XelofBloom

10.2

Added 2021-08-29 12:12:25 +0000 UTC

Eve closed the hibernation chamber door behind her and sat down at a table arranged so that she could see everyone before she said, “My mistake everyone. I have recently been informed that Perks are something to boost personal power only.”

“It appeared that way to everyone else too after looking through the options,” Felix said.

“Still, it is a lesson worth learning now, since it will soon apply to all of us once we take our own affinity Enhancement. I have been holding off to see the results of your own Tier Four upgrade.” Kudzu said via vine-mouth.

A vague sense of sadness emanated from the Hut to Eve. Her home had clearly been overjoyed to have a part in making her stronger. She sent a reassuring hug back over the link to her slowly awakening Hut. True sentience felt like it was only a tiny sliver away now, for her home.

“Be that as it may, my brother appears to have left a batch of instructions in the racial memories of the Demon race. I made an offer to the succubus to help me build a monstrous Tier Seven powerhouse, in exchange for taking her with us. From what I can understand, even after reaching Tier Seven, it won’t be a short amount of time to leave.” Eve said with a sigh.

“I have reached the cap for Tier Four and will Enhance one of my affinities, before taking Perks next. I think we should feed as many slaves as possible to Felix to boost him to Tier Five. There is a chance that the Dungeon’s Enhancement, combined with Perks, would allow him to turn the Dragon into a Boss Monster.” Kudzu offered as his vine-mouth lay draped on the table.

Eve grimaced and said, “Too risky. Killing a Dragon apparently alerts the Scaled Empire. I am willing to bet that trapping one and using it as an infinite personal experience potion is infinitely far more detectable.”

“Does the Empire care about some Tier Six in the Wildlands, though?” Kudzu asked rhetorically.

“We can’t afford to take a risk. The possibility that we are attacked after killing the Matriarch by forces from the Scaled Empire means sealing it is out. There will be other Tier Sixes, we don’t need to add unstable elements here and now.” Eve argued.

There was a pause as everyone considered Eve’s statement before Felix said, “How do we plan on escaping? If this Empire can track us after the Matriarch dies…”

Eve pulled Nota to her side, before placing the book face up on the table. Her Tome reached out to connect all parties involved into a mental version of a conference room. Far be it from her to prevent her familiar from showing off a new power.

There are only three main methods of tracking they might use effectively against us. One is leaving a Mark upon our souls or body. Two is leaving a Mark upon materials we might keep from the Dragon. Three is leaving a similar Mark upon the pieces of the Dragon’s Hoard. Nota informed the others.

All of that is pointless because I will Sacrifice the Dragon’s body, and trade all rewards to the System for Perk Level boosting. Eve disclosed her plan to the others.

So you never planned on taking anything. Kudzu responded.

The biggest reward would be approaching the Tier Five peak, but not hitting Six. Felix mused.

I’ll need time to upgrade my Class and buy from the List. Breaking into Six without doing either of those, would be a massive power loss. Eve acknowledged.

Cheese. Goblins. Tier Five, us? Hut sent slowly.

Congratulations! Eve sent her sentient home.

Congratulations. Kudzu quickly replied.

Congratulations, dear. Felix sent.

Greetings, sister. Nota added.

Thank. You. Hut replied.

So, yes. My plan after setting a solid foundation in Tier Four is to boost myself to Tier Five through slaves. Feed the rest of the slaves to Felix to break Five as soon as possible, and then start working on the goblin experiments. We’ll push enough goblins to Tier Four, or perhaps even Tier Five. Then we bind them to the Dungeon to create a renewable source of mana to farm. Felix would turn the ambient mana into structured mana via goblin spawning, and then I would Devour and Craft dead goblins to break Six when ready. Eve revealed her plan.

The best part is that can be done at any mana-rich location. It will also work to allow the rest of us to reach Tier Five after Felix. We can allow a dungeon break for the Hut to kill Tier Five goblins. All she would need is training on traps that Felix would be happy to provide, I am sure. Nota, will you require killing to rise in Tier, also? Kudzu sent.

I rise in Tier alongside my Bond. Nota sent succinctly.

Excellent. Felix echoed Kudzu.

Then we are in agreement? Eve asked. She could rule by fiat, but such actions always had a detrimental cost attached. It was better if everyone could see the benefit they were working for instead. Eve’s opinion was a boss manages, but a leader inspires their allies to innovate, think creatively, and strive for the next Tier. While she might steer the ship of her own fate, it was always a good idea to listen to the crew.

