavors."

Hearing those words come out of Daruun’s mouth sent a rush of relief throughout Jack’s body.

"That doesn’t mean you can’t die, Jack," Daruun added. "For you and your father to grow, you’ll be forced to endure life-threatening circumstances, many of which I can’t do anything about. If I dared to interfere, you two would never be able to achieve your fullest potential. Becoming a six-star takes death-defying will and fate-defying determination, proven and forged only in dire circumstances. Are you okay with that?"

Nodding with a sigh, Jack replied, "If you’re protecting my wives and family, then I won’t have anything to worry about."

"Good, then allow me to make a suggestion." Motioning toward Duorda, Daruun added, "From this point onward, Duorda will become your assistant. He’ll form a pact with you’ll be able to buy his skills. After paying for the system update and ascending, you must buy his Undeath skill. If you do that, the odds of your permanent death could become statistically impossible in most situations. Some scenarios will still threaten your life, regardless of having such a skill, but you’re still better off than I ever was. And considering where I’m at now, I’m sure you’ll be able to overcome the odds and design your own fate."

"Undeath? Is that why he passively revives himself? Would I get two bodies, like Duorda?" Jack questioned.

"No, that’s a separate part of his very being, designed into his construct body. But so long as your soul isn’t completely snuffed out, you would self-generate your wounded or even your nonexistent body. That’s why both halves are needed for Duorda’s self-generation, because he needs every portion of his soul present for self-generation to occur," explained Daruun.

"Now that we’re on the same page, let me explain what you’re both currently most curious about. How Halmut and Skaryn failed me, and how their current situations came to pass."

 

Chapter 539

"To begin, since we don’t lack time at the moment and more information will later help Jack make a certain decision, I’ll give you some insight about how Skaryn and Halmut were long ago," added Daruun.

Jack and Duorda nodded but was the hero was left feeling particularly curious. They listened carefully as any mention of a decision by Daruun would always be glaringly important.

Daruun began his explanation, "I’ll start with Skaryn since he’s also a key piece of Halmut’s story.

"Skaryn is nothing like you know him to be, Jack. I’ll be frank as he was the first person that I ever saw potential in as a future partner. I wouldn’t make such a decision lightly. He was also the one who asked me to include Halmut into my plans, vouching for him with their mutual beast seal as proof.

With Jack’s eyes opened wide and his ears tilted forward, Daruun smiled and continued, "At that time, Kartonia was completely different. There was no unifying force apart from the separate nations fighting for supremacy. The world revolved around strength as leadership was constantly in flux due to the cruelty that existed back then. Anyone could do anything, so long as they were stronger, either financially or physically. With both of those things, a man could cause a genocide without any repercussions, which had happened a couple of times already.

"Skaryn was born into slavery on the island nation of Kustram. Just after exiting the womb, rather than be placed in his mother’s arms, he was branded and given a slave curse," stated Daruun, getting a worried look from Jack.

"Such was the common practice for newborn slaves. All male slaves were forced to work under brutal conditions with four hours of sleep each night. Female slaves were treated as breeding machines for more free labor, while also maintain the estates they served. And all newborns went under that same ordeal, automatically eliminating the chance of having a weak slave since the weaker children wouldn’t be able to recover from such treatment," explained Daruun with a straight yet uneasy face.

"That..." Jack stammered, not wanting to comprehend such a thing.

Continuing, Daruun shook his head, "Jack, across the void, I can assure you that more despicable things are happening now as we speak. By no means do I condone such acts but I couldn’t interfere in Kartonia. Within the Fate District, I’ve abolished slavery for all acknowledged planets, meaning that every planet that knows of the universe beyond their own atmosphere must comply.

"However, Kartonia isn’t recognized as an acknowledged planet and my interference would destroy the original purpose of Kartonia. Strength and growth of character are built through tribulations. Without that, gaining a true understanding of the world and the universe is impossible," reasoned Daruun.

