EPISODE 85: ASPECTS

— Edryan Queendom, Year: 7291. Season Color Fading.

The images shown to us were there for one moment. Gone the next, and sitting on the comforter across from us was Aspect Rasheed.

Aspect Rasheed breathed in deeply, his gaze remained on the fire during this period. Its flames reflected off his red-scaled visage. Only after several moments did he turn back to us. After that long moment of silence, the breath was released and the Aspect began again.

“Aspects are the third path available once you’ve achieved level three hundred. They are the… lost path. Not all of our heritages are gone, but Genesis… her remnant can no longer support any besides me .”

Every time the Aspect spoke, I found myself occasionally having to translate the runic language he spoke into Edryanese. Some terms and words were unfamiliar and would be classified as higher-tier runes, but to him, they were simply a language. “ Why do you speak in the language of magic? ”

The question didn’t come from me, but it came from me . Minerva chirped, and the Aspect eyes immediately locked onto her. She’d been careful to only pass messages through our mental connection since Demigoddess Kubrat’s interference, but now she spoke directly.

“It is not the language of magic, child. It is the language of this world… the language of the Genesis Realm, Kair-unian. Created and designed by our Creator as the purest form of expression . Why do you think every creature cast using one single language?”

Aspect Rasheed waved its large scaled hands. “There is enough of that. Before we can discuss anymore, you must first understand What and Who you are talking to.”

The quality of the air seemed to change as Aspect Rasheed seemed to grow larger and sit straighter than he already was. My body grew taut, like a fully extended bow ready to release an arrow in flight. Next to me, Madria was much of the same.

“When leveling through the system, there are three different Paths a mortal may take on their journey to greater heights… greater strength. Each was crafted by our Creator so that even the Saphens may join the greatest of his creations. The first is to Prestige . It is the easiest of the Paths and filled with the most quantity of levelers. Its requirements are only to challenge yourself like never before and break the level three hundred barriers. They are [Champions] who can still reside amongst mortals if they so choose.

Perhaps you are a warrior and challenge an emerging Calamity by yourself. Perhaps you single-handedly save a town from a beast horde or monsters. Maybe you are a chef and cook for a week straight, feeding the needy and those who offer you patronage. Regardless, one such act must be performed.”

The Aspect of Knowledge paused here and conjured a glass before whispering to it in Kair-unian. The water-aligned mana responded accordingly, converting and filling the glass full. I hung onto every word the Aspect spoke. His eyes gazed from me to Madria, before settling on Minerva until the process repeated itself. My fist clenched in excitement. Finally… this was the first time someone, some thing gave me clear answers to the questions I held. No knowledge was hidden or brushed to the side.

Aspect Rasheed quenched his thirst and continued to teach. “The second and third Paths are ascension into Godhood or becoming an Aspect.”

Before Aspect Rasheed could continue, I couldn’t help but interrupt. “What about the natural-born Gods, the Titans, and Dragons… how did they follow these paths?”

I recalled what I learned in the Ruin Temple and the golem that guarded its remains. The first three creations of Realm Lord Elrunian were Gods, Titians, and the legendary Dragons. Here was the final creature of such a legend before me. How could I not be curious?

A heavy gaze like that of earlier settled on me. The eagerness I felt for the knowledge of the past easily dispelled the fear of who I was talking to. The air, the Intent… was the same as earlier. Suffocating, like it could crush me in just a moment. Within those moments, I struggled to take back control over my body and immediate surroundings. My Intent was smothered to my body, suppressed.

‘ What is this form of Intent? What is he doing? ’

“ Break. ”

This time, the result was not the same as I spoke. There was no release of pressure; the vice that appeared to be around my neck grew tighter.

“ BREAK. ”

The aura that constantly surrounded my body pushed back against the formless pressure Aspect Rasheed released. A tiny lantern in a sea of darkness. A small piece that seemed to resist oblivion.

“ BREAK! ”

The sound of glass shattering rang and instantly, the air was sucked into my lungs as the room shifted. Books rustled and Madria fell back onto the couch — terror on her face as she took large deep breaths.