Agreement. Kudzu, Felix, Hut, and Nota echoed.

I will go meet with Susan then. Eve said as she stood from her chair. She glanced at the hibernation chambers containing the mice, sparrow, Nemean lion cub, Vivien, Bridgette, Shadow, and Light. Their expression made each of the sleeping individuals appear relaxed without care. Eve stared for a long moment at those depending on her to return them to life at Tier Six before leaving the room. As she closed the door to the hibernation chamber Susan waved from the sofa she was lazing about on.

“Let’s get started! Let’s get started!” Susan said with enthusiasm.

Eve took a seat at the table with her Ritual rune matrix was floating in a stable six-dimensional square. The demoness’s body language indicated she had something truly interesting planned. While they had both read the same list of Perks, Susan had a clearer idea of what the vague wording implied.

“Ok, show me the Status!” Susan said.

Eve created a piece of paper and placed her full current Status upon it before floating it over to Susan.

Level: 3,500

Race: Dust Witch

Class: Witch of the Dust Library

Profession: Dust-Talisman Librarian

Affinities (4): Paper, Ink, Space, Dust

Health: 177,000/177,000 (17,700 HPs regen)

Mana: 177,000/177,000 (177,000 MPs regen)

Stats: Str 17,700; Dex; 17,700; Con 17,700; Wis 17,700; Int 17,700; Charm 17,700

Free Stats: 41,800

Slots: 408,404,444

Item:

Talisman of Dust II

Tome of Dust

Witch's Ink Athame

Witch's Paper Candle

Tome of Dust

Talisman of Dust II (Unique):

Soulbound.

A mystical Talisman created by a combination of Skills, Spells, and Traits that were exposed to the Primordial Dust. Mystical runes scroll across the surface, their power beyond mortal minds. Two may exist, one bound to the Witch, one to her Hut.

The cost of new Runes increases by double the previous amount.

The Item is unaffected by anything lower than a Higher Power.

Grants Immunity to Mind, Body, or Soul alteration.

Grants Damage Reduction.

Grants Balance of Power.

Grants Immortality.

Grants Devour.

I am forever, I eat eternity.

Tome of Dust (Unique):

Soulbound.

A mystical sentient Tome exposed to the Primordial Dust. Mystical runes scroll across the surface, their power is known only to the owner of the Book. Arcane, common, and eldritch knowledge are bound within the pages.

The Item is unaffected by anything lower than a Higher Power.

Grants Eternal Memory.

Grants Eat Inferior.

Grants Magic Noose.

Grants Witch’s Knowledge Knack.

Grants Clockwork Queen’s Blessing.

Grants Witch’s Eye of News.

Knowledge is one of the ultimate powers!

Eternal Memory

Tome of Dust remembers everything.

Eat Inferior

Tome of Dust will eat inferior books upon request.

Magic Noose

Hang spells in extradimensional space before using.

Witch’s Knowledge Knack

You remember information, before it is critical. Mostly.

Clockwork Queen’s Blessing

Gears make more sense, sooner.

Witch’s Eye of News

Undetectable identification!

Witch’s Ink Athame (Unique)

Soulbound.

A blade forged of abyssal black ink-steel used in Rituals by the Silver Witch.

Grants Rapid Ritual

Grants Boosted Ritual

Rapid Ritual

When crafting a ritual, your speed is Rapid.

Boosted Ritual

When executing a ritual, the power is Boosted.

Witch’s Paper Candle (Unique)

Soulbound.

A candle forged of abyssal black soul-paper used in Rituals by

the Silver Witch.

Grants Sacrifice for Power

Grants Inlay Ritual Runes

Sacrifice for Power

You may sacrifice for Soul Slots, Stats, or Power in a Ritual.

Inlay Ritual Runes

You inlay ritual runes with esoteric flames.

Zone:

Library of Dust II

Library of Dust II (Unique):

Soulbound.

A mystical Zone created by a Librarian exposed to the Primordial Dust. Library, Factory, Sanctuary, and Sword is the Zone. Two may exist, one bound to the Witch, one to her Hut.

The Zone attracts ambient mana doubling regeneration rates.

The Zone is unaffected by anything lower than a Higher Power.

Grants Multiply.

Grants Manipulate.

Grants Consume.

Grants Craft.

Grants Sight.

Here be monsters, mortals.

Soul Sheets: Currently 2/10

Curse of Truth

Curse of Blood

“Not shabby, not shabby at all.” Susan said eying the Status sheet before she said, “It could be a great deal better though. We’ll need to use Sacrifice for Power to trim the fat.”

