UL1 - Book 10 - Chapter 26

“Final choice?” Jazzjak asked. “We’re going with Dai-Tengu?”

Max nodded at their helper, and the rabbit didn’t question him again, simply tapping on the glass table a few times before giving it one last solid thump.

“I’ve sent it. We should hear something back within seven days. Part of me is curious about why you chose that one, even though I warned you about his apparent ability to alter reality. Doesn’t that scare you?”

“It does a little bit, but eventually I’m going to face something I’ve never faced before,” Max replied. “I’d also rather encounter something like this earlier than later.  Fighting Yukoreek… well, getting killed by him was a wake-up call I needed.”

Jazzjak chuckled, nodding his head a few times at that reply.  “You did need it. I tried to warn you, but like so many, experience is the greatest teacher. Most don’t get a second chance like you did. I already put up your lowest DP-earning world as collateral. It’s a shame that Yukoreek has already devoured your section of the world, it appears. You must have angered him greatly to do that so quickly.”

Just tried to steal his kill and all those planets. No big deal.

Oh, I’m pretty sure we’ll be facing him soon enough. We just need to be prepared for that day. Which reminds me…

“So once I hit tier six, can Yukoreek just attack me?” Max asked.

“He can, but he may not. A world like the one you share might be tempting but if he did attack, it would probably be against one better suited toward him. Similar to the world champion you faced on Iagarra’s world, he wouldn’t prefer one not completely underwater. It would take longer to destroy the world. Based on the research I did of your other planets, the one you named Naga Reef will probably be his first attempt since it appears to be a water world also.”

I’m glad we did scout the other planets. At least we know what we’re facing to a degree.

We need to explore those worlds more than the simple visit we made over the last few years.  Each should have items that can be used here to help spur growth for your people.  

Even the Umbral Hollow world? I mean, we’re looking at basically vampires and shadows.  That place was a world of darkness and shadows. And of course, when I showed up as the only ‘blood’ based being on the planet, we were like flies on stink.

A chuckle reverberated inside his head as Max grinned.

“Inside joke?” Jazzjak asked.

“Yup. Just thinking about some of the worlds I need to explore at some point and try to acquire reagents from. The only world I interacted with anyone in was the centaur one.  It’s a shame those people look like they’re barely more than a nomadic state.”

“The fact they‘re still alive is a good thing,” his helper replied. “Remember, a world without a god is left to the whims of the planet. Storms can come, sickness and illness can happen, and without a god who cares enough to intervene, a race might fall to a natural enemy.  You mentioned the trials you faced with the tower a while back. Similar to how the trolls were said to destroy the world by eating everything, without the other race to keep them in check.  Even your world has risks. Rakonath’s dragons are at the edge of the storms that come from the sea.  Ask him again how often he has to get involved when they rage like that.”

Max frowned and nodded. “He did mention having to deal with the storms but I didn’t think anything about it. I mean, we had a drought two years ago until I paid the DP for rain.”

Jazzjak nodded. “Again, you have the DP to do that and are here. Storms will always come. Boons are always available to those who can afford to pay. Many don’t have the luxury you do.  But you are also taking a risk to give your friends that ability. And on that note, now you must wait. Go home to Tanila and Miranna. I’m certain she’d rather have you with them.”

Max moved to where his helper stood and extended a hand. 

“Thanks again for not just being a helper but a friend as well,” Max said.

Jazzjak smiled, returning the gesture in kind.

“I am grateful for your friendship and listening.”

***

Jazzjak stared at the table, which showed the entire world at a glance. Each of the seven gods had their own section, and he tracked the status of minor problems that might turn into bigger ones.

Unlike all those other gods, these seven do listen. Rakonath has kept the storms at bay with his elder dragons and himself.

Red eyes darted to the section where Sog’s kingdom was progressing nicely.

Who knew a demon could motivate a group of his own kind to work together like they are?  They are mining materials that most wouldn’t imagine having this early in a new world because of the focus… and the rewards he gives.

A soft chuckle came from the vorpal rabbit as he remembered watching the demonic horde devour a gift from Max, Cordellia and Fowl. It appeared demons had a sweet tooth and enjoyed a fine wine and alcohol.  

Running a finger over the displays, he zoomed in and out, checking the birth rates and monitoring health problems.

Batrire and Tanila have done wonders with the hygiene side of the cities.  Between magical healing and simple practices, these two have equipped all the kingdoms with a sanitation process that has kept most early diseases and illnesses at bay.

His soft fingers danced along the glass table, pulling up a screen showing Cordellia’s kingdom improvements. Her people worked together almost like a single-minded entity. Each of the elves was dedicated to harmony and balance, all while improving their strength.

If she had all the skills and gifts Max had, she would easily be able to make them one of the most dominant races in this world. Well, outside the dragons that could wipe out all the other races if no gods intervened.

He chucked, considering how the balance of power on this planet was unusual when compared to everything else he had learned in all his years.

Demons, dragons, elves, humans, dwarves, and even half-elves all in harmony.  This seems more like some fantasy story than reality, yet–

His thought was cut off as a notification appeared on the corner of the table, pulsating with a bright yellow light.

“Hair dwarf balls,” Jazzjak muttered, dragging the notification to the middle and clicking it.

*****

Dai-Tengu has accepted Max Hoste’s arena challenge. 

The match shall start in two days at 17:33.

Failure to appear on time will result in forfeiture of the world put up as collateral.

*****

He felt his pulse quickening, far faster than the normal pace this form had.