“Interesting… oh so very interesting,” Aspect Rasheed spoke. Kair-unian, the language of magic, is a beautiful flowing language that makes speech sound like songs or poems. It was filled with majesty, and it was the only language the magic listened to. The only language in which it would act. My knowledge of its runic combinations extended far, but the way Aspect Rasheed spoke hinted at a profound understanding of the language. The flow Kair-unian held was not present in his last words.

“You have no idea what you are doing… I thought it was a fluke previously, but now this shows it was not… you understand the Attributes far greater than one should in this era. Yet, you lack control… as he did…,” the Aspect looked away from me and into the fire.

There was a story, one he’d yet to tell. A story I knew involved me… and there was more to attributes than what I knew. I always felt that Goddess Madria’s actions my System Day were… strange. Perhaps it held something to do with the Attributes and where I came from. I squeezed Madria’s hand, to gently calm her down, but my gaze never left Aspect Rasheed’s.

Minerva hopped from my shoulder and flew to Madria. Rubbing her beak and face against hers, comfortingly.

“Natural-born Gods, Titans, and Dragons of old all started at level three hundred. Paths to us were a simple choice of progression, as the earliest of Creator’s creations were naturally born preordained — crafted for a specific purpose. Their children were different, we got to choose which of the Paths to follow,” the Aspect stated as it answered my question.

“Gods are the second path and a balance between both, as Aspects are one extreme and the Prestige is another. Gods can control Laws and expand upon them. To become a God is to comprehend a law fully and then expand upon it . Perhaps you are Brave and slowly comprehend what it means to be brave, to follow such a law. Such a completion from a Touch of the Law to a Seed that eventually sparks and ignites… is a task few can take. Its requirements are unique to each law, and only the wielder can know what they must do to progress. No outsider can help, as no outsider has ever walked the exact same path.”

Madria calmed, and I pulled her closer to me, my Intent billowed out to wrap around the both of us. I couldn’t sense Aspect Rasheed’s Intent, but I held no doubt we were well within the boundaries of it.

How vast and mighty must you be for such Intent? Such Power?

“To become an Aspect you must comprehend a law just as a God. You must understand it, master it, but you cannot fuse with it . Not in the same manner Gods do. Such an art is lost to the realm now, but its records are kept here,” the Aspect said. He looked up and away as if reminiscing before his gaze settled back on me.

“To become an Aspect means to give yourself wholeheartedly to the realm. To act on its behalf, teach its inhabitants, and more. It will empower you, and as it grows in strength and prestige… then so do you. Yet… a realm can only support so many Aspects at a stage without an increase in strength… and I am all that remains of a jewel that was the crown of the Genesis Zone. I am the… [Keeper of Records] and [Protector of All Knowledge],” Aspect Rasheed said with finality. “I am the [Aspect of Knowledge] and you… [Chosen of Madris] must pass my test if you wish to leave.”

Those aged golden eyes settled on me. Boundless knowledge seemed to be held within them, and I confidently stared back. Edryan needed me, but Aspect Rasheed held answers I needed years ago. I couldn’t… no… I wouldn’t let this opportunity pass. Madria squeezed my hand back.

“What is it you require of me, Aspect Rasheed?”

He smiled for the first time. A toothy, dangerous smile that brought a sense of ominous danger back into the air. “As I am the Aspect of Knowledge, guardian of all knowledge, of all skills, of all classes, of all things in the Genesis Realm… no matter how major or minor… if there is written knowledge, then I possess it. A trial related to knowledge is only just .

Power.

Vitality.

Endurance.

Mind.

Self.

Intent, ” the Aspect said, one… by… one.

“You will accomplish a task related to each, built upon each, that shows your understanding of the attribute on yourself and others . You may access the entirety of Keeper’s Mountain in preparation for these trials, as once you begin, you may not stop.”

I listened intently, and my eyes narrowed at the Aspect’s words. The first thing to cross my mind was the Library of Final Hope. The books there immediately became a target, but I waited for the Aspect to finish.