“It can do that?” Eve asked.

“Of course! Just look at the wording, there’s no limitation on what can be sacrificed!” Susan said with a smirk before continuing, “Ok, make a Sacrifice for Power circle please and let’s begin.”

Eve simply shifted her current existing Ritual circle into the room with a twist of space.

“That works too, I guess.” Susan said eyeing the Status sheet before she said, “Ok, sacrifice the following stuff. All the Soul Sheets. Clockwork Queen’s Blessing. Inlay Ritual Runes. Rapid Ritual. Boosted Ritual. Hit me with the total Slots after you are done.”

Eve followed the demoness’s words precisely and reported the number of slots, “One hundred and eighty-six million additional Slots.”

“Good. Good. Now, buy the Perk for Ritual Paper I, max it to V. Create a duplicate of your current Paper Candle.” Susan said.

Eve did so and was shocked upon looking at the new item.

Witch’s Paper Candle (Ritual)

A candle forged of abyssal black soul-paper used in Rituals.

Grants Sacrifice for Power

“Now, sacrifice the old one and tell me how much you get,” Susan said.

“Thirty-one million Slots,” Eve said quietly.

“Good. Good. Now, buy the Perk for Ritual Ink I and do the same thing. Rinse. Repeat.” Susan said with a grin.

“Thirty-one million Slots,” Eve said her breathing heavy.

“Hah! Hah! I knew it! Such a trap, everyone falls for it. Soulbound? Unique? Worthless! Such a waste! Buy the Perks, Paper Intent I, and Ink Intent I push them both to V!” Susan said her tail starting to twitch back and forth as she continued, “We won’t be stopping here. Ritual Paper has no description, but I know what it is. It is a Ritual given form in Paper! That’s why you can duplicate the Paper Candle you had, even down to the Sacrifice for Power in exchange for Slots! The same trick for Ritual Ink is used to make the Athame.”

“Then the Paper Intent and Ink Intent?” Eve asked.

“Heh, this is where we start to create a monster in humanoid form,” Susan said as her eyes glittered. “Sacrifice the Witch’s Eye of News, Knowledge Knack, Magic Noose, and Eat Inferior. You don’t need those, you have a mental bond with your familiar so Eternal Memory takes care of Knowledge Knack. Library of Dust grants Sight, a superior option to Eye. Eat Inferior is pointless. You can simply copy information with Paper Intent V and Ink Intent V for a small price in Slots. Hanging spells is also pointless, they are not Rituals!”

“One hundred and twenty-four million,” Eve replied mechanically. The demoness knew what she was doing without a doubt.

“Create a duplicate of your Tome with Ritual Paper. Use the Paper Intent to move Sacrifice for Power, Eternal Memory, and Nota’s consciousness to the duplicate. Sacrifice the old Tome.” Susan said mercilessly.

“Done,” Eve said.

“Now buy a Perk for Space called Big Tool Sack I and make it a V,” Susan said with a chuckle.

“Done,” Eve said before gasping.

“You see it now don’t you?” Susan said in a gleeful tone.

Eve stared at the simple set of Perks that shifted her power so massively.

Ritual Paper V

Spend available Slots to create a Ritual with Paper.

Ritual Ink V

Spend available Slots to create a Ritual with Ink.

Paper Intent V

Spend available Slots to alter existing Paper.

Ink Intent V

Spend available Slots to alter existing Ink.

Big Tool Sack V

Within space you command, all items are tools.

Within space you command, all tools are equal.

“Library of Dust II is a Zone. You control Space within it. That makes Witch’s Dust a tool. All your Paper Rituals are items and therefore also tools, all tools are equal. Therefore, Witch’s Dust can do anything another tool can do within your Zone.” Susan said before continuing, “But that’s nothing compared to what we are going to do now. Buy the Perks called Paper Stack I and Ink Sheets I then push them to V.”

“Done,” Eve said excitedly.

“Now our budget will be a bit tight, but my calculations are impeccable, stack the following effects on Tome of Dust. In this order, Instant Ritual. Boosted Ritual. Permanent Ritual. Multi-Layer Ritual. Ritual of Space. Ritual of Time. Ritual of Attack. Ritual of Defense.” Susan said before she explained, “Instant, Boosted, Permanent, and Multi-Layer are self-explanatory. Ritual of Space prevents teleportation as long as they are within it, which means any Witch’s Dust on the enemy stops that blinking bullshit cold. Same thing basically with Ritual of Time, no rewinding a wound to healthy again. Ritual of Attack is an automatic attack against hostile enemies that have attempted to harm you. Ritual of Defense is an automatic defense also against hostile enemies.”