"So you let them go through that knowingly?" asked Jack.

"Yes... I allowed them to experience such a thing," Daruun admitted. "But I also made sure that Kartonia was unique. Anyone that was tortured or endured such hardships and died on Kartonia will undergo a rebirth process on a separate world within the district. I’m not so heartless to allow injustice without recompense."

Feeling a bit better, Jack sighed, "Ok... well I guess that’s understandable."

"As I was saying, Skaryn was born into slavery and was raised within one of the cruels slavers in Kartonia," Daruun continued. "The slaver and his managers were very interested in Skaryn, as he was different from the other slaves. After countless beating and reprimanding, as well as the deaths of his parents, the infant Skaryn eventually stopped complaining altogether. By the time Skaryn was an adolescent, he wore a smile on his face and eagerly looked to outwork all other slaves.

"Also, Skaryn soon became the most physically capable slave the slavers had ever found. His strength was unmatched and he would ask for extra whippings each day, occasionally asking if he could take the whippings of other slaves just for the fun of it."

Jack shrugged. "So, a slave that became a masochist. What’s so new about that?"

Shaking his head, Daruun kept going, "Back then, spatial storages were quite rare in Kartonia. This was due to the lack of craftsmen sharing their trade secrets with their most capable and skilled workforce, the slaves. That led to using carts, wagons, and many cargo vehicles being all the more common. And since slave labor was free for the larger slave organizations, they used slaves to carry their cargo.

"Skaryn was quickly made to drive his own cart but showed excellence right off the bat. So the slavers would increase the load each trip, making the cargo vehicle larger each time. It got to the point where a teenage Skaryn was pulling fully loaded wagons by himself, all while he wore a smile on his face.

"Now, everyone called it masochism and Skaryn never argued that either. However, everyone would later learn the truth," stated Daruun.

"It took years but Skaryn’s willingness to serve as a lowly slave had gained him a reputation among the slaves and the slavers. After showing his compliance, the slavers eventually started to decrease the amount of security around Skaryn. It got to the point where only two average guards were left to keep Skaryn in check. This marked the downfall of that slave organization."

Smiling, Daruun eyed Jack while continuing, "There was a little secret about Skaryn that no one knew of. Each night, Skaryn used at least one of his sleeping hours to attempt mana manipulation. He would get a rough, basic feel for his mana affinities. Also, Skaryn would try and examine the slave curse imprinted on him. His other mana practices and naturally high affinity allowed Skaryn to recognize the crude flow of mana over the branded curse on his forehead.

"It was a simple curse that instantly paralyzed anyone at the slavers’ command or if they strayed too far from the slaver’s estate. The only exception to that was during caravan travels, where the curse was temporarily linked to the manager in charge of the trip. Skaryn had seen his own father be captured by the curse, fleeing from Skaryn’s side and attempting to escape the caravan after picking the locks of his restraints."

 

Chapter 540

"The next day, Skaryn’s father beaten beyond recovery and brutally murdered after becoming a useless, crippled slave. Witnessing his father’s death wasn’t heartbreaking at all for Skaryn, though," added Daruun.

"Among the slaves, the concept of parents wasn’t very present. They had all been separated at birth, only recognizing their parents later due to bearing a similar serial code engraved in their unhidden slave curses. And the parents never cared or searched for their children either. They had been drugged and forced to mate like animals in a tyrannical zoo, not allowed to show love or even understand what love is. That was the environment that shaped Skaryn."

Seeing Jack pondering in silence and Duorda anxious to hear more, Daruun continued, "After spending years examining the crudely made curse, Skaryn inevitably learned a few tricks to weaken it. That was when he not only took the beatings without complaint but began to seek them out. Skaryn wanted to become as strong as he could, arguing with the managers to get heavier wagons and to increase the weight of each load. He wanted to get stronger.