Dai-Tengu didn’t even wait a day to respond… that’s not a good sign for Max. That kind of confidence means Dai-Tengu either didn’t do much research on Max or that bird feels confident.

His soft, padded fingers tapped the glass for a few seconds, a slight scowl causing his pink nose to wrinkle.

I… I need to notify him.

Jazzjak felt a weird sensation of dread far different from all the other times he had informed a god of an accepted challenge. Most times it was because the god he served didn’t value his opinion and their destruction was probably guaranteed.

Now it was a sensation of concern. It was because he realized he cared about Max in a way he hadn’t in over sixty thousand years. 

Max, I hope you know what you’re doing… losing would be bad for you in so many ways.

The helper of the world pushed a spot on his table, and a new window appeared.  Deft fingers typed out a message that he deleted and then rewrote twice more before leaving it unchanged.

*****

Dai-Tengu has accepted. 

You have two days before the fight. 

I’m here if you need anything.

JJ

*****

He smiled, chuckling at the way he signed off. For so long, the names other gods had given him were slurs or names meant to demean him. Yet the one he now carried was a special treasure. Jazzjak didn’t cringe when someone called him by that name. Instead, a part of him felt a sense of pride. Honored, even.

Swiping the message to the edge, it vanished, and he leaned back in his chair.

“Ten, nine, eight, seven–”

Max appeared in the room where all the gods did when they entered this space.

Faster than I thought.

He stared at the god who wore a small smile and nodded.

“Let’s figure out the plan,” Max said as he moved toward the table. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”

***

“If I ever slept, I’d be upset,” Rakonath declared as he chewed on some roasted meat. “Why is it you want me and Sog here?”

Max pointed at the screen, which was displayed for everyone to see again.

“You two have a different kind of magic. I understand what Tanila has because I have the same kind. Demonic magic is different, and even though I possess it, there are far too many other forms of it that I don’t understand or know.

“Draconic magic is even stranger. Bob says many of the reasons I can’t acquire it are that I’m not dragon enough. While I’m not certain if that’s a compliment or an insult, he’s right, and I need to understand the different kinds. If I’m fighting a god that can somehow adjust reality around him, how do I deal with it? How does magic deal with it?”

Sog finished chewing the raw meat Max had set out for him. “You’re right. I’ve seen some magic that can alter realities but not like the domains. Each kind is different, and our demonic magic that deals with that is costly and takes time to prepare. One can’t just normally snap their fingers or think it and have the spell do what they want.”

“But you’re talking about normal demons, not a god,” Jazzjak said. “Be honest, Sog, what could you do before you became one, and now is different?”

The demon grunted and then nodded. “You’re right. I can. Not only am I stronger and faster, but my ability to cast spells has quickened. I guess that would mean you’re right once again.”

Max watched as a smug look of satisfaction appeared on their helper's face.

“I can’t really answer the draconic magic side,” Rakonath said. “The magic my kind uses is in some ways… hard to describe. We just do it. It’s part of us. When I use any magic, it starts within my being, and when needed, the dragon core inside me can help power it, but I don’t have to wave my hands or claws in the air and shout ‘big fireball’ or anything like that.”

“I’m certain, I’ve never done that before,” Max said.

“Oh, I’m not saying you did,” Rakonath replied. “But your people have. That one magician I watched kept saying hocus poke or something.”

Rolling his eyes, Max groaned. “That’s not a real… okay, well he does have magic but he’s putting on a show and it was for the children. He only said words to make it seem… bigger or something.”

“You three get distracted so easily,” Jazzjak muttered. “We’re discussing a god who can bend reality to a degree. You’re talking about someone pulling a rabbit out of their hat. Which, for some reason, really offended me.”

Sog, Rakonath, and Max all chuckled at those words.

“I’m serious!” Jazzjak exclaimed.

“Oh I know,” Max replied. “I’m just amused at that thought of him pulling you out of his hat.”

Their helper groaned as he rubbed his eyes.

“Jazzjak’s right, though,” Sog said, waving an uncooked haunch in the air. “You might have your own spell returned at you. They might be able to change the magic itself, causing it to heal them or something else. I only know of a handful of demons who dealt in that kind of magic and each of them was at that time stronger than me.”

“Stronger because of their magic or because of something else?” Max asked.

“Magic and age. Someone who can do what they did doesn’t make stupid mistakes and those who are strong are smart enough to cultivate their power, using them to propel themselves upward as well. The biggest problem is that sometimes they don’t see how strong the user has become. In our world, the masters who raised minions often found themselves crushed by the very ones they raised.”

So what I’m hearing is no one has a clue on what’s going to happen, other than we might be facing an opponent that magic isn’t good against. So what about the sword or spear?

I can ask. Would it be safe to assume that my artifact would be safe from being altered by the magic?

Safe? I’d rather not say yes, but possibly. Whatever that weapon is, even the system wanted to deny knowledge of its presence.  Therefore, it would most likely break whatever attempted to alter it.

“Sog, what about melee then? Would that be better than casting spells?” Max asked.

“Possibly,” the demon replied. “I’ve seen you fight and the advantage you have over a caster is you’re strong, fast and can take a lot of punishment. If I had DP to wager, and I do, I’d still bet it all on you.”

Jazzjak groaned. “You already bet it all on him!”

“Which is why I said what I did,” Sog replied. 

Max chuckled as he watched the two about to spar again with words.

I suppose we’ll find out tomorrow how this works out. Hopefully, things go our way.

As I always say, Max. I’ll use whatever power I have to ensure that it does. For now, go home and be with your wife and child. Based on the look Tanila gave you, you should be afraid of her more than some other god right now.