THEOS
Author: Arthur Wordsmith
Chapter 48: Points, Points, Points
Luke grit his teeth. Fighting with every ounce of will he could muster, to stave off the impending darkness. Measuring each breath in order to not reveal the pain he was in, and biting his tongue to prevent himself from screaming in agony.
He shouted the mantra over and over in his head. Hoping with every fiber of his being that he would be able to stand.
His mind flashing back to his giggling fit in the tomb and the drama that had ensued after.
He thought desperately.
Fearing that if he passed out, or acted weird in any way, it would lead to questions. Questions that he didnt want anyone even thinking about, let alone asking. To him, it was already bad enough that Cyzicus considered him some kind prodigy, but adding a tendency of passing out after killing monsters to the list of his oddities was not something he was not inclined to do. Who knew what kind of conclusions the old man would draw, and as uninterested as he seemed to be in Lukes secrets, he would never forget the fact that a god had been killed for what he possessed. Anything that made him seem suspicious was a negative.
Clenching the handle of the sword with an iron grip, he pushed off against the disgusting blood covered head of the winged-serpent. Lazily pulling his blade free from the monster's brain as he climbed to his knees, and then to his feet. As carefully and naturally as he could, so that nothing would seem out of place. His face pale and his blue robes covered in blood and bits of flesh, he smiled.
What a rush! Whoo! He cheered, lazily lifting his sword in the air. Meeting the eyes of his companions with a cheeky grin. Hurting in places he didnt even know it was possible to hurt, and doing his best not to show it.
Jax and Rex stared back at him blankly, from their place on the griffins back.
Why did you do that? Rex asked. Confusion practically written on his face.
Why do I have to tell you? Luke grinned cheekily. Taking satisfaction in the affronted look the teenager leveled him with.
Nel wrinkled her nose in disgust. Her storage ring flashed thrice in quick succession. A single talisman, a set of blue robes, and a bucket of water appeared floating in the air with her. She tore the perforated tab off the talisman, and slapped it onto the floating body of the beast. Prying her spear free from the still floating corpse as she did. She was using her powers to keep it, and consequently Luke, in the air.
Take your robes off. I wont ride with someone as filthy as you. She said, floating the bucket of air over Lukes head.
He looked down on his clothes before nodding gratefully. Flicking the blood off his sword he returned it to his sheath. His eyes widening slightly in surprise as he noticed that it had undergone a slight change. A hair thin azure vein ran down its center one that definitely hadnt been there before. Not wanting to draw any attention to it, he slid it into the sheath on his hip, next to the other sword Cyzicus had given him, before shrugging them both off, and balancing them on his feet so that they wouldn't get blood on them.
Luke thought to himself as he stripped out of his robes.
As soon as he did, cold water engulfed him, and swirled around his body. Trapped in Nels telekinetic grip, it picked up all the debris and filth from his body. Then with a flick of her finger, it went over the side of the beast, shattering into a fine mist, the second she broke her mental grip.
Done with his impromptu shower, he eyed the distance between him and the griffin with trepidation.
Nel lifted her eyebrow, curious as to why he wasnt climbing on.
He thought miserably. Grasping his mana, it took every ounce of willpower he had not to shudder and collapse in pain. Channeling it into his boots, he took one excruciating step through the sky after another towards the elders familiar.
He thought to himself, settling awkwardly onto griffin.
Nel shoved the creature into her ring, and a second later they were silently cutting through the air again.
Luke opened his status.
| Skills | Quests | Inventory
Name: Lukas King
Tier: Mortal
Mana: 3114 / 9504
Rate: 15% per hour
Strength: 116
Agility: 240
Constitution: 144
Arcana: 92 > 132
Stat Points: 316
Bloodline: Locked. Conditions not met. (1/10 000)
Charges: 7/10
He thought excitedly.
He did some quick math in his head.
He frowned.
He closed his eyes and focused inward. Suppressing a wince, as the mere act of observing his mana sent phantom pains shooting through his body.
His eyes suddenly widened.
Hey Nel. He called out. Are you a princess?
What?
Are you a princess?
She sputtered in surprise. Behind him, Rex and Jax snickered before Jax burst out into full blown laughter.
You just figured that out? Rex asked him disbelievingly. You really are an idiot.
And you're a prince Luke trailed off. Filling his cheeks with air, before breathing it all out. Thats pretty unbelievable.
Why? Rex asked, his voice gaining an odd edge.
Well youre so pissy.
Im what?
I think you heard what I said.
I think the new guy has your measure. Jax said, mirthfully.
So whats it like, Nel? Cyzicus seems like a fun person to hang around with.
I suppose that in a way, I am a princess, she said reluctantly, but Grandfather doesnt grant any of any additional privileges or duties. To me or any of my siblings or cousins. He loves all of us, but hes the sole voice of authority in Sylcra. He does enough to make sure that we have the guidance we need to live up to our full potential, but She trailed off.