“Automatic attack and defense? How is that different than attacking with Witch’s Dust like normal?” Eve asked in confusion.

“Every second, everything attacks, and everything defends until the enemy dies.” Susan said mimicking a throat slice as she continued, “No attention needed. No focus required. Cause it is all on auto. You probably had some type of parallel mind thing going, but this is even better because it cannot be interrupted.”

Eve’s eyes widened as the implications sank in. It was an OODA Loop on steroids. Kudzu produced steroids, with locally sourced super fruits.

“Wow,” Eve said in awe.

“I know right? That’s ten for the Book. We still have twenty more to go.” Susan said as she rolled into a sitting position.

“Did I mention you were awesome?” Eve said.

“Duh.” Susan replied with a finger gun before she continued, “Now, stack the Athame in this order. Ritual of Truth. Ritual of Elements. Ritual of Detection. Ritual of Obscurity. Ritual of Silence. Ritual of Reflection. Ritual of Mimicry. Ritual of Movement. Ritual of Reflex. Ritual of Acceleration.”

“Done,” Eve said.

“Finally, stack the Candle in this order. Ritual of Strength. Ritual of Dexterity. Ritual of Constitution. Ritual of Wisdom. Ritual of Intelligence. Ritual of Charm. Ritual of Balance. Ritual of Mapmaking. Ritual of Storage. Ritual of Looting. Total slots?” Susan asked rocking side to side.

“Zero,” Eve said in amazement as she looked at her new Status.

Level: 3,500

Race: Dust Witch

Class: Witch of the Dust Library

Profession: Dust-Talisman Librarian

Affinities (4): Paper, Ink, Space, Dust

Health: 220,000/220,000 (22,000 HPs regen)

Mana: 220,000/220,000 (220,000 MPs regen)

Stats: Str 22,000; Dex; 22,000; Con 22,000; Wis 22,000; Int 22,000; Charm 22,000

Free Stats: 41,800

Slots: 0

Items:

Talisman of Dust II

Tome of Dust (Ritual)

Witch's Ink Athame (Ritual)

Witch's Paper Candle (Ritual)

Zones:

Library of Dust II

Perks:

Ritual Paper V

Ritual Ink V

Paper Intent V

Ink Intent V

Big Tool Sack V

Paper Stack V

Ink Sheets V

Talisman of Dust II (Unique):

Soulbound.

The cost of new Runes increases by double the previous amount.

The Item is unaffected by anything lower than a Higher Power.

Grants Immunity to Mind, Body, or Soul alteration.

Grants Damage Reduction.

Grants Balance of Power.

Grants Immortality.

Grants Devour.

I am forever, I eat eternity.

Tome of Dust (Ritual)

Grants Eternal Memory

Grants Sacrifice for Power

Grants Instant Ritual

Grants Boosted Ritual

Grants Permanent Ritual

Grants Multi-Layer Ritual

Grants Ritual of Space

Grants Ritual of Time

Grants Ritual of Attack

Grants Ritual of Defense

Witch’s Ink Athame (Ritual)

Grants Ritual of Truth

Grants Ritual of Elements

Grants Ritual of Detection

Grants Ritual of Obscurity

Grants Ritual of Silence

Grants Ritual of Reflection

Grants Ritual of Mimicry

Grants Ritual of Movement

Grants Ritual of Reflex

Grants Ritual of Acceleration

Witch’s Paper Candle (Ritual)

Grants Ritual of Strength

Grants Ritual of Dexterity

Grants Ritual of Constitution

Grants Ritual of Wisdom

Grants Ritual of Intelligence

Grants Ritual of Charm

Grants Ritual of Balance

Grants Ritual of Mapmaking

Grants Ritual of Storage

Grants Ritual of Looting

Library of Dust II (Unique):

Soulbound.

A mystical Zone created by a Librarian exposed to the Primordial Dust. Library, Factory, Sanctuary, and Sword is the Zone. Two may exist, one bound to the Witch, one to her Hut.

The Zone attracts ambient mana doubling regeneration rates.

The Zone is unaffected by anything lower than a Higher Power.

Grants Multiply.

Grants Manipulate.

Grants Consume.

Grants Craft.

Grants Sight.

Here be a monster, mortals.

Perks:

Ritual Paper V

Spend available Slots to create a Ritual with Paper.

Ritual Ink V