There’s no way this comes for free.

“Yet know… anything you wish to use holds a price. Knowledge must be exchanged for Knowledge. A value that is equal to or greater than… Never less… must be exchanged for every item you wish to use, including any equipment you so choose to build.”

There it was… the catch I was waiting for. An equal exchange of knowledge. If he possesses all written knowledge on the Genesis Realm, then…

‘ Only things from Earth will hold value. ’

‘ What do you think he is looking for? A specific piece of knowledge or…? ’

‘ Hmmm, I don’t know, but we can easily find out, ” Minerva responded.

The Aspect continued to talk, providing small details on what type of trial I would be facing.

“The trial will be a task related to each attribute that shows knowledge and great understanding of what you can achieve with that attribute. You will have a single week of preparation starting tomorrow.

Any questions?”

“If I fail,” I asked. I already held an idea, but I preferred the conformation of the creature itself.

“Death.”

The word was simple. Aspect Rasheed said it like it was just a small punishment. Yet, I knew he truly meant what he said. Plans began to take rough shape in my head, the whispers of my perk supporting them. The Aspect held a strange hostility to me that began the moment we met. I didn’t know why, but when I first came to this world, I began my journey of learning using one simple method.

History.

---

“We have to try,” Madria hissed as we entered our room once again. She immediately cast a silencing spell that blocked most forms of scrying magic.

“Madria, do you understand what an Aspect is?”

She hesitated but nodded slowly. I explained anyway. “An Aspect is someone who is bonded to the realm, have you seen the way the mana interacts with him? So ready to listen and jump to do his bidding. We would die before we step two feet from this mountain.”

“The only way for us to leave is for me to beat his trial. He is on the same level as a God. There is no beating him. I couldn’t even scratch a demigod, and trust me… I tried. ”

Madria let out a breath and sat down on the bed heavily. Slowly, quietly she began to pray, head down and fore knuckles touching as she made the symbol of the Goddess. This went on for several minutes as I took a seat in the chair and pondered on everything.

First Demigoddess Kubrat, and now this.

‘ You need a plan of action. ’

‘ I do Minerva… I do… ’

Minerva sensed the weariness from my voice. It wasn’t physical, as my body was well-rested, and I could stay awake for days. Instead, it was just a mental fatigue. Since I left the Caden Mountain range, I haven’t had an opportunity to rest. I’d immediately traveled to the Convocation, and now I was here with a being known as [End of Adventure]. A legendary creature that was as old as this piece of the Genesis Realm. I was tired…

The silent whispers of Madria continued, and I glanced toward her. I can’t be tired. There were people depending on me for protection, guidance, and leadership.

‘ I can’t be tired. ’

The notification for picking my next five skills continued to blink. I sighed and pulled up the three skill trees I held access to for my mythical class. Since [Holy Prince of Edryan] was a regular class, I held specific skill trees I could pull skills from.

Royalty of Edryan Skill Tree
(Sacred Edict)	(Divine Lineage)	(Edryani Composure)

Holy Prince Skill Tree
(Divine Resistance)	(Messenger’s Conduit)	(Divine Aura)

Advance Spell-Sword Skill Tree
(Mage Barrier)	(Zone of Control)	(Counter Spell-casting)

These trees encompassed a wide range of abilities, with each tree holding a specific ‘linage’ of abilities tied to it. The advance [Spell-Sword] skill tree took some of the best features from both a generalized spell-casting skill tree and a warrior's skill tree. It encompasses a wide range of abilities a magical swordsman would need. Right now, my next set of skills had to enhance me in some way for the upcoming trials.

The first skill I immediately acquired was the (Mage Barrier).

(Mage Barrier) — Mythical
Description:	The first skill a mage acquires is one that protects their life.
Function: ‎ Shield — Active/Passive	Project an unattributed barrier around yourself or your intended target. Automatic shielding functions are enabled. Base Defense is increased by 100-1000%.
Cost:	100-500 MP.