He doesnt care if we spend our lives cultivating every second of every day, or living like a mortal. Rex finished. Hell come visit regardless.
Thats pretty nice of him. Luke said.
Its practical. Rex corrected. He wont waste time making someone do something they dont want to. If he really wants something, hell tempt you, try to cajole you, and bribe you, but hell never force anyones hands.
Do you know why he hates Arke so much? The way he talked to her yesterday, and then this morning. He made her so angry, she blasted him through his own throne. I dont get why he would do that. Provoking someone stronger than him, doesnt seem wise.
That Nel hesitated. I dont know. He isnt one to hide his intentions though. He always says whats on his mind, and being an Emperor, it isnt just about being at the Hero-tier. The gods have rules, and they protect their territories. They wont allow anyone, not even Arke, to upset the balance they have created.
What about the Rebel then?
She frowned. Thats different. I dont know what tier Arke is, but the Rebel is a hero. Grandfather is expected to deal with her, and those below the Hero-tier by himself. If he cant prevent someone at the same level as him from snatching his domain, then he shouldnt have it in the first place. Thats how its always been. Theyll intervene if the threat is beyond him though. In a way, he has more to fear from the Rebel than he does Arke.
Yesterday, he mentioned something about the Titans and Arke. Luke supplied. His mind churned as he thought about what it could mean.
Do you know anything about that?
There was a war, She said eventually. between Olympus and Othrys. Gods and Titans.
Luke mused.
Arke fought for the Titans at first, but she turned traitor, and joined Olympus. Thats all I know. Why it was fought, and how it ended. Its one of the few things that Grandfather wont speak about. She frowned.
How long ago was it?
Long. Said Rex. Tens of thousands of years ago, if not longer. None of that stuff matters anymore though. He yawned, looking over the edge of the griffin.
This griffin of yours is faster than I thought. Rex said. I cant believe we already crossed the river. The journey is supposed to take days.
Nel preened, and scratched her familiars neck lovingly. She is, isnt she?
She is. If you ever manage to breed her, you should give me the cub. Or is it an egg?
A cub, I think. Nel answered. And if I do manage to breed her, it would be a miracle, and I would never give her baby to you.
Who then? Lukeus? All hed use it for is to bed every prostitute on the island. Probably not even for the first time! He whined.
If you want a griffin so bad, why dont you go and catch one yourself, and then convince it to bond with you? Nel said, teasingly.
Fine. I dont know why I expected something different from you anyways. He grumbled. Its getting dark. Lets make camp.
No. Theres still some light. Lets go a little further. Jax urged.
Luke tuned them out, as they continued to argue about whether to make camp now or in a few minutes. Calling up his status as he did.
He shouted the mantra over and over in his head. Hoping with every fiber of his being that he would be able to stand.
His mind flashing back to his giggling fit in the tomb and the drama that had ensued after.
He thought desperately.
Fearing that if he passed out, or acted weird in any way, it would lead to questions. Questions that he didnt want anyone even thinking about, let alone asking. To him, it was already bad enough that Cyzicus considered him some kind prodigy, but adding a tendency of passing out after killing monsters to the list of his oddities was not something he was not inclined to do. Who knew what kind of conclusions the old man would draw, and as uninterested as he seemed to be in Lukes secrets, he would never forget the fact that a god had been killed for what he possessed. Anything that made him seem suspicious was a negative.
Clenching the handle of the sword with an iron grip, he pushed off against the disgusting blood covered head of the winged-serpent. Lazily pulling his blade free from the monster's brain as he climbed to his knees, and then to his feet. As carefully and naturally as he could, so that nothing would seem out of place. His face pale and his blue robes covered in blood and bits of flesh, he smiled.
What a rush! Whoo! He cheered, lazily lifting his sword in the air. Meeting the eyes of his companions with a cheeky grin. Hurting in places he didnt even know it was possible to hurt, and doing his best not to show it.
Jax and Rex stared back at him blankly, from their place on the griffins back.
Why did you do that? Rex asked. Confusion practically written on his face.
Why do I have to tell you? Luke grinned cheekily. Taking satisfaction in the affronted look the teenager leveled him with.
Nel wrinkled her nose in disgust. Her storage ring flashed thrice in quick succession. A single talisman, a set of blue robes, and a bucket of water appeared floating in the air with her. She tore the perforated tab off the talisman, and slapped it onto the floating body of the beast. Prying her spear free from the still floating corpse as she did. She was using her powers to keep it, and consequently Luke, in the air.
Take your robes off. I wont ride with someone as filthy as you. She said, floating the bucket of air over Lukes head.
He looked down on his clothes before nodding gratefully. Flicking the blood off his sword he returned it to his sheath. His eyes widening slightly in surprise as he noticed that it had undergone a slight change. A hair thin azure vein ran down its center one that definitely hadnt been there before. Not wanting to draw any attention to it, he slid it into the sheath on his hip, next to the other sword Cyzicus had given him, before shrugging them both off, and balancing them on his feet so that they wouldn't get blood on them.