"An escape plot had emerged in Skaryn’s mind and he played it out to a tee. He gained less security after years of unmatched good behavior. All the while, Skaryn chipped away at the curse each night to weaken it more and more. Physically, Skaryn had become a monster, mimicking circus elephants with their incredible strength but an unwillingness to revolt after proper training. Only it was all a ploy.

"Skaryn had brought the curse to the limit, barely keeping it active at all so that no one would be the wiser. Finally, he was ready to execute his plan.

"After enduring two more trips, it was the third trip after having weakened the curse that Skaryn made his move. Everything went as it commonly would. Skaryn drove his massive wagon with vigor. He led the caravan like he always did.

"On that particular route, there was a giant uphill portion. During that stretch, the slavers would chain other wagons and carts to Skaryn’s. This made sure that the other weaker slaves wouldn’t collapse from exhaustion and let the precious cargo drop down the hill. They chained up all the cargo and let Skaryn begin the ascent. Nothing was strange or peculiar about it. Not until they were half-way up the hill.

"Once they were at the half-way point, Skaryn acted. He had already picked the locks of his restraints, mimicking his father’s failed attempt at escape, and was wearing them casually to keep up appearances. With the perfect moment arriving, Skaryn undid his restraints and broke the handle used to pull the cart. Before his lax guards could act, Skaryn had already snuffed out the final portion of the slave curse.

"Skaryn’s speed alone was enough to outrun anyone present but he also allowed his massive wagon to become the perfect distraction. The wagon fell back and crashed into those behind it, dragging everything to the bottom of the hill like an anchor would fall to the seafloor. No one had the time or ability to chase after Skaryn in such a situation where the lives of slaves and the condition of the merchandise was at such a great risk."

Finally, Daruun paused and waited for Jack to say something.

Sighing, Jack asked, "Why go into so much detail? I appreciate the storytelling, but--"

"To understand his character, you need to thoroughly understand his actions," stated Daruun. "I won’t recount you his entire life, but only a couple of key points, one being his upbringing and escape.

"Now that you understand how crafty, patient, and calculated Skaryn can be, I can explain what he did next with less detail," reasoned Daruun.

"After escaping, Skaryn made sure he couldn’t be tracked. Using his rudimentary understanding of dark type mana, Skaryn concealed his home in shadows to avoid magic detection. Being the first to crack the curse was also a huge help as the slavers were trying to use the curse to paralyze and locate their prized slave.

"Spending more than a year focusing on survival and step-by-step growth with magic, Skaryn finally felt confident to attempt what he wished," stated Daruun.

"Skaryn used his shadows to sneak into his old home. He crept through the slavers’ property and assassinated the slavers in their sleep. Effectively, Skaryn had freed all of the organization’s slaves, those in charge of crafting goods, those in charge of raising crops, those in charge of maintaining the ranch of animals for food trade, and more. If there was a viable trade in that economy, there were slaves demanded to fulfill that trade’s needs day in and day out, but not anymore.

"That act led to a revolt across Kustram and a reformation of the Kustram’s government. The more slavers Skaryn killed, the more eye-opening it was for the king. When only a few major slave organizations were left, the king made the decision to side with the newly released slaves.

"The king liked the idea of an increased labor force to boost the economy and remove the ever-growing influence the slavers were gaining over his kingdom. And the thought of gaining the favor and appreciation of so many newly recognized citizens would guarantee his long-term rulership. It was a brilliant political move that Skaryn forced into play. Skaryn and the king met before they partnered up to remove the final slave organizations from the Kustram map.

Nodding, Jack agreed, "So Skaryn changed the nation as a whole, somewhat indirectly."

"Correct," answered Daruun. "The king was already fed up with the slavers but had no means of dealing with slavers. After Skaryn proved himself capable against the slavers, the king was more than willing to back up and cement his influence into the nation in place of the slavers."

"What did he do next?" asked Jack.

"Skaryn was offered the position of Royal Captain of the Guard, but he turned it down. He didn’t want to feel burdened with responsibility, not after he had just freed himself."