This was a skill pure casters usually acquired in their first class as a core skill. There were many names and types, such as (Dimensional Bulwark). For now, my barrier remained unattributed to a single type of attack, meaning my cost in blocking every element was roughly the same. If I had a (Fire Barrier), wind and nature types of magic would cost less to defense against, versus water and other elements that directly clashed with it costing more. Elements such as Fire and Water negated one another.

Aspect Rasheed stated my trial would be related to the Six Great Attributes. I would accomplish at task of each, built upon the back of the previous task. I didn’t know exactly what these tasks were, but death was a guarantee of failure. Protecting my life was a must.

This was why my eyes next settled on (Divine Resistance). Minerva jumped to my shoulder as she began to take interest in my skills. She’d just finished choosing her next five.

(Divine Resistance) — Mythical/Passive
Description:	Poison, ailments, De-buffs, and more? Your resistance is that of the divine.
Function:	Increase your general resistance against all negative skills and abilities. All incoming damage is resisted by 25%.
Cost:	NULL

I swallowed heavily and once again carefully read the description.

“ You should take that! It says all incoming damage and not just a specific type. That’s powerful! ”

‘ Let’s not be too hasty. (Mage Barrier) was a must, but now… ’

“ You’re right, let's finish overviewing the Advance Spell-Sword Skill Tree. ”

The prayer of Madria continued in the background. It served as a background noise to accompany the chirps of Minerva as we discussed my skills.

(Zone of Control) — Mythical
Description:	Controlling the mana in your immediate surroundings is vital for a great mage to go even further. The same applies to a Spell-Sword.
Function:	Take control of the surrounding mana. The zone of control is calculated as: Intent * .25 meter. Once control is established, all magical base skills and abilities are boosted by 300%.
Cost:	100 MP per minute.

(Counter Spell-casting) — Mythical
Description:	The essence of a Spell-Sword is to counter both mages and swordsmen by way of combining the qualities of both classes.
Function:	Quick cast counter elemental spells that can disrupt or break the spells and skills of opposing parties. Successful counters inflict {Backlash}, causing the target to enter a state of vulnerability.
Cost:	50 MP for magical abilities. 50 SP for physical abilities.

“ Interesting, ” Minerva chirped as she read from my shoulder.

Together, we began to overview my options as my mind began to settle down. There was little I could do besides prepare myself in any way possible. The best thing was to review my skills and ensure my new ones would be useful.

‘ My third class has to be something closer to an all-rounder, ’ I began. Only to be cut off as Minerva interrupted me.

‘ It’s not the skills at fault for anything that happened with Demigoddess Kubrat or Thraag. It’s the user, we have to be more versatile in the deployment of our skills. (Sword of Edryan) or (Shield of Edryan) may have given us a brief moment of respite… However, such a moment was when a skill like (The King’s Indifference) would have best been used. ’

I turned my head and stared at my partner and perk. My eyebrows were slightly arched. The moment since I acquired (The King’s Indifference) Minerva was against the skill. It was… the very skill my mother used constantly to govern.

‘ It was a mistake… my mistake, as that type of thinking is what you needed the most… I’m sorry for getting us into this mess. ’

I smiled gently at Minerva, her owl large, red-gold eyes stared back at me. In them was a conflict and regret.

Gently, I raised my remaining arm as I held my forearm forward. Minerva, sensing my intentions, immediately hopped over, and I raised her up until we stared eye to eye.

‘ It is not your mistake. At least I must take the blame as well. I was too confident in my strength. ’ As I said this, I looked at my missing right arm.

“This will serve as a reminder of that mistake.”

My voice seemed to wake Madria from her prayer as I continued to peruse my upcoming skills. I gently returned Minerva to my arm. My skill selection quickly being decided.

“My mother or another [High Priestess of Madris] will be able to regrow your arm. Unfortunately, I believe I will need a class evolution or two as the [Imperius Saintess] for my skills to become powerful enough to do such a feat.”

“It’s ok, I have something better planned,” I responded with a bright, shining grin. My new skills selected for [Holy Son of Edryan] and the flame of ambition reigniting itself within my eyes.

“Knowledge… for Knowledge… huh?”