Luke thought to himself as he stripped out of his robes.
As soon as he did, cold water engulfed him, and swirled around his body. Trapped in Nels telekinetic grip, it picked up all the debris and filth from his body. Then with a flick of her finger, it went over the side of the beast, shattering into a fine mist, the second she broke her mental grip.
Done with his impromptu shower, he eyed the distance between him and the griffin with trepidation.
Nel lifted her eyebrow, curious as to why he wasnt climbing on.
He thought miserably. Grasping his mana, it took every ounce of willpower he had not to shudder and collapse in pain. Channeling it into his boots, he took one excruciating step through the sky after another towards the elders familiar.
He thought to himself, settling awkwardly onto griffin.
Nel shoved the creature into her ring, and a second later they were silently cutting through the air again.
Luke opened his status.
| Skills | Quests | Inventory
Name: Lukas King
Tier: Mortal
Mana: 3114 / 9504
Rate: 15% per hour
Strength: 116
Agility: 240
Constitution: 144
Arcana: 92 > 132
Stat Points: 316
Bloodline: Locked. Conditions not met. (1/10 000)
Charges: 7/10
He thought excitedly.
He did some quick math in his head.
He frowned.
He closed his eyes and focused inward. Suppressing a wince, as the mere act of observing his mana sent phantom pains shooting through his body.
His eyes suddenly widened.
Hey Nel. He called out. Are you a princess?
What?
Are you a princess?
She sputtered in surprise. Behind him, Rex and Jax snickered before Jax burst out into full blown laughter.
You just figured that out? Rex asked him disbelievingly. You really are an idiot.
And you're a prince Luke trailed off. Filling his cheeks with air, before breathing it all out. Thats pretty unbelievable.
Why? Rex asked, his voice gaining an odd edge.
Well youre so pissy.
Im what?
I think you heard what I said.
I think the new guy has your measure. Jax said, mirthfully.
So whats it like, Nel? Cyzicus seems like a fun person to hang around with.
I suppose that in a way, I am a princess, she said reluctantly, but Grandfather doesnt grant any of any additional privileges or duties. To me or any of my siblings or cousins. He loves all of us, but hes the sole voice of authority in Sylcra. He does enough to make sure that we have the guidance we need to live up to our full potential, but She trailed off.
He doesnt care if we spend our lives cultivating every second of every day, or living like a mortal. Rex finished. Hell come visit regardless.
Thats pretty nice of him. Luke said.
Its practical. Rex corrected. He wont waste time making someone do something they dont want to. If he really wants something, hell tempt you, try to cajole you, and bribe you, but hell never force anyones hands.
Do you know why he hates Arke so much? The way he talked to her yesterday, and then this morning. He made her so angry, she blasted him through his own throne. I dont get why he would do that. Provoking someone stronger than him, doesnt seem wise.
That Nel hesitated. I dont know. He isnt one to hide his intentions though. He always says whats on his mind, and being an Emperor, it isnt just about being at the Hero-tier. The gods have rules, and they protect their territories. They wont allow anyone, not even Arke, to upset the balance they have created.
What about the Rebel then?
She frowned. Thats different. I dont know what tier Arke is, but the Rebel is a hero. Grandfather is expected to deal with her, and those below the Hero-tier by himself. If he cant prevent someone at the same level as him from snatching his domain, then he shouldnt have it in the first place. Thats how its always been. Theyll intervene if the threat is beyond him though. In a way, he has more to fear from the Rebel than he does Arke.
Yesterday, he mentioned something about the Titans and Arke. Luke supplied. His mind churned as he thought about what it could mean.
Do you know anything about that?
There was a war, She said eventually. between Olympus and Othrys. Gods and Titans.
Luke mused.
Arke fought for the Titans at first, but she turned traitor, and joined Olympus. Thats all I know. Why it was fought, and how it ended. Its one of the few things that Grandfather wont speak about. She frowned.
How long ago was it?
Long. Said Rex. Tens of thousands of years ago, if not longer. None of that stuff matters anymore though. He yawned, looking over the edge of the griffin.
This griffin of yours is faster than I thought. Rex said. I cant believe we already crossed the river. The journey is supposed to take days.
Nel preened, and scratched her familiars neck lovingly. She is, isnt she?
She is. If you ever manage to breed her, you should give me the cub. Or is it an egg?
A cub, I think. Nel answered. And if I do manage to breed her, it would be a miracle, and I would never give her baby to you.
Who then? Lukeus? All hed use it for is to bed every prostitute on the island. Probably not even for the first time! He whined.
If you want a griffin so bad, why dont you go and catch one yourself, and then convince it to bond with you? Nel said, teasingly.
Fine. I dont know why I expected something different from you anyways. He grumbled. Its getting dark. Lets make camp.
No. Theres still some light. Lets go a little further. Jax urged.
Luke tuned them out, as they continued to argue about whether to make camp now or in a few minutes. Calling up his status as he did.